Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indoor Localization by using Particle Filtering Approach with Wireless Sensor Nodes

Jennic type wireless sensor nodes are utilized together with a novel particle filtering technique for indoor localization. Target objects are localized with an accuracy of around 0.25 meters. The proposed technique introduces a new particle generation and distribution technique to improve current estimation of object positions. Particles are randomly distributed around the object in the sensing area within a circular strip of 2 STD of object distance measurements. Particle locations are related to object locations by using Gaussian weight distribution methods. Object distances from the transmitters are determined by using received RSSI values and ITU-R indoor propagation model. Measured object distances are used together with the particle distances from the transmitters to predict the object locations.
Orthogonal wall correction for visual motion estimation

A good motion model is a prerequisite for many approaches to simultaneous localization and mapping. Without an absolute reference, it is however difficult to prevent drift when estimating motion. To prevent orientation drift, our approach exploits typical features of indoor environments: Straight walls that are parallel or orthogonal to each other. Our idea is to detect walls in monocular depth measurements and to correct odometry obtained from matching successive images and from inertial measurements, such that the observed walls are aligned with the main orientation estimated from the map that is being built. The experimental results indicate that orientation drift can be prevented and orientation uncertainty can be reduced greatly when applying the proposed orthogonal wall correction. This can make the difference between reliable mapping and failure.
Prevalence of vancomycin resistance and multiple drug resistance in enterococci in equids in North India.

INTRODUCTION Vancomycin resistant and multi-drug-resistant enterococci are the major emerging pathogens in surgical, neonatal, and tertiary care units. METHODOLOGY In this study, 267 enterococci from different clinical and non-clinical samples of equine origin were tested for their antimicrobial drug sensitivity against 19 antimicrobials using disc diffusion method. RESULTS A total of 80.2% enterococci tested were resistant to vancomycin and 99.6% to multiple-drugs. There was a significant association between haemolytic potential and vancomycin resistance (chi(2), 0.00). Enterococci isolates from healthy equids were significantly (chi(2), 0.04) less resistant to vancomycin than the isolates from clinically sick animals. Besides vancomycin sensitivity, isolates were also tested for 18 more antimicrobial drugs; maximum numbers of isolates were sensitive to imipenem (75%) followed by tetracycline (60%), amoxicillin+clavulanic acid (54%), and minimum for cefdinir (4%). CONCLUSION More than 80% strains of enterococci of equine origin were found resistant to vancomycin and 99.6% were multiple-drug resistant in Northern India. High prevalence of VRE and MDRE in healthy equids might be a potential danger for the health of persons in equine contact.
Simulation-based optimization in make-to-order production: Scheduling for a special-purpose glass manufacturer

We consider the problem of determining schedules for make-to-order production of companies that manufacture special purpose glasses. Due to sensitive raw materials and high quality specifications, scheduling is affected by disturbances arising from stochastic processing times and stochastic scrap rates. Scarce machine capacities, limited availability of transportation equipment, and technical or organizational temporal constraints lead to a complex planning problem. Hence, discrete-event simulation is valuable for analyzing the impact and robustness of alternative schedules, but it fails in efficiently guiding the search for optimal control parameters. In order to overcome this drawback, we propose a simulation-based optimization approach that relies on coupling simulation and optimization through a relaxation-based schedule generation procedure. Schedules are generated employing a mixed-integer programming model for which input parameters and additional constraints are iteratively derived using a simulation model. We evaluate our approach considering real-world instances and present preliminary computational results indicating its effectiveness.
Implementation techniques for Prolog

This paper is a short survey about currently used implementation techniques for Prolog. It gives an introduction to uni(cid:12)cation and resolution in Prolog and presents the memory model and a basic execution model. These models are expanded to the Vienna Abstract Machine (VAM) with its two versions, the VAM2P and the VAM1P, and the most famous abstract machine, the Warren Abstract Machine (WAM). The continuation passing style model of Prolog, binary Prolog, leads to the BinWAM. Abstract interpretation can be applied to gather informationabout a program. This information is used in the generation of very specialized machine code and in optimizations like clause indexing and instruction scheduling on each kind of abstract machine.
Kultūra ir savimonė: ar gerai mus pažįstate?

In a series of studies we investigated the validity of PASCI and explored the congruence in five geographical entities. The present study has been conducted with the aim to know the self-esteem of participants who were students. Due to inconsistent and indeterminate findings, business researchers and cross-cultural scholars have failed to take into account possible interaction between culture/gender and social behaviour (self ). Through analyses of variance, we provide evidence, that nationality yielded highly significant levels of self-esteem. This result was interpreted as adding credence to the view that studying the self is important across cultures. The findings are mirrored in the individualism-collectivism dimensions and reasons for these findings are discussed. In addition, suggestions for future research may lead to Lithuanian data that might be valued as an important mediating factor that can influence other important psychological and behavioural outcomes such as job satisfaction and employee retention in organizations.
THE COLOR–MAGNITUDE DISTRIBUTION OF HILDA ASTEROIDS: COMPARISON WITH JUPITER TROJANS

Current models of solar system evolution posit that the asteroid populations in resonance with Jupiter are comprised of objects scattered inward from the outer solar system during a period of dynamical instability. In this paper, we present a new analysis of the absolute magnitude and optical color distribution of Hilda asteroids, which lie in 3:2 mean-motion resonance with Jupiter, with the goal of comparing the bulk properties with previously published results from an analogous study of Jupiter Trojans. We report an updated power-law fit of the Hilda magnitude distribution through H = 14. Using photometric data listed in the Sloan Moving Object Catalog, we confirm the previously reported strong bimodality in visible spectral slope distribution, indicative of two subpopulations with differing surface compositions. When considering collisional families separately, we find that collisional fragments follow a unimodal color distribution with spectral slope values consistent with the bluer of the two subpopulations. The color distributions of Hildas and Trojans are comparable and consistent with a scenario in which the color bimodality in both populations developed prior to emplacement into their present-day locations. We propose that the shallower magnitude distribution of the Hildas is a result of an initially much larger Hilda population, which was subsequently depleted as smaller bodies were preferentially ejected from the narrow 3:2 resonance via collisions. Altogether, these observations provide a strong case supporting a common origin for Hildas and Trojans as predicted by current dynamical instability theories of solar system evolution.
Developments in UK early years policy and practice: can they improve outcomes for disadvantaged children?

Despite strenuous attempts made by the New Labour government in the UK to progress towards its goal of eradicating child poverty by 2020, educational outcomes for disadvantaged children remain depressed compared to those of more advantaged children. The fact that children from poorer socio‐economic backgrounds are at much greater risk of language delay, which is a key predictor of poorer educational outcomes, indicates that there is a fundamental need to enhance the language abilities of these children in their early years in order to improve educational progress. This paper discusses the extent to which two new major UK policy initiatives may impact on this situation, namely the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage, a new curricular framework for children aged from birth to five, and the development of the Early Years Professional role, seen as key to the implementation of this framework. The discussion concludes that due to insufficiently rigorous conceptual underpinnings, especially in the area of language and communication, these innovations seem unlikely to deliver the type of language‐enriched preschool environments necessary to enhance the linguistic capabilities of the poorest children in UK society.
Efficient Protocols for Signing Routing Messages

In this work, we aim to reduce the computational costs of using public-key digital signatures in securing routing protocols. Two protocols (COSP and IOSP) using one-time digital signatures are introduced to provide the functionality of public-key digital signatures. Our protocols are intended to be used in place of public-key digital signatures for signing all kinds of message exchanges among routers. We obtained more than ten-fold increase in speed compared with public-key signatures. Our protocols overcome the shortcomings identified in previous works, such as timing constraints, limited applications and high storage and computational costs for volatile environments [12]. Since our protocols are non-interactive, they provide full functionality of a true signature. However, our protocols are not intended for replacing public-key infrastructures completely. Instead, public-key infrastructures are used to set up COSP and IOSP. As a general approach, our protocols can be used with public-key cryptosystems for efficient message signing in much the same way as secret-key cryptosystems are used in conjunction with public-key systems for efficient data encryption.
Modeling Spatial Patterns of Recreational Boaters: Vessel, Behavioral, and Geographic Considerations

Abstract A regression-based framework for modeling recreational boating patterns and estimating preferred on-water destinations was introduced. A survey of 500 boaters provided model input regarding vessel, behavioral, and geographic characteristics. This information was used to construct a travel network within a Geographic Information System to identify major network intersections (pivots) and to calculate the distance traveled along network segments between intersections, as derived model input. Model estimates of preferred destinations and use intensity were compared to mail survey results for validation. The average error between reported and estimated boating destinations was 4.3 miles for a regional application and 3.0 miles for a sub-regional application. In addition to vessel and behavioral considerations, the results highlighted the significance of geographic and network variables in modeling the spatial patterns of recreational boaters and destination choice.
Extended triple collocation: Estimating errors and correlation coefficients with respect to an unknown target

Calibration and validation of geophysical measurement systems typically require knowledge of the “true” value of the target variable. However, the data considered to represent the “true” values often include their own measurement errors, biasing calibration, and validation results. Triple collocation (TC) can be used to estimate the root‐mean‐square‐error (RMSE), using observations from three mutually independent, error‐prone measurement systems. Here, we introduce Extended Triple Collocation (ETC): using exactly the same assumptions as TC, we derive an additional performance metric, the correlation coefficient of the measurement system with respect to the unknown target, ρt,Xi . We demonstrate that ρt,Xi2 is the scaled, unbiased signal‐to‐noise ratio and provides a complementary perspective compared to the RMSE. We apply it to three collocated wind data sets. Since ETC is as easy to implement as TC, requires no additional assumptions, and provides an extra performance metric, it may be of interest in a wide range of geophysical disciplines.
Statistical inference of recombination-inducing genic features in Drosophila melanogaster

Building on the findings of Chan et al. [1], this work applies a variety of computational methods to further our limited understanding of recombination-initiating processes in Drosophila melanogaster. Using recently produced high resolution recombination maps for two different D. melanogaster populations, we identify recombination hotspots (regions of extremely elevated recombination activity) across the genome for each population. In addition to characterizing genic features which differ in the hotspot regions compared with the rest of the genome, we present a number of DNA sequence motifs that are significantly overrepresented in the hotspots, suggesting a possible recombinationinducing role played by these patterns. Subsequently, we conduct a wavelet coherence analysis between genic features and the recombination maps, discovering significant relationships between recombination rates and nucleosome, gene, and transposable element locations. We also find that the locations of the GCCAATTT motif, a binding site of the homeobrain transcription factor, as well as the 4-mer GCCA, which comprises the core of numerous Polycomb-group transcription factor binding sites, are strongly associated with elevated local recombination rates in numerous regions across the genomes for both D. melanogaster populations.
A Phenomenological Study of Occupational Engagement in Recovery from Mental Illness

Background. Recovery from mental illness has been described as a process involving personal growth and a search for meaning. Occupation is a primary medium for human development as well as the creation of life meaning, suggesting the exploration of recovery from an occupational perspective is warranted. Purpose. To explore the experience and meaning of occupation for 13 people who self-identified as being in recovery from mental illness. Methods. Recovery narratives were collected from participants in conversational interviews that were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using hermeneutic phenomenology. Findings. A range of experiences were evident in the recovery narratives, from complete disengagement to full engagement in occupations. Insights into the experience and meaning of different states of occupation were revealed. Implications. All forms of occupational engagement, including disengagement, can be meaningful in the recovery process. Increased understanding of different modes of occupational engagement will assist therapists to support recovery more effectively.
Virtual Reality Games as an Intervention for Children: A Pilot Study

Purpose: This pilot study explored the use of virtual reality-based games as an enjoyable yet effective intervention to improve skills in children with developmental disabilities. Although the intervention was primarily targeted at the enhancement of motor skills, the children’s communication, cognitive and social/emotional skills were also monitored and changes, if any, were tracked during this period. Methods: Therapists guided 5 children (4 boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder and 1 girl with Learning Disability) while they played carefully chosen games on the Xbox-Kinect, in individual sessions. Each child attended between 4 and 6 sessions over a span of one month. Therapists used a 4-point rating scale to evaluate specific skills in each of the four domains (motor, communication, cognitive and social/emotional) at the beginning of the intervention, and again at the end. Results: Pre-and post-intervention scores revealed that the children made significant progress, not only in certain motor skills but also in skills from the cognitive and social/emotional domains. None of the children regressed in any of the skills monitored from the different domains. Conclusions: Initial findings indicate that virtual reality games provide a useful platform for building interventions for children with developmental disabilities. There is much scope for future research in this area. The results of the study provide insights into the skills which might require prolonged, consistent inputs during the intervention, and the ones which might be acquired quickly through leaps in learning. The different ways in which children with varied developmental profiles might benefit from virtual reality-based interventions were also highlighted.
Axon Sprouting in a Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Creates a Predominantly Excitatory Feedback Circuit

The most common type of epilepsy in adults is temporal lobe epilepsy. After epileptogenic injuries, dentate granule cell axons (mossy fibers) sprout and form new synaptic connections. Whether this synaptic reorganization strengthens recurrent inhibitory circuits or forms a novel recurrent excitatory circuit is unresolved. We labeled individual granule cells in vivo, reconstructed sprouted mossy fibers at the EM level, and identified postsynaptic targets with GABA immunocytochemistry in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Granule cells projected an average of 1.0 and 1.1 mm of axon into the granule cell and molecular layers, respectively. Axons formed an average of one synapse every 7 μm in the granule cell layer and every 3 μm in the molecular layer. Most synapses were with spines (76 and 98% in the granule cell and molecular layers, respectively). Almost all of the synapses were with GABA-negative structures (93 and 96% in the granule cell and molecular layers, respectively). By integrating light microscopic and EM data, we estimate that sprouted mossy fibers form an average of over 500 new synapses per granule cell, but <25 of the new synapses are with GABAergic interneurons. These findings suggest that almost all of the synapses formed by mossy fibers in the granule cell and molecular layers are with other granule cells. Therefore, after epileptogenic treatments that kill hilar mossy cells, mossy fiber sprouting does not simply replace one recurrent excitatory circuit with another. Rather, it replaces a distally distributed and disynaptic excitatory feedback circuit with one that is local and monosynaptic.
Rumor Psychology: Social and Organizational Approaches

In "Rumor Psychology: Social and Organizational Approaches", expert rumor researchers Nicholas DiFonzo and Prashant Bordia investigate how rumors start and spread, the accuracy of different types of rumor, and how rumors can be controlled, particularly given their propagation across media outlets and within organizations. Rumors are an enduring feature of our social and organizational landscapes. They attract attention, evoke emotion, incite involvement, affect attitudes and actions - and they are ubiquitous. Rumor transmission is motivated by three broad psychological motivations - fact-finding, relationship-enhancement, and self-enhancement - all of which help individuals and groups make sense in the face of uncertainty. Rumor is closely entwined with a host of social and organizational phenomena, including social cognition, attitude formation and maintenance, prejudice and stereotyping, group dynamics, interpersonal and intergroup relations, social influence, and organizational trust and communication. Organizational rumors, in contrast with natural disaster rumors, tend to be highly accurate, with accuracy being affected by cognitive, motivational, situational, group, and network factors. DiFonzo and Bordia describe how managers can most effectively manage and refute rumors and infer that employee trust in management inhibits rumor activity.
Grammatical formatives in a generative lexical theory : The case of Modern Greek και

Work within the framework of the Generative Lexicon (GL) has, to this point, concentrated on the lexical categories: nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Serious research on the non-lexical (minor) categories has not yet been undertaken. In this paper, I examine the polysemous behavior of Modern Greek και (ke “and”) and examine the ways in which GL theory can be used to account for its behavior, as well as the limitations of GL theory in treating και. Since this paper raises as many questions as it answers with regard to some of the more striking uses of και, it should be considered a report on work in progress.
Weight loss composition is one‐fourth fat‐free mass: a critical review and critique of this widely cited rule

Maximizing fat loss while preserving lean tissue mass and function is a central goal of modern obesity treatments. A widely cited rule guiding expected loss of lean tissue as fat‐free mass (FFM) states that approximately one‐fourth of weight loss will be FFM (i.e. ΔFFM/ΔWeight = ∼0.25), with the remaining three‐fourths being fat mass. This review examines the dynamic relationships between FFM, fat mass and weight changes that follow induction of negative energy balance with hypocaloric dieting and/or exercise. Historical developments in the field are traced with the ‘Quarter FFM Rule’ used as a framework to examine evolving concepts on obesity tissue, excess weight and what is often cited as ‘Forbes' Rule’. Temporal effects in the fractional contribution of FFM to changes in body weight are examined as are lean tissue moderating effects such as ageing, inactivity and exercise that frequently accompany structured low‐calorie diet weight loss protocols. Losses of lean tissue with dieting typically tend to be small, raising questions about study design, power and applied measurement method reliability. Our review elicits important questions related to the fractional loss of lean tissues with dieting and provides a foundation for future research on this topic.
Association of vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and interferon gamma gene polymorphisms with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes

Purpose Chronic hyperglycemia and hypoxemia are believed to be causal factors in the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is hypothesized that formation of new blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged hypoxia is associated with increased expression of several growth factors and angiogenic cytokines. In the present study, we investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and interferon γ (IFN-γ) genes, which may be responsible for the hypoxia-induced VEGF-mediated neovascularization pathway for the pathogenesis of PDR. Methods Our case-control association study composed of 493 ethnically matched volunteers (253 with PDR [cases] and 240 diabetic controls [DC]). Gene polymorphisms were determined with Taqman-based real-time PCR and amplification refractory mutation analysis system PCR. Results The VEGF-460C (rs833061C; p=0.0043) and IFN-γ +874T (rs2430561T; p=0.0011) alleles were significantly associated with PDR. Conclusions Genetic variations at VEGF-460C and IFN-γ +874T might accelerate the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularization in PDR.