Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speaker Recognition System in Forensic Conditions: The Calibration and Evaluation of the Likelihood Ratio

This thesis contributes on evaluation and enhancement of a modern speaker recognition system such that it can be more usable in forensics. The speaker recognition system is a system developed at Radboud University Nijmegen (RUN) and based on the-state-of-the-art i-vector framework. Evaluation of the speaker recognition system was carried out thoroughly by taking into account aspects in both recognition and calibration performances. Duration and noise conditions are two forensic-motivated conditions investigated within the evaluation. A new approach in calibration is proposed in order to tackle the two aforementioned variabilities. The approach is called quality measure function (QMF) calibration. Here, quality measurements from speech, i.e., signal to noise ratio (SNR) and duration of active speech, are incorporated to the traditional linear calibration. The QMF calibration was then comprehensively evaluated. Results show that this proposed method results in improvement in recognition and calibration aspects. In addition, this thesis includes transfer techniques and approaches from speaker recognition field, where the concept of calibration is introduced to the face recognition community.
Quality of service for web services

The World Wide Web is evolving from being a pure information repository to a more functional and service oriented platform thanks to technologies such as Web Services. This technology offers a homogeneous representation of Web elements and the ways they are communicating that make it possible to deal with the inherent structural and behavioural heterogeneities of the Web. A Web service can be seen as an autonomous functional element that is loosely coupled to other Web services and can be discovered and deployed in Web-based applications. Autonomity and loose coupling make Web services a viable light weight complementary componentbased approach for design and development of dynamic distributed systems for more heavy weight solutions such as OMG’s CORBA and Microsoft’ s DCOM. In this paper, we take the position that if Web Services are going to be considered as reusable commercial of-the-shelf (COTS) components, their Quality of Service (QoS) needs to be expressed explicitly and measured independently. More specifically, we present and discuss possible quality aspects that need to be represented and quantified for Web Services.
Base de Datos I

Una base de datos o banco de datos, también conocido como DB? (Data Base = Base de datos en inglés) o también como BBDD o BD, es un conjunto de datos pertenecientes a un mismo contexto y almacenados sistemáticamente para su posterior uso. En este sentido, una biblioteca puede considerarse una base de datos compuesta en su mayoría por documentos y textos impresos en papel e indexados para su consulta. En la actualidad, y debido al desarrollo tecnológico de campos como la informática y la electrónica, la mayoría de las bases de datos están en formato digital (electrónico), que ofrece un amplio rango de soluciones al problema de almacenar datos.
A preliminary scale for assessing translators’ self-efficacy

Although applied self-efficacy research currently offers some promising avenues of study for Translatology (Jimenez Ivars and Pinazo Calatayud 2001; Atkinson 2012; Bolanos-Medina 2014), no specific translation self-efficacy scale (TSE) with adequate psychometric properties has been devised until now. The purpose of this study is, on the one hand, to develop a scale for assessing translators’ self-efficacy following the recommended standard guidelines (Bandura 2006) and a rigorous statistical testing process which will allow us to determine its factor structure and psychometric properties in undergraduate students (n = 74). On the other hand, by doing so, we will also illustrate the process of developing psychometric instruments specifically designed for cognitive, empirical-experimental research in Translatology, in order to promote more efforts in this direction within our discipline. A conceptual analysis of the relevant domain of functioning was performed and a preliminary pool of 52 items was initiall.
Does Irrelevant Information Influence Judgment

When people judge how tall a person is it is rational to assume that they ignore all irrelevant information about the color of his/her hair and eyes, the fact that he/she wears glasses, or the profession of that person, and focus on the relevant dimension “height” only. This dissertation is based on a model of judgment, JUDGEMAP-1, that proposes certain mechanisms that underlie judgment. This model assumes that in order for judgment to happen people activate a number of exemplars from the same category in Working Memory and this active set is called the comparison set. The target stimulus is included in this comparison set and altogether they are mapped on the scale using the same mechanisms that underlie analogical mapping. Thus, key for the rating, which the target stimulus will obtain, is what the other members of the comparison set are (if smaller exemplars happened to be involved in the comparison, the target will most probably receive a higher rating as it will stand out in the comparison set). The basic mechanism responsible for retrieving exemplars in WM in JUDGEMAP-1 is spreading activation and thus any kind of shared features will make the retrieval of a particular exemplar more probable. This means that the color of the hair and eyes, the profession of the person may actually play a role, since the comparison set will consist of people with similar characteristics. This theoretical prediction was backed up by a particular simulation experiment with JUDGEMAP-1 and thus formed the main prediction to be tested within this dissertation. A series of experiments has been performed that test this prediction under various circumstances. Even though the first experiment confirmed the prediction, , the size of the effect was very small (although significant), so there were serious doubts whether this result can be replicated. Thus, the series of experiments replicates the initial experiment varying some parameters in the hope to enlarge the size of the effect. The experiments varied the dimensionality of the stimuli, the presentation manner and presentation time of the stimuli, and the type of stimuli – from simple lines to rabbits to abstract numbers. Even though we could not increase the size of the effect, the effect was replicated quite robustly in almost all experiments.
Development, Implementation, and Outcomes of an Equitable Computer Science After-School Program: Findings From Middle-School Students

Abstract Current policy efforts that seek to improve learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) emphasize the importance of helping all students acquire concepts and tools from computer science that help them analyze and develop solutions to everyday problems. These goals have been generally described in the literature under the term computational thinking. In this article, we report on the design, implementation, and outcomes of an after-school program on computational thinking. The program was founded through a partnership between university faculty, undergraduates, teachers, and students. Specifically, we examine how equitable pedagogical practices can be applied in the design of computing programs and the ways in which participation in such programs influence middle school students' learning of computer science concepts, computational practices, and attitudes toward computing. Participants included 52 middle school students who voluntarily attended the 9-week after-school program, as well as four undergraduates and one teacher who designed and implemented the program. Data were collected from after-school program observations, undergraduate reflections, computer science content assessments, programming products, and attitude surveys. The results indicate that the program positively influenced student learning of computer science concepts and attitudes toward computing. Findings have implications for the design of effective learning experiences that broaden participation in computing. (Keywords: computational thinking, programming, middle school, mixed methods)
Rapid eye movement

Two sets of double doors stand guard on the far end of a dormant hallway. Comprised largely of glass, the darkness beyond these doors makes them look opaque. A man enters. Youngish in appearance. He wears a blue collared shirt that’s untucked. Sleeves rolled up a third of the way. Black tie fastened, but not secured. Black pants, socks, and shoes. Backpack flung over one shoulder. He can hear the hum of electricity, but nothing else. Fluorescent lights reign down on beige exteriors. He walks quietly down the industrial tiled floor, past photographs suspended in clear plastic frames. He turns, stage left, down a narrow corridor.
Increasing Selection Accuracy and Speed through Progressive Refinement

Although many selection techniques have been proposed and developed over the years, selection by pointing is perhaps the most popular approach for selection. In 3D interfaces, the laser-pointer metaphor is commonly used, since users only have to point to their target from a distance. However, the task of selecting objects that have a small visible area or that are in highly cluttered environments is hard when using pointing techniques. With both indirect and direct pointing techniques in 3D interfaces, smaller targets require higher levels of pointing precision from the user. In addition, issues such as target occlusion as well as hand and tracker jitter negatively affect user performance. Therefore, requiring the user to perform selection in a single precise step may result in users spending more time to select targets so that they can be more accurate (effect known as the speed-accuracy trade-off). We describe an approach to address this issue, called Progressive Refinement. Instead of performing a single precise selection, users gradually reduce the set of selectable objects to reduce the required precision of the task. This approach, however, has an inherent trade-off when compared to immediate selection techniques. Progressive refinement requires a gradual process of selection, often using multiple steps, although each step can be fast, accurate, and nearly effortless. Immediate techniques, on the other hand, involve a single-step selection that requires effort and may be slower and more error-prone. Therefore, the goal of this work was to explore this trade-off. The research includes the design and evaluation of progressive refinement techniques for 3D interfaces, using both pointingand gesture-based interfaces for single-object selection and volume selection. Our technique designs and other existing selection techniques that can be classified as progressive refinement were used to create a design space. We designed eight progressive refinement techniques and compared them to the most commonly used techniques (for a baseline comparison) and to other state-ofthe-art selection techniques in a total of four empirical studies. Based on the results of the studies, we developed a set of design guidelines that will help other researchers design and use progressive refinement techniques.
An Explicit and Integrated NOS Flow Map in Instruction of Nature of Science based on the History of Science.

The aims of this research are, (ⅰ) to consider Kuhn’s concept of how scientific revolution takes place based on individual elements or tenets of Nature of Science (NOS), and (ⅱ) to explore the inter-relationships within the individual elements or tenets of nature of science (NOS), based on the dimensions of scientific knowledge in science learning, this study suggests that instruction according to our Explicit Integrated NOS Map should include the tenets of NOS. The aspects of NOS that have been emphasized in recent science education reform documents disagree with the received views of common science. Additionally, it is valuable to introduce students at the primary level to some of the ideas developed by Kuhn. Key aspects of NOS are, in fact, good applications to the history of science through Kuhn’s philosophy. And it shows that these perspectives of the history of science are well applied to Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Therefore, an Explicit Integrated NOS Flow Map could be a promising means of understanding the NOS tenets and an explicit and reflective tool for science teachers to enhance scientific teaching and learning.
Enhancing Student Engagement and Active Learning through Just-in-Time Teaching and the use of PowerPoint

This instructional article is about an innovative teaching approach for enhancing student engagement and active learning in higher education through a combination of just-in-time teaching and the use of PowerPoint technology. The central component of this approach was students’ pre-lecture preparation of a short PowerPoint presentation in which they answered a few general conceptual questions about the coming lecture topic. The power of PowerPoint, it is argued, is about structuring student thought and student engagement before and during lectures, as well as giving students more power to be involved to shape content and interactivity of university lectures. The article concludes with some valuable lessons and pointers for course instructors across disciplines about the pedagogy and use of PowerPoint as an instructional method for enhancing student engagement and active learning.
A New Multi-objective Optimization Algorithm: MOAFSA and its Application

This paper proposes a multi-objective artificial fish swarm algorithm (MOAFSA), which imitates the behaviors of fish for local search, uses the quick sort method to get non-dominated solution set, and cuts the external set according to the crowding distance. This paper firstly uses MOAFSA for multi-objective functions test. Results show that MOAFSA has a faster convergence speed and the corresponding Pareto set is more evenly distributed; then MOAFSA is applied in the scheduling optimization of hydropower station reservoir.
Comparison of isothermal wafer-level EM and package-level EM for via test structure in dual damascene low k/Copper process

In this study, an isothermal wafer-level electromigration (EM) test method has been applied in via test-structure. The dual damascene low k/Copper process was evaluated by such a highly accelerated test way. A test structure with 0.28um via landed on metal line-end was used and stressed with downstream electronic direction. By using five kinds of liner processes, the results of wafer-level reliability (WLR) and packager-level reliability (PLR) are compared. The lifetime and shape factor projection from package-level to wafer-level is significant under these processes. The current exponent and activation energy of both methods were also investigated. The activation energy will be optimistic while WLR test temperature is below 400/spl deg/C. While the test condition is below 400/spl deg/C, the activation energy value of WLR will be more close to PLR. Finally, the failure mode of WLR and PLR will also be compared and discussed.
A Minimum Bandwidth Guaranteed Service Model and Its Implementation on Wireless Packet Scheduler

SUMMARY In this paper, we introduce a concept of minimum bandwidth guaranteed service model for mobile multimedia. In this service model, service is defined in the context of the guaranteed minimum bandwidth and the residual service share. Each flow under this service model is guaranteed with its minimum bandwidth and provided with more in proportion to the residual service share if there is leftover bandwidth. The guaranteed minimum bandwidth assures a flow to keep minimum tolerable quality regardless of the network load, while the leftover bandwidth enhances the quality of service according to the application’s adaptivity and the user’s interest. We show that the minimum bandwidth guaranteed service model could be implemented by a two-folded wireless packet scheduler consisting of a guaranteed scheduler and a sharing scheduler. Wireless channel condition of each flow is considered in scheduling so that wireless resource can be distributed only to the flows of good channel state, improving total wireless link utilization. We evaluate the service model and the scheduling method by simulation and im
Identification of Essential English Productive Skills for English-medium Instruction Courses: A Syllabus Analysis

While the number of English-medium instruction (EMI) courses has increased in many EFL universities, relatively little attention has been paid to students who encounter language difficulties in EMI courses. In order to develop language support programs for Korean under양aduate students in foreign pr,아essors' EMI courses, this study collected and analyzed the syllabi of target courses to identify what English language skills are neces앓. for these courses. Findings suggest that priority should be given to teaching research-oriented English skills such as academic writing skills, with particul따 emphasis on how to use primaη and secondary sources. Furthermore, students need to acquire speaking skills based on an understanding of readings or lectures so as to participate in discussions and to make presentations. Given the greater number of 01ψortunities to interact with foreign professors, it is necessary as well to teach the appropriate mode of speaking to them. This study also discusses the potential ofsy”abus analysis as a method to complement needs analysis and to develop language SUJψort programs for specific contexts.
The Impact of Top Management Support, Training, and Perceived Usefulness on Technology Acceptance

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of top management support, training , and perceived usefulness on the acceptance of technology in Yemeni organizations. The questionnaire used to collect the data. The questionnaire was prepared on the basis of review of literature. 250 completed questionnaires were received from the telecommunication companies in Yemen. Data were obtained through 4 companies. The responses were collected on seven point liker type scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. This study analyzed the data two times first with Pearson correlation (SPSS), second by using structural equation modeling techniques (AMOS Graphics), then compare the findings. Based on correlation techniques this study found that there are significant relationship between top management support, training, and perceived usefulness with acceptance of the technology. In other hands, based on SEM techniques this study found that there is significant relationship between perceived usefulness and acceptance of the technology. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n6s4p11
The Multimedia Satellite Task at MediaEval 2018

This paper provides a description of the MediaEval 2018 Multimedia Satellite Task. The primary goal of the task is to extract and fuse content associated with events represent in Satellite Imagery and Social Media. Establishing a link from Satellite Imagery to Social Multimedia can yield to a comprehensive event representation which is vital for numerous applications. Focusing on natural disaster events, the main objective of the task is to leverage the combined event representation within the context of emergency response and environmental monitoring. In particular, our task focuses on flooding events and consists of two subtasks. The first Image Classification from Social Media subtask requires participants to retrieve images from Social Media that show a direct evidence for road passability during flooding events. The second task Flood Detection from Satellite Images aims to extract potentially flooded road sections from satellite images. The task seeks to go beyond state-of-the-art flooding map generation by focusing on information about road passability and the accessibility of urban infrastructure. Such information shows a clear potential to complement information from social images with satellite imagery for emergency management. Copyright held by the owner/author(s).
Wireless charging system using spectral energy harvesting technique

This paper presented the energy harvester circuit to enable wireless charging method. The wireless RF spectrum is abundant and potent in the public locations, which can be used for energy harvesting purpose. This is supported by the fact that RF signals are ubiquitous and do not require propagation media of any sort. The system is developed using optimal antenna, matching circuit and charge pump circuit. The 2x2 array type patch antenna operated at 924 MHz is designed and simulated using High Frequency Simulator. The antenna works as a transducer to capture and measure the RF signals from freely available energy source. The field study was conducted at three different highly populated locations such as place of education, place of residence, and place of transport using Software Defined Radio (SDR). The respective acquired RF energy values are -10.45 dBFS (morning), -10.45 dBFS (noon), and -13.33 dBFS (night) at the place of transport for the demonstration purpose. The antenna parameters study also conducted and proved that the antenna gain is good which is greater than 6.6 dB and also return loss greater than -43dB. In addition, charge pump circuit is designed and shown to be capable of boosting the voltage more than 2.5 V easily at the different frequencies for wireless charging purpose.
Saturated Throughput Analysis of Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Mechanism for Supporting Multimedia Services

Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) mechanism is used in WLAN to support QoS for various multimedia service flows. IEEE 802.11e EDCA introduces some new QoS parameters based on DCF. How to adjust these parameters is a significant problem. In the paper, we present a novel saturated throughput analysis of the IEEE 802.11e EDCA. This approach involves a novel analytical model that is an extension to previous works, which provide Markov chain analysis to IEEE 802.11e EDCA. Throughput analysis of our model is evaluated by comparison with NS2 simulations. We found the model is correct and suitable for both basic access and request-to-send/clear-to-send (RTS/CTS) access mechanisms.
A Computational Model of Task Overload Management and Task Switching

We describe a computational model that predicts the decision aspect of sequential multitasking. We investigate how people choose to switch tasks or continue performing an ongoing task when they are in overload conditions where concurrent performance of tasks is impossible. The model is based on a metaanalytic integration of 46 experiments from two literatures: interruption management and applied task switching. Consistent trends from the meta-analysis are used to set parameters in the mathematical model, which is then implemented in a task network model.
Traction control of electric vehicles considering vehicle stability

Proposes a control system based on optimal control theories to improve the handling and stability of electric vehicles by direct yaw moment generated from the driving or braking forces. Simulations of a J turn and lane change are carried out to verify the effect of the control system, and the results demonstrate that the performance of the controlled electric vehicle is significantly enhanced by the direct yaw moment control under the simulated situations.
Analysis of different acoustic front-ends for automatic voice over IP recognition

We investigated the usage for automatic speech recognition of different acoustic features, obtained from the output bitstream of a voice over IP codec. In particular, we analyzed the influence, on recognition performance, of both analysis rate and vector quantization of acoustic parameters introduced by the codec. Particular care has to be taken to train acoustic models at the reduced analysis rate employed by the codec: some related issues are discussed in the paper. We also used a model for simulating packet loss and we measured the corresponding performance degradation. Experiments were carried out on both clean and noisy speech databases.