Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mine detection using variational methods for image enhancement and feature extraction

A critical part of automatic classification algorithms is the extraction of features which distinguish targets from background noise and clutter. The focus of this paper is the use of variational methods for improving the classification of sea mines from both side-scan sonar and laser line-scan images. These methods are based on minimizing a functional of the image intensity. Examples include Total Variation Minimization (TVM) which is very effective for reducing the noise of an image without compromising its edge features, and Mumford-Shah segmentation, which in its simplest form, provides an optimal piecewise constant partition of the image. For the sonar side-scan images it is shown that a combination of these two variational methods, (first reducing the noise using TVM, then using segmentation) outperforms the use of either one individually for the extraction of minelike features. Multichannel segmentation based on a wavelet decomposition is also effectively used to declutter a sonar image. Finally, feature extraction and classification using segmentation is demonstrated on laser line-scan images of mines in a cluttered sea floor.
Terminating a Child’s Life? Religious, Moral, Cognitive, and Emotional Factors Underlying Non-Acceptance of Child Euthanasia

Is opposition to child euthanasia motivated only by ideology, or also by other personality characteristics and individual differences? In Belgium, the first country to legalize child euthanasia (in 2014), we investigated religious, moral, emotional, and cognitive factors underlying the (dis)approval of this legalization (N = 213). Disapproval was associated with religiousness, collectivistic morality (loyalty and purity), and prosocial dispositions, in terms of emotional empathy and behavioral generosity, but not values (care and fairness). It was also associated with low flexibility in existential issues and a high endorsement of slippery slope arguments, but not necessarily low openness to experience. A regression analysis showed that in addition to religiousness, low flexibility in existential issues and high empathy and generosity distinctly predicted opposition to child euthanasia. Whereas most of the findings parallel those previously reported for adult euthanasia, the role of prosocial inclinations in predicting moral opposition seems to be specific to child euthanasia.
Sequence-based Person Attribute Recognition with Joint CTC-Attention Model

Attribute recognition has become crucial because of its wide applications in many computer vision tasks, such as person re-identification. Like many object recognition problems, variations in viewpoints, illumination, and recognition at far distance, all make this task challenging. In this work, we propose a joint CTC-Attention model (JCM), which maps attribute labels into sequences to learn the semantic relationship among attributes. Besides, this network uses neural network to encode images into sequences, and employs connectionist temporal classification (CTC) loss to train the network with the aim of improving the encoding performance of the network. At the same time, it adopts the attention model to decode the sequences, which can realize aligning the sequences and better learning the semantic information from attributes. Extensive experiments on three public datasets, i.e., Market-1501 attribute dataset, Duke attribute dataset and PETA dataset, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis supports the valid separate species status of Lucilia caesar and L. illustris (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

ABSTRACT Common DNA-based species determination methods fail to distinguish some blow flies in the forensically and medically important genus Lucilia Robineau-Desvoidy. This is a practical problem, and it has also been interpreted as casting doubt on the validity of some morphologically defined species. An example is Lucilia illustris and L. caesar, which co-occur in Europe whilst only L. illustris has been collected in North America. Reports that these species shared both mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, along with claims that diagnostic morphological characters are difficult to interpret, were used to question their separate species status. We report here that amplified fragment length polymorphism profiles strongly support the validity of both species based on both assignment and phylogenetic analysis, and that traditional identification criteria based on male and female genital morphology are more reliable than has been claimed.
On-off Switched Interference Alignment for Diversity Multiplexing Tradeoff Improvement in the 2-User X-Network With Two Antennas

To improve diversity gain in an interference channel and hence to maximize diversity multiplexing tradeoff (DMT), we propose an on-off switched interference alignment (IA) where IA is intermittently utilized by switching IA on/off. For on-off switching, either IA with symbol extension or IA with Alamouti coding is adopted in this paper. Deriving and analyzing DMT of the proposed schemes, we reveal that the intermittent utilization of IA with simultaneous non-unique decoding can improve DMT in the 2-user X-channel with two antennas. Both proposed schemes are shown to achieve a diversity gain of 4 and DoF per user of $\frac {4}{3}$ . In particular, the on-off switched IA with Alamouti coding, to the best of our knowledge, surpasses any other existing schemes for the 2-user X-channel with two antennas and nearly approaches the ideal DMT.
Lifetime Discrimination Burden, Racial Discrimination, and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease Among African Americans

Objective: Explore interactive relations of lifetime discrimination burden and racial discrimination—chronic stressors among African Americans (AAs)—and age with MRI-assessed white matter lesion volume (WMLV), a prognostic indicator of poor clinical brain health outcomes. Method: AAs (N = 71; 60.6% female, mean age = 50) participating in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) SCAN study underwent quantitative magnetic resonance imaging coded for WMLV. Participants self-reported lifetime discrimination burden and racial discrimination approximately 5 years earlier. Multivariable regression models assessed interactions of linear and quadratic effects of discrimination and age with WMLV adjusted for sex and socioeconomic status. Results: Findings revealed significant interactive relations of age and (a) quadratic, lifetime discrimination burden, B = . 05, p = . 014, &eegr;partial2 = . 092, and (b) quadratic, racial discrimination, B = . 03, p = . 001, &eegr;partial2 = . 155, with WMLV. Among older AA, increases in lifetime discrimination burden and racial discrimination were associated with increases in WMLV (ps < .03); in younger AA, decreasing levels of racial discrimination were related to increases in WMLV (p = .006). Conclusions: Among older AA, as lifetime discrimination burden and racial discrimination increased, so did WMLV. However, in younger AA, decreases in racial discrimination were associated with increased WMLV. Elucidation of complex mechanistic underpinnings, including potentially differential impacts of the acknowledgment versus suppression or underreporting of discriminatory experiences, among AA of different age cohorts, is critical to understanding the present pattern of findings.
Estimation of sea surface temperature using passive microwave satellite imagery

Sea surface temperature (SST) is routinely estimated from space by infrared radiometers, but only where the ocean surface is cloud free. Thermal radiation at microwave frequencies however is much less likely to be blocked by cloud. Spaceborne passive microwave imagers can, in principle, use this radiation to estimate SST under a much wider range of atmospheric conditions than can infrared radiometers. It has been generally acknowledged that the range of microwave frequencies measured by the SSM/I sensor is not well suited to this purpose. In spite of this, we have devised a model for estimation of SST from SSMA data, using band differences and derived geophysical parameters. We tested the model using data collected in May and June 2001 in a region of the north-west Atlantic Ocean from the central Grand Banks across the Gulf Stream to the northern Sargasso Sea. Temperatures in the region varied from 2/spl deg/C to 23/spl deg/C. The model was calibrated with concurrent AVHRR and SSM/I imagery, and validated against an independent set of AVHRR-SSM/I image pairs. The model reproduced the AVHRR SST values with a mean difference of close to 0 degC, and a standard deviation of /spl plusmn/2.5 degC. The strength of gradients and the direction of isotherms were reproduced very well by the model. These quantities were estimated consistently through cloud, in regions where AVHRR estimates were not possible. The model could not make an estimate of SST however in regions where cloud liquid water was present. Even though the model can provide a reliable estimate of SST from SSM/I in this region in most weather conditions, it has probably a bit too much scatter to be considered as a stand-alone system. SSM/I estimated SST fields however may provide useful input for interpolation systems working to create SST fields from sparse buoy data, or from time sequences of cloud filled AVHRR imagery.
Fast Computing von Neumann Entropy for Large-scale Graphs via Quadratic Approximations

The von Neumann graph entropy (VNGE) can be used as a measure of graph complexity, which can be the measure of information divergence and distance between graphs. Since computing VNGE is required to find all eigenvalues, it is computationally demanding for a large-scale graph. We propose novel quadratic approximations for computing the von Neumann graph entropy. Modified Taylor and Radial projection approximations are proposed. Our methods reduce the cubic complexity of VNGE to linear complexity. Computational simulations on random graph models and various real network datasets demonstrate the superior performance.
Polymorphism study of nine SNPs associated with subjective response to alcohol in Chinese Han, Hui, Tibetan, Mongolian and Uygur populations

ABSTRACT Heavy alcohol drinking is a major public health problem, causing a large disease, social and economic burden in societies. Subjective response (SR) to alcohol is an intermediate characteristic of heavy drinking. A variety of candidate genes have been reported to be associated with SR to alcohol. In this study, we investigated nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to SR to alcohol in healthy individuals from five Chinese ethnic groups, the Han, Hui, Tibetan, Mongolian and Uygur populations, and a total of 584 bloodstain samples were collected. The nine SNPs included four SNPs in alcohol-metabolizing genes (ADH1B, ADH1C, ALDH2 and CYP2E1*5B) and five SNPs in genes of neurobiological pathways (GABRA2, OPRM1, CHRNA3, HYKK and SLC6A4). A SNaPshot analysis method was developed to type these SNPs simultaneously, and all samples were typed successfully. Statistical analyses of the allele frequencies indicated that the frequencies of all SNPs, except for ADH1C, showed varying degrees of difference in the five studied ethnic groups. Tibetans showed the highest frequencies of risk alleles for heavy drinking at most loci. The genetic polymorphic differences found in this study revealed the variation in genetic susceptibility to heavy drinking in the studied populations.
Investigation of Impact Loads Caused by Ultrasonic Cavitation Bubbles in Small Gaps

Ultrasonic cavitation shows a great potential in various industrial applications such as sonochemistry, food processing, ultrasonic cleaning, and surface treatments. These applications have the advantages of high temperatures or high pressure due to the collapse of cavitation bubbles. In surface treatments, the collapse of bubbles occurs near workpiece surfaces and creates micro-jets which lead to high impact forces. As one of these surface treatment processes, ultrasonic cavitation peening requires a small gap between the vibration source and the treated surface to obtain the maximum impact force. Due to these small gaps, the growth and collapse of cavitation bubbles are affected, which result in the changes of impact forces. Therefore, the investigation of the impact loads caused by ultrasonic cavitation bubbles in small gaps is the focus of this contribution. A theoretical model taking into consideration bubble interactions is utilized to estimate the optimal standoff distance at which the largest impact forces occur. Then, experimental investigations are carried out. A piezoelectric sensor with a titanium alloy cover is used to record the number of impacts and their amplitudes. The recorded signals are then processed in time and frequency domains. The experimental results show that large impact loads are generated when the gap width is in the range of 0.5–0.8 mm. It is also found that the maximum working efficiency occurs in this range.
Comparison between different control strategies for estimation purposes using Control-based Observer paradigm

This paper presents a comparison between different control strategies used for estimation purposes for systems with unknown inputs in the recently proposed Control-based Observer approach. In particular, several robust state and unknown inputs observers are derived using classical controllers such as Proportional or Proportional Integral, Linear Quadratic Regulator or Linear Quadratic Integrator and H∞ Full information. They are also compared with criteria such as the quality of the estimation, the speed of the observers, the robustness against the noise and the complexity of the observers. Simulation results are provided to better highlight the comparison.
Free Energy of ATP hydrolysis manipulates the cellular calcium signals

In living cells, oscillation of the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ is an important and pervasive signal for the intercellular and intracellular information conduction. To generate the oscillation, the hydrolysis of ATP is always needed. Many recent studies show that both ATP molecules themselves and the free energy by ATP hydrolysis play significant role in the biochemical process involving ATP hydrolysis. To verify the prediction, we consider the role of ATP molecules and their hydrolysis in a classic one-pool model of Ca2+ oscillation. Our results show that the available Gibbs free energy of ATP hydrolysis {\DeltaG}, which measures the "distance" of a reaction to its equilibrium state, is another important regulatory factor of the oscillation system besides the concentration of ATP. Furthermore, our model suggest a rudimental prediction of how the oscillation system changes in an aging cell, such as the decrease of the amplitude and the increase of the least {\DeltaG} required for the oscillation.
An Evaluation of the Rotator Cuff Repair Research Pipeline

Background: We conducted a study of recommendations from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guideline, “Optimizing the Management of Rotator Cuff Problems. ” Using these recommendations, we conducted searches of clinical trial registries and bibliographic databases to note the extent to which new research has been undertaken to address areas of deficiency. Hypothesis: Newly conducted research regarding rotator cuff repair and injury is available that will fill knowledge gaps identified by the AAOS guideline. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: For each recommendation in the AAOS guideline, we created PICO (participants, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions and search strings. Searches were conducted of ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, MEDLINE via PubMed, and EMBASE to locate studies undertaken after the final literature search performed by the AAOS work group. Results: We located 210 newly registered trials and 448 published studies that are relevant to the recommendations made in the rotator cuff guideline. The majority of the recommendations have been addressed by relevant registered trials or published studies. Of the 448 published studies, 185 directly addressed the guideline recommendations. Additionally, 71% of the 185 published studies directly addressing the recommendations were randomized trials or systematic reviews/meta-analyses. The most important finding of our study was that the recommendations in the AAOS rotator cuff guideline have been adequately addressed. Conclusion: Orthopaedic researchers have adequately addressed knowledge gaps regarding rotator cuff repair treatment and management options. As such, the AAOS may consider a guideline update to ensure that recommendations reflect current findings in orthopaedic literature.
Case management in primary care for frequent users of healthcare services with chronic diseases and complex care needs: an implementation and realist evaluation protocol

Introduction Significant evidence in the literature supports case management (CM) as an effective intervention to improve care for patients with complex healthcare needs. However, there is still little evidence about the facilitators and barriers to CM implementation in primary care setting. The three specific objectives of this study are to: (1) identify the facilitators and barriers of CM implementation in primary care clinics across Canada; (2) explain and understand the relationships between the actors, contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes of the CM intervention; (3) identify the next steps towards CM spread in primary care across Canada. Methods and analysis We will conduct a multiple-case embedded mixed methods study. CM will be implemented in 10 primary care clinics in five Canadian provinces. Three different units of analysis will be embedded to obtain an in-depth understanding of each case: the healthcare system (macro level), the CM intervention in the clinics (meso level) and the individual/patient (micro level). For each objective, the following strategy will be performed: (1) an implementation analysis, (2) a realist evaluation and (3) consensus building among stakeholders using the Technique for Research of Information by Animation of a Group of Experts method. Ethics and dissemination This study, which received ethics approval, will provide innovative knowledge about facilitators and barriers to implementation of CM in different primary care jurisdictions and will explain how and why different mechanisms operate in different contexts to generate different outcomes among frequent users. Consensual and prioritised statements about next steps for spread of CM in primary care from the perspectives of all stakeholders will be provided. Our results will offer context-sensitive explanations that can better inform local practices and policies and contribute to improve the health of patients with complex healthcare needs who frequently use healthcare services. Ultimately, this will increase the performance of healthcare systems and specifically mitigate ineffective use and costs.
A Circularly Polarized Circular Antenna Array for Satellite TV Reception

This paper proposes a novel design of a wideband compact circularly polarized circular antenna array for satellite TV reception. The circular array is based on a wideband circularly polarized spiral antenna element which has excellent impedance matching (VSWR $\le 1.5$) and axial ratio bandwidths for the satellite-to-ground downlink at Ku-band from 11.7-12.7 GHz. A 16-element circular sub-array is presented with a fixed 23° electronically steered beam upwards which is appropriate for Astra satellite communications in the UK. Furthermore, circular sub-arrays with different numbers of elements (8, 16, 24, 32 and, 40) are also studied. It is shown that the circular antenna array is particularly suitable for satellite TV reception while being vertically mounted on a wall because of its low profile, broadband and electronically steered beam.
S-maup: Statistical test to measure the sensitivity to the modifiable areal unit problem

This work presents a nonparametric statistical test, S-maup, to measure the sensitivity of a spatially intensive variable to the effects of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP). To the best of our knowledge, S-maup is the first statistic of its type and focuses on determining how much the distribution of the variable, at its highest level of spatial disaggregation, will change when it is spatially aggregated. Through a computational experiment, we obtain the basis for the design of the statistical test under the null hypothesis of non-sensitivity to MAUP. We performed an exhaustive simulation study for approaching the empirical distribution of the statistical test, obtaining its critical values, and computing its power and size. The results indicate that, in general, both the statistical size and power improve with increasing sample size. Finally, for illustrative purposes, an empirical application is made using the Mincer equation in South Africa, where starting from 206 municipalities, the S-maup statistic is used to find the maximum level of spatial aggregation that avoids the negative consequences of the MAUP.
The association of fatty acid desaturase gene polymorphisms on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in Indonesian infants

ABSTRACT Background Adequate availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) is important for human health from pregnancy to adulthood. Previous studies on fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been performed predominantly in Western populations and showed that FADS SNPs had a marked impact on LC-PUFA composition in blood and tissues. Objectives We aimed to investigate the influence of fetal FADS genotypes on LC-PUFA composition in umbilical artery plasma lipids in Indonesian infants. Design We performed a cross-sectional study to assess for these associations. Results A total of 12 cord plasma n–6 (ω-6) and n–3 (ω-3) fatty acids were analyzed for associations with 18 FADS gene cluster SNPs from 390 women with single parturition from the Indonesian Prospective Study of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants (ISADI). Fetal FADS genotypes influenced cord plasma LC-PUFA composition, but, in contrast to previous studies from Western populations, the quantitatively predominant SNPs were associated with lower LC-PUFA content. Conclusion To our knowledge, this study was the first in South East Asia on FADS genotypes and arterial cord blood fatty acids to show an association between fetal LC-PUFA composition and fetal FADS SNPs. The FADS genotype distribution differs markedly between different geographical populations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02401178.
An Adaptive Telerobotics Control for Advanced Manufacturing

This paper explores an innovative approach to the telerobotics reasoning architecture and networking, which offer a reliable and adaptable operational process for complex tasks. There are many operational challenges in the remote control for manufacturing that can be introduced by the network communications and Iatency. A new protocol, named compact Reliable UDP (compact-RUDP), has been developed to combine both data channelling and media streaming for robot teleoperation. The original approach ensures connection reliability by implementing a TCP-like sliding window with UDP packets. The protocol provides multiple features including data security, link status monitoring, bandwidth control, asynchronous file transfer and prioritizing transfer of data packets. Experiments were conducted on a 5DOF robotic arm where a cutting tool was mounted at its distal end. A light sensor was used to guide the robot movements, and a camera device to provide a video stream of the operation. The data communication reliability is evaluated using Round-Trip Time (RTT), and advanced robot path planning for distributed decision making between endpoints. The results show 88% correlation between the remotely and locally operated robots. The file transfers and video streaming were performed with no data loss or corruption on the control commands and data feedback packets.