Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distant Human Interaction Recognition with Kinect

Detecting human interactions in a public place where no physical touch occurs has important applications in many surveillance tasks. In this paper, we explore the possibilities to automatically detect such distant human interactions without recognizing the speciﬁc human actions. Speciﬁcally, we use a highly simpliﬁed formulation of the interaction in this paper: 1) when a person does not interact with others, he always performs a non-interactive action that is largely periodical, such as walking, 2) when two persons interact with each other, they both perform a same short-duration interactive action, such as waving hand, that are different from their non-interactive actions. Based on this formulation, we develop a new approach to localize the subvideos that describes the interactive actions from Kinect videos, which provide both the RGB and depth information. We then develop a new approach to compare the pose and kinematic features in these subvideos (from different people) to see whether they describe a same interactive action. Without any supervised learning and action recognition, the proposed approaches are not limited to a speciﬁed set of interactive and non-interactive actions. In the experiments, we justify the performance of the proposed approaches on 100 Kinect videos with 10 different interactive actions.
Impact of geometry-preserving encryption on rendering time

Collaborative creation workflows are calling for softer protection mechanisms than conventional encryption. Geometry-preserving encryption relates to protection techniques for 3D objects that alter the visual representation of the object after rendering but preserves some geometrical primitives, e.g. the bounding box. The advantage of this approach is the ability of legacy renderers to readily display composite scenes that contain both protected and unprotected objects. In this paper, we introduce a collection of geometry-preserving encryption algorithms, whose visual impact can be adjusted with a tuning parameter, and then report on the influence of the deformation on the actual rendering time of the object. Experimental results clearly highlight that special care needs to be taken in order to preserve interactivity, that is a de facto requirement for collaborative creation.
Flexible Active Power Control of Distributed Power Generation Systems During Grid Faults

The increasing penetration of distributed power generation into the power system leads to a continuous evolution of grid interconnection requirements. In particular, active power control will play an important role both during grid faults (low-voltage ride-through capability and controlled current injection) and in normal conditions (reserve function and frequency regulation). The aim of this paper is to propose a flexible active power control based on a fast current controller and a reconfigurable reference current selector. Several strategies to select the current reference are studied and compared using experimental results that are obtained during an unsymmetrical voltage fault. The results of the analysis allow selection of the best reference current in every condition. The proposed methods facilitate multiple choices for fault ride through by simply changing the reference selection criteria.
The objectivation of verbal discrimination ability further investigation

The aim of this investigation was to observe basic variables which might be of significance for objective speech audiometry. Contrary to our former experiments, the near-threshold stimulation with indicative test words leads to contingent negative variation (CNVs) which are equal to or even smaller than the CNVs after supra-threshold stimulation. Thus the CNV can be used for objective testing of verbal discriminatory ability only as a qualitative, but not as a quantitative parameter.Independent of whether the presentation was monaural or binaural, the distribution of CNV and the complementary waves were symmetrical over the two hemispheres. Selective concentration of attention on one ear produced particularly strong but symmetrical CNV. No evidence was found for a hemispheric predominance in either right-handed or left-handed persons; but it is still possible that predominance might occur in pathological conditions.The CNV may be used very well as a qualitative test, e.g. in examining cases of aphasia, bu.
Noisy Interpolating Sets for Low Degree Polynomials

A noisy interpolating set (NIS) for degree d polynomials is a set S sube Fn, where F is a finite field, such that any degree d polynomial q isin F[x1,. , xn] can be efficiently interpolated from its values on S, even if an adversary corrupts a constant fraction of the values. In this paper we construct explicit NIS for every prime field Fp and any degree d. Our sets are of size O(nd) and have efficient interpolation algorithms that can recover qfrom a fraction exp(-O(d)) of errors. Our construction is based on a theorem which roughly states that ifS is a NIS for degree I polynomials then dldrS = {alpha1 + . + alphad | alpha1 isin S} is a NIS for degree d polynomials. Furthermore, given an efficient interpolation algorithm for S, we show how to use it in a black-box manner to build an efficient interpolation algorithm for d ldr S. As a corollary we get an explicit family of punctured Reed-Muller codes that is a family of good codes that have an efficient decoding algorithm from a constant fraction of errors. To the best of our knowledge no such construction was known previously.
Engagement of African-American college students through the use of hip hop pedagogy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of culturally relevant pedagogy, such as Hip Hop, on African-American student engagement and retention. The overarching question guiding this investigation centered on whether elements of Hip Hop can be used as tools to educate and engage African-American students. Analyzed through the lens of Critical Race Theory were the data sets. The findings highlighted the importance of climate, faculty, and ‘Hip Hop’ culturally relevant pedagogy to African-American student engagement. The implications of this inquiry for practice in education could impact higher education institutions as they address the issue of engaging African-American students, creating inclusive climates, and using culturally relevant pedagogy.
The effect of childhood segregation on minority academic performance at selective colleges

Abstract In this study we draw upon data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen, a representative survey of nearly 4,000 men and women entering college in the autumn of 1999, to consider the effects of housing and school segregation during childhood on academic performance in college. We show that black and Latino college students, even those enrolled in the nation's most selective academic institutions, display large differences in background and experiences that are strongly conditioned by racial segregation. Those coming of age in a segregated environment were less prepared academically and socially for college life, and were more exposed to violence and social disorder while growing up. After documenting these differences, we estimate regression models to predict academic performance as a function of the minority composition of the neighbourhoods and schools where respondents lived ages 6–18, controlling for a variety of individual and family characteristics as well as the correlates of segregation.
Modeling Nonprofit Employment

Why are people with same-sex partners more likely than married people to work for nonprofit organizations (NPOs)? Analysis of 2000 Census data suggests that smaller gay–straight pay disparities for men in the nonprofit sector, occupational choices, and ability to afford nonprofit employment explain some overrepresentation of partnered gay men but not of partnered lesbians. Even after controlling for all these factors, people with same-sex partners remain more likely than married people to work for NPOs, suggesting that a strong desire to serve others is an important factor.
A Model-Theoretic View on Qualitative Constraint Reasoning

Qualitative reasoning formalisms are an active research topic in artificial intelligence. In this survey we present a model-theoretic perspective on qualitative constraint reasoning and explain some of the basic concepts and results in an accessible way. In particular, we discuss the significance of omega-categoricity for qualitative reasoning, of primitive positive interpretations for complexity analysis, and of Datalog as a unifying language for describing local consistency algorithms.
A particle system in interaction with a rapidly varying environment: Mean field limits and applications

We study an interacting particle system whose dynamics depends on an interacting random environment. As the number of particles grows large, the transition rate of the particles slows down (perhaps because they share a common resource of fixed capacity). The transition rate of a particle is determined by its state, by the empirical distribution of all the particles and by a rapidly varying environment. The transitions of the environment are determined by the empirical distribution of the particles. We prove the propagation of chaos on the path space of the particles and establish that the limiting trajectory of the empirical measure of the states of the particles satisfies a deterministic differential equation. This deterministic differential equation involves the time averages of the environment process. We apply the results on particle systems to understand the behavior of computer networks where users access a shared resource using a distributed random Medium Access Control (MAC) algorithm. MAC algorithms are used in all Local Area Network (LAN), and have been notoriously difficult to analyze. Our analysis allows us to provide simple and explicit expressions of the network performance under such algorithms.
Efficient Reachability Analysis for Time Petri Nets

We propose in this paper some efficient approaches, based on the state class graph method, to construct abstractions for the Time Petri Net (TPN) model, suitable to verify its linear or reachability properties. Experimental results have shown that these abstractions are very appropriate as both time and size are considerably reduced. For some tested models, abstractions that preserve reachability properties can be as many as 2,051 times smaller and more than 592 times faster to compute. For abstractions, which are overapproximations (useful to prove that certain states are not reachable), gains can overpass 10,000 for both time and size.
A transactional analysis of maternal negativity and child externalizing behavior

A transactional model was used to examine the reciprocal relationship between maternal negativity and child externalizing behavior over three time points. Data were collected from 1,479 children and their mothers every two years, as part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY). Children were 10—11 years old at Time 1, 12—13 at Time 2, and 14—15 at Time 3. Measures of maternal negativity were obtained from both mothers and children, while measures of child externalizing behavior were obtained from children only. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that both members of the dyad influenced one another’s behavior, with evidence of a recursive feedback loop over time. These influences were not equal (across persons) or stable (across time). Children’s influence on the development of maternal negativity increased over time.
Reduced Sleep-Like Quiescence in Both Hyperactive and Hypoactive Mutants of the Galphaq Gene egl-30 during lethargus in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sleep-like states are characterized by massively reduced behavioral activity. Little is known about genetic control of sleep-like behavior. It is also not clear how general activity levels during wake-like behavior influence activity levels during sleep-like behavior. Mutations that increase wake-like activity are generally believed to also increase activity during sleep-like behavior and mutations that decrease wake-like activity are believed to have decreased activity during sleep-like behavior. We studied sleep-like behavior during lethargus in larvae of Caenorhabditis elegans. We looked through a small set of known mutants with altered activity levels. As expected, mutants with increased activity levels typically showed less sleep-like behavior. Among these hyperactive mutants was a gain-of-function mutant of the conserved heterotrimeric G protein subunit Galphaq gene egl-30. We found, however, that an unusual semidominant hypoactive mutant of egl-30 also had reduced sleep-like behavior. While movement was severely reduced and impaired in the semidominant egl-30 mutant, sleep-like behavior was severely reduced: the semidominant egl-30 mutant lacked prolonged periods of complete immobility, reduced spontaneous neural activity less, and reduced responsiveness to stimulation less. egl-30 is a well-known regulator of behavior. Our results suggest that egl-30 controls not only general activity levels, but also differences between wake-like and sleep-like behavior.
Increased circulating leptin levels in chronic alcoholism.

BACKGROUND Malnutrition seen in chronic alcoholics is partly due to reduced energy intake. Leptin is a peptide hormone implicated in the regulation of appetite and expenditure of energy. The prevalence and significance of abnormal circulating leptin levels in alcoholics, as well as the relationship of these levels with nutritional status, liver disease, and ethanol consumption, remain uncertain. METHODS Serum leptin levels were measured in 60 active asymptomatic alcoholics, 20 active alcoholics with cirrhosis of the liver, 20 abstinent alcoholics, and 60 controls. Nutritional status and ethanol consumption also were assessed. RESULTS In the control group, circulating leptin levels (mean 4.7+/-0.3 microg/liter) correlated with body fat stores. Despite showing a lower fat area of the arm, active alcoholics had significantly higher leptin levels than the controls (p < 0.001), regardless of the presence of cirrhosis. By contrast, none of the abstinent alcoholics showed hyperleptinemia. In the multivariate regression analysis, the fat area of the arm (p < 0.001), the lifetime ethanol consumption (p = 0.007), and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (p = 0.02) were found to be independent factors that influenced leptin levels in active alcoholics. After we adjusted for age, fat area of the arm, and tobacco consumption, a significant correlation was observed between lifetime consumption of ethanol and serum leptin concentrations (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Circulating leptin levels are increased in a dose-dependent manner in chronic alcoholism, regardless of nutritional status or the presence of compensated liver disease.
Language policies in the successor states of former Yugoslavia

Former Yugoslavia followed an internationally acclaimed language policy of constitutional and legal equality of its numerous languages. Anticipating or accompanying the disintegration of this federation, the new states arising on its territory published their constitutions in the period 1990–1993. This paper briefly surveys the basic provisions concerning the official use of languages in each of them and attempts, on the basis of the often scant evidence available, to assess their actual implementation. It is concluded that, whereas language policy in former Yugoslavia was fairly consistent, its successor states display more variety. The inherited spirit of tolerance and language rights still survives in some respects, but there are also clear indications of favouring the linguistic means associated with the “state nation”, at the expense of old and new minorities. The administrative multiplication of the former federation’s largest language, Serbo-Croatian, is likewise noted, as is the general need to complement internal measures of language policy with external ones in preparation for life in tomorrow’s world.
Communicative processes in studies of social organization: sociological approaches to discourse analysis

This article reviews theoretical models of discourse as well as recent research on discourse processes in a number of substantive areas within sociology. The purpose of the review is twofold. First, it calls attention to the theoretical and research potential of discourse analysis for sociology. Second, the review provides a sociological perspective regarding the strengths and limitations of interdisciplinary models of discourse. The first part of the paper contains a detailed discussion and evaluation of three discourse models developed by sociologists (Sacks and Schegloff, Goffman, and Cicourel) as well as two additional sociologically relevant models developed outside of sociology (Labov and Fanshel, and Gumperz). The second part of the paper reviews recent research on discourse processes in several substantive areas in sociology. The conclusion briefly discusses methodological issues in the study of discourse and outlines directions for future research.
Software Quality: An Overview from the Perspective of Total Quality Management

This essay presents a tutorial that discusses software quality in the context of total quality management (TQM). Beginning with a historical perspective of software engineering, the tutorial examines the definition of software quality and discusses TQM as a management philosophy along with its key elements: customer focus, process improvement, the human side of quality, and data, measurement, and analysis. It then focuses on the software-development specifics and the advancements made on many fronts that are related to each of the TQM elements. In conclusion, key directions for software quality improvements are summarized.
Incidence and Predictors of Pregnancy among a Cohort of HIV-Positive Women Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Mbarara, Uganda

Objective Many people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa desire biological children. Implementation of HIV prevention strategies that support the reproductive goals of people living with HIV while minimizing HIV transmission risk to sexual partners and future children requires a comprehensive understanding of pregnancy in this population. We analyzed prospective cohort data to determine pregnancy incidence and predictors among HIV-positive women initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a setting with high HIV prevalence and fertility. Methods Participants were enrolled in the Uganda AIDS Rural Treatment Outcomes (UARTO) cohort of HIV-positive individuals initiating ART in Mbarara. Bloodwork (including CD4 cells/mm3, HIV viral load) and questionnaires (including socio-demographics, health status, sexual behavior, partner dynamics, HIV history, and self-reported pregnancy) were completed at baseline and quarterly. Our analysis includes 351 HIV-positive women (18–49 years) who enrolled between 2005–2011. We measured pregnancy incidence by proximal and distal time relative to ART initiation and used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (with repeated events) to identify baseline and time-dependent predictors of pregnancy post-ART initiation. Results At baseline (pre-ART initiation), median age was 33 years [IQR: 27–37] and median prior livebirths was four [IQR: 2–6]. 38% were married with 61% reporting HIV-positive spouses. 73% of women had disclosed HIV status to a primary sexual partner. Median baseline CD4 was 137 cells/mm3 [IQR: 81–207]. At enrolment, 9.1% (31/342) reported current pregnancy. After ART initiation, 84 women experienced 105 pregnancies over 3.8 median years of follow-up, yielding a pregnancy incidence of 9.40 per 100 WYs. Three years post-ART initiation, cumulative probability of at least one pregnancy was 28% and independently associated with younger age (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR): 0.89/year increase; 95%CI: 0.86–0.92) and HIV serostatus disclosure to primary sexual partner (AHR: 2.45; 95%CI: 1.29–4.63). Conclusions Nearly one-third of women became pregnant within three years of initiating ART, highlighting the need for integrated services to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce periconception-related risks for HIV-infected women choosing to conceive. Association with younger age and disclosure suggests a role for early and couples-based safer conception counselling.
Application of an ant colony system to optimize the total distance and the customers response time for the real time vehicle routing problem

Transport is one of the largest emission driving forces and has many economic and social impacts. Thus, it is crucial to model and optimize practical transportation problems. In this paper, we present a mathematical model for a Real Time Multi-Objective Vehicle Routing Problem which can be described as the problem of designing optimal delivery or collection routes from one or several depots to a number of geographically scattered customers, where we take into account the appearance of new customers over the time and we minimize two objectives : the total distance and response time of customers. Using this model, we perform the resolution by the ant colony system.
Multiview learning via deep discriminative canonical correlation analysis

In this paper, we propose Deep Discriminative Canonical Correlation Analysis (DDCCA), a method to learn the nonlinear transformation of two data sets such that the within-class correlation is maximized and the inter-class correlation is minimized. Parameters of the two deep transformations are jointly learned. Unlike CCA and Discriminative CCA, the proposed DDCCA does not need inner product. The proposed DDCCA was evaluated in two applications, handwritten digit recognition and speech-based emotion recognition. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed DDCCA can get a higher recognition accuracy compared to the existing Deep CCA method.
Acute Respiratory Distress Due to Methane Inhalation

Inhalation of toxic gases can lead to pneumonitis. It has been known that methane gas intoxication causes loss of consciousness or asphyxia. There is, however, a paucity of information about acute pulmonary toxicity from methane gas inhalation. A 21-year-old man was presented with respiratory distress after an accidental exposure to methane gas for one minute. He came in with a drowsy mentality and hypoxemia. Mechanical ventilation was applied immediately. The patient's symptoms and chest radiographic findings were consistent with acute pneumonitis. He recovered spontaneously and was discharged after 5 days without other specific treatment. His pulmonary function test, 4 days after methane gas exposure, revealed a restrictive ventilatory defect. In conclusion, acute pulmonary injury can occur with a restrictive ventilator defect after a short exposure to methane gas. The lung injury was spontaneously resolved without any significant sequela.
Flexible Service Selection Optimization Using Meta-Metrics

The web services paradigm enables an organisation to implement business processes by orchestrating existing services, some of which may be provided by external organisations. Service selection optimization is the application of techniques to optimize the selection of services for business processes. These processes are often modelled to accommodate anticipated variations in control-flow during execution using choice control-flow patterns. This enables a single business process model to represent multiple execution paths, a phenomenon known as modelled flexibility. In certain scenarios, modelled flexibility can cause conflicts in service selection optimization, making it impossible to simultaneously optimize all execution paths. This paper presents an approach to service selection that addresses this type of conflicts by enabling the user to bias service selection based on an arbitrary set of meta-metrics.