Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Learnable Object Tracking and Detection in High-resolution Omnidirectional Images

This paper addresses object detection and tracking in high-resolution omnidirectional images. The foreseen application is a visual subsystem of a rescue robot equipped with an omnidirectional camera, which demands real time efficiency and robustness against changing viewpoint. Object detectors typically do not guarantee specific frame rate. The detection time may vastly depend on a scene complexity and image resolution. The adapted tracker can often help to overcome the situation, where the appearance of the object is far from the training set. On the other hand, once a tracker is lost, it almost never finds the object again. We propose a combined solution where a very efficient tracker (based on sequential linear predictors) incrementally accommodates varying appearance and speeds up the whole process. We experimentally show that the performance of the combined algorithm, measured by a ratio between false positives and false negatives, outperforms both individual algorithms. The tracker allows to run the expensive detector only sparsely enabling the combined solution to run in real-time on 12 MPx images from a high resolution omnidirectional camera (Ladybug3).
Cx29 and Cx32, two connexins expressed by myelinating glia, do not interact and are functionally distinct

In rodents, oligodendrocytes and myelinating Schwann cells express connexin32 (Cx32) and Cx29, which have different localizations in the two cell types. We show here that, in contrast to Cx32, Cx29 does not form gap junction plaques or functional gap junctions in transfected cells. Furthermore, when expressed together, Cx29 and Cx32 are not colocalized and do not coimmunoprecipitate. To determine the structural basis of their divergent behavior, we generated a series of chimeric Cx32‐Cx29 proteins by exchanging their intracellular loops and/or their C‐terminal cytoplasmic tails. Although some chimerae reach the cell membrane, others appear to be largely localized intracellularly; none form gap junction plaques or functional gap junctions. Substituting the C‐terminus or the intracellular loop and the C‐terminus of Cx32 with those of Cx29 does not disrupt their colocalization or coimmunoprecipitation with Cx32. Substituting the C‐terminus of Cx29 with that of Cx32 does not disrupt the coimmunoprecipitation or the colocalization with Cx29, whereas substituting both the intracellular loop and the C‐terminus of Cx32 with those of Cx29 diminishes the coimmunoprecipitation with Cx29. Conversely, the Cx32 chimera that contains the intracellular loop of Cx29 coimmunoprecipitates with Cx29, indicating that the intracellular loop participates in Cx29‐Cx29 interactions. These data indicate that homomeric interactions of Cx29 and especially Cx32 largely require other domains: the N‐terminus, transmembrane domains, and extracellular loops. Substituting the intracellular loop and/or tail of Cx32 with those of Cx29 appears to prevent Cx32 from forming functional gap junctions. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outbreak Control and Clinical, Pathological, and Epidemiological Aspects and Molecular Characterization of a Bovine Herpesvirus Type 5 on a Feedlot Farm in São Paulo State

This paper describes the control, epidemiological, pathological, and molecular aspects of an outbreak of meningoencephalitis in calves due to bovine herpesvirus 5 at a feedlot with 540 animals in São Paulo State, Brazil. The introduction of new animals and contact between the resident animals and the introduced ones were most likely responsible for virus transmission. Bovine herpesvirus 1 vaccine was used, resulting in the efficacy of the outbreak control, although two bovine herpesvirus 1 positive animals, vaccinated and revaccinated, presented meningoencephalitis, thereby characterizing vaccinal failure.
Procedural wood textures

Existing bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) models are capable of capturing the distinctive highlights produced by the fibrous nature of wood. However, capturing parameter textures for even a single specimen remains a laborious process requiring specialized equipment. In this paper we take a procedural approach to generating parameters for the wood BSDF. We characterize the elements of trees that are important for the appearance of wood, discuss techniques appropriate for representing those features, and present a complete procedural wood shader capable of reproducing the growth patterns responsible for the distinctive appearance of highly prized ``figured'' wood. Our procedural wood shader is random-access, 3D, modular, and is fast enough to generate a preview for design.
Testing LMC Microlensing Scenarios: The Discrimination Power of the SuperMACHO Microlensing Survey

Characterizing the nature and spatial distribution of the lensing objects that produce the previously measured microlensing optical depth toward the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) remains an open problem. We present an appraisal of the ability of the SuperMACHO Project, a next-generation microlensing survey directed toward the LMC, to discriminate between various proposed lensing populations. We consider two scenarios: lensing by a uniform foreground screen of objects and self-lensing by LMC stars. The optical depth for "screen lensing" is essentially constant across the face of the LMC, whereas the optical depth for self-lensing shows a strong spatial dependence. We have carried out extensive simulations, based on data obtained during the first year of the project, to assess the SuperMACHO survey's ability to discriminate between these two scenarios. In our simulations we predict the expected number of observed microlensing events for various LMC models for each of our fields by adding artificial stars to the images and estimating the spatial and temporal efficiency of detecting microlensing events using Monte Carlo methods. We find that the event rate itself shows significant sensitivity to the choice of the LMC luminosity function, limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from the absolute rate. If instead we determine the differential event rate across the LMC, we will decrease the impact of these systematic biases and render our conclusions more robust. With this approach the SuperMACHO Project should be able to distinguish between the two categories of lens populations. This will provide important constraints on the nature of the lensing objects and their contributions to the Galactic dark matter halo.
Septic B-Spline Collocation Method for the Numerical Solution of the Modified Equal Width Wave Equation

Numerical solutions of the modified equal width wave equation are obtained by using collocation method with septic B-spline finite elements with three different linearization techniques. The motion of a single solitary wave, interaction of two solitary waves and birth of solitons are studied using the proposed method. Accuracy of the method is discussed by computing the numerical conserved laws error norms L2 and L∞. The numerical results show that the present method is a remarkably successful numerical technique for solving the MEW equation. A linear stability analysis shows that this numerical scheme, based on a Crank Nicolson approximation in time, is unconditionally stable.
Reciprocal Homosynaptic and Heterosynaptic Long-Term Plasticity of Corticogeniculate Projection Neurons in Layer VI of the Mouse Visual Cortex

Most neurons in layer VI of the visual cortex project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). These corticogeniculate projection neurons (CG cells) receive top-down synaptic inputs from upper layers (ULs) and bottom-up inputs from the underlying white matter (WM). Use-dependent plasticity of these synapses in layer VI of the cortex has received less attention than in other layers. In the present study, we used a retrograde tracer injected into dLGN to identify CG cells, and, by analyzing EPSPs evoked by electrical stimulation of the UL or WM site, examined whether these synapses show long-term synaptic plasticity. Theta-burst stimulation induced long-term potentiation (LTP) of activated synapses (hom-LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of nonactivated synapses (het-LTD) in either pathway. The paired-pulse stimulation protocol and the analysis of coefficient variation of EPSPs suggested postsynaptic induction of these changes except UL-induced het-LTD, which may be presynaptic in origin. Intracellular injection of a Ca2+-chelator suggested an involvement of postsynaptic Ca2+ rise in all types of long-term plasticity. Pharmacological analysis indicated that NMDA receptors and type-5 metabotropic glutamate receptors are involved in WM-induced and UL-induced plasticity, respectively. Analysis with inhibitors and/or in transgenic mice suggested an involvement of cannabinoid type 1 receptors and calcineurin in UL-induced and WM-induced het-LTD, respectively. These results suggest that hom-LTP and het-LTD may play a role in switching the top-down or bottom-up regulation of CG cell function and/or in maintaining stability of synaptic transmission efficacy through different molecular mechanisms.
Kernel linear regression for low resolution face recognition under variable illumination

To improve the limitation of linear regression classification, a class specific kernel linear regression classification is proposed for low resolution face recognition under variable illumination. The nonlinear mapping function enhances the modeling capability for highly nonlinear data distribution. The explicit knowledge of the nonlinear mapping function can be avoided computationally by using the kernel trick. With kernel projection, the class label is also determined by calculating the minimum reconstruction error. Experiments carried out on Yale B facial database in size of 8×8 pixels reveal that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art methods and demonstrates promising abilities against severe illumination variation.
PocketHouseAR-An approach to use a Pocket PC as interaction tool for Augmented Reality

Today Augmented Reality is one of the most promising technologies in the field of computer graphics. The enrichment of the real world with virtual content can be useful in a large number of applications. Depending on the particular application, the user is more or less immersed in the virtual world. Therefore the best method of user interaction may be different in every case. Obviously there is still a lot of research which has to be done to increase the usability of Augmented Reality applications. At the same time, new ways of human-computer interaction are becoming common, for example the Pocket PC. The interaction metaphors are quite the same as on a desktop PC. This helps the user to understand quickly how to interact with the application. Our approach was to combine the possibilities of Augmented Reality with the easy-to-use interface of a Pocket PC. For this purpose, a prototypical application in the field of architecture was implemented. It allows the user to modify the computer-generated three-dimensional model of a simple house. All interaction can be achieved with a standard Pocket PC connected wirelessly to the Augmented Reality server.
The dust scattering model cannot explain the shallow X-ray decay in GRB afterglows

A dust scattering model was recently proposed to explain the shallow X-ray decay (plateau) observed prevalently in Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) early afterglows. In this model, the plateau is the scattered prompt X-ray emission by the dust located close (about 10 to a few hundred pc) to the GRB site. In this paper, we carefully investigate the model and find that the scattered emission undergoes strong spectral softening with time, due to the model’s essential ingredient thatharderX-rayphotonshavesmallerscatteringanglethusarriveearlier,whilesofterphotons suffer larger angle scattering and arrive later. The model predicts a significant change, that is �β ∼ 2–3, in the X-ray spectral index from the beginning of the plateau towards the end of the plateau, while the observed data show close to zero softening during the plateau and the plateau-to-normal transition phase. The scattering model predicts a big difference between the harder X-ray light curve and the softer X-ray light curve, i.e. the plateau in harder X-rays ends much earlier than in softer X-rays. This feature is not seen in the data. The large scattering optical depths of the dust required by the model imply strong extinction in optical, AV 10, which contradicts current findings of AV = 0.1–0.7 from optical and X-ray afterglow observations. We conclude that the dust scattering model cannot explain the X-ray plateaus.
Spending their leisure time: adult amateur musicians in a community band

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore how a group of adult amateur musicians devoted their leisure time to music making in a community band. Theoretical framework for the study was serious leisure theory, and the following research questions guided this investigation: (1) Why did these participants commit their leisure time to a community band? (2) How did their social interactions contribute to their desire to spend their leisure time music making in a community band? Interviews and observations during one eight-month concert season provided data and two themes developed during data analysis: making the commitment and camaraderie. Findings indicated that participants spent their leisure time with this community band for the elevated performance level of the ensemble, repertoire, and their engagement with social interactions. Implications for music educators include accommodating non-musical social interactions with a desire for performance excellence to encourage students to continue making music as adults.
Partial scheduling based energy aware coverage in a heterogeneous sensing system

One of the major functions of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is to provide the coverage to the network area. Many critical applications require different levels of coverage in the different parts of the network area which is generally called differential coverage. Providing differential coverage service in different period of time is a challenging due to the limited capabilities of the network nodes and due to the different levels of the demand. Moreover, different sensing devices possess different communication ranges and patterns. To handle this challenges, we focus on dynamically energy management with the required service delivery. We provide a self-adjusting approach to construct the energy efficient schedule of low powered wireless sensor nodes. For this, we consider several factors that are characterized by fuzzy membership for better approximation or selection. The evaluation function at first selects the most efficient node among the candidate nodes. Then in the next round, it selects the better node in conjunction with the previously selected nodes. We validate our method by doing experiments and we find that our framework provides the required service including saving energy.
The Control of Environmental Tobacco Smoke: A Policy Review

According to World Health Organisation figures, 30% of all cancer deaths, 20% of all coronary heart diseases and strokes and 80% of all chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are caused by cigarette smoking. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure has also been shown to be associated with disease and premature death in non-smokers. In response to this environmental health issue, several countries have brought about a smoking ban policy in public places and in the workplace. Countries such as the U.S., France, Italy, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Spain, and England have all introduced policies aimed at reducing the population exposure to ETS. Several investigations have monitored the effectiveness of these smoking ban policies in terms of ETS concentrations, human health and smoking prevalence, while others have also investigated a number of alternatives to smoking ban policy measures. This paper reviews the state of the art in research, carried out in the field of ETS, smoking bans and Tobacco Control to date and highlights the need for future research in the area.
The changing look of PKS 2149-306

Aims. We study the blazar nature of the high-redshift Flat-Spectrum Radio Quasar PKS 2149-306 ($z = 2.345$) by investigating its long-term behavior. Methods. We analyzed all publicly available optical-to-X-ray observations performed by XMM-Newton , Swift , and INTEGRAL . Results. PKS 2149-306 is one of four blazars at $z > 2$ that have been observed in the hard-X-ray regime with both the BAT and ISGRI instruments. Observations acquired almost 1 year apart in the $60{-}300$ keV energy band in the object rest frame, exhibit no noticeable change in spectral slope associated with a flux variation of more than a factor of two. Swift data appear to show a roll-off below ~1 keV, which becomes increasingly evident during a ~3-day time-frame, that can be explained as the natural spectral break caused by the Inverse Compton onset. The broad-band spectra allow us to identify two different states. The SED modeling suggests that they can be interpreted by only a change in the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet.
‘The debate almost came to a fight…’ results of a cross-national explorative study concerning history teachers´ shared beliefs about teaching historical sensitive issues

ABSTRACT This study analysed questionnaire responses from 309 history teachers who come from nine European countries and Israel. The open-ended questions explored their experiences of teaching Sensitive historical Issues (SI) from joint social psychological and history didactics perspectives. First data was analysed hermeneutically, it was then interpreted using a heuristic framework to analyse these teachers’ beliefs about SI. Three themes of shared patterns were identified in teachers’ answers: the choice of teaching SIs, pupils’ emotional reactions, and teaching strategies. Focusing on the in-depth analyses of comments about teaching strategies, 29 representative quotes were identified illustrating the teachers’ decisions to teach SIs, teachers’ pupil orientation reflecting pupils’ emotional reactions, and teachers’ orientations towards pupils` learning.
The Relationship between Nicotine Dependence and Age among Current Smokers

Background: A recent study indicates that the incidence of smoking cessation varies with age. Although nicotine dependence (ND) has been regarded as one of the most significant barriers of successful smoking cessation, few researches have focused on the relationship between nicotine dependence and age. Methods: A cross-sectional study (conducted in 2013) with 596 Chinese rural male current smokers was performed to study the relationship between ND and age. The ND level was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scale. The univariate two-degree fractional polynomials (FPs) regression was used to explore the relation of ND to age. Results: The mean of FTND scores in the middle-aged group (45–64 yr old) was higher than that in the younger (<45 yr old) and older groups (≥65 yr old). The FPs regression showed an inverse U-shaped relationship between ND and age. Conclusion: The middle-aged current smokers had higher degree of ND than the younger and the older groups, which showed an inverse U-shaped relationship between ND and age. This finding needs to be confirmed by further researches.
Multi-Label Active Learning from Crowds

Multi-label active learning is a hot topic in reducing the label cost by optimally choosing the most valuable instance to query its label from an oracle. In this paper, we consider the poolbased multi-label active learning under the crowdsourcing setting, where during the active query process, instead of resorting to a high cost oracle for the ground-truth, multiple low cost imperfect annotators with various expertise are available for labeling. To deal with this problem, we propose the MAC (Multi-label Active learning from Crowds) approach which incorporate the local influence of label correlations to build a probabilistic model over the multi-label classifier and annotators. Based on this model, we can estimate the labels for instances as well as the expertise of each annotator. Then we propose the instance selection and annotator selection criteria that consider the uncertainty/diversity of instances and the reliability of annotators, such that the most reliable annotator will be queried for the most valuable instances. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The Qualitative Report The Qualitative Report

Abstract Drawing on research from a mixed-methods project on gaming we argue for a qualitative methodological approach called “interactive elicitation,” a form of data collection that combines elements of photo elicitation, interviewing and vignettes. After situating our broader research project exploring young people’s experiences of violent open-world video games, we outline the process of conducting interactive elicitation, arguing for a mixed-methods approach where participants are observed and interviewed both during and immediately after interacting with particular cultural artefacts, in this case the game GTA V. We reflect on the initial design of the research methodology, the problematic aspects of conducting the research – focusing on social desirability bias – before proffering adaptations to our approach in relation to complementary work in the field of Game Studies. Ultimately, we argue for immediacy in relation to research on cultural experiences and the importance of social desirability as an asset in framing interaction, both of which have implications for sociological and interdisciplinary research more widely.
Backlog-Aware SRPT Flow Scheduling in Data Center Networks

The rapidly developing soft real-time data center applications impose stringent delay requirements on internal data transfers. Therefore many recently emerged network protocols in data center share a common goal of decreasing Flow Completion Time (FCT), in which case the Shortest Remaining Processing Time (SRPT) scheduling discipline has attracted widespread attentions. However, SRPT suffers the instability issue, incurring more and more flows left uncompleted even when traffic load is within network capacity, which implies unnecessary bandwidth waste. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a backlog aware scheduling algorithm (BASRPT) that stabilizes queue length while maintaining relatively low FCT based on Lyapunov optimization. To overcome the huge computational overhead, a fast and practical approximation algorithm called fast BASRPT is also developed. Extensive flow-level simulations show that fast BASRPT indeed stabilizes switch queue and obtains a higher throughput while being able to push FCT arbitrarily close to the optimal value in the condition of feasible traffic load.
Learning Latent Sub-events in Activity Videos Using Temporal Attention Filters

In this paper, we newly introduce the concept of temporal attention filters, and describe how they can be used for human activity recognition from videos. Many high-level activities are often composed of multiple temporal parts (e.g., sub-events) with different duration/speed, and our objective is to make the model explicitly learn such temporal structure using multiple attention filters and benefit from them. Our temporal filters are designed to be fully differentiable, allowing end-of-end training of the temporal filters together with the underlying frame-based or segment-based convolutional neural network architectures. This paper presents an approach of learning a set of optimal static temporal attention filters to be shared across different videos, and extends this approach to dynamically adjust attention filters per testing video using recurrent long short-term memory networks (LSTMs). This allows our temporal attention filters to learn latent sub-events specific to each activity. We experimentally confirm that the proposed concept of temporal attention filters benefits the activity recognition, and we visualize the learned latent sub-events.