Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proposal : Learning Image Patch Representation for Detection , Recognition and Dynamic Foreground / Background Extraction

Using feature based (ie. interest image features that satisfy some metrics of geometric or photometric invariance [39, 50, 66, 74, 73]) or direct image methods (ie. derivatives or differences of image intensity patterns [2, 37, 49]) for 3D object/scene model construction [48, 97], image content retrieval [85, 14], object recognition [24, 66], video structure matching/parsing [83, 93, 92] and automatic mosaics generation [10] have been well exploited in computer vision community during the last decade. The advantage of feature based methods is that some geometric and photometric invariance can be encoded into the feature design and detection process. Thus features can be repeatedly detected in a relatively more stable manner with respect to image changes, illumination variations and random noises, than direct image methods. Additionally, feature based methods is usually more robust with occlusions, due to its local part-based representation. On the contrary, direct image methods will prevail when image features are hard to find or the predesigned feature detection principles are not coincident with the given vision task. Without extra efforts on designing and finding features, direct image methods can be performed very fast and often in realtime [37, 49]. As a summary, feature based methods are more likely to be employed by representing high-resolution visual scenes with many distinct ”corner” like local features; while direct image methods have more privileges by characterizing low-resolution imagery, textureless or homogenous regions, highly repeated textures and images containing dominant ”edge or ridge” like features1. In this proposal, we represent images using sets of regularly or irregularly spatially sampled rectangle subregions of interest (ROI), ie. image patches, as an intermediate solution between feature based methods and direct image method. The image patches have much lower dimensionality than a regular sized image which makes the statistical learning problem much easier. The pool of patches can be drawn randomly from larger labelled image regions, as many as what we need. Sufficient large sets of training image patches are guaranteed. Any given image can be modelled as a distribution of its sampled image patches in the feature space, which is much more flexible than direct method of modelling the image itself globally. We demonstrate its representative validity by classifying a large photo database with very diverse visual contents [68] into scene categories and segmenting nonrigid dynamic foreground/background regions in video sequences [69] with satisfying results. More precisely, we build a probabilistic discriminative model for scene recognition which is learned over thousands of labelled image patches. The trained classifier performs the photo categorization task very effectively and efficiently [68]. Breaking images into a chuck of patches enables us to build a flexible, conceptually simple and computationally efficient discriminative classifier with good
Enhancing security of practical quantum key distribution: two-layer QKD and backflash emission from silicon avalanche photodiodes

O desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias quânticas para comunicacao em redes opticas permitira, dentre outros, a realizacao de protocolos inviolaveis para a troca segura de informacao. O primeiro e mais desenvolvido destes protocolos e a distribuicao quântica de chaves. Embora na teoria esta apresente segurancaa perfeita, a implementacao em redes opticas pode produzir falhas de seguranca devido ao comportamento nao ideal dos dispositivos A˜¸spticos e optoeletronicos utilizados. Nesta direcao, a presente tese traz duas contribuicoes para a melhora da seguran¸ca de sistemas de distribuicao quântica de chaves. No primeiro caso, os protocolos de distribuicao quântica de chaves que operam com deslocamento diferencial de fase em quadratura e com deteccao homodina sao redesenhados para funcionar utilizando estados coerente e termico da luz, junto com diversidade de polarizacao. No segundo caso, a caracterizacao da luz emitida por fotodiodos de avalanche durante uma deteccao e o impacto desta emissao na seguranca no protocolo BB84 sao realizadas.
K-NN Based Adaptive Modulation Coding ( AMC ) and Incremental Redundancy Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request ( IR-HARQ ) in MIMO

In Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, a cross layer design enhances the spectral efficiency, reliability and throughput of the network. In this paper, a cross-layer approach for k-NN based Adaptive Modulation Coding (AMC) and Incremental Redundancy Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (IR-HARQ) in MIMO is proposed. The proposed cross layer approach connects physical layer and data link layer to enhance the performance of MIMO network. By means of MIMO fading channels, the coded symbols are forwarded in the physical layer on a frame by frame fashion subsequently using space time block coding. The receiver computes the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and forwards back to the AMC controller. The controller selects a suitable MCS for the next transmission through k-NN classifier supervised learning algorithm. HARQ is utilized at the data link layer to regulate packet retransmissions. The proposed technique is simulated using Matlab. Keywords— Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC), Incremental Redundancy-Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (IR-HARQ), k-Nearest Neighbour (kNN), Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO).
Potential Influence of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Gene Polymorphism on Knee Osteoarthritis Risk

Objectives: Genes encoding for cytokines have been associated with susceptibility for joint osteoarthritis (OA) and interleukin (IL)-1 gene is supposed to be involved in the cartilage destruction process. In this regard, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) competing with IL-1 for binding to its receptor may act as an inhibitor of cartilage breakdown. We assessed the association of primary knee OA with IL-1RA region as a putative factor of susceptibility to knee OA in Egyptian patients. Design and methods: Eighty patients with primary knee OA and 40 aged-matched healthy controls were included into the study. DNA samples were used to study genotypes of IL-1RN gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in both groups. Results: An increased frequency of the IL-1RN*1 and IL-1RN*2 alleles was found in OA patients relative to controls (60.5% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.039, 85.4% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.002, respectively) however, only the carriage rate of IL-1RN*2 allele was found to be significant when OA patients were compared to the controls. Significant higher frequencies of IL-1RN*1/*2 and IL-1RN*2/*2 genotypes in OA patients were observed as compared with controls. Both visual analogue scale (VAS) and radiographic score revealed significant correlation with both the allelic frequency and the carriage rate of IL-1RN*2 allele. Moreover, absolute frequency of IL-1RN*1/*2 genotype OA patients revealed severe VAS and high radiographic score. Conclusion: These results suggest that IL-1RN*2 allele represent a significant factor influencing the severity and course of knee OA; thereby supporting the potential role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Impact of dynamic avalanching of reverse conducting diode in an IGBT module on optimum power converter design

This paper presents a study of an ultimate limit on the performance of power converters imposed by a freewheeling diode in an IGBT module, in hard switching applications. The main focus is on studying the reverse recovery of a freewheeling diode and to evaluate its impact on the performance of IGBT, diode itself and the circuit. An improved understanding of the internal charge dynamics is obtained by studying the reverse recovery of the freewheeling diode in an advanced two dimensional finite element device and circuit simulator. Simulated results, along with extensive experimental characterization provide the knowledge of the ultimate stress that can be imposed on the IGBT module, which determines the safe operating area of the device. It is shown that, in a hard switching circuit; the freewheeling diode may fail to recover instantaneously because of excess electric field generated inside the device. This large electric field generates an excess amount of carriers in the diode by impact ionization, which delays its reverse recovery. Under extremely stressful conditions, the diode may fail to recover leading to thermal runaway of the device, which implies that the IGBT module can be used only up to certain bus voltage that will keep the power dissipation in the module, under control.
The world of English language teaching: Creating equity or inequity?

English language teaching takes place in a variety of different contexts around the globe, contexts that are affected by the megatrends of global competition, population mobility, and technological interconnectedness. These trends have resulted in increased demand for English as a tool for advancement individually and nationally. However, because language is a social practice, the introduction of English within existing linguistic, sociocultural, and political values and practices can create tensions. Learners investment in learning English depends on the extent to which they and their communities envisage any benefits from English or are positioned by societal forces. Additionally, local educational practices or quality may militate against the learning of English. English may therefore be rejected by communities or may maintain current societal inequities. Teachers, teacher educators, and teacher education programs need to be aware therefore that English teaching is not neutral, but a complex educational change.
Relationship of ultrasonographically determined kidney volume with measured GFR, calculated creatinine clearance and other parameters in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

INTRODUCTION Kidney length has traditionally been used as a predictor of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, kidney volume (KV) rather than length has been emphasized by researchers as a true predictor of kidney size in states of good health and disease. Since KV can be assumed to be a predictor of kidney mass or remaining surviving nephrons in CKD patients, we theorized that the KV should reflect the functional capacity of the kidneys, i.e. the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). METHODOLOGY Forty CKD patients were recruited and investigated. Measured GFR was determined by calculating the average of endogenous creatinine clearance (mCrCl) and urea clearance (mUrCl) while predicted GFR was determined using Cockcroft and Gault, Hull and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations. KV was assessed ultrasonographically using the formulae of Dinkel et al. and Solvig et al. for ellipsoid organ. The relationship between the KV and GFR was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient while Bland and Altman tests were used to assess intraobserver variation and agreement between measured and predicted GFR. RESULTS The results showed a weak but positive correlation between KV and various indices of GFR, best with measured CrCl (correlation coefficient ranged between 0.408 and 0.503; P < 0.05), and which was not improved after normalization for body surface area (BSA). We also found a significant correlation between the measured CrCl and various values of estimated CrCl. CONCLUSION Ultrasonographically determined KV was found to correlate with GFR and hence can be used to predict it in established CKD, particularly in resource-poor settings.
Conflict and Decision-Making: Attributional and Emotional Influences

There is general consensus among conflict scholars that cognitive conflict’s impact within the organization is functional, whereas affective conflict’s impact is dysfunctional. Inconsistent findings in the literature suggest that additional factors impact these relationships. In this study, we integrate theories of conflict, affect, and attribution within the domain of decision-making to gain a greater understanding of how and why organizational conflicts are at times positive, negative, or neutral. Specifically, we posit that the conclusions individuals reach as a result of their attributions, and their subsequent emotions and behavioral responses, play a significant role in determining conflict’s effects. We apply theories of team-level emotional convergence to propose how the individual emotional responses of team members may converge into a collective emotional response at the team level. Finally, we propose that the team-level emotional responses initiated by the attribution process are significant moderators of the relationship between conflict type and decision outcomes.
Printed in Great Britain © The Company of Biologists Limited 1995 THE TRANSFER OF SIGNALS FROM PHOTORECEPTOR CELLS TO LARGE SECOND-ORDER NEURONES IN THE OCELLAR VISUAL SYSTEM OF THE LOCUST LOCUSTA MIGRATORIA

second-order neurones of the ocelli (L-neurones) of the locust have both very extensive visual fields and a high sensitivity to point sources of light (Wilson, 1978 a). Compared with the corresponding second-order neurones of the compound eyes, the large monopolar cells (LMCs), L-neurones are more sensitive to small spots of light by at least 2 log units, and their peak hyperpolarising responses would saturate if an ocellus were directed at a full moon (Wilson, 1978a). It is unlikely that ocellar photoreceptors are significantly more sensitive to light than are compound eye photoreceptors, because the response range of ocellar photoreceptors spans at least 5 log units and they give peak responses in excess of 40 mV (dragonflies, Chappell and Dowling, 1972; locusts, Patterson and Goodman, 1974). A more probable reason for the high sensitivity of L-neurones to light is that the synapses linking them with photoreceptors operate with a high gain. This gain has not been measured, but previous work on ocellar neurones of dragonflies suggests that it is high (Chappell and Dowling, 1972; Simmons, 1982b), and the gain of the synapses between photoreceptors and LMCs in the compound eye of the blowfly is high relative to that of other synapses (Laughlin et al. 1987). In a locust ocellus, there is considerable scope for convergence of photoreceptors onto L-neurones, because each ocellus contains about 1000 photoreceptors (Goodman et al. 1979) and L-neurones arborize over a wide area of the retina (Goodman et al. 1979; Simmons, 1982a). Besides ensuring that an L-neurone has a wide receptive field, contact with many photoreceptors should enhance the signal-to-noise ratio in an L-neurone compared with that in a photoreceptor. In the blowfly compound eye, The operation of the first synapse in the ocellar pathway of the locust Locusta migratoria has been studied by making simultaneous intracellular recordings from photoreceptors and large, second-order L-neurones. 1. The transfer curve for the synapse, obtained by plotting the amplitudes of the initial peak responses by the two cells to pulses of light against each other, shows that L-neurones are extremely sensitive to changes in photoreceptor potential and that the connection is tonically active in darkness. 2. Postsynaptic current in an L-neurone, produced when pulses of light are delivered from a dark background, saturates at a slightly brighter light intensity than does the postsynaptic potential. 3. The signal-to-noise ratio improves with increases in light intensity in both cells, but the reduction …
Measuring the accuracy of classification methods for different types of feature selection techniques to determine if specific classification methods have an affinity for a single feature selection technique

This study addresses issues pertaining to the relationships with respect to accuracy between classification methods and feature selection methods. During the experimentation performed to make this determination, more questions have come to light than answers. The issue is more complex than I had initially thought. However the results do contain some very interesting patterns that suggest that a more exhaustive and detailed study is both warranted and feasible.
RAR1, a central player in plant immunity, is targeted by Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrB

Pathogenic bacterial effectors suppress pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered host immunity, thereby promoting parasitism. In the presence of cognate resistance genes, it is proposed that plants detect the virulence activity of bacterial effectors and trigger a defense response, referred to here as effector-triggered immunity (ETI). However, the link between effector virulence and ETI at the molecular level is unknown. Here, we show that the Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrB suppresses PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) through RAR1, a cochaperone of HSP90 required for ETI. AvrB expressed in plants lacking the cognate resistance gene RPM1 suppresses cell wall defense induced by the flagellar peptide flg22, a well known PAMP, and promotes the growth of nonpathogenic bacteria in a RAR1-dependent manner. rar1 mutants display enhanced cell wall defense in response to flg22, indicating that RAR1 negatively regulates PTI. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that RAR1 and AvrB interact in the plant. The results demonstrate that RAR1 molecularly links PTI, effector virulence, and ETI. The study supports that both pathogen virulence and plant disease resistance have evolved around PTI.
Some unusual sounds in Changana

A selection of typologically unusual or possibly unique sounds in Changana are briefly described, including the unaspirated and aspirated versions of /tV and Ipg/ as well as voiced and aspirated prenasalised affricates such as /nd^'V. It is also shown that prenasalisation occurs with implosives as well as with voiced, voiceless unaspirated, and voiceless aspirated stops.
A multilevel active rectifier based on series connection of asymmetrical H-bridge cells

A novel multilevel active rectifier based on series connection of asymmetrical H-bridge cells is presented in this paper. The converter can generate seven voltage levels with eight power switches. However it can lead the output capacitor voltage unbalanced. Then PI controller has been applied to guarantee the output DC voltage in the outer loop. A proportion controller is used to control the inductance current in phase with the grid voltage and to reduce the harmonic feed to gird. All the methods have also been verified by the results of simulation and experiment. Streszczenie. W artykule przedstawiono nową strukture wielopoziomowego prostownika aktywnego, opartą na szeregowo polączonych, niesymetrycznych mostkach typu H. Przeksztaltnik moze wygenerowac 7 poziomow napiecia z wyjściowego, wykorzystując 8 lącznikow. Opracowano algorytm sterowania i modulacji, pozwalające na uzyskanie stabilności napiecia DC, redukcje przesuniecia fazowego prądu dlawika oraz zawartości harmonicznych. Dzialanie ukladu i sterowania poddano weryfikacji symulacyjnej i eksperymentalnej. (Wielopoziomowy prostownik aktywny oparty na szeregowo polączonych, niesymetrycznych mostkach typu H).
Electromagnetic modeling of anisotropic medium and applications

A stable method of calculation of the electromagnetic response of planar anisotropic laminates to an active source with limited distribution along the strata direction is developed. The laminates can be sandwiched between isotropic, anisotropic, or perfectly conducting covers/substrates. The source is either inside the laminates or in the cover or substrate. Based on the propagator matrix method, the proposed method relies on downward- and upward-going recurrence relations which transfer the tangential electric and magnetic fields from one interface to the next in accord with the boundary conditions, even when an distributed active source is embedded between the two interfaces. The electromagnetic response of general anisotropic laminates to active sources within or above them can thus be efficiently and accurately computed without further consideration of the conventional numerical instability issue. Some focus is put also on the highly practical case of electrically uniaxial materials with anisotropy axes parallel with the strata (fiber-reinforced composite panels). The method works for conductive and dielectric materials, and from eddy-currents to microwaves, without specific tuning, as it will be illustrated in the presentation by a number of examples in comparison to the literature. Once the incident field in a non-damaged structure has been obtained, then the case of a damaged layered structure is handled via a method of moments based on rectilinear discretization and windowing. The numerical approach is validated with comparisons to known results (isotropic case) and FEM computations (isotropic and anisotropic cases), illustrating efficiency and accuracy.
CD107a Expression and IFN-γ Production as Markers for Evaluation of Cytotoxic CD3+ CD8+ T Cell Response to CMV Antigen in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Background: Some evidence has shown a relationship between primary human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and pregnancy loss. The impact of CMV infection reactivation during pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes is not completely understood. It is proposed that altered immune response, and therefore, recurrence or reactivation of latent CMV infection may relate to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, few data are available in this regard. To find out about any cell mediated defect and reactivation of latent CMV infection in women with RPL, cellular immunity to the virus has been evaluated by specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to CMV. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, CTL CD107a expression and in- tercellular IFN-γ production in response to CMV pp65 antigen and staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) in women with RSA were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Forty-four cases with history of recurrent pregnancy and forty-four controls with history of successful pregnancies were included. The FACSCaliber flow cytometer were used for analysis. Results: No significant difference was observed between CD107a expression and IFN-γ production in response to CMV PP65 antigen in RPL patients and control group. How- ever, the cytotoxic response to SEB antigen in patients with RPL was significantly lower than control group (p=0.042). Conclusion: The results of this study show that impaired CD107a expression and IFN-γ production as CTL response to CMV does not appear to be a major contrib- uting and immune incompetence factor in patients with RPL, but cytotoxic T cell response defect to other antigens requires to be assessed further in these patients.
A generalized framework for global communication optimization

In distributed memory message passing architectures reducing communication cost is extremely important. We present a technique to optimize communication globally. Our approach is based on a combination of linear algebra and dataflow analysis, and can take arbitrary control flow into account. The distinctive features of the algorithm are its accuracy in keeping communication set information and its support for general alignments and distributions including block-cyclic distributions. The method is being implemented in the PARADIGM compiler. The preliminary results show that the technique is effective in reducing both the number as well as the volume of communication.
Regional underdevelopment: Is FDI the solution

In this paper we aim to examine the regional impact of foreign-owned establishments on the performance of domestic establishments in the electronics sector in the UK. We use establishment-level data taken from the UK Census of Production (the ARD) and introduce a semiparametric approach that deals with selectivity and endogeneity in the production function. The results indicate that positive spillovers exist but are mostly confined to the region in which the MNE locates. A number of characteristics influence their level, they are higher from nonUS firms (in particular Japanese firms) and in more-developed regions. Outline