Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generic models for adaptive robust feature extraction in video

In computer vision applications, it is important to extract and describe robust and characteristic features from objects in images. Many recognition and tracking algorithms rely on this information. One of the main problems with current state-of-the-art algorithms, such as SIFT [1] , GLOH [2] , SURF [3], is that the retrieval of features at the border of an object is sensitive to changes in the background. This work presents a possible solution using background/foreground segmentation Keywords— robust anisotropic feature descriptor, SIFT, GLOH, SURF
Modeling and Analyzing Gamification Behavior with Badges

This manuscript is focused in two of the most prominent techniques for the next years for education advancement, which are learning analytics and gamification. There are a lot of research works in both of these lines independently, but not many research papers combine both techniques in order to improve the educational experience. One of the most used gamification techniques is the use of badges as a reward for making specific student actions. The analysis of users’ interactions and behaviors with the badge system can be used to improve the learning process. We present four high level indicators related to the behavior of students with a badge system and we particularize it for the Khan Academy platform. An extensive analysis of 291 different students interacting with the Khan Academy badge system is done processing real data from freshmen courses at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. This analysis includes an overview of the global usage of badges, correlations between the badge indicators and other indicators related to the learning process and a Two-Step Cluster Analysis to group students by their badge preferences in order to personalize future experiences.
American black bears and bee yard depredation at Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia

Abstract We studied American black bears (Ursus americanus), on the northwest periphery of Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia, to assess landowner attitudes toward bears, estimate the extent of damage to commercial honey bee operations by bears, and evaluate methods to reduce bear depredations to apiaries. We collected 8,351 black bear radiolocations and identified 51 bee yards on our study area. Twenty-seven of 43 home ranges contained ≥1 bee yard, averaging 11.3 and 5.1 bee yards/home range of males (n = 7) and females (n = 20), respectively. From 1996 to 1998, we documented 7 instances of bears raiding bee yards within our study area and 6 instances in adjacent areas. All but 1 of the 13 raided yards were enclosed by electric fencing. In the 12 cases of damage to electrically fenced yards, however, the fences were not active because of depleted batteries. Based on compositional analysis, bear use of areas 800–1,400 m from bee yards was disproportionately greater than use 0–800 m from bee yards. Bears disproportionately used bay (red bay: Persea borbonia, loblolly bay: Gordonia lasianthus, and southern magnolia: Magnolia virginia), gum (water tupelo: Nyssa aquatic and black gum: N. sylvatica), and cypress (Taxodium spp.) and loblolly bay habitats, however, compared with slash pine (Pinus elliottii) or pine–oak (Quercus spp.), where bee yards usually were placed. The distribution of bear radiolocations likely reflected the use of those swamp and riparian areas, rather than avoidance of bee yards. Distances to streams from damaged bee yards (x̄ = 1,750 m) were less than from undamaged yards (x̄ = 4,442 m), and damaged bee yards were closer to unimproved roads (x̄ = 134 m) than were undamaged bee yards (x̄ = 802 m). Our analysis suggests that bee yard placement away from bear travel routes (such as streams and unimproved roads) can reduce bear depredation problems. Our results strongly indicate that working electric fences are effective deterrents to bear damage to bee yards, even in areas frequented by bears. A survey of beekeepers indicated that apiarists often relied on more expensive, less effective, and sometimes illegal methods to protect their bee yards from bears. Beekeepers within bear range should be urged to consider electric fencing, which can almost eliminate bear damage to their yards.
Making Robust Decisions in Discrete Optimization Problems as a Game against Nature

In this paper a discrete optimization problem under uncertainty is discussed. Solving such a problem can be seen as a game against nature. In order to choose a solution, the minmax and minmax regret criteria can be applied. In this paper an extension of the known minmax (regret) approach is proposed. It is shown how different types of uncertainty can be simultaneously taken into account. Some exact and approximation algorithms for choosing a best solution are constructed.
Effect of slow release urea in sheep feed on nitrogen balance

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusao de 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ureia de liberacao lenta (ULL) na alimentacao de ovinos sobre o balanco de nitrogenio (consumo, excrecao fecal e urinaria de nitrogenio, nitrogenio absorvido e balanco de nitrogenio). Foram utilizados quatro ovinos com peso corporal (PC) medio de 30,8 ± 1,7 kg, distribuidos em um delineamento em quadrado latino. Os ovinos foram alocados em gaiolas de metabolismo e receberam duas refeicoes por dia. Os dados do balanco de nitrogenio dos ovinos foram submetidos a analise de variância e as diferencas observadas para as variaveis estudadas foram testadas utilizando equacao de regressao a 5% de probabilidade. A inclusao de 0,0%; 0,4%; 0,8% e 1,2% de ULL na alimentacao dos ovinos nao alterou (p > 0,05) o consumo de nitrogenio (N), com valor medio de 20,49 g animal dia-1 e 1,57 gramas por quilo de peso metabolico (g kg0,75)-1. A inclusao de niveis crescentes de ULL na alimentacao de ovinos nao influenciou (p > 0,05) o nitrogenio fecal (NF) expresso em g kg0,75-1, com valor medio de 0,65 g (kg0,75)-1. Porem, foi observado que a inclusao de ULL alterou (p 0,05) o balanco de nitrogenio (BN) expresso em g animal dia-1 (10,86) e em g (kg0,75)-1 (0,82). Entretanto, o BN expresso em %NC ou em relacao ao NC apresentou um comportamento quadratico (p < 0,05) com a inclusao dos diferentes niveis de ULL nas racoes de ovinos. O valor maximo do BN de 59,68% NC foi obtido para o nivel de 0,68% de ULL. Assim, a inclusao de 0,6% a 0,8% de ureia de liberacao lenta na alimentacao de ovinos propicia as menores perdas do nitrogenio fecal e urinario, alem de proporcionar os melhores valores de balaco de nitrogenio expresso em percentagem do nitrogenio consumido.
Reasons and decision-making processes for applying to nursing school among nurses showing delayed professional development

Objectives: The characteristics of nurses who leave the profession after completing nursing school have not been examined sufficiently. Therefore, we examined the reasons for applying to nursing school and the process of arriving at the decision to apply among nurses showing delayed professional development.Methods: Participants were eight junior nurses showing a delay in their growth as nurses, who were working at two teaching hospitals. We utilized semi-structured interviews, and the transcripts were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed.Results: A frequency analysis of the reasons identified in the transcripts revealed twelve primary reasons for applying to nursing school, such as attraction to the nursing profession, selection from among the different options in the medical field, scholastic aptitude for post-high-school entrance examinations, and academic interest. A qualitative analysis of the process by which participants decided to apply to nursing school yielded three themes: tendency to depend on others, superficial consideration of their own aptitude for the nursing profession, and obtaining a nursing license as a means of accomplishing another purpose.Conclusions: We revealed a number of reasons why newly qualified nurse exhibit delayed professional development as well as three characteristics of their decision-making to apply to a nursing school. The practical implications for the interview process in selection of applicants, effective usage of role model, and coaching are indicated for future nursing education.
Genetic evaluation for length of productive life in Slovak Pinzgau cattle

proportional hazards method was used to estimate breeding values for functional length of productive life within the endangered Slovak Pinzgau population. The analyzed data set contained 21,985 cows, daughters of 254 sires. The risk of culling was higher for cows with lower milk production relative to herd average, higher age at first calving and in herds decreasing in size. In the first lactation the culling risk was highest at the beginning, and decreased during lactation. From second lactation onwards an increasing risk was observed. The effect of breed composition was found insignificant, and was not included into final model. A heritability of 0.05 was estimated for functional length of productive life. The average reliability of estimates was 0.25. No clear tendency in average breeding values by year of birth of bulls was observed.
Polarization-resolved four-wave mixing microscopy for structural imaging in thick tissues

We present a polarimetric analysis of the four-wave mixing (FWM) signal emitted by thick tissues, in order to extract structural information on molecular order and orientation. A careful analysis of the polarization distortions introduced by the birefringence of the sample is conducted for the proper interpretation of the results. FWM, compared to other well-known nonlinear optical methods such as second-harmonic generation, gives access to additional information on the symmetry of the molecular distribution. Furthermore, it brings the advantage of being generated in any kind of sample, even when centrosymmetry is present. The model developed here is applied to thick rat-tail tendon samples, composed essentially of collagen fibers. We show that, once the birefringence of the sample is completely characterized, it is possible to retrieve the even-order components of the molecular orientational distribution up to the fourth order of symmetry.
Effects of mucuna seed extract on sperm functional integrities and seminal oxidative stress indices of vitrified goat semen

Effects of mucuna seed extract (MSE) in tris-extenders on sperm functional integrities and seminal oxidative stress indices of vitrified sperm of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks were investigated. Varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 g/100 mL of diluent) of MSE in tris-extenders were diluted with semen specimens. Diluted semen specimens were vitrified and preserved in liquid nitrogen. The results showed that sperm functional integrities (acrosome and membrane integrities) in MSE extenders were comparable. However, seminal oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde [MDA] and acrosin activity) differed (P<0.05) among the various treatments and the control. The results revealed that semen vitrified with MSE had reduced (P<0.05) MDA concentrations compared to the control. Higher (P<0.05) acrosin activities were recorded in semen vitrified with MSE compared to the control except at 0.25g MSE and optimal values were recorded at 1g MSE. The findings indicated that MSE in the tris-extenders reduced MDA concentration with congruent elevated acrosin activity and consequently maintained sperm functional integrities of vitrified spermatozoa of the WAD goat.
Retrospective study of ocular disorders in Amazon parrots

A retrospective study was conducted to identify the occurrence and types of ocular disorders in 57 Amazon parrots admitted to the Ophthalmology Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil from 1997 to 2006. The most frequent observed disorder was cataracts, present in 24 of the 114 examined eyes (57 parrots). Uveitis, ulcerative keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis were frequently diagnosed as well. The cornea was the most affected ocular structure, with 28 reported disorders. Uveal disorders also were commonly observed. Conjunctiva and eyelid disorders were diagnosed in lower frequency. Results suggest that cataracts are common and that cornea, lens and uvea are the most affected ocular structures in Amazon parrots.
Study of cigarette sales in the United States

Nowadays more and more teenagers and adults are addicted to smoking, which makes an increasing number of people focus on this topic. Therefore, to analysis the factors that influence cigarette sales, we can try to find a strong approach to better control the smoking in the United States. Here we use several statistical models to finally find one that best describes our data.
Magnetic Susceptibility of Soils from Eastern Botswana: A Reconnaissance Survey and Potential Applications

Soil magnetic properties measurements are relatively fast and inexpensive but have been proved to be sufficient for preliminary investigations in diverse socio-developmental issues. This paper presents results of a reconnaissance study of soil colour and magnetic susceptibility (c) in eastern Botswana, where ~80% of the population resides. The work is a first step to creating a database of rock and soil magnetic properties and to document spatial variations in magnetic properties in the country. These measurements are important as constraints for interpretation of available aeromagnetic data and can also be exploited for environmental soil research (pollution) and land-use planning (agriculture). The soils sampled include derivatives of varying types and provenance such as Archean gneissic granitoids, metamorphosed rocks (granulites), volcano-sedimentary assemblages, Karoo basalts, and alluvial sediments. A soil colour chart was used since soil colours and magnetic properties are diagnostic of its parent rock sources and weathering profiles. Soil magnetic susceptibilities were measured at both low frequency (0.46 MHz, clf) and high frequency (4.6 MHz, chf), thus allowing calculation of frequency-dependent susceptibility (cfd, cfd%) for detecting ultra-fine ferromagnetic minerals. It was found that soils with Hues ranging from 7.5YR to 10YR have appreciable amount of magnetic materials and soils with Hues of 2.5YR are generally nonmagnetic. The results of soil magnetic susceptibility profiles show spatial variation closely related to the variation in basement rocks, which provides excellent evidence that the magnetic susceptibility variation reflects basement rocks or bedrock composition (soil parent material). In relation to the Botswana physiographic units, soils from the hardveld (Precambrian) show the highest susceptibilities, followed by those from the sandveld, with the lowest values being from the alluvial. The frequency dependent magnetic susceptibilities indicate the presence of ultra-fine super-paramagnetic minerals such as magnetite/maghemite. It is suggested that a systematic and continuous programme of rock and soil magnetic measurements would benefit various socio-economic and development priority sectors of Botswana. This also applies to many developing countries in Africa where soil physics and measurement of soil susceptibility in particular, is generally still at an embryonic stage.
Image analysis of prostate cancer tissue biomarkers

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. In order to improve diagnosis and prognosis, new sensitive and specific biomarkers are needed. Tissue biomarkers carry expression and morphological information of the tissue where they are expressed. However their use is still limited by technological problems, lack of standardized procedures and inadequate interpretation. In this work we investigated a group of tissue biomarkers as well as new technologies and computerized approaches for consistent and reproducible analyses. We also tested an automated approach for performing Gleason grading. In order to validate previous in silico studies, we investigated the expression of ERG (as a surrogate marker of TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion status) and TATI (encoded by SPINK1) proteins in a large TMA of localized prostate cancer patients. We observed a mutually exclusive expression pattern, further supporting the idea of tailored treatment for genotypically different cancers. In the second and third studies we introduce the use of image analysis for an integrated approach that uses Time Resolved Fluorescence Imaging on PSA and AR, immunofluorescence on cytokeratin as well as brightfield microscopy on H&E and p63/AMACR. The workflow includes the following automated steps: multi-modality image registration, identification of regions of interest, recognition of benign versus cancer areas and protein quantification. PSA seemed to decrease in cancer while AR increased in AMACR+ and decreased in AMACR- cancer tissue compared to benign. Finally, we developed a system based on SIFT features and BoW approach to automatically perform Gleason grading. The system was able to distinguish between grades with very high accuracy.
Coulson's integral formula for digraphs.

Two vertices are called adjacent if they are connected by an arc. If there is an arc from vertex x to vertex y we indicate this by writing xy. A path of length n − 1 (n ≥ 2), denoted by Pn, is a graph with n vertices {v1, . , vn} and with n− 1 arcs vivi+1, where i = 1, . , n− 1. A cycle of length n, denoted by Cn, is the digraph with the vertex set {v1, . , vn} having arcs vivi+1, i = 1, . , n− 1 and vnv1. A linear digraph is a digraph in which every vertex has indegree and outdegree equal to 1. Clearly, a linear digraph consists of cycles.
Physicochemical characterization and in vitro dissolution behavior of olanzapine-mannitol solid dispersions

The objective of the present work is to study the dissolution behavior of olanzapine from its solid dispersions with mannitol. Solid dispersions were prepared by melt dispersion method and characterized by phase solubility studies, drug content and in vitro dissolution studies. The best releasing dispersions were selected from release data, dissolution parameters and their release profiles. Solid state characterization techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the drug in selected dispersions. The dispersions were also evaluated by wettability studies and permeation studies. The results of phase solubility studies and the thermodynamic parameters indicated the spontaneity and solubilization effect of the carrier. The release study results showed greater improvement of drug release from solid dispersions compared to pure drug, and the release was found to increase with an increase in carrier content. The possible mechanism for increased release rate from dispersions may be attributed to solubilization effect of the carrier, change in crystal quality, phase transition from crystalline to amorphous state, prevention of agglomeration or aggregation of drug particles, change in surface hydrophobicity of the drug, and increased wettability and dispersability of the drug in dissolution medium. The suggested reasons for increased release rate from dispersions were found to be well supported by results of solid state characterization, wettability and permeation studies. The absence of any interaction between the drug and the carrier was also proved by FT-IR analysis.
Evolution of heat wave occurrence over the Paris basin (France) in the 21st century

We analysed the temporal evolution of heat wave frequency in the Paris region in a changing future climate (1960−1989, 2020−2049, 2070−2099). Firstly, a method for extracting heat waves from observed or simulated time series of daily minimum and maximum temperatures was proposed, based on heat-impact considerations. It was evaluated over the period 1951−2009 using observations from 2 meteorological stations of the Meteo-France operational network. The past heat waves that have affected the Paris region were correctly identified in terms of both dates and durations. Eight heat waves were extracted from the data for this period of time (i.e. a mean frequency of about 1 in 7 yr). The method was then applied to a large sample of climate projections, including 1 regional climate model (RCM) following 3 emission scenarios (A2, A1B, B1) and 9 combinations of RCMs driven by different global circulation models following the A1B emission scenario only (from the European ENSEMBLES project). The historical runs generated 1 to 5 heat waves, depending on the model, with a median value of 3 events (i.e. a frequency of 1 in 10 yr). All models from the ENSEMBLES database simulated a systematic increase in the frequency of heat wave occurrences with time: 1 heat wave every 2 yr on average over 2020−2049, rising to at least 1, and up to 2, heat waves per year on average over 2070−2099. They also became much longer, with mean durations varying between 6 and 12 d over 2070−2099, and exceptional durations reaching 5 to 9 wk. A comparison of the heat waves simulated with the 3 different emission scenarios highlights the major impact of the scenario on the number of heat wave days (and the duration of heat waves) at the end of the 21st century.
DATA MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK OF DRONE-BASED 3D MODEL RECONSTRUCTION OF DISASTER SITE

Abstract. To rescue peoples in the disaster site in time, information acquisition of current feature of collapsed buildings and terrain is quite important for disaster site rescue manager. Based on information about disaster site, they can accurately plan the rescue process and remove collapsed buildings or other facilities. However, due to the harsh condition of disaster areas, rapid and accurate acquisition of disaster site information is not an easy task. There are possibilities of further damages in the collapse and there are also difficulties in acquiring information about current disaster situation due to large disaster site and limited rescue resources. To overcome these circumstances of disaster sites, an unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone is used to rapidly and effectively acquire current image data of the large disaster areas. Then, the procedure of drone-based 3D model reconstruction visualization function of developed system is presented.
Silagadze, N. and Gherghina, S. (2018) When who and how matter: explaining the success of referendums

This article aims to identify the institutional factors that make a referendum successful. This comparative analysis seeks to explain the success of top-down referendums organized in Europe between 2001 and 2013. It argues and tests for the main effect of three institutional factors (popularity of the initiator, size of parliamentary majority, and political cues during referendum campaigns) and controls for the type of referendum and voter turnout. The analysis uses data collected from referendums and electoral databases, public opinion surveys, and newspaper articles. Results show that referendums proposed by a large parliamentary majority or with clear messages from political parties during campaign are likely to be successful.
Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification

One of the results of Anthropogenic Global Warming is the acidification of the oceans which threatens wildlife on this planet. In this work it will be shown what will be the effect of carbon dioxide injected into the atmosphere, doubling the total amount from 350 ppm to 700 ppm. Principally the effect on carbonate ions CO32-. It is based on textbook chemical principles worked out by numerically solving the resulting non-linear equations by the bisection method. The results are the following: In a pure-water environment the effect is that carbonate ion concentration remains unaltered (i.e., no harm to coral reefs). In a constant-pH environment the carbonate ion concentration grows linearly with CO2 in the atmosphere (i.e., good for coral reefs). When lowering the pH by other means than CO2, the carbonate ion concentration drops linearly (i.e., bad for coral reefs). In some specific cases can raising the CO2 in the atmosphere slightly reduce carbonate ions in the oceans.