Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LOW COST 3D URBAN SCENE RECONSTRUCTION BY FUSING 3D DATA AND 2D OPTICAL IMAGES

3D objects modelling from 2D images is a major task in many application fields including robotics, virtual and augmented reality, and entertainment. According to the equipment used to acquire and process data, a reconstruction process can be based on laser or optical scanners or on digital images. Laser scanner provides a highly detailed and accurate representation of even complex surface shapes but generally, they are expensive, the data processing consumes much time and requires expert interaction with the machine. On the other hand, image based multi-view stereovision techniques provide nowadays an exciting alternative for 3D scene reconstruction because images can be easily obtained. Given a set of 2D images, we propose a novel approach for 3D urban scene reconstruction with low cost by extending unstructured spatial data normally generated by stereovision approaches by linear structures found in the same images. Our suggested system try to resolve two proposed issues: (1) The generation of dense 3D point clouds from 2D images (2) The integration of the available structured 2D data for the improvement of the detection/reconstruction of urban structures.
NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES INEQUALITY AT WORK: THE EFFECT OF PEER SALARIES ON JOB SATISFACTION David Card

Economists have long speculated that individuals care about both their absolute income and their income relative to others. We use a simple theoretical framework and a randomized manipulation of access to information on peers' wages to provide new evidence on the effects of relative pay on individual utility. A randomly chosen subset of employees of the University of California was informed about a new website listing the pay of all University employees. All employees were then surveyed about their job satisfaction and job search intentions. Our information treatment doubles the fraction of employees using the website, with the vast majority of new users accessing data on the pay of colleagues in their own department. We find an asymmetric response to the information treatment: workers with salaries below the median for their pay unit and occupation report lower pay and job satisfaction, while those earning above the median report no higher satisfaction. Likewise, below-median earners report a significant increase in the likelihood of looking for a new job, while above-median earners are unaffected. Our findings indicate that utility depends directly on relative pay comparisons, and that this relationship is non-linear. David Card Department of Economics 549 Evans Hall, #3880 University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720-3880 and NBER card@econ.berkeley. edu Alexandre Mas Industrial Relations Section Firestone Library Princeton University Princeton, NJ 08544 and NBER amas@princeton.edu Enrico Moretti University of California, Berkeley Department of Economics 549 Evans Hall Berkeley, CA 94720-3880 and NBER moretti@econ.berkeley. edu Emmanuel Saez Department of Economics University of California, Berkeley 549 Evans Hall #3880 Berkeley, CA 94720 and NBER saez@econ.berkeley. edu
Evaluating automated classiﬁcation techniques for folk music genres from the Brazilian Northeast

In this exploratory study, we investigate the problem of automated genre classiﬁcation focusing on the particular context of folk music genres from the Brazilian Northeast—an issue still under-explored in the literature. As a contribution, we have: a) created a new public dataset with 75 samples equally distributed over 5 different genres (i.e., Cavalo Marinho , Ciranda , Coco , Mara-catu de Baque Solto and Maracatu de Baque Virado ); and b) evaluated 68 features and 10 classiﬁers, aiming to ﬁnd those well-suited to this particular classi-ﬁcation task. Our results demonstrated high classiﬁcation accuracy rates: 60% before feature selection when using either the Naive Bayes or Support Vector Machine algorithms, and a very impressive increase to 100% classiﬁcation after feature selection with our best-performing feature selection methodology.
FACIT collagen (1a-chain) is expressed by hemocytes and epidermis during the inflammatory response of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

ont matter & 2007 07.10. 006 thor. Tel. : +39 91 6 icpar@unipa.it (N Summary Based on previous cloning and sequencing study, real-time PCR and in situ hybridization assays of the inflamed body wall of LPS-injected Ciona intestinalis showed the enhanced gene expression of a collagen with FACIT structural features (Ci-type IX-Col 1a-chain). By using specific antibodies raised against an opportunely chosen Ci-type IX-Col synthetic peptide, the fibroblast property of hemocytes challenged in vitro with LPS (at 4 h) was displayed by flow cytometry, while immunocytochemistry identified hemocytes with large granules (morula cells) as collagen-producing cells. Hemocyte lysate supernatant analyzed in immunoblotting contained a 60 kDa band identifiable as 1a-chain-Ci-type IX-Col. Observations of body wall sections (immunohistochemistry method) supported the role of hemocytes and showed that epidermis expressed Ci-type IX-Col 1a-chain in the time course of the inflammatory reaction (within 24 h). Transcript and protein were mainly found in the epidermis that outlined the proximal side of the tunic matrix (at 24 h after LPS injection), in cells associated with the epidermis at 4 and 192 h. In conclusion, the C. intestinalis inflammatory response to LPS challenge appeared to be composed of a complex reaction set, and for the first time we showed in ascidians a granulation tissue with FACIT-collagen production that could participate in inflammation and wound healing. Like in vertebrates, C. intestinalis acute inflammatory reactions result in a regulated pattern of tissue repair with collagen expression during remodelling. Ci-type IX-Col could be involved in a network of non-fibril-forming collagens that participates in the organization of extracellular matrix and defense responses. & 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Part 1 – Factors required for a successful performance measurement system

All organisations continually evolve, so it comes as no surprise that their performance measurement systems go through various stages of evolution too. A European research report (Gates and Kulik, 1999) found that approximately three-quarters of companies investigated had changed their performance measurement systems during the previous three years and expected to keep changing them in the future.
Return Premium to REIT Leverage

In our discussions with REIT analysts over the past several years, we have been struck by the adjustments they make to REIT valuations to take into account liquidity and balance sheet strength. We in this paper view these adjustments as consistent with the pecking order hypothesis of Myers (1977, 1984), and Myers and Majluf (1984). Our argument is that real estate markets are not 100 percent perfect 100 percent of the time. Consequently, there are times when REITs might well want to invest more in real estate, and times when REITs will want to invest less. Furthermore, during these time periods there are times when REITs will want to be highly liquid, and times when they will want to be highly leveraged. The notion is as follows. REITs in bad states will generally want to be highly leveraged, because this will constrain management to pay out cash flow, and as a consequence, will prevent management from destroying value. Analysis of REIT stock returns suggests the following. Highly liquid REITs trade at higher NAV premiums (and higher realized returns) than highly leveraged REITs when times are good. In bad times, however, highly leveraged REITs trade at higher NAV premiums (and higher realized returns). This evidence supports the work of Myers (1977, 1984), and Myers and Majluf (1984).
Organizational Features and Challenges of the US EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal regulatory agency outside of the US cabinet departments, with the mission of protecting national environmental and human health. Since it was established in 1970, it has been growing in terms of employees, budget, and functions. This paper employs Bolman and Deal’s four-frame model to analyze the EPA’s organizational features, presents key challenges and responsibilities the agency shall address, and consequently provides recommendations on measures how to improve its organizational performance.
はじめに 特集 概要 スマ トーフォン/タブレット端末(以下、とくに区別なく両方の機器を指す場合は、スマ トー端末と呼ぶ)が一般 利用者の注目を大いに集め、今までにない勢いで市場に普及し始めている。このような傾向は更に拡大する方向 にあり、今後は、企業向けにも広く普及すると予想している。 本稿では、モバイルクラウド発展の中心的役割を果 たすと考えているスマ トー端末を中心とする我々の技術的アプローチを紹介する。モバイルクラウドは今後、「既 存のモバイル機器のスマ トー端末による置き換え」が進んだ後、スマ トー端末が装備する「センサやカメラの高度 利用」が本格化し、最終的には端末側だけでなく「ク

概要 スマートフォン/タブレット端末(以下、とくに区別なく両方の機器を指す場合は、スマート端末と呼ぶ)が一般 利用者の注目を大いに集め、今までにない勢いで市場に普及し始めている。 このような傾向は更に拡大する方向 にあり、今後は、企業向けにも広く普及すると予想している。 本稿では、モバイルクラウド発展の中心的役割を果 たすと考えているスマート端末を中心とする我々の技術的アプローチを紹介する。 モバイルクラウドは今後、「既 存のモバイル機器のスマート端末による置き換え」が進んだ後、スマート端末が装備する「センサやカメラの高度 利用」が本格化し、最終的には端末側だけでなく「クラウド環境の高度利用」するという3つの段階を経て発展 すると想定している。 それぞれの段階で必要となる技術に関する当社の取り組み状況を述べるとともに、モバイル クラウドの最終ゴールのイメージの一つとして取り組んでいるモバイルクラウドプラットフォームを紹介する。 特 集
Towards complete physical modelling synthesis of performance characteristics in the violin

This paper discusses the need for total performance capabilities of a playable physically modeled violin by means of precise left-hand finger interaction within the system. The paper describes the design of a violin physical model, in which the computational need for adjacent string fingering performance of playing is minimized. The main focus of this paper is on the principles of developing a convincing physical model for the complete tonal range of sound synthesis of the violin. The realistic tonal beaviour of modelled strings compared to adjacent strings of a real instrument, and multiple-stopping performance techniques (e.g. when a 4-pitch chord is played using “quadruplestop”). This enables the interaction of the string with the left-hand fingering. The artistic performance using physical modelling synthesis is shown to be feasible by using only two string models. The system also considers symphatetic coupling between different parts of modelled instruments in connection to expressive performance of the violin.
Online Delivery of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Food Cravings and Weight Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: The combination of dietary restraint and physical exercise as a recommended treatment for weight loss has had limited long-term success. One factor proposed as limiting weight management techniques efficacy is the failure to target psychological processes linked with overeating. Consistent with prior research that has identified the efficacy of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in reducing food cravings and aiding weight loss, this pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) examined the impact of online delivery of EFT intervention on food cravings and weight management. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to an eight-week online EFT intervention group or waitlist control group. The sample comprised primarily of women (96%) aged between 41 and 60 years. Of the treatment group, 65% consumed their craved foods daily and had an average Body Mass Index in the obese range (33.3). Outcome measures assessed included food cravings, dietary restraint, subjective power of food, weight, somatic (body sensation), anxiety, and depressive symptoms. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2019; 4(4), doi:10.21926/obm.icm. 1904065 Page 2/31 Results: Post-intervention analyses revealed significant reductions on all measures for participants in the EFT condition (n = 314) with Cohen’s effect size values suggesting moderate to high practical significance for the online intervention. However, there were no significant differences for participants in the waitlist control group (n = 137). In this crossover study design, post-test waitlist data was then collapsed into the EFT treatment group data for follow-up analyses, which indicated treatment gains on all measures at 6month (n = 216) and 12-month (n = 145) follow-up. Conclusions: Findings constitute preliminary support for the utility of online EFT as an accessible tool to assist the management of food cravings and body weight.
The Role of Grammar Instruction in Japanese EFL context: Towards Communicative Language Teaching

This paper aims to investigate the role of English grammar teaching in promoting better communication by students. The first section introduces a model of the different uses of English around the world. In the era of globalization and technology, English is the nearest thing there has ever been to a global language. Typically, English is divided into three categories: English as a native language (ENL), English as a second language (ESL), and English as a foreign language (EFL). Japan is one of the EFL countries that provide almost no opportunities to use English. The second section introduces an overview of the backgrounds of Japanese EFL context. Over the past several decades, the Japanese educational system has been undergoing major changes to meet the demands for English skills required to adapt to a rapidly changing globalized world. However, significant results have not yet obtained since there has still been a strong influence of the exam-based Grammar Translation Method in actual EFL classrooms. The third section mentions that the Japanese government has instituted a series of radical reforms with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games just around the corner. Moreover, it provides a brief review of literature on the notion of communicative competence. The final section attempts to gain insights on how ‘metalanguage’ has the potential to help Japanese EFL learners enhance their cognitive process and their awareness about the target language inside a classroom.
Mapping nighttime PM2.5 from VIIRS DNB using a linear mixed-effect model

Estimation of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) from daytime satellite aerosol products is widely reported in the literature; however, remote sensing of nighttime surface PM2.5 from space is very limited. PM2.5 shows a distinct diurnal cycle and PM2.5 concentration at 1:00 local standard time (LST) has a linear correlation coefficient (R) of 0.80 with daily-mean PM2.5. Therefore, estimation of nighttime PM2.5 is required toward an improved understanding of temporal variation of PM2.5 and its effects on air quality. Using data from the Day/Night Band (DNB) of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and hourly PM2.5 data at 35 stations in Beijing, a mixed-effect model is developed here to estimate nighttime PM2.5 from nighttime light radiance measurements based on the assumption that the DNB-PM2.5 relationship is constant spatially but varies temporally. Cross-validation showed that the model developed using all stations predict daily PM2.5 with mean determination coefficient (R) of 0.87 ± 0.12, 0.83 ± 0.10, 0.87 ± 0.09, 0.83 ± 0.10 in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Further analysis showed that the best model performance was achieved in urban stations with average cross-validation R of 0.92. In rural stations, DNB light signal is weak and was likely smeared by lunar illuminance that resulted in relatively poor estimation of PM2.5. The fixed and random parameters of the mixed-effect model in urban stations differed from those in suburban stations, which indicated that the assumption of the mixed-effect model should be carefully evaluated when used at a regional scale.
PREFETCHing to ease DNSSEC deployment over large Resolving Platforms

Todays’ DNS resolving platforms have been designed for DNS with fast and light resolutions over the Internet. With signature checks and larger payload, experimental measurements [10] showed that DNSSEC resolutions require up to 4 times more CPU. While DNSSEC requires more CPU than DNS, this paper proposes PREFETCHX , an architecture that optimizes the use of CPU and thus avoids that resolving platforms increase their size for DNSSEC migration. Current resolving platforms IPXOR split the traffic between the nodes according to the IP addresses. Alternatively, PREFETCHX takes advantage of the FQDN’s popularity distribution (Zipf), a layered cache and cache sharing mechanisms between the nodes and requires at least 4 times less nodes. Furthermore PREFETCHX does not impact the network infrastructure which eases its deployment. Then, defining X the number of prefetched FQDNs makes PREFETCHX highly scalable and flexible to different type of traffic.
METHODS FOR DETECTION OF OBSTACLES ON THE RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSING

Railway level crossing is one of the most dangerous parts of the railway traffic. There, railway and road infrastructure are intersected at the same level, thus it becomes a weak safety point with very often terrible accidents. In addition to motor vehicles, the crossings are not rarely used by pedestrians who are also participants in traffic exposed to the risk. Accidents can happen due to malfunctioning of warning system (flashing lights, warning tones and boom gates) which informs traffic participants that a train is coming. However, even in the case of complete regularity of the warning system, very often fatal accidents happen due to not possessing enough awareness of traffic safety and "traffic culture". Because of that, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, despite the activated warning system, use the railway crossing. This behaviour leads to the violating of the law, endangering traffic participants and accidents with material damage and possible fatal outcomes. This paper presents actual solutions in the field of detection of obstacles on the railway crossing. The aim of those systems is to monitor the railway crossing with the goal to inform the train driver about possible obstacles existence, and timely response for preventing an accident.
Computational Methods in Social Sciences

Cloud computing has been one of the latest technologies which assures reliable delivery of on-demand computing services over the Internet. Cloud service providers have established geographically distributed datacenters and computing resources, which are available online as service. The clouds operated by different service providers working together in collaboration can open up lots more spaces for innovative scenarios with huge amount of resources provisioning on demand. However, current cloud systems do not support intercloud interoperability. This paper is thus motivated to address Intercloud Interoperability by analyzing different methodologies that have been applied to resolve various scenarios of interoperability. Model Driven Architecture (MDA) and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) method have been used to address interoperability in various scenarios, which also opens up spaces to address intercloud interoperability by making use of these well accepted methodologies. The focus of this document is to show Intercloud Interoperability can be supported through a Model Driven approach and Service Oriented systems. Moreover, the current state of the art in Intercloud, concept and benefits of MDA and SOA are discussed in the paper. At the same time this paper also proposes a generic architecture for MDA-SOA based framework, which can be useful for developing applications which will require intercloud interoperability. The paper justifies the usability of the framework by a use-case scenario for dynamic workload migration among heterogeneous clouds.
How is Mortality Affected by Fossil Fuel Energy, Economic Growth and Environmental Pollution in the CIS Region?

It is widely discussed that growth of GDP has a vague impact on environmental pollution due to the emissions of carbon dioxide from consumed fossil fuels in production, transportation and power generation, and creation of required instruments to control environmental pollution as well. Due to the fact that environmental pollution can be a reason of mortality increase in a society, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between economic growth, fossil fuel consumption, mortality (from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease) and environmental pollution using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique in the case of CIS member states over the period of 1993-2018. The major results revealed CO2 emissions in in the region of CIS have a positive effect on increase of mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease. In regards to fossil fuel consumption, the estimation proved that this variable affects mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease positively. In addition, we found effect of economic growth, population growth and inflation rate positively, while any improvement in human development index (HDI) has a negative effect on increase of mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease in the CIS region. It is recommended that the CIS member states carry out different policies to improve energy transition indicating movement from fossil fuel energy sources to renewable ones. Moreover, we recommend the CIS member states to enhance various policies for easy access to the electricity from green sources and increase of renewable supply through improved technologies, sustainable economic growth, and increase of using green source in daily social life.
Corporate Social Performance and Market Liquidity Risk: The Case of the Japanese Banking Sector

This study investigates the relationship between market liquidity risk and the social performance of Japanese banks during the period of the global financial crisis and its aftermath. The empirical results show that Japanese banks with better CSR awareness may be exposed to higher market liquidity. This result suggests that banks’ CSR strategy to enhance trust over the long term and their liquidity risk management over the short term are not sufficiently consistent in a situation in which the business environment of the banking sector has become increasingly unstable. In addition, we recognize that the institutional and historical backgrounds of the Japanese banking sector based on relationship banking might contribute to diversifying and differentiating the relationship between banks’ market liquidity risk profile and their corporate social performance.