Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Person re-identification by the marriage of KISS metric learning and post-rank optimization: KISSPOP

Person re-identification refers to recognizing a person in different locations over non-overlapping cameras. This is an important but very challenging problem in intelligent surveillance video analysis areas. In this paper, we proposed a simple yet efficient framework KISSPOP to design a person re-identification system. In this system, we creatively combine the KISS metric (KISSME) learning with a human-in-the-loop one-shot negative sample mining process, which can also be regarded as a user feedback strategy. The purposes of feedback from user are two folds: 1. to optimize the initial result in the case KISSME does not perform well, which means the true match failed to be ranked into top n (e.g. 20); 2. to on-line update the KISSME model. Experiments on public dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework.
Community Based Policy Management for Smart Spaces

Access control in Smart Spaces requires flexible, dynamic and powerful management approaches. Policy based management has the potential to empower users and administrators in this domain. Rigid organisational models with pre-determined policy rules limits the possibilities for users’ interactions with the space and between each other. This paper outlines a community based policy management approach, which allows administrators to set boundaries within which users can manage the resources in the space themselves. It examines this model using the test case of a Smart Space in a university and finally describes the initial implementations of the community based policy management framework.
Mapping technological trajectories as patent citation networks. An application to data communication standards

We use patent citation networks to study the dynamics of technical change in Ethernet, a standard for data communication. We first consider the evolution of the broad technological system of local area networks (LANs) and we identify the most significant inventions within the specific subfield of Ethernet. Then we analyse the structure of connectivity of patent citation networks to reconstruct the main technological trajectories in this subfield. Our results suggest that these technological trajectories are characterized by the presence of a number of interconnected technological environments which cluster following an engineering logic. These clusters include the most significant patents related to ‘milestones inventions’ in the evolution of the LAN technology. Thus, our analysis of the structure of connectivity in patent citation networks seems appropriate to capture both the cumulativeness associated to the development of a specific technology and the significant discontinuities that punctuate the trajectory, as well as the technological interrelatedness characterising large technical systems.
Evaluating the impacts of theatre-based wildlife and conservation education at the zoo

Abstract The experience of visiting a zoo as a child can be remembered decades later and potentially influences future environmental attitudes. In light of steadily growing criticism of the ethics and value of live animal shows, some zoos are seeking alternative means of delivering ‘edutainment’ to a broad audience. One such alternative is through theatre. We examine whether a family-orientated zoo theatre performance achieved animal knowledge and conservation awareness impacts. Impact was demonstrated if individuals correctly stated more animal and conservation facts post-performance compared to pre-performance. The theatre production was seen to have a very strong positive effect on both children’s (pre-performance s.d.=1.69, post-performance s.d.=1.79 effect size (d)=0.70, w = 4403.5, p ≤ 0.001) and adults’ (pre-performance s.d.=1.88, post-performance s.d.=2.14, effect size (d)=0.71, w = 1931.5, p ≤ 0.001) learning. Significantly more correct answers were given post-performance compared to pre-performance. We conclude that educational, family theatre can effectively deliver animal information and raise awareness of conservation efforts within a leisure setting. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of theatre on conservation actions. Comparative studies between live animal shows and theatre could establish the best methods for conveying conservation information to zoo visitors.
Amycolatopsis albidoflavus sp. nov.

The generic position of an actinomycete strain, 'Pseudonocardia sp. ' IMSNU 22139, was investigated by the phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequence. Comparative studies of 16S rDNA sequences indicated that this organism consistently formed a distinct clade within the radiation of the genus Amycolatopsis of the family Pseudonocardiaceae. This organism was also found to have chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus Amycolatopsis, which were represented by a type IV cell wall (meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose), a major menaquinone of MK-9(H4), a predominant fatty acid of 14-methylpentadecanoic acid, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine as a diagnostic phospholipid (a phospholipid type PII pattern) and DNA base composition of 68.5 mol% G+C. On the basis of physiological properties, cellular fatty acid profiles and its unique phylogenetic position, this organism is readily differentiated from all of the validly described species of the genus Amycolatopsis, and the name Amycolatopsis albidoflavus sp. nov. is proposed for it. The type strain is IMSNU 22139T (= KCTC 9471T = ATCC 53205T).
ESB^MT: A Multi-tenant Aware Enterprise Service Bus

Multi-tenancy, the sharing of the whole technological stack by di erent consumers at the same time, allows service providers to maximize resource utilization and reduce servicing costs per customer. Essential components of the contemporary enterprise environment like the Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) are therefore required to raise to the challenge of supporting and enabling multi-tenancy, becoming multi-tenant aware. Towards this goal, in this work we discuss the requirements for multi-tenant ESB solutions as fundamental building blocks in the Platform as a Service (PaaS) Cloud delivery model. Addressing these requirements, we propose a solution for dealing with multiple tenant contexts on the level of middleware, based on which we develop ESBMT, an implementationagnostic multi-tenant aware ESB architecture that we instantiate based on the Apache ServiceMix ESB open source solution. Evaluating the performance of our proposal required the extension of an ESB benchmark, the results of which for di erent deployment options we also present in this work.
Wavelets and digital image processing

The Wavelet transform (WT) is a mathematical tool for analyzing signals. Originally introduced in a group-theoretic setting, the WT was soon realized to have powerful applications in various elds, which include analysing acustic signals 36] or the construction of time-frequency localizing operators in quantum physics 20]. The purpose of this paper is to outline the present state of the art and possible future developements of applications of the WT in image processing. Basically the WT decomposes a given function f into its components on diierent scales or frequency bands. This is done by convolving f with the translated and dilated wavelet : L f(a; b) = 1 p a Z f(t) t ? b a dt : Depending on the choice of the tranformed function allows e.g. to extract the discontinuities or edges of f, to perform a pattern recognition task or to store eeciently a compressed version of f. More over discretizing the WT leads to very fast algorithms, which are needed for real-time applications with large data sets as in image processing.
Self Management : an Innovative Tool for Enactive Human Design

The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative and creative approach to the problemD solution in decision making, based on the understanding of decision makers as human beings, and decision making processes as human networks, in an organizational context. This approach basically consists of the development of a powerful ontological tool for the observation, self-observation, design and innovation of human beings from passive observers towards enactive observers, who have to make decisions and solve problem situations through the interactions in which they participate. This tool named CLEHES© (Body – Language – Emotion – History – Eros – Silence) allows to develop not only all the human potential inside us, but also to bring all organizational resources, such as information technology and communications, into the decision makers bodies, to invent and re-invent new human practices that can create value to our organizations. Several applications of this tool have taken place in different domains and organizational contexts with amazing results, which have been the focus of continuous research projects and managerial education instances.
Comparative copy number variation from whole genome sequencing

Whole genome sequencing enables a high resolution view of the human genome and enables unique insights into copy number variations on an unprecedented scale. Numerous tools and studies have already been introduced that provide confirmatory evidence and new genomic structure variation data in individuals as well as across populations. We utilize two such tools, CNV-seq and FREEC to compare their outputs when applied to five whole genome sequences representing four populations. We focus on the ability of these tools to detect segments from two sets of segments known to vary across populations, and discuss the direction and the challenges in developing tools that detect copy number variation in collections of human genomes.
In Praise of Interdisciplinary Research through Scientometrics

The BIR workshop series foster the revitalisation of dormant links between two fields in information science: information retrieval and bibliometrics/scientometrics. Hopefully, tightening up these links will cross-fertilise both fields. I believe compelling research questions lie at the crossroads of scientometrics and other fields: not only information retrieval but also, for instance, psychology and sociology. This overview paper traces my endeavours to explore these field boundaries. I wish to communicate my enthusiasm about interdisciplinary research mediated by scientometrics and stress the opportunities offered to researchers in information science.
Increasing Maternal or Post-Weaning Folic Acid Alters Gene Expression and Moderately Changes Behavior in the Offspring

Background Studies have indicated that altered maternal micronutrients and vitamins influence the development of newborns and altered nutrient exposure throughout the lifetime may have potential health effects and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. In recent years, folic acid (FA) exposure has significantly increased as a result of mandatory FA fortification and supplementation during pregnancy. Since FA modulates DNA methylation and affects gene expression, we investigated whether the amount of FA ingested during gestation alters gene expression in the newborn cerebral hemisphere, and if the increased exposure to FA during gestation and throughout the lifetime alters behavior in C57BL/6J mice. Methods Dams were fed FA either at 0.4 mg or 4 mg/kg diet throughout the pregnancy and the resulting pups were maintained on the diet throughout experimentation. Newborn pups brain cerebral hemispheres were used for microarray analysis. To confirm alteration of several genes, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed. In addition, various behavior assessments were conducted on neonatal and adult offspring. Results Results from microarray analysis suggest that the higher dose of FA supplementation during gestation alters the expression of a number of genes in the newborns’ cerebral hemispheres, including many involved in development. QRT-PCR confirmed alterations of nine genes including down-regulation of Cpn2, Htr4, Zfp353, Vgll2 and up-regulation of Xist, Nkx6-3, Leprel1, Nfix, Slc17a7. The alterations in the expression of Slc17a7 and Vgll2 were confirmed at the protein level. Pups exposed to the higher dose of FA exhibited increased ultrasonic vocalizations, greater anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity. These findings suggest that although FA plays a significant role in mammalian cellular machinery, there may be a loss of benefit from higher amounts of FA. Unregulated high FA supplementation during pregnancy and throughout the life course may have lasting effects, with alterations in brain development resulting in changes in behavior.
Impact of Integrated Multimodal Traveler Information on Auto Commuter’s Mode Switching Propensity

Aim: Real-time traveler information affects auto commuter’s travel behavior. Method: An ordered probit model is used to analyze auto commuter’s mode switching propensity under influence of simulated real-time multimodal traveler information. A travel preference survey is administered to car drivers to gather individual commuter’s travel decisions under integrated multimodal traveler information. Result: It is shown that integrated multimodal traveler information can influence willingness of car drivers to switch mode of travel, while socio-economic characteristics also influence the mode choice decision.
Mobile robot competitions: fostering advances in research, development and education in robotics

Mobile robot competitions are events well suited to experimentation, research and development in many areas concerned with science and technology, ranging from material science to artificial intelligence. Aware of this fact, and for several years now, some Portuguese Universities have been involving some of their Engineering and Computer Science students in such contests, namely those of international level. The performance has been improving both in terms of the results and prizes obtained and the increasingly elaborate technical solutions developed by the teams. The importance recognised in these events has led the authors to submit to the Portuguese Government a proposal for an annual Festival of this kind in Portugal. This paper points out the advances in research, technology and education, which result from this type of events. Copyright CONTROLO 2000.
Web Document Retrieval Using Passage Retrieval, Connectivity Information, and Automatic Link Weighting--TREC-9 Report

This report describes the participation at the Web track of the TREC-9 of the Information Management Systems research group of the Department of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Padova (Italy). TREC-9 has been our (cid:12)rst participation to TREC and, then, to the Web track. In the following, we describe the experimental approach we have chosen, the research hypotheses and questions, the problems we encountered, the results we reached and our conclusions. We consider this experience as the (cid:12)rst step towards the participation to the next Web tracks.
Resonances in the Early Evolution of the Earth-Moon System

Most scenarios for the formation of the Moon place the Moon near Earth in low-eccentricity orbit in the equatorial plane of Earth. We examine the dynamical evolution of the Earth-Moon system from such initial configurations. We find that during the early evolution of the system, strong orbital resonances are encountered. Passage through these resonances can excite large lunar orbital eccentricity and modify the inclination of the Moon to the equator. Scenarios that resolve the mutual inclination problem are presented. A period of large lunar eccentricity would result in substantial tidal heating in the early Moon, providing a heat source for the lunar magma ocean. The resonance may also play a role in the formation of the Moon.
Out of the shadow of famine: evolving food markets and food policy in Bangladesh

This book describes how Bangladesh transformed its food markets and food policies to free the country from the constant threat of famine. Since 1990, the Bangladeshi government has dismantled its food rationing system, privatized grain distribution, eased restrictions on international trade, and reduced its own presence in grain markets. The foundation for these developments was laid in the preceding decades. Improvements in agricultural science in the 1970s roughly doubled farm yields, while in the 1980s liberalization of irrigation restrictions, the lifting of import barriers to irrigation technology, and the privatization of fertilizer distribution rapidly increased rice cultivation. These increases in production, coupled with improvements in infrastructure and a more slowly growing and increasingly urban population, have substantially changed the structure of food grain markets, leading to increased marketing volumes, lower prices, and significantly larger private grain stocks. The book sets the Bangladeshi case in the larger context of the South Asian subcontinent and other developing countries in Asia. The authors examine the shifting structure of supply and demand in the grain markets, the history of government intervention in those markets, and the more recent changes that altered the arguments for such intervention and led to policy changes. The case of Bangladesh also has more general relevance as a study of the outcomes of a market-oriented reform program.
Efficient dataset size reduction by finding homogeneous clusters

Although the k-Nearest Neighbor classifier is one of the most widely-used classification methods, it suffers from the high computational cost and storage requirements it involves. These major drawbacks have constituted an active research field over the last decades. This paper proposes an effective data reduction algorithm that has low preprocessing cost and reduces storage requirements while maintaining classification accuracy at an acceptable high level. The proposed algorithm is based on a fast pre-processing clustering procedure that creates homogeneous clusters. The centroids of these clusters constitute the reduced training-set. Experimental results, based on real-life datasets, illustrate that the proposed algorithm is faster and achieves higher reduction rates than three known existing methods, while it does not significantly reduce the classification accuracy.
Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses of calcium ATPases and calcium-regulated proteins in the apicomplexa.

The phylum Apicomplexa comprises a large group of early branching eukaryotes that includes a number of human and animal parasites. Calcium controls a number of vital processes in apicomplexans including protein secretion, motility, and differentiation. Despite the importance of calcium as a second messenger, very little is known about the systems that control homeostasis or that regulate calcium signaling in parasites. The recent completion of many apicomplexan genomes provides new opportunity to define calcium response pathways in this group of parasites in comparison to model organisms. Whole-genome comparison between the apicomplexans Plasmodium spp. , Cryptosporidium spp. , and Toxoplasma gondii revealed the presence of several P-Type Ca2+ transporting ATPases including a single endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-type sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, several Golgi-like Ca2+ ATPases, and a single Ca2+/H+ exchanger. Only T. gondii showed evidence of plasma membrane-type Ca2+ ATPases or voltage-gated calcium channels. Despite pharmacological evidence for IP3 and ryanodine-mediated calcium release, animal-type calcium channels were not readily identified in parasites, indicating they are more similar to plants. Downstream of calcium release, a variety of EF-hand-containing proteins regulate calcium responses. Our analyses detected a single conserved calmodulin (CaM) homologue, 3 distinct centrin (CETN)-caltractin-like proteins, one of which is shared with ciliates, and a variety of deep-branching, CaM-CETN-like proteins. Apicomplexans were also found to contain a wide array of calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), which are commonly found in plants. Toxoplasma gondii contains more than 20 CDPK or CDPK-related kinases, which likely regulate a variety of responses including secretion, motility, and differentiation. Genomic and phylogenetic comparisons revealed that apicomplexans contain a variety of unusual calcium response pathways that are distinct from those seen in vertebrates. Notably, plant-like pathways for calcium release channels and calcium-dependent kinases are found in apicomplexans. The experimental flexibility of T. gondii should allow direct experimental manipulation of these pathways to validate their biological roles. The central importance of calcium in signaling and development, and the novel characteristics of many of these systems, indicates that parasite calcium pathways may be exploited as new therapeutic targets for intervention.
Medium-Term Probabilistic Forecasting of Extremely Low Prices in Electricity Markets: Application to the Spanish Case

One of the most relevant challenges that have arisen in electricity markets during the last few years is the emergence of extremely low prices. Trying to predict these events is crucial for market agents in a competitive environment. This paper proposes a novel methodology to simultaneously accomplish punctual and probabilistic hourly predictions about the appearance of extremely low electricity prices in a medium-term scope. The proposed approach for making real ex ante forecasts consists of a nested compounding of different forecasting techniques, which incorporate Monte Carlo simulation, combined with spatial interpolation techniques. The procedure is based on the statistical identification of the process key drivers. Logistic regression for rare events, decision trees, multilayer perceptrons and a hybrid approach, which combines a market equilibrium model with logistic regression, are used. Moreover, this paper assesses whether periodic models in which parameters switch according to the day of the week can be even more accurate. The proposed techniques are compared to a Markov regime switching model and several naive methods. The proposed methodology empirically demonstrates its effectiveness by achieving promising results on a real case study based on the Spanish electricity market. This approach can provide valuable information for market agents when they face decision making and risk-management processes. Our findings support the additional benefit of using a hybrid approach for deriving more accurate predictions.
Evaluation on characteristics of wristband type RFID antenna using a layer structural arm model

Recently, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have been widely developed. The wristband type RFID tag is one of the applications for personal identification. In this case, since the RFID antenna is in the vicinity of a human, the human body affects the antenna characteristics. Therefore, the analyses of the performances of the RFID antenna are required. In this paper, the antenna inside the wristband was numerically analyzed and measured using the layer structural arm model. As a result, characteristics of the antenna were clarified.
Retrootting Decision Tree Classiiers Using Kernel Density Estimation

A novel method for combining decision trees and kernel density estimators is proposed. Standard classiication trees, or class probability trees, provide piecewise constant estimates of class posterior probabilities. Kernel density estimators can provide smooth non-parametric estimates of class probabilities , but scale poorly as the dimensional-ity of the problem increases. This paper discusses a hybrid scheme which uses decision trees to nd the relevant structure in high-dimensional classiication problems and then uses local kernel density estimates to t smooth probability estimates within this structure. Experimental results on simulated data indicate that the method provides substantial improvement over trees or density methods alone for certain classes of problems. The paper brieey discusses various extensions of the basic approach and the types of application for which the method is best suited.