Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object Segmentation Using Background Modelling and Cascaded Change Detection

The automatic extraction and analysis of visual information is becoming generalised. The first step in this processing chain is usually separating or segmenting the captured visual scene in individual objects. Obtaining a perceptually correct segmentation is however a cumbersome task. Moreover, typical applications relying on object segmentation, such as visual surveillance, introduce two additional requirements: (1) it should represent only a small fraction of the total amount of processing time and (2) realtime overall processing. We propose a technique that tackles these problems using a cascade of change detection tests, including noise-induced, illumination variation and structural changes. An objective comparison of common pixelwise modelling methods is first done. A cost-based partitiondistance between segmentation masks is introduced and used to evaluate the methods. Both the mixture of Gaussians and the kernel density estimation are used as a base to detect structural changes in the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the cascade technique consistently outperforms the base methods, without additional post-processing and without additional processing overheads.
The data tell a different story

In his essay Darrin MacMahon argues that hopes for happiness in life have increased in Western societies, but that “it is by no means clear that we are happier. ” He then consoles us by saying that happiness is not everything and that we should not focus too much on it. While I admire his eloquent account of the history of ideas about happiness, he has missed certain facts about happiness. Some of the conventional wisdom about happiness has been rendered obsolete by recent empirical research.
Cross-sectional study on the relationship between life events and mental health of secondary school students in Shanghai, China

Background The relationship of demographic factors and negative life events to the mental health of mainland Chinese school students has not been fully explored. Aim Assess the prevalence of different types of life stressors among secondary school students and identify the demographic characteristics and types of life events that are most closely associated with perceived psychological difficulties in these students. Methods This cross-sectional study administered two self-completion questionnaires to a stratified random cluster sample of 1818 students from four secondary schools in two districts of Shanghai: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and an abbreviated version of the Adolescent Self-rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC) that assesses 11 negative life events. Results Academic stress (74%), criticism from others (66%), family conflict (29%) and peer bullying & discrimination or interpersonal conflict (26%) were the most frequently reported negative life events, but their prevalence varied significantly by gender, type of school and urban versus rural residence. Similarly the level of reported psychological stress associated with life events, the total perceived psychological difficulty, and the level of pro-social behavior in the students varied significantly between different groups of students. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified the following independent predictors of high perceived psychological difficulty in the prior 6 months (in order of importance): high total stress score from negative life events in the prior year, experiencing peer bullying & discrimination or interpersonal conflict, not experiencing the death of a family member, male gender, attending a school in a rural district, and not suffering from a major disease or physical impairment. The independent predictors of a high level of pro-social behavior were high total stress score from negative life events, attending an urban school, female gender, attending a regular-tier school (vs. a high-tier school), experiencing peer bullying & discrimination or interpersonal conflict, not experiencing the death of a family member, and attending a middle school (vs. a high school). Conclusion Negative life events are one of many factors associated with perceived stress and level of pro-social behavior in secondary school students. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal pathways that connect stress with negative life events in students and to develop and test cohort-specific interventions aimed at decreasing stress and increasing pro-social behaviors.
Optical-CT 3D Dosimetry Using Fresnel Lenses with Minimal Refractive-Index Matching Fluid

Telecentric optical computed tomography (optical-CT) is a state-of-the-art method for visualizing and quantifying 3-dimensional dose distributions in radiochromic dosimeters. In this work a prototype telecentric system (DFOS—Duke Fresnel Optical-CT Scanner) is evaluated which incorporates two substantial design changes: the use of Fresnel lenses (reducing lens costs from $10-30K t0 $1-3K) and the use of a ‘solid tank’ (which reduces noise, and the volume of refractively matched fluid from 1ltr to 10cc). The efficacy of DFOS was evaluated by direct comparison against commissioned scanners in our lab. Measured dose distributions from all systems were compared against the predicted dose distributions from a commissioned treatment planning system (TPS). Three treatment plans were investigated including a simple four-field box treatment, a multiple small field delivery, and a complex IMRT treatment. Dosimeters were imaged within 2h post irradiation, using consistent scanning techniques (360 projections acquired at 1 degree intervals, reconstruction at 2mm). DFOS efficacy was evaluated through inspection of dose line-profiles, and 2D and 3D dose and gamma maps. DFOS/TPS gamma pass rates with 3%/3mm dose difference/distance-to-agreement criteria ranged from 89.3% to 92.2%, compared to from 95.6% to 99.0% obtained with the commissioned system. The 3D gamma pass rate between the commissioned system and DFOS was 98.2%. The typical noise rates in DFOS reconstructions were up to 3%, compared to under 2% for the commissioned system. In conclusion, while the introduction of a solid tank proved advantageous with regards to cost and convenience, further work is required to improve the image quality and dose reconstruction accuracy of the new DFOS optical-CT system.
SAPHE: simple accelerometer based wireless pairing with heuristic trees

Accelerometers provide a good source of entropy for bootstrapping a secure communication channel in autonomous and spontaneous interactions between mobile devices that share a common context but were not previously associated. We propose two simple and efficient key exchange protocols based on accelerometer data that use only simple hash functions combined with heuristic search trees. Using heuristics such as the Euclidean distance proves to be beneficial as it allows a more effective recovery of the shared key. While the first protocol seems to give just some performance improvements, the second, which we call hashed heuristic tree, is more secure than previous proposals since it increases the difference in protocol execution between benign and malicious parties. Nevertheless, the hashed heuristic tree is an entirely new approach which has the advantage of allowing different heuristics in the search, leaving plenty of room for future variants and optimizations.
Effect of an MMP-9/MMP-12 inhibitor on smoke-induced emphysema and airway remodelling in guinea pigs

Background: Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema, but this hypothesis has only been proved in the mouse and its applicability to other species, particularly humans, is uncertain. The role of MMPs in smoke-induced small airway remodelling is unknown. Methods: The effects of a dual MMP-9/MMP-12 inhibitor, AZ11557272, on the development of anatomical and functional changes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in guinea pigs exposed daily to cigarette smoke for up to 6 months were examined. Results: At all times, smoke-induced increases in lavage inflammatory cells, lavage desmosine (a marker of elastin breakdown) and serum tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) were completely abolished by AZ11557272. At 6 months there was an increase in lung volumes and airspace size. AZ11557272 returned the pressure- volume curve to control levels, decreased smoke-induced increases in total lung capacity, residual volume and vital capacity by about 70%, and also reversed smoke-induced airspace enlargement by about 70%. There was a very strong correlation between surface to volume ratio and both lavage desmosine and serum TNFα levels. AZ11557272 protected against smoke-mediated increases in small airway wall thickness but did not prevent smoke-induced increases in mean pulmonary artery pressure. Conclusions: An MMP-9/MMP-12 inhibitor can substantially ameliorate morphological emphysema, small airway remodelling and the functional consequences of these lesions in a non-murine species. These findings strengthen the idea that MMPs are important mediators of the anatomical changes behind COPD in humans, and suggest that MMP-9 and MMP-12 may be potential intervention targets.
On Combining Multi-formalism Knowledge to Select Models for Model Transformation Testing

Testing remains a major challenge for model transformation development. Test models that are used as test data for model transformations, are constrained by various sources of knowledge that is expressed in different formalisms. Thus, in order to automatically generate test models it is necessary to interpret these different sources of knowledge and combine them into a consistent set of information that can be used for model synthesis. In this paper, we identify sources of testing knowledge and present our tool Cartier that uses Alloy as the first-order relational logic language to represent combined knowledge in the form of constraints. The constraints are solved leading to a selection of qualified test models from the input domain of a model transformation. We illustrate our approach using the Unified Modeling Language class diagram to relational database management systems transformation as a running example.
Practice Oriented Inquiry: A “Third Approach” To Research In Education

There are two major intellectual styles in the field of education. In one, scholars have attempted to fathom the meaning of their own experience in the schools and to distill this experience and the insights gleaned from it for students and for other practitioners. This scholarly tradition has benefited only sporadically from principles derived from scientifically-oriented disciplines since it is rooted in the classroom and values most the wisdom of the articulate practitioner. Teacher education institutions were characterized largely by such scholarly approaches from the 1930's through the 1950's; many are best characterized today in such a fashion. A second style, with roots that also extend back many decades, is derivative from the social and behavioral science disciplines. Psychological theory, for example, is presumed to carry implications for education; if we understand the psychological research about learning, we should be more effective in teaching children. This perspective — basically an applied social/behavioral science tradition — has been invigorated in recent years by the realization that many disciplines other than psychology have a bearing on educational practice. There now are strong attempts to profit from understandings drawn from sociology, anthropology, economics, law, political science, and many other fields. The conviction seems to be that problems of educational practice may yield if they are approached by summing social/behavioral science perspectives. Each style has deficiencies. Neither one, nor even a combination of the two, may be sufficient to understand a complex field of practice like education. The distillation of experience approach tends to be noncumulative as well as unsystematic. Frequently it also is undesirably romantic — even sentimental. The applied social/behavioral science tradition, while much more promising and important, falls short because it addresses only part of the totality of educational practice — practice that is influenced by many factors in addition to those that yield readily to scientific study. The approach also is frequently characterized by undesirable reductionism. The situation for the scholarly study of education today appears analogous to the study
Current-mode approach for a variable-gain low-noise amplifier (LNA)

This paper presents a technique using current-mode approach for a CMOS variable-gain low noise amplifier, emphasizing on low power consumption and low noise factor at 1.8 GHz using standard 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Rivaling classical designs in performance, this design has controllable gain range from 12.85 dB to 8.26 dB by varying current without changes in supply, V/sub dd/ as well as keeping noise factor minimum by introducing an additional capacitance. As a result, very low noise factor become possible at very low power consumption level through current-mode approach.
Three-dimensional Planning in Orthognathic Surgery using Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Computer Software

The orthognathic surgery is the standard treatment for the correction of dentofacial deformities, in order to get a stable dental occlusion and facial harmony. The advancement of technology and the evolution of the concepts involved in the diagnosis and treatment plan in this area have been immeasurable, leading to the development of new methods, such as computer-aided jaw surgery system by a three-dimensional (3D) virtual surgical planning. The advent of the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows the acquisition of 3D images of the patient’s craniofacial complex and eliminates the ambiguity that can occur with two-dimensional (2D) images. Surgical simulation in 3D may benefit patients by providing a more accurate treatment plan and streamlined surgery, especially for patients with complex dentofacial deformities. The breakthrough of software tools for the diagnosis and treatment planning allows the construction of 3D surface models, dynamic cephalometry, semi-automatic mirroring in cases of asymmetry, interactive cutting of bone, bony segment repositioning, 3D splint manufacturing, bone reconstruction and visualization and prediction of the changes in hard and soft tissues of the face. The aim of this study was to report a case where the computed-assisted surgical planning predicts the possibility in achieving balance between aesthetic and function. Alterations in the virtual planning allow overcoming obstacles in actual surgery. Considering all possible details, the process provides greater predictability, practicality and precision in surgical planning.
Text Extraction from Document Images Using Gabor, Wavelet and Hough Technique: A Novel Approach

Text extraction in document images has been an important research area. Extraction of the information in the form of text involves detection, localization, tracking, extraction, enhancement, and recognition of the text from a given document image. A large number of techniques have been proposed to address this problem. In this paper a novel method is proposed by using three features extraction techniques i.e. Gabor, Wavelet and Hough to detect text objects from document images. The performance of the proposed method is tested on NIST document Image dataset.
“There's Still Not Justice”: Youth Civic Identity Development amid Distinct School and Community Contexts

Qualitative research describing and theorizing about the emerging civic identities of diverse youth is scarce. This study provides a textured view of how civic identity is constructed and negotiated by racially and socioeconomically diverse adolescents, based on interviews and in-class discussions conducted with students in four public secondary schools. Youth living in distinct contexts come to school-based civic education with varied understandings—shaped by disparate daily experiences—of what it means to be an American citizen and a participant in the civic life of a democracy. This investigator's examination of diverse adolescents’ discussions of their in-school and out-of-school civic experiences suggests a “typology” of civic identity that runs counter to prevalent views of the civic engagement of urban, minority youth. The study illustrates sharp disparities in daily civic experiences of youth from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and suggests that schools can either hinder or encourage development of engaged, action-oriented civic identities among students from various contexts.
Parental involvement in site-based management: lessons from one site

Site-based management is a reform strategy that, in many instances, purports to enhance parental involvement in their children's education by providing them with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes within the school. Research on the degree to which this governance structure actually accomplishes this goal is mixed. Some describe sites where involvement in decision-making appears to increase parental agency and influence in a way that positively shapes learning and teaching. Other research presents evidence that, at many sites, participatory structures do little to alter traditional power relationships. They assert that the role of low-income, uneducated and minority parents, who were relatively powerless in centralized school systems, tend to remain that way in those attempting decentralization. This case study report offers insight into the dynamics of parental involvement in one low income, urban school that is struggling to improve student learning and draw parents into all aspect.
Analysis of optimal sensing duration with power control and partial primary user's information

In this paper, based on a novel two-user cognitive radio channel model, under the assumption that secondary user can obtain partial primary user's information and transmit power of secondary user is controlled properly according to the scenario whether primary user exists or not, then the relationship between channel capacity and sensing duration is respectively analyzed in the two cases that whether ignoring the false judgements of secondary user or not. Subsequently, an expression of the optimal sensing duration is obtained to maximize the channel capacity. Finally, numerical simulation results show that there exists an optimal sensing duration to maximize the channel capacity; in the cooperative sensing environment, the longer sensing duration, the fewer cooperative cognitive users when channel capacity reaches maximum.
Integrated Drives for Transport - A Review of the Enabling Electronics Technology

The space and packaging constraints for various electric transport applications such as for electric and hybrid electric vehicles or mass transit systems ultimately require that electronic and mechanical subsystems become more fully integrated. This paper outlines the current state of art for the power electronic converter technologies which enables greater integration in electric drives. Investigations into the supply options, state of the art devices, switching frequency selection, filtering requirements and system modularity options are explored and future trends are discussed.
Posttranslational Arginylation Regulates Striated Muscle Function

In this article, we propose the hypothesis that the posttranslational arginylation of proteins, a process catalyzed by the enzyme arginyl-tRNA-transferase, regulates active and passive force generation in striated muscles. Specifically, we propose that proteins essential for muscle contraction and force production are regulated by arginylation, including myosin heavy chain, troponin, actin, and titin filaments.
First-mover (dis)advantages: Retrospective and link with the resource-based view

This article reflects upon and updates our prize-winning paper, ‘First-mover advantages,’ which was published in SMJ 10 years ago. We discuss the evolution of the literature over the past decade and suggest opportunities for continuing research. In particular, we see benefits from linking empirical findings on first-mover advantages with the complementary stream of research on the resource-based view of the firm. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. We were honored to receive the 1996 prize of the Strategic Management Society (in cooperation with John Wiley & Sons) for our 1988 paper, ‘First-Mover Advantages. ’ It is customary for the award recipients to write a brief article reflecting on the original work. As our paper aimed to provide a unified conceptual framework and critical assessment of the literature, we have chosen to write a somewhat longer piece to update our survey and suggest opportunities for continuing research. Our prize-winning paper began as a series of healthy disagreements between the authors, which took place over brown bag lunches during the summer of 1986. ‘First-mover advantage’ (FMA) was a term widely invoked in strategic management, marketing, and economics. We found, however, that our interpretations of the concept differed greatly. We wondered if our disagreements stemmed from the contrast in our disciplinary backgrounds, or if they reflected a broader lack of consensus among business scholars. During a sabbatical at Northwestern University,
Differential 18F-2-deoxyglucose uptake in viable dysfunctional myocardium with normal resting perfusion: evidence for chronic stunning in pigs.

BACKGROUND Viable, chronically dysfunctional myocardium can have normal or reduced resting flow. We previously produced hibernating myocardium with reduced resting flow in pigs with a chronic stenosis and hypothesized that hibernation is preceded by chronic stunning with normal resting perfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS Pigs instrumented with a proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) stenosis were studied 1 or 2 months later in the closed-chest anesthetized state. Stenosis severity increased from 74+/-5% at 1 month to 83+/-6% at 2 months and was accompanied by anteroapical hypokinesis (wall motion score, 2.1+/-0.1 at 1 month and 1.5+/-0.3 at 2 months; normal=3). Resting perfusion was similar in normal and dysfunctional regions, but the deposition of 18F-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) varied. At 1 month, subendocardial FDG deposition by excised tissue counting was similar in each region (0. 034+/-0.006 mL. g-1. min-1 LAD region versus 0.032+/-0.004 mL. g-1. min-1 in normal regions, P=NS). At 2 months, subendocardial FDG deposition was increased (0.084+/-0.025 mL. g-1. min-1 LAD region versus 0.042+/-0.017 mL. g-1. min-1 in normal regions, P<0.05). Increases in FDG uptake were inversely related to LAD subendocardial flow reserve during adenosine (3.5+/-0.6 at 1 month versus 1.4+/-0.2 at 2 months, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate a progression of physiological adaptations in pigs with viable, chronically dysfunctional myocardium. As coronary flow reserve decreases, fasting FDG uptake increases. Flow at rest remains normal, consistent with "chronic stunning," and contrasts with reduced flow and increased FDG characteristic of hibernating myocardium in similarly instrumented pigs after 3 months. This temporal progression of adaptations supports the hypothesis of a transition from a physiological phenotype of stunning to hibernation.