Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production of vegetation spatial-structure maps by per-object analysis of juniper encroachment in multitemporal aerial photographs

The remote sensing of vegetation, which has predominantly applied methods that analyze each image pixel as independent observations, has recently seen the development of several methods that identify groups of pixels that share similar spectral or structural properties as objects. The outputs of “per-object” rather than “per-pixel” methods represent characteristics of vegetation objects, such as location, size, and volume, in a spatially explicit manner. Before decisions can be influenced by data products derived from per-object remote sensing methods, it is first necessary to adopt methodologies that can quantify the spatial and temporal trends in vegetation structure in a quantitative manner. In this study, we present one such methodological framework where (i) marked point patterns of vegetation structure are produced from two per-object methods, (ii) new spatial-structural data layers are developed via moving-window statistics applied to the point patterns, (iii) the layers are differenced to highlight spatial-structural change over a 60 year period, and (iv) the resulting difference layers are evaluated within an ecological context to describe landscape-scale changes in vegetation structure. Results show that this framework potentially provides information on the population, growth, size association (nonspatial distribution of large and small objects), and dispersion. We present an objective methodological comparison of two common per-object approaches, namely image segmentation and classification using Definiens software and two-dimensional wavelet transformations.
Parallel Search of Strongly Ordered Game Trees

The alpha-beta algorithm forms the basis of many programs that search game trees. A number of methods have been designed to improve the utility of the sequential version of this algorithm, especially for use in game-playing programs. These enhancements are based on the observation that alpha beta is most effective when the best move in each position is considered early in the search. Trees that have this so-called strong ordering property are not only of practical importance but possess characteristics that can be exploited in both sequential and parallel environments. This paper draws upon experiences gained during the development of programs which search chess game trees. Over the past decade major enhancements of the alpha beta algorithm have been developed by people building game-playing programs, and many of these methods will be surveyed and compared here. The balance of the paper contains a study of contemporary methods for searching chess game trees in parallel, using an arbitrary number of independent processors. To make efficient use of these processors, one must have a clear understanding of the basic properties of the trees actually traversed when alpha-beta cutoffs occur. This paper provides such insights and concludes with a brief description of amore » refinement to a standard parallel search algorithm for this problem. 33 references. « less
Modeling Explicit and Implicit Ties within an Organization : A Multiple Model Integration

We present a simulation designed to capture the impact of both explicit authority ties and implicit socialization ties on the performance of an organization adapting to a turbulent world. We present a summary of three key models which informed our approach. We then outline and describe the operation of our resulting simulation. Using an experiment which manipulated both the authority network structure and the stress each organization placed on socialization, we show that socialization has a non-linear impact on peak organizational performance and on the performance of top management. We also demonstrate that the authority structure has some impact on the performance of both the organization in toto, as well as on top management.
Discrete Deformable Model Guided by Partial Active Shape Model for TRUS Image Segmentation

Automatic prostate segmentation in transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images is highly desired in many clinical applications. However, robust and automated prostate segmentation is challenging due to the low SNR in TRUS and the missing boundaries in shadow areas caused by calcifications or hyperdense prostate tissues. This paper presents a novel method of utilizing a priori shapes estimated from partial contours for segmenting the prostate. The proposed method is able to automatically extract prostate boundary from 2-D TRUS images without user interaction for shape correction in shadow areas. During the segmentation process, missing boundaries in shadow areas are estimated by using a partial active shape model, which takes partial contours as input but returns a complete shape estimation. With this shape guidance, an optimal search is performed by a discrete deformable model to minimize an energy functional for image segmentation, which is achieved efficiently by using dynamic programming. The segmentation of an image is executed in a multiresolution fashion from coarse to fine for robustness and computational efficiency. Promising segmentation results were demonstrated on 301 TRUS images grabbed from 19 patients with the average mean absolute distance error of 2.01 mm ± 1.02 mm.
Cohomology Ring of Symplectic Quotients by Circle Actions

Abstract In this article we are concerned with how to compute the cohomology ring of a symplectic quotient by a circle action using the information we have about the cohomology of the original manifold and some data at the fixed point set of the action. Our method is based on the Tolman-Weitsman theorem which gives a characterization of the kernel of the Kirwan map. First we compute a generating set for the kernel of the Kirwan map for the case of product of compact connected manifolds such that the cohomology ring of each of them is generated by a degree two class. We assume the fixed point set is isolated; however the circle action only needs to be “formally Hamiltonian”. By identifying the kernel, we obtain the cohomology ring of the symplectic quotient. Next we apply this result to some special cases and in particular to the case of products of two dimensional spheres. We show that the results of Kalkman and Hausmann-Knutson are special cases of our result.
Malaysia Football Coaches: Development Characteristics

In this study, the defining development pathways of “A”, “B” and “C” licenced coaches in Malaysia, were examined from the perspective of identifying critical issues and challenges. This research was guided by principles of evolved grounded theory (EGT), (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Twelve participants were recruited based on the principles of theoretical sampling (Strauss & Corbin, 1998), eventually a cross section of “A”, “B” and “C” licenced coaches were recruited that adequately represented the various levels. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to explore how participants organised and understood their coaching experiences was used with a recursive design whereby newly identified themes could be explored in subsequent interviews. Furthermore, probe questions were also used to explore ideographic themes and issues relevant to each interviewee. Initially data analysis involved creating electronic written transcripts of the participant’s answer during the interviews. The data underwent systematically construction, deconstruction and reconstruction stages. As expected, stages of development emerged as a central overarching category. Based on the analysis, the following four stages of development emerged, a) pre-accreditation, b) participation, c) developmental and d) performance. These four stages of development formed the central structure of the constructed grounded theory.
Understanding Change Prone Classes in Object Oriented Software

Classes in Object Oriented Systems are continuously subjected to changes and defect prone. Predicting such classes is a key research area in the field of software engineering. It is important to identify such change prone classes and defect prone classes. Identifying change prone classes can help developers to build quality software on time. Considering all the above issues, this paper covers the following key issues: 1) identification of change prone classes using various approaches 2) How changes in one class affects multiple classes associated with it. 3) Study Dependency between classes and their effects.
A new fossil from the Jurassic of Patagonia reveals the early basicranial evolution and the origins of Crocodyliformes

Extant crocodylians have a limited taxonomic and ecological diversity but they belong to a lineage (Crocodylomorpha) that includes basal and rather generalized species and a highly diverse clade, Crocodyliformes. The latter was among the most successful groups of Mesozoic tetrapods, both in terms of taxonomic and ecological diversity. Crocodyliforms thrived in terrestrial, semiaquatic, and marine environments, and their fossil diversity includes carnivorous, piscivorous, insectivorous, and herbivorous species. This remarkable ecological and trophic diversity is thought only to occur in forms with a completely akinetic skull, characterized by a functionally integrated and tightly sutured braincase‐quadrate‐palate complex. However, the patterns of evolutionary change that led to the highly modified skull of crocodyliforms and that likely enabled their diversification remain poorly understood. Herein, a new basal crocodylomorph from the Late Jurassic of Patagonia is described, Almadasuchus figarii gen. et sp. nov. The new taxon is known from a well‐preserved posterior region of the skull as well as other craniomandibular and postcranial remains. Almadasuchus figarii differs from all other crocodylomorphs in the presence of six autapomorphic features, including the presence of a large lateral notch on the upper temporal bar, an otic shelf of the squamosal that is wider than long, a deep subtriangular concavity on the posterolateral surface of the squamosal, and an elongated pneumatopore on the ventral surface of the quadrate. Phylogenetic analysis focused on the origin of Crocodyliformes places Almadasuchus as the sister group of Crocodyliformes, supported by synapomorphic features of the skull (e.g. subtriangular basisphenoid, absence of basipterygoid process, absence of a sagittal ridge on the frontal, and a flat anterior skull roof with an ornamented dorsal surface). New braincase information provided by Almadasuchus and other crocodylomorphs indicates that most of the modifications on the posterior region of the skull of crocodyliforms, including the strongly sutured braincase, quadrate, and the extensive secondary palate appeared in a stepwise manner, and pre‐dated the evolutionary changes in the snout, jaws, and dentition. This indicates that the progressively increased rigidity of the skull provided the structural framework that allowed the great ecological diversification of crocodyliforms during the course of the Mesozoic. The phylogenetic pattern of character acquisition inferred for the strongly sutured (akinetic) skull and the appearance of more diverse feeding behaviours that create high mechanical loads on the skull provides another interesting parallel between the evolution of Mesozoic crocodyliforms and the evolutionary origins of mammals.
Communication delay in wormhole-routed torus networks

A new analytical model for predicting message delay in wormhole-routed torus is presented. Unlike previous wormhole routing models, which mainly have been developed for uniform traffic, the model introduced in this paper computes message latency in the wormhole-routed torus in the presence of broadcast traffic. Results obtained through simulation experiments show that the model exhibits a good degree of accuracy in predicting message latency under different working conditions.
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles Image Guided Depth Map Upsampling using Anisotropic TV- ${L^2}$

In this letter, we present a novel upsampling method to enhance the spatial resolution of depth maps. Given a low resolution depth map from a depth sensor and a registered high resolution intensity image from a camera, we formulate it as a convex optimization problem and solve it using the first-order primal-dual algorithm. The formulation combines an ${L^2}$ data term and an anisotropic total variation (TV) regularization term, thus it is more robust to noise and better preserves the fine details. Experimental results on Middlebury and real world datasets demonstrate that our method achieves favorable performance compared with state-of-the-art upsampling methods.
Three-Level NPC-Inverter-Based SVM-VCIMD With Feedforward Active PFC Rectifier for Enhanced AC Mains Power Quality

This paper presents a Scott-transformer-based power factor correction (PFC) rectifier for a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter-fed induction motor drive (IMD) for enhanced power quality at ac mains. Here, the Scott-transformer-based PFC rectifier is digitally controlled by a current feedforward control. The torque component of the stator current is added to the output of the dc-bus voltage proportional plus integral (PI) controller as a feedforward term, which enhances the dynamic performance of the dc-bus voltage regulation. The three-level NPC inverter is controlled by a space vector-modulated (SVM) indirect vector control scheme. The performance of the proposed dc-bus voltage loop with feedforward control is compared with the conventional one and found to offer faster response with less overshoot and undershoot. The proposed IMD system is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and the same is validated experimentally. The proposed drive system is analyzed for a wide variation in reference speed and load torques demonstrating significant improvement in the performance indices.
Explicit Model of Cylindrical Surrounding Double-Gate MOSFET

We present an analytical and continuous dc model for undoped cylindrical surrounding double-gate (CSDG) MOSFETs for which the drain current and subthreshold model is written as an explicit function of the applied voltages for the wireless telecommunication systems to operate at the microwave frequency regime of the spectrum. The model is based on a unified charge control model developed for this device. This CSDG MOSFET can be used as the RF switch for selecting the data streams from antennas for both the transmitting and receiving processes. We emphasize on the basics of the drain current with drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and short channel effects (SCE), for the integrated circuit of the radio frequency sub-system. We analyzed that the drain current is higher, output conductance is lower which shows that the isolation is better in CSDG MOSFET as compared to double-gate MOSFET and single-gate MOSFET. The proposed explicit model satisfies the conformity with the numerical exact solution obtained from the charge control model. Key-Words: Charge control model, Cylindrical surrounding double-gate MOSFET, CMOS switch, Doublegate MOSFET, RF switch, VLSI.
A non asymptotical analysis of the optimal SIR algorithm vs. the fully adapted auxiliary particle filter

Particle filters (PF) and auxiliary particle filters (APF) are widely used sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) techniques for estimating the a posteriori filtering probability density function (pdf) in a Hidden Markov Chain (HMC). These algorithms have been theoretically analysed from an asymptotical statistics perspective. In this paper we provide a non asymptotical, finite number of samples comparative analysis of two particular SMC algorithms : the Sampling Importance Resampling (SIR) PF with optimal conditional importance distribution (CID), and the fully adapted APF (FA). Starting from a common set of N particles, we compute closed form expressions of the mean and variance of the empirical Monte Carlo (MC) estimators of a moment of the a posteriori filtering pdf. Both algorithms have the same mean, but in the case where resampling is used, the variance of the SIR algorithm always exceeds that of the FA algorithm.
D EMYSTIFYING R ES N ET

We provide a theoretical explanation for the superb performance of ResNet via the study of deep linear networks and some nonlinear variants. We show that with or without nonlinearities, by adding shortcuts that have depth two, the condition number of the Hessian of the loss function at the zero initial point is depth-invariant, which makes training very deep models no more difﬁcult than shallow ones. Shortcuts of higher depth result in an extremely ﬂat (high-order) stationary point initially, from which the optimization algorithm is hard to escape. The 1-shortcut, however, is essentially equivalent to no shortcuts. Extensive experiments are provided accompanying our theoretical results. We show that initializing the network to small weights with 2-shortcuts achieves signiﬁcantly better results than random Gaussian (Xavier) initialization, orthogonal initialization, and shortcuts of deeper depth, from various perspectives ranging from ﬁnal loss, learning dynamics and stability, to the behavior of the Hessian along the learning process.
Specificity of the number of nouns in Czech and its annotation in Prague Dependency Treebank

Specificity of the number of nouns in Czech and its annotation in Prague Dependency Treebank The paper focuses on the way how the grammatical category of number of nouns will be annotated in the forthcoming version of Prague Dependency Treebank (PDT 3.0), concentrating on the peculiarities beyond the regular opposition of singular and plural. A new semantic feature closely related to the category of number (so-called pair/group meaning) was introduced. Nouns such as ruce ‘hands’ or klíče ‘keys’ refer with their plural forms to a pair or to a typical group even more often than to a larger amount of single entities. Since pairs or groups can be referred to with most Czech concrete nouns, the pair/group meaning is considered as a grammaticalized meaning of nouns in Czech. In the present paper, manual annotation of the pair/group meaning is described, which was carried out on the data of Prague Dependency Treebank. A comparison with a sample annotation of data from Prague Dependency Treebank of Spoken Czech has demonstrated that the pair/group meaning is both more frequent and more easily distinguishable in the spoken than in the written data.
Intracellular Sodium, Membrane Potential, and Contractility of Rat Mesenteric Small Arteries

We have investigated effects of altered extracellular sodium, intracellular sodium concentration, and membrane potential on the contractile responses of rat isolated mesenteric small arteries (internal diameter ca. 200 μm), when mounted as ring preparations on an isometric myograph. To avoid possible neural effects, all vessels were denervated in vitro using 6-hydroxydopamine. In unstimulated vessels, exposure to low-Na+ solutions (25 mM sodium, sucrose, or choline-subsrituted) did not cause any response nor did exposure to ouabain (1 mM) for 1 hour [when intracellular sodium concentration increased to 64 mmol/(liter-cell)]. However, a response was obtained if ouabain-exposed vessels were subjected to low-sodium solutions (ca. 15% of maximal response). The magnitude of the response was dependent on the ratio of intracellular to extracellular sodium and was not inhibitable by the calcium blockers, felodipine (1 nM) or D600 (10 μM). This response could therefore be explained in terms of a Na-Ca exchange mechanism. The responses of activated vessels to ouabain and to low-sodium solutions were also investigated. The responses of vessels to submaximal doses of noradrenaline or potassium were potentiated acutely by ouabain (by 10–30% of the maximal response), even if the extracellular sodium was reduced to 25 mM. In all cases, the potentiation by ouabain was accompanied by a depolarization (3–12 mV). However, only in the case of noradrenaline-activated vessels with normal extracellular sodium was the potentiation accompanied by an increase in intracellular sodium [by ca. 7 mmol/(liter-cell)]. Moreover, the latter response was inhibited by felodipine and D600. The results suggest that Na-Ca exchange mechanisms may be present in these vessels but that they only play a role under extreme conditions; under normal conditions the effect of ouabain on activated vessels seems to be primarily due to its depolarizing effect, and not to its effect on intracellular sodium.
Probabilistic Design of a Plate-Like Wing to Meet Flutter and Strength Requirements

An approach is presented for carrying out reliability-based design of a metallic, plate-like wing to meet strength and flutter requirements that are given in terms of risk/reliability. The design problem is to determine the thickness distribution such that wing weight is a minimum and the probability of failure is less than a specified value. Failure is assumed to occur if either the flutter speed is less than a specified allowable or the stress caused by a pressure loading is greater than a specified allowable. Four uncertain quantities are considered: wing thickness, calculated flutter speed, allowable stress, and magnitude of a uniform pressure load.
Infections in Children Admitted with Complicated Severe Acute Malnutrition in Niger

Background Although malnutrition affects thousands of children throughout the Sahel each year and predisposes them to infections, there is little data on the etiology of infections in these populations. We present a clinical and biological characterization of infections in hospitalized children with complicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Maradi, Niger. Methods Children with complicated SAM hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a therapeutic feeding center, with no antibiotics in the previous 7 days, were included. A clinical examination, blood, urine and stool cultures, and chest radiography were performed systematically on admission. Results Among the 311 children included in the study, gastroenteritis was the most frequent clinical diagnosis on admission, followed by respiratory tract infections and malaria. Blood or urine culture was positive in 17% and 16% of cases, respectively, and 36% had abnormal chest radiography. Enterobacteria were sensitive to most antibiotics, except amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole. Twenty-nine (9%) children died, most frequently from sepsis. Clinical signs were poor indicators of infection and initial diagnoses correlated poorly with biologically or radiography-confirmed diagnoses. Conclusions These data confirm the high level of infections and poor correlation with clinical signs in children with complicated SAM, and provide antibiotic resistance profiles from an area with limited microbiological data. These results contribute unique data to the ongoing debate on the use and choice of broad-spectrum antibiotics as first-line treatment in children with complicated SAM and reinforce the call for an update of international guidelines on management of complicated SAM based on more recent data.
Some Tests of Competition in the Australian Housing Loan Market

In this paper we investigate the degree of competition in the market for housing loans by examining a new data set, the asset composition of individual banks. We construct a Herfindahl index of concentration in this market, and estimate a model of conjectural variations to examine the reactions of each bank to changes in the value of loans made by other banks. Certain forms of competition are nested within this framework. Our findings lead us to decisively reject the hypotheses of perfect competition and perfect collusion. We are unable to reject the hypothesis that this market can be characterised as a Cournot oligopoly.