Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape for Zero-Inflated and Overdispersed Count Data

Frequent problems in applied research preventing the application of the classical Poisson log-linear model for analyzing count data include overdispersion, an excess of zeros compared to the Poisson distribution, correlated responses, as well as complex predictor structures comprising nonlinear effects of continuous covariates, interactions or spatial effects. We propose a general class of Bayesian generalized additive models for zero-inflated and overdispersed count data within the framework of generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape where semiparametric predictors can be specified for several parameters of a count data distribution. As standard options for applied work we consider the zero-inflated Poisson, the negative binomial and the zero-inflated negative binomial distribution. The additive predictor specifications rely on basis function approximations for the different types of effects in combination with Gaussian smoothness priors. We develop Bayesian inference based on Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques where suitable proposal densities are constructed based on iteratively weighted least squares approximations to the full conditionals. To ensure practicability of the inference, we consider theoretical properties like the involved question whether the joint posterior is proper. The proposed approach is evaluated in simulation studies and applied to count data arising from patent citations and claim frequencies in car insurances. For the comparison of models with respect to the distribution, we consider quantile residuals as an effective graphical device and scoring rules that allow us to quantify the predictive ability of the models. The deviance information criterion is used to select appropriate predictor specifications once a response distribution has been chosen. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Moving Object Detection Using an In-Vehicle Fish-Eye Camera

This paper proposes a robust rear-view camera based moving object detection algorithm for backup aid and parking assist applications. A single fish-eye camera is used in order to get much larger FOV (field of view) for object detection. To detect various moving objects such as vehicles and pedestrians, the ego-motion of host vehicle is firstly estimated by A robust NGPP (near ground point projection) method. Then a novel point based moving object detection method is proposed which can detect fast motion as well as slight motion in the fish-eye image. Finally, a region based motion compensation method is used in order to filter out the false detection results caused by the error matching points. Experimental results under various conditions show that most of moving objects can be detected correctly by our algorithm.
Generating a multiplicity of policies for agent steering in crowd simulation

Pedestrian steering algorithms range from completely procedural to entirely data‐driven, but the former grossly generalize across possible human behaviors and suffer computationally, whereas the latter are limited by the burden of ever‐increasing data samples. Our approach seeks the balanced middle ground by deriving a collection of machine‐learned policies based on the behavior of a procedural steering algorithm through the decomposition of the space of possible steering scenarios into steering contexts. The resulting algorithm scales well in the number of contexts, the use of new data sets to create new policies, and in the number of controlled agents as the policies become a simple evaluation of the rules asserted by the machine‐learning process. We also explore the use of synthetic data from an “oracle algorithm” that serves as an as‐needed source of samples, which can be stochastically polled for effective coverage. We observe that our approach produces pedestrian steering similar to that of the oracle steering algorithm, but with a significant performance boost. Runtime was reduced from hours under the oracle algorithm with 10 agents to on the order of 10 frames per second (FPS) with 3000 agents. We also analyze the nature of collisions in such a framework with no explicit collision avoidance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endogenous Fluctuations in a Bounded Rationality Economy: Learning Non-perfect Foresight Equilibria

Abstract We study forward-looking economic models assuming that agents take one step ahead expectations looking back k time periods. We show that the dynamics of the economy with such an expectation function are characterized by the coexistence of perfect foresight and nonperfect foresight cycles. The stability of all these periodic solutions under bounded rationality is related to the stability of the perfect foresight cycles. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C62, D83, D84, E31, E32.
Summaries of certain spatial patterns retrieved from multidate remote-sensing data

This paper presents an approach to describe patterns in remote-sensed images utilising fuzzy logic. The truth of a linguistic proposition such as Y is F can be determined for each pattern characterised by a tuple in the database, where Y is the pattern and F is a summary that applies to that pattern. This proposition is formulated in terms of primary quantitative measures, such as area, length, perimeter, and so forth, of the pattern. Fuzzy descriptions of linguistic summaries help to evaluate the degree to which a summary describes a pattern or object in the database. Techniques, such as clustering and genetic algorithms, are used to mine images. Image mining is a relatively new area of research. It is used to extract patterns from multidated satellite images of a geographic area.
Micronutrient Fortification to Improve Growth and Health of Maternally HIV-Unexposed and Exposed Zambian Infants: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background The period of complementary feeding, starting around 6 months of age, is a time of high risk for growth faltering and morbidity. Low micronutrient density of locally available foods is a common problem in low income countries. Children of HIV-infected women are especially vulnerable. Although antiretroviral prophylaxis can reduce breast milk HIV transmission in early infancy, there are no clear feeding guidelines for after 6 months. There is a need for acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe (AFASS by WHO terminology) foods for both HIV-exposed and unexposed children after 6 months of age. Methods and Findings We conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, a randomised double-blind trial of two locally made infant foods: porridges made of flour composed of maize, beans, bambaranuts and groundnuts. One flour contained a basal and the other a rich level of micronutrient fortification. Infants (n = 743) aged 6 months were randomised to receive either regime for 12 months. The primary outcome was stunting (length-for-age Z<−2) at age 18 months. No significant differences were seen between trial arms overall in proportion stunted at 18 months (adjusted odds ratio 0.87; 95% CI 0.50, 1.53; P = 0.63), mean length-for-age Z score, or rate of hospital referral or death. Among children of HIV-infected mothers who breastfed <6 months (53% of HIV-infected mothers), the richly-fortified porridge increased length-for-age and reduced stunting (adjusted odds ratio 0.17; 95% CI 0.04, 0.84; P = 0.03). Rich fortification improved iron status at 18 months as measured by hemoglobin, ferritin and serum transferrin receptors. Conclusions In the whole study population, the rich micronutrient fortification did not reduce stunting or hospital referral but did improve iron status and reduce anemia. Importantly, in the infants of HIV-infected mothers who stopped breastfeeding before 6 months, the rich fortification improved linear growth. Provision of such fortified foods may benefit health of these high risk infants. Trial registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN37460449
An authentication protocol for mobile cellular network

Current cellular telephone system is vulnerable to various attacks. With more complicated equipments, it is possible to receive the ESN and PIN of legal user and use them to commit cellular telephone frauds. Generally, the frauds can be classified into three: subscription fraud, technical fraud, and internal fraud. This paper analyses the frauds in cellular mobile communication and provides an efficient authentication protocol that can be taken to protect the current system.
A Primitive for Proving the Security of Every Bit andAbout Universal Hash Functions & Hard CorePredicates ?

In 1999, J. H astad and M. NN aslund 13] could prove that every bit is a hard core of the RSA function. From this work we extract an abstract theorem about the hidden number problem which can be used to prove that every bit is a hard core of many speciic cryptographic functions. Applications are RSA, ElGamal, Rabin, a modiied Diie-Hellman function, Pailler's cryptosystem, the Diie-Hellman function for elliptic curves and discrete exponentiation. So far all in the literature known general constructions of hard core predicates for any one-way function (for example the famous Goldreich-Levin Bit 12]) are based on some set of universal hash functions (UHF). The natural open question was if there may be a nice connection between UHF and hard core predicates. We present an example providing a negative answer to that question. Furthermore, as an alternative to the Goldreich-Levin Bit, we give a new and eecient construction of a hard core predicate of any one-way function that is based on the hidden number problem.
Design of Almost Symmetric Orthogonal Wavelet Filter Bank Via Direct Optimization

It is a well-known fact that (compact-support) dyadic wavelets [based on the two channel filter banks (FBs)] cannot be simultaneously orthogonal and symmetric. Although orthogonal wavelets have the energy preservation property, biorthogonal wavelets are preferred in image processing applications because of their symmetric property. In this paper, a novel method is presented for the design of almost symmetric orthogonal wavelet FB. Orthogonality is structurally imposed by using the unnormalized lattice structure, and this leads to an objective function, which is relatively simple to optimize. The designed filters have good frequency response, flat group delay, almost symmetric filter coefficients, and symmetric wavelet function.
Prescriptions for Information Systems Planning in a Turbulent Environment

Observers have offered prescriptions for IS planning in a turbulent business environment. The action research described here examined actual IS planning practices in two real-world organizations in such an environment. One organization adhered closely to many of the planning prescriptions and the other did not. Their experiences support the view that the analysis of the external environment and a continuous planning process are essential in such an environment. More importantly, they suggest that, in a turbulent environment, comprehensive IS planning (i.e., adherence to many prescriptions) is more effective than less rigorous planning. Such a conclusion may seem counterintuitive. Although the experiences facilitate the development of new prescriptions, they impugn some of the others.
A Phenomenological Model of Overgeneral Memory

Overgeneral memory retrieval (OGM) is defined as a difficulty recalling specific personal memories, and/or the tendency to recall non-specific memories, when asked to recall an event in response to emotional cue words. This research project examined the nature of cognitive processes underlying OGM in individuals with a history of trauma and depression. Regardless of the large body of existing research, the following points remain unclear: the course of OGM (e.g., the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of OGM); the reason why trauma history and depression are particularly relevant to OGM; and the relationships between a history of trauma, depression and OGM. To answer these points, the similarities and differences of OGM in individuals with a history of trauma and depression were examined through a series of studies. Prior to the main studies, the role of childhood trauma as opposed to adulthood trauma in OGM was examined in Study 1 (Ono & Devilly, 2013) based on the idea that OGM is a developmental memory deficit. As its significant relationship with OGM was found, childhood trauma became the focus of this research project.
Effect of Soccer Games on Gross Motor Development in Preschoolers

This study investigated the effects of playing soccer on the quality of gross motor skills in preschoolers. A 2-group, pretest-posttest design was adopted, comprising both an experimental and a control group. The participants were recruited from 2 public kindergartens located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The approval of the legal representatives of the 101 preschoolers enrolled in these kindergartens and aged between 4 years and 6 years and 11 months was obtained, and purposive grouping was subsequently conducted. The experimental group comprised 44 participants from the first kindergarten, whereas the control group comprised 43 participants from the second kindergarten. After the recruitment, the experimental group received a soccer program intervention: a 10-week soccer program with two 40-minute sessions per week. Before and after the experiment, the gross motor quality of both groups was measured using the Preschooler Gross Motor Quality Scale, which covers tests for locomotion, object manipulation, and balance. The results of the 10-week intervention showed significantly higher scores for locomotion, object manipulation, balance, and overall gross motor quality in the experimental group than in the control group. This study confirmed that a 10-week soccer program is beneficial for gross motor development in preschoolers. The research results can serve as a reference for gross motor development in preschool education.
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma continues to rise: analysis of period and birth cohort effects on recent trends.

BACKGROUND During the past four decades, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased markedly in Western populations. Recent reports have suggested that the rate of increase has slowed or plateaued. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using data from cancer registries in Australia, the United States and Sweden, we examined incidence trends for esophageal and gastric cardia tumors between 1984 and 2008 using joinpoint analyses and age-period-cohort models. RESULTS EAC incidence continues to undergo statistically significant annual increases in Australia and the United States, although the rate of increase has slowed. Among men, incidence increased annually by 2.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5% to 2.9%] between 1994 and 2008 in Australia and 1.5% (95% CI 0.2% to 2.8%) between 1998 and 2008 in the United States. EAC incidence among men remained unchanged in Sweden between 2001 and 2008 (P = 0.52). EAC incidence among women showed significant linear increases between 1984 and 2008. Age-period-cohort models suggested strong effects for both period and birth cohort on EAC incidence in Australia and the United States, and a strong period effect for Sweden. CONCLUSIONS EAC incidence continues to increase in Australia and the United States. The continued increases, even among more recent birth cohorts, suggest that EAC incidence will continue to rise during coming decades.
Case Study of Wearable Computing for Aircraft Maintenance

In this paper we present a concept for a combination of wearable computing and knowledge management with the goal to shorten the maintenance process in the aircraft industry. This research is part of an ongoing project which is carried out in cooperation with an aircraft company. This paper describes the functions of the wearable devices as well as the conceptual realization.
User Requirements Analysis on Ontology Visualization

The variety of forms and applications of ontologies reflect the different needs and tasks for users.Visualizations can support users in their work with ontologies. The numbers of different visualization methods and tools also point to the varied kinds of ontologies and contexts in which they are used.However, research on users' attitudes and their expectations on such ontology visualizations is rare.Therefore, we conducted interviews and an online survey to find out more about users' needs. The paper discusses the design and the result of the survey. In particular, it shows several requirements that were discovered and can lay the foundation for further visualization methods.
MicroRNA profiles following metformin treatment in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and is considered to be a causative factor of cryptogenic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate messenger RNA (mRNA). Recently, it was demonstrated that the aberrant expression of certain miRNAs plays a pivotal role in liver disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in miRNA profiles associated with metformin treatment in a NASH model. Eight-week-old male mice were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet alone or with 0.08% metformin for 15 weeks. Metformin significantly downregulated the level of plasma transaminases and attenuated hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis. The expression of miRNA-376a, miRNA-127, miRNA-34a, miRNA-300 and miRNA-342-3p was enhanced among the 71 upregulated miRNAs, and the expression of miRNA-122, miRNA-194, miRNA-101b and miRNA-705 was decreased among 60 downregulated miRNAs in the liver of MCD-fed mice when compared with control mice. Of note, miRNA profiles were altered following treatment with metformin in MCD-fed mice. miRNA-376a, miRNA-127, miRNA-34a, miRNA-300 and miRNA-342-3p were down-regulated, but miRNA-122, miRNA-194, miRNA-101b and miRNA-705 were significantly upregulated in MCD-fed mice treated with metformin. miRNA profiles were altered in MCD-fed mice and metformin attenuated this effect on miRNA expression. Therefore, miRNA profiles are a potential tool that may be utilized to clarify the mechanism behind the metformin-induced improvement of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis. Furthermore, identification of targetable miRNAs may be used as a novel therapy in human NASH.
Examining Kalman Filters Applied to Tracking Objects in Motion

Kalman filters were used for establishing relations between objects moving in video frames to the real moving objects under analysis. As a result of applying some popular methods of moving objects detection, the objects were represented by rectangles. A two-dimensional colour histogram based on a chromatic space was used for each object in experiments. The objects coupling with adequate regions including the relation of many-to-many was studied experimentally employing Kalman filters. The implemented algorithm provides a part of an advanced audio-video surveillance system for security applications.
Assembling Actor-based Mind-Maps from Text Stream

For human beings, the processing of text streams of unknown size leads generally to problems because e.g. noise must be selected out, information be tested for its relevance or redundancy, and linguistic phenomenon like ambiguity or the resolution of pronouns be advanced. Putting this into simulation by using an artificial mind-map is a challenge, which offers the gate for a wide field of applications like automatic text summarization or punctual retrieval. In this work we present a framework that is a first step towards an automatic intellect. It aims at assembling a mind-map based on incoming text streams and on a subject-verb-object strategy, having the verb as an interconnection between the adjacent nouns. The mind-map's performance is enriched by a pronoun resolution engine that bases on the work of D. Klein, and C. D. Manning.
An Architecture for a Context-aware Service Broker in Ubiquitous Computing Environments

In ubiquitous computing environments, many de- vices and agents interoperate with each other and use services provided by others. But the problem is that there may be requests that can not be fulfilled by available services. A solution to this problem is to use service brokers that compose existing services and create new value added services that can fulfill the clients' requests. In this paper, we present an architecture for a context- aware service broker that not only is able to compose services for responding to new requests, but also considers the context of its clients for providing customized and personalized outputs and behaviors.
Relationship between Fear of Falling, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Daycare Service Users

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been found to affect the fear of falling (FOF). Although objective measures can improve the accuracy of measurement compared with subjective measures, previous studies have primarily used self-report measures to assess PA. The relationship between FOF, PA, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly people who need long-term care has therefore not been sufficiently clarified. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between FOF, PA, and HRQOL in elderly daycare service users. Methods: The participants were 39 frail elderly people living at home who regularly used daycare facilities (13 men, 26 women; mean age, 75.1±6.7 years). A cross-sectional study design was used. FOF was assessed using the Japanese version of the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), PA was measured using a triaxial accelerometer, and HRQOL was assessed using the Japanese version of the Short Form-8 Health Survey. Based on median FES scores, participants were divided into two groups, High FES and Low FES, and then the PA and HRQOL values were compared. Results: Patients in the Low FES group had significantly less PA (p = 0.019) and lower physical component scores in regard to HRQOL ( p = 0.006). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the presence of a relationship between low FES scores in elderly daycare service users and less PA and low physical component scores in regard to HRQOL.
Social work and food security: Case study on the nutritional capabilities of the landfill waste pickers in South Africa

Food security (or the lack of it) has a direct impact on people’s well-being and is of great concern to many disciplines. The study on which the article is based used Drèze and Sen’s ‘nutritional capability’ concept as a theoretical framework to explain the food (in)security of landfill waste pickers. A cross-sectional research approach was followed, coupled with a triangulation mixed method research design. Viewing the waste pickers against the nutritional capability framework highlighted the important role that social work should play in focusing on people’s capabilities within their particular context.
Simulation platform for inter-vehicle communications and analysis of periodic information exchange

Due to the large amount of nodes that could comprise a vehicular network, simulation is a valuable tool used for the design and analysis of inter-vehicle communication protocols. In this paper we first describe all the components of a simulation framework that has ns-2 as core building block. Our main contributions are an accurate implementation of the MAC and PHY modules adjusted to vehicular environments together with a well defined set of metrics to evaluate communication protocols for vehicular networks. Second, we make use of the simulation framework to perform a detailed analysis of periodic exchange of broadcast messages when adjusting transmission power and packet generation rate for different propagation models