Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motion prediction and interaction localisation of people in crowds

The ability to analyse and predict the movement of people in crowded scenarios can be of fundamental importance for tracking across multiple cameras and interaction localisation. In this thesis, we propose a person re-identification method that takes into account the spatial location of cameras using a plan of the locale and the potential paths people can follow in the unobserved areas. These potential paths are generated using two models. In the first, people’s trajectories are constrained to pass through a set of areas of interest (landmarks) in the site. In the second we integrate a goal-driven approach to the Social Force Model (SFM), initially introduced for crowd simulation. SFM models the desire of people to reach specific interest points (goals) in a site, such as exits, shops, seats and meeting points while avoiding walls and barriers. Trajectory propagation creates the possible re-identification candidates, on which association of people across cameras is performed using spatial location of the candidates and appearance features extracted around a person’s head. We validate the proposed method in a challenging scenario from London Gatwick airport and compare it to state-of-the-art person re-identification methods. Moreover, we perform detection and tracking of interacting people in a framework based on SFM that analyses people’s trajectories. The method embeds plausible human behaviours to predict interactions in a crowd by iteratively minimising the error between predictions and measurements. We model people approaching a group and restrict the group formation based on the relative velocity of candidate group members. The detected groups are then tracked by linking their centres of interaction over time using a buffered graph-based tracker. We show how the proposed framework outperforms existing group localisation techniques on three publicly available datasets.
An Evaluation of Ion Released from Two Brands of Brackets in Three Types of Mouthwashes

Background: Mouthwashes used widely as ancillary to mechanical oral hygiene methods. Little information provided about the effect of mouthwashes on ions released from orthodontic brackets. Therefore, the present study has been established to evaluate the effect of different mouthwashes on the corrosion resistance and the biocompatibility of two brands of brackets. Materials and Methods: Eighty premolar stainless steel brackets were used (40 brackets from each brand). They were subdivided into four subgroups (n=10) according to immersion media (deionized distilled water, Corsodyl, Listerine and Silca herb mouthwashes). Each bracket was stored in a closely packed glass tube filled with 15ml of the immersion media and incubated for 45 days at 37oC. Then chromium, nickel, copper and manganese ions release were measured using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while iron ions release were measured by using Iron kit and spectrophotometer. For statistical analysis, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) were used. Results: The results revealed that the ions released from Dentaurum brackets were significantly higher than that from OrthoTechnology brackets in all type of immersion media except for Chromium ions in Corsodyl mouthwash. The release of copper and chromium ions was significantly higher in Listerine and Corsodyl mouthwashes than in deionized distilled water being related to the pH of the immersion media. While, the release of iron, nickel and manganese ions in the three mouthwashes was comparable to that in deionized distilled water. Conclusions: The amounts of released ions were below toxic levels and did not exceed the daily dietary intake, but it may be recommended to avoid prolonged use of Listerine and Corsodyl mouthwashes in patients allergic to chromium.
Portfolio Homogenization and Systemic Risk of Financial Network

In this paper, we argue that systemic risk should be understood from two different perspectives, the homogeneity of portfolios (or called asset homogeneity) and the contagion mechanism. The homogenization of portfolios held by different financial institutions increases the positive correlations among them and therefore the probability of simultaneous collapses of a considerable part of the network, which are prerequisites and amplifiers of contagion. We first theoretically analyze the influence of asset homogeneity on the initial risk, fragility and systemic risk of the network. Based on the theoretical predictions, we perform simulations on regular networks and Poisson random networks to illustrate the effects of portfolio homogeneity on systemic risk. It is shown that the relationship between asset homogeneity and systemic risk is not always positively related. When the network contagion is weak, then a high asset homogeneity will lead to a high systemic risk. However, if the network contagion is considerably strong, the systemic risk is quite likely to be negative related to the asset homogeneity, so that a high homogeneity will produce a low systemic risk. Moreover, networks with strong contagion and low asset homogeneity tend to have the greatest systemic risk. Results from logistic regression analysis further clarify the relationships between systemic risk and asset homogeneity.
Facile and reliable determination of multilayer graphene thickness using optical microscopy

Optical transmittance of exfoliated multilayer graphene (MLG) was investigated and cross-referenced with a standard monolayer sample. Plots of grayscale values against position on the images were found to have step-like profiles. Step heights were extracted from the profiles and found to have peak points. The peaks occur at approximately 80 layers region. These findings occur due to interlayer interactions within the samples, with the 80 layers being the transition from MLG to the bulk graphite. Our experimental results show optical transmittance of % 3 . 97 , % 2 . 95 % 2 . 93 and % 3 . 91 for single layer, bilayer, trilayer and tetralayer respectively. The observed exponential decrease in transmittance with the number of graphene layers has been attributed to the variations in optical absorption of the incident light by the MLG samples.
Scale effects in workplace innovations: Are the prevalence and effects of workplace innovation related to firm size?

Workplace innovation can be defined as the implementation of new and combined interventions in work organisation, HRM and supportive technologies, and strategies to improve performance of organisations and quality of jobs. Previous research confirms the presence of a positive relationship between workplace innovation and firm performance. Within this study we are interested in the scale effects in workplace innovation. Does firm size moderate the relationship between workplace innovation and organisational performance?
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Deformation of a Single Drop under Uniform Electric Field

In this paper, deformation of a drop suspended in another immiscible fluid that is influenced by an external uniform electric field is investigated through fully 3D numerical simulations. The electric field is applied by imposing an electric potential difference in the ambient fluid. The Leaky dielectric model is used to obtain the electric field, charge distribution and eventually applied electric force at the interface. This force creates both oblate and prolate shapes, and also induces various Electrohydrodynamic flows inside and outside of the drop depending on the conductivity and permittivity ratio of the drop and the ambient fluid. A finite difference/front-tracking method is used. The results are presented for a wide range of non-dimensional parameters for predicting the drop deformation quantitatively and qualitatively. Different flow patterns are induced inside and outside of the drop. The results show a good agreement with theoretical and experimental results in the literature. For the sake of consideration of the problem in more detail, four specific cases are investigated.
Geostatistical modeling of spatial variability of water retention curves

Geostatistical modeling of spatial variability of water retention curves H. Saito, K. Seki, and J. Šimůnek Department of Ecoregion Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Faculty of Business Administration, Toyo University, Tokyo 112-8606, Japan Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA Received: 1 August 2008 – Accepted: 3 August 2008 – Published: 3 September 2008 Correspondence to: H. Saito (hiros@cc.tuat.ac.jp) Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.
Modeling the optical absorption within conjugated polymer / fullerene-based bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells

In this paper, we report our results on the modeling of the optical properties of the bulkheterojunction ‘‘plastic solar cells’’, consisting of a solid-state blend of the conjugated polymer poly-[2-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-5-methyloxy]-para-phenylene-vinylene and the fullerene C60 derivative 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl) propyl-1-phenyl [6,6]C61. Upon illuminating these cells with the standard AM 1.5 solar spectrum, the short circuit current can be determined for any given internal quantum efficiency as a function of the active layer thickness. In addition, the depth profiles of photoinduced charge generation rates are calculated. Based on the agreement of this modeling with experimentally determined efficiencies of these solar cells, an internal quantum efficiency of about 80% has been estimated. r 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
To What Extent Does Musical Aptitude Influence Foreign Language Pronunciation Skills? A Multi-Factorial Analysis of Japanese Learners of English

This study looks at the influence of musical aptitude on learners’ pronunciation abilities in a foreign language. Whilethere have been many studies that have claimed a link between the two (Slevc & Miyake 2006, Milovanov 2010,etc.), some studies suggest that this link may not be as strong as initially thought (Jackendoff, 2009, etc.). This studyexamines the pronunciation abilities of Japanese University students of similar English level and varying musicalaptitude, but conducts more in depth statistical analysis than previous studies by comparing specific musical abilities,such as pitch, loudness, rhythm, tone and timing, with specific problematic pronunciation points, the English sounds/r/, /l/, /v/, [θ] and [ð]. The results of our experimentation indicated a statistically significant correlation betweenmusical timing aptitude and the ability to pronounce r and l sounds, but no other significant correlations, indicatingthat perhaps only specific musical abilities have influence on specific aspects of pronunciation.
Hygiea : ISO Infrared Observations 1

1 Based on observations with ISO, an ESA (European Space Agency) project with instruments founded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) with the participation of ISAS and NASA. length region with the ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) satellite. Spectrophotomer (PHT-S) and short wavelength spectrometer (SWS) spectra of 10 Hygiea, obtained at 5.8–11.6 and 7–45 μm, respectively, are presented. In order to remove the thermal emission continuum, an advanced thermo–physical model has been applied to the observational data. To better interpret the spectral features above the thermal emission continuum, we compared the ISO observations with laboratory spectra available in the literature.
The Joint Effects of Gender and Race/Ethnicity on Sentencing Outcomes in Federal Courts

Using data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the present study examines the interaction effects of gender and race/ethnicity on sentencing outcomes of male and female offenders in federal courts. Findings indicate that female offenders in all racial/ethnic categories receive less severe sentence outcomes than male offenders in the same categories, even after legal, extralegal, and contextual factors are controlled. In addition, racial/ethnic differences are found within gender groups, such that Hispanic males are more likely to be incarcerated and Black males receive longer sentence terms compared to White male offenders. However, contrary to expectations, the analysis indicates that White females are more likely to be incarcerated than Black and Hispanic females and receive longer sentence terms than Hispanic females. Gender and racial/ethnic interactions are also explored across offense type (drug vs. non-drug) and type of sentencing departure (no departure, downward, or substantial assistance). Implications for future research are also discussed.
Determinants of Investment Grade Status in Emerging Markets

Emerging market countries seek investment grade status to lower financing costs for the sovereign, expand the pool of potential investors to institutional investors, and allow corporates the possibility of reducing their borrowing costs. Using a random effects binomial logit model on a sample of 48 emerging markets, the paper finds that, to a large extent, investment grade rating assignments can be explained by a handful of variables. The results also suggest that efforts by emerging markets to increase the likelihood of an upgrade should focus on debt indicators rather than the other key determinants of investment grade status.
REDUCING ALCOHOL-RELATED HARM IN THE WORKPLACE A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF SCREENING AND BRIEF INTERVENTIONS FOR HAZARDOUS DRINKERS

Recent policy has highlighted the importance of Occupational Health Services in providing screening and interventions on a range of lifestyle issues (World Health Organization 2006, Scottish Executive 2003; Department of Health 2003). However, our literature search identified only two reports of lifestyle screening of the workforce in the UK that included alcohol use (Hanlon et al. 1995, 1998 and Addley 2001) and no empirical studies of brief interventions in UK occupational settings were found.
Indexing Effect on High-Dimensional Databases Using Query Workloads

High-dimensional indexes do not work because of the often-cited “curse of dimensionality. ” However, users are usually interested in querying data over a relatively small subset of the entire attribute set at a time. A potential solution is to use lower dimensional indexes that accurately represent the user access patterns. To address these issues, in this paper we propose a parameterizable technique to recommend indexes based on index types. Keywords—Object Oriented, Database Model, High dimensional indexes, indexing.
Dark stars and boosted dark matter annihilation rates

Dark stars (DSs) may constitute the first phase of stellar evolution, powered by dark matter (DM) annihilation. We investigate here the properties of DSs, assuming that the DM particle has the properties required for explaining the excess positron and electron signals in the cosmic rays detected by the PAMELA and FERMI satellites. Any possible DM interpretation of these signals will require exotic DM candidates, with annihilation cross-sections a few orders of magnitude higher than the canonical value required for correct thermal relic abundance for weakly interacting DM candidates; additionally, in most models, the annihilation must be preferentially to leptons. Secondly, we study the dependence of DS properties on the concentration parameter of the initial DM density profile of the halos where the first stars are formed. We restrict our study to the DM in the star due to simple (versus extended) adiabatic contraction and minimal (versus extended) capture; this simple study is sufficient to illustrate dependence on the cross-section and concentration parameter. Our basic results are that the final stellar properties, once the star enters the main sequence, are always roughly the same, regardless of the value of the boosted annihilation or concentration parameter in the range between c=2 and c=5: stellar mass , luminosity and lifetime ∼106 years (for the minimal DM models considered here; additional DM would lead to more massive DSs). However, the lifetime, final mass and final luminosity of the DSs show some dependence on the boost factor and concentration parameter, as discussed in this paper.
revalence and dispersal of a facultative bacterial symbiont associated with an ndemic metazoan host

Co-dispersal is of primary importance in symbiotic relations between macroand micro-organisms. Obligate symbionts generally follow the same dispersal pattern as their host, while it still remains unresolved whether hosts and their facultative symbionts follow the same dispersal patterns. Here we addressed the question of symbiont and host co-dispersal by analyses of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, and its facultative bacterial symbiont Verminephrobacter. We analyzed co-dispersal by direct sequence-based typing of the earthworm mitochondrial ND4, and the symbiont adk genes, respectively. ndemism icroorganism arthworm A total of 96 earthworms from Norwegian (n = 20), German (n = 20), English (n = 31) and Canadian (n = 25) populations were analyzed. We found that the earthworms were mainly endemic, while the symbiont showed a more complex dispersal pattern. The symbiont showed a significant difference in prevalence between the geographic regions. In addition, we found a low degree of co-evolution between host and symbiont, with some of the symbiont sequence types being globally distributed. Future research, however, is needed to resolve whether the symbiont is truly globally distributed, in contrast to its endemic host.
The JWST Extragalactic Mock Catalog: Modeling Galaxy Populations from the UV through the Near-IR over 13 Billion Years of Cosmic History

We present an original phenomenological model to describe the evolution of galaxy number counts, morphologies, and spectral energy distributions across a wide range of redshifts ( ) and stellar masses . Our model follows observed mass and luminosity functions of both star-forming and quiescent galaxies, and reproduces the redshift evolution of colors, sizes, star formation, and chemical properties of the observed galaxy population. Unlike other existing approaches, our model includes a self-consistent treatment of stellar and photoionized gas emission and dust attenuation based on the beagle tool. The mock galaxy catalogs generated with our new model can be used to simulate and optimize extragalactic surveys with future facilities such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and to enable critical assessments of analysis procedures, interpretation tools, and measurement systematics for both photometric and spectroscopic data. As a first application of this work, we make predictions for the upcoming JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES), a joint program of the JWST/NIRCam and NIRSpec Guaranteed Time Observations teams. We show that JADES will detect, with NIRCam imaging, 1000s of galaxies at z ≳ 6, and 10s at z ≳ 10 at (5σ) within the 236 arcmin2 of the survey. The JADES data will enable accurate constraints on the evolution of the UV luminosity function at z > 8, and resolve the current debate about the rate of evolution of galaxies at z ≳ 8. Ready-to-use mock catalogs and software to generate new realizations are publicly available as the JAdes extraGalactic Ultradeep Artificial Realizations (JAGUAR) package.
The Antibacterial and Antioxidant Effect of Grape Seed and Green Tea Extracts on Durability of Tilapia

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Background: The current study tried to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of green tea and grape seed extract (with a volume of 2%) on durability of Tilapia packed inpolyethylene bags, which were kept in cool temperature of 4 ± 1 °C. Methods: Prepared fish were divided into 3 batches: 2 batches were treated by dipping for 30 min in ethanolic of green tea extract (2% v/v) and grape seed (2% v/v), respectively, while the third batch was dipped in distilled water as a control sample. The control and treated fish samples were analyzed for microbiological such as total volatile count and psychrotrophic count, and chemical such as thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and free fatty acid (FFA) values. The sensory characteristic was over a period of 20 days. Results: The results indicated that the two extracts' treatments delayed significantly (P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation and process of spoilage in comparison with the psychrotrophic bacteria and total viable count control also remained lower than the proposed acceptable limit (7 log CFU/g). According to sensory, chemical, and microbiological analyses results, the treatment of grape seed extract had high quality and enhanced the beneficial effects on sensory characteristics in comparison with other treatments. Conclusions: the present study showed that the grape seed extract and green tea were very effective in extending the shelf life of Tilapia during refrigerated storage.
Characterization and Control of an Atomic Force Microscope

The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is an instrument used for studying the topography of samples with nanometer resolution. Possible samples include specific materials or biological samples. The AFM is a mechanical microscope, since a three dimensional topography image is constructed by raster scanning a sharp tip and a sample surface in close proximity to each other and monitoring tip-sample interactions. The tip-sample interaction is controlled in all three dimensions by means of a piezoelectrical scanning unit which consists of a vertical positioner and a lateral positioner. The vertical positioner is controlled via a feedback operation to control the tip-sample distance. The topography image is based on the control signal being sent to the vertical positioner to move it up or down. The vertical positioner consists of a piezo actuator which suffers from nonlinear behavior due to hysteresis and creep. Due to the nonlinearities, the ratio between the control signal and the resulting vertical displacement is not constant over the full positioning range of the piezo actuator. In current dynamic modes of AFM a large part of the piezo positioning range is used. Therefore, a more direct method to obtain the displacement of the vertical positioner is desired which enables a more accurate estimate for the sample topography. To this end, in this thesis a displacement sensor is added to the vertical positioner of the AFM. The resulting displacement sensor yields a variation in measured step height in the order of 6%, compared to 35% for the conventional control signal when imaging a calibration sample. The lateral positioner is controlled via a feedback operation to maintain high positional accuracy in spite of unknown disturbances and model uncertainty. In this feedback operation, the dynamics of the lateral positioner limit the speed of the AFM. Therefore, for the lateral positioner modern control methods can be used to improve the speed of the AFM. The simulation results for the lateral positioner show that with the use of model based control and H-infinity control the scanning speed can be increased with a factor of 5 when compared to the standard PI controlled system. At the same time the control error for the model based controlled system and the H-infinity controlled system becomes smaller with a factor of 4 and 8, respectively. The bandwidth for the PI controlled system is only 50 [Hz], which is much smaller than the bandwidth for the model based controlled system (1900 [Hz]) and the H1 controlled system (3000 [Hz]). This means a bandwidth improvement with a factor of 38 and 60, respectively. However, further experiments must be carried out to validate the simulation results.