Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of driver's pedestrian detectability by image processing adaptive to visual fields of view

Recently, pedestrian detection technology using in-vehicle cameras or sensors are being developed, which supports safety driving by notifying the drivers of the existence of pedestrians. However, warning of all existing pedestrians would interfere with the driver's concentration. Therefore, the driver should only be alerted of pedestrians with low detectability to avoid distraction of his/her concentration. To achieve this, it is necessary to develop a method to predict the detectability of a pedestrian by the driver. This paper proposes a method for predicting the pedestrian detectability adaptive to the characteristics of the human visual field. We prepared image features effective for the different regions of the human visual field; central and peripheral, in order to predict the pedestrian detectability correctly. To obtain the ground truth of the pedestrian detectability, we conducted an experiment by human subjects using image sequences captured by an omnidirectional camera including pedestrians. From the comparison between the output of the proposed method and the ground truth of pedestrian detectability, we confirmed that the proposed method significantly reduces the prediction error in comparison with the existing methods.
A Robust Ordering Scheme for Entropy Coding in Gray-Level Image

In this paper, we propose a robust ordering scheme for entropy coding in gray-level image. The issue is to reduce additional information needed when bitstream is transmitted. The proposed scheme uses the ordering method of co-occurrence count about gray-levels in neighboring pixels. That is, gray-levels are substituted by their ordering numbers without additional information. From the results of computer simulation, it is verified that the proposed scheme could be reduced the compression bit rate by up to 44.12%, 18.41% comparing to the entropy coding and conventional ordering scheme respectively. So our scheme can be successfully applied to the application areas that require of losslessness and data compaction.
The Dynamic Nature of Hypertrophic and Fibrotic Remodeling of the Fish Ventricle

Chronic pressure or volume overload can cause the vertebrate heart to remodel. The hearts of fish remodel in response to seasonal temperature change. Here we focus on the passive properties of the fish heart. Building upon our previous work on thermal-remodeling of the rainbow trout ventricle, we hypothesized that chronic cooling would initiate fibrotic cardiac remodeling, with increased myocardial stiffness, similar to that seen with pathological hypertrophy in mammals. We hypothesized that, in contrast to pathological hypertrophy in mammals, the remodeling response in fish would be plastic and the opposite response would occur following chronic warming. Rainbow trout held at 10°C (control group) were chronically (>8 weeks) exposed to cooling (5°C) or warming (18°C). Chronic cold induced hypertrophy in the highly trabeculated inner layer of the fish heart, with a 41% increase in myocyte bundle cross-sectional area, and an up-regulation of hypertrophic marker genes. Cold acclimation also increased collagen deposition by 1.7-fold and caused an up-regulation of collagen promoting genes. In contrast, chronic warming reduced myocyte bundle cross-sectional area, expression of hypertrophic markers and collagen deposition. Functionally, the cold-induced fibrosis and hypertrophy were associated with increased passive stiffness of the whole ventricle and with increased micromechanical stiffness of tissue sections. The opposite occurred with chronic warming. These findings suggest chronic cooling in the trout heart invokes a hypertrophic phenotype with increased cardiac stiffness and fibrosis that are associated with pathological hypertrophy in the mammalian heart. The loss of collagen and increased compliance following warming is particularly interesting as it suggests fibrosis may oscillate seasonally in the fish heart, revealing a more dynamic nature than the fibrosis associated with dysfunction in mammals.
Modeling and designing wireless energy transfer circuit in high voltage based on magnetic coupling

A wireless energy transfer structure has been proposed in this paper. Wireless energy transfer based on coupled magnetic resonances is a technology which energy can be transferred via coupled magnetic resonances in the non-radiative near-field. Based on this structure, a simple model has been introduced, analyzed and simulated. Experimental results for verifying this model show that the model works well. The power that can be transmitted is up to 60Watt, the transfer efficiency is about 60 %, the distance of energy transfer is 11 meters, and the most important point; its frequency is 50 Hz. The prospective application of these circuits seems to be widespread in the fields such as mobile charging, industrial robot, aerospace, satellite simulators, wireless sensor networks, data transmission, subway stations and RFID technology.
Fiscal policy and interest rates in a small open economy

This paper contains an empirical investigation of the effects of fiscal policy on interest rates based on a conventional stochastic macro model designed for a small open economy. The empirical investigation utilizes data for Sweden, a country which has experienced very large fluctuations in the government budget deficits and in the short- and long-term nominal interest rates, thus providing a better empirical test than previous studies. According to the empirical results, larger budget deficits induce higher interest rates, as implied by conventional macroeconomic theory.
Modulating P2X7 Receptor Signaling during Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Therapeutic Approaches for Bisphosphonates

P2X7 receptor-mediated purinergic signaling is a well-known mechanism involved in bone remodeling. The P2X7 receptor has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various bone and cartilage diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a widespread and complex chronic inflammatory disorder. The P2X7 receptor induces the release into the synovial fluid of the proinflammatory factors (e.g., interleukin-1β, prostaglandins, and proteases) responsible for the clinical symptoms of RA. Thus, the P2X7 receptor is emerging as a novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic target, and various selective P2X7 receptor antagonists are under clinical trials. Extracellular ATP signaling acting through the P2X7 receptor is a complex and dynamic scenario, which varies over the course of inflammation. This signaling is partially modulated by the activity of ectonucleotidases, which degrade extracellular ATP to generate other active molecules such as adenosine or pyrophosphates. Recent evidence suggests differential extracellular metabolism of ATP during the resolution of inflammation to generate pyrophosphates. Extracellular pyrophosphate dampens proinflammatory signaling by promoting alternative macrophage activation. Our paper shows that bisphosphonates are metabolically stable pyrophosphate analogues that are able to mimic the anti-inflammatory function of pyrophosphates. Bisphosphonates are arising per se as promising anti-inflammatory drugs to treat RA, and this therapy could be improved when administrated in combination with P2X7 receptor antagonists.
Envelope Modes of Beams with Angular Momentum

For a particle beam propagating in an alternating gradient focusing system, envelope equations are often employed to describe the evolution of the beam radii in the two directions transverse to the direction of propagation, and aligned with the principle axes of the alternating gradient system. When the beams have zero net angular momentum and when the alternating gradient focusing is approximated by a continuous focusing system, there are two normal modes to the envelope equations: the 'breathing' mode and a 'quadrupole' mode. In the former, the two radii oscillate in phase, and in the latter the radii oscillate 180 degrees out of phase. In this paper, we extend the analysis to include beams that have a finite angular momentum. We perturb the moment equations of ref. [1], wherein it was assumed that space charge is a distributed in a uniform density ellipse. Two additional modes are obtained. The breathing mode remains, but the quadrupole mode is split into two modes, and a new low frequency mode appears. We calculate the frequencies and eigenmodes of these four modes as a function of tune depression and a dimensionless net angular momentum. These modes can be excited by rotational errors of the quadrupolesmore » in an alternating gradient focusing channel. « less
The Profile of a School and Measurement of a Multi-School Organization Change Program.

ABSTRACT Modern organization theory and research from business and industry predicts that schools which change toward the Likert participative group organizations will increase productivity. This paper reports interventions of a one-year organization development program carried out with 12 schools and the change results measured by the Profile of a School. Preand post-Profile means are compared, with total means showing significant change in the desired direct ion. Both the Profile, as a means of measuring organizational change, and the O.D. strategy employed have direct implications for further research and application to educational change programs. (Author) I I
Towards the optimal suppression of details when disclosing medical data, the use of sub-combination analysis

Sharing medical data with researchers, economists, policy makers, administrators and other secondary viewers, immediately summons for consideration the dichotomy between the recipient’s needs and disclosure risk. Finding the optimal balance between the suppression of details within the data needed to maintain confidentiality on the one hand, and the specificity required by the recipient in order for the data to remain useful on the other hand, is quite difficult. We present a new computational technique based on stepwise consideration of all sub-combinations of sensitive fields. This technique can be used within the Datafly or m-Argus architectures to help achieve optimal disclosure and we show that doing so provides more specific data than Datafly would normally release and improves the confidentiality of results from m-Argus.
The Impact of Water Price Uncertainty on the Adoption of Precision Irrigation Systems

The paper examines whether a firm is more or less likely to adopt conservation technology when input prices are stochastic. The results are critical to determining whether programs and contracts that reduce input price uncertainty may deter the adoption of conservation practices. An economic model of the technology adoption decision shows that the net effect of input price risk is ambiguous and depends on several factors: the mean price effect, the shutdown effect, and the risk aversion effect. Results are estimated using water price and irrigation technology adoption data. The results show that a stable input price increases the adoption of conservation technology, but the impact depends on crop choice and land quality characteristics.
Erythropoietin Enhances Long-Term Neuroprotection and Neurogenesis in Neonatal Stroke

Neonatal stroke leads to mortality and severe morbidity, but there is no effective treatment currently available. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to promote cytoprotection and neurogenesis and decrease subventricular zone morphologic changes following brain injury. The long-term cellular response to EPO has not been defined, and local changes in cell fate decision may play a role in functional improvement. We performed middle cerebral artery occlusion in P10 rats. EPO treatment (5 U/g IP) significantly preserved hemispheric brain volume 6 weeks after injury. Furthermore, EPO increased the percentage of newly generated neurons while decreasing newly generated astrocytes following brain injury, without demonstrating long-term differences in the subventricular zone. These results suggest that EPO may neuroprotect and direct cell fate toward neurogenesis and away from gliogenesis in neonatal stroke.
The Effects of Dividends on Stock Prices in Pakistan

This paper tests the effect of the change in the dividends on stock price behavior. The sample population for this study comprises of four companies from different industries. These companies are Hub co, Lucky Cement, Honda Atlas and Nishat Mills. The research is conducted by gathering five year data (2004 to 2009) of related firms regarding their dividend payments and stock prices. The Time series graph and pivot graphs are plotted on data. The time series graph of stock prices of lucky Cement, Atlas Honda and Nishat Mills show variability of stock prices. Time series graph of dividend per share goes against the stock prices trend. Pivot Chart shows the comparison of stock prices and dividend per share of individual company. The findings indicate that the stock prices of all sample companies change with the change in dividends per share. The correlation results show that there is strong positive or negative relationship has been found between stock prices and dividends per share. It is evident that most of the stock prices have negative correlation with the dividend per share.
Exploring loss function topology with cyclical learning rates

We present observations and discussion of previously unreported phenomena discovered while training residual networks. The goal of this work is to better understand the nature of neural networks through the examination of these new empirical results. These behaviors were identified through the application of Cyclical Learning Rates (CLR) and linear network interpolation. Among these behaviors are counterintuitive increases and decreases in training loss and instances of rapid training. For example, we demonstrate how CLR can produce greater testing accuracy than traditional training despite using large learning rates. Files to replicate these results are available at this https URL
Node localization algorithm based on RSSI in wireless sensor network

In order to reduce the effect on node positioning accuracy due to received signal strength (RSSI) fluctuation in wireless sensor network (WSN), a grid localization algorithm based on RSSI probability distribution is proposed. From analyzing the wireless propagation channel model, it divides the location area into grids. Through comparing the value of RSSI probability likelihood function in grid, the location of the unknown node is obtained. The simulation result shows that this algorithm could effectively improve the performance of positioning accuracy and have better stability.
Kaempferol Promotes Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cells by Inducing the Tumor Suppressor, PTEN

Kaempferol (Kae), a natural flavonoid, is widely distributed in fruits and vegetables. Previous studies have identified Kae as a possible cancer preventive and therapeutic agent. We found Kae to exhibit potent antiproliferation and anti-migration effects in human bladder cancer EJ cells. Kaempferol robustly induced apoptosis in EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by increased cleavage of caspase-3. Furthermore, we found Kae-induced apoptosis in EJ cells to be associated with phosphatase and the tensin homolog deleted on the chromosome 10 (PTEN)/PI3K/Akt pathway. Kae significantly increased PTEN and decreased Akt phosphorylation. Kae-induced apoptosis was partially attenuated in PTEN-knockdown cells. Our findings indicate that Kae could be an alternative medicine for bladder cancer, based on a PTEN activation mechanism.
Empirical Evaluation of the Efficiency of Spatial Subdivision Schemes and Load Balancing Strategies for Networked Games

In this paper, we present an empirical evaluation of four spatial subdivision and three load balancing schemes that may be used for large-scale single-shard virtual environments, such as 3D networked Games and Virtual Communities. ALVIC-NG is an architecture that targets these environments and supports dynamic resource allocation. The scalability of an application based on ALVIC-NG and networked virtual environments in general is (among other factors) dependent on two metrics: the efficiency of the spatial subdivision scheme and the ability for the load balancing strategies to maintain a clustered assignment of regions to server instances. Both are discussed and evaluated in this paper through two modes of simulation. An offline version is used to decide on the most appropriate spatial subdivision scheme by creating a single-instance application that focuses on this specific metric. The online version implements the proposed strategies in ALVIC-NG and is used to both confirm the findings of the offline system and to determine the efficiency of the load balancing strategies by making use of several server instances and so-called bot servers to re-create the conditions of real-life deployments.
Complications after spacer implantation in the treatment of hip joint infections

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify and evaluate complications after hip spacer implantation other than reinfection and/or infection persistence. Between 1999 and 2008, 88 hip spacer implantations in 82 patients have been performed. There were 43 male and 39 female patients at a mean age of 70 [43 - 89] years. The mean spacer implantation time was 90 [14-1460] days. The mean follow-up was 54 [7-96] months. The most common identified organisms were S. aureus and S. epidermidis. In most cases, the spacers were impregnated with 1 g gentamicin and 4 g vancomycin / 80 g bone cement. The overall complication rate was 58.5 % (48/82 cases). A spacer dislocation occurred in 15 cases (17 %). Spacer fractures could be noticed in 9 cases (10.2 %). Femoral fractures occurred in 12 cases (13.6 %). After prosthesis reimplantation, 16 patients suffered from a prosthesis dislocation (23 %). 2 patients (2.4 %) showed allergic reactions against the intravenous antibiotic therapy. An acute renal failure occurred in 5 cases (6 %). No cases of hepatic failure or ototoxicity could be observed in our collective. General complications (consisting mostly of draining sinus, pneumonia, cardiopulmonary decompensation, lower urinary tract infections) occurred in 38 patients (46.3 %). Despite the retrospective study design and the limited possibility of interpreting these findings and their causes, this rate indicates that patients suffering from late hip joint infections and being treated with a two-stage protocol are prone to having complications. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of these complications and their treatment options and focus on the early diagnosis for prevention of further complications. Between stages, an interdisciplinary cooperation with other facilities (internal medicine, microbiologists) should be aimed for patients with several comorbidities for optimizing their general medical condition.
Anaerobic Migrating Blanket Reactor Treatment of Low‐Strength Wastewater at Low Temperatures

The feasibility of the compartmentalized anaerobic migrating blanket reactor (AMBR) was studied for the treatment of low‐strength soluble wastewater under low‐temperature conditions. During an operating period of 186 days, a 20‐L AMBR was fed nonfat dry milk substrate as a synthetic wastewater at low temperatures (15 and 20 °C). The concentration of the influent was constant at chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 5‐day biological oxygen demand (BOD5) concentrations of 600 and 285 mg/L, respectively. The soluble COD (SCOD) removal efficiency was 73% at the end of the operating period (15 °C) at a 4‐hour hydraulic retention time (HRT), while the total COD (TCOD) removal efficiency was 59%. At a 4‐hour HRT, staged conditions promoted complete removal of propionic acid in the final compartments of the reactor. The specific methanogenic activity of granules increased slowly until the end of the operating time, improving the removal rate. Biomass was retained effectively, as evidenced by the solids retention time (SRT) that was always greater than 50 days even during step decreases of the reactor HRT from 12 hours to 4 hours. A long SRT also promoted system stability during changes in flow, which was observed by SCOD removal efficiencies staying greater than 70%. During a hydraulic stress test, the HRT was reduced from 4 hours to 1 hour for one day (24 HRTs) in which volatile suspended solids (VSS) in the effluent increased from an average background level of 8.7 g/d to 35 g/d and the SRT decreased from 50.5 days to 12.6 days. However, mixed liquor volatile suspended solids concentration decreased only by 1 g/L, and hence a similar COD removal efficiency and biogas production was found one day after the hydraulic stress (as compared to one day before the hydraulic stress).
An Integrated Approach to Learning Object Sequencing

The use of learning objects (LOs) to support learning processes is considered a key factor in the deployment of e-learning frameworks. Although their discrete and self-contained nature offers many advantages LOs have presented courseware designers with two fundamental issues. The first issue concerns the adequate identification of the learning objects and the second relates to their integration into a suitable learning programme. This paper is concerned with the presentation of a framework that addresses and reconciles these requirements by capitalising on the metadata of the learning objects and on the profiles of the learners. The learning process is mediated by a core component, a learning management system (LMS) that, through a registry, accesses the metadata of the learning objects published by providers and acts as a repository of metadata. In addition, it enables learners to construct learning paths (LP) from a set of relevant LOs in accordance with their profile. The LMS can also generate automatically a learning path on behalf of a learner and determine the schedule of the learning process. The implementation of the framework takes advantage of the flexibility of Web Services.
Continuous output periodicity detector from accelerometer data in activity monitoring

Autocorrelation is a widely used statistical tool for determining periodicity and the fundamental period of a time-series. Calculating the autocorrelation function Rxx(k), we cross-correlate the signal with itself in order to detect non-randomness or to find repeating patterns. A continuous output, autocorrelation algorithm is proposed here which is able to detect periodicity in motor behaviour of free-roaming animals. The data stream is coming from a 3-axis accelerometer mounted on a collar.
On the Design of a Negative Voltage Conversion Circuit

In this work a new embedded negative voltage level converter is presented. The proposed circuit converts a positive input signal to a negative output signal obtaining an increased protection by the high voltage stress on the used MOS devices. This results in higher system reliability in applications where negative pulses are required. The circuit has been designed in a 0. 18μm triple-well standard CMOS technology and simulation results are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed topology. Index Terms – Embedded negative voltage level converter, level shifter, level conversion, MOS devices reliability. Contact Author: Yiorgos Tsiatouhas University of Ioannina Department of Computer Science Panepistimioupolis, P.O. Box. 1186 45110 Ioannina, Greece (Hellas) Tel. : +3