Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Processing Information in Quantum Decision Theory

A survey is given summarizing the state of the art of describing information processing in Quantum Decision Theory, which has been recently advanced as a novel variant of decision making, based on the mathematical theory of separable Hilbert spaces. This mathematical structure captures the effect of superposition of composite prospects, including many incorporated intended actions. The theory characterizes entangled decision making, non-commutativity of subsequent decisions, and intention interference. The self-consistent procedure of decision making, in the frame of the quantum decision theory, takes into account both the available objective information as well as subjective contextual effects. This quantum approach avoids any paradox typical of classical decision theory. Conditional maximization of entropy, equivalent to the minimization of an information functional, makes it possible to connect the quantum and classical decision theories, showing that the latter is the limit of the former under vanishing interference terms.
2LD, GENECOUNTING and HAP: computer programs for linkage disequilibrium analysis

UNLABELLED Computer programs are introduced which calculate pair-wise linkage disequilibrium statistics and conduct haplotype frequency estimation, including X chromosome data, and using a heuristic algorithm to handle multiple genetic markers and missing data. AVAILABILITY Programs 2LD, GENECOUNTING and HAP are available on Internet from http://www.hgmp. mrc.ac. uk/~jzhao and http://www.iop. kcl.ac. uk/IoP/Departments/PsychMed/GEpiBSt/software.shtml
Adaptive shape prior in graph cut segmentation

In this paper, we propose a novel method to adaptively apply shape prior in graph cut segmentation. By incorporating shape priors in an adaptive way, we introduce a robust way to harness shape prior in graph cut segmentation. Since traditional graph cut approaches with shape prior may fail in cases where parameters for shape prior term are not set appropriately, incorporation of shape priors adaptively within this framework mitigates these problems. To address this issue, we propose to adaptively apply shape prior based on a shape probability map, defined to reflect the need of shape prior at each location of an image. We show that the proposed method can be easily applied to existing algorithms of graph cut segmentation with shape prior, such as level set based shape prior method, and star shape prior graph cut. We validate our method in various types of images corrupted by significant noise and intensity inhomogeneities. Convincing results are obtained.
Decontamination technologies evaluations

Testing has been completed at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP) on in situ recyclable abrasives grit blasting, concrete cleaning (using scabbling, chemicals and electro-kinetics) and laser light ablation of metals. Several small scale tests have also been conducted with strippable coatings, CO{sub 2} pellet blasting and various other techniques. The results of this testing is summarized in this paper.
Instruction sequences for the production of processes

Single-pass instruction sequences under execution are con- sidered to produce behaviours to be controlled by some execution envi- ronment. Threads as considered in thread algebra model such behaviours: upon each action performed by a thread, a reply from its execution en- vironment determines how the thread proceeds. Threads in turn can be looked upon as producing processes as considered in process algebra. We show that, by apposite choice of basic instructions, all processes that can only be in a finite number of states can be produced by single-pass instruction sequences.
Optimal Dynamic Graphs for Video Content Analysis

This study addresses the problem of learning the optimal structure of a dynamic graphical model for video content analysis given sparse data. We propose a Completed Likelihood AIC (CL-AIC) scoring function that differs from existing ones by optimising explicitly both the explanation and prediction capabilities of a model simultaneously. We demonstrate that CL-AIC is superior to existing scoring functions including BIC, AIC and ICL in building dynamic graph models for video content analysis.
Enhancement of Food and Nutritional Security of Rural Poor through Tuber Crops

The significance of tuber crops as a source of food, nutrition and income for farmers is well known; but these are often overlooked in the debate about improving food security and tackling malnutrition. This study is a sub-component of a Farming System for Nutrition (FSN) underway in Koraput, Odisha and Wardha in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, under the research programme on Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia (LANSA). Tuber crops occupy an integral part of the food and agricultural system of communities in these regions but the area under cultivation is very less and it is done in a traditional method. The overall aim was to promote and create awareness of nutrition sensitive agriculture among the tribal poor through introduction of nutrient rich crop varieties both at field and in nutrition gardens followed by their upscale. The study was based on a detailed report of the baseline survey revealing prevalence of anaemia and vitamin A deficiency in these regions. In this context, the study focused on leveraging agriculture for nutrition through a farming system intervention where we introduced orange-fleshed sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.) (rich in Pro vitamin A) instead of traditional cultivar (white fleshed) in the fields as well as in backyard nutrition gardens. The results of this study will help in the preliminary assessment of a nutrient rich sweet potato variety, its preference for adoption among farmers and as a source to address vitamin A deficiency in the country.
A Revised Classification of Anonymity

This paper primarily addresses the issue of identifying all possible levels of digital anonymity, thereby allowing electronic services and mechanisms to be categorised. For this purpose, we sophisticate the generic idea of anonymity and, filling a niche in the field, bring the scope of trust into the focus of categorisation. One major concern of our work is to propose a novel and universal taxonomy which enables a dynamic, trust-based comparison between systems at an abstract level. On the other hand, our contribution intentionally does not offer an alternative to anonymity metrics, but neither is it concerned with methods of anonymous data retrieval (cf. data-mining techniques). However, for ease of comprehension, it provides a systematic 'application manual' and also presents a lucid overview of the correspondence between the current and related taxonomies. Additionally, as a generalisation of group signatures, we introduce the notion of group schemes.
The Impact of Secure OSs on Internet Security: What Cyber-Insurers Need to Know

In recent years, researchers have proposed \emph{cyber-insurance} as a suitable risk-management technique for enhancing security in Internet-like distributed systems. However, amongst other factors, information asymmetry between the insurer and the insured, and the inter-dependent and correlated nature of cyber risks have contributed in a big way to the failure of cyber-insurance markets. Security experts have argued in favor of operating system (OS) platform switching (ex., from Windows to Unix-based OSs) or secure OS adoption as being one of the techniques that can potentially mitigate the problems posing a challenge to successful cyber-insurance markets. In this regard we model OS platform switching dynamics using a \emph{social gossip} mechanism and study three important questions related to the nature of the dynamics, for Internet-like distributed systems: (i) which type of networks should cyber-insurers target for insuring? , (ii) what are the bounds on the asymptotic performance level of a network, where the performance parameter is an average function of the long-run individual user willingness to adopt secure OSs? , and (iii) how can cyber-insurers use the topological information of their clients to incentivize/reward them during offering contracts? Our analysis is important to a profit-minded cyber-insurer, who wants to target the right network, design optimal contracts to resolve information asymmetry problems, and at the same time promote the increase of overall network security through increasing secure OS adoption amongst users.
Household Preparedness for Natural Disasters in Flood-Prone Areas of Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Despite tremendous and concerted efforts, natural disasters continually posed threats to societies all over the world. An estimated 50.3% of the total area of the Philippines and 81.3% of its population are vulnerable to natural disasters making the country as a natural disaster hot-spot. Hence, household and individual preparedness in response to natural disasters is vital. This paper looked into the disaster preparedness of the households located in the flood prone areas in the province of Misamis Occidental. The coastal cities and towns in the province are identified as prone to coastal flooding while some of its rivers are highly susceptible to overflowing. This study employed the descriptive design and survey method. Questionnaires were administered to 631 households in the identified flood-prone barangays Ozamiz City and Oroquieta City. The overall findings revealed that the households are moderately prepared for natural disasters. Results also showed that they are less prepared in terms of life safety and protection and initiation for recovery. The findings of the study may help identify vulnerabilities and strategies to adequately prepare the households from the adversities of floods and other natural disasters and may also provide basis to improve local policies on disaster preparedness. Keywords: adversities, coastal, rivers, threats, vulnerability
The path from genome-based research to population health: Development of an international public health genomics network

The health benefits of the Human Genome Project have been widely anticipated. Experts predict a new era of individualized disease prevention based on testing for genetic susceptibilities, 1 andsafer,moreeffectiveuseofdrugsbasedon pharmacogenomic testing.2 Genomic research is also predicted to improve disease classification and generate innovative therapies, targeted more precisely to the molecular mechanisms of disease.3
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Techniques for Supportive Removal of Root Canal Filling Material

Objective: To compare the cleanliness of oval cross-sectioned root canals after using different supportive techniques for removal of root canal filling material as part of retreatment process. Methods: One hundred mandibular canine teeth with flat oval cross-sectioned canals were instrumented up to #40.06 and obturated using the warm vertical compaction technique. Removal of the gutta-percha and sealer was performed using the D-RaCe nickel-titanium retreatment instruments. The roots were randomly divided into four groups of 25 teeth, and the activation processes were applied: XP-endo Finisher (XP), EndoActivator (EA) and IrrıSafe (IS). Conventional needle irrigation (CI) was used as the control group. The teeth were sectioned, and digital images were captured. The photographs were analysed using AutoCAD software regarding the area of residual root filling. Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc Dunn’s tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results: There was significantly less gutta-percha and sealer remnant in the XP group than in the other groups (P<0.05). The CI group contained significantly more gutta-percha and sealer remnant than the other groups (P<0.05). The apical third of the CI group had significantly more residual gutta-percha and sealer when compared to that of the other groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the amount of gutta-percha and sealer in the XP group was lower than that in the EA, IS, and CI groups.
Synergistic roles of the proteasome and autophagy for mitochondrial maintenance and chronological lifespan in fission yeast

Regulations of proliferation and quiescence in response to nutritional cues are important for medicine and basic biology. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a model, owing to the shift of proliferating cells to the metabolically active quiescence (designate G0 phase hereafter) by responding to low nitrogen source. S. pombe G0 phase cells keep alive for months without growth and division. Nitrogen replenishment reinstates vegetative proliferation phase (designate VEG). Some 40 genes required for G0 maintenance were identified, but many more remain to be identified. We here show, using mutants, that the proteasome is required for maintaining G0 quiescence. Functional outcomes of proteasome in G0 and VEG phases appear to be distinct. Upon proteasome dysfunction, a number of antioxidant proteins and compounds responsive to ROS (reactive oxygen species) are produced. In addition, autophagy-mediated destruction of mitochondria occurs, which suppresses the loss of viability by eliminating ROS-generating mitochondria. These defensive responses are found in G0 but not in VEG, suggesting that the main function of proteasome in G0 phase homeostasis is to minimize ROS. Proteasome and autophagy are thus collaborative to support the lifespan of S. pombe G0 phase.
On bias problem in relevance feedback

Relevance feedback is an effective approach to improve retrieval quality over the initial query. Typical relevance feedback methods usually select top-ranked documents for relevance judgments, then query expansion or model updating are carried out based on the feedback documents. However, the number of feedback documents is usually limited due to expensive human labeling. Thus relevant documents in the feedback set are hardly representative of all relevant documents and the feedback set is actually biased. As a result, the performance of relevance feedback will get hurt. In this paper, we first show how and where the bias problem exists through experiments. Then we study how the bias can be reduced by utilizing the unlabeled documents. After analyzing the usefulness of a document to relevance feedback, we propose an approach that extends the feedback set with carefully selected unlabeled documents by heuristics. Our experiment results show that the extended feedback set has less bias than the original feedback set and better performance can be achieved when the extended feedback set is used for relevance feedback.
Statistical Performance Analysis of Unilevel Wavelet Based Power Allocation for Wireless Image Transmission using Lab View

Power control has been an effective approach for mitigating the effect of fading in the quality of signal transmission over wireless channels. The system typically involves a mechanism of measuring the quality of the channel seen by the receiver and providing such information to the transmitter to adjust the amount of transmitted power. Statistical analysis play an important role in analyzing image transmission. Measures of tendency like mean, mode, median, kurtosis, standard deviation gives a detailed analysis of image transmitted. The proposed algorithm performs power allocation for individual bits to minimize the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of a 2Dsignal transmitted over AWGN channel. A gain in Eb/No is observed for the proposed power allocation method over conventional power allocation method. This gain is achieved without any increase in bandwidth.
Mutant Huntingtin Does Not Affect the Intrinsic Phenotype of Human Huntington’s Disease T Lymphocytes

Huntington’s disease is a fatal neurodegenerative condition caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene. The peripheral innate immune system is dysregulated in Huntington’s disease and may contribute to its pathogenesis. However, it is not clear whether or to what extent the adaptive immune system is also involved. Here, we carry out the first comprehensive investigation of human ex vivo T lymphocytes in Huntington’s disease, focusing on the frequency of a range of T lymphocyte subsets, as well as analysis of proliferation, cytokine production and gene transcription. In contrast to the innate immune system, the intrinsic phenotype of T lymphocytes does not appear to be affected by the presence of mutant huntingtin, with Huntington’s disease T lymphocytes exhibiting no significant functional differences compared to control cells. The transcriptional profile of T lymphocytes also does not appear to be significantly affected, suggesting that peripheral immune dysfunction in Huntington’s disease is likely to be mediated primarily by the innate rather than the adaptive immune system. This study increases our understanding of the effects of Huntington’s disease on peripheral tissues, while further demonstrating the differential effects of the mutant protein on different but related cell types. Finally, this study suggests that the potential use of novel therapeutics aimed at modulating the Huntington’s disease innate immune system should not be extended to include the adaptive immune system.
Structure of the phage TP901-1 1.8 MDa baseplate suggests an alternative host adhesion mechanism

Phages of the Caudovirales order possess a tail that recognizes the host and ensures genome delivery upon infection. The X-ray structure of the approximately 1.8 MDa host adsorption device (baseplate) from the lactococcal phage TP901-1 shows that the receptor-binding proteins are pointing in the direction of the host, suggesting that this organelle is in a conformation ready for host adhesion. This result is in marked contrast with the lactococcal phage p2 situation, whose baseplate is known to undergo huge conformational changes in the presence of Ca2+ to reach its active state. In vivo infection experiments confirmed these structural observations by demonstrating that Ca2+ ions are required for host adhesion among p2-like phages (936-species) but have no influence on TP901-1-like phages (P335-species). These data suggest that these two families rely on diverse adhesion strategies which may lead to different signaling for genome release.
Off-line robustification of explicit control laws

Abstract The paper deals with the predictive control for linear systems subject to constraints, leading to piecewise affine control laws. The main goal is to reduce the sensitivity of these schemes with respect to the model uncertainties. This objective can be attained by considering worst-case (min-max) formulations, but generally this is leading to fastidious on-line optimisation which may reduce the range of application. Here a two stage predictive strategy is proposed, which synthesize in a first instant an analytical (continuous and piecewise linear) control law based on the nominal model and secondly robustify the central controller (the controller obtained when no constraint is active). This robustification is then expanded to all the space of the piecewise structure by means of its corresponding disturbance model.
Generalized Inductive Definitions in Constructive Set Theory

The intent of this paper is to study generalized inductive definitions on the basis of Constructive Zermelo-Fraenkel Set Theory, CZF. In theories such as classical Zermelo-Fraenkel Set Theory, it can be shown that every inductive definition over a set gives rise to a least and a greatest fixed point, which are sets. The latter principle, notated GID, can also be deduced from CZF plus the full impredicative separation axiom or CZF augmented by the power set axiom. Full separation and a fortiori the power set axiom, however, are entirely unacceptable from a constructive point of view. It will be shown that while CZF + GID is stronger than CZF, the principle GID does not embody the strength of any of these axioms. CZF + GID can be interpreted in Feferman’s Explicit Mathematics with a least fixed point principle. The proof-theoretic strength of the latter theory is expressible by means of a fragment of second order arithmetic. MSC:03F50, 03F35
Long-term sick-leavers with fibromyalgia: Comparing their multidisciplinarily assessed characteristics with those of others with chronic pain conditions and depression

Objective: The aim was to gain knowledge of fibromyalgia (FM) patients on long-term sick leave and with particular difficulties in resuming work, and to compare them with patients with myalgia, back or joint diagnoses, and depression. Methods: Patients were identified by and referred from social insurance offices and were multidisciplinarily examined by three board-certified specialists in psychiatry, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation medicine. Ninety-two women were diagnosed with FM only. Three female comparison groups were chosen: depression, back/joint diagnoses, and myalgia. Results and conclusions: Ceaseless pain was reported by 73% of FM patients, 54% of back/joint diagnoses patients, 43% of myalgia patients, and 35% of depression patients. The distribution of pain (>50%) in FM patients was to almost all regions of the body, and in depression patients to the lower dorsal neck, upper shoulders and lumbosacral back but not in the anterior body. Reduced sleep was more evident in FM patients. FM patients did not meet more criteria for personality disorder than patients with the other somatic pain conditions. The most common dimension of “personality traits” of somatic pain conditions was the “obsessive compulsive” but at a level clearly below that indicating a personality disorder. More FM patients experienced disabilities, the most common being in the mobility and domestic-life areas.