Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of an adaptive user interface model

User expertise and skill affects the way users interact with software. It is envisaged that an adaptive user interface (AUI) which dynamically changes from a novice user interface (UI) to an expert UI could possibly improve users' performance. Contact centres (CCs), are the primary interaction point between a company and its customers and an important challenge is to increase the speed at which contact centre agents (CCAs) retrieve information to answer customer queries. CCAs however have different capabilities, experience and expertise. Studies have provided empirical support that user performance can be increased when the computer UI characteristics match the user skill level. As a result, software systems have to become more individualised and cater for different users. This research focuses on applying this concept of AUIs to the domain of CCs and investigates whether an AUI for CCAs could improve the CCA's performance and enhance their interaction with UI. The main aim of this research study was to propose a model for AUIs which could be applied to the domain of CCs. The implementation of the proposed model was completed as proof of concept and the model was evaluated. The results indicate that the proposed AUI model significantly improves CCAs' performance and most users were satisfied with the adaptation provided by the model.
Cut-and-paste text summarization

Automatic text summarization provides a concise summary for a document. In this thesis, we present a cut-and-paste approach to addressing the text generation problem in domain-independent, single-document summarization. We found that professional abstractors often reuse the text in an original document for producing the text in a summary. But rather than simply extracting the original text, as in most existing automatic summarizers, humans often edit the extracted sentences. We call such editing operations “revision operations”. Our summarizer simulates two revision operations that are frequently used by humans: sentence reduction and sentence combination. Sentence reduction removes inessential phrases from sentences and sentence combination merges sentences and phrases together. The sentence reduction algorithm we propose relies on multiple sources of knowledge to decide when it is appropriate to delete a phrase from a sentence, including linguistic knowledge, probabilities trained from corpus examples, and context information. The sentence combination module relies on a set of rules to decide how to combine sentences and phrases and when to combine them. Sentence reduction aims to improve the conciseness of generated summaries and sentence combination aims to improve the coherence of generated summaries. We call this approach “cut-and-paste” since it produces summaries by excerpting and combining sentences and phrases from original documents, unlike the extraction technique which produces summaries by simply extracting sentences or passages. Our work also includes a Hidden Markov Model based sentence decomposition program which analyzes human-written summaries. The decomposition program identifies where the phrases of a summary originate in the original document, producing an aligned corpus of summaries and articles that we use to train and evaluate the summarizer. We also built a large-scale, reusable lexicon by combining multiple, heterogeneous resources. The lexicon contains lexical, syntactic, and semantic knowledge. It can be used in many applications.
Staging and normal table of postembryonic development of the clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris is one of the rare coral reef fish species that can be reared in aquaria. With relatively short embryonic and larval development, it could be used as a model species to study the impact of global changes such as temperature rise or anthropogenic threats (eg, pollution) on the postembryonic development at molecular and endocrinological levels. Establishing a developmental table allows us to standardize sampling for the scientific community willing to conduct experiments on this species on different areas: ecology, evolution, and developmental biology.
The Dark Side of Employee Mobility: Evidence from Enterprise Software Adoption

While most academics agree that information technology (IT) has a positive impact on firm performance, performance differences between firms due to IT investments are quite large. One way to increase firm productivity when adopting IT is to hire experienced people. However, using a data set that links firm level data with individual level data, we empirically find that hiring experienced people drives decreases the performance of the firm. This suggests that learned practices that have proved successful in the former firm do not necessarily fit into the new firm.
Continuous Space Representations of Linguistic Typology and their Application to Phylogenetic Inference

For phylogenetic inference, linguistic typology is a promising alternative to lexical evidence because it allows us to compare an arbitrary pair of languages. A challenging problem with typology-based phylogenetic inference is that the changes of typological features over time are less intuitive than those of lexical features. In this paper, we work on reconstructing typologically natural ancestors To do this, we leverage dependencies among typological features. We first represent each language by continuous latent components that capture feature dependencies. We then combine them with a typology evaluator that distinguishes typologically natural languages from other possible combinations of features. We perform phylogenetic inference in the continuous space and use the evaluator to ensure the typological naturalness of inferred ancestors. We show that the proposed method reconstructs known language families more accurately than baseline methods. Lastly, assuming the monogenesis hypothesis, we attempt to reconstruct a common ancestor of the world’s languages.
Bi-Lipschitz embeddings into low-dimensional Euclidean spaces

Let (X, d), (Y, p) be metric spaces and / : X —• Y an infective mapping. We put l i / I U = s u p { ^ y y ) ; x , y € X,x*y}, d(x,y) and dist(f) = ||/||i,t>||/"~|Ut> (the distortion of the mapping / ) . The distortion can be considered as a measure of "faithfulness" of the mapping from a metric point of view. The Lipschitz distance of X from subspaces of Y is defined as follows: dist(X, C V) = inf{dist(f);f : X —> Y an injective mapping}. We investigate the maximum possible Lipschitz distance of a n-point metric space X from subspaces of ^-dimensional Euclidean space E (where k is a small fixed number); let us denote this quantity by / (n , k). We obtain the following bounds: / ( n , * ) = 8 ( n ) (A: = 1,2) f(n, k) = 0(n'*(log n)') (k > 3) /(n,Jfe)=Q(n) (k even), f(n,k) = Q(n<*>) (k odd).
Fuzzy-Based Dynamic Time Slot Allocation for Wireless Body Area Networks

With the advancement in networking, information and communication technologies, wireless body area networks (WBANs) are becoming more popular in the field of medical and non-medical applications. Real-time patient monitoring applications generate periodic data in a short time period. In the case of life-critical applications, the data may be bursty. Hence the system needs a reliable energy efficient communication technique which has a limited delay. In such cases the fixed time slot assignment in medium access control standards results in low system performance. This paper deals with a dynamic time slot allocation scheme in a fog-assisted network for a real-time remote patient monitoring system. Fog computing is an extended version of the cloud computing paradigm, which is suitable for reliable, delay-sensitive life-critical applications. In addition, to enhance the performance of the network, an energy-efficient minimum cost parent selection algorithm has been proposed for routing data packets. The dynamic time slot allocation uses fuzzy logic with input variables as energy ratio, buffer ratio, and packet arrival rate. Dynamic slot allocation eliminates the time slot wastage, excess delay in the network and attributes a high level of reliability to the network with maximum channel utilization. The efficacy of the proposed scheme is proved in terms of packet delivery ratio, average end to end delay, and average energy consumption when compared with the conventional IEEE 802.15. 4 standard and the tele-medicine protocol.
Pex22p of Pichia pastoris, Essential for Peroxisomal Matrix Protein Import, Anchors the Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme, Pex4p, on the Peroxisomal Membrane

We isolated a Pichia pastoris mutant that was unable to grow on the peroxisome-requiring media, methanol and oleate. Cloning the gene by complementation revealed that the encoded protein, Pex22p, is a new peroxin. A Δpex22 strain does not grow on methanol or oleate and is unable to import peroxisomal matrix proteins. However, this strain targets peroxisomal membrane proteins to membranes, most likely peroxisomal remnants, detectable by fluorescence and electron microscopy. Pex22p, composed of 187 amino acids, is an integral peroxisomal membrane protein with its NH2 terminus in the matrix and its COOH terminus in the cytosol. It contains a 25–amino acid peroxisome membrane-targeting signal at its NH2 terminus. Pex22p interacts with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Pex4p, a peripheral peroxisomal membrane protein, in vivo, and in a yeast two-hybrid experiment. Pex22p is required for the peroxisomal localization of Pex4p and in strains lacking Pex22p, the Pex4p is cytosolic and unstable. Therefore, Pex22p anchors Pex4p at the peroxisomal membrane. Strains that do not express Pex4p or Pex22p have similar phenotypes and lack Pex5p, suggesting that Pex4p and Pex22p act at the same step in peroxisome biogenesis. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae hypothetical protein, Yaf5p, is the functional homologue of P. pastoris Pex22p.
Autosomal Admixture Levels Are Informative About Sex Bias in Admixed Populations

Sex-biased admixture has been observed in a wide variety of admixed populations. Genetic variation in sex chromosomes and functions of quantities computed from sex chromosomes and autosomes have often been examined to infer patterns of sex-biased admixture, typically using statistical approaches that do not mechanistically model the complexity of a sex-specific history of admixture. Here, expanding on a model of Verdu and Rosenberg (2011) that did not include sex specificity, we develop a model that mechanistically examines sex-specific admixture histories. Under the model, multiple source populations contribute to an admixed population, potentially with their male and female contributions varying over time. In an admixed population descended from two source groups, we derive the moments of the distribution of the autosomal admixture fraction from a specific source population as a function of sex-specific introgression parameters and time. Considering admixture processes that are constant in time, we demonstrate that surprisingly, although the mean autosomal admixture fraction from a specific source population does not reveal a sex bias in the admixture history, the variance of autosomal admixture is informative about sex bias. Specifically, the long-term variance decreases as the sex bias from a contributing source population increases. This result can be viewed as analogous to the reduction in effective population size for populations with an unequal number of breeding males and females. Our approach suggests that it may be possible to use the effect of sex-biased admixture on autosomal DNA to assist with methods for inference of the history of complex sex-biased admixture processes.
Visual-inertial curve SLAM

We present a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm that uses Bézier curves as static landmark primitives rather than sparse feature points. Our approach allows us to estimate the full 6-DOF pose of a robot while providing a structured map which can be used to assist a robot in motion planning and control. We demonstrate how to reconstruct the 3-D location of curve landmarks from a stereo pair without searching for point-based stereo correspondences and how to compare the 3-D shape of curve landmarks between chronologically sequential stereo frames to solve the data association problem. We present a method to combine curve landmarks for mapping purposes, resulting in a map with a continuous set of curves that contain fewer landmark states than conventional sparse point-based SLAM algorithms. Note, to combine curves, we assume the curved landmarks are fixed to a larger curved object naturally occurring in the scene. While our algorithm is less accurate than point-based SLAM algorithms, we are able to create maps with considerably less landmark states and our algorithm can operate in settings lacking texture.
New sustainable teaching approaches in software engineering education

Ten years ago, it was usual that projects in the software industry ran on for years before the customer was able to lay his hands on the product he had ordered. This often resulted in delays, budget overruns and disappointing deliverables. During the last decade, the Agile approach has been taking over software project management, shortening product development cycles from a few years to a few weeks or even days. Recently, the agile approach has even been used for developing a new car which runs 100 miles per gallon [1]. Several recent surveys [2], [3] show that agile methodologies like Scrum, Extreme Programming or Kanban have successfully been adopted by many companies to develop software. However, agile methodologies do not come for free. A different set of skills, or agile practices as they are called, are necessary for the software engineers in order to be able to sucessfully deliver high-quality software at the end of every iteration. The same surveys show that only few of the agile practices are used and even fewer are applied consequently and thoroughly. This is to a great extent due to the lack of skilled software engineers. Although teaching agile software development has drawn some attention in recent research, we do not yet seem to be able to “deliver” the appropriately skilled engineers. What is the reason for this, and more importantly, how can we improve the situation? In this position paper we propose a more holistic approach for teaching agile software engineering, in which the required agile practices and values are not only integrated theoretically but also practically applied and repeated until they become a habit to students and software engineers.
The Impact of Objective and Subjective Sleep Parameters on Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy in Women with a Mental Disorder: An Explorative Study

Poor sleep quality during pregnancy is associated with both antepartum and postpartum depression and adverse birth outcomes. This study evaluated both objective and subjective sleep quality and the effects on the subsequent course of antepartum depressive symptoms in psychiatric patients. This observational explorative study was embedded in an ongoing study focusing on pregnant women with a mental disorder and was performed in 18 patients (24–29 weeks pregnant). Depressive symptoms were assessed throughout pregnancy using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with 5-week intervals. Sleep was assessed with actigraphy, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep diaries at the start of the study. We studied correlations between sleep parameters and EPDS scores cross-sectionally using Spearman correlation. Next, we studied the course of antepartum EPDS scores over time per sleep parameter using generalized linear mixed modelling analysis. Objectively measured fragmentation index, total PSQI score and 4 PSQI subscales (sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunctions) were significantly correlated with EPDS scores when measured cross-sectionally at the start. Six objectively and subjectively measured sleep parameters had moderate to large effects on the course of depressive symptoms through the third trimester, but these effects were not statistically significant. More research is necessary to explore the causality of the direction between sleep problems and antepartum depressive symptoms we found in psychiatric patients.
Molecular and Structural Basis of the Proteasome α Subunit Assembly Mechanism Mediated by the Proteasome-Assembling Chaperone PAC3-PAC4 Heterodimer

The 26S proteasome is critical for the selective degradation of proteins in eukaryotic cells. This enzyme complex is composed of approximately 70 subunits, including the structurally homologous proteins α1–α7, which combine to form heptameric rings. The correct arrangement of these α subunits is essential for the function of the proteasome, but their assembly does not occur autonomously. Assembly of the α subunit is assisted by several chaperones, including the PAC3-PAC4 heterodimer. In this study we showed that the PAC3-PAC4 heterodimer functions as a molecular matchmaker, stabilizing the α4-α5-α6 subcomplex during the assembly of the α-ring. We solved a 0.96-Å atomic resolution crystal structure for a PAC3 homodimer which, in conjunction with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, highlighted the mobility of the loop comprised of residues 51 to 61. Based on these structural and dynamic data, we created a three-dimensional model of the PAC3-4/α4/α5/α6 quintet complex, and used this model to investigate the molecular and structural basis of the mechanism of proteasome α subunit assembly, as mediated by the PAC3-PAC4 heterodimeric chaperone. Our results provide a potential basis for the development of selective inhibitors against proteasome biogenesis.
Customizing digital libraries for small screen devices

In this paper we present a system that allows users to access digital libraries using small screen devices. Instead of providing users with a single hardcoded solution, we allow them to customize how the content is structured, formatted and viewed on the small display. The centre of our system is a tool that can be used to customize Greenstone Digital Library collections for small displays. To lower the entry level, this tool has been designed to provide an abstraction from Greenstone's low level architecture and other computing technologies, such as HTML and Java Script. We also place a strong emphasis on evaluation and incorporate users throughout the software development cycle. Lastly in the discussion, we speculate that by designing usable and customizable systems, there is the potential of breaking down the open source revenue model, which relies on providing services for systems that are hard to use and configure.
The Effect of Informal and Formal Interaction between Scientists and Children at a Science Camp on Their Images of Scientists.

A number of studies have already investigated children’s stereotypical images of scientists as being male, old, bald, wearing eyeglasses, working in laboratories, and so forth. There have also been some interventions to impose more realistic images of scientists. In this study, a science camp was conducted in Turkey with a team of scientists consisting of elementary science education researchers. They interacted with the children throughout the camp both formally and informally. Twenty-four 6th and 7th grade students participated to the science camp. The science camp was conducted near a forest and big lake, and lasted ten days in July, 2008. The main goal of the science camp program was to introduce the nature of science and scientists. In one session of the science camp, the children’s images of scientists were made explicit through analysis and discussion of their drawings of a scientist, and challenged by introducing them to three nonstereotypical scientists. The camp team consisting of scientists worked and stayed with the children throughout the science camp. Thus, they interacted with the children in formal and informal ways. The change in the children’s images of scientists was researched by applying the Draw a Scientist Test (DAST) (Chambers, 1983) as preand post-test. Additionally, all the children were interviewed about their drawings. The only stereotypical images found in the pre-test were being male and slightly older. However, almost equal numbers of male and female scientists were drawn in the posttest, and most of them were middle aged or young. Other stereotypical images of scientists emerged less in the pre-test and decreased in the posttest. In conclusion, the science camp helped the children to realize the human nature of scientists.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews the Predictive Validity of the Rat Self-administration Model for Abuse Liability

The self-administration model is the primary non-clinical approach for assessing the reinforcing properties of novel compounds. Given the now frequent use of rats in self-administration studies, it is important to understand the predictive validity of the rat self-administration model for use in abuse liability assessments. This review of 71 drugs identifies high concordance between findings from rat self-administration studies and two clinical indicators of abuse liability, namely reports of positive subjective-effects and the DEA drug scheduling status. To understand the influence of species on concordance we compare rodent and non-human primate (NHP) self-administration data. In the few instances where discrepancies are observed between rat data and the clinical indicators of abuse liability, rat self-administration data corresponds with NHP data in the majority of these cases. We discuss the influence of genetic factors (sex and strain), food deprivation state and the study design (acquisition or drug substitution) on self-administration study outcomes and highlight opportunities to improve the predictive validity of the self-administration model.
The influence of ACYP2 polymorphisms on gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility in the Chinese Han population

Gastrointestinal cancer (GI cancer) is a type of cancer that has a high death rate. It has been reported that ACYP2 gene was associated with the development of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, but it is not clear that the relationship between ACYP2 gene and GI cancer in Chinese Han population. This study aimed to investigate the association between polymorphisms of ACYP2 and GI cancer in the Chinese Han population.
Energy-consistent haptic rendering of contact forces

Enhancing the realism of the perceived contact force is a primary challenge in haptic rendering of virtual walls (VWs) and objects (VOs). For VOs, this goal directly translates into accurate rendering of not only stiffness, but also mass. The most challenging situation arises when the stiffness of the object is large, its mass is small, and sampling is slow. To address this challenge, a framework entitled high-fidelity haptic rendering (HFCR) has been developed. The HFCR framework is composed of the following three main strategies: an energy-consistent rendering of the contact force, smooth transition between contact modes, and remaining leak dissipation. The essence of all these strategies is to make the energy of the VO emulate its continuous-time counterpart. This is achieved through physically meaningful modifications in the constitutive relations to suppress artificial energy leaks. This paper reports simulation and experiments involving the one-dimensional canonical model of a VO to illustrate the HFCR framework and compare it to the existing methods. Results demonstrate the promising stability and force rendering fidelity of this framework.