Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3DPeS: 3D people dataset for surveillance and forensics

The interest of the research community in creating reference datasets for performance analysis is always very high. Although new datasets, collecting large amounts of video footage are spreading in surveillance and forensics, few bench-marks with annotation data are available for testing specific tasks and especially for 3D/multi-view analysis. In this paper we present 3DPeS, a new dataset for 3D/multi- view surveillance and forensic applications. This has been designed for discussing and evaluating research results in people re-identification and other related activities (people detection, people segmentation and people tracking). The new assessed version of the dataset contains hundreds of video sequences of 200 people taken from a multi-camera distributed surveillance system over several days, with different light conditions; each person is detected multiple times and from different points of view. In surveillance scenarios, the dataset can be exploited to evaluate people reacquisition, 3D body models and people activity reconstruction algorithms. In forensics it can be adopted too, by relaxing some constraints (e.g. real time) and neglecting some information (e.g. calibration). Some results on this new dataset are presented using state of the art methods for people re-identification as a benchmark for future comparisons.
Development and initial validation of a culturally responsive classroom climate scale

Holgate, Horane A. M.S.Ed., Purdue University, December 2016. Development and Initial Validation of a Culturally Responsive Classroom Climate Scale. Major Professor: Chantal Levesque-Bristol. This study describes the development and initial validation for a measure of a culturally responsive classroom climate in postsecondary classrooms. By examining multiple frameworks of culturally responsive teaching four factors were identified as representing cultural responsiveness in the classroom: inclusiveness, cultural inclusion, diverse language and diverse pedagogy. Using these factors and conceptual definitions a survey measure was developed and the overall factor structure and reliability of the measure examined using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results provide evidence for a second order factor model with cultural responsiveness as a higher order construct represented by four factors. The results are discussed in relation to theoretical considerations for assessing classroom climate as well as the importance of cultivating culturally responsive classroom environments at the college level.
RESEARCH AND APPLICATION . Landscape Pattern Metrics and Regional Assessment

The combination of remote imagery data, geographic information systems software, and landscape ecology theory provides a unique basis for monitoring and assessing large-scale ecological systems. The unique feature of the work has been the need to develop and interpret quantitative measures of spatial pattern—the landscape indices. This article reviews what is known about the statistical properties of these pattern metrics and suggests some additional metrics based on island biogeography, percolation theory, hierarchy theory, and economic geography. Assessment applications of this approach have required interpreting the pattern metrics in terms of specific environmental endpoints, such as wildlife and water quality, and research into how to represent synergystic effects of many overlapping sources
Heritability estimates of endurance‐related phenotypes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The aim of this study was to clarify heritability estimates for endurance‐related phenotypes and the underlying factors affecting these estimates. A systematic literature search was conducted for studies reporting heritability estimates of endurance‐related phenotypes using the PubMed database (up to 30 September 2016). Studies that estimated the heritability of maximal oxygen uptake ( V˙O2max ), submaximal endurance phenotypes, and endurance performance were selected. The weighted mean heritability for endurance‐related phenotypes was calculated using a random‐effects model. A total of 15 studies were selected via a systematic review. Meta‐analysis revealed that the weighted means of the heritability of V˙O2max absolute values and those adjusted for body weight and for fat‐free mass were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59‐0.77), 0.56 (95% CI: 0.47‐0.65), and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.13‐0.75), respectively. There was a significant difference in the weighted means of the heritability of V˙O2max across these different adjustment methods (P < .05). Moreover, there was evidence of statistical heterogeneity in the heritability estimates among studies. Meta‐regression analysis revealed that sex could partially explain the heterogeneity in the V˙O2max heritability estimates adjusted by body weight. For submaximal endurance phenotypes and endurance performance, the weighted mean heritabilities were 0.49 (95% CI: 0.33‐0.65) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.27‐0.78), respectively. There was statistically significant heterogeneity in the heritability estimates reported among the studies, and we could not identify the specific factors explaining the heterogeneity. Although existing studies indicate that genetic factors account for 44%‐68% of the variability in endurance‐related phenotypes, further studies are necessary to clarify these values.
Comparison of methods for isolating primary hepatocytes from mini pigs

Successful porcine hepatocyte isolation is crucial for the development of bioartificial liver devices and hepatocyte transplantation. Serva collagenase NB grades are formulated collagenases that are suitable for various tissue isolation applications. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) can improve the viability of human hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two collagenases and effect of NAC on hepatocyte isolation from porcine liver tissue. Porcine hepatocytes were isolated using the perfusion method from Bama mini pigs assigned to the Serva NB 4 group (n=6), the Serva NB 8 group (n=6), or the NB 8+NAC group (n=6). Viability and yield were defined as fresh hepatocytes and their spheroids formation after 24‐hour rocker culture in serum‐free medium. Metabolic function was assessed by gene expression, albumin, and urea synthesis. All procedures resulted in successful hepatocyte isolation. Cells from the NB 8+NAC group had (97.8±1.9)% viability, which was higher than the NB 8 group with (94.4±2.4)% and the NB 4 group with (94.5±3.2)% (P<.001). The final cell yield reached (11.8±1.0)×109 cells in the NB 8+NAC group, compared to (9.5±2.1)×109 cells in the NB 8 group (P<.01) and (9.1±1.1) ×109 cells in the NB 4 group (P<.001). The secretion of albumin was superior in the NB 8+NAC group at a concentration of (425.8±35.3) ng/mL compared to the NB 8 group (339.1±32.6) ng/mL (P <.001) and NB 4 group (293.6±43.3) ng/mL (P <.01). The injury of hepatocytes also decreased in the NB 8+NAC group (P<.01). The data are presented as means ± SD. Formulated collagenase Serva NB 8 and NAC could improve the porcine hepatocyte isolation, resulting in higher yields of viable cells.
Novel design and kinematics modeling for delta robot with improved end effector

A improved delta robot with a novel transmission mechanism to reduce abrasion and a new configuration of end effector is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the traditional telescopic chain which employs prismatic pair is replaced by parallel mechanism with four rods hinged. The frication in the connection can be significantly decreased. The motor that drives the telescopic chin is fixed on the base so that the moving platform can reach high speed and high acceleration. As for end effector, it is designed as mechanical claws based on the principle of plane thread. This structure makes it better adapted to multifarious shapes of load. Moreover, the rigidity and the stability of the end effector are distinctly improved. In addition, the analysis of kinematics including inverse kinematics and direct kinematics is conducted on the simplified system. The analytical results are validated by the co-simulation that combines ADAMS with MATLAB. The study of the kinematics is the solid foundation for parameters optimization and further control.
Turnabout Is Fair Play: Herbivory-Induced Plant Chitinases Excreted in Fall Armyworm Frass Suppress Herbivore Defenses in Maize1[OPEN]

Maize chitinases, Pr4 and Endochitinase A, in fall armyworm frass suppress herbivore-induced defenses in maize. The perception of herbivory by plants is known to be triggered by the deposition of insect-derived factors such as saliva and oral secretions, oviposition materials, and even feces. Such insect-derived materials harbor chemical cues that may elicit herbivore and/or pathogen-induced defenses in plants. Several insect-derived molecules that trigger herbivore-induced defenses in plants are known; however, insect-derived molecules suppressing them are largely unknown. In this study, we identified two plant chitinases from fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larval frass that suppress herbivore defenses while simultaneously inducing pathogen defenses in maize (Zea mays). Fall armyworm larvae feed in enclosed whorls of maize plants, where frass accumulates over extended periods of time in close proximity to damaged leaf tissue. Our study shows that maize chitinases, Pr4 and Endochitinase A, are induced during herbivory and subsequently deposited on the host with the feces. These plant chitinases mediate the suppression of herbivore-induced defenses, thereby increasing the performance of the insect on the host. Pr4 and Endochitinase A also trigger the antagonistic pathogen defense pathway in maize and suppress fungal pathogen growth on maize leaves. Frass-induced suppression of herbivore defenses by deposition of the plant-derived chitinases Pr4 and Endochitinase A is a unique way an insect can co-opt the plant’s defense proteins for its own benefit. It is also a phenomenon unlike the induction of herbivore defenses by insect oral secretions in most host-herbivore systems.
Experimental Estimation ofJResistance Curves From Load-CMOD Record for FFCT Specimens

Fracture toughness of ductile materials is often characterized by J resistance curves. It is generally required to adopt load line crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) records in load line compact tension (LLCT) specimens to calculate the J integral according to ASTM E1820-13e1. However, in some cases, for example in nuclear engineering, due to material size limitations, a standard test specimen size is not achievable, and attaching or mounting the displacement transducer to measure the load line CMOD (LLD) of a smaller compact tension specimen is very challenging, and an alternative approach is required. The present study is aimed at evaluating the use of front face CMOD (FFD) records in front face compact tension (FFCT) specimens to estimate J resistance curves. Results are compared with those using LLD-based J calculations for P92 steel. It is shown that J resistance curves determined from the two approaches are in good agreement.
A Context-Dependent Role for αv Integrins in Regulatory T Cell Accumulation at Sites of Inflammation

Several inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease have been associated with dysfunctional and/or reduced numbers of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). While numerous mechanisms of action have been discovered by which Treg can exert their function, disease-specific Treg requirements remain largely unknown. We found that the integrin αv, which can pair with several β subunits including β8, is highly upregulated in Treg at sites of inflammation. Using mice that lacked αv expression or β8 expression specifically in Treg, we demonstrate that there was no deficit in Treg accumulation in the central nervous system during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and no difference in the resolution of disease compared to control mice. In contrast, during a curative T cell transfer model of colitis, Treg lacking all αv integrins were found at reduced proportions and numbers in the inflamed gut. This led to a quantitative impairment in the ability of αv-deficient Treg to reverse disease when Treg numbers in the inflamed colon were below a threshold. Increase of the number of curative Treg injected was able to rescue this phenotype, indicating that αv integrins were not required for the immunosuppressive function of Treg per se. In accordance with this, αv deficiency did not impact on the capacity of Treg to suppress proliferation of naive conventional T cells in vitro as well as in vivo. These observations demonstrate that despite the general upregulation of αv integrins in Treg at sites of inflammation, they are relevant for adequate Treg accumulation only in specific disease settings. The understanding of disease-specific mechanisms of action by Treg has clear implications for Treg-targeted therapies.
Predicting and explaining use intention and purchasing intention in online g roup shopping

Online group shopping has emerged as a new e-commerce model and received attention in both academics and practice. Prior research focuses on investigating online group shopping mainly from the marketing discipline, and little research has tried to examine individual consumers’ acceptance of online group shopping from the technology acceptance perspectives. This paper aims at investigating the drivers determining individual consumers’ intention to use online group shopping as well as the relationships between the intention to use online group shopping and the intention to purchase via online group shopping websites. The research model was developed based on technology acceptance theories and extended to purchasing behaviour. The research model is empirically tested with data collected from 318 Chinese college students and analyzed using PLS. The results show that all the individuals’ intention to use online group shopping are motivated by relative advantages, perceived complexity and perceived enjoyment, and their use intention is significantly related to their purchasing intention via online group shopping websites. Finally, the limitations of the current research are discussed, and the directions for further research are suggested.
Characterization of heat sources in the crack tip zone in stretched NR and SBR rubbers

The study deals with the experimental characterization of heat sources produced in a crack tip zone of two types of carbon black filled rubbers: a Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and a Natural Rubber (NR). For this purpose, full thermal and kinematic field measurements were performed. In NR, crystallisation increases the stiffness in the crack tip zone and consequently decreases the maximum stretch ratio. For SBR specimen, the maximum stretch ratio level at the crack tip is higher than that measured at specimen failure during homogeneous uniaxial tensile tests. During loading, the maximum temperature change is lower in NR specimen than in SBR specimen. For both materials, the heat sources in the crack tip zone remain positive during unloading. This was not observed for homogeneous tests. This phenomenon is due to the very high mechanical dissipation production, and to crystallisation at the beginning of unloading in the case of NR.
Design Optimization of Ferrocement-Laminated Plate Using Genetic Algorithm

— This paper describes the design optimization of ferrocement-laminated plate made up of reinforcing steel wire mesh(es) and cement mortar. For the improvement of the designing process, the plate is modeled as a multi-layer medium, dividing the ferrocement plate into layers of mortar and ferrocement. The mortar layers are assumed to be isotropic in nature and the ferrocement layers are assumed to be orthotropic. The ferrocement layers are little stiffer, but much more costlier, than the mortar layers due the presence of steel wire mesh. The optimization is performed for minimum weight design of the laminate using a genetic algorithm. The optimum designs are discussed for different plate configurations and loadings, and it is compared with the worst designs obtained at the final generation. The paper provides a procedure for the designers in decision-making process.
Allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis synergistically compromise the mental health and health-related quality of life of Korean adults: A nationwide population-based survey

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) and rhinosinusitis (RS) negatively impact psychological well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, few population-based studies have investigated the effects of these conditions on mental health and HRQoL. Purpose To explore independent associations of AR and/or RS with mental health and HRQoL using data from the 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods The KNHANES is a nationwide cross-sectional survey of the non-institutionalized population of Korea. A total of 15,441 adults completed the clinical examination and the health questionnaire. We divided all participants into four groups: AR-/RS-, AR-/RS+, AR+/RS-, and AR+/RS+. Logistic regression analyses were performed after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, general health behaviors, and other comorbidities. Results The AR+/RS+ group contained the highest proportion of subjects with perceived stress and depressed mood. Subjects with AR+/RS+ also had more frequent problems in terms of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. After adjusting for all confounders, the odds ratios (ORs) were 2.96 (p = 0.009) for depressed mood and 3.17 (p = 0.013) for suicidal ideation in the AR+/RS+ group compared with in the AR-/RS- group. The AR+/RS- group reported more perceived stress (OR, 1.56, p = 0.003) and depression (OR, 1.72, p = 0.024) compared with the AR-/RS- group. In terms of the ORs for HRQoL, the AR+/RS+ group reported more problems in terms of self-care (OR, 3.73, p = 0.038) and more pain/discomfort (OR 2.19, p = 0.006) compared with the AR-/RS- group. Conclusions In the Korean population, AR and RS exerted a synergistic negative impact on mental health and HRQoL, especially suicidal ideation. Most patients seek help from clinicians for impaired HRQoL. Therefore, clinicians should consider the underlying mental health and HRQoL of patients with AR and/or RS, as these may be impaired by their conditions.
Multi-Layered Abstraction-Based Controller Synthesis for Continuous-Time Systems

We present multi-layered abstraction-based controller synthesis, which extends standard abstraction-based controller synthesis (ABCS) algorithms for continuous-time control systems by simultaneously maintaining several "layers" of abstract systems with decreasing precision. The resulting abstract multi-layered controller uses the coarsest abstraction whenever this is feasible, and dynamically adjusts the precision---by moving to a more precise abstraction and back to a coarser abstraction---based on the structure of the given control problem. Abstract multi-layered controllers can be refined to controllers with non-uniform resolution using feedback refinement relations established between each abstract layer and the concrete system, resulting in a sound ABCS method. We provide multi-layered controller synthesis algorithms for reachability, safety, and generalized Büchi specifications; our approach can be generalized to any ω-regular objective. Our algorithms are complete relative to single-layered synthesis on the finest layer. We empirically demonstrate that multi-layered synthesis can outperform standard (single-layer) ABCS algorithms on a number of examples, despite the additional cost of constructing multiple abstract systems.
Electrostatic control of microfluidic systems for enhancement of nanoparticle separations and FET nanobiosensors

An abundance of ions in saline media or physiological buffers causes extensive shielding of charged surfaces and potentials. As a result, electrostatic forces cannot penetrate beyond the electrochemical double layer (EDL); conversely, charged molecules outside the EDL cannot transduce a sensor surface and are rendered effectively invisible. In this thesis, we discuss a separation problem and a sensing problem that are both constrained by this fundamental limitation. Our goal has been to explore novel electrical pathways for circumventing the loss of electrostatic effects: towards improving the dielectrophoretic separation of sub-micron colloids, or the mitigation of EDL shielding for improved label-free electrical detection of analyte molecules using field-effect biosensors. Dielectrophoresis is a favored method for numerous microfluidic applications for the capture of biological species, as well as, separation of organic and inorganic contaminants from water. However, given that ionic mobility (by far) exceeds those of the suspended matter, the ions redistribute rapidly to overwhelm any electrophoretic effects within the system. Any attempt at capturing sub-micron particles by electrostatic means is drastically limited due to the dual effect of weak electric fields in the media, as well as poor volumetric scaling of separation forces with respect to particle size. In order to improve the capture of colloids, we have designed a scheme based on multiple interdigitated electrode (IDE) arrays under mixed AC/DC bias. Through AC electroosmotic micromixing that breaks the EDL shielding, as well as a transverse DC component, the separation field penetrates across a microchannel to capture particles from the bulk. We analytically determine favorable biasing conditions for field enhancement through circuit analysis and demonstrate the enhanced electric field through computational simulations. Under these conditions, we experimentally demonstrate improved capture of 0.75 μm diameter colloids over conventional AC-DEP methods. Depending on the salinity of the suspension, the method can be used to design species collection zones in microfluidic systems. Biosensors based on the field-effect transistor (FET) are capable of detecting molecular binding or hy-
Two-Stage PCR Protocol Allowing Introduction of Multiple Mutations , Deletions and Insertions Using QuikChange Site-Directed Mutagenesis

We developed a two-stage procedure, based on the QuikChange Site-Directed Mutagenesis Protocol, that significantly expands its application to a variety of gene modification experiments. A pre-PCR, single-primer extension stage before the standard protocol allows the efficient introduction of not only point mutation but also multiple mutations and deletions and insertions to a sequence of interest.
Development of the modified high Cr ferritic heat-resistant steel

Abstract High Cr ferritic heat-resistant steels have been the important structural materials for elevated temperature application in the advanced power plants. Owing to the severe difficulties encountered by energy shortage and environment pollution, it is imperative to improve the serving temperature up to 650° which would largely elevate the thermal efficiency of generating station. In this paper, the phase transformation behaviours, strengthening mechanism and the formation the precipitates of high Cr ferritic steels were summarised. Based on these, the modified high Cr ferritic steel for 650 °C condition was developed by our group. The tensile and creep tests indicate that the modified steel has the outstanding mechanical properties, suggesting it may be the candidate materials in advanced power plants for 650 °C grade. Furthermore, developments of the modified high Cr ferritic steels will be presented and discussed in views of microstructural control, alloy design, phase transformation behaviours and high-temperature performance.