Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facing Brazil: The Problem of Portraiture and a Modernist Sublime

Michael North (1995) compares the “primitivist realism” in Stein’s portraiture with the use of masking in Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907), the painting so often marked as the bridge to modernist abstraction. He states that as in Stein’s Q.E.D., the story of a young black woman narrated in “dialect,”4 “placing a mask over his naturalistic portrait, Picasso duplicates the linguistic mask Stein was simultaneously devising for herself. In each case, in painting and in literature, the step away from conventional verisimilitude into abstraction is accomplished by a figurative change of race” (270–71). According to North, race functions in portraiture as an aesthetic convention as well as a social one. In European and U.S. modernism, the representation of race makes possible the defining move toward abstraction. The connection between race and the paradox of modernist portraiture that Steiner briefly mentions is at the core of what Mario will eventually call a Brazilian modernist sublime. While my full discussion of the form of nationalism embodied in Mario’s articulation of modernism will wait until the concluding pages of this article, for now it is necessary to remember that in Brazil, as in Cuba, Mexico, and Peru, the modernist movements were deeply invested in the representation of national character. The key text for this exploration of national character in Brazilian modernism is the classic novel Macunaima (published 1928), which Mario dedicated to Paulo Prado, who published the essay Portrait of Brazil the same year. While both texts directly address the mixture and heterogeneity of races in Brazil, the bawdy humor of Macunaima contrasts strikingly with Prado’s somber text, which bleakly portrays “miscegenation” as the source of a national malaise. The subtitle of Macunaima marks a dramatic break with the subtitle of Prado’s national portrait as an “Essay about Brazilian Sadness”; instead, Macunaima is a “Hero with No Character,” and the text a seemingly vacated, emptied space of portraiture. In Macunaima, our hero with no character undergoes a similar “figurative change of race”—albeit in the opposite direction than North’s examples—from “preto retinto” [deep black] to “branco louro” [white blond] (de Andrade 1993, 9, 30). What, then, is the difference between Mario’s wearing of the mask of race and Gertrude Stein’s? In order to understand the implications of Macunaima’s change of race, we E s t h e r G a b a r a ● 37 CR4-2 02 12/03/04 12:02 PM Page 37
Robustness analysis of feedforward neural networks composed of threshold neurons

Based on a stochastic model for inputs and weights, and in view of the disturbance of correlative and large input and weight errors, a general algorithm to obtain the output error feature of multilayered feedforward neural networks composed of threshold neurons is proposed by adopting a statistical approach. The result of computer simulation indicates the correctness and excellent precision of the algorithm.
Transformation of rain attenuation statistics from fixed to mobile satellite communication systems

We have proposed and discussed a method to transform rain attenuation probability distributions from fixed to mobile satellite communication systems. For a given outage probability, the power margin needed in the mobile system may be larger or smaller than that in the fixed system, depending on the speed of the vehicle relative to that of the rain storm. Simulations performed using experimental information on vehicle and rain storm speeds show that the probability distribution of the mobile system can be obtained from that of the fixed system, by multiplication of a factor which approximately varies between 0.5 and 2.0, independent of attenuation. The first is a realistic value obtained by averaging over all the possible directions of arrival of vehicles. >
Adaptive control of link adaptation for high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) in W-CDMA

In HSDPA, a set of modulation and coding schemes (MCS) are applied in downlink data transmission. These MCS schemes are adaptively selected in response to channel propagation conditions. During the selection process, adaptive threshold values at the switching points are needed so that the maximum channel capacity is utilized in terms of bits/s/Hz. It has been suggested (see NEC and Telecom Modus, 3GPP TSG RAN WG1, Technical Document R1-01-0589, 2001) to use SIR as well as ACK/NACK information of the HARQ scheme to control threshold values that decide modulation and coding schemes. We further develop this algorithm to provide more stable, and hence higher, throughput results. In cooperation with ACK/NACK information of the HARQ scheme, the threshold values are only updated when the downlink SIR falls close (i.e. /spl plusmn//spl alpha/ dB) to one of the current threshold values of the received MCS level, otherwise the threshold value remains at its current level. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm provides a significant increase of throughput performance in different radio propagation conditions.
Birinci Kademe Okuma-Yazma Kurslarına Katılan Yetişkinlerin Matematik Becerileri Üzerine bir Araştırma

There are mainly two aims in this research. The first aim was to define mathematical skills of adults, who have participated into first stage of literacy programs. The second aim was to find out the relationships between their socio-demographic characteristics and defined mathematical skills. This is a descriptive research employing a mixture of research designs. The research was conducted in four cities (namely, Şanliurfa, Ankara, Istanbul and Diyarbakir). Results show that more than 90% of those learners are not able to perform the four basic mathematical operations. Generally speaking, the younger learners are the better in mathematical skills. Also those who work and have an income have higher mathematical skills. Moreover the participants who have attended primary school are better at mathematics. Another distinguishing feature of successful adults is that they have more ties with urban life. It may also be stated that having literate adults around and using written communication more have impacts on their improving literacy and mathematical skills.
An Exploratory Study of Effective Online Learning: Assessing Satisfaction Levels of Graduate Students of Mathematics Education Associated with Human and Design Factors of an Online Course.

This exploratory research project investigated graduate students’ satisfaction levels with online learning associated with human (professor/instructor and instructional associate) and design factors (course structure and technical aspects) using a survey study. A total of 81 graduate students (master’s students who majored in math and science education) enrolled in an online math methods course (Conceptual Geometry) participated in this study. According to the results of this study, student satisfaction level is closely associated with clear guidelines on assignment, rubrics, and constructive feedback. In addition, student satisfaction level is related to professor’s (or course instructor’s) knowledge of materials.
Eye Fundus Image Analysis for Automatic Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy

Tomi Kauppi Eye Fundus Image Analysis for Automatic Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy Lappeenranta, 2010 171 p. Acta Universitatis Lappeenrantaensis 414 Diss. Lappeenranta University of Technology ISBN 978-952-265-016-0, ISBN 978-952-265-017-7 (PDF), ISSN 1456-4491 Diabetes is a rapidly increasing worldwide problem which is characterised by defective metabolism of glucose that causes long-term dysfunction and failure of various organs. The most common complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is one of the primary causes of blindness and visual impairment in adults. The rapid increase of diabetes pushes the limits of the current DR screening capabilities for which the digital imaging of the eye fundus (retinal imaging), and automatic or semi-automatic image analysis algorithms provide a potential solution. In this work, the use of colour in the detection of diabetic retinopathy is statistically studied using a supervised algorithm based on one-class classification and Gaussian mixture model estimation. The presented algorithm distinguishes a certain diabetic lesion type from all other possible objects in eye fundus images by only estimating the probability density function of that certain lesion type. For the training and ground truth estimation, the algorithm combines manual annotations of several experts for which the best practices were experimentally selected. By assessing the algorithm’s performance while conducting experiments with the colour space selection, both illuminance and colour correction, and background class information, the use of colour in the detection of diabetic retinopathy was quantitatively evaluated. Another contribution of this work is the benchmarking framework for eye fundus image analysis algorithms needed for the development of the automatic DR detection algorithms. The benchmarking framework provides guidelines on how to construct a benchmarking database that comprises true patient images, ground truth, and an evaluation protocol. The evaluation is based on the standard receiver operating characteristics analysis and it follows the medical practice in the decision making providing protocols for imageand pixel-based evaluations. During the work, two public medical image databases with ground truth were published: DIARETDB0 and DIARETDB1. The framework, DR databases and the final algorithm, are made public in the web to set the baseline results for automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy. Although deviating from the general context of the thesis, a simple and effective optic disc localisation method is presented. The optic disc localisation is discussed, since normal eye fundus structures are fundamental in the characterisation of DR.
The effects of two- or three-dimensional graphics on the problem-solving performance of experienced and novice decision makers

Abstract An experiment was performed to investigate the relationship between two-dimensional (2-D) or three-dimensional (3-D) graphs displayed on paper or computer and the problem-solving performance of experienced and novice managers. The effects of these variables on solution times, confidence in answers and effectiveness of solutions for a production management case were examined. It was predicted that experienced managers would engage in forward chaining as a problem-solving strategy, while novices would use backward chaining as a problem-solving technique (Larkin et al. 1980). Results indicated that solution times were faster for computer than for paper presentations of data, but no significant relationship between response times and dimensionality of graphs was found. Novice subjects produced more accurate answers using 2-D paper presentations of graphs, while experienced managers produced more accurate answers when provided with 3-D graphs on computer. Further, experienced and novice managers were .
Experimental Design: From User Studies to Psychophysics

As computers proliferate and as the field of computer graphics matures, it has become increasingly important for computer scientists to understand how users perceive and interpret computer graphics. Experimental Design: From User Studies to Psychophysics is an accessible introduction to psychological experiments and experimental design, covering the major components in the design, execution, and analysis of perceptual studies. The book begins with an introduction to the concepts central to designing and understanding experiments, including developing a research question, setting conditions and controls, and balancing specificity with generality. The book then explores in detail a number of types of experimental tasks: free description, rating scales, forced-choice, specialized multiple choice, and real-world tasks as well as physiological studies. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type and provides examples of that type of experiment from the authors own work. The book also covers stimulus-related issues, including popular stimulus resources. It concludes with a thorough examination of statistical techniques for analyzing results, including methods specific to individual tasks.
Adaptive linearization of power amplifier in orthogonal multicarrier schemes

This paper describes an adaptive predistortion system to linearize a memoryless high power amplifier (HPA). The described technique is independent of the modulation format. In the present paper the behaviour of such a predistorter in the presence of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation schemes is analysed. The predistortion scheme uses a digital signal processing microprocessor and memory look-up tables to predistort the baseband drive signal. Simulation results are given where stability of the adaptation algorithm, rate of convergence and effect of quantization are assessed.
Vision and audition in motion

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers. Link to publication
The value, place and method of teaching natural science in the foundation phase

The study aims at establishing whether Foundation Phase schooling provides a proper foundation for the promotion of scientific literacy. Natural Science in the Foundation Phase is understood as scientific knowledge, process skills, and values and attitudes, which together should foster scientific literacy. Influential perspectives on learning, and teaching methods appropriate to Natural Science education in the Foundation Phase, are reviewed, and the Natural Science Learning Area in the RNCS discussed in the context of global trends in curriculum development. Finally the findings of an empirical survey on the perceptions of Foundation Phase teachers with regard to Natural Science teaching and learning, are presented. Major findings include the following: (1) Scientific literacy is currently not a curriculum priority in the Foundation Phase, due mainly to meagre time allocation and lack of applicable Learning Outcomes. (2) Although teachers appear predominantly positive towards the Learning Area, significant shortcomings need to be addressed before Natural Science teaching in the Foundation Phase may claim to provide the required basis for promoting scientific literacy.
Signals, Systems, and Transforms

For sophomore/junior-level signals and systems courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. This text provides a clear, comprehensive presentation of both the theory and applications in signals, systems, and transforms. It presents the mathematical background of signals and systems, including the Fourier transform, the Fourier series, the Laplace transform, the discrete-time and the discrete Fourier transforms, and the z-transform. The text integrates MATLAB examples into the presentation of signal and system theory and applications.
Assottigliamento corticale del femore e fratture da fragilità ossea: uno studio della Collezione Scheletrica Identificata di Coimbra (Portogallo)

Coimbra. corticale diafisi, misurato attraverso analisi radiogrammetriche ed è stata registrata la presenza di fratture da fragilità. la perdita di tessuto osseo corticale è risultata maggiore nelle donne piuttosto che negli uomini. Il sottocampione femminile ha inoltre rivelato un indice corticale significativamente maggiore nei soggetti con età superiore ai 60 anni. la prevalenza di fratture aumenta significativamente con l’età e lievemente con la riduzione dell’ICFem. la frequenza di tali fratture risulta più ampia nelle categorie di età avanzata ed è leggermente più elevata nel campione maschile rispetto a quello femminile. Age-related bone loss and the osteoporotic fractures were studied in an identified skeletal sample from the Anthropological museum in the university of Coimbra. radiogrammetry was used to measure cortical index (FemCI) at the femur mid-shaft and fragility fractures were recorded. Cortical bone loss was found to be greater in women than in men. In the female sub-sample, cortical index was significantly higher above 60 years of age. Fracture prevalence was seento increase significantly with age and slightly with decreasing FemCI. the frequency of the fragility fractures rose in the older age categories and it was slightly higher in the male sample as compared to the female group.
Broadcasting data in the FM band by means of adaptive contiguous band insertion and precancelling techniques

Simultaneous broadcasting of digital data and existing analog FM is investigated. A suboptimum method of linearly combining the analog FM signal with a low level multitone signal is proposed and evaluated. The analog FM signal is to be recovered with a standard FM receiver. The digital multitone signal is added symmetrically at the band edges of the 200 kHz FM signal in contiguous bands with variable width. To maximize the data rate, the digital bandwidth is maximized subject to a maximum allowed distortion of the analog FM signal. The impact of the analog FM signal on digital reception is cancelled by means of transmitter precancelling techniques. Conditions for precancelling techniques for multipath channels are formulated. The main advantage of the contiguous band insertion (CBI) method is that the rate of the control channel is considerably lower compared to previous near optimum methods of carrier insertion without significant reduction in data rate. We present a number of numerical results for acoustical signals.
Increasing Faculty Use of Instructional Technology: Barriers and Incentives

Abstract Although much discussion in the media suggests that instructional technologies are being widely used in education, little empirical evidence exists to support this notion. Many factors inhibit the acceptance of any instructional innovation into the academic community, particularly in higher education. This study examined the factors influencing use of technology by faculty members at an American university. The findings of this investigation suggest that the most important factor influencing the university faculty's use of technology is their need to be certain that the technology will contribute to improved student learning. Availability of equipment is another highly important factor that influences utilization. Funds to purchase materials, advantages over traditional delivery methods, contribution to improved student interest, time to learn the technology and university support are other factors that affect use of instructional technology by this population.
Self-Tuning Database Systems: A Decade of Progress

In this paper we discuss advances in self-tuning database systems over the past decade, based on our experience in the AutoAdmin project at Microsoft Research. This paper primarily focuses on the problem of automated physical database design. We also highlight other areas where research on self-tuning database technology has made significant progress. We conclude with our thoughts on opportunities and open issues.
Gigahertz-band high-gain low-noise AGC amplifiers in fine-line NMOS

The design and test results of a single-chip NMOS automatic gain control (AGC) amplifier are described. The amplifier has a maximum flat gain of 50 dB, dynamic range of 70 dB, and a noise figure of 11 dB. The flat response from near DC to a 3-dB bandwidth of 1 GHz does not require tuning of any peaking circuits. The chip is also capable of operating at 3 GHz with unity gain delivering -8 dBm into a 50-/spl Omega/ load. The global feedback scheme designed for this chip stabilizes it against large shifts in threshold voltage and ambient temperature variation of 170/spl deg/C. This feedback scheme can provide stable DC feedback for a forward amplifier gain of at least 60 dB. Application of this application in the design of low-noise high-speed fibre-optic systems is envisaged.
Practical Ideas on Alternative Assessment for ESL Students. ERIC Digest.

Many educators have come to recognize that alternative assessments are an important means of gaining a dynamic picture of students' academic and linguistic development. "Alternative assessment refers to procedures and techniques which can be used within the context of instruction and can be easily incorporated into the daily activities of the school or classroom" (Hamayan, 1995, p. 213). It is particularly useful with English as a Second Language students because it employs strategies that ask students to show what they can do. In contrast to traditional testing, "students are evaluated on what they integrate and produce rather than on what they are able to recall and reproduce" (HuertaMacias, 1995, p. 9). Although there is no single definition of alternative assessment, the main goal is to "gather evidence about how students are approaching, processing, and completing real-life tasks in a particular domain" (Huerta-Macias, 1995, p. 9). Alternative assessments generally meet the following criteria:
Identification of statistical properties of diversity and conversion factors from load research data

The essential point in designing and planning power distribution systems is the estimation of the load, because it is considered more important than the other distribution components which dictate the type of power distribution system required. The estimation of loads determines the size and location, or site, of a substation and the capacity of the associated equipment and transmission lines. Load research data provide an important input to load estimation. The estimation of future load requires an understanding of the characteristics of the various load components. Load research can provide useful information for planning and designing utility distribution systems. The most popular coefficient factors used by engineers to estimate the load on the distribution power system are the diversity factor (D/sub j/) and kWhr-to-peak-kW or conversion factor (C/sub f/).