Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semantic Associations between Signs and Numerical Categories in the Prefrontal Cortex

The utilization of symbols such as words and numbers as mental tools endows humans with unrivalled cognitive flexibility. In the number domain, a fundamental first step for the acquisition of numerical symbols is the semantic association of signs with cardinalities. We explored the primitives of such a semantic mapping process by recording single-cell activity in the monkey prefrontal and parietal cortices, brain structures critically involved in numerical cognition. Monkeys were trained to associate visual shapes with varying numbers of items in a matching task. After this long-term learning process, we found that the responses of many prefrontal neurons to the visual shapes reflected the associated numerical value in a behaviorally relevant way. In contrast, such association neurons were rarely found in the parietal lobe. These findings suggest a cardinal role of the prefrontal cortex in establishing semantic associations between signs and abstract categories, a cognitive precursor that may ultimately give rise to symbolic thinking in linguistic humans.
RAC ROBOTIC SOCCER SMALL-SIZE TEAM: CONTROL ARCHITECTURE AND GLOBAL VISION

The main goal of the RAC project is to develop a robotic soccer team for participating in the RoboCup's small-size league competitions. This paper is focused on two main issues: distributed control of a team of robotic soccer robots; and computer vision for tracking and localization. A distributed control architecture tailored for robotic soccer is presented, which aims at fostering cooperation in the absence of centralized control. It is also described a global vision system based on two overhead cameras and color segmentation, which provides the RAC team with real-time information about the game.
Articulatory synthesis of words in six voice qualities using a modified two-mass model of the vocal folds

A modified two-mass model of the vocal folds is introduced and applied to the articulatory synthesis of words in six voi ce qualities. The modified two-mass model uses mass elements that are inclined, instead of parallel, with respect to the d orsoventral axis as a function of the degree of abduction. This allows to produce the continuum of voice qualities from pressed over modal to breathy voices. Furthermore, the model is extended by a variable posterior chink to represent the space between the arytenoid cartilages, like in whispery phonation. Five words were each synthesized with different glottal settings to simulate modal voice, pressed voice, br eathy voice, whispery voice, vocal fry, and falsetto. The stim uli were judged by a group of listeners in a forced-choice experiment with respect to the perceived voice qualities. Apart from whispery voice, which was more often judged as breathy than whispery, all voice types were identified as intended with probabilities between 50% (modal voice) and 94% (falsetto), which are well above the chance level of 16.1%.
Intelligent Shelter Allotment for Emergency Evacuation Planning: A Case Study of Makkah

Given maps of an evacuee population, shelter destinations, and a transportation network, the goal of intelligent shelter allotment (ISA) is to assign routes, exits, and shelters to evacuees for quick and safe evacuation. ISA is important due to emergency planning and response applications, but it's also challenging due to movement conflicts and transportation-network choke points. Current practices based on the nearest exit or shelter (NES) paradigm and computational approaches such as capacity-constrained route planning (CCRP) have shortcomings in meeting these challenges. The authors of this article propose a novel approach--Crowd-separated Allocation of Routes, Exits and Shelters (CARES)--based on the idea of spatial anomaly avoidance. Experiments case study regarding Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, show that CARES meets both challenges by providing faster evacuation than NES and much lesser evacuee movement conflict risk than CCRP.
Reliable Routing Protocols in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks

One of the notoriously difficult problems in vehicular adhoc networks is to ensure that established paths do not break before the end of data transmission. This is a difficult problem because the network topology is changing constantly and the routing links are inherently unstable due to the high mobility of vehicles. This paper classified the existing routing protocols which are designed for vehicular network environment. Currently, there are five major types of routing protocols based on the metrics used for routing: 1) flooding based routing, 2) mobility based routing, 3) infrastructure based routing, 4) geographic location based routing, 5) probability model based routing. We give an introduction of each type of routing method. The motivation of this paper is to introduce the general design ideas and state of the art of each category of routing protocols. It will help new researchers to design more reliable routing protocols.
Hepatitis C Virus Genie: A Web 2.0 Interpretation and Analytics Platform for the Versant Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Line Probe Assay Version 2.0

Context: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping at our institution is performed using the Versant HCV genotype 2.0 Line Probe Assay (LiPA). The last steps of this procedure are manual, laborious, and error-prone process that involves the comparison of the banding pattern on a test strip to a physical reference table. Aim: We developed a web-based HCV genotype interpretation platform that utilizes a scanned image to generate the genotypes, thus minimizing interpretation time and reducing error. Subjects and Methods: HCV Genie 2 utilizes a database of banding patterns in conjuncture with image analysis algorithms to determine the genotype for any number of scanned LiPA strips. HCV Genie 2 is built with client-side JavaScript; allowing the program to run in the user' browser rather than on an unknown server, essentially eliminating data and patient privacy concerns. Results: HCV Genie 2 was tested over 2 months and proved identical to human expert interpretation for 148 samples (>1000 bands identified). Manual intervention was required only for two faint bands and one false-positive band; this was done utilizing the built-in-user interface. Utilizing the original method, the trained laboratory technician interpretation time for 16 samples was 13.8 (±0.96) min as compared to 5.0 (±1.09) min with HCV Genie 2, a 63.8% decrease. In addition to the time savings, the new method provides an additional validation step, which decreases the potential for errors. Conclusions: Our institution has moved exclusively to utilize the new techniques and tools described here. Both experienced technicians and the molecular pathologists at our institution prefer the workflow using HCV Genie. It is easier for the technicians to prepare and document, and the pathologists are more rapidly able to review and confirm results. The use of this tool will lead to increase the quality of patient care delivered through this test methodology by decreasing the potential for error. The algorithms developed here can be ported to similar band identification platforms, most directly to other LiPAs.
Content-based image clustering via multi-view visual vocabularies

Content-based image clustering is a challenging but useful topic for the efficient management of image databases and effective image retrievals especially with the emerging of huge number of images on the websites and in our common life. Thanks to the big success of bag of words (BOW) model in the field of text mining, visual vocabulary composed of bag of visual words(BOVW) is employed to the field of content-based image processing and analysis (including image clustering) in recent years. In practice, a single visual vocabulary usually leads to the irregular partition for image database due to the instability of the random initialization in general clustering algorithms such as K-Means and due to the lack of semantic meanings in visual words, To circumvent these drawbacks, a new image clustering strategy based on multiple visual vocabularies is proposed in this paper, which can provide the multi-view information from the given image database. This new strategy is based on a tensor method named multi-linear singular value decomposition (MLSVD), which can leverage the effect of each view to facilitate the clustering procedure. The experiments on the subset of Caltech 101 image database show that this strategy can obtain the robust and even better clustering results by integrating multi-view information.
Investigating the carbon cycle in the Gulf of Maine using the natural tracer thorium 234

The naturally occurring radionuclide 234Th (t1/2 = 24.1 days) was used to examine the organic carbon cycle in the Gulf of Maine. A seasonal study (March, June, and September 1995) was conducted in the central Gulf of Maine in Wilkinson and Jordan Basins, and a regional survey, which included the Scotian Shelf, was conducted during August-September 1997. Particulate organic carbon (POC) export (particulate export production) was estimated from a three-dimensional steady state model of 234Th flux combined with measurements of the POC/234Th ratio on >53-μm particles. The POC export for this region was seasonally variable; average values ranged from 15 to 34 mmol C m−2 d−1, between 11% and 25% of the regionally integrated primary production. The Gulf of Maine was a net source (to the Mid-Atlantic Bight) of dissolved organic carbon (2.4 mmol C m−2 d−1) amounting to ∼2% of carbon uptake rates. Organic carbon burial in the sediments was a minor fraction of the primary production, averaging 1.6 mmol C m−2 d−1. Though only a fraction of total export production was buried in the sediments, these estimates close the budget for organic carbon in the Gulf of Maine. An implication is that off-shelf export may not be as important as previously estimated in this shelf region.
Synergies between optical and physical variables in intercepting parabolic targets

Interception requires precise estimation of time-to-contact (TTC) information. A long-standing view posits that all relevant information for extracting TTC is available in the angular variables, which result from the projection of distal objects onto the retina. The different timing models rooted in this tradition have consequently relied on combining visual angle and its rate of expansion in different ways with tau being the most well-known solution for TTC. The generalization of these models to timing parabolic trajectories is not straightforward. For example, these different combinations rely on isotropic expansion and usually assume first-order information only, neglecting acceleration. As a consequence no optical formulations have been put forward so far to specify TTC of parabolic targets with enough accuracy. It is only recently that context-dependent physical variables have been shown to play an important role in TTC estimation. Known physical size and gravity can adequately explain observed data of linear and free-falling trajectories, respectively. Yet, a full timing model for specifying parabolic TTC has remained elusive. We here derive two formulations that specify TTC for parabolic ball trajectories. The first specification extends previous models in which known size is combined with thresholding visual angle or its rate of expansion to the case of fly balls. To efficiently use this model, observers need to recover the 3D radial velocity component of the trajectory which conveys the isotropic expansion. The second one uses knowledge of size and gravity combined with ball visual angle and elevation angle. Taking into account the noise due to sensory measurements, we simulate the expected performance of these models in terms of accuracy and precision. While the model that combines expansion information and size knowledge is more efficient during the late trajectory, the second one is shown to be efficient along all the flight.
The effect of harvest index, yield and yield components of three varieties of black seed (Nigella sativa) in different planting densities

This study was conducted in the form of a factorial experiment in completely random blocks with 4 replications. In this research the first factor (A) was the inter row level, at intervals of 20 and 40 cm; the second factor (B) was the intra row level, at three levels of 2, 4 and 6 cm; and the third factor (C) was the three varieties of Nigella sativa Baft, Bukan, and Arbil. The specimens were planted on April 22 nd , 2009. Results showed that the effects of plant density and cultivation arrangement on weight of capsule, total weight of stem, leaf weight, seed weight, 1000-grain weight, seed efficiency and harvest index were significant. Baft cultivar had the best results for seed efficiency, but the Arbil variety had the best results for 1000-grain weight. Seed efficiencies at the inter row spacing of 20 cm, of intra row spacing of 2 cm, and Baft variety were 1920.3, 2336.9, and 2148.1 kg/ha respectively. Harvest Indexes of the intra row spacing of 6 cm, and for the Baft variety were 25.65%, and 25.84% respectively. The Baft variety planted at 20 cm inter row and 2 cm intra row spacing was overall, the most efficient planting arrangement for Nigella Sativa.
Wind-Driven Recirculations and Exchange in the Labrador and Irminger Seas*

It is demonstrated that recently observed cyclonic recirculation gyres in the Irminger and Labrador Seas may be forced by the strong cyclonic wind stress curl that develops each winter seaward of the east coast of Greenland. Idealized analytical and numerical models forced with such variable winds over a sloping bottom reproduce the essential aspects of the observed gyres (strength, location, and horizontal and vertical length scales). The communication between the forcing region in the Irminger Sea and the recirculation to the west is achieved by baroclinic topographic Rossby wave propagation along potential vorticity contours. The circulation is characterized as a time-dependent, stratified, topographic beta plume. For weak stratification, as found in the subpolar North Atlantic, the recirculation strength exhibits only weak seasonal variability, consistent with the observations, even though the forcing is active only during the winter. Baroclinic Rossby waves that develop when the wind forcing ceases in springtime interact with the bottom to provide a source of cyclonic vorticity that maintains the circulation until the wind strengthens again in the following winter.
A Semantic Scheduler Architecture for Federated Hybrid Clouds

Cloud computing is one the most relevant computing paradigms available nowadays. Its adoption has increased during last years due to the large investment and research from business enterprises and academia institutions. Among all the services cloud providers usually offer, Infrastructure as a Service has reached its momentum for solving HPC problems in a more dynamic way without the need of expensive investments. The integration of a large number of providers is a major goal as it enables the improvement of the quality of the selected resources in terms of pricing, speed, redundancy, etc. In this paper, we propose a system architecture, based on semantic solutions, to build an interoperable scheduler for federated clouds that works with several IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) providers in a uniform way. Based on this architecture we implement a proof-of-concept prototype and test it with two different cloud solutions to provide some experimental results about the viability of our approach.
Realistic prototyping of interfaces using multiple devices: a case study

Designers of information systems need to address more issues today than ever before because of a recent multi-device context, since in the past few years the possibilities of interaction have significantly grown. To design, test and validate User Interfaces in this complex context is a challenge that cannot be efficiently approached with traditional tools. This work presents a case study of prototyping interfaces on realistic contexts by reporting an experiment conducted in a factory, using a tool that allows designers to produce and test interfaces on multiple devices.
On polarized frontal structures, type‐1 and quasi‐periodic echoes in midlatitude sporadic E

Sporadic‐E (ES) patches in the nighttime midlatitude ionosphere often appear to consist of quasi‐periodic (QP) frontal structures, i.e., strips of enhanced conductivity whose cross‐sectional dimensions are small compared to their length. Assuming that such ES patches are usually found at an ion‐convergent node in a wind‐shear profile, we show that the meridional neutral wind at that node would polarize these strips and produce an intense, electrojet‐like current accompanied by an electric field strength in excess of 10 mV/m. The validity of this model seems to be supported by its ability to account for several hitherto unexplained phenomena including type‐1 and QP radar echoes from nighttime ES patches, and the coupled appearance of altitude‐modulated isodensity contours in the F region when frontal structures are present in the E region. While much remains to be done to evaluate the importance of this process, this finding is exciting because it makes plausible the commonplace occurrence of what was previously referred to as anomalous energetics in the midlatitude ionosphere.
Ontology-based approach to achieve semantic interoperability on exchanging and integrating information about the patient clinical evolution

Providing semantic interoperability is a current challenge in the field of data integration. In healthcare environments, sharing information may be essential to ensure a good treatment to the patient. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the data that is being exchanged. In this paper we present the design and implementation of an ontology for the patient clinical evolution record, using the UMLS Semantic Network as an upper-level ontology, based on a clinical data structure. We show how our ontology can be used as a semantic connection between two distinct health databases in their data integration process.
The Programme for Integrated Development of Artisanal Fisheries in West Africa

The Programme for Integrated Development of Artisanal Fisheries in West Africa (IDAF) was initiated in 1983 to help some 20 coastal states from Mauritiana to Angola which wished to develop and manage their artisanal fisheries through participatory and integrated approaches. IDAF was initially financed by Denmark and Norway. The second phase of the programme which started in January 1989 and its third phase, July 1984 are entirely financed by Denmark through the Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA). IDAF objectives and activities to meet its goals are briefly discussed together with its beneficiaries and accomplishments.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Statistical Spam Filters

In this paper we discuss the techniques involved in the design of the famous statistical spam filters that include Naive Bayes, Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency, K-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, and Bayes Additive Regression Tree. We compare these techniques with each other in terms of accuracy, recall, precision, etc. Further, we discuss the effectiveness and limitations of statistical filters in filtering out various types of spam from legitimate e-mails.
Physical activity preferences and perceived barriers to activity among persons with severe mental illness in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed physical activity interests among psychiatric patients. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 120 psychiatric patients in the United Kingdom assessed preferences for physical activity, perceived barriers to activity, and other psychosocial factors related to exercise levels. RESULTS Compared with the general population, respondents were less active. Respondents reported very little confidence in their ability to exercise when feeling sad or stressed, and they reported low levels of social support toward exercising. Approximately half the respondents or more expressed a belief in the health benefits of exercise, enjoyment of exercise, and a desire to be more active. Walking was the most popular activity, and fatigue and illness were the most common barriers to activity. Equal numbers preferred individual and group activities. A majority agreed that they would exercise more if they talked with an exercise instructor or were advised by their doctor. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity interventions for the psychiatric population need to bridge the gap between high interest and low uptake through, for example, professional support and enhancing self-efficacy by combating barriers and tailoring to preferences.
Normative Ontologies for Data-Centric Business Process Management

This paper addresses the problem of describing and analyzing data manipulation within business process workflow specifications. We apply a model-driven approach. We begin with business requirement specifications, consisting of an ontology and an associated set of normative rules, that define the ways in which business processes can interact. We then transform this specification into a Petri Net workflow model and, separately, an Event B specification. The former models can be submitted to further behavioural analysis to ensure, for instance, satisfaction of liveness and safety properties. The latter specifications are important as we can use theorem proving techniques to check and refine data representation with respect to process evolution. An important property of the transformation is semantic equivalence between the Petri net model and Event-B model.
High mobility group box‐1 protein induces the migration and activation of human dendritic cells and acts as an alarmin

High mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) protein is a nonhistone, DNA‐binding protein that plays a critical role in regulating gene transcription. Recently, HMGB1 has also been shown to act as a late mediator of endotoxic shock and to exert a variety of proinflammatory, extracellular activities. Here, we report that HMGB1 simultaneously acts as a chemoattractant and activator of dendritic cells (DCs). HMGB1 induced the migration of monocyte‐derived, immature DCs (Mo‐iDCs) but not mature DCs. The chemotactic effect of HMGB1 on iDCs was pertussis toxin‐inhibitable and also inhibited by antibody against the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE), suggesting that HMGB1 chemoattraction of iDCs is mediated by RAGE in a Gi protein‐dependent manner. In addition, HMGB1 treatment of Mo‐iDCs up‐regulated DC surface markers (CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA‐A, B,C), enhanced DC production of cytokines (IL‐6, CXCL8, IL‐12p70, and TNF‐α), switched DC chemokine responsiveness from CCL5‐sensitive to CCL21‐sensitive, and acquired the capacity to stimulate allogeneic T cell proliferation. Based on its dual DC‐attracting and ‐activating activities as well as its reported capacity to promote an antigen‐specific immune response, we consider HMGB1 to have the properties of an immune alarmin.