Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Esaim: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis a Topological Asymptotic Analysis for the Regularized Grey-level Image Classification Problem *

The aim of this article is to propose a new method for the grey-level image classification problem. We first present the classical variational approach without and with a regularization term in order to smooth the contours of the classified image. Then we present the general topological asymptotic analysis, and we finally introduce its application to the grey-level image classification problem.
Regional Mapping of Plantation Extent Using Multisensor Imagery

Industrial forest plantations are expanding rapidly across Monsoon Asia and monitoring extent is critical for understanding environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In this study, new, multisensor imagery were evaluated and integrated to extract the strengths of each sensor for mapping plantation extent at regional scales. Two distinctly different landscapes with multiple plantation types were chosen to consider scalability and transferability. These were Tanintharyi, Myanmar and West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2), and Sentinel-1A images were fused within a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) framework using random forest and high-resolution surveys. Multi-criteria evaluations showed both L-and C-band gamma nought γ° backscatter decibel (dB), Landsat reflectance ρλ, and texture indices were useful for distinguishing oil palm and rubber plantations from other land types. The classification approach identified 750,822 ha or 23% of the Taninathryi, Myanmar, and 216,086 ha or 25% of western West Kalimantan as plantation with very high cross validation accuracy. The mapping approach was scalable and transferred well across the different geographies and plantation types. As archives for Sentinel-1, Landsat-8, and PALSAR-2 continue to grow, mapping plantation extent and dynamics at moderate resolution over large regions should be feasible.
Carrying capacity of Peucang Island for ecotourism management in Ujung Kulon National Park

Peucang Island is one of island in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP), appointed as priority area and welcome area for tourism. This research aimed to calculate the carrying capacity of Peucang Island for ecotourism development (Study sites of this research are Karang Copong jungle trail and 8 sites of Peucangs beach). This research used observation method (wildlife exploration, measure the lenght of jungle track, and measure 10 parameters of beach), literature study and and interview method to collect data. The data of jungle track analyzed use Cifuentes’s formula. The result showed that Karang Copong jungle trekking had 20,000 visitors/day for Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC), 4 838 visitors/day for Real Carrying Capacity (RCC), and 6 visitors/day for Efective Carrying Capacity (ECC). Observation of biological aspect showed that there were some damages of vegetation along the track, and the changes in animal behavior. The data of beach carrying capacity analyzed use Yulianda’s formula that measured with the suitability map approach. Based on the suitability map, two beaches were classified in suitable category, while six beaches) were classified in highly suitable category for tourism activities. All of the beaches had different number of carrying capacity, specifically there are 70 visitors/day in highly suitable beach and 27 visitors/day in suitable beach. The number of visitor nowadays still not exceed from carrying capacity number of PCC, RCC of jungle trails and carrying capacity of the beach area, but the number has exceeded from the ECC numbers.
Three approaches to the quantitative definition of information in an individual pure quantum state

In analogy of classical Kolmogorov complexity we develop a theory of the algorithmic information in bits contained in any one of continuously many pure quantum states: quantum Kolmogorov complexity. Classical Kolmogorov complexity coincides with the new quantum Kolmogorov complexity restricted to the classical domain. Quantum Kolmogorov complexity is upper bounded and can be effectively approximated from above. With high probability a quantum object is incompressible. There are two alternative approaches possible: to define the complexity as the length of the shortest qubit program that effectively describes the object, and to use classical descriptions with computable real parameters.
An automatic scaling procedure for a wearable and portable hand exoskeleton

The design of an aid for the hand function based on exoskeleton technologies for patients who have lost or injured hand skills, e.g. because of neuromuscular or aging diseases, is one of the most influential challenge in modern robotics to assure them an independent and healthy life. This research activity is focused on the design and development of a low-cost Hand Exoskeleton System (HES) for supporting patients affected by hand opening disabilities during the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In addition, the device, able to exert suitable forces on the hand, can be used during the rehabilitative sessions to implement specific tasks useful to restore the dexterity of the user's hand. The hand exoskeleton system, developed by the MDM Lab (Mechatronic and Dynamic Modelling Laboratory of the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy), is based on a single-phalanx architecture and consists of a mechanical part (mechanism) and electronics (actuators, control unit and battery pack). In this paper, the authors propose a scaling procedure to automatically adapt the hand exoskeleton to different patients. Starting from the acquisition of the hand trajectories of the patients, obtained through a 3D Motion Capture (MoCap) system, a suitable optimization algorithm is used to determine the dimensions of the mechanism parts that allow to replicate at best the acquired trajectories. The optimization process showed satisfying results, permitting to obtain devices which tailor the hand of generic patients and able to reproduce the natural kinematics of the fingers.
Stalagmite-inferred abrupt climate change of Asian Summer Monsoon at MIS 5a/4 transition

Abstract. The Greenland Interstadial 21 (GIS 21), one of the longest warm events during the last glacial, occurred in conjunction with the transition from marine isotope stages (MIS) 5a to 4. Precise determination of the timing and duration of this event can improve our understanding of hydroclimatic connection between low and high latitudes over this MIS boundary. Facilitated by a robust chronology with closely spaced U-Th ages, replicated sub-decadal-resolved δ18O records of two stalagmites from Sanxing Cave, Southwest China, express Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) history from 79.0 ± 0.2 to 75.7 ± 0.2 thousand years before present (kyr BP, before AD 1950) to reveal detailed structure of MIS 5a/4 transition and Chinese Interstadial (CIS) 21. The composited Sanxing record is characterized with three centennial-scale strong monsoon peaks and a 700-yr-long weak monsoon period within the CIS 21 rebound-type event, concurrent with its counterpart of Greenland Interstadial 21 (GIS 21). This strong resemblance suggests a rapid atmospheric teleconnection between the North Atlantic and the ASM regions. The transition at the termination of the Chinese Interstadial (CIS) 21 is determined to be from 77.0 ± 0.2 to 76.6 ± 0.2 kyr BP with a mid-point at 76.8 ± 0.2 kyr BP, which is 0.5–1.0 kyr younger than the correspondent of the end of GIS 21 on GICC05modelext and AICC2012 timescales. Given its high accuracy, our Sanxing Cave chronology can become one of the potential references for chronological refinement for ice-core records.
QoS routing performance in multihop, multimedia, wireless networks

We propose an approach to QoS (quality of service) routing in a multimedia, multihop, wireless network. The wireless net can be either stand alone, or connected to the wired net. The main focus of the paper is the QoS routing procedure which can inform the source of the bandwidth and quality of service available to any destination in the wireless network. This knowledge enables the establishment of QoS connections within the wireless network and the efficient support of real time, multimedia traffic. In addition, it enables more effective call acceptance control. In the case of an ATM interconnection, QoS information permits one to extend the ATM virtual circuit service to the wireless network, with possible renegotiation of QoS parameters at the gateway. Simulation experiments show the efficiency of QoS routing in selected multihop, mobile radio network scenarios.
Human β1-Adrenergic Receptor Is Subject to Constitutive and Regulated N-terminal Cleavage*

The β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR) is the predominant βAR in the heart, mediating the catecholamine-stimulated increase in cardiac rate and force of contraction. Regulation of this important G protein-coupled receptor is nevertheless poorly understood. We describe here the biosynthetic profile of the human β1AR and reveal novel features relevant to its regulation using an inducible heterologous expression system in HEK293i cells. Metabolic pulse-chase labeling and cell surface biotinylation assays showed that the synthesized receptors are efficiently and rapidly transported to the cell surface. The N terminus of the mature receptor is extensively modified by sialylated mucin-type O-glycosylation in addition to one N-glycan attached to Asn15. Furthermore, the N terminus was found to be subject to limited proteolysis, resulting in two membrane-bound C-terminal fragments. N-terminal sequencing of the fragments identified two cleavage sites between Arg31 and Leu32 and Pro52 and Leu53, which were confirmed by cleavage site and truncation mutants. Metalloproteinase inhibitors were able to inhibit the cleavage, suggesting that it is mediated by a matrix metalloproteinase or a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family member. Most importantly, the N-terminal cleavage was found to occur not only in vitro but also in vivo. Receptor activation mediated by the βAR agonist isoproterenol enhanced the cleavage in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and it was also enhanced by direct stimulation of protein kinase C and adenylyl cyclase. Mutation of the Arg31–Leu32 cleavage site stabilized the mature receptor. We hypothesize that the N-terminal cleavage represents a novel regulatory mechanism of cell surface β1ARs.
Redundant signed digit coding in binary weighted DACs

It is well known that Nyquist DACs suffer from static as well as dynamic errors. In this paper, classic binary weighted DACs are considered as a special case of RSD coded current-steering DACpsilas. It is shown that without calibration, an RSD coded DAC shows a better behaviour, with respect to static as well as dynamic errors.
Genotype–phenotype analysis and natural history of left ventricular hypertrophy in LEOPARD syndrome

Because it is unclear whether the genotype may influence the clinical course in patients with LEOPARD syndrome (LS), we analyzed clinical and molecular predictors of adverse cardiac events in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). A comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, including baseline electrocardiogram, echocardiography, exercise test and 24 hr Holter monitoring at the time of clinical diagnosis and during follow‐up was conducted on 24 patients referred to our departments. Phenotypical examination and diagnosis were performed by expert clinical geneticists. The entire PTPN11 and RAF1 coding regions were screened for mutations by DHPLC analysis, followed by sequencing. Patients without PTPN11 mutations (34%) showed a higher frequency of family history of sudden death (P = 0.007), increased left atrial dimensions (P = 0.05), bradyarrhythmias (P = 0.04), episodes of supraventricular tachycardias (P = 0.06), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.009), and nonsustained ventricular tachycardias (P = 0.05) during Holter monitoring. Six patients (25%) had adverse cardiac events during follow‐up (including sudden deaths, resuscitated cardiac arrest, septal myectomy, and heart failure). LVH, New York Heart Association Class, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardias were associated to adverse cardiac events. Of note, three patients with mutations in exon 13 showed a severe obstructive cardiomyopathy, with serious cardiac complications during follow‐up (heart failure, septal myectomy, and sudden death). In conclusion, patients with LVH associated with LS seem to carry a relatively high risk of adverse (arrhythmic and nonarrhythmic) events. Further genotype–phenotype studies are warranted to fully elucidate the impact of the genotype on the natural history of patients with LS and LVH. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neighbourhood Liveability Assessment for Benalla: Using Indicators to understand and plan for liveability in the town of Benalla.

This report has been developed to provide evidence of these neighbourhood based differences that exist in the rural location of Benalla and achieved to objective of demonstrating the value of spatial analysis for liveability assessment. It is hoped that this evidence will be used to support the development of future policy and planning initiatives that will further improve the liveability of the area.
The co‐dependence of BxpB/ExsFA and BclA for proper incorporation into the exosporium of Bacillus anthracis

The outermost layer of the Bacillus anthracis spore consists of an exosporium comprised of two distinct layers, an outer hair‐like nap layer and an internal basal layer. The hair‐like nap is primarily comprised of the glycosylated collagen‐like protein BclA. BclA is found in a trimeric form in close association with many other exosporium proteins in high‐molecular weight complexes. We previously had characterized an N‐terminal sequence of BclA that is sufficient for incorporation into the exosporium. Here we utilized site‐directed mutagenesis to identify BclA residues critical to two steps in this process, positioning of the protein at the site of the developing exosporium basal layer and stable incorporation which includes a proteolytic cleavage of BclA after residue 19. The BxpB (ExsFA) protein is known to be important for proper incorporation of BclA onto the exosporium. BxpB and BclA were found to be expressed at the same time in sporulating cells of B. anthracis and immediately colocalize to high‐molecular weight complexes. The BxpB protein was found to be in close proximity to the BclA NTD. BxpB and BclA are co‐dependent for exosporium incorporation, with the BclA NTD being sufficient to deliver BxpB to the exosporium.
Experimental study of a novel variant of Fiduccia Mattheyses(FM) partitioning algorithm

Partitioning is a well studied research problem in the area of VLSI physical design automation. In this problem, the input is an integrated circuit and the output is a set of almost equal disjoint blocks. The main objective of partitioning is to assign the components of a circuit to blocks in order to minimize the number of inter-block connections. A partitioning algorithm using hypergraph was proposed by Fiduccia and Mattheyses with linear time complexity which has been popularly known as FM algorithm. Most of the hypergraph based partitioning algorithms proposed in the literature are variants of FM algorithm. In this paper, we propose a novel variant of FM algorithm by using the concept of pairwise swapping. We perform a comparative experimental study between FM algorithm and our proposed algorithm using two datasets such as ISPD98 and ISPD99. Experimental results show that performance of our proposed algorithm is better than the FM algorithm using the above datasets.
Comparison of two error-detection methods in a mail service pharmacy serving health facilities.

OBJECTIVES To compare two dispensing error-detection methods in a mail service pharmacy and explore clues to the causes of near errors. DESIGN Descriptive and exploratory study. SETTING Mail service pharmacy serving health facilities, April 5-9, 2004. PARTICIPANTS Technicians, pharmacists at a mail service pharmacy; nurses at health facilities served. INTERVENTION Blinded, undisguised observation of prescription orders at a mail service pharmacy by a research pharmacist and student pharmacist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prescription dispensing errors detected by pharmacist audit compared with errors reported by nurses at the health facilities served. RESULTS Of the 3,337 prescription orders sampled, 16 (0.48%) contained one or more errors based on the observers' assessment and no errors were reported by nurses for these medications using incident reports. Error types detected by observation were compared with the data from incident reports for the 3 previous years. Extrapolating the findings of the observational study and comparing those data with the incident reports, significant differences were found for total dispensing errors, wrong strength errors, wrong dosage form errors, and wrong label instruction errors. Errors related to wrong drug were not significantly different between the observational and incidentreporting data. In observations of pharmacists at work in the mail-service pharmacy, proximity of look-alike/sound-alike drugs on storage shelves and inadequate lighting were potential causes of near errors. CONCLUSION Pharmacist assessment of prescription orders detects more dispensing errors than nurse-based incident reports. The study identified clues to the causes of near errors occurring in a mail service pharmacy.
The quest for software components quality

Component based software development is becoming more generalized, representing a considerable market for the software industry. The perspective of reduced development costs and shorter life cycles acts as a motivation for this expansion. However, several technical issues remain unsolved before the software components industry reaches the maturity exhibited by other component industries. Problems such as the component selection by their integrators, the component catalogs formalization and the uncertain quality of third-party developed components, bring new challenges to the software engineering community. This paper presents an overview of the current research efforts on software components, from a quality assessment perspective. The emerging of empirical component based software engineering practices, to complement the current research trends with a more effective component quality and complexity evaluation, is perceived as a research area that will become very active in a near future.
A New Approach to the Problem of Protection of Undermined Objects on the Earth's Surface

Protection of undermined buildings, structures and natural objects on the earth’s sur-face is to eliminate or minimize the hazardous effect of underground mining on their safe state and functioning. Based on the analysis of the provisions of the current regulatory document regulating the rules for the protection of objects on the earth’s surface from the negative impact of mining operations, it was concluded that the method for determining the hazardous effect zones boundaries by means of shift angles in modern conditions of underground mining of stratified deposits is imperfect. A new approach to solving the problem of optimization of mining operations under built-up areas is proposed. This approach opens up a wide range of possible engineering solutions when planning the development of mining operations in the fields, and various options for protecting buildings, structures and natural objects located in the undermined areas.
Embedding Reward Signals into Perception and Cognition

Despite considerable interest in the neural basis of valuation, the question of how valuation affects cognitive processing has received relatively less attention. Here, we review evidence from recent behavioral and neuroimaging studies supporting the notion that motivation can enhance perceptual and executive control processes to achieve more efficient goal-directed behavior. Specifically, in the context of cognitive tasks offering monetary gains, improved behavioral performance has been repeatedly observed in conjunction with elevated neural activations in task-relevant perceptual, cognitive and reward-related regions. We address the neural basis of motivation-cognition interactions by suggesting various modes of communication between relevant neural networks: (1) global hub regions may integrate information from multiple inputs providing a communicative link between specialized networks; (2) point-to-point interactions allow for more specific cross-network communication; and (3) diffuse neuromodulatory systems can relay motivational signals to cortex and enhance signal processing. Together, these modes of communication allow information regarding motivational significance to reach relevant brain regions and shape behavior.
Aerial Image Based Heading Correction for Large Scale SLAM in an Urban Canyon

This letter presents an effective solution for 3D urban map generation using aerial images as prior information for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). The research targets urban canyons where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are highly sporadic and erroneous. As a solution for urban canyon mapping, this study proposes aerial image-based heading correction and kinematics considered odometry modeling. Aerial images often suffer from being significantly askew due to the height of structures and viewpoint changes, preventing direct integration with SLAM. However, we found that the direction of the structural edges was still valid, despite slanted building images. Making use of this property, this letter proposes a heading correction method using aerial images. As heading error is a critical factor in SLAM when mapping large areas, the proposed heading correction method substantially reduces estimation errors. Aiming for large urban area mapping, this letter also focuses on sensor modeling for odometry and GPS data. In odometry generation, mobile robot kinematics is considered by incorporating wheel diameter and base distance uncertainties into odometry covariance modeling. Results are presented from various types of urban areas over a path 28 km in length. For thorough validation, we ran the algorithm on three urban areas with differing degrees of GPS availability and structural complexity: a downtown area with medium complexity, a building complex, and the downtown area of a large city.
Infrastructure Investment and Maintenance Expenditure: Optimal Allocation Rules in a Growing Economy

This paper studies the allocation of public expenditure between infrastructure investment and maintenance in an endogenous growth framework. In the basic model maintenance affects both the durability and efficiency of public capital. The balanced growth path is derived and transitional dynamics associated with a revenue-neutral increase in spending on maintenance are analyzed. The growth-maximizing tax rate and share of infrastructure investment are then obtained. The model is then extended to account for the possibility that public spending on maintenance affects also the durability of private capital. Implications for optimal policies are also analyzed.