Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel multi-hop clustering scheme for vehicular ad-hoc networks

Vast applications introduced by Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs), such as intelligent transportation, roadside advertisement, make VANETs become an important component of metropolitan area networks. In VANETs, mobile nodes are vehicles which are equipped with wireless antennas; and they can communicate with each others by wireless communication on ad-hoc mode or infrastructure mode. Compared with Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks, VANETs have some inherent characteristic, such as high speed, sufficient energy, etc. According to previous research, clustering vehicles into different groups can introduce many advantages for VANETs. However, because a VANET is a high dynamic scenario, it is hard to find a solution to divide vehicles into stable clusters. In this paper, a novel multi-hop clustering scheme is presented to establish stable vehicle groups. To construct multi-hop clusters, a new mobility metric is introduced to represent relative mobility between vehicles in multi-hop distance. Extensive simulation experiments are run using ns2 to demonstrate the performance of our clustering scheme. To test the clustering scheme under different scenarios, both the Manhattan mobility model and the freeway mobility model are used to generate the movement paths for vehicles.
Defining Habituation using Hand Geometry

The word "habituation" has many meanings within the biometric community. Most people define the concept of habituation as "continued use of a biometric device. " When a user is habituated, he or she is capable of providing repeatable samples to the biometric sensor, and the performance scores of the biometric sensor, relative to that user, have stabilized. This paper establishes a model of the processes of habituation and provides score data from hand geometry to show how this concept works with actual data. We illustrate a four-step process of a user's interaction with the device and describe how the data seems to prove that an individual becomes fully habituated after repeated use of the device. The type and amount of user training, and number of interaction attempts are shown to have an impact on the biometric sensor's performance scores.
Commentary on "Constructing New Theory for Identifying Students with Emotional Disturbance"

First we would like to commend and thank Dr. Dori Barnett for her willingness to submit her work for the purpose of acting as a constructivist grounded theory research exemplar, with the understanding that she was subjecting her work to the scrutiny of researchers from another grounded theory tradition. We have developed this commentary on Dr. Barnett’s work in the spirit of respect and colleagueship that was recommended in the guest editorial of this Grounded Theory Review issue. We acknowledge that her study is very significant and will be very useful to practitioners. Our purpose is to use the research exemplar to identify differences between this type of research and that of classic grounded theory. Readers who have been schooled and grounded in classic grounded theory methodology will have noticed at least five major differences between the constructivist grounded theory exemplar and classic grounded theory. This commentary will delineate and describe these differences. 1. Development Versus Discovery of the Research Problem In the constructivist grounded theory exemplar, the research problem was developed through a preliminary review of the literature. This review revealed a gap in the literature and the problem of how practitioners distinguish between emotional disturbance and social maladjustment. In classic grounded theory, the researcher decides to do a study in an area in which s/he is interested and begins to collect data with no preconceptions (personal, professional, literature-based). The study problem is discovered as data are collected in the substantive area in which the researcher is interested.
Toward Real-Time and Efficient Compression of Human Time-Varying Meshes

In this paper, a novel skeleton-based approach to human time-varying mesh (H-TVM) compression is presented. The topic of TVM compression is new and has many challenges, such as handling the lack of obvious mapping of vertices across frames and handling the variable connectivity across frames, while maintaining efficiency, which are the most important ones. Very few works exist in the literature, while not all of the challenges have been addressed yet. In addition, developing an efficient and real-time solution, handling the above, obviously is a difficult task. We attempt to address the H-TVM compression problem inspired from video coding using different types of frames and trying to efficiently remove inter-frame geometric redundancy utilizing the recent advances in human skeleton tracking. The overall approach focuses on compression efficiency, low distortion, and low computation time enabling for real-time transmission of H-TVMs. It efficiently compresses geometry and vertex attributes of TVMs. In addition, this paper is the first to provide an efficient method for connectivity coding of TVMs, by introducing a modification to the state-of-the-art MPEG-4 TFAN algorithm. Experiments are conducted in the MPEG-3DGC TVM database. The method outperforms the state-of-the-art standardized static mesh coder MPEG-4 TFAN at low bit-rates, while remaining competent at high bit-rates. It gives a practical proof of concept that in the combined problem of geometry, connectivity, and vertex attribute coding of TVMs, efficient inter-frame redundancy removal is possible, establishing ground for further improvements. Finally, this paper proposes a method for motion-based coding of H-TVMs that can further enhance the overall experience when H-TVM compression is used in a tele-immersion scenario.
Dynamic Processes of Crisis Negotiation: Theory, Research, and Practice

Dynamic Processes of Crisis Negotiation: An Overview by Randall G. Rogan, Mitchell R. Hammer, and Clinton R. Van Zandt Negotiation Models in Crisis Situations: The Value of a Communication-Based Approach by Mitchell R. Hammer and Randall G. Rogan Emotion and Emotional Expression in Crisis Negotiation by Randall G. Rogan Post Incident Crisis Counseling for Hostage Negotiators by Nancy Bohl A Three-Dimensional Model of Relationship Development in Hostage Negotiations by Deanna F. Womack and Kathleen Walsh Processes and Patterns in Hostage Negotiations by Michael E. Holmes Models for Managing Hostage Negotiations: Pathways or Straitjackets? by Peter Sarna Negotiating Across the Cultural Divide: Intercultural Dynamics in Crisis Incidents by Mitchell R. Hammer Psychological and Cultural Dimensions of Hostage Negotiation by Gary R. Weaver Communicating with Cults by Milton J. Bennett Negotiating with Cults: A Practitioner's Perspective by Clinton R. Van Zandt Training Crisis Negotiators: Updating Negotiation Techniques and Training by Anthony Hare Bibliography Index
Local detection of the optical magnetic field in the near zone of dielectric samples

We present a study of the influence of the probe composition on the formation of constant-height photon scanning tunneling microscope images when observing a dielectric sample. Dramatic effects due to the metallization of the tip are presented and discussed in detail. We show how the recorded images can look quite different when the probe is dielectric or coated with gold. Comparison with numerical calculations indicate that the experimental signals are of electric or magnetic nature depending on the composition of the tip. For well-defined conditions, gold-coated tips provide images of the distribution of the magnetic field intensity associated with the optical near field. To get more insight into the origin of this effect, we have performed a careful analysis of the plasmon modes associated with a gold-coated dielectric cylinder. We conclude that the detection of the optical magnetic field is related to the conditions of excitation of circular symmetry plasmon, or ring plasmon, in the gold-coated tip.
LIGHT-REGULATED WD1 and PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR9 Form a Positive Feedback Regulatory Loop in the Arabidopsis Circadian Clock[W][OA]

Plant growth and development rely on proper operation of the circadian clock. Two clock genes, LIGHT-REGULATED WD1 (LWD1) and LWD2, maintain the function of the Arabidopsis circadian clock by adjusting the light input signal and regulating the expression of central oscillator genes. Our study also supports the presence of a positive feedback loop within the Arabidopsis circadian clock. In Arabidopsis thaliana, central circadian clock genes constitute several feedback loops. These interlocking loops generate an ~24-h oscillation that enables plants to anticipate the daily diurnal environment. The identification of additional clock proteins can help dissect the complex nature of the circadian clock. Previously, LIGHT-REGULATED WD1 (LWD1) and LWD2 were identified as two clock proteins regulating circadian period length and photoperiodic flowering. Here, we systematically studied the function of LWD1/2 in the Arabidopsis circadian clock. Analysis of the lwd1 lwd2 double mutant revealed that LWD1/2 plays dual functions in the light input pathway and the regulation of the central oscillator. Promoter:luciferase fusion studies showed that activities of LWD1/2 promoters are rhythmic and depend on functional PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR9 (PRR9) and PRR7. LWD1/2 is also needed for the expression of PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5. LWD1 is preferentially localized within the nucleus and associates with promoters of PRR9, PRR5, and TOC1 in vivo. Our results support the existence of a positive feedback loop within the Arabidopsis circadian clock. Further mechanistic studies of this positive feedback loop and its regulatory effects on the other clock components will further elucidate the complex nature of the Arabidopsis circadian clock.
Energy-efficient design of real-time stream mining systems

In this paper, we propose an efficient solution for supporting real-time stream mining applications on heterogeneous systems operating at various processing speeds. Unlike the existing solutions that (1) rely on accurate knowledge or prediction of the service demand of each individual service request and (2) only consider a single type of delay constraint (e.g., typically, average or maximum delay), we propose an optimal algorithm, MinEnergy-MD, which determines the processing speeds for all classifiers based on the probability distribution of the service demand to minimize the average energy consumption while simultaneously satisfying multiple delay constraints. We conduct an extensive study to quantify the performance of MinEnergy-MD.
Fitting milk production curves through nonlinear mixed models

The aim of this work was to fit and compare three non-linear models (Wood, Milkbot and diphasic) to model lactation curves from two approaches: with and without cow random effect. Knowing the behaviour of lactation curves is critical for decision-making in a dairy farm. Knowledge of the model of milk production progress along each lactation is necessary not only at the mean population level (dairy farm), but also at individual level (cow-lactation). The fits were made in a group of high production and reproduction dairy farms; in first and third lactations in cool seasons. A total of 2167 complete lactations were involved, of which 984 were first-lactations and the remaining ones, third lactations (19 382 milk yield tests). PROC NLMIXED in SAS was used to make the fits and estimate the model parameters. The diphasic model resulted to be computationally complex and barely practical. Regarding the classical Wood and MilkBot models, although the information criteria suggest the selection of MilkBot, the differences in the estimation of production indicators did not show a significant improvement. The Wood model was found to be a good option for fitting the expected value of lactation curves. Furthermore, the three models fitted better when the subject (cow) random effect was considered, which is related to magnitude of production. The random effect improved the predictive potential of the models, but it did not have a significant effect on the production indicators derived from the lactation curves, such as milk yield and days in milk to peak.
Progression and Tumor Heterogeneity Analysis in Early Rectal Cancer

Purpose: Adequate preoperative staging of large sessile rectal tumors requires identifying adenomas that already contain an invasive focus, specifically those that are growing in or beyond the submucosa. We systematically compared chromosomal instability patterns in adenoma and carcinoma fractions of the same lesion to assess specific steps in rectal tumor progression. Experimental Design: We analyzed 36 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors. Both the adenoma and carcinoma fractions were typed with single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and compared with 21 previously described pure adenomas. Eighteen cases were included in an intratumor heterogeneity analysis. Results: Five specific “malignant” events (gain of 8q, 13q, and 20q and loss of 17p and 18q) and aberrant staining for p53 and SMAD4 were all increased in the adenoma fractions of carcinoma cases compared with pure adenomas. Paired analysis revealed that 31% of the samples had an equal amount of malignant aberrations in their adenoma and carcinoma fractions, whereas 25% had one and 33% had two or more extra malignant events in the carcinoma fraction. Analysis of three core biopsies per patient showed a large degree of intratumor heterogeneity. However, the number of malignant aberrations in the biopsy with the most aberrations per tumor correlated with the corresponding adenoma or carcinoma fraction (r = 0.807; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Five specific chromosomal aberrations, combined with immunohistochemistry for p53 and SMAD4, can predict possible progression of sessile rectal adenomas to early rectal cancer and can, after validation studies, be added to preoperative staging. Preferably, three biopsies should be taken from each tumor to address intratumor heterogeneity.
Integer-modulated FIR filter banks for image compression

A method for designing perfect-reconstruction M-channel integer-modulated filter banks (IMFBs) is proposed. Given the filter coefficient word length, many IMFBs satisfying the perfect reconstruction conditions can be obtained. Methods to select the best IMFB for the purpose of image compression are studied, and it is demonstrated that the IMFB obtained by maximizing the coding gain is the most suitable for image coding. Simulation results show that the PSNR of the integer-modulated FIR filter bank designed by maximizing the coding gain with the AR(1) model is close to that of the real-valued cosine-modulated filter bank of the same order.
Patient-assessed health in ankylosing spondylitis: a structured review.

OBJECTIVE To review evidence relating to the measurement properties for all disease-specific, multi-item, patient-assessed health instruments in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS Systematic literature searches were made to identify instruments, using predefined criteria relating to reliability, validity, responsiveness and precision. RESULTS Twelve AS-specific and three arthritis-specific instruments met the inclusion criteria. Three AS-specific instruments that measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) were reviewed. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the Dougados Functional Index (DFI) had the greatest amount of evidence for reliability, validity and responsiveness across a range of settings. Four instruments lacked evidence for test-retest or internal consistency reliability. Most were assessed for validity through comparisons with other instruments, global judgements of health, mobility or clinical and sociodemographic variables. Most were assessed for responsiveness through mean score changes. Three instruments lacked evidence of responsiveness. CONCLUSION This review provides a contribution to AS assessment. AS-specific multi-item measures specific to the assessment of pain, stiffness, fatigue and global health were not identified; where assessed, these domains were largely measured with single-item visual analogue scales. Single items may provide a limited reflection of these important domains. The BASFI and DFI remain the instruments of choice for functional assessment. HRQL is recommended as a core assessment domain. Further concurrent evaluation is recommended.
Protection against Experimental Stroke by Ganglioside GM1 Is Associated with the Inhibition of Autophagy

Ganglioside GM1, which is particularly abundant in the central nervous system (CNS), is closely associated with the protection against several CNS disorders. However, controversial findings have been reported on the role of GM1 following ischemic stroke. In the present study, using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, we investigated whether GM1 can protect against ischemic brain injury and whether it targets the autophagy pathway. GM1 was delivered to Sprague-Dawley male rats at 3 doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection soon after reperfusion and then once daily for 2 days. The same volume of saline was given as a control. Tat–Beclin-1, a specific autophagy inducer, was administered by intraperitoneal injection at 24 and 48 hours post-MCAO. Infarction volume, mortality and neurological function were assessed at 72 hours after ischemic insult. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression of autophagy-related proteins P62, LC3 and Beclin-1 in the penumbra area. No significant changes in mortality and physiological variables (heart rate, blood glucose levels and arterial blood gases) were observed between the different groups. However, MCAO resulted in enhanced conversion of LC3-I into LC3-II, P62 degradation, high levels of Beclin-1, a large area infarction (26.3±3.6%) and serious neurobehavioral deficits. GM1 (50 mg/kg) treatment significantly reduced the autophagy activation, neurobehavioral dysfunctions, and infarction volume (from 26.3% to 19.5%) without causing significant adverse side effects. However, this biological function could be abolished by Tat–Beclin-1. In conclusion: GM1 demonstrated safe and robust neuroprotective effects that are associated with the inhibition of autophagy following experimental stroke.
Dual Influence of Endocannabinoids on Long-Term Potentiation of Synaptic Transmission

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) is widely distributed in the central nervous system, in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and in astrocytes. CB1R agonists impair cognition and prevent long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, but the influence of endogenously formed cannabinoids (eCBs) on hippocampal LTP remains ambiguous. Based on the knowledge that eCBs are released upon high frequency neuronal firing, we hypothesized that the influence of eCBs upon LTP could change according to the paradigm of LTP induction. We thus tested the influence of eCBs on hippocampal LTP using two θ-burst protocols that induce either a weak or a strong LTP. LTP induced by a weak-θ-burst protocol is facilitated while preventing the endogenous activation of CB1Rs. In contrast, the same procedures lead to inhibition of LTP induced by the strong-θ-burst protocol, suggestive of a facilitatory action of eCBs upon strong LTP. Accordingly, an inhibitor of the metabolism of the predominant eCB in the hippocampus, 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), facilitates strong LTP. The facilitatory action of endogenous CB1R activation does not require the activity of inhibitory A1 adenosine receptors, is not affected by inhibition of astrocytic metabolism, but involves inhibitory GABAergic transmission. The continuous activation of CB1Rs via exogenous cannabinoids, or by drugs known to prevent metabolism of the non-prevalent hippocampal eCB, anandamide, inhibited LTP. We conclude that endogenous activation of CB1Rs by physiologically formed eCBs exerts a fine-tune homeostatic control of LTP in the hippocampus, acting as a high-pass filter, therefore likely reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of synaptic strengthening.
Investigation of the Performance of a Syngas Quench Cooling Design in a Downdraft Entrained-Flow Gasifier

Syngas coming out of a gasifier is usually very hot. Cooling is necessary to allow this syngas to be transported without damaging downstream piping or equipment. Furthermore, the existing cold syngas cleaning technology also requires that the syngas temperature to be reduced below 600 o F. Direct water quenching of syngas is one of the cooling schemes that can not only provide the necessary cooling, but also help to drive the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction to convert steam and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen, which is an important process for systems implementing carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). To assist designing an adequate syngas quench cooling section, this study has employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the performance of a preliminary design of a water quench system in a downdraft entrained flow coal gasifier. The preliminary quench system design consists of a primary water curtain section located in the main entrance of the quench section and a secondary water spray section distributed in the outer annular passage with a counter-flow arrangement. The bottom water bath level can be adjusted to change the syngas’s local speed over the water surface to fine-tune the WGS reaction without using more sprayed water. The main goal of this study is to use the experimental results to calibrate the CFD model, especially the WGS reaction model, and then to use the calibrated model to help design different water spray strategies to achieve the targeted temperature and syngas composition. The result shows that three different reaction rates (Jones’ rate under a catalytic condition, Wade’s rate, and Sato’s rate under a non-catalytic condition) are all too fast when comparing the CFD results against the experimental data. The exponential constant value (A) of each reaction rate is therefore adjusted to match the experiment data within 2 percentage points (or 6%) in both CO conversion rate and H2 generation. The effect of the injection locations (primary vs. secondary) on WGS is marginal. Both locations result in 16% CO conversion rate. Spraying water in the primary location only provides a marginal advantage: an increase of 4% in H2 production, 3% in HHV value, and 30K in temperature. Using water bath level to fine-tune the WGS reaction is workable. When the water level gap decreases from 1050mm to 700 mm, the CO conversion rate decreases 7 percentage points (or 35%) from 20% to 13%, and the syngas outlet temperature decreases by 20K (from 891 K to 871 K.) Beyond the gap of 1050mm, the effect of the water bath level is not noticeable.
On the development of compact lumped-element LCP filters

This paper presents a novel compact, UHF-band lumped element filter that shows good results versus other similar designs, with a 20% fractional bandwidth operating at 500MHz with a 17dB return loss. The circuit was designed using multilayer LCP, with a focus on minimising the footprint and the number of vias present, which was achieved by folding the design and implementing a block of shared ground vias, avoiding unwanted coupling in the process. Using a 4-pole tubular filter circuit model, the initial filter designed showed a good response and underwent a subsequent successful redesign that reduced the footprint by 60% and the number of vias by 37.5% without sacrificing the response of the filter.