Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictive Learning of Sensorimotor Information as a Key for Cognitive Development

Is it possible to understand the intentions of other people by simply observing their actions? Many believe that this ability is made possible by the brain’s mirror neuron system through its direct link between action and observation. However, precisely how intentions can be inferred through action observation has provoked much debate. Here we suggest that the function of the mirror system can be understood within a predictive coding framework that appeals to the statistical approach known as empirical Bayes. Within this scheme the most likely cause of an observed action can be inferred by minimizing the prediction error at all levels of the cortical hierarchy that are engaged during action observation. This account identifies a precise role for the mirror system in our ability to infer intentions from actions and provides the outline of the underlying computational mechanisms.
PII : S 0263-2373 ( 02 ) 00120-2 Congruent , Divergent and Incoherent Corporate Level Strategies

This paper draws together four related strands of theory to address the processes of corporate value creation. Specifically, contributions from resourcebased theory, dynamic capabilities, corporate strategy and Mintzberg’s structure theory have been combined to derive four congruent resource-creating strategies: financial control, scale, leverage, and creativity. Mintzberg’s configurations approach is used to explore the organisational structures and processes associated with each strategy. It argues that choices with respect to corporate resource creation must be made as these four strategies require distinct, congruent organisational arrangements. When congruent strategies deliver diminishing returns, divergent strategies may be pursued. However, there is a risk of incoherence where a divergent strategy is poorly implemented.  2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Creativity and intelligence in children with and without developmental dyslexia

This study aimed to verify if the creativity of children with Developmental Dyslexia (CG; n = 13) differs from children without difficulties in reading and writing (NG; n = 13). Furthermore, we sought to verify how creativity could be related to intelligence. The Raven Colored Progressive Matrices Test and the Child Figural Creativity Test were applied in both groups. High correlations were found between intelligence and creativity in both groups, and variable correlations for the same type of analysis were found in the literature. There were no significant intergroup differences for creativity, although the NG had a higher overall average in creativity and the CG, the highest averages in most evaluated creative characteristics. The possible involvement of psychological/neuropsychological constructs with creativity, such as spatial processing and emotion, was discussed.
A Novel Framework for Application of Cloud Computing in Wireless Mesh Networks

Cloud computing is an effective approach for organizing computing resource which can improve service capability of WMNs remarkably. However, some drawbacks of wireless networks exist inherently make the cloud computing in WMNs insecure with various threats. In this paper, a novel hierarchical framework which is more compatible for cloud computing in WMNs is proposed, a completed security architecture and relevant key techniques guarantee service of cloud computing provision.
Title Image Parsing : Unifying Segmentation , Detection , and Recognition Permalink

In this chapter we present a Bayesian framework for parsing images into their constituent visual patterns. The parsing algorithm optimizes the posterior probability and outputs a scene representation as a “parsing graph”, in a spirit similar to parsing sentences in speech and natural language. The algorithm constructs the parsing graph and re-configures it dynamically using a set of moves, which are mostly reversible Markov chain jumps. This computational framework integrates two popular inference approaches – generative (top-down) methods and discriminative (bottom-up) methods. The former formulates the posterior probability in terms of generative models for images defined by likelihood functions and priors. The latter computes discriminative probabilities based on a sequence (cascade) of bottom-up tests/filters. In our Markov chain algorithm design, the posterior probability, defined by the generative models, is the invariant (target) probability for the Markov chain, and the discriminative probabilities are used to construct proposal probabilities to drive the Markov chain. Intuitively, the bottom-up discriminative probabilities activate top-down generative models. In this chapter, we focus on two types of visual patterns – generic visual patterns, such as texture and shading, and object patterns including human faces and text. These types of patterns compete and cooperate to explain the image and so image parsing unifies image segmentation, object detection, and recognition (if we use generic visual patterns only then image parsing will correspond to image segmentation [48].). We illustrate our algorithm on natural images of complex city scenes and show examples where image segmentation can be improved by allowing object specific knowledge to disambiguate low-level segmentation cues, and conversely where object detection can be improved by using generic visual patterns to explain away shadows and occlusions.
Estimating speaking rate in spontaneous discourse

In this paper we consider the problem of estimating the speaking rate directly from the speech waveform. We propose an algorithm that poses the speaking rate estimation problem as a convex optimization problem. In contrast to existing methods, we avoid the more difficult task of detecting individual syllables within the speech signal and we avoid heuristics like thresholding a loudness function. The algorithm was evaluated on the ICSI Switchboard spontaneous speech corpus and a speech corpus obtained from publicly-available interviews on Youtube.
Optimizing Generalized Path Expressions Using Full Text Indexes

Etendre les langages de requetes des SGBD objet avec des expressions de chemin generalisees permet d'interroger les donnees sans une connaissance exacte de leur structure. Cependant, l'evaluation efficace des requetes contenant des expressions de chemin generalisees reste un probleme ouvert et les techniques d'indexation classiques ne conviennent pas a ce nouveau contexte. Nous proposons d'utiliser conjointement index classiques et index plein-texte pour obtenir une evaluation efficace des requetes avec expressions de chemin generalisees. Nous definissons un cadre algebrique permettant de combiner etroitement l'utilisation des index plein-texte et les techniques standard d'optimisation. Enfin, nous donnons quelques resultats sur les performances d'un premier prototype.
Tailoring the visual communication of climate projections for local adaptation practitioners in Germany and the UK

Visualizations are widely used in the communication of climate projections. However, their effectiveness has rarely been assessed among their target audience. Given recent calls to increase the usability of climate information through the tailoring of climate projections, it is imperative to assess the effectiveness of different visualizations. This paper explores the complexities of tailoring through an online survey conducted with 162 local adaptation practitioners in Germany and the UK. The survey examined respondents’ assessed and perceived comprehension (PC) of visual representations of climate projections as well as preferences for using different visualizations in communicating and planning for a changing climate. Comprehension and use are tested using four different graph formats, which are split into two pairs. Within each pair the information content is the same but is visualized differently. We show that even within a fairly homogeneous user group, such as local adaptation practitioners, there are clear differences in respondents’ comprehension of and preference for visualizations. We do not find a consistent association between assessed comprehension and PC or use within the two pairs of visualizations that we analysed. There is, however, a clear link between PC and use of graph format. This suggests that respondents use what they think they understand the best, rather than what they actually understand the best. These findings highlight that audience-specific targeted communication may be more complex and challenging than previously recognized.
ASSESSING PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR FROM SMART CARD DATA WITH ADVANCED DATA MINING TECHNIQUES

Smart card automated fare collection system are continuously gathering data on transactions made in public transport systems. While this data is not mainly aimed to planning purposes, it can provide very useful evidences on travel behaviour variability over space and time. The aim of this paper is to present innovative data mining techniques for grouping and characterising public transport users. This study uses data from the Gatineau, Québec, public transport agency smart card data. Covering a one-year periods, 9.4 millions transactions were recorded on the 200 bus network. An innovative distance calculation technique is proposed to apply the k-means clustering method. This distance measurement better captures the likelihood of travel behaviour between two different cardholders. The method has been applied to a set of 4.45 millions cards-day to uncover 3 clusters of travel behaviour among the users.
T-786 C single-nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP ) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and serum level of vascular endothelial relaxant factor ( VERF ) in non-diabetic patients with coronary artery disease

Various mutations on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOs) gene cause reduced production of NO, a vascular endothelial relaxant factor (VERF), and may accelerate the process of atherosclerosis. The study was designed to investigate the frequency of T-786C polymorphism of the gene in patients suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) in North West of Iran. One hundred and twenty (120) subjects including 60 patients with angiographically diagnosed CAD and 60 age and sex matched CAD-free subjects as control were studied. The levels of nitric oxide in the samples were measured with the Griess Method. The genotype studies were carried using allele specific PCR. Compared with the control, reduced levels of NO were noticed in the patient group (p < 0.05) and significantly high frequency of eNOs -786C genotype was found in CAD patients (p < 0.05). The low levels of NO and increased frequency of T-786C polymorphism might be a risk factor in the progression of coronary artery disease in the studied subjects.
Association between S 100 B Levels and Long-Term Outcome after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage : Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), a well-studied marker for neurologic injury, has been suggested as a candidate for predicting outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage. We performed a pooled analysis summarizing the associations between S100B protein in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with radiographic vasospasm, delayed ischemic neurologic deficit (DIND), delayed cerebral infarction, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) outcome. A literature search using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the EMBASE databases was performed to identify relevant studies published up to May 2015. The weighted Stouffer’s Z method was used to perform a pooled analysis of outcome measures with greater than three studies. A total of 13 studies were included in this review. Higher serum S100B level was found to be associated with cerebral infarction as diagnosed by CT (padj = 3.1 x 10 ) and worse GOS outcome (padj = 5.5 x 10 ). There was no association found between serum and CSF S100B with radiographic vasospasm or DIND. S100B is a potential prognostic marker for aSAH outcome.
Magnetic source images determined by a lead-field analysis: the unique minimum-norm least-squares estimation

The minimum norm least-squares approach based on lead field theory provides a unique inverse solution for a magnetic source image that is the best estimate in the least-squares sense. This has been applied to determine the source current distribution when the primary current is confined to a surface or set of surfaces. In model simulations of cortical activity of the human brain, the magnetic field pattern across the scalp is interpreted with prior knowledge of anatomy to yield a unique magnetic source image across a portion of cerebral cortex, without resort to an explicit source model. <<ETX>>
CICLO XIX “GEOCHEMICAL STUDY OF CAMPI FLEGREI ERUPTIVE PRODUCTS (FONDO RICCIO AND MINOPOLI) BY MICROTHERMOMETRY AND MICROANALYSIS IN MELT

Campi Flegrei is a large volcanic complex located west of the city of Naples, Italy. The area has been the site of volcanic activity for more than 60 ka and represents a potential volcanic hazard owing to the large local population. In this study, the geochemistry of the magma associated with two different eruptions at Campi Flegrei has been characterized, with the aim to identify geochemical trends that may help to predict the style and nature of future eruptions. Two eruptions of different age and eruptive style have been selected for study, Fondo Riccio (9.5 ka) and Minopoli 1 (11.1 ka). A scoria (CF-FR-C1) and a bomb (CF-FR-C2) were collected from the Fondo Riccio eruption, and two scoria samples were collected from Minopoli 1 (CFMi1-C1 and C2) eruption. The pre-eruptive volatile content of magma plays an important role in the style of eruption and can be assessed from studies of melt inclusions (MI) contained in phenocrysts. Major and trace elements in Fondo Riccio MI show a wider variation compared to those in Minopoli 1 MI suggesting that the Fondo Riccio magma residence time was longer compared to the Minopoli 1 magma. Analyses of volatile contents in MI suggest that Fondo Riccio magma may have been more water-rich than Minopoli 1 magma, consistent with the more explosive character of this eruption compared to Minopoli 1. Trace element data suggest a combination of arc volcanic and upper continental crust magma as the source for the Fondo Riccio and Minopoli 1 eruptions.
In Vitro Interaction between Hepatitis C Virus ( HCV ) Envelope Glycoprotein E 2 and Serum Lipoproteins ( LPs ) Results in Enhanced Cellular Binding of Both HCV E 2 and LPs

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles in serum associate with lipoproteins (LPs), and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) has been implicated in virus attachment and entry into cells. To clarify the basis of interactions between virus and LPs, we determined whether HCV interacts with human LPs via its envelope glycoprotein E2. The binding of serum-derived virus-like particles, HCV E2, and HCV E2–LP complexes to CD81 and LDLr was studied. Incubation of HCV E2 protein with human and bovine LPs (very low density, low density, and high density) enhanced the binding of both HCV E2 and LPs to CD4 lymphoblastoid (MOLT-4) cells, foreskin fib oblasts, and hepatocytes. The binding of HCV E2 to MOLT-4 cells was not enhanced when it was preincubated with lipid-free apoprotein B, which suggests that E2 interacts with the lipid moiety of human lipoproteins. The LP interaction was specifi for HCV E2—incubation of HIV gp120 with LPs did not enhance gp120 binding to MOLT-4 cells. The enhanced HCV E2 binding required expression of both human CD81 and LDLr. These data suggest that HCV E2 associates with LDL and that the resulting complex enhances binding of both ligands to cells, which may contribute to the findin that HCV-infected individuals have significantl lower levels of LDL than control subjects.
Genetics and non-syndromic facial growth

Abstract Just as pediatricians and endocrinologists are interested in understanding statural growth patterns and the prediction of adult height, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral/maxillofacial surgeons need to be knowledgeable about a patient’s facial growth patterns to effectively treat them. Some variations in facial growth have been clinically associated with a poor esthetic self-image, malocclusion formation and the development of physical and/or functional deformity. To understand how different genetic factors influence growth and development patterns, scientists and clinicians study developmental sequences, malformations and syndromes. While understanding this general information can be clinically valuable when making treatment decisions for an individual and their family, the greatest contribution of genetics in clinical practice may be in the form of personalized or “precision” medicine in the general population. Precision medicine takes into account knowing a portion or all of a patient’s specific DNA code to estimate how their genetic makeup will influence growth and development patterns. Ultimately, the identification of key genetic variations at the level of the individual patient can improve growth predictions for that patient and may be indicative of how well they will respond to specific forms of treatment.
Effects of electroacupuncture on gastric myoelectrical activity in healthy humans

Abstract The acupuncture point of the wrists (PC6) and the lower legs (ST36) are common points for the treatment of gastric symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether these two acupoints have different effects on gastric myoelectrical activity. We compared the effect of electroacupuncture (EAP) between PC6 and ST36 on gastric myoelectrical activity using surface electrogastrography (EGG). EAP (1 Hz, for 30 min) was applied at either ST36, or PC6, or both acupoints in eight healthy volunteers. EAP at both PC6 and ST36 did not change the percentage of normal slow waves and tachygastria. While EAP at either PC6 or ST36 did not change period dominant frequency (PDF), EAP at both PC6 and ST36 significantly decreased PDF to 78.1 ± 8.4% of baselines. EAP at PC6 reduced period dominant power (PDP) to 47.2 ± 5.3% of baselines, while EAP at ST36 increased PDP to 153.6 ± 28.3% of baselines. EAP at shoulders (sham acupuncture) did not affect the gastric myoelectrical activity. EAP at either PC6 or ST36 shows an opposite effect on PDP, whereas EAP at both PC6 and ST36 has a synergistic effect on PDF. Understanding site‐specific effects of acupuncture may contribute to the selection of appropriate acupoints for treating functional GI disorders.
Universitet High incidence of candidaemia in a nationwide cohort Underlying diseases , risk factors and mortality

Background: Denmark has a high incidence rate of candidaemia. A Nordic study suggested a higher Danish prevalence of haematological malignancies as an underlying reason. This nationwide study ascertained clinical characteristics of Danish candidaemia patients and investigated potential factors contributing to the high incidence and mortality. Methods: Microbiological and clinical data for candidaemia patients in 2010-2011 were retrieved. 30-day mortality was estimated by hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI, Cox regression). Results: Data were available for 912/973 candidaemia episodes (93.7%). Intensive care unit (ICU) held the largest share of patients (43.2%). Prevalent host factors were multi-morbidity ( 2 underlying diseases, 74.2%) and gastrointestinal disease (52.5%). Haematological disease was infrequent (7.8%). Risk factors included antibiotic exposure (90.5%), CVC (71.9%) and Candida colonisation (66.7%). 30-day mortality was 43.4%, and 53.6% in ICU. Mortality was lower for patients with recent abdominal surgery (HR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92). Conclusion: A substantial prevalence of multi-morbidity and a high 30-day mortality was found. We hypothesise, that an increasing population of severely ill patients with prolonged supportive treatment and microbiological testing may in part explain the high candidaemia incidence in Denmark. Nationwide studies are warranted to clarify this issue. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).
Probabilistic model checking of IEEE 802.11 IBSS power save mode

The IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless local area network defines a power management algorithm for Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS). In the power management for IBSS, time is divided into Beacon Intervals (BIs) and each BI is divided into an Announcement Traffic Indication Message (ATIM) window and a data window. The stations that have successfully transmitted an ATIM frame within the ATIM window will compete to transmit a data frame in the data window. The rest of the stations go to sleep mode during the data window, thus saving power. The power management algorithm for IBSS mode, based on a randomised exponential backoff procedure, is defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs. The probabilistic behaviour of the MAC mechanism enables us to design a probabilistic model suitable for model checking. This paper presents a finite state Markov Decision Process (MDP) and uses the tool PRISM to compute the performance of the IEEE 802.11 IBSS in PSM. A set of performance properties, such as expected delay and energy consumption, is specified as queries in the probabilistic temporal logic PCTL and computed using PRISM.
Impulse Noise Suppression and Edge Preservation of Digital Images Using Image Fusion

Digital images often get corrupted with impulsive noise during their acquisition, transmission, or storage. Hence there is a need to recover an original image from the degraded observations making the image restoration an important field of concern. Nonlinear filters such as median and median based filters serve to suppress the impulsive noise to the great extent. The advantages and disadvantages of these filters are commonly known and focusing on these it is necessary to mention that most of these filters are good in noise suppression, where as they fail to preserve the important details of an image such as edge information, i.e. they suppress the noise with image blurring, making it less visible leading to the depreciation of the amount of information on the image rather than increasing its quality. In recent years there has been a trend to develop more efficient procedures for improving image quality to meet the conflicting requirements of noise suppression with edge preservation. Our work considers the concept of image fusion of filtered images for impulse noise suppression and edge preservation. Image fusion is the process of combining two or more images . into a single image while retaining the important features of the image and is widely used in military, remote sensing and medical applications. In our work five different median based filtering algorithms are used individually for filtering the noisy images. Then the filtered images are fused to obtain a high quality image compared to the individually filtered images. Simulation results on a diverse set of images and the comparisons show that our work is more robust and effective than many other well-known median based filtering algorithms and combines simplicity, good filtering quality with edge preservation.