Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sympathetic Tone on Vagally Induced Phasic Changes in Heart Rate and Atrioventricular Node Conduction in the Anesthetized Dog

We examined the effects of stellate ganglia stimulation on the phase-dependent chronotropic and dromotropic responses to brief vagal bursts in open-chest anesthetized dogs. Stellate stimulation affected the phasic vagal effects on heart rate by shortening the latent period, shifting the phase at which maximum decrease in heart rate occurred to earlier phases, and reducing the maximum decrease in heart rate. These effects were due primarily to an increase in the basic heart rate. No significant sympathetic-parasympathetic interaction occurred for heart rate, indicating that accentuated antagonism did not occur with brief vagal bursts. Stellate stimulation primarily decreased the amplitude of the phasic vagal effects on atrioventricular nodal conduction, regardless of the underlying heart rate, and a significant sympathetic-parasympathetic interaction was associated with this effect. The peak of the phase-dependent vagal effects on heart rate and atrioventricular nodal conduction were phase-shifted with one another. From these findings, we postulate the small changes in sympathetic tone might shift the predominant phase-dependent vagal effect from one on heart rate to one on atrioventricular nodal conduction. Furthermore, our results suggest that dynamic vagal control of heart rate and atrioventricular node conduction involves both phase-dependent and phase-independent factors. Sympathetic activity appears to affect only the phase-independent factor(s) in the control of heart rate, whereas it affects both phase-dependent and phase-independent factors in the control of atrioventricular node conduction.
Co-occurrence Analysis Focused on Blogger Communities

We studied the problem of finding a subspace of Web pages that is contextually consistent for co-occurrence analysis. We looked at blogs and proposed blogger-based co-occurrence analysis, which assumes that two items are relevant to each other if they appear in any of the blog entries posted by the same blogger. We show that (1) blogger-based analysis outperforms conventional page-based analysis in solving context-sensitive problems and that (2) analysis focused on bloggers forming a community yields better performance compared with that focused on isolated bloggers.
A Hybrid Approach for Solving the Semantic Annotation Problem in Semantic Social Networks

In this paper, we propose a hybrid method that gives a so- lution for the semantic annotation problem. We focus our approach to settle the semantic annotation in social networks. Many approaches use a kind of knowledge representation as taxonomies or ontologies to resolve the annotation problem. Recent works have proposed other probabilistic- based approaches to solve the semantic problem as Bayesian Networks. The nature of the Bayesian learning is given by two phases: the data gathering and the query phase, it can be used to settle the semantic annotation problem viewed as a classication one. This work proposes to combine an ontological approach with a Bayesian learning one applied to give a semantic to publications realized in real time in social networks.
Automatic aesthetic value assessment in photographic images

The automatic assessment of aesthetic values in consumer photographic images is an important issue for content management, organizing and retrieving images, and building digital image albums. This paper explores automatic aesthetic estimation in two different tasks: (1) to estimate fine-granularity aesthetic scores ranging from 0 to 100, a novel regression method, namely Diff-RankBoost, is proposed based on RankBoost and support vector techniques; and (2) to predict coarse-granularity aesthetic categories (e.g., visually “very pleasing” or “not pleasing”), multi-category classifiers are developed. A set of visual features describing various characteristics related to image quality and aesthetic values are used to generate multidimensional feature spaces for aesthetic estimation. Experiments over a consumer photographic image collection with user ground-truth indicate that the proposed algorithms provide promising results for automatic image aesthetic assessment.
A Contextual Personalization Approach Based on Ontological Knowledge

Combining traditional personalization techniques with novel knowledge representation paradigms, such as the ontologybased approach proposed in the Semantic Web ﬁeld, is a challenging task. Personalization is a difﬁcult problem when dealing with multimedia content and information retrieval, where context is increasingly acknowledged to be a key notion in order to make proper sense of user needs. This work focuses on contextualization within personalization in a multimedia environment. Towards that scope, we propose a novel contextual knowledge modeling scheme, and an approach for the dynamic, contextual activation of semantic user preferences to better represent user interests in coherence with ongoing user activities, e.g. in an interactive retrieval process. The application of this methodology is demonstrated using two user scenarios, and the performance results of a preliminary experiment are shown.
Accounting for the dynamics of one-sided violence

This article presents the Konstanz One-Sided Violence Event Dataset (KOSVED) which allows researchers to study the dynamics of civilian abuse in 17 civil wars. The dataset provides, based on a multitude of sources, detailed information on the number of civilians killed or harmed by government or rebel troops. Where information is available, KOSVED also documents the dates of these events as well as the identities of the perpetrators and the means used in terrorizing the civilian population. The authors argue that the content analysis of news reports offers relatively accurate figures on those events that the perpetrators cannot hide from the public and that receive prominent media attention. Presumably, such information motivates potential short-term retaliatory acts by the group that has been the target of one-sided violence. The analysis suggests that, over the course of a conflict, almost all actors attack unarmed citizens, although to radically different degrees and relying on different means.
Exploring children's designs for maker technologies

There is growing interest in maker technologies around how they can be included in school curriculums to engage children with science subjects and about their use to explore new creative possibilities. Given that maker technologies are currently unfamiliar to most children across the world this work sought to use these technologies to investigate whether technology experience has an influence on design within a making context. A study was carried out with 29 participants aged 8-9 that involved a design task and a scaffolded making task based around a physical game using Arduino. Half of the participants completed the making task first then the design task, the other half completed the design task first then the making task. The design ideas created were then coded on 5-point scales for complexity of construction and novelty of concept, the coders also looked for evidence of transference from the making task to the design ideas. Results indicated that completing the making task prior to the design task increased the mean complexity of construction score. No clear evidence was found of elements from the making task being transferred into the design ideas. In addition to the specific findings about technology influence on design, the paper offers more general insights for those working within this space.
Model-Based Image Segmentation via Monte Carlo EM , with Application to DCE-MRI

We introduce an improved method for spatial model-based clustering, and use it to segment three-dimensional Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance (DCE-MR) images. Our approach extends an existing Monte Carlo ExpectationMaximization method for Markov random field mixture models, and is guaranteed to converge to a local maximum of the likelihood. Our first extension is to show how to incorporate cluster weight parameters in a computationally tractable way; these parameters are needed to accurately capture small features in the image. Secondly, we incorporate a covariance decomposition to allow control over geometric characteristics of the segmentation. Thirdly, we give a consistent approximation to the observed-data likelihood. We apply our method to segment DCE-MR images of a subject with multiple sclerosis. In DCE-MR imaging the concentration of a contrast agent in the brain is monitored over time; we segment the brain according to this concentration trajectory. Unlike existing methods, ours yields medically informative segmentations for this application, for instance accurately identifying a particular type of multiple sclerosis lesion.
Towards flexible credential verification in mobile ad-hoc networks

Ad-hoc networks facilitate interconnectivity between mobile devices without the support of a network infrastructure. In this paper we propose a flexible credential verification mechanism, which improves the likelihood that participants in an ad-hoc network can verify each other's credentials despite the lack of access to certification and attribute authorities. Users maintain Credential Assertion Statements (CASs), which are formed through extraction of X.509 and attribute certificates into an interoperable XML form. Trusted entities that can verify the credentials listed in the CAS can then issue signed Assertion Signature Statements (ASSs) to other participants in the ad-hoc network. In addition, each user maintains a key ring, which comprises the list of public-keys trusted to sign credential assertion statements. All public-keys in the ring are assigned a trustworthiness level. When a user presents his/her CAS together with matching ASSs to a verifier, the verifier checks the signatures in the ASSs against its key ring to determine whether credentials in the CAS are authentic and acceptable. Transitivity of trust is generally not allowed, but there are exceptional cases in which it is permitted.
Effects of cytochalasin D on occluding junctions of intestinal absorptive cells: further evidence that the cytoskeleton may influence paracellular permeability and junctional charge selectivity

Intestinal absorptive cells may modulate both the structure and function of occluding junctions by a cytoskeleton dependent mechanism (Madara, J. L., 1983, J. Cell Biol., 97:125-136). To further examine the putative relationship between absorptive cell occluding junctions and the cytoskeleton, we assessed the effects of cytochalasin D (CD) on occluding junction function and structure in guinea pig ileum using ultrastructural and Ussing chamber techniques. Maximal decrements in transepithelial resistance and junctional charge selectivity were obtained with 10 micrograms/ml CD and the dose-response curves for these two functional parameters were highly similar. Analysis of simultaneous flux studies of sodium and the nonabsorbable extracellular tracer mannitol suggested that CD opened a transjunctional shunt and that this shunt could fully account for the increase in sodium permeability and thus the decrease in resistance. Structural studies including electron microscopy of detergent-extracted cytoskeletal preparations revealed that 10 micrograms/ml CD produced condensation of filamentous elements of the peri-junctional contractile ring and that this was associated with brush border contraction as assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative freeze-fracture studies revealed marked aberrations in absorptive cell occluding junction structure including diminished strand number, reduced strand-strand cross-linking, and failure of strands to impede the movement of intramembrane particles across them. In aggregate these studies show that CD-induced perturbation of the absorptive cell cytoskeleton results in production of a transepithelial shunt which is fully explained by a defect in the transjunctional pathway. Furthermore, substantial structural abnormalities in occluding junction structure accompany this response. Lastly, the abnormalities in occluding junction structure and function coincide with structural changes in and contraction of the peri-junctional actin-myosin ring. These data suggest that a functionally relevant association may exist between the cytoskeleton and the occluding junction of absorptive cells. We speculate that such an association may serve as a mechanism by which absorptive cells regulate paracellular transport.
Rent Taxation for Nonrenewable Resources

The literature on taxation of rents from nonrenewable resources uses different theoretical assumptions and methods and a variety of empirical observations to arrive at widely diverging conclusions. Many studies use models and methods that disregard uncertainty, investigating distortionary effects of different taxes on whether, when, and how to explore for, develop, and operate resource deposits. Introducing uncertainty into the analysis opens a range of challenges and leads to results that cast doubt on the relevance of studies that neglect uncertainty. There are, however, several ways to analyze uncertainty regarding companies' behavior, resource price processes, and diversification opportunities, all with different implications for taxation. Methods developed in financial economics since the 1980s, though promising, are still not in widespread use. Additional topics covered in this review are optimal risk sharing between companies and governments, time consistency and fiscal stability, the relationship between taxes and discount rates, tax competition, and transfer pricing.
Procedure for mapping of objective video quality metrics to subjective MOS scale of VP 9 compression standard for Full HD resolution

In the last years the interest on multimedia services has rapidly increased which leads to requirements of quality assessment, especially in video domain. Compression together with transmission link imperfection are two main factors that influence the quality. This paper deals with the video quality assessment of the impact of VP9 compression standard using both objective and subjective methods for Full HD resolution. Afterwards the correlation between all objective and subjective methods is calculated as well as the mapping procedure of selected objective method into the subjective MOS scale is done.
Bifurcationanalysis of an LC-tank VCO including the variable capacitance

An alternative approach for designing fully integrated LC oscillators based on the Andronov-Hopf bifurcation analysis including a nonlinear overall-model for MOS transistors (EKV model) is introduced. In the presented procedure the capacitance of the VCO is described in terms of geometric transistor dimensions. This leads to an extended bifurcation analysis which considers only the widths and lengths of the used transistors. For the description of the MOS capacitance a basic-charge-model, as it was introduced in the work by Enz and Vittoz, was used in combination of an explicit analytic approximation of the surface potential. Our procedure enables the consideration of the oscillator amplitude as an additional design parameter in the VCO design process. Furthermore it allows the designer to receive a more exact estimation of the varactor dimensions in advance. The procedure has been implemented in a software toolbox in Matlab which employs a graphical optimization process that facilitates the analytical determination of the required design parameters.
Estimating swarm parameters by evolutionary learning.

If we assume that the collective dynamics of wild animals can be modelled, it would be desirable to recover the dynamics of the model via interaction with them. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to recover the parameters of a shoaling model used by a swarm. This can be achieved by evolving the parameters of a single agent that interacts with the swarm. We present an evaluation of this approach, using a genetic algorithm to learn the parameters of a shoaling model.
Improving Scalability of 3-Valued Logic Shape Analysis by Loosening Embedding

Making precise shape analysis frameworks scale computationally for real-life programs is highly desirable, yet far from trivial. In this work we describe a technique that has been applied to a 3-valued logic based shape analysis framework, in attempt to pursue this goal. As opposed to earlier work, in which we focused on improving performance of the analysis through optimizing abstraction domain operators and introducing operator-based abstract transformer, this paper explores a different direction, in particular aiming at reducing the abstract state-space inflation, the root cause for unscalability of the analysis. By redefining the structure ordering (embedding) relation underlying heap state abstraction, we allow trimming of abstract elements which represent “special cases”, in the presence of an element which represents a “general case”. We achieve this by allowing heap summary nodes to represent zero or more nodes, and also extending the notion of binary predicate embedding and quantifier interpretation, accordingly. As these extensions preserve the abstraction invariants, proving the soundness of the resulting analysis is straightforward. Although implying additional algorithmic overhead, as well as a possible loss of precision, initial experimental results suggest that the extended framework achieves more compact and faithfully descriptive abstractions of program heap states, and furthermore manages to shrink the abstract powerset elements by a factor that is covariant with the size and complexity of the program, specifically up to 60%, cutting the analysis time by up to 55%, for a small set of micro-benchmarks.
The Prevalence of Pronator Teres among Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Cross-sectional Study

The aim of conducting this study was to determine the prevalence of PTS among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The study was conducted from March 2014 to April 2015 in the EDX ward and clinic of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the university hospital; Baqiytallah, a large referral practice and research center in Tehran. We included patients with clinical symptoms and signs of CTS. Clinical assessments were aimed to the diagnosis of CTS and PTS. At the next stage, ultrasound study was performed for the participants with suspected CTS. Sample size calculations were based on the formula: N=4[pq/w2]z1-α/22. Results showed that 13 (8.8%) patients presented electrodiagnostic, and 27 (18.2%) had clinical manifestations of pronator teres syndrome of which, 17 showed ultrasonic signs of the syndrome. In addition, 2, 7, and 8 out of the 17 patients had mild, moderate, and sever carpal tunnel syndrome, respectively. Age was not significantly different between the patients with, and without pronator teres syndrome (p-value=0.179). Nine participants with pronator teres syndrome were male and there was a significant difference concerning sex (p-value=0.013). There was a good agreement between electrodiagnostic and ultrasound findings (Cohen’s kappa coefficient=0.71, p-value<0.0001). Taken together, pronator teres syndrome should be considered as a possibility among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome especially in sever forms. Both electrodiagnostic and sonographic studies are efficient for diagnosing pronator teres syndrome. Men are more prone to develop pronator teres syndrome.
Self-Regulated Learning and a Sense of Achievement in MOOCs Among High School Science and Technology Students

ABSTRACT This study, conducted in Israel, examined how learning strategies and motivational orientations contributed to high school students’ sense of achievement in a massive open online course. The objective was to integrate an innovative teaching–learning strategy into the educational system that is based on online learning for students in subjects that are rich in knowledge and technology. The researchers used a motivated strategies learning questionnaire modified to fit the purpose of this study. In addition, the researchers built and used a sense of achievement index based on social pedagogy as a leading principle in the current learning model. Structural Equation Modeling path analysis results suggested that projects-based learning subjects had a significant positive impact on motivational orientations and learning strategies, and they in turn had a significant positive impact on students’ sense of achievement.
Orthogonal linear local spline discriminant embedding for face recognition

In this paper, an efficient feature extraction algorithm called orthogonal linear local spline discriminant embedding (O-LLSDE) is proposed for face recognition. Derived from local spline embedding (LSE), O-LLSDE not only inherits the advantages of LSE which uses local tangent space as a representation of the local geometry so as to preserve the local structure, but also makes full use of class information and orthogonal subspace to improve discriminant power. Extensive experiments on standard face databases demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
An approach of completing biological regulation networks modeled in Process Hitting framework

The research on regulatory networks is one of the most important themes of bioinformatics. Different kinds of modeling make it possible to analyze the dynamics of system. Nevertheless initial model is probably incomplete, which may have great influence on the dynamics. Therefore, it is important to develop completion approaches for different models. In this paper, two models are presented: Thomas' model and Process Hitting. Based on regulatory information in Thomas' model, Process Hitting is constructed and described a more precise dynamics which are required by the biological domain. With the help of hypotheses in the form of regulatory relations, completion of Process Hitting can be done in comparison with the experiments.
Shortest Path Geographic Routing for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

— Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) is a Network in which contains nodes that are dynamic, which means their positions are not fixed or they are can move. Since the positions are not fixed they do not have a permanent infrastructure. So the communication between the mobile nodes should be taken cares of very well for the efficient communication between the nodes. The main challenge that is being faced in the MANET is the dynamicity of the nodes, because of which the positions are changing. The routing between the nodes in the MANET should be based on the current status of the nodes. The routing protocols should adapt in such a way that optimum route between the source and destination is being obtained. The routing task in the MANETs has become very challenging due to the mobility of nodes. The conventional routing strategies for the wired networks cannot be adopted for these highly mobile networks. Geographic routing is one of the efficient routing strategies for routing. Geographic routing has greedy forwarding and recovery forwarding. In this paper the proposal is that among the paths found, the shortest path is being selected using the distance formula.