Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Representing Users in the Design of Digital Games

While economic and sociological studies have generally recognised the important explicit role that users play in shaping a technological artefact ‐ through feedback channels after launch and market trials and studies before launch ‐ there has been less exploration into the more implicit strategies by which designers attempt to pre-fi gure users prior to launch. Given that design involves making choices, and framing the choices made by users, this paper suggests that Madeline Akrich’s approach (1992, 1995) may provide a constructive tool for exploring more implicit strategies of representing users in the early stages of the design process. It may also prove useful in exploring how users can be excluded or alienated through design. While acknowledging that users may actively negotiate designers’ representations this paper will explore the usefulness of the Akrich approach in relation to understanding the design of digital games. A study in 2001 of production in digital games companies in Ireland found that various macro, meso and micro level factors play a role in limiting the games developed and the user groups developed for. This paper will present fi ndings from ongoing research conducted in 2002 into the reasons why and how one start-up company decided to design a multiplayer online game for males aged 25‐40.
Improved approximation algorithms for minimum-weight vertex separators

We develop the algorithmic theory of vertex separators, and its relation to the embeddings of certain metric spaces. Unlike in the edge case, we show that embeddings into L1 (and even Euclidean embeddings) are insufficient, but that the additional structure provided by many embedding theorems does suffice for our purposes.We obtain an O(√log n) approximation for min-ratio vertex cuts in general graphs, based on a new semidefinite relaxation of the problem, and a tight analysis of the integrality gap which is shown to be Θ(√log n). We also prove various approximate max-flow/min-vertex-cut theorems, which in particular give a constant-factor approximation for min-ratio vertex cuts in any excluded-minor family of graphs. Previously, this was known only for planar graphs, and for general excluded-minor families the best-known ratio was O(log n). These results have a number of applications. We exhibit an O(√log n) pseudo-approximation for finding balanced vertex separators in general graphs. In fact, we achieve an approximation ratio of O(√log opt) where opt is the size of an optimal separator, improving over the previous best bound of O(log opt). Likewise, we obtain improved approximation ratios for treewidth: In any graph of treewidth k, we show how to find a tree decomposition of width at most O(k √log k), whereas previous algorithms yielded O(k log k). For graphs excluding a fixed graph as a minor (which includes, e.g., bounded genus graphs), we give a constant-factor approximation for the treewidth; this can be used to obtain the first polynomial-time approximation schemes for problems like minimum feedback vertex set and minimum connected dominating set in such graphs.
Accurate Supercapacitor Modeling for Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Nodes

Supercapacitors are often used in energy harvesting wireless sensor nodes (EH-WSNs) to store harvested energy. Until now, research into the use of supercapacitors in EH-WSNs has considered them to be ideal or oversimplified, with non-ideal behavior attributed to substantial leakage currents. In this brief, we show that observations previously attributed to leakage are predominantly due to redistribution of charge inside the supercapacitor. We confirm this hypothesis through the development of a circuit-based model, which accurately represents non-ideal behavior. The model correlates well with practical validations representing the operation of an EH-WSN and allows behavior to be simulated over long periods.
Energy intake and the circadian rhythm of core body temperature in sheep

We tested the hypothesis that different levels of energy intake would alter the circadian rhythm of core body temperature (Tc) in ovariectomized sheep. We measured arterial blood temperature every 5 min while ten sheep were offered a maintenance diet, 70% of maintenance requirements, or 150% of maintenance requirements, for 12 days, and later fasted for 2 days. The rhythmicity of Tc was analyzed for its dominant period and then a least‐squares cosine wave was fitted to the data that generated a mesor, amplitude, and acrophase for the rhythm. When energy intake was less than maintenance requirements we observed a significant decrease in the mesor and minimum, and a significant increase in the amplitude and goodness of fit, of the body temperature rhythm. Fasting also resulted in a decrease in the maximum of the body temperature rhythm. Feeding the sheep to excess did not affect the mesor or maximum of the rhythm, but did result in a decrease in the goodness of fit of the rhythm in those sheep that consumed more energy than when they were on the maintenance diet, indicating that circadian rhythmicity was decreased when energy intake increased. Our data indicate that modulation of the circadian rhythm of body temperature, characterized by inactive‐phase hypothermia, occurs when energy intake is reduced. The response may be an adaptation to energy imbalance in large mammals.
Optical observations of the supernova remnant G 69.4+1.2

We performed deep optical observations of the area of the new supernova remnant G 69.4+1.2 in the emission lines of (O iii), H +( Nii )a nd (Sii). The low ionization images reveal diuse and lamentary emission in the central and south, south{west areas of our eld. Estimates of the (S ii)/H ratio suggest that the detected emission in these areas originates from shock heated gas, while the strong extended source in the north must be an H ii region. The medium ionization image of (O iii) shows a single lament close to the eld center. Emission from (O iii) is not detected elsewhere in the eld but only in the north from LBN 069.96+01.35. Deep long{slit spectra taken at the position of the (O iii) lament suggest shock velocities 120 km s 1 , while in other areas velocities around 50 km s 1 are expected. The sulfur lines ratio indicates electron densities less than 120 cm 3 . The absolute H flux is 5 10 17 erg s 1 cm 2 arcsec 2 . The optical emission is very well correlated with the radio emission, especially in the south west. The soft X{ray emission detected in the ROSAT All-Sky survey shows a satisfactory degree of correlation with the optical data in the south{west suggesting their association.
Mobile Robot Motion Planning Considering Path Ambiguity of Moving Obstacles

This paper describes a motion planning method for mobile robot which considers the path ambiguity of moving obstacles. Each moving obstacle has a set of paths and their probabilities. The robot selects the motion which minimizes the expected time to reach its destination, by recursively predicting future states of each obstacle and then selecting the best motion for them. To calculate the motion for terminal nodes of the search tree, we use a randomized motion planner, which is an improved version of a previous method. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Interferon Beta-1a (AVONEX®) as a Treatment Option for Untreated Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (AXIOM): A Prospective, Observational Study

The efficacy and safety of first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been demonstrated in pivotal, randomized trials, but these studies do not reflect the routine care setting where treatment gaps or switches are common. The Avonex as Treatment Option for Untreated MS Patients (AXIOM) trial assessed the efficacy of newly-initiated intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IM IFNb-1a) after a treatment-free interval, with particular consideration of the previous course of disease and therapy. The AXIOM trial was an open, 12-month, observational, non-interventional study with a retrospective and a prospective part conducted in Germany. RRMS patients with a treatment-free interval of at least three months were included and treated with IFNb-1a for up to 12 months. Relapse rate, disability progression, injection-related parameters and quality of life observed during the prospective part were compared with retrospectively-collected data. Two hundred and thirty five RRMS patients participated in AXIOM. The mean relapse rate decreased from 1.1 in the three months before baseline to 0.2 per quarter during the twelve-month observational period; the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite score improved during twelve months of IM IFNb-1a treatment, while the Expanded Disability Status Scale score did not change over the course of this study. Compared to previous DMTs (IM IFNb-1a, subcutaneous IFNb-1a (SC IFNb-1a), SC IFNb-1b, glatiramer acetate), the patients experienced less injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, with a stated improved quality of life. IM IFNb-1a was effective and well accepted in RRMS patients with no or discontinued previous therapy. These results from the routine care setting may inform optimization of DMT treatment in RRMS, but need confirmation in further studies.
LOSS OF FLOW ASSESSMENT IN A LBE-COOLED XADS CONCEPT

The Experimental Accelerator-driven System (XADS) is a proposed 80 MWth Lead-Bismuthcooled pool type facility coupling a proton accelerator and a sub-critical fission core by means of a spallation target. A cascade fission reaction is sustained by the spallation neutrons. The facility primarily aims to demonstrate the operability of the whole complex and, subsequently, also the capability to reduce the inventory of Pu, Minor Actinides and selected long-lived fission products. It was conceived by a team of Italian organisations led by Ansaldo and including ENEA (the National Research Organisation for Alternative Energies), INFN (the National Institute for Nuclear Physics) and CSR4 (a Research Institute based in Sardinia), with contributions from selected Universities; he feasibility analyses aiming to define its reference configuration were performed. The effort was sponsored by the Italian Ministry of the University and of the Scientific and Technological Research. The 80 MWth Lead-Bismuth-cooled design is currently being assessed, versus a gas-cooled concept, in the frame of a contract with the Commission of the European Communities. The paper, after a brief description of the LBE-cooled XADS concept, focuses on the assessment of its response to loss of flow events affecting both the whole core and a single fuel assembly. While the former are originated from the postulated malfunction or loss of the peculiar gas injection system employed to enhance primary coolant circulation, the latter may derive from significant flow blockages at a fuel assembly inlet. The results of the performed analyses show the excellent natural circulation capability of the system, specifically in an accident scenario with the assumed simultaneous failure to trip the proton beam, and highlight the indeed peculiar heat removal mechanisms from a fuel assembly in case the associated coolant flowrate drops to very small values.
Associations of Low-Intensity Resistance Training with Body Composition and Lipid Profile in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Resistance training to increase muscle mass and functional capacity is an integral part of diet and exercise programs for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Low-intensity resistance training with slow movement and tonic force generation (LST) may be a practical and safe regimen for elderly obese individuals but the health benefits are uncertain. This study investigated the effects of LST on body composition and metabolic parameters in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Twenty-six obese patients with type 2 diabetes engaged in LST training during hospitalization and were advised to maintain this regimen for 12 weeks after discharge. We compared lipid profile, arterial stiffness, and body composition before and after LST training. After 12 weeks of LST training, the ratio of lower extremity muscle mass to body weight increased significantly (0.176 ± 0.028 to 0.184 ± 0.023, mean ± SD), while body fat mass and body fat percentage decreased significantly (36.2 ± 10.9 kg to 34.3 ± 9.4 kg and 41.2 ± 8.6% to 40.1 ± 7.7%, respectively). Moreover, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased (42.2 ± 14 mg/dl to 46.3 ± 12.4 mg/dl) and both free fatty acids and lipoprotein(a) were decreased (665.2 ± 212.1 μEq/l to 525.4 ± 231.3 μEq/l and 15.4 ± 18 mg/dl to 13.8 ± 18 mg/dl, respectively). No significant change was observed in arterial stiffness. Although this study was a non-controlled investigation and some confounding factors including dietary intake, medication and compliance with training might affect the study result, a brief (12-week) LST training program may be a safe and effective strategy for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
STRATEGISING IN AND THROUGH MICRO-PRACTICES AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS : A STRUCTURATIONIST PERSPECTIVE

AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS: A STRUCTURATIONIST PERSPECTIVE Linda Rouleau HEC-Montréal The structurationist perspective offers a pertinent avenue of reflection for renewing knowledge in strategy. By considering strategy as a structure of social activity, the structurationist perspective provides an understanding of how strategy, through the use of rules and resources, is produced and reproduced in the interactions of knowledgeable and reflexive agents. To illustrate this point of view, I present two episodes that demonstrate how ties with clientele are transformed in daily life in a top-of-theline clothing company undergoing reorganisation. Analysis of these episodes highlights three micro-practices of structuration of strategy: translating the orientation, disciplining the client, and justifying the change. The analysis also demonstrates that strategic activity is, by overcoding, embedded in contexts such as industry and society. The paper ends by outlining the elements of a structurationist perspective of strategising.
Multiagent Web for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IOT) is a network of networks where massively large numbers of objects or things are interconnected to each other through the network. The Internet of Things brings along many new possibilities of applications to improve human comfort and quality of life. Complex systems such as the Internet of Things are difficult to manage because of the emergent behaviours that arise from the complex interactions between its constituent parts. Our key contribution in the paper is a proposed multiagent web for the Internet of Things. Corresponding data management architecture is also proposed. The multiagent architecture provides autonomic characteristics for IOT making the IOT manageable. In addition, the multiagent web allows for flexible processing on heterogeneous platforms as we leverage off web protocols such as HTTP and language independent data formats such as JSON for communications between agents. The architecture we proposed enables a scalable architecture and infrastructure for a web-scale multiagent Internet of Things.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for the Treatment of Emotion Dysregulation and Trauma Symptoms in Self-Injurious and Suicidal Adolescent Females: A Pilot Programme within a Community-Based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Background. The literature suggests a link between childhood trauma and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, including nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality. We assessed the impact of a pilot dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) programme on reducing trauma-related symptoms and improving emotional regulation, suicidality, and NSSI in adolescents. Methods. Six adolescents attending a community mental health service received 26 weeks of DBT, together with a parent. Independent assessors collected measures on each participant at baseline, posttreatment, and three-month followup. We implemented further improvements over past research with the use of adolescent-specific outcome measures as well as independent assessment of treatment integrity, noted as problematic in previous studies, using videotapes. Results. Firstly, adolescents reported a decrease in trauma-based symptoms, suicidality, and NSSI following participation in the DBT programme that was maintained at the three-month followup. Secondly, adolescents also reported improved emotion regulation immediately following treatment, and this was maintained, albeit more moderately, three months later. Given the burgeoning demand on mental health services, it is notable that five of the six adolescents were discharged from the service following the DBT intervention. Conclusions. The results of this pilot programme suggest that DBT has the potential to improve the symptoms of this at-risk population.
Phylogenetic Motif Detection by Expectation-Maximization on Evolutionary Mixtures

The preferential conservation of transcription factor binding sites implies that non-coding sequence data from related species will prove a powerful asset to motif discovery. We present a unified probabilistic framework for motif discovery that incorporates evolutionary information. We treat aligned DNA sequence as a mixture of evolutionary models, for motif and background, and, following the example of the MEME program, provide an algorithm to estimate the parameters by Expectation-Maximization. We examine a variety of evolutionary models and show that our approach can take advantage of phylogenic information to avoid false positives and discover motifs upstream of groups of characterized target genes. We compare our method to traditional motif finding on only conserved regions. An implementation will be made available at http://rana.lbl. gov.
An optimized Distributed Video Coding using Turbo Codes and Zero Motion Skip Encoder Strategy

Distributed coding enables higher compression rate of a video signal. Till date we used a complex encoder and simple decoder. The advantage of having a simpler encoder and a complex decoder is increase in the compression ratio. Here in this project an optimized distributed video coding scheme is proposed which is a combination of an intraframe encoder and an interframe decoder. The distributed video coding scheme is based on punctured turbo codes. Turbo codes are punctured to generate scalable compressed video bit streams. An improved turbo coding performance leads to an overall performance improvement. Zero motion skip encoding strategy is used so that the decoder is made aware of these zero motion blocks such that encoding of these blocks can be avoided. The decoder may use this to improve the performance.
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of Teacher Efficacy Scale

The aim of the study was to adapt a famous teacher efficacy scale (TES) developed by Hoy Woolfolk(1993)into a Chinese version. The psychometrics and construct validity were also evaluated in the study. The results showed that the Chinese version of TES is of good reliability, structural validity and concurrent validity, which can be generalized for future research and practical use. The results of factor analysis of showed that the TES was consisted of two independent dimensions, namely general teaching efficacy (GTE) and personal teaching efficacy (PTE). The differences of teachers' characteristics such as years of teaching and professional job title affect the personal teaching efficacy very little.
Capturing Locality of Reference and Branch Predictability of Programs in Synthetic Workloads

A synthetic workload whose performance correlates well with long-running application programs is of great benefit to the computer architecture community because it reduces simulation time, fosters benchmark sharing by abstracting proprietary codes, and enables analysis of futuristic workloads by altering program characteristics. Recent research [2] [14] has demonstrated that it is possible to automatically construct such synthetic workloads by measuring performance statistics that uniquely characterize an application and modeling them into synthetic workloads. However, in these approaches the synthetic memory access pattern and branch behavior is created to match a target metric e.g. miss-rate, and hence they also reflect machine properties rather than pure program characteristics. Consequently, the synthetic workloads generated from these models may yield large errors when the cache and branch configurations are changed [2]. In this paper we build upon previous research and address its limitations by developing models to incorporate inherent program locality and control flow predictability of an application into synthetic workloads. The primary advantage of our models is that they are based on hardware independent characterization of programs and therefore reflect pure workload or code characteristics. We then use these hardware independent parameters to mimic the memory behavior and control flow predictability of the original program in the synthetic workload. By using a set of SPEC CPU 2000 benchmarks we demonstrate that these models improve representativeness of synthetic workloads by providing better correlation with the original code across a wide range of cache configurations and branch predictors.
F2Box: Cloudifying F2F Storage Systems with High Availability Correlation

The increasing popularity of Cloud storage services is leading end-users to store their digital lives (including photos, videos, work documents, etc.) in the Cloud. However, many users are still reluctant to move their data to the Cloud due to the amount of control ceded to Cloud vendors. To let users retain the control over their data, Friend-to-Friend (F2F) storage systems have been presented in the literature as a promising alternative. However, as we show in this paper, pure F2F storage systems present a poor QoS, mainly due to availability correlations, which results in a loss of attractiveness by end users. To overcome this limitation, we propose a hybrid architecture that combines F2F storage systems and the availability of Cloud storage services to let users infer the right balance between user control and quality of service. This architecture, we called it F2BOX, is able to deliver such a balance thanks to the development of a new suite of data transfer scheduling strategies and a new redundancy calculation algorithm. The main feature of this algorithm is that allow users to adjust the amount of redundancy according to the availability patterns exhibited by friends. Our simulation and experimental results (in Amazon S3) demonstrate the high benefits experienced by end users as a result of the "cloudification" of F2F systems.