Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Développement de l'administration électronique par les communes françaises : éléments pour une typologie raisonnée

Cet article est une contribution a l’etude du developpement de l’administration electronique locale dans les communes francaises. Apres une revue de la litterature, il exploite une base de donnees originale pour mettre en evidence des differences importantes dans les strategies de deploiement des services d’administration electronique locale d’un echantillon de communes homogene et l’importance des caracteristiques socio-economiques dans la comprehension de ces differences.
Introduction to UPC and Language Specification

UPC is a parallel extension of the C programming language intended for multiprocessors with a common global address space. A descendant of Split-C [CDG 93], AC [CaDr 95], and PCP [BrWa 95], UPC has two primary objectives: 1) to provide efficient access to the underlying machine, and 2) to establish a common syntax and semantics for explicitly parallel programming in C. The quest for high performance means in particular that UPC tries to minimize the overhead involved in communication among cooperating threads. When the underlying hardware enables a processor to read and write remote memory without intervention by the remote processor (as in the SGI/Cray T3D and T3E), UPC provides the programmer with a direct and easy mapping from the language to low-level machine instructions. At the same time, UPC’s parallel features can be mapped onto existing message-passing software or onto physically shared memory to make its programs portable from one parallel architecture to another. As a consequence, vendors who wish to implement an explicitly parallel C could use the syntax and semantics of UPC as a basis for a standard.
The Effect of Key Color and Timbre on Absolute Pitch Recognition in Musical Contexts

Previous research has shown that listeners with absolute pitch identify white-key pitches (as on the piano) more quickly and accurately than they identify black-key pitches. Related research has shown that the timbre of tones also affects pitch identification. Our experiments extend the investigation of color and timbre effects on pitch recognition from isolated pitches to more complex musical textures, using both musicians with absolute pitch and musicians without absolute pitch as participants. In Experiment 1, listeners named isolated pitches in synthesized violin or piano timbres; in Experiment 2, they named the tonal center of classical string quartets or piano solos; in Experiment 3, they identified the tonal center of the same musical excerpts by humming. We replicated the color effect for both groups of participants in the response times for all three experiments, but found a color effect on accuracy rates only in Experiment 2. Timbre effects were found only in Experiment 1, where response times were quicker for piano tones than string tones. Participants9 instrumental training affected response times: string players identified isolated tones most quickly; keyboard players identified the keys of compositions most quickly.
A Framework for Quality Evaluation of VGI linear datasets

Spatial data collection, processing, distribution and understanding have traditionally been handled by professionals. However, as technology advances, non-experts can now collect Geographic Information (GI), create spatial databases and distribute GI through web applications. This Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), as it is called, seems to be a promising spatial data source. However, the most concerning issue is its unknown and heterogeneous quality, which cannot be handled by traditional quality measurement methods; the quality elements that these methods measure were standardised long before the appearance of VGI and they assume uniform quality behaviour. The lack of a suitable quality evaluation framework with an appropriate level of automation, which would enable the repetition of the quality assessment when VGI is updated, renders the choice of using it difficult or risky for potential users. This thesis proposes a framework for quality evaluation of linear VGI datasets, used to represent networks. The suggested automated methodology is based on a comparison of a VGI dataset with a dataset of known quality. The heterogeneity issue is handled by producing individual results for small areal units, using a tessellation grid. The quality elements measured are data completeness, attribute and positional accuracy, considered as most important for VGI. Compared to previous research, this thesis includes an automated data matching procedure, specifically designed for VGI. It combines geometric and thematic constraints, shifting the scale of importance from geometry to non-spatial attributes, depending on their existence in the VGI dataset. Based on the data matching results, all quality elements are then measured for corresponding objects, providing a more accurate quality assessment. The method is tested on three case studies. Data matching proves to be quite efficient, leading to more accurate quality results. The data completeness approach also tackles VGI over-completeness, which broadens the method usage for data fusion purposes.
Vehicle Traffic Light Control Using SARSA

SARSA (Sutton, 1996) is applied to a simulated, tra(cid:14)c-light control problem (Thorpe, 1997) and its performance is compared with several, (cid:12)xed control strategies. The performance of SARSA with four di(cid:11)erent representations of the current state of tra(cid:14)c is analyzed using two reinforcement schemes. Training on one intersection is compared to, and is as e(cid:11)ective as training on all intersections in the environment. SARSA is shown to be better than (cid:12)xed-duration light timing and four-way stops for minimizing total tra(cid:14)c travel time, individual vehicle travel times, and vehicle wait times. Comparisons of performance using a constant reinforcement function versus a variable reinforcement function dependent on the number of vehicles at an intersection showed that the variable reinforcement resulted in slightly improved performance for some cases.
Software Application for Computer Aided Vocabulary Learning in a Blended Learning Environment.

APA Citation Hassan, R. (2010). Software application for computer aided vocabulary learning in a blended learning environment [Master’s thesis, the American University in Cairo]. AUC Knowledge Fountain. https://fount.aucegypt. edu/etds/1144 MLA Citation Hassan, Rasha Essam Hashem. Software application for computer aided vocabulary learning in a blended learning environment. 2010. American University in Cairo, Master's thesis. AUC Knowledge Fountain. https://fount.aucegypt. edu/etds/1144
Analysis and Visualization Techniques for Dynamic Emission Tomography Images

We propose novel analysis and visualization techniques for dynamic emission tomography images. First, we propose a semi-supervised, kinetic-modeling-based segmentation technique to identify functional regions of interest. It is an iterative, self-learning algorithm based on uncertainty principles and is designed to be robust to the problems of low signal-to-noise ratio and partial volume effect. Second, we develop an interactive analysis and visualization tool for probabilistic segmentations of medical images. We provide a systematic approach to analyze, interact, and highlight regions of segmentation uncertainty. Finally, we introduce a set of multidimensional transfer function widgets to analyze multivariate probabilistic field data. These widgets furnish the user with contextual information about conformance or deviation from the population statistics. We demonstrate the ability to identify suspicious regions (e.g. tumors) and to correct misclassification results.
The Syntax of sentence periphery

En esta tesis se propone un nuevo analisis de la dislocacion a la derecha, que, aun siendo altamente restrictivo desde una perspectiva teorica, sea capaz de dar cuenta de los puntos de contacto y de discrepancia con la dislocacion a la izquierda. En concreto, se defiende que la dislocacion a la izquirda. En concreto, se defiende que la dislocacion a la derecha ocupa una posicion estructural mas baja que la de la dislocacion a la izquierda. Esta diferencia estructural explica las asimetrias entre ambas construcciones. Por otro lado, la dislocacion a la derecha es un paso necesario en la derivacion de la dislocacion a la izquierda, lo cual da cuenta del conjunto de propiedades comunes. Se argumenta in extenso que este analisis resulta empiricamente y teoricamente preferible a los analisis previos, en tanto que permite formular un modelo de gramatica mas restrictivo y explicativo.
Teaching ESP: A task-based framework for French graduate courses

Dans cet article, l’auteur etudie l’enseignement de l’anglais de specialite (ASP) dans des cours de niveau master et doctorat dans les domaines de la gestion, de l’enseignement de la physique-chimie, et de la recherche en sciences sociales. Elle part de l’hypothese de « domaines de discours » (Selinker & Douglas 1985 ; Whyte 1995) selon laquelle les connaissances specifiques des apprenants ainsi que leur engagement dans la discipline influent sur l’utilisation et l’evolution de la langue seconde. Elle adopte une approche d’apprentissage par tâches (Long 1989 ; Ellis 2003 ; Guichon & Nicolaev 2011) en appliquant les principes methodologiques proposes par Doughty et Long (2003) pour l’enseignement des langues avec les technologies a la conception et a la mise en œuvre de trois types d’enseignement d’ASP. L’article demontre l’interet des principes d’apprentissage par tâches pour la construction de curricula et pour la mise en place d’activites d’apprentissage, puis tire des conclusions sur les retombees pratiques aussi bien que theoriques.
Extrinsic Auto-calibration of a Camera and Laser Range Finder

This paper describes theoretical and experimental results for the auto-calibration of sensor platform consisting of a camera and a laser range ﬁ nder. Real-world use of autonomous sensor platforms often requires the recalibration of sensors without an explicit calibration object. The constraints are based upon data captured simultaneously from the camera and the laser range ﬁ nder while the sensor plat-form undergoes an arbitrary motion. The rigid motions of both sensors are related, so these data constrain the relative position and orientation of the camera and laser range ﬁ nder. We introduce the mathematical constraints for auto-calibration techniques based upon both discrete. Read complete abstract on page 2. Read complete abstract on page 2.
On-line Q-learning using connectionist systems

Reinforcement learning algorithms are a powerful machine learning technique. However, much of the work on these algorithms has been developed with regard to discrete (cid:12)nite-state Markovian problems, which is too restrictive for many real-world environments. Therefore, it is desirable to extend these methods to high dimensional continuous state-spaces, which requires the use of function approximation to gener-alise the information learnt by the system. In this report, the use of back-propagation neural networks (Rumelhart, Hinton and Williams 1986) is considered in this context. We consider a number of di(cid:11)erent algorithms based around Q-Learning (Watkins 1989) combined with the Temporal Di(cid:11)erence algorithm (Sutton 1988), including a new algorithm (Modi(cid:12)ed Connectionist Q-Learning), and Q((cid:21)) (Peng and Williams 1994). In addition, we present algorithms for applying these updates on-line during trials, unlike backward replay used by Lin (1993) that requires waiting until the end of each trial before updating can occur. On-line updating is found to be more robust to the choice of training parameters than backward replay, and also enables the algorithms to be used in continuously operating systems where no end of trial conditions occur. We compare the performance of these algorithms on a realistic robot navigation problem, where a simulated mobile robot is trained to guide itself to a goal position in the presence of obstacles. The robot must rely on limited sensory feedback from its surroundings, and make decisions that can be generalised to arbitrary layouts of obstacles. These simulations show that on-line learning algorithms are less sensitive to the choice of training parameters than backward replay, and that the alternative update rules of MCQ-L and Q((cid:21)) are more robust than standard Q-learning updates.
Modelling bladder-collapse flow

The thesis is concerned with the modelling of urinary motion during bladder collapse and is mathematically based. The bladder model as a collapsing vessel is developed as a step towards complementing use of nomograms. Urine motion inside is taken as unsteady flow of incompressible fluid, while the dimensions and collapse rate of the vessel are prescribed using data which is close to realistic biological values. Evolutions of velocities, volume ow rates and effects of the collapse rate are examined. An introduction is made which includes lower urinary tract urodynamics as well as the unique feature that the bladder changes shape and size substantially compared with other vessels. An investigation of simple two-dimensional shapes takes place in chapter two, along with limiting cases for thin vessels. Chapter three analyses simple axisymmetric shapes especially the sphere because of its relevance in addition to its fundamental nature. Development of a numerical scheme is addressed in the next chapter to tackle more complex shapes through the boundary element method and an iterative finite difference scheme with emphasis on flexibility of approach. An extension to more advanced structures of the vessel is constructed in chapter five by means of a concise boundary condition and shape definition. Chapter six takes the work a step further as the approach is applied to axisymmetric configurations. While in an appendix, an extension to implement full viscous effects is then inspected. Finally, further work is discussed in the conclusion.
Creating Urban Art in a School SettingIdentity Development and Community Practice Through Graffiti

ABSTRACT Creating Urban Art in a School Setting Identity Development and Community Practice Through Graffiti Melissa Proietti Graffiti, recognized as both a subculture as well as a prevalent part of current youth and popular culture, has developed through its evolution as an art form in its ability to reach those who create it in a positive manner. The research conducted in this study details a case study of the creation of a mural which was stylistically linked to graffiti and referred to as an urban art project by students at an elementary school, aged 10-12 (grades five and six). The project was led by a well-known graffiti artist who has developed a curriculum in which graffiti is used as a tool to open up a dialogue within the group of students regarding issues of identity, responsibility and awareness. In offering these students a unique experience using a modern and relevant tool (graffiti) it is shown that upon completion the students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment through the process of creation. Also they felt the final product represented them and their school as they grew in their understandings of graffiti and urban art as a method of communication and positive expression. Historically, graffiti has been shown to give writers a voice and identity within a shared space as well as empowering them with a sense of belonging, purpose and pride. By introducing these aspects of this subculture into an academic context in the form of a graffiti mural the students were given the opportunity to develop as individuals at school as well as developing a sense of respect and ownership over that which they created.
Planteamiento de factores de amplificación de resistencia para estructuras con asimetría en fluencia

Some structures exhibit asymmetrical yielding when loaded in opposing directions. To prevent unsatisfactory seismic performance, structures with asymmetrical yielding need to be designed for a higher level of lateral strength than that contemplated for symmetrical structures. This paper formulates expressions to estimate strength amplification factors that can be used to establish design spectra for systems that exhibit asymmetrical yielding. The expressions take into consideration the level of asymmetrical yielding and hysteretic behavior of the structure, the type of soil where it is built, and the relation between its fundamental period of vibration and the dominant period of the soil.
Machine Learning Based Missing Value Imputation Method for Clinical Dataset

: Missing value imputation is one of the biggest tasks of data pre-processing when performing data mining. Most medical datasets are usually incomplete. Simply removing the cases from the original datasets can bring more problems than solutions. A suitable method for missing value imputation can help to produce good quality datasets for better analysing clinical trials. In this paper we explore the use of a machine learning technique as a missing value imputation method for incomplete cardiovascular data. Mean/mode imputation, fuzzy unordered rule induction algorithm imputation, decision tree imputation and other machine learning algorithms are used as missing value imputation and the final datasets are classified using decision tree, fuzzy unordered rule induction, KNN and K-Mean clustering. The experiment shows that final classifier performance is improved when the fuzzy unordered rule induction algorithm is used to predict missing attribute values for K-Mean clustering and most of the cases machine learning technique found to be performed better than the mean imputation.
Building a scalable and high-performance key-value store system

69 Autobiographical Statement . 71
CHILDHOOD EGOCENTRISM: THE ORDER OF ACQUISITION OF BEFORE‐BEHIND AND LEFT‐RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS

Summary. Piaget and Inhelder (1956) suggest that the development of perspective-taking ability is sequential: children represent correctly before-behind relationships earlier than left-right relationships. Previous studies, however, have not considered the degree of masking present in each of the object arrangements. Three groups of 32 children (6-, 8- and 10-year-olds) completed a perspectives task in which two-dimensional arrays were used, thereby removing the masking variable. Children performed equally well on each type of relationship.
An Exploratory Study of Biology Teachers' Online Information Seeking Practices.

This study reports on exploratory research that investigated biology teachers' perceptions of their online information seeking practices and how these practices influenced their instructional planning activities. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the results of an online survey and ten in-depth interviews measuring use of specific online tools (i.e., search engines, specific Web sites, digital libraries, online periodical databases, and electronic discussion lists) were conducted. Key findings show that teachers are using a greater number and wider range of current and multimodal resources than pre-Internet and perceive this as an advantage in creating authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences. However, underuse of educational online resources specifically designed to support teaching and learning activities (e.g., digital libraries, online periodical databases, and electronic discussion lists) was evidenced. Four themes reflecting the consequences of teachers' information seeking practices emerged from the data analysis: Currency of Information; Sparking of Ideas and Gaining Personal Knowledge; Resource Management and the Role of Time; and Webs of Sharing. Each theme encompassed both the purposeful and the indirect actions by teachers to access knowledge and resources to refine and improve their instructional planning. Study findings have implications for informing the collaborative relationship between school library media specialists and teachers.
Extending the Knowledge Discovery Metamodel to Support Aspect-Oriented Programming

Software engineers often have to resort to various program analysis tools to analyze the structure and sometimes behavior of a system before they can make changes that preserve system reliability and other quality attributes. The Knowledge Discovery Metamodel (KDM) is an OMG standard which specifies a language-independent representation of the programs to be analyzed. The advantages of using KDM are numerous including an increase in productivity and a cut in overall costs during maintenance, as it allows for a reuse of available KDM compatible tools and expertise. Currently, KDM supports a number of procedural and object-oriented programming languages. However, no support currently exists for aspect-oriented programming languages. This thesis aims at filling this gap, by extending KDM to support AspectJ, perhaps the most popular aspect-oriented language. We show an application of the extended model to an aspect-oriented application.
MANAGING TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTION VIA WHATSAPP PLATFORM

This paper showcases the real-time nature of class management using the WhatsApp platform. This platform is not evaluated as a distinct educational tool, but rather, to showcase its potential as enabler of perpetual engagement. The supporting data reflects the mobile interaction of three (3) different courses representing three (3) different levels of students (freshmen, sophomore and senior). A comparison to other digital (i.e. email, online boards) and analog (i.e. paper handouts) methods of communication helps give prospective on its advantages and possible shortcomings. The notion of persistent availability and connectivity is explored to help define the ever-rising student expectation of interactivity and feedback. The specific areas covered are regulating attendance, general course advisement, project discussions, on-going feedback and assessment and evaluation. At its conclusion, the paper outlines the potential for real-time communication outside of the allocated class-time. Lastly the novelty of this communication channel demonstrates a model for appropriating typical objects of nuisance into productive and effective tools of teacher-student engagement.
Direct Visualization of Photographic Volumes

Volume visualization of photographic data is a relatively new domain for medical visualisation. In photographic volumes, voxel colour is predetermined, making colour selection through transfer functions less important, or even unnecessary. However, voxel classi? cation from photographic data is more complex than classi? cation from scalar datasets. Materials and structures in the human body overlap in the colour-space, and are therefore not separable solely by their colour values. In addition, low contrast between some of the adjacent materials and structures in the data complicates the use of boundary-based classi? cation techniques. In the ? rst half of this work we investigate the differences between volume visualization of scalar datasets and volume visualization of photographic datasets. We study a broad range of techniques which could be extended for photographic data, or replace traditional techniques in the volume render pipeline. In addition we study normal estimation for photographic data, which suffers from the non-linear colour spaces and previously mentioned low contrast. In the second half of this work we present an example-based visualization system which does not require its user to understand the mechanics of volume visualization. Our target group are non-visualization experts who want to use volume visualization to provide insight into their data. The system uses live rendered style previews which can be combined to form a composite render style. The system supports multiple photorealistic as well as illustrative render techniques and can apply any combination of these techniques to any object in the dataset, rendering comprehensible images. The effectiveness of our system is demonstrated by experimental results on real volumetric data.