Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Georeferenced LiDAR 3D Vine Plantation Map Generation

The use of electronic devices for canopy characterization has recently been widely discussed. Among such devices, LiDAR sensors appear to be the most accurate and precise. Information obtained with LiDAR sensors during reading while driving a tractor along a crop row can be managed and transformed into canopy density maps by evaluating the frequency of LiDAR returns. This paper describes a proposed methodology to obtain a georeferenced canopy map by combining the information obtained with LiDAR with that generated using a GPS receiver installed on top of a tractor. Data regarding the velocity of LiDAR measurements and UTM coordinates of each measured point on the canopy were obtained by applying the proposed transformation process. The process allows overlap of the canopy density map generated with the image of the intended measured area using Google Earth®, providing accurate information about the canopy distribution and/or location of damage along the rows. This methodology was applied and tested on different vine varieties and crop stages in two important vine production areas in Spain. The results indicate that the georeferenced information obtained with LiDAR sensors appears to be an interesting tool with the potential to improve crop management processes.
Pedestrian Detection at Day/Night Time with Visible and FIR Cameras: A Comparison

Despite all the significant advances in pedestrian detection brought by computer vision for driving assistance, it is still a challenging problem. One reason is the extremely varying lighting conditions under which such a detector should operate, namely day and nighttime. Recent research has shown that the combination of visible and non-visible imaging modalities may increase detection accuracy, where the infrared spectrum plays a critical role. The goal of this paper is to assess the accuracy gain of different pedestrian models (holistic, part-based, patch-based) when training with images in the far infrared spectrum. Specifically, we want to compare detection accuracy on test images recorded at day and nighttime if trained (and tested) using (a) plain color images; (b) just infrared images; and (c) both of them. In order to obtain results for the last item, we propose an early fusion approach to combine features from both modalities. We base the evaluation on a new dataset that we have built for this purpose as well as on the publicly available KAIST multispectral dataset.
Attention and Conscious Perception in the Hypothesis Testing Brain

Conscious perception and attention are difficult to study, partly because their relation to each other is not fully understood. Rather than conceiving and studying them in isolation from each other it may be useful to locate them in an independently motivated, general framework, from which a principled account of how they relate can then emerge. Accordingly, these mental phenomena are here reviewed through the prism of the increasingly influential predictive coding framework. On this framework, conscious perception can be seen as the upshot of prediction error minimization and attention as the optimization of precision expectations during such perceptual inference. This approach maps on well to a range of standard characteristics of conscious perception and attention, and can be used to interpret a range of empirical findings on their relation to each other.
Assisted RNP assembly: SMN and PRMT5 complexes cooperate in the formation of spliceosomal UsnRNPs

Although spliceosomal Sm proteins can assemble spontaneously onto UsnRNA in vitro, this process requires assisting factors in vivo. SMN, the protein involved in spinal muscular atrophy, is part of a complex that contains the Sm proteins and serves as a critical factor for this reaction. Here, we have reconstituted the SMN‐dependent assembly of UsnRNPs in vitro. We demonstrate that the SMN complex is necessary and sufficient for the assembly reaction. The PRMT5 complex, previously implicated in methylation and storage of Sm proteins, interacts with the SMN complex and enhances its activity in an ATP‐dependent manner. These data uncover the SMN–PRMT5 complex as a functional entity that promotes the assisted assembly of spliceosomal UsnRNPs, and potentially other, RNA–protein complexes.
A Facet-based Model Mapping Method for EA Alignment and Evolution

In: S. España, M. Ivanović, M. Savić (eds.): Proceedings of the CAiSE’16 Forum at the 28th International Conference on Advanced Information Systems Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 13-17.6. 2016, published at http://ceur-ws.org Abstract Information System evolution requires a well-structured Enterprise Architecture and a rigorous management. The alignment of the architecture elements according to various abstraction layers contributes to the management but appropriate tools are needed. We propose improvements of the Facet approach and the accompanying tools to master the problem of Enterprise Architecture alignment and evolution. The tools have been experimented on real life cases and are integrated in the Eclipse EMF Facet project.
Perception and acceptance of intradermal influenza vaccination: Patient reported outcomes from phase 3 clinical trials

An intradermal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine administered using a microinjection system has received European marketing authorization from the European Medicine Agency. We assessed clinical trial subjects' perception of injection site reactions (ISR) and whether ISR affected overall acceptability of vaccination and willingness to be vaccinated in the future. A validated, self-administered, patient reported outcome questionnaire was completed 21 days after intradermal or intramuscular vaccination by elderly and non-elderly adult participants in two European randomized, controlled, open-label phase 3 trials. The questionnaire addressed: the acceptability of ISR, effect of ISR on arm movement or sleep, satisfaction with the injection system, and willingness to be revaccinated. Questions were answered using a 5-point Likert verbal rating scale (1=most favorable, 5=most unfavorable response). Mean scores were calculated per group. 5305 questionnaires were completed and analyzed (95% return rate). Mean scores were close to 1 in all cases (maximum 1.68), indicating an overall favorable opinion of the vaccination and ISR. More than 96% of participants rated ISRs after intradermal or intramuscular vaccination as either 'totally acceptable' or 'very acceptable'. Willingness to get vaccinated the following year and satisfaction with the intradermal microinjection system or the conventional intramuscular syringe were high and were not adversely affected by ISR. ISR after intradermal influenza vaccine administered using a microinjection system are well accepted by the vaccinees and are generally not a cause for concern.
Laser‐induced refractive index change in polymers

Pulsed uv laser irradiation of semicrystalline polymers at low fluences has been shown to produce a thin amorphous layer on the polymer surface. For poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) this amorphous layer results in a reduced refractive index of the polymer surface and the production of an antireflective coating. The melting occurring in this surface amorphization is very rapid, approximately 106 times faster than predicted by current polymer melting theories.
Policy-Based Automation of SLA Establishment for Cloud Computing Services

We propose a policy-based framework for the automated establishment of SLAs for cloud computing services. The proposed framework supports multiple interaction models for SLA establishment giving consumers and providers the flexibility to choose one that is most appropriate in a given context, while simultaneously supporting multiple concurrent SLA interactions using different interaction models. We describe the underlying policies, focussing on the key features and contributions of the framework. We also validate our framework through a real-world use-case scenario using the Amazon EC2 service.
Taking down websites to prevent crime

Website takedown has been used to disrupt criminal activities for well over a decade. Yet little is known about its overall effectiveness, particularly as many websites can be replaced rapidly and at little cost. We conducted lengthy interviews with a range of people actively engaged in website takedown, including commercial companies that offer specialist services, organisations targeted by criminals, UK law enforcement and service providers who respond to takedown requests. We found that law enforcement agencies are far less effective at takedown than commercial firms, who get an awful lot more practice. We conclude that the police must either raise their game, or subcontract the process.
An Evaluation of Heuristic Functions for Bicriterion Shortest Path Problems ⋆

The paper considers a set of heuristic search algorithms for the Bicri-terion Shortest Path Problem. These are presented as particular cases of a more general algorithm. Their performance is evaluated over a random problem set using two general heuristic functions proposed by Tung & Chew (1992). The experimental results show that the heuristics reduce the space requirements of the algorithms considered. One contribution of this paper is to show that, contrary to intuition, no improvement in time performance is achieved in these cases by using heuristics. In fact, one of the heuristics appears to work against time efﬁ-ciency. The paper provides also an explanation to the observed phenomena and points out possible lines of improvement.
A process variation com-pensating techniue for sub-90 nm dynamic circuits

A process variation compensating technique for dynamic circuits is described for sub-90 nm technologies where leakage variation is severe. A keeper whose effective strength is optimally programmable based on die leakage enables 10% faster performance, 35% reduction in delay variation, and 5x reduction in robustness failing dies over conventional static keeper design in 90 nm dual-V/sub t/ CMOS.
Sequential Memory: A Putative Neural and Synaptic Dynamical Mechanism

A key issue in the neurophysiology of cognition is the problem of sequential learning. Sequential learning refers to the ability to encode and represent the temporal order of discrete elements occurring in a sequence. We show that the short-term memory for a sequence of items can be implemented in an autoassociation neural network. Each item is one of the attractor states of the network. The autoassociation network is implemented at the level of integrate-and-fire neurons so that the contributions of different biophysical mechanisms to sequence learning can be investigated. It is shown that if it is a property of the synapses or neurons that support each attractor state that they adapt, then everytime the network is made quiescent (e.g., by inhibition), then the attractor state that emerges next is the next item in the sequence. We show with numerical simulations implementations of the mechanisms using (1) a sodium inactivation-based spike-frequency-adaptation mechanism, (2) a Ca2+-activated K+ current, and (3) short-term synaptic depression, with sequences of up to three items. The network does not need repeated training on a particular sequence and will repeat the items in the order that they were last presented. The time between the items in a sequence is not fixed, allowing the items to be read out as required over a period of up to many seconds. The network thus uses adaptation rather than associative synaptic modification to recall the order of the items in a recently presented sequence.
The Use of pH-indicator Dyes for pH-sensitive Textile Materials

The development of halochromic textile materials could lead to interesting end-use applications as it offers the potential for flexible pH-sensors with a first warning signal. Research on halochromic textiles, especially on the development of these materials using a simple and economic beneficial dyeing process, is however very limited. Therefore, we studied color-changing textile materials with a pH-sensitivity based on the dyeing of conventional textiles with standard watersoluble pH-indicator dyes. In a first broad screening, a set of pH-indicators is evaluated on their dyeing performance and their color change with a change in pH. After this, some promising indicators (Brilliant Yellow and Alizarin) are selected and studied in more detail. It was found that the indicators show different characteristics on the textile materials compared with the solution due to dye-fiber interactions. The properties of the pHindicator dyes are also dependant on the fiber type. Moreover, in case of Brilliant Yellow this thesis was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Generally, it can be concluded that it is feasible to develop a pH-sensor with pH-indicator dyes and conventional textile materials using a standard dyeing process.
Discourse structure and concurrent processes. Some evidence from pronominal anaphora interpretation

The aim of this paper is to take a look at discourse structure from the standpoint of pronominal anaphora processing and socalled ‘accessibility domains’. The core hypothesis of the paper is that attention-based anaphora interpretation models like Focus Theory or Centering Theory can be utilized in a more satisfying way if discourse is considered as a bundle of concurrent, interacting processes. Elaborating on this hypothesis, in the paper a central role is played by various notions borrowed from non-linear phonological frameworks.
Loss Mechanisms in SIW and Msiw

LOSSMECHANISMSINSIWANDMSIWN.RanjkeshandM. ShahabadiFaculty of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of TehranTehran, IranAbstract—In this paper, the power dissipated through diﬀerentloss mechanisms including dielectric, conductor and radiation loss iscalculated for the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and modiﬁedsubstrate integrated waveguide (MSIW). The applied computationalmethodbeingappropriateforstructureswithperiodicconductingpartsallows one to calculate the integrals corresponding to these powersanalytically and with high accuracy.1. INTRODUCTIONThe substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is a promising waveguidestructurewhichmaintainstheadvantagesoftherectangularwaveguide(RW), such as high
Measuring the Risk-Return Tradeoff with Time-Varying Conditional Covariances

We examine the prediction of Merton's intertemporal CAPM that time varying risk premiums arise from the conditional covariances of returns on assets with the return on the market and other state variables. We find a positive and significant price of risk for the covariance with the market return that is driven by the time series variation in the conditional covariances, and the risk-premium on the market remains positive and significant after controlling for additional state variables. Our method estimates the risk-return tradeoff in the ICAPM using multiple portfolios as test assets.
A lightweight integration of mutation analysis with the model checker for system safety verification

Evaluation of the sophisticated safety critical systems is a tedious and time consuming process. This process has been undertaken manually, by experts and individuals, which increase the risk of human errors and ambiguities in understanding. We introduce an approach by integrating the mutation analysis and model checking. The mutation analysis cuts down the possibility of human errors, whereas model checker analyses and verifies the semantics of the safety critical system, thereby reducing both human and semantic errors to a considerable extent.
Patterns of Research Effort in Birds

Between species differences in research effort can lead to biases in our global view of evolution, ecology and conservation. The increase in meta-taxonomic comparative analyses on birds underlines the need to better address how research effort is distributed in this class. Methods have been developed to choose which species should be studied to obtain unbiased comparative data sets, but a precise and global knowledge of research effort is required to be able to properly apply them. We address this issue by providing a data set of research effort (number of papers from 1978 to 2008 in the Zoological Record database) estimates for the 10 064 species of birds. We then test whether research effort is associated with phylogeny, geography and eleven different life history and ecological traits. We show that phylogeny accounts for a large proportion of the variance, while geographic range and all the tested traits are also significant contributors to research effort variance. We identify avian taxa that are under- and overstudied and address the importance of research effort biases in evaluating vulnerability to extinction, with non-threatened species studied twice as much as threatened ones. Our research effort data set covering the entire class Aves provides a tool for researchers to incorporate this potential confounding variable in comparative analyses.
Plant Leaf Classification for a Mobile Field Guide

The rapid advancement of smartphone technology has given rise to highly-portable and computationallypowerful platforms. These platforms are capable of advanced image processing and computer vision techniques that can provide users with a greater understanding of their surroundings. The current method of identifying plants and animals in their natural habitat involves using field guide books that have an innate reference capacity limit imposed by the size and weight constraints of hiking. Naturally, nature field guides could be greatly enhanced with the processing power and storage capacity of modern smartphones.
Measuring Interlanguage: Native Language Identification with L1-influence Metrics

The task of native language (L1) identification suffers from a relative paucity of useful training corpora, and standard within-corpus evaluation is often problematic due to topic bias. In this paper, we introduce a method for L1 identification in second language (L2) texts that relies only on much more plentiful L1 data, rather than the L2 texts that are traditionally used for training. In particular, we do word-by-word translation of large L1 blog corpora to create a mapping to L2 forms that are a possible result of language transfer, and then use that information for unsupervised classification. We show this method is effective in several different learner corpora, with bigram features being particularly useful.
The Road from Panama to Keccak via RadioGatún

In this paper, we explain the design choices of Panama (8) and RadioGat un (1), which lead to Keccak (3). After a brief recall of Panama, RadioGat un and the trail backtracking cost, we focus on three important aspects. First, we explain the role of the belt in the light of dierential trails. Second, we discuss the relative advantages of a block mode hash function compared to a stream mode one. Finally, we point out why Panama and RadioGat un are not sponge functions (2) and why their design philosophy diers from that of Keccak.
Formation and readout of holographic amplitude and phase non-uniform polarization gratings in polymer-stabilized liquid crystals

In this work is we have developed the analytical models of holographic formation of polarization grating in polymerdispersed liquid crystals (PSLCs) by non-uniform recording field and its subsequent readout by uniform plane optical wave. The formation model is based on Jones formalism for recording field description and on equations of photoinduced Fredericks transition for description of dielectric tensor perturbations. The model of gratings readout is based on the system of coupled-wave equations solutions in the fixed-field approximation. Photo-induced absorption coefficient changing and the strong surface adhesion effects are taken into account. According to the obtained relations, numerical simulation of the spatial changing of the dielectric tensor was made for some forms of amplitude and phase non-uniformity of recording beams. For each complex of formation conditions the diffraction characteristics are also investigated numerically. The influence of recording field non-uniformity on grating’s diffraction characteristics is shown.
Interference with Hemozoin Formation Represents an Important Mechanism of Schistosomicidal Action of Antimalarial Quinoline Methanols

Background The parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni is one of the major causative agents of human schistosomiasis, which afflicts 200 million people worldwide. Praziquantel remains the main drug used for schistosomiasis treatment, and reliance on the single therapy has been prompting the search for new therapeutic compounds against this disease. Our group has demonstrated that heme crystallization into hemozoin (Hz) within the S. mansoni gut is a major heme detoxification route with lipid droplets involved in this process and acting as a potential chemotherapeutical target. In the present work, we investigated the effects of three antimalarial compounds, quinine (QN), quinidine (QND) and quinacrine (QCR) in a murine schistosomiasis model by using a combination of biochemical, cell biology and molecular biology approaches. Methodology/Principal Findings Treatment of S. mansoni-infected female Swiss mice with daily intraperitoneal injections of QN, and QND (75 mg/kg/day) from the 11th to 17th day after infection caused significant decreases in worm burden (39%–61%) and egg production (42%–98%). Hz formation was significantly inhibited (40%–65%) in female worms recovered from QN- and QND-treated mice and correlated with reduction in the female worm burden. We also observed that QN treatment promoted remarkable ultrastructural changes in male and female worms, particularly in the gut epithelium and reduced the granulomatous reaction to parasite eggs trapped in the liver. Microarray gene expression analysis indicated that QN treatment increased the expression of transcripts related to musculature, protein synthesis and repair mechanisms. Conclusions The overall significant reduction in several disease burden parameters by the antimalarial quinoline methanols indicates that interference with Hz formation in S. mansoni represents an important mechanism of schistosomicidal action of these compounds and points out the heme crystallization process as a valid chemotherapeutic target to treat schistosomiasis.
Non-linear Perspective Widgets for Exploration of Complex Datasets

Viewing data sampled on complicated geometry such as a human pelvis or helix is hard. A single camera view is not sufficient to view different parts of such a complicated dataset. Multiple views are needed in order to completely examine the structure. In this paper, we present a general tool-kit consisting of a set of versatile widgets, namely the unwrap, the clipping, the fisheye, and the panorama widgets, each of which encapsulates a variety of complicated camera placement issues and then combines these several camera views into a single view in real-time. These non-linear views give a more complete visualization of the structure without modifying the underlying geometry of the dataset. Multiple widgets can be combined to facilitate better understanding of the underlying structure.