Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motion clustering with hybrid-sample-based foreground segmentation for moving cameras

Foreground segmentation/background subtraction is a vital step in many high-level video analysis applications. While many methods have been proposed for foreground segmentation, most assume the cameras to be stationary. With this assumption, they are unable to handle the movements caused by camera rotation. In this paper, we propose a robust hybrid-sample-based foreground segmentation method for moving cameras, and especially for pan-tilt-zoom cameras. First, we propose the use of motion clustering registration to reduce the impact of registration errors. Next, we propose a frame-level reinitialization scheme to solve the problem of sudden large movement between consecutive frames. Third, we adopt a hybrid-sample-based background modeling technique to easily detect camouflaged foreground objects. Lastly, in order to deal with dynamic backgrounds, we propose moving scene pixel-level feedback schemes to dynamically and locally control the sensitivity and adaptation speed of the background model. We evaluate the proposed method using the ChangeDetection.NET 2014 dataset. Experimental results show that our proposed motion clustering registration can eliminate most of the noise caused by registration errors. The proposed reinitialization scheme can handle the noises caused by sudden large movements. The proposed method performs at least 8% better than other state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of the F-score in the pan-tilt-zoom camera scenario, and it also achieves the highest F-score in camera jitter scenarios.
A variable geometric state filtering for stochastic linear systems subject to intermittent unknown inputs

In this paper, a new approach for state filtering of dynamic stochastic discrete-time systems affected by unknown inputs is presented. The proposed state filtering scheme includes a restricted diagonal detection filter generating a set of minimum variance white detection signals, each of them sensitive to a particular component of the unknown input vector. After having tested the statistical effect of each unknown input in order to update online the unknown inputs decoupling constraint, the variable geometric state filtering is obtained by minimizing the state estimation errors covariance matrix. Compared to the standard unknown input Kalman filter, a new degree of freedom appears in the covariance optimisation problem at the detection time of a non significant unknown input. A comparative study with the standard unknown input Kalman filter shows the efficiency of the proposed approach, particularly when the unknown inputs are intermittent.
Effect of pelvic-floor muscle exercise position on continence and quality-of-life outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pelvic-floor muscle (PFM) exercises are effective in reducing stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but few studies have investigated the effect of specific exercise variables on treatment outcomes. This study explored the effect of exercise position on treatment outcomes in women with SUI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-four women were randomly assigned to exercise in the supine position only or in both supine and upright positions. Bladder diary, pad test, urodynamic test, quality-of-life (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire [IIQ]), and PFM strength outcomes were obtained at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS Exercise position did not affect outcomes. After data from both groups were collapsed, statistically significant improvements with treatment were observed in bladder diary, IIQ, PFM strength, and urodynamic test results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Exercise position did not differentially affect treatment outcomes. However, women in this study achieved a mean 67.9% reduction in the frequency of SUI episodes and improvements in other study outcomes.
Earth Observation Based Assessment of the Water Production and Water Consumption of Nile Basin Agro-Ecosystems

The increasing competition for water resources requires a better understanding of flows, fluxes, stocks, and the services and benefits related to water consumption. This paper explains how public domain Earth Observation data based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Second Generation Meteosat (MSG), Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) and various altimeter measurements can be used to estimate net water production (rainfall (P) > evapotranspiration (ET)) and net water consumption (ET > P) of Nile Basin agro-ecosystems. Rainfall data from TRMM and the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS-NET) RainFall Estimates (RFE) products were used in conjunction with actual evapotranspiration from the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) and ETLook models. Water flows laterally between net water production and net water consumption areas as a result of runoff and withdrawals. This lateral flow between the 15 sub-basins of the Nile was estimated, and partitioned into
Notes on testing carry-over effects in continuous data under an incomplete block crossover design

ABSTRACT We consider hypothesis testing and estimation of carry-over effects in continuous data under an incomplete block crossover design when comparing two experimental treatments with a placebo. We develop procedures for testing differential carry-over effects based on the weighted-least-squares (WLS) method. We apply Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the performance of these test procedures in a variety of situations. We use the data regarding the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) readings taken from a double-blind crossover trial comparing two different doses of formoterol with a placebo to illustrate the use of test procedures proposed here.
The potential of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

~:'~: mall molecule inhibitors of soluble . ~). 'epoxide hydrolase (sEH) have been shown to reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and pain in a number of mammalian disease models. In fact, an inhibitor of sEH has been moved into clinical trials for the treatment of hypertension. The beneficial effect of sEH inhibition is thought to be due to the role of sEH in the metabolism of anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and analgesic lipid signaling molecules such as the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Recently, application of sEH inhibitors in animal models of cardiac hypertro­ phy have produced promising results. In this review, we describe these results and discuss the effect of sEH inhibitors on the inflammatory NF-lCB pathway and the implication this has for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibitors sEH are in clinical tri­ als as oral drugs for the treatment of hypertension. Based on animal mod­ els, sEHI appears to reduce the vascu­ lar inflammation and end-organ dam­ age that commonly are associated with hypertension. There appears to be a dramatic reduction in renal damage in angiotensin and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt models of hypertension. Moreover, sEH inhibitors have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory action' and may be particularly useful in hypertensive patients, in whom it is important to control blood pressure in the presence of a systematic inflam­ matory disease. Animal models indi­ cate that sEH inhibitors, presumably working through epoxylipid chemical Todd R. Harris, PhD;! Ning Li, MS/ Nipavan Chiamvimonvat, MD/·3 Bruce D. Hammock, PhD' From the Department of Entomology and Cancer Center' and the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine,2 University of California, Davis, CA; and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CN .
Network-Enabled Missile Deflection: Games and Correlation Equilibrium

The problem of deploying countermeasures (CM) against antiship missiles is investigated from a network centric perspective in which multiple ships coordinate to defend against a known missile threat. Using the paradigm of network enabled operations (NEOPS), the problem is formulated as a transient stochastic game with communication where the appropriate strategy takes the form of an optimal stationary correlated equilibrium. Under this strategy, ships cooperate through real-time communication to satisfy both local and collective interests. The use of communication results in a performance improvement over the noncommunicating, Nash equilibrium scenario. This framework allows us to develop a theoretical foundation for NEOPS and captures the trade-off between information exchange and performance, while generalizing the standard Nash equilibrium solution for the missile deflection game given in [1], The NEOPS equilibrium strategy is characterized as the solution to an optimization problem with linear objective and bilinear constraints, which can be solved calculating successive improvements starting from an initial noncooperative (Nash) solution. The communication overhead required to implement this strategy is associated with the mutual information between individual action probability distributions at equilibrium. Numerical results illustrate the trade-off between communication and performance.
Assessment of the working range and effect of sodium dichloroisocyanurate on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and planktonic cells

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is a chemical agent that acts against microorganisms in a manner similar to that of sodium hypochlorite by releasing free available chlorine. NaDCC has been approved by the WHO for the emergency treatment of water and by the US EPA for routine treatment of water. Previous studies assessing the effectiveness of NaDCC for the treatment of water implied that NaDCC should have a wide array of disinfecting effects beyond the treatment of planktonic cells in potable water. In this study the biocidal effects of NaDCC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells in different growth modes including planktonic cells and biofilms were explored. The data showed that a 60% dilution of the standard NaDCC solution was effective in the treatment of both P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms.
An uncommon phenotype with familial central hypogonadism caused by a novel PROP1 gene mutant truncated in the transactivation domain.

CONTEXT PROP1 gene mutations are usually associated with childhood onset GH and TSH deficiencies, whereas gonadotroph deficiency is diagnosed at pubertal age. OBJECTIVES We report a novel PROP1 mutation revealed by familial normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We performed in vitro transactivation and DNA binding experiments to study functional consequences of this mutation. SETTING Three brothers were followed in the Department of Endocrinology of a French university hospital. PATIENTS These patients from a consanguineous kindred were referred for cryptorchidism and/or delayed puberty. RESULTS Initial investigations revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. One of the patients had psychomotor retardation, intracranial hypertension, and minor renal malformations. The brothers reached normal adult height and developed GH and TSH deficiencies after age 30. A novel homozygous nonsense mutation (W194X) was found in the PROP1 gene, indicating that the protein is truncated in its transactivation domain. Transfection studies confirmed the deleterious effect of this mutation, whose transactivation capacity was only 34.4% of that of the wild-type. Unexpectedly altered DNA-binding properties suggested that the C-terminal end of the factor plays a role in protein-DNA interaction. CONCLUSIONS PROP1 mutations should be considered among the growing number of genetic causes of initially isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This report extends the phenotype variability associated with PROP1 mutations.
Parent reported longstanding health problems in early childhood: a cohort study

Aim: To study changing prevalence and correlates of longstanding health problems across early childhood. Methods: Of 2576 infants enrolled in the Coventry Cohort Study at birth, parents of 2157 at 8 weeks, 1752 at 8 months, 1521 at 18 months, and 1182 at 3 years completed the Warwick Child Health and Morbidity Profile. Results: The prevalence of parent reported longstanding health problems was 4.3% at 8 months, 6.9% at 18 months, and 9.7% at 3 years. Congenital anomalies accounted for 42.1% of longstanding health problems at 8 months, 40.0% at 18 months, and 27.8% at 3 years. The proportion accounted for by asthma was 17.1% at 8 months, 21.9% at 18 months, and 24.3% at 3 years. In each age period, children reported to have longstanding health problems were at increased risk of impaired functional health, poorer general health, and reduced health related quality of life. Low birthweight infants were most at risk of longstanding health problems at 8 months. By 3 years, risk of longstanding health problems was associated with living in rented accommodation and living in a smoking household. Conclusions: The prevalence of parent reported longstanding health problems increased across early childhood. Congenital anomalies constituted the major cause, particularly in infancy, with asthma and developmental delay becoming more prominent by 3 years of age. Social patterning of longstanding health problems and the association with smoking were clearly established by 3 years of age but the relation may have been mediated by low birth weight earlier in infancy.
Public Awareness of Early Symptoms of Stroke and Information Sources about Stroke among the General Japanese Population: The Acquisition of Stroke Knowledge Study

Background: It is important that the general population be aware of the early symptoms, since it has been shown that early arrival to hospitals leads better prognosis of stroke patients. However, the general population is not well informed about the early symptoms of stroke. This study was conducted to clarify which stroke symptoms are less well known and which information sources are related to awareness of stroke symptoms. Methods: A multiple-choice, mail-in survey involving 5,540 randomly selected residents, aged 40-74 years, of 3 cities in Japan was conducted. Their knowledge about stroke symptoms and their information sources were surveyed; information sources were classified as mass media (television/newspaper/radio) and personal communication sources (posters/leaflets/internet/health professionals/family and/or friends). ‘Awareness' was defined as selecting all 5 of the correct stroke symptoms from among 10 listed symptoms with decoy choices. The estimated fraction of the possible impact due to each source on the whole population was also calculated by odds ratios (ORs) and the proportion of respondents who selected each source (Pe). The combined effects of mass media and personal communication sources on awareness were also assessed. Results: Of the 5,540 residents, only 23% selected all 5 correct symptoms. Visual disturbance was the least known of the 5 symptoms (35%). All sources were positively related to awareness, with ORs (Pe) of: television, 1.58 (72.5%); newspaper, 1.79 (48.0%); radio, 1.74 (13.3%); posters, 1.73 (7.6%); leaflets, 1.50 (24.7%); Internet, 1.66 (5.6%); health professionals, 1.33 (34.8%), and family/friends, 1.21 (44.6%). The estimated fraction of the possible impact due to each source was higher for mass media (television, 0.31 and newspaper, 0.28) than personal communication sources (Internet, 0.04 and leaflets, 0.12). Mass media only and mass media/personal communication sources were significantly associated (ORs: 1.66, 2.75, respectively). Conclusions: As a single method of public education, television could be the most effective strategy. Moreover, the combined approach involving mass media and personal communication sources might have a synergistic effect. Less well-known symptoms, such as visual disturbances, should be noted in public education campaigns.
Energy storage management control based on supercapacitors using a modular multilevel inverter topology for electrical vehicles

The paper suggests a power traction converter for battery electrical vehicles (BEV) based on a modular multilevel topology integrated with supercapacitor energy storage system (ESS). The relevant contribution is given by the integration of a control method for mitigating the ac voltage fluctuation at low speed operation, with an energy management control strategy. Some numerical simulations referring to a 400 V, 37 kW traction drive is presented in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controls.
In vivo biometry and carcass characteristics of lambs in different finishing systems

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different finishing systems on the in vivo measurements, quantitative and qualitative carcass characteristics, commercial cut ratio, and shoulder tissue composition of lambs. Thirty-two male lambs were distributed in four finishing systems with eight replications each, as follows: suckling lambs on pasture; suckling lambs in confinement, with access to creep-feeding containing corn bran and soybean meal; weaned lambs fed roughage, characterized by ad libitum supply of alfalfa hay; and weaned lambs fed concentrate, composed of oat grain and soybean meal. The lambs were slaughtered as they reached the pre-set live weight at slaughtering of 30 kg. Most of the in vivo biometry variables were not significant (P > 0.05) when comparing the finishing systems, except for hindlimb height and thoracic perimeter. Regarding the quantitative carcass characteristics, all variables differed (P < 0.05) between systems, except for carcass length, leg width, and subcutaneous fat thickness. For the qualitative carcass characteristics, only the fatness and carcass conformation presented significant differences (P < 0.05). Most in vivo measurements and the proportion of carcass cuts were not influenced by finishing systems. Weaned lambs fed an exclusive concentrate diet presented leaner carcasses with an inferior conformation when compared to the other finishing systems. Suckling lambs in confinement presented shoulders with a higher fat deposition when compared to those weaned. Suckling lambs both on pasture and in confinement presented a superiority in the quantitative carcass characteristics when compared to weaned lambs.
PATIENT SATISFACTION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN HAIL CITY, SAUDI ARABIA

The objectives of this study were to explore the factors contributing to patient Satisfaction in Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCCs) in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted using an instrument with valid and reliable properties. Six dimensions of patient satisfaction were identified by factor analysis, with adequate to high levels of internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.645 to 0.857). The questionnaire was completed by 453 patients attending six PHCCs in June 2013 with an 83.8% response rate. The overall level of patient satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 5 was indicated by a mean score of 3.60 (95% CI = 3.53, 3.67) comparable with a previous survey of patient satisfaction in Hail city, conducted in 1999. The respondents reported their highest level of satisfaction for the quality of the services provided by the doctors and staff. The lowest level of satisfaction was for access to medical care and the availability of doctors. Different sectors of the population city were not equally satisfied with all aspects of the healthcare services they received. Older patients, especially those in the middle income category, were more satisfied with relationships with doctors and staff. The ease of seeing doctors was perceived to be the highest by the older patients, especially those in the lowest income category. Female patients with limited education perceived they received the highest levels of treatment, diagnosis and outcomes. Patients in the lower income categories perceived they had better access to medical care than patients in the highest income category. These relationships may help healthcare providers to meet the different needs of patients based on their gender, age and socio-economic status.
Towards understanding the concept of risk for pregnant women: some nursing and midwifery implications.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This paper aims to explore the concept of risk in pregnancy. BACKGROUND Notions of risk and 'not knowing' have always surrounded pregnant women, although in the last two decades trends of increased consumer confidence and midwifery activism have together promoted a greater appreciation of pregnancy as a normal life event. At the same time, advances in pregnancy-related technologies have contributed new levels of concern related to an increasing ability to detect minor abnormalities by ultrasound. This, in turn, causes a concordant rise in the number of women referred to high-risk pregnancy care to monitor suspect findings. Overall, it seems likely that this increasing emphasis on abnormality detection and risk may have serious implications for women. DESIGN Concept analysis. METHOD In this paper, I undertake an exploration of the concept of risk as understood by health professionals and pregnant women. Then, using Deborah Lupton's understanding of a 'discourse of risk', I discuss the ways pregnant women both contribute to and are enmeshed in, this discourse. In the final section, I consider how nurses act informally to shield vulnerable women. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals and pregnant women understand risk differently. Women employ a subjective appraisal of risk, measuring it against their personal values and prior experience, while health professionals evaluate risk in an objective manner. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE As increasing numbers of women are referred to 'at risk' care, it is important that health professionals understand and respond to maternal understandings of risk. Nurses and midwives particularly, have a role to play in assisting women to make sense of risk calculations. In this way, they can act to ameliorate the growing concept of risk for pregnant women.
Study on a Dynamic Superframe Adjustment Algorithm for IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN

IEEE 802.15. 4 can optionally use the superframe structure for data transmission. However, the duty cycle of the superframe structure cannot be dynamically adjusted according to the situation of the entire network. Thus, when the traffic load of the network is high, the insufficient active periods will decrease the transmission opportunities of devices and increase the collision probability. In order to solve this problem, we propose the dynamic superframe adjustment algorithm (DSAA) to dynamically adjust the duty cycle of the superframe according to the channel opportunity and collision ratio observed by the coordinator. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the IEEE 802.15. 4 standard and ECAP in terms of goodput, delay and power consumption.