Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feature Extraction on Highways under Time-Varying Illumination Conditions

Video-based surveillance systems have been introduced in highway monitoring as a means of enabling the assessment of traffic conditions by human operators; however, the ongoing development in the aspects of computer imaging hardware and image processing algorithms motivated the interest for the implementation of autonomous highway monitoring and notification systems. An intelligent traffic monitoring implementation demands an efficient video-based front-end, which performs feature extraction in the image domain. The utilized front-end is required to operate flawlessly in the presence of sensor noise and under time varying illumination conditions. The present article analyzes the operation principles of a video-based feature extractor intended for utilization in visual intelligent transportation systems. The proposed implementation performs feature extraction through the application of a block-based statistic segmentation method. Additionally, the algorithm adapts to scene changes. The background adaptation method combines the results of block-based segmentation with a statistic object-based refinement stage which takes into account edge-related metrics.
King Mantle convection , the asthenosphere , and Earth ' s thermal history Geological Society of America Special Papers

Calculations of mantle convection generally use constant rates of internal heating and time-invariant core-mantle boundary temperature. In contrast, parameterized convection calculations, sometimes called thermal history calculations, allow these properties to vary with time but only provide a single average temperature for the entire mantle. Here I consider three-dimensional spherical convection calculations that run for the age of the Earth with heat-producing elements that decrease with time, a cooling core boundary condition, and a mobile lid. The calculations begin with a moderately hot initial temperature, consistent with a relatively short accretion time for the formation of the planet. I fi nd that the choice of a mobile or stagnant lid has the most signifi cant effect on the average temperature as a function of time in the models. However, the choice of mobile versus stagnant lid has less of an effect on the distribution of hot and cold anomalies within the mantle, or planform. I fi nd the same low-degree (one upwelling or two upwelling) temperature structures in the mobile-lid calculations that have previously been found in stagnant-lid calculations. While having less of an effect on the mean mantle temperature, the viscosity of the asthenosphere has a profound effect on the pattern of temperature anomalies, even in the deep mantle. If the asthenosphere is weaker than the upper mantle by more than an order of magnitude, then the low-degree (one or two giant upwellings) pattern of temperature anomalies results. If the asthenosphere is less than an order of magnitude weaker than the upper mantle, then the pattern of temperature anomalies has narrow cylindrical upwellings and cold downgoing sheets. The low-degree pattern of temperature anomalies is more consistent with the plate model than the plume model.
La velocidad de circulación y la demanda de dinero en el corto y en el largo plazo en Colombia

Se estima una funcion dinamica de la velocidad de circulacion del dinero en la cual intervienen como variables explicativas el nivel de ingreso, la tasa de interes, la inflacion, la riqueza financiera. Se encuentra que, en el largo plazo, solamente la tasa de interes influye sobre la velocidad. Las demas variables ejercen influencia unicamente en el corto plazo. Los resultados de las estimaciones se utilizan para explorar los procesos dinamicos de ajuste de la demanda real de dinero ante cambios permanentes y temporales de las diferentes variables.
Donepezil in the prevention and treatment of post-surgical delirium.

OBJECTIVE Delirium is a frequent complication of major surgery in older persons. The authors evaluated the possible benefit of donepezil versus placebo in the prevention and treatment of postoperative delirium in an older population without dementia undergoing elective total joint-replacement surgery. METHODS A sample of 80 patients participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of donepezil. Each participant was evaluated before surgery and then received donepezil or placebo for 14 days before surgery and 14 days afterward. Postoperative delirium was assessed with the Delirium Symptom Interview, Confusion Assessment Method, daily medical record, nurse-observation reviews, and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for delirium. Subsyndromal delirium was also assessed for each participant. RESULTS Delirium, diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria, was found on at least 1 postoperative day in 18.8% of subjects, but there were no significant differences between the donepezil and placebo groups. When delirium was present, it lasted only 1 day, and there was no difference between the groups. Subsyndromal delirium was found on at least 1 postoperative day for 68.8% of subjects, and, when this occurred, lasted 2 days or less, on average. There was no difference between the groups in the occurrence or duration of subsyndromal delirium. There was no difference between the groups in disposition to home or to another facility. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study was unable to demonstrate a benefit for donepezil in preventing or treating delirium in a relatively young and cognitively-intact group of elderly patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. Furthermore, postoperative delirium was not a major problem in this population.
The current status of instructional design theories in relation to today's authoring systems

It is of course very difficult to accurately project important characteristics of the future state of any rapidly evolving field, and the field of authoring systems for computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is no exception. However, strong trends in evolving CAI systems of today would seem to indicate some important characteristics of the software systems underlying tomorrow's automated instructional systems. Under the premise that form follows function, this paper will explore the functional impetus of some of the most important trends extant in terms of their roots in a powerful, emerging technology of instructional design. This technology promises to complement the advancing hardware and software technologies, by supplying that sine qua non of successful instructional materials. It is inevitable that systems of the future will make (and indeed are making) significant accommodations of this vital technology as it matures, and therefore some important characteristics of tomorrow's systems can be predicated upon what is already known of this technology of instructional design.
Fluorescence Thermometer Application of Cr Doped Spinel Crystals

Temperature dependences of peak intensity and peak intensity ratio of photoluminescence from Cr doped spinel sensor are evaluated for fluorescence thermometer applications. Peak intensity and intensity ratio of PL from Cr doped spinel sensor varies with temperature. Peak intensity ratio of PL at=699 and 688 nm, I699/I688, which increases linearly with temperature from 298 to 473 K, is found to be suitable for temperature measurement instead of PL lifetime. Spinel thermo-sensor is proposed successfully based on temperature dependence of PL intensity ratio instead of PL lifetime
Automatic watershed segmentation of randomly textured color images

A new method is proposed for processing randomly textured color images. The method is based on a bottom-up segmentation algorithm that takes into consideration both color and texture properties of the image. An LUV gradient is introduced, which provides both a color similarity measure and a basis for applying the watershed transform. The patches of watershed mosaic are merged according to their color contrast until a termination criterion is met. This criterion is based on the topology of the typical processed image. The resulting algorithm does not require any additional information, be it various thresholds, marker extraction rules, and suchlike, thus being suitable for automatic processing of color images. The algorithm is demonstrated within the framework of the problem of automatic granite inspection. The segmentation procedure has been found to be very robust, producing good results not only on granite images, but on the wide range of other noisy color images as well, subject to the termination criterion.
Puppet play? A study of control mechanisms and cultural values in high-tech firms

The success of new products for international markets improves when developed in international teams. Such teams combine knowledge of different markets and culturally influenced preferences of consumers. Yet, international teams including members of diverse culturally embedded values and behaviors face more difficulties than mono-cultural teams. This paper explores effects of project control on innovativeness and project performance in international teams. Our study is based on 75 participants in the semiconductor industry in five countries. The results of our moderated regression analyses indicate that control has dissimilar effects on project innovativeness and performance depending on the cultural values of project members. From our findings we derive culture-specific implications for innovation project management.
An overview of CAD tools developed at IETR for the synthesis and optimisation of shaped lens antennas at millimetre waves

IETR has been developing for several years a set of CAD tools for the analysis, the synthesis and the optimisation of millimetre-wave shaped dielectric lens antennas. These tools are complementary and are based on various formulations based on ray tracing, Geometrical Optics / Physical Optics, Finite-Difference Time-Domain techniques, and modal expansion techniques. Several of them have been combined with numerical search techniques aiming at optimising the 3D shape of multi-material integrated lens antennas. In this paper, we provide the main features of these tools and describe some recent results obtained numerically and experimentally from 30 to 77 GHz.
First-order stability cells of active multi-rigid-body systems

A stability cell is a subset of the configuration space (C-space) of a set of actively controlled rigid bodies (e.g., a manipulator) in contact with a passive body in which the contact state is guaranteed to be stable under Coulomb friction and external forces. A first-order stability cell is a subset of a stability cell with the following two properties: the state of contact uniquely determines the rate of change of the object's configuration given the rate of change of the manipulator's configuration; and the contact state cannot be altered by any infinitesimal variation in the generalized applied force. First-order stability cells can be used in planning whole-arm manipulation tasks in a manner analogous to the use of free-space cells in planning collision-free paths: a connectivity graph is constructed and searched for a path connecting the initial and goal configurations. A path through a free-space connectivity graph represents a motion plan that can be executed without fear of collisions, while a path through a stability-cell connectivity graph represents a whole-arm manipulation plan that can be executed without fear of "dropping" the object. The paper gives a conceptual and analytical development of first-order stability cells of 3D rigid-body systems as conjunctions of equations and inequalities in the C-space variables. Additionally, our derivation leads to a new quasi-static jamming condition that takes into account the planned motion and kinematic structure of the active bodies. >
Polarization-Reconfigurable Circularly Polarized Planar Antenna Using Switchable Polarizer

A novel polarization-reconfigurable planar antenna is presented. The antenna consists of an electronically reconfigurable polarizer integrated with a printed slot. By changing the states of the p-i-n diodes on the polarizer, the linearly polarized (LP) waves radiated by the slot can be converted into either right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) or left-hand CP (LHCP) waves. The polarizer contains 16 unit cells arranged as a $4\times 4$ array. The antenna radiates RHCP waves if the p-i-n diodes on the top side of the polarizer are switched ON, while LHCP waves are radiated if the p-i-n diodes of the bottom side of the polarizer are switched ON instead. The physical mechanisms of the antenna are discussed and the parametric study is carried out by full-wave simulations. To verify the concept, one prototype at 2.5 GHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. Good agreement between the measured and simulated results is obtained. The antenna achieves a gain ≥8.5 dBic in both RHCP and LHCP with an aperture efficiency of 70%. Advantages of the proposed design include electronically reconfigurable polarizations for RHCP or LHCP, low profile, low cost, high isolation between the dc bias circuit and RF signals, high power handling capability, and easy extension to large-scale arrays without increasing the complexity of the dc bias circuit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an electronically polarization-reconfigurable CP antenna with a single-substrate polarizer.
Impact of survey description, administration format, and exclusionary criteria on population prevalence rates of problem gambling

The present study investigated the impact of survey administration format, survey description and gambling behaviour thresholds on obtained population prevalence rates of problem gambling. A total of 3028 adults were surveyed about their gambling behaviour, with half of these surveys administered face-to-face and half over the telephone, and half of the surveys being described as a ‘gambling survey’ and half as a ‘health and recreation’ survey. Population prevalence rates of problem gambling using the CPGI were 133% higher in ‘gambling’ vs ‘health and recreation’ surveys and 55% higher in face-to-face administration compared to telephone administration. If people with less than Can$300 in annual gambling expenditures are not asked questions about problem gambling, then the obtained problem gambling prevalence rate is 42% lower. When all of these elements are aligned they result in markedly different problem gambling prevalence rates (4.1% vs 0.8%). The mechanisms for these effects and recommended procedures for future prevalence studies are discussed.
Prenatal Assessment of the Antero-Posterior Jaw Relationship in Human Fetuses: From Anatomical to Ultrasound Cephalometric Analysis

Objectives We wished to develop an ultrasound cephalometric analysis, particularly of the antero-posterior jaw relationship, to increase the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of retrognathism during the routine midterm test. Methods Anatomical cephalometric analysis was performed in 18 formalin-fixed human fetuses (between 16 and 39 gestational weeks), and ultrasound cephalometry was prospectively carried out in 52 pregnant women (21 to 25 gestational weeks). The same landmarks were used in the anatomical and ultrasound median sagittal planes for comparison. Four cephalometric angles were measured relative to the anterior cranial base: alveolar projection of the maxilla and the mandible, chin projection, and facial angle. The antero-posterior jaw discrepancy was calculated. Results The projection of the maxilla was similar in the two cephalometric analyses (IC [–3.39, 0.23]), whereas the values of the projection of the mandible were lower in the ultrasound sample. The slope of the regression line of the antero-posterior jaw discrepancy on fetuses' age did not show significant differences (IC [–0.05, 1.54]) between anatomical and ultrasound cephalometry, although a difference of 3.23° ± 0.78° (IC [1.69, 4.77]) was observed. Despite this variability, the projections of mandible and chin were well determined by the projection of the maxilla both in the anatomical and ultrasound sample. Conclusions Cephalometric analysis by prenatal sonography can be performed to study the antero-posterior jaw relationship. We think that this procedure could be useful to improve prenatal diagnosis of retrognathism in high-risk pregnancies. Further studies should address the reproducibility and accuracy of such analysis.
Occupational exposure levels of static magnetic field during routine MRI examination in 3 T MR system

Occupational exposure to the high static magnetic fields (SMFs) during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations raises concerns of adverse health effects. In this study, personal exposure monitoring of the magnetic fields during routine examinations in two 3 T MRI systems was carried out. A three‐axis Hall magnetometer was attached to a subject's chest during monitoring. Data acquisition started every time the subject entered the scanner room and ended when the subject exited the room. Four radiologic technologists from two different institutes participated in this study. The maximum exposed field ranged from 0 to 1250 mT and the average peak magnetic field (B) was 428 ± 231 mT (mean ± standard deviation (SD): number of samples (N) = 103). Then, the relationship between exposure levels and work duties was analyzed. The MRI examination of the head or neck showed the highest average peak B among four work categories. These results provide information of real exposure levels for 3 T MRI system operators and can also improve the current practical training advice for preventing extra occupational field exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:70–75, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining moderating infl uences in an Alpine tourism context

Ecotourists appreciate nature and are willing to learn about nature and ecology. Th erefore ecotourism is often seen as a product package that supports sustainable tourism development. Th is study contributes to existing research in the fi eld of ecotourism as it investigates how travel motives and environmental concern of mountain tourists infl uences their actual demand for ecotourism. A survey of mountain tourists in the Austrian Alps was conducted and reveals a positive relationship between environmental concern and ecotourism demand. Th e study measured travel motives, which are compatible and incompatible with ecotourism and showed how these motives infl uence actual demand of ecotourism. Furthermore it is postulated that education, income and the intention to revisit the destination moderate the relationship between environmental concern, mountain tourists’ motives and the tourists’ demand for ecotourism. For destination marketing it can be stated that higher educated mountain tourists with a high disposable income are a vital market segment, which should be targeted for ecotourism in the mountains. Research recommendations are highlighted and focus on loyal visitors, as it remains unclear whether loyalty with an ecotourism destination strengthens the demand for ecotourism.
Efecto de Cocoanox, un cacao rico en polifenoles, en ratas espontáneamente hipertensas

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa de muerte en el mundo. La mayor parte de los pacientes que las padecen mueren como consecuencia de su hipertension. Esta patologia representa en realidad el principal factor de riesgo cardiovascular en los paises desarrollados. Numerosos estudios han avalado las propiedades antioxidantes y antihipertensivas de los flavonoides en los ultimos anos. El cacao es uno de los alimentos que posee mayor contenido en flavonoides, principalmente flavanoles como epicatequina y catequina, pero muchos de estos flavanoles se degradan cuando se procesa el grano de cacao. En la presente Tesis Doctoral, hemos estudiado un cacao rico en polifenoles, denominado CocoanOX (CCX). Este cacao ha sido obtenido por la empresa Natraceutical Group, mediante un procedimiento patentado, que preserva de su degradacion los compuestos fenolicos que contienen los granos de cacao. Se llevo a cabo una caracterizacion del producto obtenido a escala industrial, se estudiaron los efectos de CCX y de sus principales flavanoles en ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR), y se investigaron los principales mecanismos que podrian justificar el efecto antihipertensivo de CCX. Los resultados presentados revelaron que CCX tiene una cantidad media de polifenoles, y un contenido de epicatequina y catequina, mucho mayor que un cacao estandar. CCX y sus principales flavanoles presentaron efecto antihipertensivo en las ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR), cuando se administraron de forma aguda, por via oral. La administracion cronica de CCX atenuo el desarrollo de hipertension en estos animales y mejoro su funcion endotelial. La retirada del tratamiento ocasiono la reversion de estos efectos. En el estudio de administracion cronica comprobamos que CCX no modificaba el desarrollo de las ratas SHR, y pudimos asimismo demostrar que este producto posee unas propiedades organolepticas adecuadas para su consumo.
The development of a functional task-oriented measure of pain behaviour in chronic low back pain patients.

The cause of pain and disability in chronic low back pain (CLBP) is frequently difficult if not impossible to identify. Attempts to prove a causal relationship between identified pathological evidence, pain and disability are frequently disappointing. The suggestion that chronic low back pain would be better understood in terms of inappropriate responses to pain and that the concomitant disability was better understood as inappropriate illness behaviour was suggested by Fordyce [1]. One of the key aims of a behavioural approach to the management of disability due to CLBP is the reduction of inappropriate illness (pain) behaviour. Loeser and Fordyce [2] define pain behaviour as: 'any and all outputs of the individual that a reasonable observer would characterise as suggesting pain, such as (but not limited to) posture, facial expression, verbalising, lying down, taking medicines, seeking medical assistance and receiving compensation'.
Analysis of noise and its removal in nerve conduction study signal

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is a primary study for detection of motor and sensory nerve diseases. While acquiring the NCS data, various noises suppresses the signals like power line interference (PLI) and other high and low frequency noises. Although there are several research conducted for removal of noises from NCS data, this paper describes a novel technique of noise suppression in real time NCS data by using a battery operated system that include nerve stimulation, amplifier and the filter. Noise analysis both statistical and frequency analysis has been conducted and compared with conventional power supply systems acquired from AC mains.