Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep cold‐water corals as nurseries for fish larvae

As a consequence of the decline of numerous commercial fish populations, an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, which includes the protection of essential fish habitat (EFH), has emerged. Cold-water coral (CWC) sites are recognized as biodiversity hotspots, but numerous examples of CWC destruction and degradation as a result of anthropogenic activities are well documented. However, although functional connections between CWCs and fish stocks are suspected, based on correlative evidence, proof of any close or direct relationship identifying CWCs as EFH is still lacking. Here, we provide evidence of the utilization of CWCs by fish larvae, mainly those of redfish (Sebastes spp). In multiyear surveys, fish larvae were consistently found closely associated with five species of sea pen (Octocorallia: Pennatulacea) in April and May. Prevalence and/or yields of fish larvae varied with coral host species, depth, location, and colony size. Evidence of the role of CWCs in the early life history of some.
Approximate Inference for Observation-Driven Time Series Models with Intractable Likelihoods

In this article, we consider approximate Bayesian parameter inference for observation-driven time series models. Such statistical models appear in a wide variety of applications, including econometrics and applied mathematics. This article considers the scenario where the likelihood function cannot be evaluated pointwise; in such cases, one cannot perform exact statistical inference, including parameter estimation, which often requires advanced computational algorithms, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We introduce a new approximation based upon Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC). Under some conditions, we show that as n → ∞, with n the length of the time series, the ABC posterior has, almost surely, a Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) estimator of the parameters that is often different from the true parameter. However, a noisy ABC MAP, which perturbs the original data, asymptotically converges to the true parameter, almost surely. In order to draw statistical inference, for the ABC approximation adopted, standard MCMC algorithms can have acceptance probabilities that fall at an exponential rate in n and slightly more advanced algorithms can mix poorly. We develop a new and improved MCMC kernel, which is based upon an exact approximation of a marginal algorithm, whose cost per iteration is random, but the expected cost, for good performance, is shown to be O(n2) per iteration. We implement our new MCMC kernel for parameter inference from models in econometrics.
Perceptrons without output codes

Neural networks for classification require our choosing output codes. Most often, the 1-of-c output code is used, with as many dimensions as classes. This coding scheme can turn into a burden for datasets with many classes such as the 19 class UCI soybean problem. In this paper, a procedure is introduced which allows to choose the number of output units of a neural network, independently of the number of classes. The weights of the network are learned by means of an evolution strategy whose fitness is the number of misclassifications incurred by assigning patterns to the class of the closest projected mean. In this way, we obtain two-dimensional views of multiclass problems such as the 19-class soybean database and the non-linear 6-class satellite problem.
Response to Discussants Lesley Caldwell and Van Dyke DeGolia

This response to commentary of Drs. Caldwell and DeGolia (this issue) looks at Winnicott’s language and a revealing case example (“String”) by way of making a place for the concept of the negative transitional object. Rather than a regression or a fixation at a presymbolic level, it views negative transitional objects such as addictions as a creative if problematic adaptation to a flawed relational surround. Winnicott’s case example suggests that he may well have been pondering similar extensions of his theory at the time of his death.
The design, implementation and evaluation of a relaxation service with facial emotion detection

Even though current research includes many proposals for systems that provide assistance and services to people in healthcare fields, such systems generally emphasize the support of physical rather than emotional aspects. Emotional health is as important as physical health. Negative emotional health can lead to social or mental health problems. To cope with negative emotional health, we proposed a healthcare system that focuses on emotional aspects by integrating emotion detection from facial expressions to recognize the current emotional states of users. When they are experiencing negative emotions, our system suggests that they take a break and provides appropriate services (including relaxation, amusement and excitement services) with augmented reality and Kinect to improve their emotional state. This paper presents a prototype of a relaxation service with real-time facial emotion detection, describes its design and implementation, and experimentally evaluates user feelings while they experience our relaxation service with real-time facial emotion detection.
Carbonate Precipitation through Microbial Activities in Natural Environment, and Their Potential in Biotechnology: A Review

Calcium carbonate represents a large portion of carbon reservoir and is used commercially for a variety of applications. Microbial carbonate precipitation, a by-product of microbial activities, plays an important metal coprecipitation and cementation role in natural systems. This natural process occurring in various geological settings can be mimicked and used for a number of biotechnologies, such as metal remediation, carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and construction restoration. In this study, different metabolic activities leading to calcium carbonate precipitation, their native environment, and potential applications and challenges are reviewed.
The Phoenix radio survey: The angular correlation function

Using the Phoenix radio survey, a homoge- neous survey selected at 1.4 GHz and covering an area of 3d eg 2 , we analyse the clustering of the sub-mJy ra- dio population using angular correlation function analy- sis. Extensive simulations are carried out to investigate the signicance of the estimated angular correlation am- plitudes. Our analysis show that for the S1:4 > 0: 5m Jy sub-samples the radio source distribution is anisotropic at the 2 signicance level. Additionally, we estimate up- per limits for the angular correlation amplitudes that, de- spite the large uncertainties, are in good agreement with the amplitude estimates for sources brighter than 1 mJy, detected in the FIRST radio survey (Cress et al. 1997). Adopting a radio luminosity function and assuming an evolving spatial correlation function of the form (r )= (r=r0) (1 + z) (3+) , with the evolution parametrised by , we nd an upper limit for the angular correlation length r0 9h 1 Mpc for S1:4 > 0: 5m Jy and =2 :1. This agrees well with the value r0 6 8h 1 Mpc esti- mated from the FIRST radio survey for sources brighter than 1 mJy. Additionally, we quantify the characteristics, in terms of areal coverage and limiting flux density, of fu- ture deep radio surveys to yield a signicant correlation amplitude detection and to explore possible changes of the correlation amplitude with flux density.
Developing paradigms of data fusion for sensor-actuator networks that perform engineering tasks

In this article we provided a new foundation for data fusion based on two concepts: a conceptual framework and the goal-seeking paradigm. The conceptual framework emphasizes the dominant structures in the system. The goal-seeking paradigm is a mechanism for representing system evolution that explicitly manages uncertainty. The goal-seeking formulation for data fusion helps to distinguish between subjective decisions that resolve uncertainty by involving humans and objective decisions that can be executed by computers. These notions are useful for critical tasks such as security management in large-scale distributed systems. Investigations in this area, and further refinement of the goal-seeking formulation for instrumentation and measurement applications, are likely to lead to future systems that facilitate holistic user decision making.
Deletion Mutagenesis of the Cytochrome b559 Protein Inactivates the Reaction Center of Photosystem II.

In green plant-like photosynthesis, oxygen evolution is catalyzed by a thylakoid membrane-bound protein complex, photosystem II. Cytochrome b559, a protein component of the reaction center of this complex, is absent in a genetically engineered mutant of the cyanobacterium, Synechocystis 6803 [Pakrasi, H.B. , Williams, J.G. K. , and Arntzen, C.J. (1988). EMBO J. 7, 325-332]. In this mutant, the genes psbE and psbF, encoding cytochrome b559, were deleted by targeted mutagenesis. Two other protein components, D1 and D2 of the photosystem II reaction center, are also absent in this mutant. However, two chlorophyll-binding proteins, CP47 and CP43, as well as a manganese-stabilizing extrinsic protein component of photosystem II are stably assembled in the thylakoids of this mutant. Thus, this deletion mutation destabilizes the reaction center of photosystem II only. The mutant also lacks a fluorescence maximum peak at 695 nm (at 77 K) even though the CP47 protein, considered to be the origin of this fluorescence peak, is present in this mutant. We propose that the fluorescence at 695 nm originates from an interaction between the reaction center of photosystem II and CP47. The deletion mutant shows the absence of variable fluorescence at room temperature, indicating that its photosystem II complex is photochemically inactive. Also, photoreduction of QA, the primary acceptor quinone in photosystem II, could not be detected in the mutant. We conclude that cytochrome b559 plays at least an essential structural role in the reaction center of photosystem II.
A Comparison of Stool Enteropathogen Detection by Semiquantitative PCR in Adults With Acute Travelers’ Diarrhea Before and 3 Weeks After Successful Antibiotic Treatment

Abstract We evaluated stool enteropathogen detection by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 108 subjects with travelers’ diarrhea before and 3 weeks after treatment. Stool samples from 21 subjects were positive for the same pathogen species at both visits. We discuss factors that should be considered when interpreting stool PCR data after treatment.
Brans-Dicke Cosmology Corrected for a Quantum Effect due to the Scalar-Matter Coupling

Cosmological solutions of the Brans-Dicke theory are investigated by including a quantum effect coming from 1-loop correction of matter fields that couple to the scalar field. As the most serious result we face a cosmological ``constant'' in the original conformal frame which is shown to be ``physical'' after a careful analysis of the time variable employed in any of the conventional approaches. We find an ``attractor'' solution featuring no expansion during the radiation-dominated eras. To evade this unacceptable consequence, we suggest to modify one of the fundamental premises of the model, rendering the scalar field almost ``invisible. ''
Characterizing and Improving WiFi Latency in Large-Scale Operational Networks

WiFi latency is a key factor impacting the user experience of modern mobile applications, but it has not been well studied at large scale. In this paper, we design and deploy WiFiSeer, a framework to measure and characterize WiFi latency at large scale. WiFiSeer comprises a systematic methodology for modeling the complex relationships between WiFi latency and a diverse set of WiFi performance metrics, device characteristics, and environmental factors. WiFiSeer was deployed on Tsinghua campus to conduct a WiFi latency measurement study of unprecedented scale with more than 47,000 unique user devices. We observe that WiFi latency follows a long tail distribution and the 90th (99th) percentile is around 20 ms (250 ms). Furthermore, our measurement results quantitatively confirm some anecdotal perceptions about impacting factors and disapprove others. We deploy three practical solutions for improving WiFi latency in Tsinghua, and the results show significantly improved WiFi latencies. In particular, over 1,000 devices use our AP selection service based on a predictive WiFi latency model for 2.5 months, and 72% of their latencies are reduced by over half after they re-associate to the suggested APs.
A SEARCH FOR SEPARATED FRINGE PACKET BINARIES USING THE CHARA ARRAY

We present the results of a comprehensive search for new companions to nearby solar-type stars using the separated fringe packet (SFP) technique at the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array. Our search included 636 observations of 186 stars, searching for companions with separations of approximately 8–80 mas and moderate brightness ratios (ΔK ≲ 1.5). This survey was undertaken to support a comprehensive assessment of companions to solar-type stars within 25 pc. We detected separated fringe companions to two stars (HD 3196 and 79096) and found faint companion signatures to two more stars (HD 98231 and 137763). All of these companions are previously known by spectroscopic methods, and three of them have speckle interferometric observations as well. The faint companion seen to HD 98231 represents the first visual detection of this spectroscopic companion. Our null detection for new companions implies that the presumed gap between spectroscopic and visual techniques has largely been filled for nearby solar-type stars, thanks to systematic radial-velocity observations over multiple decades and a thorough coverage using visual techniques, especially speckle interferometric observations. We also generate simulated fringe packets to derive detection limits for SFP binaries using the CHARA Array.
Worker selection, hiring, and vacancies

This paper incorporates worker selection into a random matching model with multi-worker firms. Unlike the standard Diamond-Mortensen-Pissarides (DMP) model, the extended model is compatible with cross-sectional behavior of vacancy yields, which rise with employment growth and worker turnover, but fall with establishment size. Using calibrated versions of the standard and worker selection models, I show that accounting for these patterns has quantitatively important policy implications. I also compare the worker selection and the directed search models. While both models account for these patterns equally well, they differ with regard to labor market policy.
Picturelock and Security Organizer

Traditional security measures require users to create passwords using a string of characters. However, recent technologies have enabled unauthorized individuals to obtain a password using a variety of techniques. Traditional character passwords are also difficult for users to remember. This paper introduces a new method of password authentication using pictures instead of a string. This new method of authentication, called PictureLock, is incorporated into an application, called Security Organizer, for storing usernames and passwords for online accounts. Similar pictograph methods that provide identity and authentication services are discussed. Together, the PictureLock and Security Organizer improve the security of traditional password authentication methods in a useful application while maintaining a low overhead. Although it provides countermeasures to known threats, it does have a few vulnerabilities it its design that need to be addressed. Future features for the application include adding an ability to create multiple databases, upload themes, and adding an intrusion detection system.
Biomimetic hand exotendon device (BiomHED) for functional hand rehabilitation in stroke

Significant functional impairment of the hand is commonly observed among stroke survivors. In order to restore the functional use of the affected hand, we developed a biomimetic device that assists in generating functional movements of the hand. The device is actuated by exotendons that replicate the kinetic functional of the hand muscle-tendons, therefore it can reproduce the spatial finger joint coordination patterns of the functional manual tasks (e.g., power grip and pinch) with a reduced number of actuators. The system includes a thumb actuation mechanism, whose action is coordinated with finger exotendons to perform various manual tasks, thereby restoring the functional use of the hand. This paper presents the design of the device and the preliminary data of the functional movement generation by the system.
Smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Smoking has been implicated as one of the most important extrinsic risk factors for its development and severity. Recent developments have shed light on the pathophysiology of RA in smokers, including oxidative stress, inflammation, autoantibody formation and epigenetic changes. The association of smoking and the development of RA have been demonstrated through epidemiologic studies, as well as through in vivo and animal models of RA. With increased use of biological agents in addition to standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), there has been interest in how smoking affects drug response in RA treatment. Recent evidence suggests the response and drug survival in people treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy is poorer in heavy smokers, and possible immunological mechanisms for this effect are presented in the current paper.
PRoPHET+: An Adaptive PRoPHET-Based Routing Protocol for Opportunistic Network

We propose PRoPHET+, a routing scheme for opportunistic networks designed to maximize successful data delivery rate and minimize transmission delay. PRoPHET+ computes a deliverability value to determine the routing path for packets. Deliverability is calculated using a weighted function consisting of evaluations of nodes’ buffer size, power, location, popularity, and the predictability value from PRoPHET. Even though the proposed PRoPHET+’s weights are chosen based on qualitative considerations, it is possible for PRoPHET+ to perform even more efficiently in various environments by shifting the weights accordingly. Our simulation illustrates that PRoPHET+ can perform better or equal to the routing protocol PRoPHET if logical choices for weights are used.
Adaptive threshold estimation for speaker verification systems

This paper describes an adaptive threshold estimation mechanism for speaker authentication systems. The mechanism estimates speaker‐dependent thresholds based on successful verifications considering the minimization of a relation‐based cost function. Speaker authentication systems commonly use a threshold to decide whether a claimed identity matches a voice‐print previously enrolled. Speaker independent threshold is a common option but it does not consider specific speaker characteristics that are relevant to achieve better system performance. Speaker dependent threshold on the contrary, uses speaker‐specific data to estimate individual thresholds but the system performance can also suffer from suboptimal threshold conditioned by limited number of true scores. The algorithm reported in this paper starts with the speaker dependent threshold and use an adaptive algorithm to perform online re‐estimation of the initial threshold based on speaker‐dependent data. The threshold is re‐estimated in each successful.
A novel compression and reconstruction algorithm for aerial image sequence

According to the characteristics of aerial image sequence shot by UAV, a novel compression and reconstruction algorithm based on compressed sensing is proposed. The random measurements of each image and the flight parameters are produced at the encoder, and then transmitted to the decoder. At the decoder, a motion estimation model is built based on analyzing the geometric relationship between camera and object, which can effectively reduce the redundancies between images. The de-correlation image is sparser, which can be reconstructed easily and the recovered images have a higher quality. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has improved reconstruction performance and consumes less operating time at the encoder, which is more suitable for hardware implementation on UAV.
Regular Sputum Check-Up for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis after Exposure in Healthcare Facilities

Background The early diagnosis of patients with TB disease is critical after an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) infection in healthcare facilities. In this study, we report a catastrophic TB outbreak in a psychiatric healthcare facility and analyze the role of regular sputum check-ups and other diagnostic tools to facilitate an early diagnosis. Methods Every exposed participant received regular sputum check-ups and chest X-rays (CXR) as part of the outbreak management protocol. We retrospectively analyzed data from the contact participants to identify risk factors for eventual TB development and investigated the diagnostic efficacy of regular sputum check-ups. Results Among 133 contact participants, 16 (12.0%) developed TB during the 4-year follow-up period. Low body-mass-index (BMI) (<21) (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 3.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–8.98) and long duration of contact (>3 months) (aHR 8.70, 95% CI, 1.14–63.34) independently predicted the development of TB. Even though regular sputum check-ups required significant resources, they did facilitate the early identification of new TB cases among the contact participants. Regular sputum check-ups for high-risk patients based on BMI, contact duration and CXR findings may be a practical approach when compared with universal sputum follow-up, with a slightly decreased sensitivity but high positive likelihood ratio (88%, [95% CI, 62–98%] and 5.12, [95%CI, 3.30–7.95], respectively). Conclusion While regular sputum check-ups for all contact participants facilitated the early identification of cases after the outbreak of TB in the healthcare facility, regular sputum check-ups for high-risk patients might be an effective alternative in resource-limited settings.
GMDF for noise reduction and echo cancellation

A noise-reduction (NR) enhancement to the generalized multi-delay frequency domain algorithm (GMDF) involving minimal additional computations is presented. Findings are presented on the ability of the algorithm to suppress street, office, air-conditioning and car noise from the microphone signal in hands-free telephony. For an additional eleven N/P real multiplies and eight N/P real additions per output sample, where N is the block size and P is the amount of output samples per GMDF iteration, results show an average increase in echo return loss enhancement (ERLE) of 9 dB at low SNR (-5 dB) and 6 dB at higher SNR (15 dB).
Synthesizing Byzantine Fault-Tolerant Grid Application Wrapper Services

The grid is inherently unreliable due to its geographical dispersion, heterogeneity and the involvement of multiple administrative domains. The most general case of failures are so-called Byzantine failures where no assumptions about the behavior of faulty components can be made. In this paper a novel system is described that allows to diagnose and tolerate byzantine faults based on service replication. We suggest, briefly describe and compare two fail-stop and two byzantine fault tolerance algorithms. Given that many scientific larger-scale grid applications have complex outputs the comparison of replica results as needed to implement byzantine fault tolerance becomes a non-trivial task. Therefore we include an automation mechanism based on a generic description language and code generation for this particualar problem. Our approach has been implemented as extension to the Otho Toolkit, a system that synthesizes tailor-made wrapper services for a given application, grid environment and resource. An analysis of performance and overheads for three real-world applications completes our work.