Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the Welfare State Self-Destructive? A Study of Government Benefit Morale

Assar Lindbeck has pointed to the problem that generous welfare state institutions may in the long-run undermine those social norms which limit the costs and incentives effects of the welfare state and thus guarantee its viability. This study is the first to assess the empirical validity of Lindbeck? s notion by assessing the long-run link between the welfare state and social norms with regard to the honest take-up of government benefits. Based on the results of four waves of the World Value Surveys the determinants of benefit morale – defined as the reluctance to claim government benefits without legal entitlement – are analysed. Besides a standard list of the respondents? individual characteristics, macroeconomic indicators describing a country? s long-run welfare state and labour market history are included. The results support the empirical validity of Lindbeck? s theory: An increase of government benefits and unemployment is in the long-run associated with deteriorating welfare state ethics.
Building a chemical ontology using Methontology and the Ontology Design Environment

Methontology provides guidelines for specifying ontologies at the knowledge level, as a specification of a conceptualization. ODE enables ontology construction, covering the entire life cycle and automatically implementing ontologies. To meet the challenge of building ontologies, we have developed Methontology, a framework for specifying ontologies at the knowledge level, and the Ontology Development Environment. We present our experience in using Methontology and ODE to build the chemical ontology.
Americas Conference on Information Systems ( AMCIS ) 1-1-2009 Agile Methods : Fast-Paced , but How Fast ?

What are the roles of time and time pressures in design and performance of agile processes for software development? How do we plan our rapid development activities given the constraints of due dates? What does it mean to be on ‘internet time’? Agile methods are meant to be fast-paced, but are they fast in an effective way? How do time-pressures influence the productivity of a project team and how do they impact the motivations of developers? This paper considers the time issues in agile approaches to managing software projects and posits research propositions to guide further study of this area.
On the Predictability of Human Assessment: when Matrix Completion Meets NLP Evaluation

This paper tackles the problem of collecting reliable human assessments. We show that knowing multiple scores for each example instead of a single score results in a more reliable estimation of a system quality. To reduce the cost of collecting these multiple ratings, we propose to use matrix completion techniques to predict some scores knowing only scores of other judges and some common ratings. Even if prediction performance is pretty low, decisions made using the predicted score proved to be more reliable than decision based on a single rating of each example.
HEMCAM, an adhesion molecule expressed by c-kit+ hemopoietic progenitors

We have characterized the adhesion molecule HEMCAM, which is expressed by hemopoietic progenitors of embryonic bone marrow. HEMCAM belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and consists of the V-V-C2-C2-C2 Ig domains. There are three mRNA splice variants. One has a short cytoplasmic tail; another has a long tail; while the third seems to lack transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions. Except for the NH2-terminal sequence, HEMCAM is identical to gicerin, a molecular involved in neurite outgrowth and Wilm's kidney tumor progression in the chicken and it is significantly homologous with MUC18 a molecule involved in melanoma progression and metastasis in human beings. In the bone marrow the HEMCAM+ cell population contains c-kit+ subsets. HEMCAM+ cells coexpressing the receptor tyrosine kinase c-kit give rise to T cells at a frequency of 0.17 when injected intrathymically in congenic animals. As HEMCAM+, c-kit+ cells differentiate into myeloid and erythroid CFU's the double-positive cell population seems to contain precursors for multiple lineages. HEMCAM promotes cell-cell adhesion of transfected cells. Cross-linking of murine HEMCAM leads to cell spreading of T- lymphocyte progenitors adhering to the vascular adhesion molecules, PECAM-1 and VCAM-1. Thus, HEMCAM is likely to be involved in cellular adhesion and homing processes.
Improved voice activity detection via contextual information and noise suppression

In this paper, we develop a contextual voice activity detection (VAD) scheme which combines both contextual and frame specific information to improve detection. Unlike many VAD algorithms which assume that the cues to activity lie within the frame alone, our scheme seeks information for activity in the current as well as the neighboring frames. The new approach provides good robustness in low SNR when the speech frame is corrupted and an alternate reliable source of activity information is necessary. Further, we present a simple noise suppression scheme to enhance the VAD performance at low SNR. The noise suppressor provides spectrally reshaped signal to the VAD. Finally, we combine the contextual VAD and the noise suppression scheme with a basic detector to form a comprehensive VAD. The proposed comprehensive VAD system is tested on speech samples from the SWITCHBOARD database. Various noises under different SNRs are added to the speech signals. Experimental results show that the proposed VAD outperforms the standard algorithm ETSI AMR VAD-1.
Mycobacterium bovis Isolates from Tuberculous Lesions in Chadian Zebu Carcasses

This slaughterhouse study in Chad shows higher proportions of Mycobacterium bovis isolates among Mbororo than Arabe zebu cattle. Spoligotyping shows a homogenetic population structure for M. bovis and lack of spacer 30, as were found in neighboring Cameroon and Nigeria. This finding suggests transborder and ongoing transmission between cattle.
Complexity of Model Checking Recursion Schemes for Fragments of the Modal Mu-Calculus

Ong has shown that the modal mu-calculus model checking problem (equivalently, the alternating parity tree automaton (APT) acceptance problem) of possibly-infinite ranked trees generated by order-n recursion schemes is n-EXPTIME complete. We consider two subclasses of APT and investigate the complexity of the respective acceptance problems. The main results are that, for APT with a single priority, the problem is still n-EXPTIME complete; whereas, for APT with a disjunctive transition function, the problem is (n-1)-EXPTIME complete. This study was motivated by Kobayashi's recent work showing that the resource usage verification of functional programs can be reduced to the model checking of recursion schemes. As an application, we show that the resource usage verification problem is (n-1)-EXPTIME complete.
Gaze guided object recognition using a head-mounted eye tracker

Wearable eye trackers open up a large number of opportunities to cater for the information needs of users in today's dynamic society. Users no longer have to sit in front of a traditional desk-mounted eye tracker to benefit from the direct feedback given by the eye tracker about users' interest. Instead, eye tracking can be used as a ubiquitous interface in a real-world environment to provide users with supporting information that they need. This paper presents a novel application of intelligent interaction with the environment by combining eye tracking technology with real-time object recognition. In this context we present i) algorithms for guiding object recognition by using fixation points ii) algorithms for generating evidence of users' gaze on particular objects iii) building a next generation museum guide called Museum Guide 2.0 as a prototype application of gaze-based information provision in a real-world environment. We performed several experiments to evaluate our gaze-based object recognition methods. Furthermore, we conducted a user study in the context of Museum Guide 2.0 to evaluate the usability of the new gaze-based interface for information provision. These results show that an enormous amount of potential exists for using a wearable eye tracker as a human-environment interface.
Measurements and Model Calibration of Urban Traffic Noise Pollution

Problem statement: The problem of urban traffic noise pollution is universal and in the past few decades it has grown to the point that it has become a major concern for both the public and the policy-makers. Approach: In a comprehensive 18 month research project, traffic-generated noise was monitored at 47 roadway locations in fourteen districts in metropolitan Kuwait in 2004-2005. Simultaneously with noise, traffic flow variables of volume-by mix and traffic speed were also measured. Measurements of noise and traffic flow variables were performed for a period of 20 min at each location, repeated 3-5 times, during peak and off-peak hours to account for time-fluctuation of these variables. At each district, a sample of freeway, arterial, collector and local residential streets were included in the noise and traffic flow monitoring plan. In addition to the analysis of noise, flow and their interrelationships, two models-regressions and the FHWA’s traffic noise model, were employed to predict noise pollutions from traffic. Results: Findings indicated that traffic noise is at or above, the standard outdoor limits in most locations and especially at arterial roadways and freeways. Recommendations concerning measured to improve the problem of urban traffic noise pollution in Kuwait are also made. Conclusion: Findings of this research project had shown that level of traffic-generated noise pollution in Kuwait urban area is high enough to adversely affect the welfare activities and productivities of its residents. With the rapidly growing rate of infrastructural development and unplanned urban land-use change, it is almost certain, that problem of urban traffic noise pollution will soon assume a critical dimension and will be a cause of increasing concern for both public and responsible policy-makers. The quality of urban life will undoubtedly be adversely affected.
Internet based exercise management system for worksite exercise and well-being intervention

Reijo Kangas. 2012. Internet based exercise management system for worksite exercise and well-being intervention. University of Jyvaskyla. Department of Sport Sciences, Master’s thesis in Sport and Exercise Psychology, 105 pages. The studies of exercise motivation theories can be used for the requirements of exercise management software systems. User-friendly mobile and web applications may wake up people’s interest of their own awareness of unhealthy manners like obesity, sedentary behavior and possible mental health problems of inactivity. The aim of the present study was to plan, organize and evaluate an internet based exercise intervention for workers. Other purpose of the study was to observe possible changes of exercise motivation and physical activity during the intervention. Implementation of this intervention as planned needed to develop mobile and web based exercise management system (www.trainit.fi) to study, enhance and maintain physically active life style. Measurements of exercise motivation were carried out by Exercise Motivations Inventory (EMI-2) and exercise barriers by Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale (BARSE) psychometrics tools. Fixed exercise plans with instructions at Trainit portal, exercise skills learning, health behavior lessons and supervised training sessions were used to guide and motivate people to be physically active. Interviews and exercise session diary was used to collect experiences and feelings of participation on training sessions. Trainit portal was used to collect data of physical activity rate and, of course, willingness to use the portal. This study did not reveal any permanent changes in exercise motivation, most probably, because of the short three month duration of supervised group exercise sessions. The whole intervention during eight months time period proved lasting exercise activity in practice when using web based tools for exercise planning, monitoring and peer review purposes. Internet based applications are effective but cannot replace face-to-face delivery methods. Gaming features and other persuasive systems should be studied and use in the future to make physical activity behavior more attractive and raise awareness of the health.
Linear mtDNA fragments and unusual mtDNA rearrangements associated with pathological deficiency of MGME1 exonuclease

MGME1, also known as Ddk1 or C20orf72, is a mitochondrial exonuclease found to be involved in the processing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) during replication. Here, we present detailed insights on the role of MGME1 in mtDNA maintenance. Upon loss of MGME1, elongated 7S DNA species accumulate owing to incomplete processing of 5′ ends. Moreover, an 11-kb linear mtDNA fragment spanning the entire major arc of the mitochondrial genome is generated. In contrast to control cells, where linear mtDNA molecules are detectable only after nuclease S1 treatment, the 11-kb fragment persists in MGME1-deficient cells. In parallel, we observed characteristic mtDNA duplications in the absence of MGME1. The fact that the breakpoints of these mtDNA rearrangements do not correspond to either classical deletions or the ends of the linear 11-kb fragment points to a role of MGME1 in processing mtDNA ends, possibly enabling their repair by homologous recombination. In agreement with its functional involvement in mtDNA maintenance, we show that MGME1 interacts with the mitochondrial replicase PolgA, suggesting that it is a constituent of the mitochondrial replisome, to which it provides an additional exonuclease activity. Thus, our results support the viewpoint that MGME1-mediated mtDNA processing is essential for faithful mitochondrial genome replication and might be required for intramolecular recombination of mtDNA.
Dynamic friendship network and breakfast-eating behavior

A longitudinal data was collected at six time points, Oct. and Dec. in 2005, Jan., Feb., Apr., and June in 2006. The questionnaires contain questions on health behaviors, and friendship data. The Markov model is based on transition tables that describe the transition from network position and breakfast-eating behavior at time points 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5, and 5 to 6. The states are classified into isolate breakfast-eater (ISb), group member breakfast-eater (GPb), isolate breakfast-skipper (ISNb), and group member breakfast-skipper (GPNb). The results indicate that most of the students keep their breakfast eating behavior, the transition probabilities are constant at the later stages, and group members have longer sojourn time. We conclude that friendship network is an evolution process, and will eventually reach an equilibrium status. The influences of friendship network can not ignored and the difference between "micro" and "macro" level of social network transition under Markov model needs further scrutinized.
DEVELOPING ON-LINE QUESTIONNAIRES FOR MATHEMATICIANS

SUMMARY I hope that my study will be able to provide a measure to show how CAS is currently used in universities in three countries. In addition, I hope that I will be able to offer insight how mathematicians envision the use of CAS in university-level mathematics teaching and learning. Certainly, this phase of the study may not offer deep insight into the details of CAS use, however, by identifying mathematicians and institutions, details can be further investigated in the continuation of this study. In addition, using an on-line questionnaire methodology, I will be able to contribute to the methodological debates in this area. NOTES 1. Detailed results will be found in Lavicza (in preparation) . REFERENCES Becker, H. (2000). Findings from the teaching, learning and computer survey: is Larry Cuban right? Teaching, learning, and computing: National Survey Report. Irvine, California: Center for Research on Information Technology and Organizations, University of California Irvine. Cook, C. , Heath, F. , & Thompson, R. L. (2000). A meta-analysis of response rates in web- or Internet-based surveys.
Effects of weekly low-frequency rTMS on autonomic measures in children with autism spectrum disorder

The term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a range of conditions characterized by impairments in social interactions, communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviors. Autism spectrum disorder may also present with symptoms suggestive of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 18 sessions of low frequency (LF) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on autonomic function in children with ASD by recording electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) pre- post- and during each rTMS session. The autonomic measures of interest in this study were R-R cardiointervals in EKG (R-R), time and frequency domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance level (SCL). Heart rate variability measures such as R-R intervals, standard deviation of cardiac intervals, pNN50 (percentage of cardiointervals >50 ms different from preceding interval), power of high frequency (HF) and LF components of HRV spectrum, LF/HF ratio, were then derived from the recorded EKG. We expected that the course of 18 weekly inhibitory LF rTMS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) would enhance autonomic balance by facilitating frontal inhibition of limbic activity thus resulting in decreased overall heart rate (HR), increased HRV (in a form of increased HF power), decreased LF power (resulting in decreased LF/HF ratio), and decreased SCL. Behavioral evaluations post-18 TMS showed decreased irritability, hyperactivity, stereotype behavior and compulsive behavior ratings while autonomic measures indicated a significant increase in cardiac interval variability and a decrease of tonic SCL. The results suggest that 18 sessions of LF rTMS in ASD results in increased cardiac vagal control and reduced sympathetic arousal.
AN UPDATED APPROACH TO COMPLEXITY FROM AN AGENT-CENTERED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PERSPECTIVE

Here we update and expand our previous work to find commonality in a variety of systems, situations, and organisms with regard to a generic concept of complexity (1). Such attempts have drawn significant attention from outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds (2). Despite years of research with many papers written, there is yet to appear a convergence toward a unified methodology in the multi-disciplinary approaches. In particular, we consider how the synthesis of complex systems, as is practiced in the software engineering of large systems, sheds light on the analysis of complexity. We consider how levels of abstraction at different granularities relate to complexity from the point of view of the description of a model of the system. We consider also the relationship of an intelligent agent, symbolic or biological, with the estimation of complexity. We use the term agent to include both intelligent programs and humans, which learn systems (models) from observations and adapt to their environment by learning. It is suggested here that an agent-centered approach, factoring complexity modulo a context (called in Artificial Intelligence a perspective), may provide a more general approach to determining the complexity of an object or system. The thesis presented here is that the object must not be considered independently from its user agent and its context and that in the duality of the consideration, one may learn more about both the general characteristics of complexity and of the specific reasons for our interest in it. The proposal is to consider user, interaction, and the related interfaces simultaneously when studying the complexity of a system. This approach is more integrative and less reductionist than studying any of the system aspects individually and bridges the difficulties of a large range of diverse settings. An overview of the field is briefly presented in light of the proposed approach.
RASP: Real-time network analytics with distributed NoSQL stream processing

In this paper we present RASP, a system that combines latest distributed stream processing and NoSQL engines to enable the real-time low latency storage and joining of incoming data streams with external datasets of arbitrary sizes through an extensible, SQL compliant manner. We achieve low latency, real time execution by employing the Kafka and Storm frameworks to join incoming tuples as they arrive, while the denormalized result is being stored in HBase, a distributed NoSQL engine with the use of Phoenix, a framework that fully supports SQL. We fine-tune the topology execution to achieve maximum performance and we also apply a set of optimizations both in the HBase storage and the Phoenix SQL execution framework. We use RASP to solve a network analytics problem using real data. RASP performs its computations utilizing an extensible pipeline of Storm bolts that incrementally augment incoming tuples with the execution of different algorithms. We deploy our system over an IaaS cloud and we evaluate its performance for various workloads, cluster sizes and configurations, where we show that in some cases RASP achieves a throughput increase of more than 140% and a latency drop of more than 65% compared to a vanilla setting.
Optimizing the Number of States for HMM-Based On-line Handwritten Whiteboard Recognition

In this paper, we present a novel way to determine the number of states in Hidden-Markov-Models for on-line handwriting recognition. This method extends the Bakis length modeling method which has succesfully been applied to off-line handwriting recognition. We propose a modification to the Bakis method and present a technique to improve the topology with a small number of iterations. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of state tying. In an experimental section, we show that our improved system outperforms a system with Bakis length modeling by 1.5 % relative and with fixed length modeling by 5.1 % relative on the IAM-On-DB-t1 benchmark.