Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation, Design and Application of Object Tracking Technologies for Vehicular Technology Applications

Advances in video technology have enabled its wide adoption in the auto industry. Today, many vehicles are equipped with backup, front-looking, and side-looking cameras that allow the driver to easily monitor the traffic around the vehicle for enhanced safety. This paper reports our research on evaluating many existing object tracking techniques, and proposes a new tracker design and its application for 3D environmental mapping in vehicular technology applications. The contribution of our research is 4-fold: (1) We evaluate a large collection of state-of-the-art trackers using multiple criteria relevant to vehicular technology applications, (2) we show how to derive useful evaluation metrics from public-domain, real-world driving videos that do not come with ground-truth information on pixel tracking, (3) we propose a new tracker that is geared specifically for vehicular technology application and show that it achieves tracking accuracy that outperforms SIFT and is on-par with state-of-the-art optical-flow tracking algorithm, which has the best accuracy in our evaluation. Furthermore, we show that our tracker is 600 times more efficient than optical flow and 7 times more efficient than SIFT, and (4) we validated our new tracker design for 3D environmental map building application and showed that the new tracker can obtain comparable results as SIFT but with a significant saving in runtime.
Conditional correlation as a measure of mediated interactivity in fMRI and MEG/EEG

Many measures have been proposed so far to extract brain functional interactivity from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography (MEG/EEG) data sets. Unfortunately, none has been able to provide a relevant, self-contained, and common definition of brain interaction. In this paper, we propose a first step in this direction. We first introduce a common terminology together with a cross-modal definition of interaction. In this setting, we investigate the commonalities shared by some measures of interaction proposed in the literature. We show that temporal correlation, nonlinear correlation, mutual information, generalized synchronization, phase synchronization, coherence, and phase locking value (PLV) actually measure the same quantity (namely correlation) when one is investigating linear interactions between independently and identically distributed Gaussian variables. We also demonstrate that these data-driven measures can only partly account for the interaction patterns that can be expressed by the effective connectivity of structural equation modeling (SEM) . To bridge this gap, we suggest the use of conditional correlation, which is shown to be related to mediated interaction.
Additive Manufacturing of Optically Transparent Glass Citation

We present a fully functional material extrusion printer for optically transparent glass. The printer is comprised of scalable modular elements, able to operate at the high temperatures required to process glass from a molten state to an annealed product. We demonstrate a process enabling the construction of 3D parts as described by Computer Aided Design (CAD) models. Processing parameters such as temperature, which control glass viscosity, and flow rate, layer height and feed rate, can thus be adjusted to tailor printing to the desired component, its shape and its properties. We explored, defined and hard-coded geometric constraints and coiling patterns as well as the integration of various colors into the current controllable process, contributing to a new design and manufacturing space. We report on performed characterization of the printed material executed to determine their morphological, mechanical and optical properties. Printed parts demonstrated strong adhesion between layers and satisfying optical clarity. Demonstration of this molten glass 3D printer and fabricated objects demonstrates the production of parts, which are highly repeatable, enable light transmission, and resemble the visual and mechanical performance of glass constructs that are conventionally obtained. Utilizing the optical nature of glass, complex caustic patterns were created by projecting light through the printed objects. The 3D printed glass objects described here can thus be extended to implementations across scales and functional domains including product and architectural design. This research lies at the intersection of design, engineering, science and art, representing a highly interdisciplinary approach.
Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques Stabilize After Stroke: Insights Into the Natural Process of Atherosclerotic Plaque Stabilization

Objective—Rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques is the pathological substrate for acute ischemic events. Underlying cellular and molecular characteristics of plaque rupture have been studied extensively. However, the natural course of symptomatic plaque remodeling after ischemic events is relatively unexplored. Methods and Results—Atherosclerotic carotid plaques were obtained from 804 symptomatic (stroke=204 and TIA=426) and asymptomatic (n=174) patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The presence of macrophages, smooth muscle cells (SMC), collagen, calcification, and lipid-core size were assessed histologically. At protein level, inflammatory mediators (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, interferon-gamma [INF-γ], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], matrix degrading proteinases (MMPs), and an apoptosis marker (caspase-3) were determined. We associated plaque characteristics with time elapsed between the latest event and surgery. Early after stroke and TIA, plaques revealed an unstable phenotype. After stroke, the content of macrophages decreased significantly with time (P=0.02), whereas SMC content tended to increase. At protein level, IL-6, IL-8 expression levels and caspase activity strongly decreased after stroke or TIA. Conclusions—Symptomatic carotid lesions remodel into more stable plaques over time after stroke. Changes in IL-6 and IL-8 and caspase preceded the decrease of macrophages. These temporal phenotypic plaque alterations should be taken into account for biomarker and therapeutic target validation studies using human atherosclerotic plaques.
ARE SURVEY WEIGHTS NECESSARY ? THE MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD APPROACH TO SAMPLE SURVEY INFERENCE

In the present work we explicate the application of maximum likelihood inference in the analysis of surveys which are the result of (possibly informative) stratified sampling. In Section 1 we review basic ideas, including two general results useful for applying maximum likelihood to sample data. Ideas are illustrated by a simple through the origin regression model. In Section 2, we discuss the application of these ideas to the situation of (possibly) informative stratified sampling. The variable of interest Y depends linearly on covariates x, and the stratification variable T depends linearly on x and Y. For simplicity, we focus on the through the origin model, taking T = Y. Section 3 gives results of a simulation study, and Section 4 states conclusions.
Feeding versus feedback in NGC 4151 probed with Gemini NIFS – II. Kinematics

We have used the Gemini Near-infrared Integral Field Spectrograph (NIFS) to map the gas kinematics of the inner ∼200 x 500 pc 2 of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 in the Z, J, H and K bands at a resolving power of ≥5000 and spatial resolution of ∼8 pc. The ionized gas emission is most extended along the known ionization bi-cone at position angle PA = 60°-240°, but is observed also along its equatorial plane. This indicates that the active galactic nucleus (AGN) ionizes gas beyond the borders of the bi-cone, within a sphere with ≈1 arcsec radius around the nucleus. The ionized gas has three kinematic components: (1) one observed at the systemic velocity and interpreted as originating in the galactic disc; (2) one outflowing along the bi-cone, with line-of-sight velocities between -600 and 600 km s ―1 and strongest emission at ±(100―300) km s ―1 ; and (3) another component due to the interaction of the radio jet with ambient gas. The radio jet (at PA = 75°-255°) is not aligned with the narrow-line region (NLR) and produces flux enhancements mostly observed at the systemic velocity, suggesting that the jet is launched close to the plane of the galaxy (approximately plane of the sky). The mass outflow rate, estimated to be ≈ 1 M ⊙ yr ―1 along each cone, exceeds the inferred black hole accretion rate by a factor of ∼100. This can be understood if the NLR is formed mostly by entrained gas from the circumnuclear interstellar medium by an outflow probably originating in the accretion disc. This flow represents feedback from the AGN, estimated to release a kinetic power of Ė ≈ 2.4 x 10 41 erg s ―1 , which is only ∼0.3 per cent of the bolometric luminosity of the AGN. There is no evidence in our data for the gradual acceleration followed by gradual deceleration proposed by previous modelling of the [O III] emitting gas. Our data allow the possibility that the NLR clouds are accelerated close to the nucleus (within 0.1 arcsec, which corresponds to ≈7 pc at the galaxy) after which the flow moves at essentially constant velocity (≈600 km s ―1 ), being consistent with near-infrared emission arising predominantly from the interaction of the outflow with gas in the galactic disc. The molecular gas exhibits distinct kinematics relative to the ionized gas. Its emission arises in extended regions approximately perpendicular to the axis of the bi-cone and along the axis of the galaxy's stellar bar, avoiding the innermost ionized regions. It does not show an outflowing component, being observed only at velocities very close to systemic, and is thus consistent with an origin in the galactic plane. This hot molecular gas may only be the tracer of a larger reservoir of colder gas which represents the AGN feeding.
Anelastic and Compressible Simulations of Stellar Oxygen Burning

In this paper we compare fully compressible (Meakin & Arnett 2006, 2007 ) and anelastic (Kuhlen et al. 2003) simulations of stellar oxygen shell burning. It is found that the two models are in agreement in terms of the velocity scale (vc ~ 107 cm s-1) and thermodynamic fluctuation amplitudes (e.g., ρ′/⟨ρ⟩ ~ 2 × 10-3) in the convective flow. Large fluctuations (~11%) arise in the compressible model, localized to the convective boundaries, and are due to internal waves excited in stable layers. Fluctuations on the several percent level are also present in the compressible model due to composition inhomogeneities from ongoing entrainment events at the convective boundaries. Comparable fluctuations (with amplitudes greater than ~1%) are absent in the anelastic simulation, because they are due to physics not included in that model. We derive an analytic estimate for the expected density fluctuation amplitudes at convective boundaries by assuming that the pressure fluctuations due to internal waves at the boundary, p, balance the ram pressure of the convective motions, ρv. The predicted amplitudes agree well with the simulation data. The good agreement between the anelastic and the compressible solution within the convection zone and the agreement between the stable layer dynamics and analytic solutions to the nonradial wave equation indicate that the compressible hydrodynamic techniques used are robust for the simulated stellar convection model, even at the low Mach numbers found, M ~ 0.01.
A new robust adaptive algorithm for underwater acoustic channel equalization

We introduce a novel family of adaptive robust equalizers for highly challenging underwater acoustic (UWA) channel equalization. Since the underwater environment is highly non-stationary and subjected to impulsive noise, we use adaptive filtering techniques based on a relative logarithmic cost function inspired by the competitive methods from the online learning literature. To improve the convergence performance of the conventional linear equalization methods, while mitigating the stability issues, we intrinsically combine different norms of the error in the cost function, using logarithmic functions. Hence, we achieve a comparable convergence performance to least mean fourth (LMF) equalizer, while significantly enhancing the stability performance in such an adverse communication medium. We demonstrate the performance of our algorithms through highly realistic experiments performed on accurately simulated underwater acoustic channels.
A Dynamic Normal Profiling for Anomaly Detection

Machine learning-based anomaly detection approaches have attracted increasing attention in the intrusion detection community because of their intrinsic capabilities in discovering novel attacks. This paper introduces a dynamic normal profiling for anomaly detection system. It focuses on three specific contributions: (i) It continuously updates the normal profile by keeping the dynamic window size. (ii) The dynamic window adjustment through a concept drift learning algorithm which helps to keep relevant patterns and get rid of the outdated patterns. (iii) The dynamical normal profiling approach makes it a possible way for real-time anomaly detection. Experimental results show that our anomaly detection schemes are successful in automatically detecting the anomaly.
Efficacy of Single-Pill Combination of Telmisartan 80 mg and Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Prospective Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, and Controlled Trial

Objective. Report of prespecified and post hoc subgroup analyses of a randomized, controlled trial comparing telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (T80/H25) combination therapy with T80 monotherapy, according to the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods. Hypertensive patients were randomized (2 : 1) to receive T80/H25 or T80 for 6 weeks, following a 1-week, low-dose, and run-in period. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP reductions and BP goal achievement were evaluated in patients with CVD risk factors: presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), renal impairment, increased body mass index (BMI), and 10-year estimated risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Results. In total, 888 patients received treatment. Overall, T80/H25 therapy significantly reduced SBP more than T80 monotherapy, irrespective of patient subgroup. In patients with DM, renal impairment, high BMI, and high CHD risk, BP goal achievement rates (<140/90 mm Hg) at Week 7, among those treated with T80/H25, were 52.8%, 52.8%, 50.6%, and 38.5%, respectively. More patients with DM reached a guideline-based BP goal (<130/80 mm Hg) at 7 weeks with T80/H25 than with T80 monotherapy (16.7% versus 8.8%). Rates of treatment-related adverse events were low and comparable across patient subgroups. Conclusions. Antihypertensive treatment with T80/H25 single-pill combination is effective and generally well tolerated, irrespective of the presence of CVD risk factors.
A String of Mistakes: The Importance of Cascade Analysis in Describing, Counting, and Preventing Medical Errors

BACKGROUND Notions about the most common errors in medicine currently rest on conjecture and weak epidemiologic evidence. We sought to determine whether cascade analysis is of value in clarifying the epidemiology and causes of errors and whether physician reports are sensitive to the impact of errors on patients. METHODS Eighteen US family physicians participating in a 6-country international study filed 75 anonymous error reports. The narratives were examined to identify the chain of events and the predominant proximal errors. We tabulated the consequences to patients, both reported by physicians and inferred by investigators. RESULTS A chain of errors was documented in 77% of incidents. Although 83% of the errors that ultimately occurred were mistakes in treatment or diagnosis, 2 of 3 were set in motion by errors in communication. Fully 80% of the errors that initiated cascades involved informational or personal miscommunication. Examples of informational miscommunication included communication breakdowns among colleagues and with patients (44%), misinformation in the medical record (21%), mishandling of patients’ requests and messages (18%), inaccessible medical records (12%), and inadequate reminder systems (5%). When asked whether the patient was harmed, physicians answered affirmatively in 43% of cases in which their narratives described harms. Psychological and emotional effects accounted for 17% of physician-reported consequences but 69% of investigator-inferred consequences. CONCLUSIONS Cascade analysis of physicians’ error reports is helpful in understanding the precipitant chain of events, but physicians provide incomplete information about how patients are affected. Miscommunication appears to play an important role in propagating diagnostic and treatment mistakes.
A brief review on physiological commitment in basketball: An interpretative key

The physiological commitment is widely investigated because is the basis of physical training methods and sports sciences. Every sport has a characteristic pattern of exercise and range of exercise intensities which determine the energy requirements in the sport. The review of the literature and scientific documents was conducted through the use of several databases: PubMed, MedLine, Google Scholar. Several studies carry out a lot of data and then they have applied to team sports such as soccer, basketball, handball, rugby. Performance analysis studies show that each team sport has the own and different characteristics and has unique profiles because the indicators are different. The physiological commitment may be different in the several situations analysed and be dependent on the type of mechanics of the running. The results, relative at the intensity, fatigue resistance and ability of to cover wide distances, in varied way, by basketball players during matches, can substantially affect basketball theory and practice. The purpose of this work is to analyse and evaluate the physiological commitment required of basketball players (linear and varied running with and without dribble), trying to extract relevant information from a series of research carried out in different countries of the world, for an interpretative analysis of theoretical and documental results.
Hypericin, a Naphthodianthrone Derivative, Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Human Endothelial Cell Dysfunction

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive metabolite of glucose which is known to cause damage and induce apoptosis in endothelial cells. Endothelial cell damage is implicated in the progression of diabetes-associated complications and atherosclerosis. Hypericin, a naphthodianthrone isolated from Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s Wort), is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C and is reported to reduce neuropathic pain. In this work, we investigated the protective effect of hypericin on MGO-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Hypericin showed significant anti-apoptotic activity in MGO-treated HUVECs. Pretreatment with hypericin significantly inhibited MGO-induced changes in cell morphology, cell death, and production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Hypericin prevented MGO-induced apoptosis in HUVECs by increasing Bcl-2 expression and decreasing Bax expression. MGO was found to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Pretreatment with hypericin strongly inhibited the activation of MAPKs, including P38, JNK, and ERK1/2. Interestingly, hypericin also inhibited the formation of AGEs. These findings suggest that hypericin may be an effective regulator of MGO-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, hypericin downregulated the formation of AGEs and ameliorated MGO-induced dysfunction in human endothelial cells.
Effects of Age on Auditory and Cognitive Processing: Implications for Hearing Aid Fitting and Audiologic Rehabilitation

Recent advances in research and clinical practice concerning aging and auditory communication have been driven by questions about age-related differences in peripheral hearing, central auditory processing, and cognitive processing. A “site-of-lesion” view based on anatomic levels inspired research to test competing hypotheses about the contributions of changes at these three levels of the nervous system. A “processing” view based on psychologic functions inspired research to test alternative hypotheses about how lower-level sensory processes and higher-level cognitive processes interact. In the present paper, we suggest that these two views can begin to be unified following the example set by the cognitive neuroscience of aging. The early pioneers of audiology anticipated such a unified view, but today, advances in science and technology make it both possible and necessary. Specifically, we argue that a synthesis of new knowledge concerning the functional neuroscience of auditory cognition is necessary to inform the design and fitting of digital signal processing in “intelligent” hearing devices, as well as to inform best practices for resituating hearing aid fitting in a broader context of audiologic rehabilitation. Long-standing approaches to rehabilitative audiology should be revitalized to emphasize the important role that training and therapy play in promoting compensatory brain reorganization as older adults acclimatize to new technologies. The purpose of the present paper is to provide an integrated framework for understanding how auditory and cognitive processing interact when older adults listen, comprehend, and communicate in realistic situations, to review relevant models and findings, and to suggest how new knowledge about age-related changes in audition and cognition may influence future developments in hearing aid fitting and audiologic rehabilitation.
Enhancing fault prediction on automatic foundry processes

Microshrinkages are known as probably the most difficult defects to avoid in high-precision foundry. This failure renders the casting invalid, with the subsequent cost increment. Mod-elling the foundry process as an expert knowledge cloud allows machine learning algorithms to fore-see the value of a certain variable, in this case, the probability that a microshrinkage appears within a casting. In this paper, we extend previous research on foundry production control by adapting and testing support vector machines and decision trees for the prediction in beforehand of microshrin-kages. Finally, we compare the obtained results and show that decision trees are more suitable than the rest of the counterparts for the prediction of microshrinkages.
Time-Based Ensembles for Prediction of Rare Events in News Stream

Thousands of news are published everyday reporting worldwide events. Most of these news obtain a low level of popularity and only a small set of events become highly popular in social media platforms. Predicting rare cases of highly popular news is not a trivial task due to shortcomings of standard learning approaches and evaluation metrics. So far, the standard task of predicting the popularity of news items has been tackled by either of two distinct strategies related to the publication time of news. The first strategy, a priori, is focused on predicting the popularity of news upon their publication when related social feedback is unavailable. The second strategy, a posteriori, is focused on predicting the popularity of news using related social feedback. However, both strategies present shortcomings related to data availability and time of prediction. To overcome such shortcomings, we propose a hybrid strategy of time-based ensembles using models from both strategies. Using news data from Google News and popularity data from Twitter, we show that the proposed ensembles significantly improve the early and accurate prediction of rare cases of highly popular news.