Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Meaning Representation for Generic Dialogue Systems Architectures

An unified language for the communicative acts between agents is essential for the design of multi-agents architectures. Whatever the type of interaction (linguistic, multimodal, including particular aspects such as force feedback), whatever the type of application (command dialogue, request dialogue, database querying), the concepts are common and we need a generic meta-model. In order to tend towards task-independent systems, we need to clarify the modules parameterization procedures. In this paper, we focus on the characteristics of a meta-model designed to represent meaning in linguistic and multimodal applications. This meta-model is called MMIL for MultiModal Interface Language, and has first been specified in the framework of the IST MIAMM European project. What we want to test here is how relevant is MMIL for a completely different context (a different task, a different interaction type, a different linguistic domain). We detail the exploitation of MMIL in the framework of the IST OZONE European project, and we draw the conclusions on the role of MMIL in the parameterization of task-independent dialogue managers.
An SOI bulk-micromachined dual SPDT RF-MEMS switch by layer-wise separation design of waveguide and switching mechanism

A compact monolithic RF-MEMS switch (2mm × 4mm in area) with the dual single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) configuration was developed by using the SOI bulk micromachining technique. The electrostatic comb-drive actuators and the mechanically movable coplanar waveguides were implemented on the low-resistive active SOI layer and the high-resistive handle layer, respectively, to effectively allocate the device footprint. Electrical crosstalk between the waveguide and the electrostatic actuator was suppressed by using the buried silicon dioxide layer. At a driving voltage of 35V, the switch exhibits an insertion loss of 3dB and isolation of 30dB at 12GHz.
Paleocene to Early Eocene paleoceanography of the Middle East: The δ13C and δ18O isotopes from foraminiferal calcite

Paleocene to early Eocene benthic foraminiferal δ13C and δ18O records from southern Tethyan sections at Ben Gurion, Israel (paleodepth 500–700 m), and Gebel Aweina, Egypt (paleodepth 150–200 m), show generally similar trends but 1–3‰ more negative values than coeval deep-sea isotopic records. In both Tethyan sections a negative δ13C excursion of 2.5–3‰ marks the benthic extinction event in the latest Paleocene. For at least 1 m.y. after this event, δ13C values were 1.5–2‰ more negative on the shelf than at upper bathyal depths, reflecting a deepening of the oxygen minimum zone, possibly related to an increase or spatial shift in upwelling. Benthic δ18O records indicate a 2–4°C temperature gradient between the shelf and upper bathyal depths. Temperature-salinity reconstructions suggest that upwelling was a dominant mechanism for surface water formation in this part of the southern Tethys during the late Paleocene.
On the Complexity of Realizing Facial Cycles

We study the following combinatorial problem. Given a planar graph $G=(V,E)$ and a set of simple cycles $\mathcal C$ in $G$, find a planar embedding $\mathcal E$ of $G$ such that the number of cycles in $\mathcal C$ that bound a face in $\mathcal E$ is maximized. We establish a tight border of tractability for this problem in biconnected planar graphs by giving conditions under which the problem is NP-hard and showing that relaxing any of these conditions makes the problem polynomial-time solvable. Moreover, we give a $2$-approximation algorithm for series-parallel graphs and a $(4+\varepsilon)$-approximation for biconnected planar graphs.
Human-Computer Interaction Gearing Up for Work

Looking for work is complex. It involves a synthesis of decisions relating to many separate jobseeking tasks, requiring discrimination of how an individual's skills match the job description, whether the salary offered is acceptable, location of the work and the logistics of arranging suitable transport. These job-seeking tasks are even more difficult for the disabled, and despite the Web Access Initiative (WAI), there are no Web-enabled work searching systems designed as vocational rehabilitation tools. An opportunity exists among the educational technologists to devise a customizable learning platform that can supply a much needed life-long learning resource. It is becoming increasingly obvious that a range of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) systems may provide a ubiquitous approach to fulfilling the desire for reskilling the general population. This paper describes a research project in progress, designed to provide an interactive Web-enabled work searching resource for those undergoing vocational rehabilitation.
What the library did next: strengthening our visibility in research support

Academic libraries have a long and proud history of supporting teaching and learning in universities. However, there is growing recognition that supporting research in line with their universities’ expectations requires new approaches and different skills from librarians. Many Australian university libraries are now appointing specialised research librarians to take on these challenges. In this paper, we show the scope for libraries to commit to developing new customer-focussed services for researchers that ensure the importance of the academic library to institutional research, while taking into account stakeholder needs and organisational expectations.
PRIORITIZING SIGNALS FOR SELECTIVE REAL-TIME AUDIO PROCESSING

This paper studies various priority metrics that can be used to progressively select sub-parts of a number of audio signals for realtime processing. In particular, five level-related metrics were examined: RMS level, A-weighted level, Zwicker and Moore loudness models and a masking threshold-based model. We conducted a pilot subjective evaluation study aimed at evaluating which metric would perform best at reconstructing mixtures of various types (speech, ambient and music) using only a budget amount of original audio data. Our results suggest that A-weighting performs the worst while results obtained with loudness metrics appear to depend on the type of signals. RMS level offers a good compromise for all cases. Our results also show that significant sub-parts of the original audio data can be omitted in most cases, without noticeable degradation in the generated mixtures, which validates the usability of our selective processing approach for real-time applications. In this context, we successfully implemented a prototype 3D audio rendering pipeline using our selective approach.
Amino acid ratios in Quaternary molluscs and foraminifera from western Norway: correlation, geochronology and paleotemperature estimates

Isoleucine epimerization (alle/Ue) ratios in the pelecypod Mya truncata and benthic foraminifer Cibicides lobalulus from emerged marine units in western Norway allow construction of a regional relative chronostratigraphy for the Ecmian and Weichselian. Two in situ interglacial sections are considered correlative by the similar biostratigraphy and alle/Ile ratios in C. lobalulus. Overlying sediments at the two sites are of both marine and glacial origin. Neither site contains a complete Weichselian record, but allelic ratios, lithostratigraphy and fauna! changes suggest at least four stadial and three interstadial events occurred along the western Norwegian coast during Early and Middle Weichselian time. Kinetic data defining the relationship between the isoleucine epimerization rate constant and temperature for the species studied allow the estimation of paleotemperatures for samples of known age. Accepting published age estimates for the Eemian interglacial beds, the average Weichselian temperature in western Norway is calculated to have been ca. 4°C below the average Holocene temperature, whereas the last interglacial was 1 to 2°C warmer that the Holocene. The limited temperature depression over this region during the Weichselian implies that coastal western Norway was ice-covered only about 30% of this period, and that Atlantic water, although not necessarily in a warm surface current as today, entered the Norwegian Sea during much of marine isotope stage 5 and intermittently during stage 3. Interpolated amino acid ages date interstadial events at ca. 94 ka, 78 ka and 52 ka, B.P., whereas glacial events are dated ca. 103 ka and bracketed by limiting dates between 78 and 89 ka, between 52 and 63 ka and less than 36 ka B.P.
Subspace clustering with dense representations

Unions of subspaces have recently been shown to provide a compact nonlinear signal model for collections of high-dimensional data, such as large collections of images or videos. In this paper, we introduce a novel data-driven algorithm for learning unions of subspaces directly from a collection of data; our approach is based upon forming minimum ℓ2-norm (least-squares) representations of a signal with respect to other signals in the collection. The resulting representations are then used as feature vectors to cluster the data in accordance with each signal's subspace membership. We demonstrate that the proposed least-squares approach leads to improved classification performance when compared to state-of-the-art subspace clustering methods on both synthetic and real-world experiments. This study provides evidence that using least-squares methods to form data-driven representations of collections of data provide significant advantages over current methods that rely upon sparse representations.
Haptic supplementation and postural control in the elderly: Review and perspectives for assistive technologies

Supplementation haptique et controle postural chez les personnes âgees : Revue et perspectives pour les technologies d’assistanceCette revue met l’accent sur l’effet benefique d’une supplementation informationnelle haptique, obtenue par un toucher leger sur une surface fixe ou mobile, sur le controle postural chez les personnes âgees. Dans une premiere partie, nous analysons les effets des alterations de l’integration sensorielle liees a l’âge sur la stabilite posturale. Cette analyse s’effectue en relation avec les modeles actuels du maintien de la station erigee chez l’homme et des mecanismes sensori-moteurs du controle postural. Ensuite, nous presentons les dispositifs de biofeedback existants et les experimentations les plus probantes sur la supplementation haptique delivree `a l’aide d’un support tactile fixe ou mobile. En particulier, nous detaillons les resultats preliminaires d’un programme de recherche actuellement en cours dans notre groupe de recherche et portant specifiquement sur l’efficacite d’un support mobile. Nous envisageons les applications potentielles de ces resultats. Finalement, nous suggerons que l’analyse des effets d’une « canne haptique » pourrait permettre de mieux comprendre comment les personnes âgees utilisent une aide a la marche de maniere legere, comme un mediateur pour les entrees sensorielles durant la locomotion. De plus, ceci pourrait mener `a la conception de nouvelles aides `a la marche pour diverses populations.
Physical Activity and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Background— Vigorous exertion and endurance training have been reported to increase atrial fibrillation (AF). Associations of habitual light or moderate activity with AF incidence have not been evaluated. Methods and Results— We prospectively investigated associations of leisure-time activity, exercise intensity, and walking habits, assessed at baseline and updated during follow-up visits, with incident AF, diagnosed by annual 12-lead ECGs and hospital discharge records, from 1989 to 2001 among 5446 adults ≥65 years of age in the Cardiovascular Health Study. During 47 280 person-years of follow-up, 1061 new AF cases occurred (incidence 22.4/1000 person-years). In multivariable-adjusted analyses, leisure-time activity was associated with lower AF incidence in a graded manner, with 25% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61 to 0.90), 22% (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.95), and 36% (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.79) lower risk in quintiles 3, 4, and 5 versus quintile 1 (P for trend <0.001). Exercise intensity had a U-shaped relationship with AF (quadratic P=0.02): Versus no exercise, AF incidence was lower with moderate-intensity exercise (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.89) but not with high-intensity exercise (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.19). Walking distance and pace were each associated with lower AF risk in a graded manner (P for trend <0.001); when we assessed the combined effects of distance and pace, individuals in quartiles 2, 3, and 4 had 25% (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.99), 32% (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.92), and 44% (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.82) lower AF incidence than individuals in quartile 1. Findings appeared unrelated to confounding by comorbidity or indication. After evaluation of cut points of moderate leisure-time activity (≈600 kcal/week), walking distance (12 blocks per week), and pace (2 mph), 26% of all new AF cases (95% CI 7% to 43%) appeared attributable to absence of these activities. Conclusions— Light to moderate physical activities, particularly leisure-time activity and walking, are associated with significantly lower AF incidence in older adults.
VTLN adaptation for statistical speech synthesis

The advent of statistical speech synthesis has enabled the unification of the basic techniques used in speech synthesis and recognition. Adaptation techniques that have been successfully used in recognition systems can now be applied to synthesis systems to improve the quality of the synthesized speech. The application of vocal tract length normalization (VTLN) for synthesis is explored in this paper. VTLN based adaptation requires estimation of a single warping factor, which can be accurately estimated from very little adaptation data and gives additive improvements over CMLLR adaptation. The challenge of estimating accurate warping factors using higher order features is solved by initializing warping factor estimation with the values calculated from lower order features.
Fiber Bragg grating technology fundamentals and overview

The historical beginnings of photosensitivity and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology are recounted. The basic techniques for fiber grating fabrication, their characteristics, and the fundamental properties of fiber gratings are described. The many applications of fiber grating technology are tabulated, and some selected applications are briefly described.
MRI of Neuronal Recovery after Low-Dose Methamphetamine Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

We assessed the effects of low dose methamphetamine treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats by employing MRI, immunohistology, and neurological functional tests. Young male Wistar rats were subjected to TBI using the controlled cortical impact model. The treated rats (n = 10) received an intravenous (iv) bolus dose of 0.42 mg/kg of methamphetamine at eight hours after the TBI followed by continuous iv infusion for 24 hrs. The control rats (n = 10) received the same volume of saline using the same protocol. MRI scans, including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), were performed one day prior to TBI, and at 1 and 3 days post TBI, and then weekly for 6 weeks. The lesion volumes of TBI damaged cerebral tissue were demarcated by elevated values in T2 maps and were histologically identified by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values within regions-of-interest (ROI) were measured in FA maps deduced from DTI, and were directly compared with Bielschowsky’s silver and Luxol fast blue (BLFB) immunohistological staining. No therapeutic effect on lesion volumes was detected during 6 weeks after TBI. However, treatment significantly increased FA values in the recovery ROI compared with the control group at 5 and 6 weeks after TBI. Myelinated axons histologically measured using BLFB were significantly increased (p<0.001) in the treated group (25.84±1.41%) compared with the control group (17.05±2.95%). Significant correlations were detected between FA and BLFB measures in the recovery ROI (R = 0.54, p<0.02). Methamphetamine treatment significantly reduced modified neurological severity scores from 2 to 6 weeks (p<0.05) and foot-fault errors from 3 days to 6 weeks (p<0.05) after TBI. Thus, the FA data suggest that methamphetamine treatment improves white matter reorganization from 5 to 6 weeks after TBI in rats compared with saline treatment, which may contribute to the observed functional recovery.
Orally administered OVA/CpG‐ODN induces specific mucosal and systemic immune response in young and aged mice

We have previously demonstrated that subcutaneously administered ovalbumin (OVA) plus synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing immunostimulatory CpG motifs (CpG‐ODN) as adjuvant stimulate cellular and humoral immunity and promote T helper cell type 1 differentiation in aged mice. The present study assessed the ability of CpG‐ODN to induce an OVA‐specific immune response after oral immunization in young (3‐month‐old) and aged (18‐month‐old) BALB/c mice. Oral OVA/CpG‐ODN immunization induces a similar OVA‐specific T cell‐proliferative response (in mucosal and systemic tissues), immunoglobulin G (IgG) in plasma, and IgA in intestinal washes in both groups of ages. The OVA‐specific humoral immune response observed in aged mice was similar to the one observed in young mice, peaking at day 7 after the last oral immunization and was present over 40 days after the last oral immunization. The pattern of cytokines released in culture supernatants in both groups of mice was similar, with specific interferon‐γ secretion in the absence of interleukin‐5 responses. These results provide evidence that orally administered OVA/CpG‐ODN induces a young‐like, specific, immune response against OVA in aged mice, showing that CpG‐ODN might be used as a mucosal adjuvant during aging.
Eliciting and Utilizing Willingness to Pay: Evidence from Field Trials in Northern Ghana

We use the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for and heterogeneous impacts of clean water technology through a field experiment in Ghana. Although WTP is low relative to cost, demand is inelastic at low prices. Short-run treatment effects are positive throughout the WTP distribution. After 1 year, use and benefits are both increasing in WTP, with negative effects on low-WTP households. Combining estimated treatment effects with households’ WTP implies valuations of health benefits much smaller than typically used by policy makers. We explore differences between BDM and take-it-or-leave-it valuations and make recommendations for implementing BDM in the field.
Mining association rules based on an improved Apriori Algorithm

In this paper, we first describe the classical Apriori Algorithm. And then, we present the defects exist in this algorithm. Such as spending a lot of time to produce the candidate item-sets, scanning the database in a simple method, and so on. At last we promote our improved Apriori Algorithm which consists of three parts. The first part is reducing the number of judgments, and the second part is reducing the number of candidate frequent item-sets. The last part is optimizing the database. And the experimental results proved our improvement
Modelling Action Cascades in Social Networks

The central idea in designing various marketing strategies for online social networks is to identify the influencers in the network. The influential individuals induce ``word-of-mouth" effects in the network. These individuals are responsible for triggering long cascades of influence that convince their peers to perform a similar action (buying a product, for instance). Targeting these influentials usually leads to a vast spread of the information across the network. Hence it is important to identify such individuals in a network. One way to measure an individual's influencing capability on its peers is by its reach for a certain action. We formulate identifying the influencers in a network as a problem of predicting the average depth of cascades an individual can trigger. We first empirically identify factors that play crucial role in triggering long cascades. Based on the analysis, we build a model for predicting the cascades triggered by a user for an action. The model uses features like influencing capabilities of the user and their friends, influencing capabilities of the particular action and other user and network characteristics. Experiments show that the model effectively improves the predictions over several baselines.
Application examples of energy saving measures in Japanese DC feeding system

In this paper, some application examples of energy saving measures in two representative Japanese railway companies, mainly in d.c. electric traction power supply system, are introduced. The effect of electric energy storage systems installed to substations is mentioned especially. In addition, it is also described about the potential of regenerative braking energy, which will be able to be utilized by installation of energy storage systems or other measures.
Measuring on Lattices

Previous derivations of the sum and product rules of probability theory relied on the algebraic properties of Boolean logic. Here they are derived within a more general framework based on lattice theory. The result is a new foundation of probability theory that encompasses and generalizes both the Cox and Kolmogorov formulations. In this picture probability is a bi‐valuation defined on a lattice of statements that quantifies the degree to which one statement implies another. The sum rule is a constraint equation that ensures that valuations are assigned so as to not violate associativity of the lattice join and meet. The product rule is much more interesting in that there are actually two product rules: one is a constraint equation arises from associativity of the direct products of lattices, and the other a constraint equation derived from associativity of changes of context. The generality of this formalism enables one to derive the traditionally assumed condition of additivity in measure theory, as wel.
The Use of Haptic and Pseudo-Haptic Feedback for the Technical Training of Milling

This paper describes the use of haptic and pseudo-haptic feedback in a virtual reality system called the Virtual Technical Trainer (VTT). This system is dedicated to the technical training of milling. VTT proposes an interactive manipulation of a virtual milling cutter with haptic feedback. When the cutting tool mills the virtual workpiece, the trainees can feel its resistance according to different simulation parameters. The system proposes two types of haptic interaction using a generic haptic device or a simple input device combined with pseudo-haptic feedback.