Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast single-image super-resolution with filter selection

This paper presents a new method for estimating a super-resolved version of an observed image by exploiting cross-scale self-similarity. We extend prior work on single-image super-resolution by introducing an adaptive selection of the best fitting upscaling and analysis filters for example learning. This selection is based on local error measurements obtained by using each filter with every image patch, and contrasts with the common approach of a constant metric in both dictionary-based and internal learning super-resolution. The proposed method is suitable for interactive applications, offering low computational load and a parallelizable design that allows straight-forward GPU implementations. Experimental results also show how our method generalizes better to different datasets than dictionary-based super-resolution and comparably to internal learning with adaptive post-processing.
The potential effectiveness of the detection of pulsed signals in the non-uniform sampling

We consider a non-uniform time quantization of the optimal form of the signal by shifting one of the samples in the neighborhood of the point at which the minimum eigenvalue of the covariance matrix of the noise is equal to zero. Shown, that in testing simple hypotheses, arbitrarily large value of the signal-to-noise- ratio is achieved by this shift on the output of the discrete matched filter at finite energy of the signal and noise power. We discuss some aspects of the ill conditioning of the problem and the a priori of uncertainty.
Structural analysis and visualization of C++ code evolution using syntax trees

We present a method to detect and visualize evolution patterns in C++ source code. Our method consists of three steps. First, we extract an annotated syntax tree (AST) from each version of a given C++ source code. Next, we hash the extracted syntax nodes based on a metric combining structure and type information, and construct matches (correspondences) between similar-hash subtrees. Our technique detects code fragments which have not changed, or changed little, during the software evolution. By parameterizing the similarity metric, we can flexibly decide what is considered to be identical or not during the software evolution. Finally, we visualize the evolution of the code structure by emphasizing both changing and constant code patterns. We demonstrate our technique on a versioned code base containing a variety of changes ranging from simple to complex.
Improving performance by matching imbalanced workloads with heterogeneous platforms

Although GPUs are considered ideal to accelerate massively data-parallel applications, there are still exceptions to this rule. For example, imbalanced applications cannot be efficiently processed by GPUs: despite the massive data parallelism, a varied computational workload per data point remains GPU-unfriendly. To efficiently process imbalanced applications, we exploit the use of heterogeneous platforms (GPUs and CPUs) by partitioning the workload to fit the usage patterns of the processors. In this work, we present our flexible and adaptive method that predicts the optimal partitioning. Our method aims to match a quantitative model of the application with the hardware capabilities of the platform, and calculates the optimal match according to a user-given criterion. We evaluate our method in terms of overall performance gain, prediction accuracy, flexibility and adaptivity. Our results, gathered from both synthetic and real-world workloads, show performance gains of up to 60%, accurate predictions for more than 90% of all the 1395 imbalanced workloads we have tested, and confirm that the method adapts correctly to application, dataset, and platform changes (both hardware and software). We conclude that model-based prediction of workload partitioning for heterogeneous platforms is feasible and useful for performance improvement.
Long and Short Verb Movement in Second Language Acquisition

Current linguistic theory offers a highly detailed account of what linguistic competence consists of, as well as an indication of how that competence is acquired by L1 learners, via an innate Universal Grammar (UG). In second language (L2) acquisition, a major issue is the nature of the L2 learner’s competence and the degree to which it is similar to or different from the competence attained by native speakers. A theory of linguistic competence is essential to our understanding of what L2 competence might consist of, and should inform L2 acquisition research (Gregg 1989). In this paper, I will adopt certain recent proposals concerning verb movement and the functional categories Agreement and Tense (Chomsky 1989; Pollock 1989), and investigate whether these proposals can provide a suitable explanation of the linguistic behaviour of French learners of English.
Fear recognition in the voice is modulated by unconsciously recognized facial expressions but not by unconsciously recognized affective pictures

Multisensory integration is a powerful mechanism for increasing adaptive responses, as illustrated by binding of fear expressed in a face with fear present in a voice. To understand the role of awareness in intersensory integration of affective information we studied multisensory integration under conditions of conscious and nonconscious processing of the visual component of an audiovisual stimulus pair. Auditory-event-related potentials were measured in two patients (GY and DB) who were unable to perceive visual stimuli consciously because of striate cortex damage. To explore the role of conscious vision of audiovisual pairing, we also compared audiovisual integration in either naturalistic pairings (a facial expression paired with an emotional voice) or semantic pairings (an emotional picture paired with the same voice). We studied the hypothesis that semantic pairings, unlike naturalistic pairings, might require mediation by intact visual cortex and possibly by feedback to primary cortex from higher cognitive processes. Our results indicate that presenting incongruent visual affective information together with the voice translates as an amplitude decrease of auditory-event-related potentials. This effect obtains for both naturalistic and semantic pairings in the intact field, but is restricted to the naturalistic pairings in the blind field.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle IEEE 802.11p performance measurements at urban intersections

During the last few years, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) wireless communication has become a key objective for enabling future cooperative safety applications, such as intersection collision warning. In this paper, we present the results of a 5.9 GHz V2V performance measurement campaign at four different urban intersections under NLOS conditions using commercial off-the-shelf wireless interface cards which meet the 802.11p and ITS-G5 specifications. Particularly, we quantify the packet delivery ratio (PDR) and received signal strength indication (RSSI) levels associated with different scenario conditions with respect to vehicle positioning, intersection geometry and traffic density. We determine reliable communication ranges which constitute an important metric for V2V collision avoidance applications.
Decolorization of Anthraquinonic Dyes from Textile Effluent Using Horseradish Peroxidase: Optimization and Kinetic Study

Two anthraquinonic dyes, C.I. Acid Blue 225 and C.I. Acid Violet 109, were used as models to explore the feasibility of using the horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) in the practical decolorization of anthraquinonic dyes in wastewater. The influence of process parameters such as enzyme concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, dye concentration, and pH was examined. The pH and temperature activity profiles were similar for decolorization of both dyes. Under the optimal conditions, 94.7% of C.I. Acid Violet 109 from aqueous solution was decolorized (treatment time 15 min, enzyme concentration 0.15 IU/mL, hydrogen peroxide concentration 0.4 mM, dye concentration 30 mg/L, pH 4, and temperature 24°C) and 89.36% of C.I. Acid Blue 225 (32 min, enzyme concentration 0.15 IU/mL, hydrogen peroxide concentration 0.04 mM, dye concentration 30 mg/L, pH 5, and temperature 24°C). The mechanism of both reactions has been proven to follow the two substrate ping-pong mechanism with substrate inhibition, revealing the formation of a nonproductive or dead-end complex between dye and HRP or between H2O2 and the oxidized form of the enzyme. Both chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon values showed that there was a reduction in toxicity after the enzymatic treatment. This study verifies the viability of use of horseradish peroxidase for the wastewaters treatment of similar anthraquinonic dyes.
Origin of intergranular embrittlement of Al alloys induced by Na and Ca segregation: Grain boundary weakening

Using a first-principles computational tensile test, we show that the ideal tensile strength of an Al grain boundary (GB) is reduced with both Na and Ca GB segregation. We demonstrate that the fracture occurs in the GB interface, dominated by the break of the interfacial bonds. Experimentally, we further show that the presence of Na or Ca impurity, which causes intergranular fracture, reduces the ultimate tensile strength when embrittlement occurs. These results suggest that the Na/Ca-induced intergranular embrittlement of an Al alloy originates mainly from the GB weakening due to the Na/Ca segregation.
Re(cid:176)ections on Refractions

In computer graphics, it is often an advantage to calculate refractions directly, especially when the application is time-critical or when line graphics have to be displayed. We specify e–cient formulas and parametric equations for the refraction on straight lines and planes. Furthermore, we develop a general theory of refractions, with re(cid:176)ections as a special case. In the plane case, all refracted rays are normal to a characteristic conic section. We investigate the relation of this conic section and the diacaustic curve. Using this, we can deduce properties of reciprocal refraction and a virtual object transformation that makes it possible to produce 2D-refraction images with additional depth information. In the three-dimensional case, we investigate the counter image of a straight line. It is a very special ruled surface of order four. This yields results on the order of the refrax of algebraic curves and on the shading of refracted polygons. Finally, we provide a formula for the diacaustic of a circle.
Depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students in Iceland

According to previous research, mental health problems among university students is a growing problem and there is evidence to suggest that depression and anxiety are one of the most prevalent health problems for student population (Lyubomirsky, Kasri, Zehm, 2003; National Center for Education Statistics, 2005). The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the estimated prevalence of depressive- and anxiety symptoms among university students in Iceland, what variables differ on symptoms and their relation to quality of life. A web-based questionnaire was sent to students at Reykjavík University, University of Iceland and University of Akureyri. Participants were 2.737 and the mean age was 28 years ( SD = 8.4). Depressive symptoms were measured with the PHQ-9 (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001), anxiety symptoms were measured with GAD-7 (Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, & Löwe, 2006) and to measure quality of life we used the Quality of Life Scale (Burckhardt & Anderson, 2003). The estimated prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms was 34.4% and anxiety symptoms were 19.8% across the study sample. Results showed a difference between full-time and part-time students, indicating a higher mean score for depressive- and anxiety symptoms for full-time students. Students living with their parents proved to have a higher mean for depressive symptoms than students in other residence. No significant relationship was found between depressive or- anxiety symptoms and quality of life. In conclusion, high scores of depressive- and anxiety symptoms highlight the need to investigate what possible factors might influence students’ mental health.
Parameterization of a Clumped Model to Directly Simulate Actual Evapotranspiration over a Superintensive Drip-Irrigated Olive Orchard

The aim of this research was to evaluate the clumped model for estimating latent heat flux (LE) and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) over a non-water-stressed olive orchard. Additionally, submodels to compute the net radiation Rn, soil heat flux G, and canopy resistance were also included. For this objective, a database was used from an experimental unit inside a commercial superintensive drip-irrigated olive orchard located in the Pencahue Valley, Maule Region, Chile (35°23′S, 71°44′W; 96 m above sea level) during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 growing seasons. The evaluation was carried out using measurements of LE obtained from an eddy covariance (EC) system. In addition, estimated values of Rn, G, and were compared with ground-truth measurements from a four-way net radiometer, soil heat flux plates with soil thermocouples, and a portable porometer, respectively. Results indicated that the clumped model underestimated LE and ETa with errors of 11.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Values of the root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and index of agreement dr for LE were 35 W m−2, −1.0 W m−2, and 0.96, while those for ETa were 0.48 mm day−1, 0.04 mm day−1, and 0.64, respectively. The submodels computed Rn and G with errors less than 6% and RMSE values less than 65 W m−2, while the Jarvis-type model predicted with RMSE = 41 s m−1 and MBE = 7.0 s m−1. Finally, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the ETa estimated by the clumped model was significantly affected by variations of ±30% in the values of the LAI and the minimum stomatal resistance rstmin.
Studying in Canada: Experiences of Female Graduate Students from Saudi Arabia

This paper presents findings from a study which explored experiences of Saudi Arabian female graduate students studying in Canada. The data for this descriptive qualitative study was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten students undertaking graduate studies in universities across 5 Canadian provinces. The findings of this study suggest that female graduate students from Saudi Arabia face unique challenges related to adaptation to a new education environment and to managing cultural expectations of Saudi and Canadian communities. Studying and living in Canada affected our participants’ personal values and changed the way they viewed themselves, their culture and community.
Characterization of the OSSN Microbiome in HIV-1 Infected Patients

Purpose: Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a rare cancer previously seen in elderly men. In Botswana there is an increase in OSSN and pterygia among young HIV-1 infected patients. Factors that determine the course of this cancer have not been characterized. Recent studies identified HPV, EBV, KSHV, HSV-1/2, and CMV in patient samples. We now characterize the microbiome associated with the disease that may contribute to its course. Results: Pyrosequencing identified viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites. Analysis of shotgun cloning sequences showed a majority of infectious agents identified by pyrosequencing. Conclusion: HIV patients with OSSN in Botswana are infected with a range of infectious agents which may represent a unique microbiome. The persistent expressions of gene products by these agents some of which are oncogenic are likely to contribute to the oncogenic process and suggest that treatment modalities of the cancer should involve the screening for endemic agents.
Distribution of mammographic density and its influential factors among Chinese women.

BACKGROUND Mammographic density (MD) has not been systematically investigated among Chinese women. Breast cancer screening programmes provided detailed information on MD in a large number of asymptomatic women. METHODS In the Multi-modality Independent Screening Trial (MIST), we estimated the association between MD and its influential factors using logistic regression, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI) and study area. Differences between Chinese and other ethnic groups with respect to MD were also explored with adjustment for age and BMI. RESULTS A total of 28 388 women aged 45 to 65 years, who had been screened by mammography, were enrolled in the study. Of these, 49.2% were categorized as having dense breasts (BI-RADS density 3 and 4) and 50.8% as fatty breasts (BI-RADS density 1 and 2). Postmenopausal status [odds ratio (OR) = 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.70] and higher number of live births (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.46-0.68) were inversely associated with MD, whereas prior benign breast disease (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.40-1.56) and later age at first birth (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.27) were positively associated with MD. In comparison with the data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, we found that women in MIST were more likely to have fatty breasts than Americans (from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium) in the older age group (≥50 years) but more likely to have dense breasts in the younger age group (<50 years). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that several risk factors for breast cancer were associated with breast density in Chinese women. Information on the determinants of mammographic density may provide valuable insights into breast cancer aetiology.
Measuring semantic similarity between digital forensics terminologies using web search engines

Semantic similarity between different terminologies is becoming a generic problem that extends across numerous domains, touching applications developed for computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science and, in the case of this paper, digital forensics. Despite the usefulness of semantic similarity measures in different domains, accurately measuring semantic similarity between any two terms remains a challenging task. The main difficulty lies in developing a computational method with the ability to generate satisfactory results close to how human beings perceive these terminologies, especially when used in their domain of expertise. This paper presents a novel approach of using the Web to measure semantic similarity between two terms x and y in the digital forensics domain. The proposed approach is based on the Euclidean distance, a mathematical concept used to calculate the distance between two points. This paper also shows how computing the absolute value of the difference of the logarithms of the hit count percentages of any given terms x and y relates to the computed Euclidean distance of x and y. Percentages are computed from the total number of hit counts reported by any Web search engine for the search terms x, y and the logical x AND y together. Finally, these concepts are used to deduce a formula to automatically calculate a semantic similarity measure coined as the Digital Forensic Absolute Semantic Similarity Value of the terms x and y, denoted as DFASSV(x, y). Experiments conducted using the proposed DFASSV method focuses on the digital forensics domain. However, a comparison of the DFASSV approach with previously proposed Web-based semantic similarity measures shows that this approach is well suited for digital forensics domain terminologies. In the authors' opinion however, the DFASSV approach can be applied in other domains as well because it does not require any human-annotated knowledge. DFASSV is a novel approach to semantic similarity measure and constitutes the main contribution of this paper.
Bubble Augmented Waterjet Propulsion : Numerical and Experimental Studies

In this paper, we present our efforts to test experimentally and numerically the concept of bubble augmented jet propulsion. The numerical model is based on a two-way coupling between an Eulerian description of the flow field and a Lagrangian tracking of bubbles using the Surface Averaged Pressure (SAP) model. The numerical results compares favorably with nozzle experiments. A half 3-D nozzle for bubble augmented propulsion was designed and optimized using the developed numerical code, which in the end yielded a design that produces net thrust increase with increased bubble injection rate. The numerical code can be a robust tool for the general two-phase flow nozzle design as demonstrated in the present numerical and experimental studies.
The Association of Judgement Ability and Functional Status in Older Adult Rehabilitation Inpatients

Purpose: Older adults have an increased likelihood of requiring rehabilitative care due to cognitive and physical risk factors. Research has found a link between executive functioning performance and functional outcomes; however, there is a dearth of research on the assessment of judgement ability. In the current pilot study, we investigated the clinical utility of the Test of Practical Judgment (TOP-J) in an older adult rehabilitation sample. Methods: Inpatients of mixed diagnoses (n = 25, mean age = 72.60) completed the TOP-J and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). We assessed TOP-J performance in the entire sample and in those with intact vs. impaired global cognition (on the Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE). Correlational analyses were conducted between the TOP-J, MMSE and relevant FIM items. Results: TOP-J performance fell between the means typically observed in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Participants with intact global cognition obtained significantly higher TOP-J scores than those with impaired global cognition. Moderate to strong positive correlations emerged between TOP-J, MMSE and FIM items of problem solving, comprehension and memory. Conclusions: Results provide support for the clinical utility and validity of the TOP-J among older adults in the rehabilitation setting. Administering the TOP-J may help identify patients at risk for future injury and facilitate role transitions.
A new significant area: Emotion detection in E-learning using opinion mining techniques

E-learning has sprung up much interest in corporations, educational institutions and individuals alike. Recently, it has been discovered that emotion can affect the e-learning experience. However, understanding the emotional reaction of a student in a complicated learning environment is a mind boggling task. By detecting intense emotional experiences being exhibited by students, we intend to detect fluctuations in emotion as learning progresses. To achieve this, we present a conceptual emotion detection and analysis system for e-learning using opinion mining techniques.
Transcription elongation past O6-methylguanine by human RNA polymerase II and bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase

O6-Methylguanine (O6-meG) is a major mutagenic, carcinogenic and cytotoxic DNA adduct produced by various endogenous and exogenous methylating agents. We report the results of transcription past a site-specifically modified O6-meG DNA template by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase and human RNA polymerase II. These data show that O6-meG partially blocks T7 RNA polymerase and human RNA polymerase II elongation. In both cases, the sequences of the truncated transcripts indicate that both polymerases stop precisely at the damaged site without nucleotide incorporation opposite the lesion, while extensive misincorporation of uracil is observed in the full-length RNA. For both polymerases, computer models suggest that bypass occurs only when O6-meG adopts an anti conformation around its glycosidic bond, with the methyl group in the proximal orientation; in contrast, blockage requires the methyl group to adopt a distal conformation. Furthermore, the selection of cytosine and uracil partners opposite O6-meG is rationalized with modeled hydrogen-bonding patterns that agree with experimentally observed O6-meG:C and O6-meG:U pairing schemes. Thus, in vitro, O6-meG contributes substantially to transcriptional mutagenesis. In addition, the partial blockage of RNA polymerase II suggests that transcription-coupled DNA repair could play an auxiliary role in the clearance of this lesion.