Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Satellite Image Segmentation Using Evolutionary Computation

Segmentation is the process of dividing an imageinto disjoint regions. It is the most important task in image processing where the success of the object recognition depends strongly on the efficiency of the segmentation process. The most popular and important segmentation methods are clustering such asFuzzy c-Means (FCM), Iterative Self-Organizing Data (ISODATA) and K-means. Clustering methods depends strongly on the selection of the initial spectral signatures which represents initial cluster centers. Normally, this is done either manually or randomly based on statisticaloperations.In either case the outcome is unpredictable and sometime inaccurate. In this paper an unsupervised method based on Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MO-GA) for the selection of spectral signature from satellite images is implemented. The new method worksby maximizing the number of the selected pixels and bymaximizinghomogeneitythrough the minimizing of the dif-ference between the pixels and their spectral signature. The objective is to create best cluster centers as an initial population for any segmentation technique. Experimental results are conducted usinghigh resolution SPOT V satellite imageandthe verification of the segmentation results is basedon a very high resolution satellite image of type Quickbird. The spectral signatures provided to K-means and Fuzzy c-meansby MO-GA process increased the speed of theclustering algorithmto approximately4 timesthe speed of the random based selection of signatures.At the same time MO-GA improved the accuracy of the results of clustering algorithmstomore than 10% compared to the random statistical cluster centers selection methods.
Expression of SPIG1 Reveals Development of a Retinal Ganglion Cell Subtype Projecting to the Medial Terminal Nucleus in the Mouse

Visual information is transmitted to the brain by roughly a dozen distinct types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) defined by a characteristic morphology, physiology, and central projections. However, our understanding about how these parallel pathways develop is still in its infancy, because few molecular markers corresponding to individual RGC types are available. Previously, we reported a secretory protein, SPIG1 (clone name; D/Bsp120I #1), preferentially expressed in the dorsal region in the developing chick retina. Here, we generated knock-in mice to visualize SPIG1-expressing cells with green fluorescent protein. We found that the mouse retina is subdivided into two distinct domains for SPIG1 expression and SPIG1 effectively marks a unique subtype of the retinal ganglion cells during the neonatal period. SPIG1-positive RGCs in the dorsotemporal domain project to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), superior colliculus, and accessory optic system (AOS). In contrast, in the remaining region, here named the pan-ventronasal domain, SPIG1-positive cells form a regular mosaic and project exclusively to the medial terminal nucleus (MTN) of the AOS that mediates the optokinetic nystagmus as early as P1. Their dendrites costratify with ON cholinergic amacrine strata in the inner plexiform layer as early as P3. These findings suggest that these SPIG1-positive cells are the ON direction selective ganglion cells (DSGCs). Moreover, the MTN-projecting cells in the pan-ventronasal domain are apparently composed of two distinct but interdependent regular mosaics depending on the presence or absence of SPIG1, indicating that they comprise two functionally distinct subtypes of the ON DSGCs. The formation of the regular mosaic appears to be commenced at the end of the prenatal stage and completed through the peak period of the cell death at P6. SPIG1 will thus serve as a useful molecular marker for future studies on the development and function of ON DSGCs.
Vitamin D and Physical Performance in Elderly Subjects: The Pro.V.A Study

Background The role of Vitamin D in musculoskeletal functionality among elderly people is still controversial. We investigated the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and physical performance in older adults. Methods 2694 community-dwelling elderly women and men from the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.) were included. Physical performances were assessed by: tandem test, 5 timed chair stands (TCS), gait speed, 6-minute walking (6 mW) distance, handgrip strength, and quadriceps strength. For each test, separate general linear models and loess plots were obtained in both genders, in relation to serum 25OHD concentrations, controlling for several potential confounders. Results Linear associations with 25OHD levels were observed for TCS, gait speed, 6 mW test and handgrip strength, but not for tandem test and quadriceps strength. After adjusting for potential confounders, linear associations with 25OHD levels were still evident for the 6 mW distance in both genders (p = .0002 in women; <.0001 in men), for TCS in women (p = .004) and for gait speed (p = .0006) and handgrip strength (p = .03) in men. In loess analyses, performance in TCS in women, in gait speed and handgrip strength in men and in 6 mW in both genders, improved with increasing levels of 25OHD, with most of the improvements occurring for 25OHD levels from 20 to 100 nmol/L. Conclusion lower 25OHD levels are associated with a worse coordination and weaker strength (TCS) in women, a slower walking time and a lower upper limb strength in men, and a weaker aerobic capacity (6 mW) in both genders. For optimal physical performances, 25OHD concentrations of 100 nmol/L appear to be more advantageous in elderly men and women, and Vitamin D supplementation should be encouraged to maintain their 25OHD levels as high as this threshold.
A Multi Agent Architecture Based on PGN-AO Model

In current research of Agent, Agent architecture is an important topic. Architecture of multi-agent system had been proposed to explain the relationship among the policy control layer, the self-control and behavior constraint layer, the organizational management layer and the middle connection layer. In policy control layer, we design two kinds of organizations, and a set of behavior rules, which can be seemed as the higher command of the self-control and behavior constraint layer. In self-control and behavior constraint layer, we implement policy driven autonomic agent model, to map regulation into agent’s behavior. Finally, the middle connection layer is used for connecting the above two layers.
The Role of Impulsivity in Obesity as Measured by Inhibitory Control: A Systematic Review

Objective: There is evidence that executive function (and specifically inhibitory control) is related to obesity and eating behaviour. The go-no go task, the Stop Signal Paradigm and the Stroop Task are examples of behavioural tasks to measure inhibitory control.Methods: This paper systematically reviews the literature on inhibitory control and its role in obesity and eating behaviours. Studies involving animals, particular clinical population (addiction, eating or psychiatric disorder) and work not related to obesity or psychology were excluded. Only papers that examined the relationship between inhibitory control and one or more eating-related measurements (BMI, BMI change or laboratory food intake measures) were included. Twenty one studies met the selection criteria. Computerized tasks to measure inhibitory control were used in the studies analysed in this review.Results: The studies that used the go-no go task reveal that age can moderate the relationship between impulsivity and body weight or reported no association. Studies using the Stop Signal Paradigm reveal that the results on the task are a predictor of weight loss in both adolescents and adults populations. Studies using the Stroop Task demonstrate a difference between obese and normal weight groups.Conclusions: These results reveal the role of inhibitory control in obesity. However, a better understanding of the mechanisms behind this connection is needed. We also conclude that performance tasks that measure inhibitory control are able to differentiate between obese and non-obese groups, but it is recommended wider population range and larger samples in future studies.
Modification of Decellularized Goat-Lung Scaffold with Chitosan/Nanohydroxyapatite Composite for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

Decellularized goat-lung scaffold was fabricated by removing cells from cadaver goat-lung tissue, and the scaffold was modified with chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite composite for the purpose of bone tissue engineering applications. MTT assay with osteoblasts, seeded over the chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite-modified decellularized scaffold, demonstrated significantly higher cell growth as compared to the decellularized scaffold without modification. SEM analysis of cell-seeded scaffold, after incubation for 7 days, represented a good cell adhesion, and the cells spread over the chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite-modified decellularized scaffold. Expression of bone-tissue-specific osteocalcin gene in the osteoblast cells grown over the chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite-modified decellularized scaffold clearly signifies that the cells maintained their osteoblastic phenotype with the chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite-modified decellularized scaffold. Therefore, it can be concluded that the decellularized goat-lung scaffold-modified with chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite composite, may provide enhanced osteogenic potential when used as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
A nonlinear q-voter model with deadlocks on the Watts–Strogatz graph

We study the nonlinear q-voter model with deadlocks on a Watts–Strogatz graph characterized by two parameters k and β. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we obtain a so-called exit probability and an exit time. We determine how network properties, such as randomness or density of links, influence the exit properties of a model. In particular we show that the exit probability, which is the probability that the system ends up with all spins up, starting with the p fraction of up-spins, has the general form E(p) = pα/(pα + (1 − p)α). Moreover, using the finite-size scaling technique we show that the exit probability exponent α depends both on the parameter q as well as the network structure, i.e. k and β.
Limited Feedback Over Temporally Correlated Channels for the Downlink of a Femtocell Network

Heterogeneous networks are a flexible deployment model that rely on low power nodes to improve the user broadband experience in a cost effective manner. Femtocells are an integral part of heterogeneous networks, whose main purpose is to improve the indoor capacity. When restricting access to home users, femtocells cause a substantial interference problem that cannot be mitigated through coordination with the macrocell base station. In this paper, we analyze multiple antenna communication on the downlink of a macrocell network, with femtocell overlay. We evaluate the feasibility of limited feedback beamforming given delay on the feedback channel, quantization error and uncoordinated interference from the femtocells. We model the femtocell spatial distribution as a Poisson point process and the temporal correlation of the channel according to a Gauss-Markov model. We derive the probability of outage at the macrocell users as a function of the temporal correlation, the femtocell density, and the feedback rate. We propose rate backoff to maximize the average achievable rate in the network. Simulation results show that limited feedback beamforming is a viable solution for femtocell networks despite the CSI inaccuracy and the interference. They illustrate how properly designed rate backoff improves the achievable rate of the macrocell system.
Empirical research on the relationship between board governance and corporate performance

Board governance is at the core of the corporate governance, to establish a standard and reasonable structure is the important content of perfecting corporate governance mechanism. Board governance in China is in its infancy, the listed company's board of directors' governance situation is worrying, problems like the unreasonable structure, lack of effective incentive, insufficient supervision and constraint still exist. In this context, this paper selected the China's A-share listed companies as samples, based on the result of the empirical research of 2011-2013 data, we found board size, the chairman and general manager conditions, the number of board meetings were negatively correlated with corporate performance; the number of committees and the proportion of board shareholding were positively correlated with corporate performance.
The Faith of Black Politics: The Relationship Between Black Religious and Political Beliefs

Scholars argue that the Black church produces religious messages that foster racial cohesion; however, recent examinations of Black religion note the heterogeneity of the messages and beliefs advanced by Black churches. Several argue that this heterogeneity in Black religious beliefs is reflected in Black political beliefs. This study examines the linkage between heterogeneity in Black religious beliefs and heterogeneity in Black political attitudes. Offering measures of the social gospel, prosperity gospel, and Black theology, we demonstrate that each religious belief system is related to different aspects of Black public opinion. The social gospel is linked to continuing the legacy of the civil rights movement, while the prosperity gospel is associated with a departure from its legacy. Meanwhile, Black theology is linked to racial empowerment and extending the boundaries of Black politics.
Certeses i controvèrsies en l'estudi de l'emoció

Emotion is one of the processes that systematically has been deferred in a large part of the investigations carried out in last century. However, along the last three decades an exponential increment has taken place in the study of this process. This singular advance, outstanding in itself, has given place to a great mass of works, ideas and theories about the emotion, appearing, among other things, a world so wide of possibilities that is practically impossible to take a defined panoramic of the emotion, so much when it is considered as an adaptative answer, as when it is considered as a basic process. Besides, we can add the use in interchangeable way of the different terms and affective variables that are part of the affective processes in general, among them the affect, the humor, the emotion, or the feeling. Presently work tries to define some of the affective particularities that have propitiated serious debates and controversies. Certain it is that, in some cases, the topic continues subjected to debate, because the own complexity of the matter hinders seriously to conclude something concrete. However, in other occasions, it has been the incorrect use of the terms what has taken to the disagreement.
Neuroanatomical Basis of Acupuncture Treatment for Some Common Illnesses

The acupuncture treatment formulae for some common conditions are reviewed. These conditions include low back pain, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, facial nerve palsy, asthma, nausea and vomiting, gastritis and dysmenorrhoea. It is found that in many cases, the acupuncture points traditionally used for the treatment have a neuroanatomical significance from the viewpoint of Western medicine. And from that one can hypothesise a plausible mechanism of action as to how acupuncture achieves its therapeutic effects in terms of contemporary Western medicine. These mechanisms of action include intramuscular stimulation for treating muscular pain and nerve stimulation for treating neuropathies. The sympathetic ganglion may be involved in the acupuncture treatment of asthma. Somato-autonomic reflex may be responsible for the acupuncture effect on gastritis.
Injectable acrylic bone cements for vertebroplasty with improved properties.

Currently commercially available acrylic bone cements lack adequate radiopacity and viscosity when they are used in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). In this work improved formulations of radiopaque and injectable poly(methyl methacrylate) bone cements were prepared with different amounts (10-50 wt.%) of BaTiO3 or SrTiO3 particles as the radiopaque agent. Two sets of cements were prepared by using untreated or silanated radiopaque particles, respectively. The influence of the content and nature of the radiopaque agent as well as its silanation with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (gamma-MPS), on the curing parameters, residual monomer content, radiopacity, mechanical properties, and injectability of the resulting materials, was examined. Doughing and setting times, maximum temperature, and compressive strength of all formulations fulfilled the requirements of standard specifications, with values of peak temperature in the range 57-72 degrees C and those of compressive strength between 114 and 135 MPa. Formulations containing at least 20 wt. % BaTiO3 or SrTiO3 had radiopacities equal to or greater than that corresponding to 2 mm of Al as required for surgical plastics. Injectability of any of the formulations provided 75-80 wt. % of the total mass manually injected through a conventional biopsy needle 4 min after mixing. Silanation of the BaTiO3 or SrTiO3 particles led to formulations with improved mechanical properties and injectability compared to those obtained with the untreated fillers.
MEASURING THE ASYMMETRY OF STOCK MARKET RISK

Portfolio and asset pricing theory use symmetric volatility measures to evaluate risk. We propose a method to isolate the risk that the portfolio suffers a loss, separate from the risk that the portfolio reaps uncommon gains. Specifically we take advantage of the one-sided nature of option payments and show how downside risk will only affect the value of a put option (with correctly specified strike prices). An important advantage is that we have a forward-looking measure, as opposed to beta or other risk factors that use historical variation. We use implied volatility of put for about 100 stocks. We also assemble return data, some competing measures of asymmetry including downside standard deviation and downside beta. We find that our forward-looking option market measure performs better than competing measures of downside risk in predicting out-of-sample future returns.
Investigations of Cavitation Bubble Dynamics by Means of Fast Cinematography

High-speed cinematography serves as an excellent tool for investigation of cavitation bubble dynamics on various time scales. We report on methods and results in two cases: The aspherical bubble collapse is studied with up to 100 million frames per second, and the fast motion of many bubbles in an acoustic eld is recorded at a picture rate of 2250 per second.
Minimal models for precipitating organized convection

GERARDO HERNÁNDEZ-DUEÑAS, ANDREW J. MAJDA, LESLIE M. SMITH AND SAMUEL N. STECHMANN †, Department of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA 2 Department of Mathematics and Center for Atmosphere-Ocean Science, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, NY Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Early Fire Detection Using HEP and Space-time Analysis

In this article, a video base early fire alarm system is developed by monitoring the smoke in the scene. There are two major contributions in this work. First, to find the best texture feature for smoke detection, a general framework, named Histograms of Equivalent Patterns (HEP), is adopted to achieve an extensive evaluation of various kinds of texture features. Second, the \emph{Block based Inter-Frame Difference} (BIFD) and a improved version of LBP-TOP are proposed and ensembled to describe the space-time characteristics of the smoke. In order to reduce the false alarms, the Smoke History Image (SHI) is utilized to register the recent classification results of candidate smoke blocks. Experimental results using SVM show that the proposed method can achieve better accuracy and less false alarm compared with the state-of-the-art technologies.
Language Acquisition: The Interaction between Innate Capacity and Language Input

Numerous studies on how language is acquired have been conducted for years and myriad theories on language acquisition have put attempts to explain how human beings acquire language, e.g. language learning through imitation, reinforcement, association, and the innateness hypothesis. This paper shall describe the language acquisition process through the innateness hypothesis. It argues that language is acquired through an interaction between innate capacity—an innate ability to produce words and utterances—and language input, the language acquired from the human surroundings. Keywords : language acquisition, language input, innate capacity
Diagnosing Virtualized Hadoop Performance from Benchmark Results: An Exploratory Study

Hadoop is emerging as one of the leading frameworks used by enterprises to help make better business decisions on large data sets. Virtualization technology brings plenty of benefits to Hadoop, including higher resource utilization and cluster reliability. However, these benefits mean nothing to users if unacceptable performance degradation happens from physical to virtual platform. Existing efforts on virtualized Hadoop performance find that improper configurations of network and storage with open sourced virtual deployment cause huge overhead on system performance. However, complexity of hardware and software including virtualization configurations and various scale of deployment also makes performance tuning still too hard a practice to execute. To span that gap of virtualized Hadoop adoption, in this paper, we propose a performance diagnostic methodology that integrates statistical analysis from different layers, and design a heuristic performance diagnostic tool which evaluates the validity and correctness of virtualized Hadoop by analyzing the job traces of popular big data benchmarks. By using this tool, users could quickly identify the bottleneck according to hints provided by this tool, further confirm the diagnosis by referring to performance utilities provided by guest OS and hypervisor, and continue tuning performance for virtualized Hadoop by multiple runs of this tool.
Dopamine-sensitive anticonvulsant site in the rat striatum

The basal ganglia are involved in the organization of movement and function in the initiation and expression of generalized and limbic seizures. Dopamine is the principal neurotransmitter of the mesencephalic efferent pathways terminating in the mammalian striatum. No function has been ascribed to mesostriatal dopamine in the control of seizure spread in the brain. This work presents evidence that bilateral application of picomole amounts of apomorphine (a dopamine agonist) into the striatum confers protection against seizures produced by pilocarpine (a cholinergic agonist) in rats. The anticonvulsant effect of apomorphine is topographically confined to the caudate- putamen, nucleus accumbens, and olfactory tubercle. Bilateral application of nanomolar amounts of haloperidol (a dopamine antagonist) into the caudate-putamen or systemic application of haloperidol both lower the threshold for pilocarpine-induced seizures. Local application of an excitatory amino acid N-methyl-D-aspartate, into the substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area, or retrorubral area, sites of origin of mesostriatal dopaminergic pathways, protects rats against seizures produced by pilocarpine. These results suggest that dopaminergic transmission in the striatum may be operative in complex neuronal networks modulating the seizure threshold.