Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Character region segmentation based on Stroke Stable Regions

Region segmentation is the key procedure in various text related image processing tasks. A good region extractor, which separates text area from complex background clutter, will reduce the burden of subsequent text grouping and post-processing functions. This paper propose a character region segmentation method based on a new concept named Stroke Stable Region (SSR) to achieve a better precision than many off-the-shelf region extractors such as MSER in the text segmentation task. Our work presented in this paper is inspired by the structure of MSER. However, instead of evaluating the area variation of each connected component, we proposed a novel parameter, stroke time, to measure the possibility that a pixel belongs to a character or a stroke by analyzing its character affinity. The experiments show that SSR tends to extract the visual objects with prominent text characteristics and is capable of suppressing various background noise. In a text extraction task on the ICDAR 2003 dataset, the SSR based method reduces the extracted noise components to about 1/3 of those obtained by the MSER based method, maintaining the same level of recall rate. The proposed algorithm was successfully applied to a wide range of text segmentation tasks.
A Simulation/Optimization Framework for Locomotive Planning

In this paper, we give an overview of the Locomotive Simulater/Optimizer (LSO) decision support system developed by us for railroads. This software is designed to imitate locomotive movement across a rail network, and it simulates all four major components of the system; trains, locomotives, terminals, and shops in an integrated framework. It includes about 20 charts that allow evaluating system performance using standard measures. LSO can be used by locomotive management to per- form "what-if" analysis and evaluate system performance for different input data; it provides a safe environment for experimentation. We have tested the software on real data and output showed that the software closely imitates day-to-day operations. We have also performed differ- ent scenario analysis, and reports illustrate that the software correctly reflects input data changes.
Understanding and reproducing waltz dancers' body dynamics in physical human-robot interaction

A pair of spring-damper-connected inverted pendulums are introduced to model two dancers' body dynamics in physical interaction. When timing errors are included in the model, condition for poly-quadratic stability is implemented to examine the system. With two laser ranger finders installed on the robot for measuring human dancer's states, a state-feedback-based method is proposed to minimize the interaction force; because in simulation the theoretically optimal feedback gain is sensitive to measurement noise, another set of empirical gains are used and proved to be effective in experiments.
SRDA: Smart Reputation-Based Data Aggregation Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network

Wireless sensor network is a self-organizing multihop network, which is composed of a large number of wireless sensor nodes and usually deployed in unattended environment to collect target information. At present, WSN is facing a growing range of security threats owing to its wireless and resource-constrained characteristics. Compromised sensor nodes can easily corrupt data accuracy and integrity by falsifying sensed information, selectively forwarding or misdirecting received data packets during the process of data aggregation. To solve these security problems, we propose a smart reputation-based data aggregation protocol for WSNs (SRDA) that can provide adequate protection of data accuracy and integrity for wireless sensor network. The simulation results indicate that SRDA can effectively identify the compromised nodes and isolate them from the network by the deployment of the smart reputation system.
Cellular specialization of synaptic integration in a mammalian sympathetic ganglion

Sympathetic ganglia are widely viewed as simply relays that are essential to convey neural activity from spinal preganglionic neurons to distinct peripheral targets. However, recent studies indicate that synaptic integration in sympathetic ganglia is more complex than that of a simple excitatory relay. It is proposed that synaptic organization of each functional subset of sympathetic ganglion cells is specialized to generate a unique synaptic gain function, thereby allowing for differential control of specific target modalities. This dissertation describes cellular specialization of some critical determinants of synaptic gain in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons. The work was first focused on identifying presynaptic stimulus threshold and NPY immunoreactivity as neuronal classification criteria of secretomotor, pilomotor and vasoconstrictor cells. The results here show that these three functional phenotypes of neurons are indistinguishable in terms of synaptic convergence. Furthermore, norepinephrine (NE) causes different modulatory effects upon pre and postsynaptic ¦A2-adrenergic receptors in these cell types. Collectively, this work characterizes cellular specialization of synaptic convergence and NE neuromodulatory mechanism that are involved in synaptic integration in the rat SCG.
Short experimental ceramic projects to incentivate mechanical engineering students

Tremendous efforts of the teaching community have been put to capture students attention during university classes. It is well known that when students enter the University they are extremely familiar with all the informatics tools, specially, finding information on World Wide Web and doing funny power point presentations. Although this is a good tool for the first rapid knowledge and communication, a deeper study is always demanded. Considering that the students' sensitivity to technological problems are still very immature, introducing methodologies to capture their concentration and motivation is a key factor for the development of fundamental competences. After many years of teaching a course about ceramics, polymers and composite materials in the Integrated Master in Mechanical Engineering of Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto, Portugal, the authors are continuously introducing project based learning methodologies to improve their students grades and competences. One of the main innovations introduced in recent years and emphasized in the academic year of 2011/12 is a practical work (short project) that uses all the experimental facilities available at FEUP and INEGI (research institute in mechanical engineering field, located on the campus of FEUP). With this experimental project the students' enrolment was enhanced with a better knowledge about the ceramics subject and the skills related with the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) competences. This paper presents the reasons for this implementation and explains the teaching methodology adopted as well as the changes obtained in the students' final results and new skills and competences acquired.
Assessing Government Transparency: An Interpretive Framework

How can we evaluate government transparency arrangements? While the complexity and contextuality of the values at stake defy straightforward measurement, this article provides an interpretative framework to guide and structure assessments of government transparency. In this framework, we discern criteria clusters for political transparency—democracy, the constitutional state, and social learning capacity—and for administrative transparency—economy/efficiency, integrity, and resilience. The framework provides a structured “helicopter view” of the dimensions that are relevant for a contextual assessment of transparency. An illustrative case discussion of the introduction of Freedom of Information (FOI) in the United Kingdom demonstrates its utility.
Magic mirror on the wall, who is most inactive of them all?: Untangling determinants of a long - term inactive lifestyle in young adults

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to summarise and update the existing literature on determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in young people, considering the methodological quality of the studies. Methods Prospective studies were identified from searches in PubMed and PsycINFO, from April 2004 through November 2010. The authors included studies investigating the association between determinants of overall physical (in)activity and/or sedentary behaviour in healthy children or adolescents. When a determinant was investigated for its association with physical (in)activity and sedentary behaviour assessed between ages of 4–12, or mean age ≤12, it was classified as ‘child determinant’. When a determinant was investigated for its association with physical activity and sedentary behaviour assessed between ages of 13–18 or mean age >12, it was classified as ‘adolescent determinant’. Included articles were scored on their methodological quality and a best-evidence synthesis was applied to summarise the results. Results The authors identified 30 papers, of which seven were of high methodological quality. Intention was found as a determinant of children’s physical activity. Determinants of adolescents’ physical activity were age (i.e., older children were more active), ethnicity (i.e., being of African–American descent determined being less physically active) planning and past physical activity. The authors found insufficient evidence for determinants of sedentary behaviour. Conclusion Studies on determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were in general of poor methodological quality. To develop long-term effective interventions that increase physical activity and decrease time spent in sedentary behaviours in young people, we need more high quality prospective evidence on the determinants of these behaviours.
Modified Importance - Performance Analysis of Airport Facilities- A Case Study of Cochin International Airport Limited

This study aims to measure passengers’ perception of the importance of the four factors of check-in facility, amenities, terminal facilities, and airport accessibility facility with regard to their visit to the airport and their perceived level of performance of the particular facility and the resulting gap. Using purposive sampling method, data was collected from the departing passengers of the Cochin International Airport Limited. A modified importance-performance analysis (IPA) method is developed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods with the help of structural equations for the purpose of this study. For the analysis, initially an input model was developed by using AMOS-7 graphics. This initial model is refined to reach the final model. An empirical case study of the perceptions of the passengers about the importance and performance of the facilities at the airport is provided in this paper to test the effectiveness and suitability of the modified IPA and gap analysis in the measurement of the level of performance of a facility. Result of the gap analysis shows that except the check-in facilities there is a gap between importance and satisfaction levels of passengers in respect of the facilities and, the airport authorities should give more attention to the facility management at the airport.
Pharmacological comparison of two corticotropin-releasing factor antagonists: in vivo and in vitro studies.

The present study compared the effects of two analogs of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), [D-Phe12,Nle21,38, C alpha MeLeu37]CRF12-41 (D-PheCRF12-41) and alpha helical CRF9-41, as antagonists of CRF in in vivo and in vitro assays. In halothane-anesthetized rats, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of both analogs inhibited the activation of locus coeruleus (LC) neuronal discharge produced by CRF (3.0 micrograms, i.c.v.). LC activation by hypotensive stress elicited by intravenous (i.v.) infusion of nitroprusside was antagonized by the same doses of the CRF antagonists that were effective in antagonizing CRF, suggesting that the receptors involved in LC activation by CRF and by hypotensive stress are similar. However, D-PheCRF12-41 was approximately 100 times more potent than alpha helical CRF9-41 when administered i.c. v. The IC50 values for D-PheCRF12-41 as an antagonist of CRF and of nitroprusside were 0.16 and 0.14 microgram, i.c. v. , respectively. The IC50 values for alpha helical CRF9-41 as an antagonist of CRF and of nitroprusside were 18 and 27 micrograms, i.c. v. , respectively. In contrast, D-PheCRF12-41 was only slightly more potent than alpha helical CRF9-41 in antagonizing CRF-stimulated cyclic AMP production in rat brain homogenates, with IC50s of 78 +/- 15 and 260 +/- 30 nM for D-PheCRF12-41 and alpha helical CRF9-41, respectively. Moreover, the antagonists had similar affinities for CRF binding sites in rat brain homogenates, with Kis of 15.5 +/- 4 nM and 10.3 +/- 6 nM for D-PheCRF12-41 and alpha helical CRF9-41, respectively. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Linearization of power amplifier class AB using Cartesian feedback

Class AB power amplifiers are widely used in modern wireless communication systems. However, their non-linearity and high efficiency present a limitation to the performance of these systems. In this paper, we present one Cartesian feedback technique for linearizing AB power amplifier. We first demonstrate the analytical analysis of the proposed scheme, and then we validate the proposed technique using computer simulations. The amplifier parametric model used here takes into account actual operating characteristics of a real commercial unit used for multi carrier transmission.
Stratification Patterns of Active Sport Involvement Among Adults

This study examines leisure-time sport participation among adults according to their socio-cultural background and from a time-trend perspective. Using stapled cross-sectional survey data, sport participation trends in Flanders (Belgium) are studied for the 1979-99 period. The study explores the extent to which social inequalities in leisure-time sport still prevail. The results indicate that age, gender and social class remain the most important factors influencing sport involvement. Differences according to age, gender and social class are not only found with respect to participation rates; even among sport participants, social differentiation takes place in terms of the organizational context and participation preferences. Using logistic regression modelling and canonical correlation analysis, stratification patterns and different sporting styles are identified in terms of activities. The findings are discussed in terms of three decades of the Sport for All movement in Flanders.
A Nonparametric Motion Flow Model for Human Robot Cooperation

In this paper, we present a novel nonparametric motion flow model that effectively describes a motion trajectory of a human and its application to human robot cooperation. To this end, motion flow similarity measure which considers both spatial and temporal properties of a trajectory is proposed by utilizing the mean and variance functions of a Gaussian process. We also present a human robot cooperation method using the proposed motion flow model. Given a set of interacting trajectories of two workers, the underlying reward function of cooperating behaviors is optimized by using the learned motion description as an input to the reward function where a stochastic trajectory optimization method is used to control a robot. The presented human robot cooperation method is compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm, which utilizes a mixture of interaction primitives (MIP), in terms of the RMS error between generated and target trajectories. While the proposed method shows comparable performance with the MIP when the full observation of human demonstrations is given, it shows superior performance when partial trajectory information is given.
Liposomes as Carriers of Antifungal Drugs

The clinical development of drug-drug-carrier systems entails the evaluation of drug-drug-carrier design. Appropriate design-that is, design exploiting the ability of the drug to fit the drug carrier, the potential for biodistribution, and the biological attributes of the drug-drug-carrier complex-may permit the potential for using directed drugs against specific diseases to be realized. The compatibility of the drug-drugcarrier complex must be characterized in order for the drug loaded to be effectively delivered to the target sites. A thorough understanding of the amount of drug released from the carrier in different body fluids and compartments is also necessary to ascertain drug bioavailability. Other factors related to the carriers, such as carrier stability, phagocytic uptake, and degradation by macrophages (if particulate carriers are to be used), should be considered. The effects of targeting and the bioavailability of the drug-drug-carrier complex should therefore result in an enhanced therapeutic index of the drug to be used, which is the primary objective of the carrier’s application. Amphotericin B (AmpB) is a polyene macrolide antibiotic that displays a broad spectrum of activity against most fungal pathogens. Its administration, however, results in a variety of side effects: severe, acute side effects include fever, chills, nausea, and azotemia, and more chronic side effects include anemia and neurotoxicity, which limit the clinical application of AmpB. ’-’ Polyene macrolide antibiotics are produced by actinomycetes and share a general structure consisting of a lactone ring and a series of conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds. AmpB is a nonaromatic heptaene produced by Streptomyces nodosus and has a chemical structure consisting of seven carbon-carbon double bonds and a mycosamine group, which accounts for its amphiphatic properties. The mechanism of action of AmpB is related to its affinity for sterols in biological membranes-this affinity accounts for the formation of transmembrane pores that lead to the release of vital intracellular constituents. & AmpB displays an enhanced affinity for ergosterol (the major sterol present in fungal membranes) compared with cholesterol (which is present in mammalian cells); however, this selectivity does not translate into an enhanced therapeutic index. The metabolism and excretion of polyene antibiotics is not well understood. The intravenous administration of AmpB leads to prolonged and persistently uniform blood levels that do correspond to the drug’s minimum inhibitory concentration but do not relate to its clinical effectiveness. Most of the injected AmpB binds avidly to plasma proteins, with urinary excretion accounting for a very small portion of the total dose administered.
Performance bounds and suboptimal policies for linear stochastic control via LMIs

In a recent paper, the authors showed how to compute performance bounds for infinite‐horizon stochastic control problems with linear system dynamics and arbitrary constraints, objective, and noise distribution. In this paper, we extend these results to the finite‐horizon case, with asymmetric costs and constraint sets. In addition, we derive our bounds using a new method, where we relax the Bellman equation to an inequality. The method is based on bounding the objective with a general quadratic function, and using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and semidefinite programming (SDP) to optimize the bound. The resulting LMIs are more complicated than in the previous paper (which only used quadratic forms) but this extension allows us to obtain good bounds for problems with substantial asymmetry, such as supply chain problems. The method also yields very good suboptimal control policies, using control‐Lyapunov methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual Vector Machine for Bayesian Online Classification

In a typical online learning scenario, a learner is required to process a large data stream using a small memory buffer. Such a requirement is usually in conflict with a learner's primary pursuit of prediction accuracy. To address this dilemma, we introduce a novel Bayesian online classification algorithm, called the Virtual Vector Machine. The virtual vector machine allows you to smoothly trade-off prediction accuracy with memory size. The virtual vector machine summarizes the information contained in the preceding data stream by a Gaussian distribution over the classification weights plus a constant number of virtual data points. The virtual data points are designed to add extra non-Gaussian information about the classification weights. To maintain the constant number of virtual points, the virtual vector machine adds the current real data point into the virtual point set, merges two most similar virtual points into a new virtual point or deletes a virtual point that is far from the decision boundary. The information lost in this process is absorbed into the Gaussian distribution. The extra information provided by the virtual points leads to improved predictive accuracy over previous online classification algorithms.
The Ethylene Response Mediator ETR1 from Arabidopsis Forms a Disulfide-linked Dimer (*)

Mutations in the ETR1 gene of the higher plant Arabidopsis confer insensitivity to ethylene, indicating a role for the gene product in ethylene signal perception and transduction. The ETR1 gene product has an amino-terminal hydrophobic domain and a carboxyl-terminal domain showing homology to the two-component signal transduction proteins of bacteria. We report here that in both its native Arabidopsis and when transgenically expressed in yeast, the ETR1 protein is isolated from membranes as a dimer of 147 kDa. Treatment with the reducing agent dithiothreitol converted the dimer to a monomer of 79 kDa, indicative of a disulfide linkage between monomers. Expression of truncated versions of ETR1 in yeast confirmed that the high molecular mass form is a homodimer and demonstrated that the amino-terminal region of ETR1 is necessary and sufficient for this dimerization. Site-directed mutagenesis of two cysteines near the amino terminus of ETR1 prevented formation of the covalently linked dimer in yeast, consistent with a role in disulfide bond formation. These data indicate that ETR1 may use a dimeric mechanism of signal transduction in a manner similar to its bacterial counterparts but with the additional feature of a disulfide bond between monomers.