Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image-based construction of 3D virtual environments from a sequence of omnidirectional images

Presents a new method for constructing a virtual environment from a real-world scene, in which users can look around the scene with binocular stereoscopic sensation. The approach is based on generating novel views at arbitrary positions from a sequence of omnidirectional images in real time. A sequence of omnidirectional images is captured by a moving an omnidirectional video camera with a known velocity in a static real environment. In the proposed method, a fixed length of image sequence is temporarily buffered to generate arbitrarily directional binocular stereo images combining captured rays. Telepresence systems have been developed for showing the feasibility of the method, assuming the omnidirectional camera to be running along a straight line with a constant speed. Experiments have shown that a user can look around a remote scene in the distance from moving viewpoints with rich 3D sensation without any significant time delay.
Surgical Robotics Beyond Enhanced Dexterity Instrumentation A survey of the machine learning techniques and their role in intelligent and autonomous surgical actions

Advances in technology and computing play an increasingly important role in the evolution of modern surgical techniques and paradigms. In this article we review the current role of machine learning (ML) techniques in the context of surgery with a focus on surgical robotics and we provide a perspective on the future possibilities for enhancing the eﬀectiveness of procedures by integrating ML in the operating room. We focus our review on ML techniques directly applied to surgery, surgical robotics, and surgical training and assessment. The widespread use of ML methods in diagnosis and medical image computing is beyond the scope of the review. We performed searches on PubMed and IEEE Explore using combinations of the keywords: ML, surgery, robotics, surgical and medical robotics, skill learning, skill analysis, learning to perceive. Studies making use of ML methods in the context of surgery are increasingly reported. In particular, there
Comparison between robotic Nissen, Toupet and Dor fundoplication: results

Minimally invasive surgery has gained a role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Robotic fundoplication is one of choice of treatment in minimally invasive surgical managements. As for conventional and laparoscopic approaches, Nissen, Toupet and Dor are the mainly performed techniques of fundoplication with the robotic surgery. They differ in wrap construction both for the grades and for the anterior or posterior rotation. Some authors compared the three techniques in laparoscopic field in terms of symptoms control, failure of treatment and reintervention rate. We aimed to attempt a comparison between the three techniques performed by a robotic-assisted approach. The available literature on robotic fundoplication and relative different techniques is still low scarce. Except for intrinsic technical characteristics, the three techniques do not show particular differences between them. Total fundoplication seems to better control the GERD symptoms but has a higher rate of postoperative dysphagia than partial ones. Nissen fundoplication (NF) is the most practiced, standardized and described since its early employments. The lack of specific investigations about robotic Toupet fundoplication (TF) and Dor fundoplication (DF) with relative data preclude to compare the three mentioned techniques accurately. Although robotic surgery had proper characteristics, we could consider it as an advanced laparoscopic approach and thus we could liken the available data concerning the three laparoscopic fundoplication techniques to the corresponding robotic ones.
Carbon 13 discrimination during lipid biosynthesis varies with dietary concentration of stable isotopes: implications for stable isotope analyses

Summary 1. Carbon stable isotopes are commonly used as a research tool in physiological ecology. When elements are consumed, they are naturally enriched or depleted as the consumer processes them. The difference in isotopic composition between the consumer and the diet is known as the discrimination factor (Δ13C). 2. Mixing models are used to estimate the contribution of multiple dietary components to a consumer’s tissues and discrimination must be estimated in the model. Often, discrimination factors vary depending on multiple factors, yet in many models the discrimination factor is assumed to be constant for each dietary component. 3. Few studies have evaluated the mechanistic basis of stable isotope metabolism and discrimination during macromolecule biosynthesis, despite the potential to improve estimations of discrimination factors. We tested whether 13C discrimination depends on the dietary concentration of 13C by culturing the bacterium Bacillus subtilis in a gradient of broths ranging from a δ13C of −11·8‰ to −25·3‰. We found an increase in discrimination in whole bacterial tissue, bulk lipid, and lipid-extracted fractions as dietary the concentration of 13C increased, with lipids showing the greatest discrimination ranging from 2·72‰ in the low 13C broths to 15·5‰ in the high13C broths. 4. These findings contrast with the majority of isotopic ecology data that typically show a moderate enrichment of 13C as trophic level increases. This discrepancy is attributed to the de novo biosynthesis of the majority of cellular components in this study as opposed to the effects of isotopic routing seen in more metabolically complex taxa.
Effect of saturation on seed dormancy and germination of the halophyte Leymus chinensis

The halophyte, Leymus chinensis (Trin.) a perennial rhizomatous grass, is widely distributed in northern China, Mongolia and Siberia. Due to its ecological and economical significance, understanding the underlying causes of the low fecundity and long-term seed dormancy that are characteristic of L. chinensis is critical for promoting propagation and germination of this grass. This study investigates the effect of saturation treatments of mature seeds on breaking seed dormancy and increasing germination in L. chinensis. The germination rates were significantly increased to 33.81, 46.15 and 50.35% from LcWT07-1, LcWT07-2 and LcJS0107, respectively after saturation treatments at 4°C for 3 days, suggesting that germination inhibitor components had been lixiviated from seed coats and/or mature seeds. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet (UV) analysis demonstrated that acidic components were lixiviated from both seed coats and dehusked mature seeds. Since dehusking also promotes seed germination, we predicted that the seed coat-derived soluble components contained germination inhibitors. Indeed, when L. chinensis plantlets were watered with the lixiviated solutions, their germination, but not their growth and development, was inhibited. Taken together, this work provides valuable insight into the regulation of seed dormancy and germination rate in L. chinensis, which may in turn have implications for improved propagation.
Transformative Learning through Mindfulness: Exploring the Mechanism of Change.

Making appropriate perspective transformations as we age is necessary to meet the demands of the rapidly changing conditions within our world. Accordingly, there has been a growing interest in the role of mindfulness in enabling transformations. Still, how mindfulness may facilitate perspective transformations is not well understood. The present paper draws from empirical evidence from psychology and cognitive science to discuss the theoretical possibility that mindfulness may facilitate perspective transformations. A theoretical model is presented that depicts an incremental transformative learning process that is facilitated through mindfulness. Mindfulness affords the adult an enhanced attention to their own thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise in the present moment experience. This metacognitive awareness may moderate the expression of motivational disposition for the present moment behaviour, enabling a more objective assessment of the conditions of the situation. Nonetheless, in accordance with transformative learning theory, an adult would have to become critically aware of and analyse the assumptions that underlie the reasons why they experience as they do in order to convert behaviour change to perspective transformation. Further empirical studies are necessary to test this assumption of the theoretical model presented in the present paper.
Finite element head model for the crew injury assessment in a light armoured vehicle.

PURPOSE The aim of this paper was the development of a finite element model of the soldier's head to assess injuries suffered by soldiers during blast under a light armoured vehicle. METHODS The application of a multibody wheeled armoured vehicle model, including the crew and their equipment, aenabled the researchers to analyse the most dangerous scenarios of the head injury. These scenarios have been selected for a detailed analysis using the finite element head model which allowed for the examination of dynamic effects on individual head structures. In this paper, the authors described stages of the development of the anatomical finite element head model. RESULTS The results of the simulations made it possible to assess parameters determining the head injury of the soldier during the IED explosion. The developed model allows the determination of the parameters of stress, strain and pressure acting on the structures of the human head. CONCLUSION In future studies, the model will be used to carry out simulations which will improve the construction of the headgear in order to minimize the possibility of the head injury.
Effect of Fertilizer Nitrogen on Weed Emergence and Growth

Abstract The timing of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application may influence germination, emergence, and competitiveness of weeds. Research was conducted to determine the influence of total inorganic soil N (Nit) on the germination, emergence, and growth of five weed species. In a greenhouse experiment, seed of five weed species were exposed to four levels of N, and seed germination was measured. In the field, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN 28%) was applied at multiple rates at three spring timings, and Nit, weed emergence, and growth were measured for 21 to 35 d after application (DAA). Germination of the four dicotyledonous and single grass species was not stimulated by 450 ppmw of N compared with the untreated control. In the field, Nit of 112 or 168 kg N ha−1, measured at 7 and 21 DAA, was always greater than Nit in the untreated control. The duration of the available N pulse in the upper 8 cm of soil was dependent on N application rate and timing. At 8 to 16 cm of soil depth, Nit was greater when 168 kg N ha−1 was applied compared with no N at 21 and 35 DAA in 2004. Emergence of common lambsquarters increased as N application rate increased for each application date in 2003, but not in 2004. Emergence of ladysthumb increased with N application rate for the April 15, 2003, date; emergence of giant foxtail increased with N application rate for the April 6, 2004, date. Weed biomass was always greater when 168 kg N ha−1 was applied compared with no N, and at four of six N application dates, when 112 kg N ha−1 was applied. This research shows that spring N fertilizer applications increase Nit and weed growth, but the influence of N on weed emergence is dependent on the weed species, seed source, and environmental conditions. Nomenclature: Common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; ladysthumb, Polygonum persicaria L. POLPE.
Real-time quantitative (PCR) applications to quantify and the expression profiles of heat shock protein (HSP70) genes in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and Oreochromis mossambicus (P.).

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) has already been used to study the expression profiles of heat shock protein (Hsp) genes in Nile tilapia, Oreochromisniloticus (Lineaus, 1752) and Oreochromis mossambicu (Peter, 1983). Young fish were exposed to heat stress for 5.5 h followed by qRT-PCR of Hsp70 mRNA, using tubulin (tub) as a reference gene and flourogenic dyes. Expression of Hsp70 mRNA peaked at 1 h of heat stress and decreased at 5.5 h. This method proved to be a very sensitive technique in quantifying Hsp70 transcripts in 6.70 ng of total DNA from the two tilapia species. A standard curve was prepared, for both tilapia fishes showed almost uniform results throughout the experiment. The threshold PCR cycle (Ct), at which RT-PCR products from DNA standards accumulated to a critical level, was determined for samples in the range of 2 × 104 to 2 × 1010molecules/μl. From conclusion of this study, it is shown that when the tilapia fish muscles are subjected to stress, with the help of abiotic factors- temperatures, whether above or below optimum condition within a stipulated period of time in a peculiar way, will lead to the production of the Hsp70 protein. Key words: Hsp70, quantitative RT-PCR, Oreochromis mossambicus,Oreochromis niloticus.
Prediction-Guided Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning for Continuous Robot Control

Many real-world control problems involve con-ﬂicting objectives where we desire a dense and high-quality set of control policies that are optimal for different objective preferences (called Pareto-optimal). While extensive research in multi-objective reinforcement learning (MORL) has been conducted to tackle such problems, multi-objective optimization for complex continuous robot control is still under-explored. In this work, we propose an efﬁcient evolutionary learning algorithm to ﬁnd the Pareto set approximation for continuous robot control problems, by extending a state-of-the-art RL algorithm and presenting a novel prediction model to guide the learning process. In addition to efﬁciently discovering the individual policies on the Pareto front, we construct a continuous set of Pareto-optimal solutions by Pareto analysis and interpolation. Furthermore, we design seven multi-objective RL environments with continuous action space, which is the ﬁrst benchmark platform to evaluate MORL algorithms on various robot control problems. We test the previous methods on the proposed benchmark problems, and the experiments show that our approach is able to ﬁnd a much denser and higher-quality set of Pareto policies than the existing algorithms.
Morphology and infraciliature of three species of Eutintinnus (Ciliophora : Tintinnina) with guidelines for interpreting protargol-stained tintinnine ciliates

The infraciliatures of three Chesapeake Bay species of Eutintinnus conforming in lorica morphology to E. angustatus, E. pectinis, and E. tenuis were compared following Protargol silver impregnation. The kinetome of these species had a number of shared attributes including: 1) a right and left field that were of similar length and kinetal spacing; 2) two, rarely three, long dorsal kineties composed of monokinetids; 3) a ventral kinety; and 4) the absence of a true posterior kinety. Nonetheless, the specific organization of infraciliary components varied considerably among species. For example, the organization of the ventral kinety and several kineties along the border of the left field was different in all three species. In addition, the dorsal kineties of E. angustatus differed positionally from those of E. pectinis and E. tenuis. Some divergence in oral infraciliature was also noted, with the arrangement of infundibular oral polykinetids in E. pectinis and E. tenuis being distinct from that of E. angustatus. The amount of variation in the infraciliature of Eutintinnus spp. was much greater than previously noted for congeneric species of tintinnines and supports the separation E. angustatus, E. pectinis, and E. tenuis at the generic or subgeneric level.
Dr. Renu Isidore. R et al., International Journal of Research in Management, Economics and Commerce, ISSN 2250-057X, Impact Factor: 6.384, Volume 08 Issue 04, April 2018, Page 5-9

Stock market investors experience a lot of anxiety in the market when they take stock market decisions owing to the vast amount of stock information available and the numerous stocks available for investing. This anxiety leads to irrational behaviour of the investors which causes them to exhibit behavioral biases. Stock prices hence deviate from the norms causing anomalous stock market behaviour. This paper introduces the concept of behavioral finance and prospect theory after explaining the classical financial theory concepts and then explains the anomalies in the stock market from the behavioral finance perspective. The behavioral biases causing anomalies like Short term momentum, Long term reversal, Weekend anomaly and Value premium anomaly are explained.
Path Loss Propagation Model Prediction for GSM Mobile Networks in Nigeria

: This research is aimed at predicting propagation path loss model which can be helpful in planning the best Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks in Dutse town, Jigawa state Nigeria. The methodology employed is measurement and instrumentation method. Digital wheel meter and handheld Spectrum analyzer (AAronia AG HF 2025E spectran) were used to measure signal path loss at Garu, Fagoji, and Takur and Gida dubu sites in Dutse town respectively. The outdoor fields’ measurements were carried for the GSM services provided by Airtel, MTN, Glo and Etisalat communication companies in the state. The average measured path losses were compared with the predicted and result were presented in tabular and graphical forms. The result presented that the variance of the average values lies between 2 to 7dB which is within the acceptable range. This shows a significant correlation between the measured and predicted models. Therefore the empirical model developed from Log-Normal shadowing concept can work for GSM network service providers for planning and optimization their services in Dutse, Nigeria.
METHODOLOGY AND TOOLS FOR ESTIMATING PROCESSORS SENSITIVITY TO SOFT ERRORS INDUCED BY RADIATIONS

Energetic particles present in space and in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce transient and permanent degradations on integrated circuits. This may lead to critical faults in systems on-board satellites, aircrafts and even in applications operating at ground level such as automotive, medical, etc. In this paper is presented, a methodology and the required tools for estimating the vulnerability of applications running on microprocessors with respect to bit-flip errors resulting from Single Event Upsets, also called soft errors. The proposed method allows estimating the sensitivity to this effect for any kind of processor running target application programs. Experimental and computational results of SEU tests performed on various complex processors by means of different test systems, as well as a fault emulation approach for predicting error rate will be presented and compared validating the accuracy of the proposed predictive error-rate approach.
Intra-layer Nonuniform Quantization for Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) has achieved remarkable performance on object detection and speech recognition in recent years. However, the excellent performance of a DCNN incurs high computational complexity and large memory requirement. In this paper, an equal distance nonuniform quantization (ENQ) scheme and a K-means clustering nonuniform quantization (KNQ) scheme are proposed to reduce the required memory storage when low complexity hardware or software implementations are considered. For the VGG-16 and the AlexNet, the proposed nonuniform quantization schemes reduce the number of required memory storage by approximately 50\% while achieving almost the same or even better classification accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art quantization method. Compared to the ENQ scheme, the proposed KNQ scheme provides a better tradeoff when higher accuracy is required.
Phylogenetic Relationships in Bromeliaceae Subfamily Bromelioideae based on Chloroplast DNA Sequence Data

Abstract Of the eight subfamilies currently recognized in Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae is perhaps the most poorly understood. Generic circumscriptions are unclear, and an exceptionally diverse morphology coupled with an unusually low rate of sequence divergence within Bromeliaceae has made it difficult to resolve phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily. Although recent molecular studies have begun elucidating relationships among species in Bromeliaceae, most have not sampled deeply and/or broadly across Bromelioideae. The purpose of this study was to conduct a phylogenetic analysis within subfamily Bromelioideae using three chloroplast DNA regions (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnL-trnF), with the inclusion of multiple species from a broad sampling of bromelioid genera. Ochagavia, Deinacanthon, Fascicularia, Bromelia and Fernseea diverged relatively early in the history of the subfamily, with the remaining taxa being placed in a large and poorly resolved eubromelioid clade. Bromelia and Cryptanthus were found to be monophyletic, while 13 other genera were polyphyletic. Aechmea, the most morphologically diverse genus within the subfamily, was highly polyphyletic, with species distributed among 12 different lineages, with little support for subgeneric circumscriptions.
Habitat segregation by female humpback whales in Hawaiian waters: avoidance of males?

Humpback whales congregate annually in low-latitude winter breeding and calving grounds. While on these grounds, females with a dependent calf (‘maternal females’) are sometimes closely attended by one or more male escorts. Using data collected from a shore-based observation platform in the Hawaiian Islands, we tested the hypothesis that the spatial distribution of maternal females is driven primarily by avoidance of males. As predicted, we found that (1) pods containing a calf occurred in significantly shallower water than pods that did not contain a calf, (2) unescorted maternal females occurred in significantly shallower water than escorted maternal females, (3) the number of males escorting a female decreased significantly with decreasing water depth, and (4) the swimming speed of maternal females increased as a function of male presence, with escorted females travelling significantly more rapidly than unescorted females and a significant positive correlation between swimming speed and number of escorts. We suggest that maternal females incur increased energetic costs when escorted by males and consequently position themselves in shallow waters to reduce the likelihood of unwanted male attention.
L’architecture d’un modèle hybride pour la normalisation de SMS (A hybrid model architecture for SMS normalization)[In French]

La communication par SMS (Short Message Service), aussi bien que tout autre type de communication virtuelle sous forme de textes courts (mails, microblogs, tweets, etc.), présente certaines particularités spécifiques (syntaxe irrégulière, fusionnement et phonétisation de mots, formes abrégées, etc.). A cause de ces caractéristiques, l’application d’outils en Traitement Automatique du Langage (TAL) rend difficile l’exploitation d’informations utiles contenues dans des messages bruités. Nous proposons un modèle de normalisation en deux étapes fondé sur une approche symbolique et statistique. La première partie vise à produire une représentation intermédiaire du message SMS par l’application des grammaires locales, tandis que la deuxième utilise un système de traduction automatique à base de règles pour convertir la représentation intermédiaire vers une forme standard.