Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple targets tracking based on cross sector probability hypothesis density filter in radar system

A multiple target tracking method based on Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (GM-PHD) filter is given under the condition of asynchronous measurement in radar system, named Cross Sector GM-PHD. The Cross Sector GM-PHD process does not require all measured values measured at the same time, but also can deal the multiple targets tracking problem with changing number of targets. The results for engineering applications of the multiple target tracking based on Cross Sector GM-PHD filtering in radar system are introduced. Results showed that the Cross Sector GM-PHD filtering can effectively solve the problems of Track initiation, organizing batch, and so on, under the condition of low detection probability.
Methods to Predict the Number of Software Faults Using Weibull Distribution

Quality improvement and control of software is an important agenda for software development firms and, thus, many companies has been conducting measurement and prediction of quality using metrics. As a method to predict the quality based on a history of removed faults of relevant project, there is the Rayleigh model. This model uses the fact that the rate of removed faults per unit of time generally follows the distribution of Rayleigh. However, in the Rayleigh model, the rate of removed faults of some projects do not follow the Rayleigh distribution, thus the gap between the predicted value and performance value becomes significant. Therefore, this study aims to develop a method of predicting numbers of faults that can also predict the quality, by using the quality standard value which shows the Weibull distribution and the knowledge level for software development. Additionally, the evaluation result shows that this method has better prediction accuracy than the Rayleigh model.
The Effects of Networked Professional Learning Communities

Teacher professional learning is considered crucial for improving the quality of education. Teacher collaboration in professional learning communities can contribute to the effectiveness of professional development efforts. In the past decade, there has been a shift from within-school to between-school professional learning communities. However, results regarding their effectiveness have been inconsistent. In this study, we examine the effects of 23 networked professional learning communities in the Dutch context, using a mixed-methods approach. Results showed moderately positive effects on teachers’ perceived satisfaction; the knowledge, skills, and attitude developed; and their application to practice. Considering the early stage of development of these professional learning communities, teachers’ participation in networked professional learning communities seems promising for enhancing their professional learning.
Verifying Conflicts Between Multiple Norms in Multi-agent Systems

In open multi-agent systems norms describe the behavior that can be performed, that must be performed, and that cannot be performed. One of the main challenges on developing normative systems is that norms may conflict with each other. Norms are in conflict when the fulfillment of one norm violates the other and vice-versa. Although there are many approaches to check for conflicts among norms, such approaches only analyze the norms in pairs. However, there are conflicts that can only be detected when the conflict checker analyzes multiple norms together. In this work, we present an algorithm able to check for conflicts between multiple norms that overcomes the complexity of considering multiple norms by using filters that subdivide the norms into small groups. The conflict checker executes over the norms of each group what reduces the time for executing the algorithm.
Evolutionary programming techniques for predicting inorganic crystal structures

New techniques based on the implementation of genetic algorithms together with energy minimisation procedures are able to predict the crystal structures of complex inorganic solids. A crucial feature of our approach is the use in the initial stages of the simulation of a sophisticated cost function based on Pauling's rules, recently extended and quantified as the bond valence model. Using such functions, we are able to generate candidate structures whose energies may subsequently be minimised using standard lattice energy methods employing Born model potentials. We demonstrate the efficacy of the method in yielding accurate solutions of complex crystal structures by its application to the previously unsolved structure of the ternary oxide Li3RuO4.
Globally optimal reconstruction of millimeter-wave radiometric images with belief propagation

We present a new technique to reconstruct passive millimeter-wave images. To do that, we formulate the reconstruction as a global optimization through all the raw samples of the radiometer. The method assigns some labels for each pixel to be reconstructed. We then define a cost function consisting of two terms. The first one reflects the cost that each pixel assumes by taking a certain label value. The second one preserves the property of the radiometric image of being piecewise smooth. We apply belief propagation after that to minimize the error function and find the globally optimal value for each pixel. Our scheme leads to images with enhanced contrast and preserves the shape of the objects. We confirm these points via a comparison with several state of the art methods on real radiometric data.
Low-complexity HOG for efficient video saliency

In this paper, we propose a low-complexity histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) implementation for efficient video saliency framework. After showing how original HOG calculations present significant computation bottleneck for visual understanding pipes, we present the optimized HOG flow and algorithm for video saliency framework, which can reduce computational requirements without losing algorithmic performance. Furthermore, simplification for light-weight computations and data-reusable scanning for optimal memory usage are explained for improving system efficiency. Based on our testing and analysis, the proposed HOG implementation optimizes computational complexity and performance while maintaining the video saliency algorithm capability.
Age and Growth of Larval Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus Thynnus from The Gulf of Mexico.

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) are highly pelagic, undertaking extensive migrations throughout the Atlantic. They spawn primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Despite 30 years of ichthyoplankton surveys in the Gulf of Mexico little is known about bluefin early life history and larval growth. In this study, we describe preliminary age-length relationships for larval Atlantic bluefin tuna using otolith microincrement analysis. Larvae were collected from plankton tows in the Gulf of Mexico in April-May 2012. Otoliths (sagittae) were dissected from 50 larvae, ranging from 2.4 to 7.4 mm (NL or SL) with ages from 4-15 days. From these data we developed new growth curves for the Gulf of Mexico. Growth was highly variable at a given length, which likely reflects environmental variability encountered in the dynamic oceanographic environment of the Gulf of Mexico. Results will improve the annual larval index, which currently uses an age-length relationship based on specimens collected solely off South Florida more than 30 years ago.
Nutritional profile of foods offered and consumed in a Belgian university canteen

Abstract Objective To evaluate the nutritional profile of a lunch offered and consumed in a university canteen in Belgium. Design The qualitative and quantitative content of 4365 meals theoretically available and 330 meals consumed was recorded during five weekdays spread over three weeks. Meal combinations were evaluated using a scoring system based on recommendations for Na content, energy from fat, and fruit and vegetable portions. Setting University canteen in Belgium. Results Only a 5 % of the meal combinations available and consumed complied with the three basic dietary recommendations for a hot lunch. The nutritional profile of the meals consumed was in line with that of the meals available. Conclusions Our results show how the nutritional profile of what is eaten is largely determined by what is offered. To ensure overall compliance with dietary recommendations, considerable changes on the supply side, i.e. an increase in fruit and vegetable portions and a reduction in salt and fat of the lunch, are needed first in our setting. Our assessment provides baseline data to pilot a nutrient profiling intervention and shows how a nutrient profiling system can be used for meal evaluation purposes.
Optimal digital communication of analog signals

In this paper, the problem of optimally communicating analog sources using a bandwidth and power limited digital system is considered. We propose and analyze optimal combined source-channel coding schemes that jointly optimize the compression of the source while controlling the individ ual bit error probabilities to minimize the mean-squared di stortion in reconstructing the signal. For a spectrally shap ed channel, the proposed schemes are most efficiently implemented using multicarrier modulation. We optimize the power allocation across subchannels and the constellation within each subchannel. The results indicate that the optimal power allocation is not achieved by a water-filling solution and significant gains (several dB) can be obtained by our optimal design.
Virulence Profiles of Bacteremic Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli: Association with Epidemiological and Clinical Features

There is scarce data about the importance of phylogroups and virulence factors (VF) in bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBLEC). A prospective multicenter Spanish cohort including 191 cases of BSI due to ESBLEC was studied. Phylogroups and 25 VF genes were investigated by PCR. ESBLEC were classified into clusters according to their virulence profiles. The association of phylogropus, VF, and clusters with epidemiological features were studied using multivariate analysis. Overall, 57.6%, 26.7%, and 15.7% of isolates belonged to A/B1, D and B2 phylogroups, respectively. By multivariate analysis (adjusted OR [95% CI]), virulence cluster C2 was independently associated with urinary tract source (5.05 [0.96–25.48]); cluster C4 with sources other than urinary of biliary tract (2.89 [1.05–7.93]), and cluster C5 with BSI in non-predisposed patients (2.80 [0.99–7.93]). Isolates producing CTX-M-9 group ESBLs and from phylogroup D predominated among cluster C2 and C5, while CTX-M-1 group of ESBL and phylogroup B2 predominantes among C4 isolates. These results suggest that host factors and previous antimicrobial use were more important than phylogroup or specific VF in the occurrence of BSI due to ESBLEC. However, some associations between virulence clusters and some specific epidemiological features were found.
Resonances in models of spin-dependent point interactions

In dimension d = 1, 2, 3 we define a family of two-channel Hamiltonians obtained as point perturbations of the generator of the free decoupled dynamics. Within the family we choose two Hamiltonians, and , giving rise respectively to the unperturbed and to the perturbed evolution. The Hamiltonian does not couple the channels and has an eigenvalue embedded in the continuous spectrum. The Hamiltonian is a small perturbation, in resolvent sense, of and exhibits a small coupling between the channels. We take advantage of the complete solvability of our model to prove with simple arguments that the embedded eigenvalue of shifts into a resonance for . In dimension three we analyze details of the time behavior of the projection onto the region of the spectrum close to the resonance.
Comparative analysis of classification techniques for motor imagery based BCI

The main principle behind EEG-based brain computer interfaces (BCI) is the recording and accurate classification of EEG signals during imagination of different types of motor movements. The changes in the neural activity effected by motor imagery are a lot similar to those induced by actual movement. Common features, e.g., band power values, present in the single EEG trials are extracted by suitable methods for classification using SVM, neural networks or ensemble classifiers. The classifiers yield different efficiencies and are compared to find the optimal technique for same number of features. The neural net techniques proved to be the most efficient.
MEASURING HEALTH STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE

The purpose of medical care The primary aim of medical care is to improve or maintain the overall functional capacity and general health of patients. It has historically concentrated on the diagnosis and treatment of physiological and anatomical conditions (Wasson et al, 1992) and for the most part this approach has tended to overlook global functioning, well being, and quality of life. Traditionally, evaluation of medical treatment has relied upon measures of morbidity and mortality, whilst medical practitioners have based judgements for intervention on traditional clinical, radiological and laboratory measures (Albrecht, 1994). This is anomalous given that clinically assessed outcomes of treatment do not always reflect those of patients (Blazer and Houpt, 1979; Jenkinson, 1994a). However, over the past few decades there has been a gradual shift away from this approach, and increasingly there is incorporation of patient based data into the evaluation of care (Geigle and Jones, 1990; Jenkinson, 1995).
Homogenization of the G-equation with incompressible random drift in two dimensions

We study the homogenization limit of solutions to the G-equation with random drift. This Hamilton-Jacobi equation is a model for flame propagation in a turbulent fluid in the regime of thin flames. For a fluid velocity field that is statistically stationary and ergodic, we prove sufficient conditions for homogenization to hold with probability one. These conditions are expressed in terms of travel times for the associated control problem. When the spatial dimension is equal to two and the fluid velocity is divergence-free, we verify that these conditions hold under suitable assumptions about the growth of the random stream function.
Collaborative Filtering Approach based on Item and Personalized Contextual Information

In order to improve the precision of rating prediction for personalized recommendation online, an approach incorporating personalized contextual information in item-based collaborative filtering is proposed. In this paper we analyze how to learn personalized contextual information and predict ratings for unknown items based on the well-known SlopeOne itembased collaborative filtering. Finally, we experimentally evaluate our results and compare them to the basic Slope One approach. Our experiments suggest that our algorithm provide better quality than Slope One algorithm.
Subsumption Preservation as a Comparative Measure for Evaluating Sense-Directed Embeddings

While there has been a growing body of work on word embeddings, and recent directions better reflect sense-level representations, evaluation remains a challenge. We propose a method of query inventory generation for embedding evaluation that recasts the principle of subsumption preservation, a desirable property of semantic graph-based similarity measures, as a comparative similarity measure as applied to existing lexical resources. We aim that this method is immediately applied to populate query inventories and perform evaluation with the ordered triple-based approach set forth, and inspires future refinements to existing notions of evaluating sense-directed embeddings.
Some Cryptanalytic Results on Zipper Hash and Concatenated Hash

At SAC 2006, Liskov proposed the zipper hash, a technique for constructing secure (indifferentiable from random oracles) hash functions based on weak (invertible) compression functions. Zipper hash is a two pass scheme, which makes it unfit for practical consideration. But, from the theoretical point of view it seemed to be secure, as it had resisted standard attacks for long. Recently, Andreeva et al. gave a forced-suffix herding attack on the zipper hash, and Chen and Jin showed a second preimage attack provided f1 is strong invertible. In this paper, we analyse the construction under the random oracle model as well as when the underlying compression functions have some weakness. We show (second) preimage, and herding attacks on an n-bit zipper hash and its relaxed variant with f1 = f2, all of which require less than 2 n online computations. Hoch and Shamir have shown that the concatenated hash offers only n 2 bits security when both the underlying compression functions are strong invertible. We show that the bound is tight even when only one of the underlying compression functions is strong invertible.
Mild cognitive impairment can be distinguished from Alzheimer disease and normal aging for clinical trials.

BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional state between the cognitive changes of normal aging and very early dementia and is becoming increasingly recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). The Memory Impairment Study (MIS) is a multicenter clinical trial in patients with MCI designed to evaluate whether vitamin E or donepezil is effective at delaying the time to a clinical diagnosis of AD. OBJECTIVE To describe the baseline characteristics of patients with MCI recruited for the MIS and compare them with those of elderly controls and patients with AD in another clinical trial. DESIGN Descriptive and comparative study of patients with MCI participating in a multicenter clinical trial. SETTING Memory disorder centers in the United States and Canada. PATIENTS A total of 769 patients with MCI, 107 cognitively normal elderly controls, 122 patients with very mild AD (Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] 0.5), and 183 patients with mild AD (CDR 1.0) were evaluated. Patients in the MIS met operational criteria for amnestic MCI. Controls were recruited in parallel with the MCI group, underwent the same assessments, and had a CDR of 0. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical, neuropsychologic, functional, neuroimaging, and genetic measures. RESULTS Mean +/- SD Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale scores were 5.6 +/- 3.3 for controls, 11.3 +/- 4.4 for patients with MCI, 18.0 +/- 6.2 for the AD CDR 0.5 group, and 25.2 +/- 8.8 for the AD CDR 1.0 group. Compared with controls, patients with MCI were most impaired on memory tasks, with less severe impairments in other cognitive domains. Patients with MCI were more likely than controls but less likely than patients with AD to carry the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele. Patients with MCI had hippocampal volumes that were intermediate between those of controls and patients with AD. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MCI had a predominant memory impairment with relative sparing of other cognitive domains and were intermediate between clinically normal individuals and patients with AD on cognitive and functional ratings. These results demonstrate the successful implementation of operational criteria for this unique group of at-risk patients in a multicenter clinical trial.
Critical Roles of the LIM Domains of Lhx3 in Recruiting Coactivators to the Motor Neuron-Specifying Isl1-Lhx3 Complex

ABSTRACT During spinal cord development, the LIM domains of the LIM homeodomain factor Lhx3 bind to either the LIM cofactor nuclear LIM interactor (NLI) or another LIM homeodomain factor, Isl1, assembling the tetrameric V2 interneuron-specifying Lhx3 complex (2NLI:2Lhx3) or the hexameric motor neuron-specifying Isl1-Lhx3 complex (2NLI:2Isl1:2Lhx3). However, the detailed molecular basis by which the Lhx3-LIM domains contribute to motor neuron specification still remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the Lhx3-LIM domains are essential for recruiting transcriptional coactivators to the Isl1-Lhx3 complex. Using a yeast genetic screening system, we identify Lhx3 point mutants that bind to NLI but not Isl1. Accordingly, these mutants fail to assemble the Isl1-Lhx3 complex. However, their interaction with coactivators is relatively intact, and they are fully functional in the Lhx3 complex and V2 interneuron specification. Interestingly, when these Lhx3 mutants are directly fused to Isl1, their transcriptional activity in the Isl1-Lhx3 complex is restored. We further show that this restoration reflects an unexpected role of the Lhx3-LIM domains, likely together with Isl1, to form an interaction interface for coactivators. Our results suggest that the Lhx3-LIM domains play critical roles in transactivation of the Isl1-Lhx3 complex by not only directing the assembly of the Isl1-Lhx3 complex but also recruiting coactivators to the complex.
Editorial: Microbial Responses to Environmental Changes

Earth is teeming with taxonomically, phylogenetically, and metabolically highly diverse micro-organisms; organisms that are crucial for sustaining life on our planet in that they carry out processes of great biogeochemical significance. The processes and mechanisms underlying their diversity and distribution are, thus, of great interest, yet—despite their importance—only poorly understood.
Annual benthic metabolism and organic carbon fluxes in a semi-enclosed Mediterranean bay dominated by the macroalgae Caulerpa prolifera

Coastal areas play an important role on carbon cycling. Elucidating the dynamics on the production, transport and fate of organic carbon is relevant to gain a better understanding of the role coastal areas play in the global carbon budget. Here, we assess the metabolic status and associated organic carbon fluxes of a semi-enclosed Mediterranean bay supporting a meadow of Caulerpa prolifera. We test whether the EDOC pool is a significant component of the organic carbon pool and associated fluxes in this ecosystem. The Bay of Portocolom was in net metabolic balance on a yearly basis, but heterotrophic during the summer months. Community respiration (CR) was positively correlated to C. prolifera biomass, while net community production (NCP) had a negative correlation. The benthic compartment represented, on average, 72.6 ± 5.2 % of CR and 86.8 ± 4.5 % of gross primary production (GPP). Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) production peaked in summer and was always positive, with the incubations performed in the dark almost doubling the flux of those performed in the light. Exchangeable dissolved organic carbon (EDOC), however, oscillated between production and uptake, being completely recycled within the system and representing around 14% of the DOC flux. The pools of bottom and surface DOC were high for an oligotrophic environment, and were positively correlated to the pool of EDOC. Thus, despite being in metabolic balance, this ecosystem acted as a conduit for organic carbon (OC), as it is able to export OC to adjacent areas derived from allochtonous inputs during heterotrophic conditions. These inputs likely come from groundwater discharge, human activity in the watershed, delivered to the sediments through the high capacity of C. prolifera to remove particles from the water column, and from the air-water exchange of EDOC, demonstrating that these communities are a major contributor to the cycling of OC in coastal embayments.