Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An adaptive mixture Gaussian background model with online background reconstruction and adjustable foreground mergence time for motion segmentation

Motion segmentation is a very critical task in video surveillance system. In the paper two novel components, background reconstruction and foreground mergence time control, have been incorporated into the adaptive mixture Gaussian background model. The background reconstruction algorithm constructs a static background image from a video sequence that contains moving objects in the scene; then the static background image is used to initialize the background model. The foreground mergence time control mechanism is introduced to make the foreground mergence time adjustable and independent of the model's learning rate. Rationales are discussed in detail and experimental results are shown.
BOC, brother of CDO, is a dorsoventral axon‐guidance molecule in the embryonic vertebrate brain

The early axon scaffolding in the embryonic vertebrate brain consists of a series of ventrally projecting axon tracts that grow into a single major longitudinal pathway connected across the midline by commissures. We have investigated the role of Brother of CDO (BOC), an immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily member distantly related to the Roundabout (Robo) family of axon‐guidance receptors, in the development of this embryonic template of axon tracts in the zebrafish brain. A zebrafish homologue of BOC was isolated and shown to be expressed predominantly in the developing neural plate and later in the neural tube and developing brain. Zebrafish boc was initially highly localized to discrete bands in the mid‐ and hindbrain, but, as the major brain subdivisions emerged, it became more evenly expressed along the rostrocaudal axis, particularly in dorsal regions. The function of zebrafish boc was examined by a loss‐of‐function approach. Analysis of embryos injected with antisense morpholinos designed against boc revealed highly selective defects in the development of dorsoventrally projecting axon tracts. Loss of boc caused ventrally projecting axons, particularly those arising from the presumptive telencephalon, to follow aberrant trajectories. These data indicate that boc is an axon‐guidance molecule playing a fundamental role in pathfinding during the early patterning of the axon scaffold in the embryonic vertebrate brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 485:32–42, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stimulation of NO production and of eNOS phosphorylation in the microcirculation in vivo.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in microvascular permeability is controversial, in part because the regulation of its endothelial constitutive synthase, eNOS, has been studied in vitro but not in vivo. Our study was designed to detect the morphologic and functional presence of eNOS and to test whether eNOS could be phosphorylated by platelet-activating factor (PAF), an agent that induces hyperpermeability. Immunocytochemistry was applied using human anti-eNOS antibodies in the hamster cheek pouch (hcp). The hcp microvessels demonstrated positive reaction products in the endothelium. The functional presence of eNOS in hcp was investigated by topical application of 10(-7) M PAF to the hcp and by measuring NO production by chemiluminescence. The mean baseline value of NO release was 63.3 +/- 6.9 pmol/ml (mean +/- SE). Application of PAF led to an increase in mean NO release to 120.8 +/- 31.2 pmol/ml (P < 0.05). In another series of experiments, 10(-7) M PAF was applied topically to hcp preincubated with [(32)P]orthophosphoric acid. Immunoprecipitation and Western blots detected (32)P-labeled bands that migrated with the mobility of positive eNOS indicating phosphorylated eNOS protein. The intensity of the radioactive bands was evaluated by computer-assisted image analysis. Comparison of the net band intensities yielded a mean PAF-treated/control ratio of 1.6 +/- 0.1. Our data demonstrate the morphologic and functional presence of eNOS in the microcirculation. The data also provide evidence that the function of microvascular eNOS is subject to regulation by phosphorylation.
Hoppiness Is Happiness? Under-fertilized Hop Treatments and Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Beer

Abstract The market structure and recipes for beer has been rapidly changing with craft beers attracting more consumers. Perceived hops quality (hoppiness) is one of the main attributes that microbrewers alter to differentiate their products to satisfy consumers’ changing tastes and preferences. We hypothesize that, in addition to manipulating beer-processing conditions, the conditions under which the hops are grown may also influence the final sensory properties of the beer. Using hops from a field experiment coupled with sensory attributes and sociodemographic characteristics from a contingent valuation survey, we analyzed the impact of under-fertilized hop treatments during the growing season on consumers’ willingness to pay for beer. The results indicate that uninformed consumers in a blind tasting could identify the differences in beer made from hops across the fertilization treatments and, thus, implying that all else equal sufficient fertilizer is required to achieve satisfactory hoppiness for which consumers are willing to pay. (JEL Classifications: C91, D12, L66, Q11)
The Use of Maxlength in the RPKI

This document recommends ways to reduce forged-origin attack surface by prudently limiting the address space that is included in Route Origin Authorizations (ROAs). One recommendation is to avoid using the maxLength attribute in ROAs except in some specific cases. The recommendations complement and extend those in RFC 7115. The document also discusses creation of ROAs for facilitating Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation services. Considerations related to ROAs and origin validation for the case of destination-based Remote Triggered Black Hole (RTBH) filtering are also highlighted.
Pursuing Sustainability via Reverse Logistics: The Symbiosis Effect Between the Local Authorities and Householders

This paper reveals how factors associated with household recycling systems affect household recycling behaviour, and how household recycling behaviour affects the provision of household recycling systems by the local authorities (LA). The main objective is to reveal and explain the interaction and symbiosis effects between household recycling system and household recycling behaviour. Using a mixed methodology stance, the first approach is a qualitative research stage supported the symbiosis effect between the LAs and the householders. The second approach is quantitative research stage employed multiple regression analysis that juxtaposed the existence of interactions between personal factors and situational factors which the representation of LAs and the householders respectively. Finally, co-examination between the first and second stages revealed the need to use symbiosis effect perspective in understanding backward movement between householders and household recycling waste systems. This study has found that a "symbiosis effect" perspective appears to be a robust framework to bring together effective household waste recycling systems and sustainable development considerations to enhance both sustainability and the economy. Further, the study provides empirical evidence examining both situational and personal factors of households and their interactions, which were previously not well-understood. This study has incorporated behavioral aspects in the reverse logistics process that should help improve the LAs’ planning processes.
Endothelial Cell Cytotoxicity and Renal Hypoperfusion in Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Accessible online at: www.karger. com/journals/nef Dear Sir, The importance of the hemodynamically mediated renal disease progression has emerged inasmuch as the therapeutic intervention with immunosuppressive agents fails to counteract the accepted concept of immunologic mechanism as a determinant of disease progression and to prevent the severe form of glomerulonephropathy such as nephrosis associated with focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis from progressing to end stage renal failure [1]. In this regard, it has recently been demonstrated by intrarenal hemodynamics that a normal renal perfusion is usually associated with an intact nephronal structure and function, whereas renal hypoperfusion is a unique characteristic observation documented in severe forms of idiopathic nephrosis associated with nephronal death such as glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis [2]. In addition, it is of notion that there is a progressive reduction in renal perfusion, as the disease severity progresses [3]. This view is delineated by multiple regression analysis which demonstrates that the reduction in renal perfusion is inversely proportional to the intensity of tubulointerstitial disease [4]. Furthermore, Bohle et al. [5] also noted that there was an inverse correlation between the relative volume of the intertubular capillaries and the serum creatinine concentration. The preceding information would raise an interesting issue as to whether there is any factor in the serum of the nephrotic patient associated with clinical severity capable of inducing such a phenomenon of progressive reduction in renal perfusion. In order to address this specific issue, we performed an endothelial cell cytotoxicity test using sera from nephrotic patients as previously described [6]. In brief, the human endothelial cell line ECV 304 (American Tissue Culture Collection) in medium 199 with 10% fetal bovine serum, approximately 2 ! 104 cells/ well of 96-well tissue culture plates, was incubated overnight at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere. Sera from nephrotic patients were added in duplicate wells. The culture medium and 10% Triton X were used as controls that showed no cell lysis and 100% cell lysis, respectively. The testing cultures were incubated as above for an additional 48 h. After incubation, each well was washed with phosphate-buffered saline and then stained with crystal violet. The stained cells were lysed with acid alcohol solution, and the optical density (OD) was determined by using a microtiter plate reader (model 3550; Biorad) at 550 nm. The percentage of cytotoxicity was calculated by:
Requirement for C3G‐dependent Rap1 activation for cell adhesion and embryogenesis

C3G is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rap1, and is activated via Crk adaptor protein. To understand the physiological role of C3G, we generated C3G knockout mice. C3G−/− homozygous mice died before embryonic day 7.5. The lethality was rescued by the expression of the human C3G transgene, which could be excised upon the expression of Cre recombinase. From the embryo of this mouse, we prepared fibroblast cell lines, MEF‐hC3G. Expression of Cre abolished the expression of C3G in MEF‐hC3G and inhibited cell adhesion‐induced activation of Rap1. The Cre‐expressing MEF‐hC3G showed impaired cell adhesion, delayed cell spreading and accelerated cell migration. The accelerated cell migration was suppressed by the expression of active Rap1, Rap2 and R‐Ras. Expression of Epac and CalDAG‐GEFI, GEFs for Rap1, also suppressed the accelerated migration of the C3G‐deficient cells. This observation indicated that Rap1 activation was sufficient to complement the C3G deficiency. In conclusion, C3G‐dependent activation of Rap1 is required for adhesion and spreading of embryonic fibroblasts and for the early embryogenesis of the mouse.
Effect of Punctal Occlusion on Tear Menisci in Symptomatic Contact Lens Wearers

Purpose: To investigate by ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography the effect of punctal occlusion on tear menisci in symptomatic and asymptomatic contact lens wearers. Methods: Symptomatic subjects with self-reported dry eyes (n = 20) and asymptomatic subjects (n = 20) were recruited. For each subject, 1 eye was randomly chosen for both upper and lower punctal occlusion with collagen plugs. Ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography imaged both upper and lower tear menisci before punctal occlusion, and 1, 4, 7, and 10 days afterward. Comfort scoring, noninvasive tear break-up time, tear break-up time, and Schirmer test with anesthesia were also performed. Results: Tear meniscus variables in the symptomatic group were lower than those in the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05) at all time points except for day 4. In the symptomatic group, the tear menisci were increased up to day 4 after punctal occlusion (P < 0.05). The increase was present only on day 1 in the asymptomatic group. Improvement of comfort scores and noninvasive tear break-up time occurred in both groups after occlusion (P < 0.05). The comfort scores were linearly correlated with the tear volumes after punctal occlusion, with higher correlation coefficients in the symptomatic group. Conclusions: Punctal occlusion transiently increased tear menisci in symptomatic and asymptomatic lens wearers, with a longer duration in the symptomatic group. For both symptomatic and asymptomatic lens wearers, the increased meniscus volume was associated with improved ocular comfort.
SENTIMENT ANALYSIS OF ISLAMIC WAQF: EVIDENCE IN INDONESIA

It is important to do research on public sentiment towards waqf presence in a country in order to know public response to its existence. This study aimed to determine public sentiment towards waqf in Indonesia. Data were collected from 80 articles, journals and other writings. Data were analyzed using the software Semantria as an analytical tool in the form of text. The results showed that the assessment of existence of waqf in Indonesia amounted to 66% of the community showed positive and high positive sentiment, 11% indicate negative sentiment and 23% indicates a neutral sentiment. T herefore, stakeholders need to take advantage of the awakening momentum of waqf in Indonesia so that in the future they can be a solution to the problems of social economy and the benefit of society .
Planning for Human Resources Development

Human Resources Development (HRD) should be a continuous and planned process. Neglecting it, because its results are not discernible in the short run, can weaken the organization. Based on the experiences of several public and private sector enterprises, T V Rao outlines in this article the steps that managers should take to strengthen HRD processes.
HEMODYNAMIC AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE DURING PORCINE ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY

In awake spontaneously breathing mice, inhaling gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced a "suspended animation-like" metabolic status with hypothermia and reduced O2 demand, thus protecting from lethal hypoxia. Murine models may be questioned, however, because due to their large surface area/mass ratio, rodents can rapidly drop their core temperature. Therefore, we investigated whether intravenous H2S (Na2S, sodium sulfide) would induce a comparable metabolic response in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs. Because H2S was reported to improve heart function after myocardial ischemia, we also investigated whether sulfide would influence the noradrenaline responsiveness during reperfusion after aortic occlusion. After 2 h of i.v. sulfide (0.2 mg·kg−1 followed by 2 mg·kg−1·per h; n = 8) or vehicle (n = 8), animals underwent 30 minutes of aortic occlusion with nitroglycerine, esmolol, and adenosine-5&vprime;-triphosphate adjusted to maintain MAP at 80% to 120% of baseline. During reperfusion, noradrenaline was titrated to keep MAP greater than or equal to 80% of this level. Sulfide reduced heart rate and cardiac output without affecting stroke volume, markedly decreased the time and dose of noradrenaline required to maintain hemodynamic targets, and caused a drop in core temperature concomitant with lower O2 uptake and CO2 production. Although arterial PCO2 and acid-base status were comparable, arterial PO2 was lower in the sulfide group at the end of the experiment. Sulfide attenuated the reperfusion-related hyperlactatemia, although glycemia was higher at the end of the experiment. The parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress did not differ. Intravenous sulfide allowed reducing energy expenditure in an anesthetized large-animal model and improved the noradrenaline responsiveness during reperfusion after aortic occlusion. Investigations are warranted, hence, whether it may also protect other organs after I/R injury.
Failure and success factors of educational ICT projects: a group concept mapping approach

Like most Western countries, the Netherlands invests heavily in stimulating better andmore creative use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in highereducation. Unfortunately, these highly funded initiatives often result in short-lived orlocal successes or outright failures. Identifying determinants for failure and success ofthese innovations might help solve this problem. This colloquium describes an experi-mental study that validated failure and success factors found in an earlier literaturestudy (see Hendriks, Kirschner, Paas & Wopereis, 2005), and identiﬁed new factors byusing a group concept mapping technique (Stoyanov & Kirschner, 2004; Trochim,1989).
In search of the visual pigment template

Absorbance spectra were recorded by microspectrophotometry from 39 different rod and cone types representing amphibians, reptiles, and fishes, with A1- or A2-based visual pigments and λmax ranging from 357 to 620 nm. The purpose was to investigate accuracy limits of putative universal templates for visual pigment absorbance spectra, and if possible to amend the templates to overcome the limitations. It was found that (1) the absorbance spectrum of frog rhodopsin extract very precisely parallels that of rod outer segments from the same individual, with only a slight hypsochromic shift in λmax, hence templates based on extracts are valid for absorbance in situ; (2) a template based on the bovine rhodopsin extract data of Partridge and De Grip (1991) describes the absorbance of amphibian rod outer segments excellently, contrary to recent electrophysiological results; (3) the λmax/λ invariance of spectral shape fails for A1 pigments with small λmax and for A2 pigments with large λmax, but the deviations are systematic and can be readily incorporated into, for example, the Lamb (1995) template. We thus propose modified templates for the main “α-band” of A1 and A2 pigments and show that these describe both absorbance and spectral sensitivities of photoreceptors over the whole range of λmax. Subtraction of the α-band from the full absorbance spectrum leaves a “β-band” described by a λmax-dependent Gaussian. We conclude that the idea of universal templates (one for A1- and one for A2-based visual pigments) remains valid and useful at the present level of accuracy of data on photoreceptor absorbance and sensitivity. The sum of our expressions for the α- and β-band gives a good description for visual pigment spectra with λmax > 350 nm.
Semantic audio analysis utilities and applications

Extraction, representation, organisation and application of metadata about audio recordings are in the concern of semantic audio analysis. Our broad interpretation, aligned with recent developments in the field, includes methodological aspects of semantic audio, such as those related to information management, knowledge representation and applications of the extracted information. In particular, we look at how Semantic Web technologies may be used to enhance information management practices in two audio related areas: music informatics and music production. In the first area, we are concerned with music information retrieval (MIR) and related research. We examine how structured data may be used to support reproducibility and provenance of extracted information, and aim to support multi-modality and context adaptation in the analysis. In creative music production, our goals can be summarised as follows: O↵-the-shelf sound editors do not hold appropriately structured information about the edited material, thus human-computer interaction is ine cient. We believe that recent developments in sound analysis and music understanding are capable of bringing about significant improvements in the music production workflow. Providing visual cues related to music structure can serve as an example of intelligent, context-dependent functionality. The central contributions of this work are a Semantic Web ontology for describing recording studios, including a model of technological artefacts used in music production, methodologies for collecting data about music production workflows and describing the work of audio engineers which facilitates capturing their contribution to music production, and finally a framework for creating Web-based applications for automated audio analysis. This has applications demonstrating how Semantic Web technologies and ontologies can facilitate interoperability between music research tools, and the creation of semantic audio software, for instance, for music recommendation, temperament estimation or multi-modal music tutoring.
Bridging the gap between dataplanes and commodity operating systems

The conventional wisdom is that aggressive networking requirements, such as high packet rates for small messages and μs-scale tail latency, are best addressed outside the kernel, in a user-level networking stack. In particular, dataplanes borrow design elements from network middleboxes to run tasks to completion in tight loops. In its basic form, the dataplane design leverages sweeping simplifications such as the elimination of any resource management and any task scheduling to improve throughput and lower latency. As a result, dataplanes perform best when the request rate is predictable (since there is no resource management) and the service time of each task has a low execution time and a low dispersion. On the other hand, they exhibit poor energy proportionality and workload consolidation, and suffer from head-of-line blocking. This thesis proposes the introduction of resource management to dataplanes. Current dataplanes decrease latency by constantly polling for incoming network packets. This approach trades energy usage for latency. We argue that it is possible to introduce a control plane, which manages the resources in the most optimal way in terms of power usage without affecting the performance of the dataplane. Additionally, this thesis proposes the introduction of scheduling to dataplanes. Current designs operate in a strict FIFO and run-to-completion manner. This method is effective only when the incoming request requires a minimal amount of processing in the order of a few microseconds. When the processing time of requests is (a) longer or (b) follows a distribution with higher dispersion, the transient load imbalances and head-of-line blocking deteriorate the performance of the dataplane. We claim that it is possible to introduce a scheduler to dataplanes, which routes requests to the appropriate core and effectively reduce the tail latency of the system while at the same time support a wider range of workloads.