Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Context-Preserving Visual Links

Evaluating, comparing, and interpreting related pieces of information are tasks that are commonly performed during visual data analysis and in many kinds of information-intensive work. Synchronized visual highlighting of related elements is a well-known technique used to assist this task. An alternative approach, which is more invasive but also more expressive is visual linking in which line connections are rendered between related elements. In this work, we present context-preserving visual links as a new method for generating visual links. The method specifically aims to fulfill the following two goals: first, visual links should minimize the occlusion of important information; second, links should visually stand out from surrounding information by minimizing visual interference. We employ an image-based analysis of visual saliency to determine the important regions in the original representation. A consequence of the image-based approach is that our technique is application-independent and can be employed in a large number of visual data analysis scenarios in which the underlying content cannot or should not be altered. We conducted a controlled experiment that indicates that users can find linked elements in complex visualizations more quickly and with greater subjective satisfaction than in complex visualizations in which plain highlighting is used. Context-preserving visual links were perceived as visually more attractive than traditional visual links that do not account for the context information.
On Inter-rater Agreement in Audio Music Similarity

One of the central tasks in the annual MIREX evaluation campaign is the ”Audio Music Similarity and Retrieval (AMS)” task. Songs which are ranked as being highly similar by algorithms are evaluated by human graders as to how similar they are according to their subjective judgment. By analyzing results from the AMS tasks of the years 2006 to 2013 we demonstrate that: (i) due to low inter-rater agreement there exists an upper bound of performance in terms of subjective gradings; (ii) this upper bound has already been achieved by participating algorithms in 2009 and not been surpassed since then. Based on this sobering result we discuss ways to improve future evaluations of audio music similarity.
Sound Based Heart Rate Monitoring for Wearable Systems

This paper presents an alternative approach for heart rate measurement. Instead of using an ECG sensor, the proposed design uses sound signals received from a microphone which does not require skin-contact. Specifically, the design uses an air conductive microphone and an efficient algorithm to estimate the heart beat parameters of the wearer. The estimates are obtained for different activities undertaken by the wearer. The activities studied include sitting, jumping, reading, laughing, singing, and coughing. Data are collected from researchers and students working in the laboratory, and in the presence of lung sound, and other environmental sounds and noise. Preliminary results show that, the method can be an effective alternative means of monitoring cardiac (heart) sounds in a natural environment.
Morphants: A New Systematic Vertebrate Functional Genomics Approach

The vertebrate genome contains a predicted 50 000–100 000 genes, many of unknown function. The recent development of morpholino‐based gene knock‐down technology in zebrafish has opened the door to the genome‐wide assignment of function based on sequence in a model vertebrate. This review describes technical aspects of morpholino use for functional genomics applications, including the potential for multigene targeting and known methodological limitations. The result of successful gene inactivation by this agent is proposed to yield embryos with a ‘morphant’ phenotypic designation. The establishment of a morphant database opens the door to true functional genomics using the vertebrate, Danio rerio. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convex Multi-view Subspace Learning

Subspace learning seeks a low dimensional representation of data that enables accurate reconstruction. However, in many applications, data is obtained from multiple sources rather than a single source (e.g. an object might be viewed by cameras at different angles, or a document might consist of text and images). The conditional independence of separate sources imposes constraints on their shared latent representation, which, if respected, can improve the quality of a learned low dimensional representation. In this paper, we present a convex formulation of multi-view subspace learning that enforces conditional independence while reducing dimensionality. For this formulation, we develop an efficient algorithm that recovers an optimal data reconstruction by exploiting an implicit convex regularizer, then recovers the corresponding latent representation and reconstruction model, jointly and optimally. Experiments illustrate that the proposed method produces high quality results.
A fundamental investigation of the surfactant-stabilized single-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy resin suspensions by molecular dynamics simulation

The surfactant-assisted stabilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in SWCNT/epoxy resin suspensions were investigated for different surfactant types, concentrations, and temperatures using molecular dynamics simulation. One cationic surfactant, i.e. cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and three anionic surfactants, i.e. sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS), and sodium cholate (SC), as well as a 1:1 mixture of CTAB and SDS were used. Potentials of mean force (PMFs) were generated between two fixed-size (6,6) SWCNTs for all neat (no surfactant) and surfactant-loaded SWCNT/epoxy resin systems at three different surfactant concentrations (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 wt%) at room (298 K) and elevated temperature (398 K, only for low-surfactant-concentration systems). Overall, two distinct mechanisms of SWCNT stabilization by the surfactants were identified: (1) an increase in the SWCNT aggregation energy barrier due to the wrapping of the SWCNTs by the surfactant molecules, and (2) a constantly positive free energy (repulsion) for all SWCNT separation distances due to the encapsulation of the two approaching SWCNTs. With the second mechanism, there is a delay for the epoxy molecules to be pushed out from the space between the two SWCNTs. With an increase in the surfactant concentration, the first mechanism becomes more prevalent. With an increase in temperature to 398 K, all surfactants migrate to the suspending medium, thereby the second mechanism of SWCNT stabilization dominates. A drop in the SWCNT-surfactant binding energy is observed around 360–370 K, signifying the surfactant migration to the suspending medium. More or less, all surfactants stabilize the SWCNTs in an epoxy resin at one or more surfactant concentrations. However, NaDDBS exhibits a higher SWCNT aggregation barrier at high concentrations and both temperatures (298 K and 398 K), thereby providing a better SWCNT stabilization in the epoxy resin compared to the other surfactants.
An Enhanced Cooperative Spectrum Sensing with Wavelet Denoising and Softened Hard Decision for Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive Radio (CR) is a novel technology that can improve the utilization efficiency of the radio spectrum and also address the spectrum scarcity problem by opportunistically using the unused channels (spectrum holes / white spaces) in the Licensed Spectrum of Primary Users. Spectrum sensing is the primary function of CR which determines the spectrum holes for opportunistic usage by Secondary Users. Spectrum sensing plays a critical role in Cognitive Radio. The development of a reliable and accurate spectrum sensing is very essential to propound quick and accurate detection of white spaces for better throughput of Secondary User network under the constraint of the specified Primary System protection. In this paper, a Cooperative Spectrum Sensing using Wavelet Denoising along with Soften Hard Decision technique has been proposed to improve the performance of spectrum sensing. Simulation result shows an improvement of nearly 15% in the Probability of Missed Detection for a target Probability of False Alarm of 0.1 and SNR of -10 dB. Also 50% improvement in error probability has been achieved with 1-D one level wavelet denoising.
Identification of a multivariable incremental model of the vessel

In this paper the incremental linear state-space model identification procedure is presented. In contrast to spacestate models incremental models are not popular due to their identification complication. Model structure selection, identification and validation procedures are described in details. Accurate prediction model cannot simultaneously be acceptable simulation model. They are identified using different algorithms and are used for different purposes. Proposed methodology shows that simple and good quality prediction incremental model can be obtained and used for future Model Predictive Control purposes.
Motivational Context Modulates Prediction Error Response in Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Recent findings demonstrate that patients with schizophrenia are worse at learning to predict rewards than losses, suggesting that motivational context modulates learning in this disease. However, these findings derive from studies in patients treated with antipsychotic medications, D2 receptor antagonists that may interfere with the neural systems that underlie motivation and learning. Thus, it remains unknown how motivational context affects learning in schizophrenia, separate from the effects of medication. METHODS To examine the impact of motivational context on learning in schizophrenia, we tested 16 unmedicated patients with schizophrenia and 23 matched controls on a probabilistic learning task while they underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under 2 conditions: one in which they pursued rewards, and one in which they avoided losses. Computational models were used to derive trial-by-trial prediction error responses to feedback. RESULTS Patients performed worse than controls on the learning task overall, but there were no behavioral effects of condition. FMRI revealed an attenuated prediction error response in patients in the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, and medial temporal lobe when learning to predict rewards, but not when learning to avoid losses. CONCLUSIONS Patients with schizophrenia showed differences in learning-related brain activity when learning to predict rewards, but not when learning to avoid losses. Together with prior work, these results suggest that motivational deficits related to learning in schizophrenia are characteristic of the disease and not solely a result of antipsychotic treatment.
PRINCIPLES OF NERVOUS BREAKDOWN—SCHIZOKINESIS AND AUTOKINESIS

If we speak boldly of achievement in the study of the most complex structure we know in the universe, the human mind, it is with the conviction that the few steps attained, no matter how feeble they may be, are based on the scientific and objective methodology upon which has been built the great progress of science in the last century, namely, the experimental method initiated by Galileo, which has been applied with especial ingenuity to the higher nervous activity of the living organism by Pavlov. Besides the complexity of our study of the adjustments of the human being, including his subjective life, we are confronted with another difficulty that is not shared by the other sciences today but is, almost exclusively, characteristic of our study. The difficulty I refer to is based on the subjective feelings accompanying our conscious behavior. These give us such an intimacy wit1 every movement of our skeletal frame that we are inclined to take the representation of these mental states as equivalent to the laws revealed to us by the usual scientific analysis or, at least, to confuse the relation of the subjective feelings and the objective laws, to the serious detriment of our investigations. Another disadvantage of the appraisal on the basis of subjective feelings alone is that they, being based mainly on what is revealed to our consciousness, almost entirely neglect the strong hidden current of the autonomic visceral responses. These are either vaguely or not at all represented in consciousness. Their representations, chiefly as emotional feelings, run, moreover, in our consciousness a course that is entirely different from the course revealed by the analysis of the facts obtained through a controlled scientific methodology. To those to whom it is not yet evident that the scientific methodology is appropriate for studying our psychical life and its distressing deviations, I hope this Monograph will provide at least a partial answer. During our attempt to rid ourselves of the present confusion, we must remember that the subjective feelings are of prime importance. Indeed, the objective facts have absolutely no interest for us except through their connection with our subjective feelings. The recognition of the importance of the latter does not, however, warrant the substitution of traditional subjective thinking for modern scientific methodology and analysis. In this monograph, which is devoted to the comparative conditioned neuroses in human and other animals, it would be a crass error to omit a reference to Pavlov, the discoverer of a new field of research so important for us today. More than 50 years ago, he gave a tremendous impetus to the study of phenomena that previously had been designated psychical and unsuitable for exploration by the scientific methodology. Through an accidental observation of an irregularity followed up, he ingeniously adapted a physiological method
druid . dk Coordination in Business Process

We investigate coordination strategies in the remote delivery of business services (i.e. Business Process Offshoring). We analyze 126 surveys of offshored processes to understand both the sources of difficulty in the remote delivery of services as well as how organizations overcome these difficulties. We find that interdependence between offshored and onshore processes can lower offshore process performance. Investment in coordination mechanisms such as modularity, ongoing communication and generating common ground across locations ameliorate the performance impact of interdependence. In particular, we are able to show that building common ground – knowledge that is shared and known to be sharedacross locations is a coordination mechanism that is distinct from building communication channels or modularising processes. Our results also suggest the firms may be investing less in common ground than they should.
Variational Bayesian speaker change detection

In this paper we study the use of Variational Bayesian (VB) methods for speaker change detection and we compare results with the classical BIC solution. VB methods are approximated learning algorithms for fully bayesian inference that cannot be achievedin an exact form. They embedin the objective function (also known as free energy) a term that penalizes more complex models. Experiments are run on the Hub4 1996 evaluation data set and show that the VB outperforms the BIC of almost (cid:0) (cid:2) . Anyway as long as the decision must be taken on a limited amount of data the VB based method must be tuned as the BIC based method in order to produce reasonable results.
The Effect of High‐Tech Services Offshoring on Skilled Employment: Intra‐Firm Evidence

The offshoring of high-tech services has greatly increased in recent years, with consequences for firms demand for skilled employment in firms. This paper specifically analyzes the relationship between R&D offshoring and the demand for R&D employment using firm-level data for Spanish manufacturing and services companies during the period 2004-2009. Estimating different specifications with panel data techniques, we find that this association is statistically positive. In particular, if R&D offshoring doubles, the demand for researchers will raise by about 8%.
Evaluation of the Kudoh swab method for the culturing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in rural areas

Objective To compare the simple, swab ‘Kudoh method’ for culturing Myobacterium tuberculosis from sputum samples, to the standard Petroff digestion‐decontamination procedure. The Kudoh method, which requires no centrifugation and takes only 4–5 min per sample, was also evaluated for its performance in a rural setting.
Cyclic GMP‐dependent relaxation of isolated rat renal glomeruli induced by extracellular ATP

1 The relaxing effect of extracellular ATP on renal glomeruli has been investigated by applying ATP and its analogues to suspensions of angiotensin II‐precontracted rat renal glomeruli. Based on changes of glomerular [3H]inulin space (GIS) the relaxation of glomeruli was analysed in the presence of agonists: ATP, ADP, AMP, UTP, 2‐methylthio‐ATP (P2Y agonist), β,γ‐methylene‐ATP (P2X agonist) and adenosine. 2 ATP, 2‐methylthio‐ATP, ADP and UTP induced concentration‐dependent relaxation whereas AMP, β,γ‐methylene‐ATP and adenosine had no effect. The rank order of relaxation potency was 2‐methylthio‐ATP > ATP > ADP > UTP. 3 An inhibitor of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS), Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (NNA) prevented the ATP‐induced increased accumulation of L‐citrulline and the relaxation effect of ATP. An inhibitor of the neuronal isoform of NOS, 7‐nitroindazole, had no effect on the relaxation effect of ATP. 4 The relaxing effect of ATP was prevented in the presence of inhibitors of cyclic guanylyl cyclase: methylene blue (MB) and the more specific inhibitor 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo‐[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ). ATP stimulated an accumulation of cGMP that was diminished in the presence of MB. 5 We indicated that extracellular ATP may relax the glomeruli via activation of P2Y receptors with the subsequent activation of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylyl cyclase. We suggest that, based on the described mechanism, extracellular ATP may increase the filtration surface which, in turn, may influence the glomerular filtration rate.
The Effects of Landscape Modifications on the Long-Term Persistence of Animal Populations

Background The effects of landscape modifications on the long-term persistence of wild animal populations is of crucial importance to wildlife managers and conservation biologists, but obtaining experimental evidence using real landscapes is usually impossible. To circumvent this problem we used individual-based models (IBMs) of interacting animals in experimental modifications of a real Danish landscape. The models incorporate as much as possible of the behaviour and ecology of four species with contrasting life-history characteristics: skylark (Alauda arvensis), vole (Microtus agrestis), a ground beetle (Bembidion lampros) and a linyphiid spider (Erigone atra). This allows us to quantify the population implications of experimental modifications of landscape configuration and composition. Methodology/Principal Findings Starting with a real agricultural landscape, we progressively reduced landscape complexity by (i) homogenizing habitat patch shapes, (ii) randomizing the locations of the patches, and (iii) randomizing the size of the patches. The first two steps increased landscape fragmentation. We assessed the effects of these manipulations on the long-term persistence of animal populations by measuring equilibrium population sizes and time to recovery after disturbance. Patch rearrangement and the presence of corridors had a large effect on the population dynamics of species whose local success depends on the surrounding terrain. Landscape modifications that reduced population sizes increased recovery times in the short-dispersing species, making small populations vulnerable to increasing disturbance. The species that were most strongly affected by large disturbances fluctuated little in population sizes in years when no perturbations took place. Significance Traditional approaches to the management and conservation of populations use either classical methods of population analysis, which fail to adequately account for the spatial configurations of landscapes, or landscape ecology, which accounts for landscape structure but has difficulty predicting the dynamics of populations living in them. Here we show how realistic and replicable individual-based models can bridge the gap between non-spatial population theory and non-dynamic landscape ecology. A major strength of the approach is its ability to identify population vulnerabilities not detected by standard population viability analyses.
Analysis of diagnoses extracted from electronic health records in a large mental health case register

The UK government has recently recognised the need to improve mental health services in the country. Electronic health records provide a rich source of patient data which could help policymakers to better understand needs of the service users. The main objective of this study is to unveil statistics of diagnoses recorded in the Case Register of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest mental health providers in the UK and Europe serving a source population of over 1.2 million people residing in south London. Based on over 500,000 diagnoses recorded in ICD10 codes for a cohort of approximately 200,000 mental health patients, we established frequency rate of each diagnosis (the ratio of the number of patients for whom a diagnosis has ever been recorded to the number of patients in the entire population who have made contact with mental disorders). We also investigated differences in diagnoses prevalence between subgroups of patients stratified by gender and ethnicity. The most common diagnoses in the considered population were (recurrent) depression (ICD10 codes F32-33; 16.4% of patients), reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (F43; 7.1%), mental/behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol (F10; 6.9%), and schizophrenia (F20; 5.6%). We also found many diagnoses which were more likely to be recorded in patients of a certain gender or ethnicity. For example, mood (affective) disorders (F31-F39); neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (F40-F48, except F42); and eating disorders (F50) were more likely to be found in records of female patients, while males were more likely to be diagnosed with mental/behavioural disorders due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19). Furthermore, mental/behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol and opioids were more likely to be recorded in patients of white ethnicity, and disorders due to use of cannabinoids in those of black ethnicity.
Time and Space-Efficient Algorithms for Mobile Agents in an Anonymous Network

Computing with mobile agents is rapidly becoming a topic of mainstream research in the theory of distributed computing. The main research questions undertaken in this study concern the feasibility of solving fundamental tasks in an anonymous network, subject to limitations on the resources available to the agent. The considered challenges include: exploring a graph by means of an agent with limited memory, discovery of the network topology, and attempting to meet with another agent in another network (rendezvous). The constraints imposed on the agent include the number of moves which the agent is allowed to perform in the network, the amount of state memory available to the agent, the ability of the agent to communicate with other agents, as well as its a priori knowledge of the network topology or of global parameters.