Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Land cover classification using fuzzy rules and aggregation of contextual information through evidence theory

Land cover classification using multispectral satellite images is a very challenging task with numerous practical applications. We propose a multistage classifier that involves fuzzy rule extraction from the training data and then the generation of a possibilistic label vector for each pixel using the fuzzy rule base. To exploit the spatial correlation of land cover types, we propose four different information aggregation methods which use the possibilistic class label of a pixel and those of its eight spatial neighbors for making the final classification decision. Three of the aggregation methods use the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence, while the remaining one is modeled after the fuzzy k-NN rule. The proposed methods are tested with two benchmark seven-channel satellite images, and the results are found to be quite satisfactory. They are also compared with a Markov random field model-based contextual classification method and found to perform consistently better.
Scaling Up Multiagent Planning: A Best-Response Approach

Multiagent planning is computationally hard in the general case due to the exponential blowup in the action space induced by concurrent action of different agents. At the same time, many scenarios require the computation of plans that are strategically meaningful for self-interested agents, in order to ensure that there would be sufficient incentives for those agents to participate in a joint plan. In this paper, we present a multiagent planning and plan improvement method that is based on conducting iterative best-response planning using standard single-agent planning algorithms. In constrained types of planning scenarios that correspond to congestion games, this is guaranteed to converge to a plan that is a Nash equilibrium with regard to agents' preference profiles over the entire plan space. Our empirical evaluation beyond these restricted scenarios shows, however, that the algorithm has much broader applicability as a method for plan improvement in general multiagent planning problems. Extensive empirical experiments in various domains illustrate the scalability of our method in both cases.
Ieee Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics Seeing People in Different Light -joint Shape, Motion and Reflectance Capture

— By means of passive optical motion capture real people can be authentically animated and photo-realistically textured. To import real-world characters into virtual environments, however, also surface reflectance properties must be known. We describe a video-based modeling approach that captures human shape and motion as well as reflectance characteristics from a handful of synchronized video recordings. The presented method is able to recover spatially varying surface reflectance properties of clothes from multi-view video footage. The resulting model description enables us to realistically reproduce the appearance of animated virtual actors under different lighting conditions, as well as to interchange surface attributes among different people, e.g. for virtual dressing. Our contribution can be used to create 3D renditions of real-world people under arbitrary novel lighting conditions on standard graphics hardware.
Energy Demands and Metabolic Equivalents (METS) in U-19 Basketball Refereeing During Official Games

The metabolic demands among U-19 basketball players were studied; however, physical and physiological demands of U-19 basketball refereeing during competition are rather scant. The aim of this study was to analyze the energy expenditure (EE) and the exercise intensity of basketball refereeing during official game and determined as Metabolic Equivalent (METs). Sixteen elite level basketball referees were studied during U-19 basketball games (n=8) for time motion analyses (TMA). The EE data were calculated, using specific equations, from the time spent by the referee in each exercise-intensity zone. During game, referees spent a mean EE of 504.4 ± 77.7 kcal. A significant difference was observed between 113.5 ± 18.2 kcal in the 1st quarter (Q1) and 137 ± 27.5 kcal in the Q4 (p=0.007). The averaged EE (~5 kcal.kg-1.h-1) corresponded to “moderate energy intensity” (~5 METs) with a large contribution of the aerobic energy pathway. In all, during 88% of game the intensity was equal or lower than 3.8 METs and in 12% it was higher than 9.8 METs which were considered as low to high-intensity thresholds, respectively. The energetic profile studied in this research confirms that basketball refereeing may be regarded as a clearly intermittent-activity mode with a predominantly aerobic metabolism solicitation. Referees officiating in U-19 basketball games should carry out a physical conditioning regime that prepares them for such an effort.
A Very Short Self-Interpreter

In this paper we would like to present a very short (possibly the shortest) self-interpreter, based on a simplistic Turing-complete imperative language. This interpreter explicitly processes the statements of the language, which means the interpreter constitutes a description of the language inside that same language. The paper does not require any specific knowledge; however, experience in programming and a vivid imagination are beneficial.
Real-time, fluorescence-based quantitative PCR: a snapshot of current procedures and preferences

Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR has become established as the benchmark technology for the quantification of nucleic acids, offering an immense choice of protocols, chemistries and instruments. However, whilst there are comparatively few technical problems associated with DNA-targeted quantitative PCR, this is not the case for real-time reverse transcription PCR assays, and there is considerable uncertainty regarding biological or clinical relevance of many real-time reverse transcription PCR results. A survey of working practices of nearly 100 delegates carried out prior to the Third qPCR Symposium held in London, UK, April 25–26, 2005, reveals some of the reasons underlying the variability of reported real-time reverse transcription PCR results. Specifically, the survey reveals extensive interlaboratory variation in assay design, validation and analysis that, together with other dubious practices, are the likely cause for the publication of variable results. These results emphasize the urgent need for the establishment of best practice guidelines for this technology, particularly in the context of its mounting adaptation as a high-throughput clinical diagnostic assay.
Coordination between oscillators: An important feature for robust bipedal walking

Biological inspired control approaches based on central pattern generator (CPG) have been used to generate human-like rhythmic locomotion for bipedal robots. CPG consists of several oscillators with coupled mutual inhibition. In the application of CPG to bipedal walking, one of the important problem is how to coordinate oscillators so as to achieve stable walking, since without proper coordination the rhythmic trajectory generated by CPG may fail to control the walking. To solve this problem, this paper presents a method of coordination between two oscillators using phase information. In the method, approximated phase values of the oscillators are derived and used as the feedback to coordinate two oscillators. Furthermore, coordination between multiple oscillators with different frequencies and phases has also been explored. This method is verified with a 2D robust walking controlled by four oscillators. Several walking scenarios are tested: adding external force, change walking frequency and step length during walking. Robust walking is achieved in our simulation.
Patient Benefit-Risk Tradeoffs for Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Treatments

Background. The aims of this study were to assess patients' preferences to wait or start systemic treatment and understand how patients would make tradeoffs between certain severe adverse events (AEs) and additional months of progression-free survival (PFS). Materials and Methods. Adults in France, Germany, and Spain with a diagnosis of DTC and who have had at least one RAI treatment completed a direct-elicitation question and a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) online. The direct-elicitation question asked respondents whether they would opt out of treatment when their tumor is RAI-R. In the DCE, respondents chose between 12 pairs of hypothetical RAI-R DTC treatment profiles. Profiles were defined by magnitudes of efficacy (PFS) and safety (severe hand-foot skin reaction [HFSR], severe proteinuria, and severe hypertension). A main-effects random-parameters logit model was estimated. Results. 134 patients completed the survey. Most patients (86.6%) opted for treatment rather than “wait and see” decision. Patients placed a greater weight on the risk of severe hypertension than the risk of proteinuria and HFSR. Conclusions. DTC patients showed preference toward treatment for RAI-R DTC over watchful waiting. Patients' concerns about the risk of severe hypertension appeared to have had a greater effect on patients' choice than severe proteinuria or HFSR.
Time series forecasts and volatility measures as predictors of post-surgical death and kidney injury

Patients anesthetized during surgery can experience post-surgical adverse outcomes, such as kidney injury or death. In this study, we examine time series forecasts and volatility measures of perioperative physiologic data in an effort to predict these adverse outcomes. We build upon random forest models from a previous study and evaluate them based on their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their area under the curve (AUC) values. Additionally, we examine which additional variables are the most important to the predictive models. Our results indicate that volatility measures, especially those of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2%), improve prediction of death. Pre-existing conditions were among the most important predictors for both outcomes.
Efficient link layer transmission strategy for MIMO wireless systems

This paper investigates link layer data units (frames) transmission strategies for MIMO wireless systems using spatial multiplexing. A new effective transmission strategy is proposed in this paper in order to decrease the frame error rate by making use of the multi-channel transmission characteristics provided in MIMO systems. The main idea is to select, in the context of a V-BLAST transmitter, between transmitting each frame, where a frame corresponds to an error correcting code word, from one antenna or from multiple antennas according to the channel state. Limited binary feedback information allows the transmitter to select the appropriate frame transmission policy. Analytical studies and simulations provided in this paper determine the optimal selection criterion and highlight the gains obtained by the proposed transmission strategy. This paper confirms that always transmitting each frame from multiple antennas gives quasi-optimal performances
Target tracking based on multi-color joint probability statistics model

For real-time target tracking under complex scene, a target tracking algorithm based on multi-color joint probability analysis model was presented. The algorithm adopted color histogram to represent the target statistical characteristic with Camshift principle, and carried out exploratory research in such aspects as multichannel joint color features statistics, projection map area weighted processing, the tracking window size and position calculating, algorithm processing mechanism of circulation. It used red (R), green (G), blue (B), hue(H), luminance (Y) channel color as the target observed characteristics, and designed the calculation method based on the probability statistic to distinguish any color target from complex scene. It also established the calculation method for tracking window size and position which adapted the multi-color model. Using weighting projection map area method, the background interference around the target potential area was eliminated. At last, more reasonable convergence judgment and the algorithm cycle rules were put forward. After the experimental certification, the real-time performance and detection ratio present a good result.
Improving automatic speech recognition in spatially-aware hearing aids

In the context of ambient assisted living, automatic speech recognition (ASR) has the potential to provide textual support for hearing aid users in challenging acoustic conditions. In this paper we therefore investigate possibilities to improve ASR based on binaural hearing aid signals in complex acoustic scenes. Particularly, information about the spatial configuration of sound sources is exploited and estimated using a recently developed method that employs probabilistic information about the location of a target speaker (and a simultaneous localized masker) for robust real-time localization. Two different strategies are investigated: straightforward better-ear listening and a multi-channel beamforming system aiming at enhancement of a target speech source with additional suppression of localized masking sound. The latter method is also complemented by better-ear listening. Both approaches are evaluated in different acoustic scenarios containing moving target and interfering speakers or noise sources. Compared to using nonpreprocessed signals, we obtain average relative reductions in word error rate of 28.4% in the presence of a localized interfering noise, 19.2% in the case of a concurrent talker and 23.7% in presence of a concurrent talker in spatially diffuse noise. A post-analysis assesses the relation of localization performance and beamforming for improved speech recognition in complex acoustic scenes.
Generation Of Stationary Pulse Profile For Terahertz (Thz) Radiation In A Nonlinear Uniaxial Medium

Terahertz (THz) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies between the infrared and microwave region. Its generation and theory is based on laser light and nonlinear optics. In this work, we used the Maxwell’s equations and nonlinear optical equations to generate a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) for fourth order harmonics. The solution of the NLSE is used to generate a stationary THz pulse that has a delta shape with components of sech and Gaussian profiles. These shapes can be used as input pulses capable of generating and propagating dynamic THz pulse profiles in uniaxial medium, which could be employed in optical communications.
Allergic reactions to henna-based temporary tattoos and their components

Temporary henna-based tattoos, particularly popular among western tourists holidaying in exotic places, can expose to the risk to develop allergic reactions. Although hypersensitivity to henna is extremely rare, para-phenylenediamine, which is sometimes added to henna to obtain a dark, blackish color, is a frequent contact sensitizer. The purpose of this article is to review the literature about allergic reactions to temporary henna tattoos and outline the causes, clinical aspects and complications of this practice that should not be regarded as innocuous and risk-free.
Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma: demographic, clinical, and serologic features and survival in forty-eight patients.

OBJECTIVE To describe the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features and natural history of patients with systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma (ssSSc), and to compare them with those of patients with SSc and limited cutaneous involvement (IcSSc). METHODS The University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Databank served as the data source. Patients were divided into those who had no skin thickening (ssSSc) and those who had skin thickening only distal to elbows or knees and/or of the face (IcSSc) during their disease course. These two groups were compared with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical, laboratory, and serologic features, and survival rates. Chi-square and Student's t-test analyses were performed, and Fisher's exact test was used as appropriate. RESULTS Of 555 consecutive patients without diffuse cutaneous SSc, 48 (9%) had ssSSc and 507 (91%) had IcSSc. The ssSSc patients had a mean total disease duration of 18.6 years (15.1 years before study entry and 3.5 years of followup after study entry), and had not developed IcSSc or another connective tissue disease. Other than the absence of skin thickening, the ssSSc group had no significant differences in individual internal organ involvements, laboratory features, serum autoantibody type, or survival rate compared with patients with IcSSc. Within the category of lung involvement, patients with ssSSc had a significantly greater frequency of dyspnea with mild exertion or at rest, and a tendency toward reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (<70% of predicted normal) and primary pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with IcSSc had significantly more frequent individual manifestations of digital pitting scars, digital-tip ulcers, telangiectasia, and calcinosis than those with ssSSc, in part related to increased time of observation. Puffy fingers and finger joint contractures were detected significantly more often in IcSSc patients. CONCLUSION Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma should be included in the spectrum of SSc with limited cutaneous involvement and should not be considered a distinct or separate disorder.
Research on the Application of Improved Text Classific Algorithm in Intelligent Learning Platform

With the rapid developing of the network information, it seems to be quite important to provide a more reasonable text classification algorithm for learners. In this paper,we adopt a sensitivity method to modify the characteristic weight in the distance formula and put up with a cutting method of training sample database based on CURE algorithm and Tabu algorithm; then adopt CURE cluster algorithm to acquire each representative sample in order to constitute a new training sample collection, then use Tabu algorithm to make a further maintenance to this sample collection. While appending the sample, it is only necessary to consider appending the samples of different type boundary. Append or delete sample with classification accuracy highest and with the original training sample database nearest to the rule, and provide learners with reasonable text classification system.
Generalized cylinder decomposition

Decomposing a complex shape into geometrically simple primitives is a fundamental problem in geometry processing. We are interested in a shape decomposition problem where the simple primitives sought are generalized cylinders, which are ubiquitous in both organic forms and man-made artifacts. We introduce a quantitative measure of cylindricity for a shape part and develop a cylindricity-driven optimization algorithm, with a global objective function, for generalized cylinder decomposition. As a measure of geometric simplicity and following the minimum description length principle, cylindricity is defined as the cost of representing a cylinder through skeletal and cross-section profile curves. Our decomposition algorithm progressively builds local to non-local cylinders, which form over-complete covers of the input shape. The over-completeness of the cylinder covers ensures a conservative buildup of the cylindrical parts, leaving the final decision on decomposition to global optimization. We solve the global optimization by finding an exact cover, which optimizes the global objective function. We demonstrate results of our optimal decomposition algorithm on numerous examples and compare with other alternatives.
GetJar mobile application recommendations with very sparse datasets

The Netflix competition of 2006 [2] has spurred significant activity in the recommendations field, particularly in approaches using latent factor models [3,5,8,12] However, the near ubiquity of the Netflix and the similar MovieLens datasets1 may be narrowing the generality of lessons learned in this field. At GetJar, our goal is to make appealing recommendations of mobile applications (apps). For app usage, we observe a distribution that has higher kurtosis (heavier head and longer tail) than that for the aforementioned movie datasets. This happens primarily because of the large disparity in resources available to app developers and the low cost of app publication relative to movies. In this paper we compare a latent factor (PureSVD) and a memory-based model with our novel PCA-based model, which we call Eigenapp. We use both accuracy and variety as evaluation metrics. PureSVD did not perform well due to its reliance on explicit feedback such as ratings, which we do not have. Memory-based approaches that perform vector operations in the original high dimensional space over-predict popular apps because they fail to capture the neighborhood of less popular apps. They have high accuracy due to the concentration of mass in the head, but did poorly in terms of variety of apps exposed. Eigenapp, which exploits neighborhood information in low dimensional spaces, did well both on precision and variety, underscoring the importance of dimensionality reduction to form quality neighborhoods in high kurtosis distributions.
A priority supposition for estimation of time‐dependent changes in thickness and weight of polymeric flat sheet membranes fabricated by the nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) technique

During the fabrication procedure of polymeric membranes using nonsolvent induced phase inversion technique, thickness and weight of the polymeric cast film change rapidly. The only available guideline just presents a qualitative criterion for thickness change in which “penetration of the denser species into the film and the elimination of the lighter ones from film to coagulation bath” have been related to the densification of the cast solution and its thickness reduction. While it is well-suited for cellulose acetate/acetone/water ternary system, it is not applicable to our investigated systems, that is, polyethersulfone/n-methyl-pyrolidine/water and polysulfone/N-methylpyrrolidone/water. Thus, here the thermo-kinetic behavior of NIPS process was discussed, and then a thermodynamic model was developed, in which only initial cast film and final membrane properties were used as inputs. Two new simple suppositions were derived and examined. The use of thermodynamic modeling approach results in desirable estimation of overall changes, and the proposed suppositions also can be reliably used for prediction of changes in mass and thickness experienced by cast film NIPS process. It was shown that without the implication of some serious assumptions, it is impossible to derive the old supposition from theoretical concepts. It was also found that the interpretation of film thickness reduction in literatures cannot be validated. Using the presented theoretical concept, one can obtain an overview of the decrease and/or increase in thickness and/or weight of final fabricated membrane prior to any experimental investigation.