Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
iTV handbook: technologies & standards

Interactive television (iTV) is an evolutionary merging of digital TV and the internet. iTV technology offers new powerful ways for consumers to interact with content and service providers. In Europe, iTV has gained significant traction during the turn of the century. For example, about 500,000 viewers signed up for SkyDigital's email service during 2000. In another example, Nickelodeon's "Watch Your Own Week" voting application was available to SkyDigital viewers during Oct 22-27 2001. While only 100,000 votes were anticipated for the whole week, this goal was reached within two days; a total of 578,000 votes were recorded for the week. Today, Europe counts tens of millions of iTV consumers.The iTV Handbook is a broad overview of the business and technical issues, and could be used as a textbook for an introductory technical course: it lays out the current thinking on commercially viable uses of iTV, surveys the related technical standards, and describes a broad range of technologies and the relationships among them. A whole chapter is devoted to the big picture of the iTV food chain, and another key chapter is devoted to a survey of media streaming methods. A "file system in the sky" is described which is the broadcasting equivalent of the network file system, and can be used to eliminate the notorious "hot spot" encountered when millions of receivers are trying to access a small set of pages. The book provides many rare insights into the nuts and bolts of the technologies being used. For example, the book presents part of the theoretical foundation for MP3 compression, and describes in detail many popular file formats used to deliver iTV content, including GIF, QuickTime, AVI, and ZIP.
Real-Time Driver's Stress Event Detection

In this paper, a real-time methodology for the detection of stress events while driving is presented. The detection is based on the use of physiological signals, i.e., electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, and respiration, as well as past observations of driving behavior. Features are calculated over windows of specific length and are introduced in a Bayesian network to detect driver's stress events. The accuracy of the stress event detection based only on physiological features, evaluated on a data set obtained in real driving conditions, resulted in an accuracy of 82%. Enhancement of the stress event detection model with the incorporation of driving event information has reduced false positives, yielding an increased accuracy of 96%. Furthermore, our methodology demonstrates good adaptability due to the application of online learning of the model parameters.
A k-mer scheme to predict piRNAs and characterize locust piRNAs

Motivation: Identifying piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) of non-model organisms is a difficult and unsolved problem because piRNAs lack conservative secondary structure motifs and sequence homology in different species. Results: In this article, a k-mer scheme is proposed to identify piRNA sequences, relying on the training sets from non-piRNA and piRNA sequences of five model species sequenced: rat, mouse, human, fruit fly and nematode. Compared with the existing ‘static’ scheme based on the position-specific base usage, our novel ‘dynamic’ algorithm performs much better with a precision of over 90% and a sensitivity of over 60%, and the precision is verified by 5-fold cross-validation in these species. To test its validity, we use the algorithm to identify piRNAs of the migratory locust based on 603 607 deep-sequenced small RNA sequences. Totally, 87 536 piRNAs of the locust are predicted, and 4426 of them matched with existing locust transposons. The transcriptional difference between solitary and gregarious locusts was described. We also revisit the position-specific base usage of piRNAs and find the conservation in the end of piRNAs. Therefore, the method we developed can be used to identify piRNAs of non-model organisms without complete genome sequences. Availability: The web server for implementing the algorithm and the software code are freely available to the academic community at http://59.79. 168.90/piRNA/index.php. Contact: lkang@ioz.ac. cn Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Recognition of Distress Calls in Distant Speech Setting: a Preliminary Experiment in a Smart Home

This paper presents a system to recognize distress speech in the home of seniors to provide reassurance and assistance. The system is aiming at being integrated into a larger system for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) using only one microphone with a fix position in a non-intimate room. The paper presents the details of the automatic speech recognition system which must work under distant speech condition and with expressive speech. Moreover, privacy is ensured by running the decoding on-site and not on a remote server. Furthermore the system was biased to recognize only set of sentences defined after a user study. The system has been evaluated in a smart space reproducing a typical living room where 17 participants played scenarios including falls during which they uttered distress calls. The results showed a promising error rate of 29% while emphasizing the challenges of the task. Index Terms: Smart home, Vocal distress call, Applications of speech technology for Ambient Assisted Living
Costs and Benefits of Regulation : Evidence from the 1999 NYSE and NASDAQ Exchange Rule Changes Seil

We examine market reactions to the 1999 rule changes approved by the SEC for the NYSE and NASDAQ to require all listed firms to have a fully-independent audit committee with at least three directors within 18 months of passage. On the benefit side, we find no evidence that the market perceived the new regulation to dampen earnings management or fraudulent accounting restatements, two of the benefits put forth by the SEC throughout the regulatory process. To evaluate the costs of compliance, we take advantage of the fact that at the time of the passage and through the subsequent 18 months, listed firms were required to have a minimum of two independent directors on their boards. Thus, to comply with the new audit committee standard, many firms needed to add one independent director. We find that cross-sectional abnormal returns are significantly lower for firms with just two independent board directors prior to the regulation. As evidence of a direct cost, firms with only two independent board directors increased their board size more significantly than firms with three or more independent board directors. As evidence of an indirect cost, we classify firms as being optimal or sub-optimal with respect to having a board with two independent directors. We then show that optimal firms suffered the greatest shareholder wealth losses, consistent with a cost of them being " pushed " of out optimality by the new regulation. Given the D.C. Circuit's recent invalidations of SEC rulemaking efforts on the ground that the SEC failed to meet a review standard that weighs both the costs to firms as well as the benefits to investors (Cox and Baucom, 2012), our paper takes a step in addressing these concerns.
Demonstration of Bartonella grahamii DNA in Ocular Fluids of a Patient with Neuroretinitis

ABSTRACT We describe the clinical and laboratory features of a 55-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-negative female patient who presented with bilateral intraocular inflammatory disease (neuroretinitis type) and behavioral changes caused by a Bartonella grahamiiinfection. Diagnosis was based on the PCR analysis of DNA extracted from the intraocular fluids. DNA analysis of the PCR product revealed a 100% identity with the 16S rRNA gene sequence of B. grahamii. The patient was successfully treated with doxycycline (200 mg/day) and rifampin (600 mg/day) for 4 weeks. This is the first report that demonstrates the presence of a Bartonellaspecies in the intraocular fluids of a nonimmunocompromised patient and that indicates that B. grahamii is pathogenic for humans.
Primary School Students' Spatial Orientation Strategies in an Outdoor Learning Activity Supported by Mobile Technologies.

Students’ different learning performance on mathematical problem solving across contexts has attracted a number of researchers’ interest. The study investigates the spatial orientation ability of primary school students in an outdoor situation, where six pairs of grade six students are asked to coordinate themselves physically in terms of given distances with respect to two given points. Their spatial orientation performance is evaluated quantitatively, in terms of the number of attempts needed to reach the target points, as well as qualitatively by analyzing their strategies as described in their answers to a questionnaire. According to our findings the students enjoy and perform remarkably well in the outdoor setting, an observation that leads us to suggest that engaging students in outdoor activities may enhance their learning of mathematics.
Standardization of QRS Duration Measurement and LBBB Criteria in CRT Trials and Clinical Practice

Based on the clinical trials so far, there is a major controversy regarding the benefit of CRT in patients with QRS≤150 milliseconds. Some studies have shown that a fair number of patients with QRS ≤150 milliseconds benefit from CRT and it is needless to say that careful attention should be paid to CRT non-responders considering the risk of complications and cost-benefit ratio. Lack of uniformity in QRS measurement in all these trials could have a major influence on variable study outcomes. This is of concern because when the QRS is close to 120 milliseconds in patients with NYHA class III/IV symptoms or QRS close to 150 milliseconds in NYHA class I/II patients, the decision to recommend CRT implantation or undertake further risk stratification investigations is critically dependent on the EKG interpretation. In this paper we intent to raise the important question for need of standardized electrocardiographic criteria (QRS measurement and LBBB) in patients enrolled in CRT trials considering the variability in study results, high rates of CRT non response in the eligible population and the associated health care cost burden.
Touch-based Static Authentication Using a Virtual Grid

Keystroke dynamics is a subfield of computer security in which the cadence of the typist's keystrokes are used to determine authenticity. The static variety of keystroke dynamics uses typing patterns observed during the typing of a password or passphrase. This paper presents a technique for static authentication on mobile tablet devices using neural networks for analysis of keystroke metrics. Metrics used in the analysis of typing are monographs, digraphs, and trigraphs. Monographs as we define them consist of the time between the press and release of a single key, coupled with the discretized x-y location of the keystroke on the tablet. A digraph is the duration between the presses of two consecutively pressed keys, and a trigraph is the duration between the press of a key and the press of a key two keys later. Our technique combines the analysis of monographs, digraphs, and trigraphs to produce a confidence measure. Our best equal error rate for distinguishing users from impostors is 9.3% for text typing, and 9.0% for a custom experiment setup that is discussed in detail in the paper.
Using LibQUAL+® to Identify Commonalities in Customer Satisfaction: The Secret to Success?

Purpose – What is the key to library user satisfaction? Can LibQUAL+® help in the quest for delivering a quality library service? The purpose of this paper is to present international research into library customer satisfaction as measured by the LibQUAL+® survey methodology. Commonalities of satisfaction and dissatisfaction have been identified which influence the customers overall view of the library. This knowledge can be used to further increase customer satisfaction through targeting these areas for service improvement. Design/methodology/approach – The LibQUAL+® results from SCONUL Libraries, Utrecht and Leiden Universities were analysed to explore the differences between customers who were very satisfied, and those who were very dissatisfied, with the service. Results from each of the three dimensions of service quality were reviewed separately. The survey results from respondents who had given a high satisfaction mean score to one of the three dimensions were analysed to assess if they had also gi.
Investigation of Target Motion Analysis in the Presence of Model Uncertainty

Abstract : This paper presents the results of an investigation of target motion analysis algorithms that are designed to cope with model uncertainty. First, some standard recursive algorithms such as the cartesian extended Kalman filter, modified polar extended Kalman filter, and cartesian unscented Kalman filter are applied to a target motion analysis problem with model uncertainty, in order to analyse the robustness of such algorithms in these conditions. Next, some adaptive algorithms are investigated. They are the static multiple models and the dynamic multiple models estimators, namely: two generalised pseudo Bayes methods and the interacting multiple model method. In this paper, the problem is restricted to a single sensor and a single non-manoeuvring target that travels at constant velocity. Both static and dynamic sensor performances are considered. For simplicity, only Gaussian measurement noise is considered. Adaptive filters are shown to have promise: they can establish a useful bearing standard deviation adaptively and robustly.
Linear Regression for Astronomical Data with Measurement Errors and Intrinsic Scatter

Two new methods are proposed for linear regression analysis for data with measurement errors. Both methods are designed to accommodate intrinsic scatter in addition to measurement errors. The first (BCES) is a direct extension of the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimator to allow for measurement errors. It is quite general, allowing a) for measurement errors on both variables, b) the measurement errors for the two variables to be dependent, c) the magnitudes of the measurement errors to depend on the measurements, and d) other `symmetric' lines such as the bisector and the orthogonal regression can be constructed. The second method is a weighted least squares (WLS) estimator, which applies only in the case where the `independent' variable is measured without error and the magnitudes of the measurement errors on the 'dependent' variable are independent from the measurements. Several applications are made to extragalactic astronomy: The BCES method, when applied to data describing the color-luminosity relations for field galaxies, yields significantly different slopes than OLS and other estimators used in the literature. Simulations with artificial data sets are used to evaluate the small sample performance of the estimators. Unsurprisingly, the least-biased results are obtained when color is treated as the dependent variable. The Tully-Fisher relation is another example where the BCES method should be used because errors in luminosity and velocity are correlated due to inclination corrections. We also find, via simulations, that the WLS method is by far the best method for the Tolman surface-brightness test, producing the smallest variance in slope by an order of magnitude. Moreover, with WLS it is not necessary to ``reduce'' galaxies to a fiducial surface-brightness, since this model incorporates intrinsic scatter.
Factors influencing death at home in terminally ill patients with cancer: systematic review

Abstract Objectives To determine the relative influence of different factors on place of death in patients with cancer. Data sources Four electronic databases—Medline (1966-2004), PsycINFO (1972-2004), CINAHL (1982-2004), and ASSIA (1987-2004); previous contacts with key experts; hand search of six relevant journals. Review methods We generated a conceptual model, against which studies were analysed. Included studies had original data on risk factors for place of death among patients, > 80% of whom had cancer. Strength of evidence was assigned according to the quantity and quality of studies and consistency of findings. Odds ratios for home death were plotted for factors with high strength evidence. Results 58 studies were included, with over 1.5 million patients from 13 countries. There was high strength evidence for the effect of 17 factors on place of death, of which six were strongly associated with home death: patients' low functional status (odds ratios range 2.29-11.1), their preferences (2.19-8.38), home care (1.37-5.1) and its intensity (1.06-8.65), living with relatives (1.78-7.85), and extended family support (2.28-5.47). The risk factors covered all groups of the model: related to illness, the individual, and the environment (healthcare input and social support), the latter found to be the most important. Conclusions The ne of factors that influence where patients with cancer die is complicated. Future policies and clinical practice should focus on ways of empowering families and public education, as well as intensifying home care, risk assessment, and training practitioners in end of life care.
Essential Oils for Complementary Treatment of Surgical Patients: State of the Art

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of plant essences for therapeutic purposes. Its applications are numerous (i.e., wellbeing, labour, infections, dementia, and anxiety treatment) but often they have not been scientifically validated. The aim of the present study is to review the available literature to determine if there is evidence for effectiveness of aromatherapy in surgical patients to treat anxiety and insomnia, to control pain and nausea, and to dress wound. Efficacy studies of lavender or orange and peppermint essential oils, to treat anxiety and nausea, respectively, have shown positive results. For other aspects, such as pain control, essential oils therapy has shown uncertain results. Finally, there are encouraging data for the treatment of infections, especially for tea tree oil, although current results are still inconclusive. It should also be considered that although they are, allergic reactions and toxicity can occur after oral ingestion. Therefore, while rigorous studies are being carried out, it is important that the therapeutic use of essential oils be performed in compliance with clinical safety standards.
Healthcare costs of inflammatory bowel disease have shifted from hospitalisation and surgery towards anti-TNFα therapy: results from the COIN study

Objective The introduction of anti tumour necrosis factor-α (anti-TNFα) therapy might impact healthcare expenditures, but there are limited data regarding the costs of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) following the introduction of these drugs. We aimed to assess the healthcare costs and productivity losses in a large cohort of IBD patients. Design Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients from seven university hospitals and seven general hospitals were invited to fill-out a web-based questionnaire. Cost items were derived from a 3 month follow-up questionnaire and categorised in outpatient clinic, diagnostics, medication, surgery and hospitalisation. Productivity losses included sick leave of paid and unpaid work. Costs were expressed as mean 3-month costs per patients with a 95% CI obtained using non-parametric bootstrapping. Results A total of 1315 CD patients and 937 UC patients were included. Healthcare costs were almost three times higher in CD as compared with UC, €1625 (95% CI €1476 to €1775) versus €595 (95% CI €505 to €685), respectively (p<0.01). Anti-TNFα use was the main costs driver, accounting for 64% and 31% of the total cost in CD and UC. Hospitalisation and surgery together accounted for 19% and <1% of the healthcare costs in CD and 23% and 1% in UC, respectively. Productivity losses accounted for 16% and 39% of the total costs in CD and UC. Conclusions We showed that healthcare costs are mainly driven by medication costs, most importantly by anti-TNFα therapy. Hospitalisation and surgery accounted only for a minor part of the healthcare costs.
From the Editor—The Future of Social Work Education

One of the most challenging aspects of my role as editor in chief has been writing editorials that I thought would be of interest to the readers of this journal. Over the past four years I have written about a variety of topics including transitions, scholarship, competency-based education, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, peer reviews, and trigger warnings, among others. As my term comes to a close with this issue, my last editorial glances into the future to speculate about what our profession might look like in years to come and offers ideas about some of the possibilities and potential constraints that lie ahead for us as social work educators. However, not having any specific expertise in future forecasting, I invited several leaders whom I consider to be visionaries in social work education to muse along with me about the future of social work education. Here is this result of this collaboration.
Effects of Housing Systems and the Diet Supplements on the Slaughter Value and Concentration of Mineral Elements in the Loin Muscle of Lambs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of maintenance system as well as the effect of Se, Zn, and vitamin E supplementation of ram-lambs on the slaughter value and concentration of mineral elements in the loin muscle of lambs. The experiment was conducted on 72 Polish Merino ram-lambs divided into three groups: group C, indoor with no supplement, 19 lambs; S, indoor with supplement, 23 lambs; G, outdoor with no supplement, 30 lambs. From birth all the lambs were maintained indoor with their dams and then weaned at the age of 8 weeks. The rams from group C and S were placed in individual straw-bedded pens and fattened individually with concentrate mixture offered ad libitum until the age of 16 weeks. The lambs from group G were grazed every day from May to July (2 months). During the fattening period each lamb from the supplemented group S was administered per os 1 mL 0.1% Na2SeO4 (Se, 0.42 mg), 3 mL 10% ZnSO4 (Zn, 68 mg), and 1 mL premix protect vitamin E (0.1 g α-tocopherol, 5 mg lysine, 5 mg methionine) daily. A comparison of half carcasses across the groups has shown no difference between the control group and the one with supplements, while the weight of half carcasses in the grazing group was smaller in comparison with groups C and S (p<0.001). The meat content in the pelvic limb showed no differences across all groups under study. The pelvic limb of grazing lambs contained less fat compared to the control and supplemented groups (p<0.001). The concentrations of Se and Zn in the blood plasma of ram-lambs from the supplemented group were significantly higher than for the control and grazing lambs. Inorganic Se and Zn supplementation with vitamin E to the diet of lambs increased Se and Zn levels in loin muscle (p<0.001) to 0.46 μg/g and 32.9 μg/g in fresh tissue, respectively.