Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upscaling with the dynamic two-layer classification concept (D2C): TreeMig-2L, an efficient implementation of the forest-landscape model TreeMig

Abstract. Models used to investigate impacts of climatic changes on spatio-temporal vegetation dynamics need to balance required accuracy with computational feasibility. To enhance the computational efficiency of these models, upscaling methods are required that maintain key fine-scale processes influencing vegetation dynamics. In this paper, an adjustable method – the dynamic two-layer classification concept (D2C) – for the upscaling of time- and space-discrete models is presented. D2C aims to separate potentially repetitive calculations from those specific to single grid cells. The underlying idea is to extract processes that do not require information about a grid cell's neighbourhood to a reduced-size non-spatial layer, which is dynamically coupled to the original two-dimensional layer. The size of the non-spatial layer is thereby adaptive and depends on dynamic classifications according to pre-specified similarity criteria. I present how D2C can be used in a model implementation on the example of TreeMig-2L, a new, efficient version of the intermediate-complexity forest-landscape model TreeMig. To discuss the trade-off between computational expenses and accuracy, as well as the applicability of D2C, I compare different model stages of TreeMig-2L via simulations of two different application scenarios. This comparison of different model stages demonstrates that applying D2C can strongly reduce computational expenses of processes calculated on the new non-spatial layer. D2C is thus a valuable upscaling method for models and applications in which processes requiring information about the neighbourhood constitute the minor share of the overall computational expenses.
Digital Books on the Point of Take-off?

In this article we consider the present state of the ebook’s diffusion. On the empirical basis of a national survey among Danes in 2013, we consider the volume, usage patterns, and demographics of ebook reading compared to paper book reading. Informed by diffusion theory and mediatization theory, the article concludes that the reading of ebooks is about to reach a “critical mass;” this development has not least been stimulated by factors outside the traditional
Improving Memory And I/O Systems Through Foresight

Recent DRAM specifications exhibit increasing refresh latencies. A refresh command blocks a full rank, decreasing available parallelism in the memory subsystem significantly, thus decreasing performance. Fine Granularity Refresh (FGR) is a feature recently announced as part of JEDEC’s DDR4 DRAM specification that attempts to tackle this problem by creating a range of refresh options that provide a trade-off between refresh latency and frequency. In this chapter, we first conduct an analysis of DDR4 DRAM’s FGR feature, and show that there is no one-size-fits-all option across a variety of applications. We then present Adaptive Refresh (AR), a simple yet effective mechanism that dynamically chooses the best FGR mode for each application and phase within the application. When looking at the refresh problem more closely, we identify in highdensity DRAM systems a phenomenon that we call command queue seizure, whereby the memory controller’s command queue seizes up temporarily because it is full with commands to a rank that is being refreshed. To attack this problem, we propose two complementary mechanisms called Delayed Command Expansion (DCE) and Preemptive Command Drain (PCD). Our results show that AR does exploit DDR4’s FGR effectively. However, once our proposed DCE and PCD mechanisms are added, DDR4’s FGR becomes
WISM'07 : 4th international workshop on web information systems modeling

Interfaces of web information systems are highly heterogeneous, both in their schemas and their presentation layers. Web interface wrappers need to understand these interfaces in order to enable interoperation among web information systems. But in a particular application domain hetergeneity is limited: Web interfaces of a domain share a common vocabulary and use a limited set of layout variants. We propose web interface patterns which are characterized by these two aspects. These patterns can be derived from a domain model which is structured into an ontological model and a layout model. A clustering approach allows to automatically generate patterns from a sample set of web interfaces.
Collaborative learning technologies

Contributing student pedagogy (CSP) encourages students to contribute to the learningof their peers and to value the contributions of their peers (Hamer, et al., 2008). Thisworkshop will explore the challenges and benefits of using CSPs, introducing twoexisting systems that support its use: in peer-assessment and in student-generatedMCQs.
Toward multi-dimensional and developmental notion of researcher positionality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue for a multi-dimensional and developmental notion of researcher positionality in conducting qualitative research, in lieu of the dichotomous notion of outsider and insider. The former emphasizes the agentive role researchers play in knowledge production, whereas the latter has been much challenged as oversimplified and insufficient in understanding the dynamic interactions in which field researchers engage. Design/methodology/approach The paper borrows Milner’s (2007) four-level framework of research personality to reflect on one cross-cultural narrative inquiry study. Findings Reflective stories revealed that researcher positionality captures threads of intersectionality as well as inter- and intra-personal dynamics, and thus better informs the research process than what concept of insider/outsider dichotomy can do. Research limitations/implications The paper enriches the discussion of research positionality in qualitative research by involving a cross-cultural study where the researcher moved to-and-fro two sites. Practical implications The paper suggests a methodological and practical way of raising researcher’s awareness and agency relative to positionality by exposing the researcher to cross-cultural settings. Originality/value While the multi-dimensional aspect of researcher positionality and its relatedness to research findings has been much discussed, not much acknowledgment has been given to the developmental aspect of research positionality.
Factor structure, reliability and validity of Religious Attitude Scale

The aim of this study was to determine reliability, factor structure and validity of Religious Attitude Scale (RAS) and to refine it in order to assess patientâ��s religious attitude. Methods and Materials: Eighty outpatients were randomly selected from Noor and Navabsafavi Psychiatric Centers in Isfahan. Eighty non-patients, matched with the given sample in regard to sex, age and education, were also selected. The two groups were assessed by RAS, Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The results were analyzed by SPSS software and factor analysis and reliability analysis were used. Results: Factor analysis resulted in four dimensions. Inter correlation and Cronbach's alpha was calculated. According to data analysis unrelated questions were omitted. Finally, a 25-item version was provided and reassessed. Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown were 0.954 and 0.948 respectively. Construct validity was established through correlation between RASâ��R and GHQ-28 scores among mood and obsessive compulsive outpatients and addition between factors and items. Conclusion: With regard to physical and psychological condition of the patients, the 25-item version of RAS is preferred to 40-item version in clinical settings. Psychometric properties of RAS-R were improved and suggested as a valid instrument to assess religious attitude of both clinical and general population.
Developing teachers as researchers: a case study in collaborative learning

This paper considers the findings of a case study exploring the development of non-researching Education lecturers on a staff development programme designed to help them prepare their first academic papers for peer review. The Research and Collaborative Enterprise for Staff (RaCES) programme used a facilitated approach to develop a community of practice centred on collaborative learning, creativity, and enterprise to guide participants to their first research paper in a ‘safe’ learning environment. The approach and the effects on the lecturers were investigated using narrative analysis underpinned by phenomenography and follows their learning journey as they prepare their research for peer review. The investigation used an open learning cycle based on an adaptation of Scharmer’s Theory U (2009) to create data collection stages which helped identify critical aspects in the development of participants. The findings showed the creativity and collaborative learning approaches were instrumental in overcoming ‘inhibitors’ which caused an initial reluctance to begin researching due to a lack of confidence, confusion over-work prioritisation, limited self-esteem concerning research, and uncertainty of outcome. As all the participants were able to create peer reviewed research and the study found facilitators for research included a specific ‘instigation event,’ where they began to see their research as an impersonal object to be objectively considered, and peer support improved their self-esteem and motivated them to finish writing up their research.
A 2.7 V to 4.5 V single-chip GSM transceiver RF integrated circuit

This paper describes a 2.7 to 4.5 V single chip GSM transceiver IC. The addition of a power amplifier, LNA and filters are all that is required to implement a GSM terminal's radio section. This chip includes two fixed-frequency synthesizers (for transmit and receive IF frequencies), a programmable frequency agile UHF synthesizer (for channel selection in both receive and transmit modes), RF mixer, single IF down conversion with quadrature demodulation and variable gain for the receive path, and a direct-up modulator with offset oscillator to avoid spurious signals and oscillator pulling. The circuit also contains control circuitry for separate receive, transmit, and UHF synthesizer modes to minimise power consumption. The IC is implemented in a l2 GHz bipolar technology with a 1.5 /spl mu/m minimum feature.
Sum-Rate of Multi-User MIMO Systems with Multi-Cell Pilot Contamination in Correlated Rayleigh Fading Channel

This paper presents some exact results on the sum-rate of multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems subject to multi-cell pilot contamination under correlated Rayleigh fading. With multi-cell multi-user channel estimator, we give the lower bound of the sum-rate. We derive the moment generating function (MGF) of the sum-rate and then obtain the closed-form approximations of the mean and variance of the sum-rate. Then, with Gaussian approximation, we study the outage performance of the sum-rate. Furthermore, considering the number of antennas at base station becomes infinite, we investigate the asymptotic performance of the sum-rate. Theoretical results show that compared to MU-MIMO system with perfect channel estimation and no pilot contamination, the variance of the sum-rate of the considered system decreases very quickly as the number of antennas increases.
Trait Resilience as a Mediator Between Maladaptive Perfectionism, Anxiety, Depression and Stress in College Students

Little research has been conducted into the relationship between perfectionism and resilience. The current study investigated the relationship between dimensions of perfectionism, resilience, and negative mental health outcomes. Resilience was also investigated as a potential mediator between maladaptive perfectionism and anxiety, depression and stress respectively. A convenient snowball sample of 75 Irish college students participated in the study. The sample consisted of 56 females and 19 males ranging in age from 18 to 24 years old (M = 20.33; SD = 1.23). The Almost Perfect Scale – Revised (APS-R), the Dispositional Resilience Scale – Short Form (DRS-SF), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (21 item) (DASS-21) were used to measure perfectionism, resilience and negative mental health outcomes respectively. Results indicate that a, strong, negative relationship exists between maladaptive perfectionism and resilience however, resilience did not mediate the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and any of the three mental health outcomes. Conflicting evidence exists in relation to resilience as a mediator between maladaptive perfectionism and college student mental health, however resilience appears to be an important component to consider in relation to the development and maintenance of this relationship. Resilience should be considered for future interventions pertaining to perfectionistic individuals.
Improving SigComp performance through extended operations

This paper demonstrates the efficiency gains achievable for the compression scheme SigComp using extended operations where information from previously sent and received messages is used. The calculations are performed for a call setup using SIP in a typical 3GPP scenario. It is estimated that the transmission time over the air interface can be reduced by approximately 2/3. Also, the performance in terms of compression efficiency can be doubled, compared to using message by message compression with SigComp.
Analysis of a Digital Bit Synchronizer

A simple digital bit synchronizer utilizing discrete phase control is discussed. The proposed system is intended for operation with NRZ coded binary signals. A finite state Markov chain model is used to evaluate the steady-state phase jitter performance of the bit synchronizer in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise. The theoretical results are confirmed by computer simulation. The same mathematical model is used to investigate the transient (acquisition) performance of the synchronizer. Finally, the performance of the synchronizer as a data detector is discussed and the error probability performance is compared with that of the optimum detector.
The effect of time delays on tele-haptics

Information technology has reached a limit in what can be done in training and doing remote tasks with only sight and sound. The next critical step is to add the sense of touch over network connections, otherwise known as tele-haptics. In this paper, an experimental demonstration involving a simple identification task has been developed, using a custom two degree-of-freedom haptic interface. The experiment shows quantitatively that haptics can be employed to greatly enhance user performance but the addition of simulated network time delay and sensor noise quickly degrades performance. It is demonstrated that time-delay compensation techniques can aid in situations where the time-delay and sensor noise make the equipment unusable. In addition, another experiment demonstrating tele-haptics using two MPB Freedom 6S haptic devices is discussed. Key issues in the implementation of such an experiment are presented and a description of the results is given.
UMA ANÁLISE DA NOVA GERAÇÃO DE SISTEMAS DE APOIO À DECISÃO

This article approaches which are the new tools for Decision Support Systems that they are giving great pulses in the business. We expose basic concepts of the Data Warehouse, of the OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing) and of the Data Mining, so that they serve, its advantages in the use as strategy of business, and the difficulties of implementation these new technologies. Área: 10.4 Sistemas de Apoio à Decisão
Theoretical Origins of Concept Maps, How to Construct Them, and Uses in Education

Concept maps, as we define them, are graphical tools for organizing and representing relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts. Concepts and propositions are usually organized hierarchically, from most general, most inclusive to most specific. It is best to construct concept maps with reference to some particular question we seek to answer, which we have called a focus question. The concept map may pertain to some situation or event that we are trying to understand through the organization of knowledge in the form of a concept map, thus providing the context for the concept map. In this paper we briefly present the origins and theoretical foundations of concept maps, explain how concept maps are constructed, and then show how the integration of concept maps with technology in software such as CmapTools facilitates the implementation of concept map-based learning environments that support our New Model for Education. Last, examples from three domains are used to describe how concept maps can be used to organize content based on the knowledge of domain experts, creating an environment that is easy to navigate for learners. ORIGIN OF CONCEPT MAPS Concept maps were developed in 1972 in the course of Novak’s research program at Cornell University where he sought to follow and understand changes in children’s knowledge of science (Novak & Musonda, 1991). During the course of this study the researchers interviewed many children, and they found it difficult to identify specific changes in the children’s understanding of science concepts by examination of interview transcripts. This program was based on the learning psychology of David Ausubel (1963; 1968; Ausubel et al., 1978). The fundamental idea in Ausubel’s cognitive psychology is that learning takes place by the assimilation of new concepts and propositions into existing concept and propositional frameworks held by the learner. This knowledge structure as held by a learner is also referred to as the individual’s cognitive structure. Out of the necessity to find a better way to represent children’s conceptual understanding emerged the idea of representing children’s knowledge in the form of a concept map. Thus was born a new tool not only for use in research, but also for many other uses. Figure 1 shows a concept map that illustrates the key features of concept map.
A digital processing lossy transmission line simulator

A digital signal processing method to simulate the behavior of a conventional two wire lossy transmission line is presented. The method is based on the digital simulation of a cascaded connection of RLC circuits using wave digital filter concepts modified to allow the bidirectional transmission of signals. The simulation methods were used to implement on a digital signal processor a fully programmable line simulator that accepts as input the line length and the elementary electrical line parameters. The system does the exact simulation of the input impedances at both line terminations and the bidirectional voltage transfer ratios. The experimental results presented indicate a very good performance for the two wire line simulator in a frequency band covering from DC to 12 kHz. <<ETX>>
Skills, education and fertility -and the confounding impact of family background

Skilled and educated women have on average fewer children and are more likely to remain childless than the less skilled and educated. Using rich Swedish register data, we show that these negative associations found in most previous studies largely disappear if we remove the impact of family background factors using twin (or sibling) fixed effects. For males, human capital measures are virtually unrelated to fertility, but this again masks the role of family background factors: more educated and skilled males tend to have more children than their less skilled peers once we use twin/sibling fixed effects to remove family background factors. Hence, for both men and women, human capital and fertility become more positively associated once the joint family components are removed, i.e. when studying the within-family associations. The one human capital measure which deviates from these patterns is non-cognitive ability, which has a very strong overall positive association with fertility, an association which instead is muted within families. We end by showing that these results can be reconciled in a stylized theoretical model where family-specific preferences for fertility shape the relative investments in different types of skills and traits when children are small as well as the choices, in terms of family formation and human capital investments, these children make when they enter into adulthood.
Topics in Multi-User Information Theory

This survey reviews fundamental concepts of multi-user information theory. Starting with typical sequences, the survey builds up knowledge on random coding, binning, superposition coding, and capacity converses by introducing progressively more sophisticated tools for a selection of source and channel models. The problems addressed include: Source Coding; Rate-Distortion and Multiple Descriptions; Capacity-Cost; The Slepian–Wolf Problem; The Wyner-Ziv Problem; The Gelfand-Pinsker Problem; The Broadcast Channel; The Multiaccess Channel; The Relay Channel; The Multiple Relay Channel; and The Multiaccess Channel with Generalized Feedback. The survey also includes a review of basic probability and information theory.
Assessment of Beer's law of logarithmic attenuation for remote sensing of shallow tropical waters

Remote sensing of coral reef environments may provide ecosystem managers with an effective monitoring tool, however, it is currently limited by some unexplained changes to the signal received by the sensor. Existing water column correction techniques attempt to account for signal modification by using Beer's law of logarithmic decay to account for attenuation of downwelling irradiance. Our objective for this study is to use downwelling irradiance values, collected in situ, to statistically evaluate Beer's law and suggest the appropriateness of applying a constant value of attenuation to satellite or airborne imagery. Findings suggest different bottom types and depths may modify attenuation coefficients differently. As a result, Beer's law of logarithmic decay is not appropriate for water column correction techniques for shallow water environments over bright surfaces.
Word order affects the time course of sentence formulation in Tzeltal

The scope of planning during sentence formulation is known to be flexible, as it can be influenced by speakers' communicative goals and language production pressures (among other factors). Two eye-tracked picture description experiments tested whether the time course of formulation is also modulated by grammatical structure and thus whether differences in linear word order across languages affect the breadth and order of conceptual and linguistic encoding operations. Native speakers of Tzeltal [a primarily verb–object–subject (VOS) language] and Dutch [a subject–verb–object (SVO) language] described pictures of transitive events. Analyses compared speakers' choice of sentence structure across events with more accessible and less accessible characters as well as the time course of formulation for sentences with different word orders. Character accessibility influenced subject selection in both languages in subject-initial and subject-final sentences, ruling against a radically incremental formulation process. In Tzeltal, subject-initial word orders were preferred over verb-initial orders when event characters had matching animacy features, suggesting a possible role for similarity-based interference in influencing word order choice. Time course analyses revealed a strong effect of sentence structure on formulation: In subject-initial sentences, in both Tzeltal and Dutch, event characters were largely fixated sequentially, while in verb-initial sentences in Tzeltal, relational information received priority over encoding of either character during the earliest stages of formulation. The results show a tight parallelism between grammatical structure and the order of encoding operations carried out during sentence formulation.