Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ROUTE SELECTION DECISION SUPPORT IN CONVECTIVE WEATHER: A CASE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF WEATHER AND OPERATIONAL ASSUMPTIONS ON DEPARTURE THROUGHPUT

This paper presents a detailed study of a convective weather event affecting the northeastern United States on 19 April 2002: its impacts on departure throughput, the response of traffic managers and an analysis of the potential effects of decision support on system performance. We compare actual departure throughput to what may have been achieved using the Route Availability Planning Tool (RAPT), a prototype decision support tool. We examine two questions: Can decision support identify opportunities to release departures that were missed during the event? How is route selection guidance affected by the operational model incorporated into the decision support tool? By “operational model”, we mean three things: the choice of weather forecast information used to define hazards (precipitation, echo tops, etc.), the model for how airspace is used (route definition and allocation) and the assessment of the likelihood that a given route is passable. We focus our analysis on the operational model only; we eliminate weather forecast uncertainty as a factor in the analysis by running RAPT using the actual observed weather as the forecast (‘perfect’ forecast). Results show that decision support based on perfect forecasts is sensitive to all three elements of the operational model. The sensitivity to weather metrics became evident when we compared decision support based upon perfect forecasts of level 3 vertically integrated liquid (VIL) to that based upon VIL plus storm echo tops. Traffic managers were at times able to move more aircraft by abandoning nominal routing than if they had used nominal routing with perfect weather information. The assessment of route availability will, at times, be ambiguous; different interpretations of that assessment lead to decisions that result in significant differences in departure throughput. These results suggest that for traffic flow management tools, a realistic operational model may be at least as important as the frequently discussed problem of weather forecast uncertainty.
EMG Pattern Classification by Split and Merge Deep Belief Network

In this paper; we introduce an enhanced electromyography (EMG) pattern recognition algorithm based on a split-and-merge deep belief network (SM-DBN). Generally, it is difficult to classify the EMG features because the EMG signal has nonlinear and time-varying characteristics. Therefore, various machine-learning methods have been applied in several previously published studies. A DBN is a fast greedy learning algorithm that can identify a fairly good set of weights rapidly—even in deep networks with a large number of parameters and many hidden layers. To reduce overfitting and to enhance performance, the adopted optimization method was based on genetic algorithms (GA). As a result, the performance of the SM-DBN was 12.06% higher than conventional DBN. Additionally, SM-DBN results in a short convergence time, thereby reducing the training epoch. It is thus efficient in reducing the risk of overfitting. It is verified that the optimization was improved using GA.
Automatic Mobile Device Pairing via Integrated Microphones

This thesis proposes a method for using integrated mobile device sensor data to gain information about users’ social context. In-device microphones are utilized to determine which users are co-located (for example, participating in a business meeting). This is achieved by clustering the sensor data at a remote server which also notifies the co-located devices of each others’ existance and provides instructions on how to communicate with one another using Bluetooth technology. The work contributes a description of an entire implementation for such a framework. Test results show an accuracy of 75% in recognizing user co-location.
Parasite transmission: reconciling theory and reality

Summary 1 Arguably the most important and elusive component of host–parasite models is the transmission function. Considerable empirical and theoretical work has focused on determining the correct formulation of this function although, to date, there has been little attempt to combine these studies to develop general insights into how observed transmission rates affect host–parasite dynamics. 2 Here, estimates of transmission rates from a range of host–parasite systems in the literature are described using a phenomenological function which takes into account how transmission varies with host and parasite densities. This function is placed in the appropriate model framework to determine the consequences of the observed transmission rates for each system. 3 All of the parasites had decreasing per capita transmission rates with increasing parasite densities suggesting that parasites tend to saturate at high densities, either as hosts become limiting or due to heterogeneities amongst the host population. In terms of the responses to host density, the parasites fell into two groups: those with increasing or decreasing transmission rates. This dichotomy was due to the biology of the organisms; the former group infect through cannibalism, which increased at high densities as the individuals became stressed, whereas the latter group infected through free-living stages, resulting in a form of spatial structuring reducing the number of hosts available for infection. 4 A metapopulation model was developed where hosts and parasites interacted in discrete patches according to the appropriate transmission function, with neighbouring patches linked by dispersal. The model suggested that small-scale, localized transmission events can drive large-scale epizootics at the metapopulation level. This emphasizes the importance of correctly describing and quantifying the transmission function at the individual level. 5 Traditionally, the formulation of the transmission function has depended on the scale of observation. This work shows that transmission should be considered from the viewpoint of the organisms concerned. Observed transmission rates are a consequence of the biology of the individuals meaning it should be possible to develop a priori hypotheses concerning the nature of the transmission function from a basic understanding of the life history of the organisms concerned.
Localization of excitation in InGaN epilayers

Energy scalability of the excitation–emission spectra of InGaN epilayers, quantum wells and light-emitting diodes provided indirect evidence for a fundamental common cause of the remarkable optical properties of this commercially important semiconductor alloy. Phase segregation on the nanoscale (accidental quantum dot formation) has generally been accepted as the mechanism of the spectral energy scaling (K.P. O’Donnell, R.W. Martin and P.G. Middleton, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82 237 (1999)). Recently, however, the downsizing of the InN bandgap, from 2 to about 1 eV, has prompted a re-examination of the observations. Here, we present new structural evidence of InGaN nanostructure, obtained from a comparative analysis of Ga and In K-edge EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) of a wide range of In x Ga1− x N epilayer samples. The mean In–Ga and Ga–In next-nearest-neighbour (NNN) separations are found to be unequal in length for InN-poor (0.1 < x < 0.4) samples. The degree of inequality increases with decreasing InN fraction, x, and therefore correlates with luminescence efficiency in this range of alloy composition. We propose that the breakdown of In/Ga randomicity in InGaN alloys is associated with efficient excitation–emission in blue-green light-emitting devices. Although non-randomicity may lead to a weak quasi-localization of excitation, through the suppression of energy back-transfer, the issue of strong exciton localization in InGaN is not directly addressed by these results.
Influence of Winding Scheme on the Iron-Loss Distribution in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

The influence of the winding scheme [concentrated, single-tooth, distributed (pitched, unpitched)] on the iron-loss distribution in a rotor and stator is to a large extent unknown. At present, windings are primarily selected with respect to back-EMF harmonics and torque fluctuation. In such approaches, the influence of iron losses is disregarded. Moreover, minor loop losses are not covered by most iron-loss models and are therefore ignored. This yields inaccurate results. In particular, for interior permanent magnet machines, the rotor temperature has to be taken into account. For variable-speed drives, losses have to be calculated over the complete operating range. Hence their distribution is studied in this paper for various operating points. The influence of the winding scheme on iron losses and iron-loss distribution is investigated based on finite-element simulations.
Challenges to Multimodal Data Set Collection in Games-based Learning Environments

Our research team examined how middle school students (n=62) used a games-based (GB) activity to learn about virology. This research captured qualitative and quantitative data streams, including talk audio, pre/post assessments, video recordings, and clickstream data. The goal of our study was largely methodological–to combine qualitative and quantitative data channels in new ways to help us make sense of the data for games-based learning (GBL) environments. To this end, our paper describes the design process and the ongoing methodological challenges.
Computational Design of Binding Proteins to EGFR Domain II

We developed a process to produce novel interactions between two previously unrelated proteins. This process selects protein scaffolds and designs protein interfaces that bind to a surface patch of interest on a target protein. Scaffolds with shapes complementary to the target surface patch were screened using an exhaustive computational search of the human proteome and optimized by directed evolution using phage display. This method was applied to successfully design scaffolds that bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) domain II, the interface of EGFR dimerization, with high reactivity toward the target surface patch of EGFR domain II. One potential application of these tailor-made protein interactions is the development of therapeutic agents against specific protein targets.
Durability and Effectiveness of Maraviroc-Containing Regimens in HIV-1-Infected Individuals with Virological Failure in Routine Clinical Practice

Introduction Limited data are available on the durability and effectiveness of maraviroc in routine clinical practice. We assessed the durability of maraviroc-containing regimens during a 30-month period, as well as their immunovirological and clinical efficacy, according to viral tropism in treatment-experienced individuals with viral load (VL) >50 copies/ml in the French Hospital Database on HIV. Methods Virological success was defined as VL<50 copies/ml, immunological success as a confirmed increase of at least 100 CD4 cells/mm3 measured twice at least one month apart, and clinical failure as hospitalization for a non-AIDS event, an AIDS event, or death. Multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to assess the influence of viral tropism on durability, the immunovirological responses, and clinical outcome. Results 356 individuals started maraviroc with VL>50 copies/ml of whom 223 harbored R5 viruses, 44 non-R5 viruses and 89 viruses of unknown tropism. Individuals with non-R5 viruses were more likely than individuals with R5 viruses to discontinue maraviroc (75% vs 34%, p<0.0001). At 30 months, the estimated rates of virological and immunological success were respectively 89% and 51% in individuals with R5 viruses and 48% and 23% in individuals with non-R5 viruses. In multivariable analysis, non-R5 viruses were associated with a lower likelihood of both virological success (hazard ratio (HR): 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.25–0.70) and immunological success (HR: 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18–0.77). No difference in clinical outcome was found between individuals with R5 and non-R5 viruses. The effectiveness of maraviroc-containing regimens in individuals with unknown viral tropism was not significantly different from that in individuals with R5 viruses. A limitation of the study is the absence of genotypic susceptibility score. Conclusion In this observational study, maraviroc-containing regimens yielded high rates of viral suppression and immunological responses in individuals with R5 viruses in whom prior regimens had failed.
Design of IR based image processing technique for digital camera deactivation

In this paper, we propose a new technique for detecting and deactivating digital cameras in photography prohibited areas. This technique will locate a camera and then neutralize it. It uses image processing for detecting camera's lens. After locating camera's lens an infrared light will be directed towards that lens which will distort the image by overexposure. The directed infrared light causes strong reduction in the quality of the image. It does not interfere with camera's operation and it is harmless to the camera user. The proposed work has applications such as preventing piracy at theaters. This work will serve beneficial at places such as museums, industries, historical monuments, exhibitions, changing rooms, shopping malls, jewelry stores where maintaining secrecy is big issue.
Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD.

BACKGROUND Although exacerbations are the main cause of medical visits and hospitalizations of patients with chronic bronchitis and COPD, little information is available on the costs of their management. OBJECTIVE This study attempted to determine the total direct costs derived from the management of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD in an ambulatory setting. METHOD A total of 2,414 patients with exacerbated chronic bronchitis and COPD were recruited from 268 general practices located throughout Spain. Patients were followed up for 1 month. RESULTS A total of 507 patients (21%) relapsed; of these, 161 patients (31.7%) required attention in emergency departments and 84 patients (16.5%) were admitted to the hospital. The total direct mean cost of all exacerbations was $159; patients who were hospitalized generated 58% of the total cost. Cost per failure was $477.50, and failures were responsible for an added mean cost of $100.30/exacerbation. Exacerbations of the 1,130 patients with COPD had a mean cost of $141. Sensitivity analysis showed that a 50% reduction in the failure rate (from 21 to 10.5%) would result in a total cost of exacerbation of $107 (33% reduction). CONCLUSION Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD are costly, but the greatest part of costs derives from therapeutic failures, particularly those that end in hospitalization.
Two Methods for Estimating Overcomplete Independent Component Bases

Estimating overcomplete ICA bases is a difficult problem that emerges when using ICA on many kinds of natural data, e.g. image data. Most algorithms are based on approximations of the likelihood, which leads to computationally heavy procedures. Here we introduce two algorithms that are based on heuristic approximations and estimate an approximate overcomplete basis quite fast. The algorithms are based on quasi-orthogonality in high-dimensional spaces, and the gaussianization procedure, respectively.
Migration-based hybrid cache design for file systems over flash storage devices

This work is motivated by the urgent need to enhance the reliability of file systems in battery-powered mobile computing systems and consumer electronics that utilize flash storage devices for data storage. In this paper, we use non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) in the cache design because of its non-volatility and random byte addressability properties. Specifically, we propose a migration-based caching strategy that exploits NVRAM to enhance the reliability of file systems and to improve the access performance by utilizing the localities of accesses and the characteristics of flash storage devices. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the performance and reliability of file systems in flash storage devices.
Fetal Lung Development in the Diabetic Pregnancy

It seems quite likely that the normal process of fetal lung biochemical maturation is delayed by maternal diabetes and that abnormalities in the pulmonary surfactant system are involved. The appearance of PG in amniotic fluid and possibly in fetal lung is impaired or at least delayed. The same is possibly true for DSPC, the main constituent of surfactant, but recent discrepant data call for further clarification of this specific point. Careful determination of the fetal lung phospholipid profile by amniotic fluid analysis helps predict and prevent RDS in IDM, along with a careful control of the maternal diabetic condition. A study of alveolar surfactant at birth, if it could be performed in addition to amniotic fluid analysis, would help to better characterize surfactant deficiency in IDM. On the basis of both in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches, it seems clear that hyperglycemia and fetal reactional hyperinsulinism are both involved in the processes delaying fetal lung maturation. Further advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to this delay will be conditional on the availability of animal models reproducing the features of the metabolic and hormonal environment of human fetuses in diabetic pregnancies. The appropriateness of in vivo models needs to be defined by two kinds of criteria: 1) presence of simultaneous hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in the fetus; 2) the presence of delayed fetal lung maturation as judged by morphology and morphometry of epithelial lung cells, by physiological assessment of surfactant, and by the phospholipid composition of the lung (and including lung tissue per se, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lamellar bodies, and/or isolated surfactant fractions). Therefore, future studies must necessarily be comprehensive in scope and include information indicating that fetal growth, blood glucose, and circulating insulin are all increased. Such models already exist in rats and rabbits. Rat models are possibly not the best because of the high basal level of fetal blood insulin in this species and the relatively rapid rate of lung maturation that is not analogous to the human. Monkey models are of interest, because of their close relationship with the human pregnancy, and need to be studied further. They are particularly attractive also because primary fetal hyperinsulinism can be studied (268), as well as the combination of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in pregnancies of STZ-treated monkeys (152). An appropriate model of the diabetic pregnancy could provide answers to the following questions. Are the biosynthetic pathways of surfactant phospholipids directly impaired? (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Living in a well-serviced urban area is associated with maintenance of frequent walking among seniors in the VoisiNuAge study.

OBJECTIVE This paper examined whether or not closer proximity to local services and amenities was associated with maintenance of more frequent walking over time among urban-dwelling seniors over and above individual-level characteristics. METHOD A sample of 521 adults who were part of the VoisiNuAge study and who resided in a large North American urban area reported on the frequency of walking outside the home over a 3-year period and on their health, sociodemographic characteristics, social support and resources, and perceptions of different features of their residential environment. Information about the distance between their home and 16 services and amenities was obtained from a geographic information system. Seniors were then classified into quartiles of proximity (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). RESULTS Unadjusted and adjusted ordinal growth curve models showed that closer proximity to services and amenities was associated with greater likelihood of frequent walking at all times throughout the 3-year period. DISCUSSION Findings are consistent with the notion that environments may act as buoys for the maintenance of important health behaviors. Future experimental and quasi-experimental research is required to explore whether or not the environment can play a causal role in influencing patterns of walking over time.
Summarised hierarchical Markov models for speed-invariant action matching

Action matching, where a recorded sequence is matched against, and synchronised with, a suitable proxy from a library of animations, is a technique for generating a synthetic representation of a recorded human activity. This proxy can then be used to represent the action in a virtual environment or as a prior on further processing of the sequence. In this paper we present a novel technique for performing action matching in outdoor sports environments. Outdoor sports broadcasts are typically multi-camera environments and as such reconstruction techniques can be applied to the footage to generate a 3D model of the scene. However due to poor calibration and matting this reconstruction is of a very low quality. Our technique matches the 3D reconstruction sequence against a predefined library of actions to select an appropriate high quality synthetic representation. A hierarchical Markov model combined with 3D summarisation of the data allows a large number of different actions to be matched successfully to the sequence in a rate-invariant manner without prior segmentation of the sequence into discrete units. The technique is applied to data captured at rugby and soccer games.
A Wild Goose Metapneumovirus Containing a Large Attachment Glycoprotein Is Avirulent but Immunoprotective in Domestic Turkeys

ABSTRACT The genomic structure and composition of an avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) recently isolated from wild Canada geese (goose 15a/01) in the United States, together with its replication, virulence, and immunogenicity in domestic turkeys, were investigated. The sizes of seven of the eight genes, sequence identity, and genome organization of goose aMPV were similar to those of turkey aMPV subtype C (aMPV/C) strains, indicating that it belonged to the subtype. However, the goose virus contained the largest attachment (G) gene of any pneumovirus or metapneumovirus, with the predicted G protein of 585 amino acids (aa) more than twice the sizes of G proteins from other subtype C viruses and human metapneumovirus and more than 170 aa larger than the G proteins from the other aMPV subtypes (subtypes A, B, and D). The large G gene resulted from a 1,015-nucleotide insertion at 18 nucleotides upstream of the termination signal of the turkey aMPV/C G gene. Three other aMPV isolates from Canada geese had similarly large G genes, whereas analysis of recent aMPV strains circulating in U.S. turkeys did not indicate the presence of the goose virus-like strain. In vitro, the goose virus replicated to levels (2 × 105 to 5 × 105 50% tissue culture infective dose) comparable to those produced by turkey aMPV/C strains. More importantly, the virus replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of domestic turkeys but with no clinical signs in either day-old or 2-week-old turkeys. The virus was also horizontally transmitted to naïve birds, and turkey infections with goose 15a/01 induced production of aMPV-specific antibodies. Challenging day-old or 2-week-old turkeys vaccinated with live goose aMPV resulted in lower clinical scores in 33% of the birds, whereas the rest of the birds had no detectable clinical signs of the upper respiratory disease, suggesting that the mutant virus may be a safe and effective vaccine against aMPV infection outbreaks in commercial turkeys.