Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Biologically Inspired Biped Locomotion Strategy for Humanoid Robots: Modulation of Sinusoidal Patterns by a Coupled Oscillator Model

Biological systems seem to have a simpler but more robust locomotion strategy than that of the existing biped walking controllers for humanoid robots. We show that a humanoid robot can step and walk using simple sinusoidal desired joint trajectories with their phase adjusted by a coupled oscillator model. We use the center-of-pressure location and velocity to detect the phase of the lateral robot dynamics. This phase information is used to modulate the desired joint trajectories. We do not explicitly use dynamical parameters of the humanoid robot. We hypothesize that a similar mechanism may exist in biological systems. We applied the proposed biologically inspired control strategy to our newly developed human-sized humanoid robot computational brain (CB) and a small size humanoid robot, enabling them to generate successful stepping and walking patterns.
Host Genetic Background Influences the Response to the Opportunistic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Altering Cell-Mediated Immunity and Bacterial Replication

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections including pneumonia, bloodstream, urinary tract, and surgical site infections. The clinical outcome of P. aeruginosa infections may be extremely variable among individuals at risk and patients affected by cystic fibrosis. However, risk factors for P. aeruginosa infection remain largely unknown. To identify and track the host factors influencing P. aeruginosa lung infections, inbred immunocompetent mouse strains were screened in a pneumonia model system. A/J, BALB/cJ, BALB/cAnNCrl, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeOuJ, C57BL/6J, C57BL/6NCrl, DBA/2J, and 129S2/SvPasCRL mice were infected with P. aeruginosa clinical strain and monitored for body weight and mortality up to seven days. The most deviant survival phenotypes were observed for A/J, 129S2/SvPasCRL and DBA/2J showing high susceptibility while BALB/cAnNCrl and C3H/HeOuJ showing more resistance to P. aeruginosa infection. Next, one of the most susceptible and resistant mouse strains were characterized for their deviant clinical and immunological phenotype by scoring bacterial count, cell-mediated immunity, cytokines and chemokines profile and lung pathology in an early time course. Susceptible A/J mice showed significantly higher bacterial burden, higher cytokines and chemokines levels but lower leukocyte recruitment, particularly neutrophils, when compared to C3H/HeOuJ resistant mice. Pathologic scores showed lower inflammatory severity, reduced intraluminal and interstitial inflammation extent, bronchial and parenchymal involvement and diminished alveolar damage in the lungs of A/J when compared to C3H/HeOuJ. Our findings indicate that during an early phase of infection a prompt inflammatory response in the airways set the conditions for a non-permissive environment to P. aeruginosa replication and lock the spread to other organs. Host gene(s) may have a role in the reduction of cell-mediated immunity playing a critical role in the control of P. aeruginosa infection. These results now provide a basis for mapping genomic regions underlying host susceptibility to P. aeruginosa infection.
ÖGAI Journal 24 / 1 Automatic Classification of Musical Artists based on Web-Data

The organization of music is one of the central challenges in times of increasing distribution of digital music. A well-tried means is the classification in genres and/or styles. In this paper we propose the use of text categorization techniques to classify artists present on the Internet. In particular, we retrieve and analyze webpages ranked by search engines to describe artists in terms of word occurrences on related pages. To classify artists we primarily use support vector machines. Based on a previously published paper and on a master’s thesis, we present experiments comprising the evaluation of the classification process on a taxonomy of 14 genres with altogether 224 artists, as well as an estimation of the impact of daily fluctuations in the Internet on our approach, exploiting a long-term study over a period of almost one year. On the basis of these experiments we study (a) how many artists are necessary to define the concept of a genre, (b) which search engines perform best, (c) how to formulate search queries best, (d) which overall performance we can expect for classification, and finally (e) how our approach is suited as a similarity measure for artists.
The Cosmological Baryon Density from the Deuterium-to-Hydrogen Ratio in QSO Absorption Systems: D/H toward Q1243+3047

We report the detection of deuterium absorption at redshift 2.525659 toward Q1243+3047. We describe improved methods to estimate the deuterium to hydrogen abundance ratio (D/H) in absorption systems, including improved modeling of the continuum level, the Lyα forest, and the velocity structure of the absorption. Together with improved relative flux calibration, these methods give D/H = 2.42 × 10-5 from our Keck I HIRES spectra of Q1243+3047, where the error is from the uncertainty in the shape of the continuum level and the amount of D absorption in a minor second component. The measured D/H is likely the primordial value because [O/H] = -2.79 ± 0.05. This absorption system has a neutral hydrogen column density log N = 19.73 ± 0.04 cm-2, shows five D lines, and is mostly ionized. The best estimate of the primordial D/H is 2.78 × 10-5, from the log D/H-values toward five QSOs. The dispersion in the five values is larger than we expect from their individual measurement errors, and we suspect this is because some of these errors were underestimated. We observe a trend in D/H with log N that we also suspect is spurious. The best value for D/H is 0.6 σ smaller than we quoted in O'Meara et al. from three QSOs, and although we have more values, the error is similar because the dispersion is larger. In standard big bang nucleosynthesis (SBBN), the best D/H corresponds to a baryon-to-photon ratio η = 5.9 ± 0.5 × 10-10 and gives precise predictions for the primordial abundances of the other light nuclei. We predict more 4He than is reported in most measurements, although not more than allowed by some estimates of the systematic errors. We predict a 3He abundance very similar to that reported by Bania et al., and we predict 3-4 times more 7Li than is seen in halo stars. It is unclear if those stars could have destroyed this much of their 7Li. The η-value from D/H corresponds to a cosmological baryon density Ωbh2 = 0.0214 ± 0.0020 (±9.3%), which agrees with the WMAP value of Ωbh2 = 0.0224 ± 0.001.
Time series of functional data

We develop time series analysis of functional data observed discretely, treating the whole curve as a random realization from a distribution on functions that evolve over time. The method consists of principal components analysis of functional data and subsequently modeling the principal component scores as vector ARMA processes. We carry out the estimation of VARMA parameters using the equivalent state space representation. We derive asymptotic properties of the estimators and the fits. We apply the method to two different data sets. For term structures of interest rates, this provides a unified framework for studying the time and maturity components of interest rates under one set-up with few parametric assumptions. We compare our forecasts to the parametric Diebold and Li (2006) model. Secondly, we apply this approach to hourly spot prices of electricity and obtain fits and forecasts that are better than those existing in the electricity literature.
A Rigorous Review of Global Research Evidence on Policy and Practice on School-Related Gender-Based Violence

This rigorous literature review, commissioned by UNICEF, aimed to examine research evidence on approaches to addressing SRGBV globally, with an emphasis on lower and middle income countries. Key Findings • Major evidence gaps exist in how to provide safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments for girls and boys. Research has been skewed towards evaluations of short-term interventions at a moment of practice, with little long-term follow-up. While there is a good evidence base on violence prevention interventions with groups of children, work that is not specifically focused on sexual violence tends to be gender-blind. • Addressing the links between violence, identities, social and cultural norms and intersecting structural inequalities is crucial to effective interventions related to SRGBV. • Policies and practices need to be shaped based on critical reflection of how they influence girls’ and boys’ day-to-day experiences of violence • The most promising approaches involve those working with groups of young people on gender, sex and violence with reflection and consciousness-raising on gender identities, social norms and inequalities that shape the risk and experience of sexual violence. Single sex groups (e.g., girls’ and boys’ clubs), sometimes combined with mixed group sessions, can provide ‘safe spaces’ for building awareness about gender equality, violence prevention and redress. • Holistic community-based programmes that develop critical reflection and interpersonal skills, alongside socio-economic support/training can help deter peer violence, gang involvement, cyber bullying, violent crime and other negative behaviours. Psychological interventions in war zones need to be carefully tailored to local conditions, and more evidence is needed using a gender lens. • Supporting teachers and schools is paramount. Evidence suggests that women and men teachers’ confidence in addressing SRGBV can be strengthened by supporting reflection on their own values, beliefs and personal histories; curriculum materials and training in strategies to address discrimination and violence; and training in interactive, inclusive pedagogies. • Robust evidence is needed for interventions that focus on changing laws, developing policy or working with macro institutions; as well as interventions at district level by officials and organizations tasked with disseminating, implementing and monitoring policies. • Critical reflection on values, norms, professional cultures and institutions has the potential to strengthen policy enactment at the level of the ‘missing middle’.
Bayesian Model Averaging and Weighted-Average Least Squares: Equivariance, Stability, and Numerical Issues

In this article, we describe the estimation of linear regression models with uncertainty about the choice of the explanatory variables. We introduce the Stata commands bma and wals, which implement, respectively, the exact Bayesian model-averaging estimator and the weighted-average least-squares estimator developed by Magnus, Powell, and Prüfer (2010, Journal of Econometrics 154: 139–153). Unlike standard pretest estimators that are based on some preliminary diagnostic test, these model-averaging estimators provide a coherent way of making inference on the regression parameters of interest by taking into account the uncertainty due to both the estimation and the model selection steps. Special emphasis is given to several practical issues that users are likely to face in applied work: equivariance to certain transformations of the explanatory variables, stability, accuracy, computing speed, and out-of-memory problems. Performances of our bma and wals commands are illustrated using simulated data and empirical applications from the literature on model-averaging estimation.
A Taxonomy of Inverse Priming Based on Stimulus Characteristics

One intriguing question in cognitive neuroscience is whether subliminal stimuli can affect overt behavior. A straightforward experimental approach to demonstrate effects of subliminal stimuli is the response priming paradigm. In response priming, a masked prime stimulus facililitates processing of targets which require the same response (congruent condition) as opposed to targets requiring an alternative response (incongruent condition). When prime visibility is reduced by an additional masking stimulus following the prime but preceding the target, priming effects are reversed. Then, performance costs are observed in the congruent condition and benefits in the incongruent condition. Various explanations for this couterintutive phenomenon have been proposed including perceptual, central and motor accounts. Empirical findings regarding the locus of inverse priming are divergent.Five research projects have been performed in order to clarify the mechanism underlying the inverse priming effect. Psychophysical and physiological evidence support the view that inverse priming is generated in different ways according to the characteristics of the stimuli involved. When primes and targets are compatible to the responses assigned to them, like double arrows which require corresponding left-hand and right-hand responses, inverse priming seems to originate from the motor system. Probably, subliminal primes automatically activate the corresponding response which becomes inhibited due to the presentation of the masking stimulus finally leading to a bias for the incongruent response. In contrast, inverse priming with response non-compatible stimuli, like squares and diamonds, is supposed to be entirely generated at perceptual levels of processing. Furthermore, inverse priming with such stimuli seems to be limited to the use of masks which comprise task-relevant features. With such relevant masks, inverse priming presumably results from a perceptual interaction of primes and masks rendering prime-incongruent elements in the mask more salient which in turn facilitates perceptual processing of incongruent targets. With irrelevant masks, small but reliable effects have only been found in a non-motor priming task indicating that a further distinct mechanism might produce inverse priming.Thus, inverse priming illustrates that a single observable phenomenon can be produced by various different mechanisms according to the stimuli employed. On a more abstract level, results suggest that the influence of subliminal stimuli goes beyond the simple activation of motor responses. Complex control processes seem to be triggered by subliminal stimuli which remain unconsicous.
A comprehensive evaluation of the mechanism of skin tumorigenesis by straight-run and cracked petroleum middle distillates.

The role of skin irritation and other factors on the tumorigenic activity of petroleum middle distillates (PMDs) in mice was examined in a comprehensive research program. The program culminated in a 2-year dermal carcinogenicity study which compared the effects of equal weekly doses of irritating and nonirritating PMDs. Modified Ames mutagenicity studies and three- to seven-ring polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC) analyses indicated that the mutagenic activity of PMDs was correlated to PAC content. In subchronic and subacute studies, PMDs produced marked skin irritation which was ameliorated if the test samples were diluted in mineral oil. The reduction in irritation level was not a result of reduced dermal absorption. Straight-run kerosine (SRK), straight-run gas oil (SRGO), and catalytically cracked light cycle oil (LCO) were evaluated in the dermal carcinogenicity study. Test materials were applied either undiluted (2x/week) or as 28.5% (7x/week) or 50% (4x/week) concentrations in mineral oil for a total weekly dose of 100 microliters PMD per animal. All three materials produced moderate to marked skin irritation and increased tumor frequency when applied undiluted. When diluted, the irritant effects of SRK and SRGO, which contain low levels of PACs, were ameliorated, and there were no significant increases in tumors relative to controls. LCO, containing 8.7% three- to seven-ring PACs, increased tumor frequency when diluted, even when skin irritation was limited. These data indicate that the tumorigenic activity of straight-run MDs is likely a consequence of a nongenotoxic process, associated with frequent cell damage and repair. PMDs which contain low levels of three- to seven-ring PACs are unlikely to cause tumors in the absence of prolonged skin irritation. In addition, genotoxic mechanisms may also contribute to tumor formation for other PMDs containing higher levels of PACs, e.g., products blended with cracked stocks.
Getting to Know Your Athletes: Strengthening the Coach-Athlete Dyad Using an Integrative Personality Framework

The quality of the coach-athlete relationship is important to athlete development and overall performance in sport. To better enable coaches to foster this relationship, this study was designed to use an integrative personality framework (McAdams, 2013) to gain a deeper, more contextualized understanding of the athlete. Using a case study approach, two Division III collegiate soccer players completed a three-part survey that profiled these individuals as a social actor (layer one), motivated agent (layer two), and autobiographical author (layer three). Results are presented for each athlete, yielding rich, yet different, personality profiles. These profiles identify particular traits, motives, and personal stories that uniquely shape the personalities of these individuals. We discuss the efficacy of using McAdams’ framework as a guiding structure for helping elite coaches better understand their athletes and, subsequently, further develop the coach-athlete relationship. We also discuss the use of McAdams’.
Action Research Study: Exploring the Teaching of English and Academic Writing as a Social Practice in a British Malaysian University

English Language teaching in post-colonial university settings poses a range of challenges for the teacher as well as students. The main focus of this thesis is to analyse and improve English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in a Malaysian university setting. Drawing on Lea and Street’s work in particular, an Academic Literacies (AL) perspective is employed to capture the complexities of teaching and learning academic writing within and beyond an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom. While providing a sound theoretical rationale, the AL perspective does not help with the practical aspects of teaching. Kumaravadivelu’s Post-Method Pedagogy (PMP) is enlisted to guide a teacher with teaching principles. Three PMP teaching principles are collapsed and adapted from an original list of ten to activate three AL conditions: negotiated interaction to reduce power-relational mismatches, the promoting of learner autonomy to improve knowledge conditions, and ensuring relevant culture and contexts in understanding socio-cultural conditions.
Clustering Approach to Stock Market Prediction

--------------------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT------------------------------------------------------------Clustering is an adaptive procedure in which objects are clustered or grouped together, based on the principle of maximizing the intra-class similarity and minimizing the inter-class similarity. Various clustering algorithms have been developed which results to a good performance on datasets for cluster formation. This paper analyze the major clustering algorithms: K-Means, Hierarchical clustering algorithm and reverse K means and compare the performance of these three major clustering algorithms on the aspect of correctly class wise cluster building ability of algorithm. An effective clustering method, HRK (Hierarchical agglomerative and Recursive K-means clustering) is proposed, to predict the short-term stock price movements after the release of financial reports. The proposed method consists of three phases. First, we convert each financial report into a feature vector and use the hierarchical agglomerative clustering method to divide the converted feature vectors into clusters. Second, for each cluster, we recursively apply the K-means clustering method to partition each cluster into sub-clusters so that most feature vectors in each subcluster belong to the same class. Then, for each sub cluster, we choose its centroid as the representative feature vector. Finally, we employ the representative feature vectors to predict the stock price movements. The experimental results show the proposed method outperforms SVM in terms of accuracy and average profits. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: September 15, 2011 Date of Acceptance: November 20, 2011 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penalty Methods for the Solution of Discrete HJB Equations - Continuous Control and Obstacle Problems

In this paper, we present a novel penalty approach for the numerical solution of continuously controlled HJB equations and HJB obstacle problems. Our results include estimates of the penalization error for a class of penalty terms, and we show that variations of Newton's method can be used to obtain globally convergent iterative solvers for the penalized equations. Furthermore, we discuss under what conditions local quadratic convergence of the iterative solvers can be expected. We include numerical results demonstrating the competitiveness of our methods.
Mainstream Teachers’ Implicit Beliefs about English Language Learners: An Implicit Association Test Study of Teacher Beliefs

ABSTRACT Teacher attitudes toward inclusion of English Learners (ELs) in the mainstream classroom have primarily focused on explicit beliefs as accessed through observation, case studies, and self-report surveys. The authors explore implicit mainstream teacher beliefs about ELs using the newly created Implicit Association Test–EL, with correlations to explicit beliefs being made using the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Students in Mainstream Classrooms: A Survey of Teachers’ Explicit Beliefs survey. Findings from the IAT–EL indicate a slightly negative implicit belief about ELs from 197 respondents. Implicit and explicit beliefs about ELs were not significantly correlated, which is in keeping with current Implicit Associate Test (IAT) literature.
On the Hasse principle for Atkin-Lehner quotients of Shimura curves

We show how to construct Atkin–Lehner quotients of Shimura curves which are counter-examples to the Hasse principle over the field of rational numbers. A particular example is the quotient of the Shimura curve attached to the indefinite rational quaternion algebra of discriminant 23 ·107 by the Atkin–Lehner involution ω107.