Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Construcción y Evaluación Psicométrica de una Escala Breve de Vulnerabilidad Suicida

espanolEl suicidio es una de las principales causas de muerte evitable. La deteccion temprana de personas en riesgo es fundamental para reducir el numero de fallecidos. En este estudio se ha desarrollado una escala para identificar el riesgo suicida, teniendo en cuenta no solo factores de riesgo sino tambien Fortalezas Personales del sujeto. El instrumento consta de 30 items y esta orientado para su uso por parte de agentes sociales. Su diseno se testo en 95 usuarios de los servicios sociales mostrando una alt a consistencia interna ( α =.83). La validez del constructo se evaluo mediante la fiabilidad test - retest del instrumento, mostrando una alta fiabilidad ( α = .72). EnglishSuicide is one of the main causes of preventable death, so there is a great need to assess possible cases at risk. In this study, a scale has been developed to identify suicidal risk, taking into account not only risk factors but also personal strengths of the subject. The instrument consists of 30 items and is intended for use by social agents. Its design was tested on 95 users of social services showing a high internal consistency ( α =.83). The validity of the construct was evaluated by the test - retest reliability of the instrument, showing a high reliability ( α =.72).
Retargeted Least Squares Regression Algorithm

This brief presents a framework of retargeted least squares regression (ReLSR) for multicategory classification. The core idea is to directly learn the regression targets from data other than using the traditional zero-one matrix as regression targets. The learned target matrix can guarantee a large margin constraint for the requirement of correct classification for each data point. Compared with the traditional least squares regression (LSR) and a recently proposed discriminative LSR models, ReLSR is much more accurate in measuring the classification error of the regression model. Furthermore, ReLSR is a single and compact model, hence there is no need to train two-class (binary) machines that are independent of each other. The convex optimization problem of ReLSR is solved elegantly and efficiently with an alternating procedure including regression and retargeting as substeps. The experimental evaluation over a range of databases identifies the validity of our method.
Contrast-Enhanced Whole-Heart Coronary Magnetic Resonance Angiography at 3 T Using Interleaved Echo Planar Imaging

Objectives:The goal of this work was to reduce the scan time of contrast-enhanced whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) by using a gradient echo interleaved echo planar imaging (GRE-EPI) sequence at 3 T field strength. Materials and Methods:A GRE-EPI sequence was optimized to acquire contrast-enhanced whole-heart coronary MRA at 3 T. First-order phase correction was used for alignment of the odd and even echoes in the GRE-EPI echo train. Single and dual reference scan techniques for estimation of the linear phase correction parameters were evaluated using both phantom and volunteer studies. The GRE-EPI readout was combined with parallel imaging for a further reduction in scan time. To avoid image distortions, calibration signals for coil sensitivity estimation were acquired in a separate low resolution GRE scan before the whole-heart GRE-EPI scan. Eight healthy volunteers were scanned with the optimized contrast-enhanced GRE-EPI sequence. GRE-EPI images were acquired during slow infusion (0.3 mL/s) of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight of Gd-BOPTA. For comparison purposes, the same 8 volunteers were scanned again in a separate scan session using a traditional GRE sequence with double the dose (0.2 mmol/kg body weight) of the same contrast agent with the same injection rate. The contrast-enhanced GRE-EPI and contrast-enhanced GRE techniques were compared in terms of relative signal-to-noise ratio (rSNR), relative contrast-to-noise ratio (rCNR), image quality scores, and visualized vessel lengths. Results:Both, phantom and volunteer studies demonstrated that the dual reference scan phase correction technique was a key step for obtaining satisfactory image quality using GRE-EPI at 3 T. Whole-heart coronary MRA with a spatial resolution of 1.0 × 1.0 × 2.0 mm3 was acquired with the GRE-EPI sequence in an average scan time of 2.5 ± 0.6 minutes, compared with 8.6 ± 2.7 minutes for the GRE technique. The GRE-EPI technique had lower rCNR compared with the GRE sequence. The image quality and coronary artery visualization with the GRE-EPI technique were adequate, and there was no statistically significant difference in the image quality scores, rSNR, and visualized coronary artery lengths between the GRE-EPI and GRE techniques. Conclusions:Contrast-enhanced whole-heart coronary MRA using the GRE-EPI technique resulted in excellent delineation of all the major coronary arteries and compared with current GRE techniques demonstrated a factor of 2 reduction in contrast agent dose and a factor of 3 reduction in scan time.
Robustness analysis of multichannel Wiener filtering and generalized sidelobe cancellation for multimicrophone noise reduction in hearing aid applications

For small-sized arrays such as hearing aids, noise reduction is obtained at the expense of an increased sensitivity to errors in the assumed signal model, i.e., microphone mismatch, variations in speaker and microphone positions, reverberation. However, the noise reduction algorithm should still be robust, i.e., insensitive to small signal model errors. In this paper, we evaluate the robustness of the Generalized Sidelobe Canceller (GSC) and a recently developed Multichannel Wiener Filtering (MWF) technique for hearing aid applications both analytically and experimentally. The analysis reveals that robustness of the GSC is especially crucial in complicated noise scenarios and that microphone mismatch is particularly harmful to the GSC, even when the adaptive noise canceller is adapted during noise only. Hence, a constraint on the noise sensitivity of the GSC is essential, at the expense of less noise reduction. The MWF on the other hand, is not affected by microphone mismatch and has a potential benefit over the robust GSC with noise sensitivity constraint. However, the MWF is sensitive to the estimation accuracy of the second order statistics of speech and noise so that its benefit may be lost in nonstationary noise scenarios.
Solving Schema Conversion Problem between XML and Relational Models : Semantic Approach

Schema conversion problem aims to convert a source schema S in the given model M1 to an equivalent target schema T in the desired model M2. In this paper, we especially study schema conversion problem between XML and relational models. We present three semantics-based schema conversion algorithms: 1) CPI converts an XML schema to a relational schema while preserving semantic constraints of the original XML schema, 2) NeT derives a nested structured XML schema from a flat relational schema by repeatedly applying the nest operator so that the resulting XML schema becomes hierarchical, and 3) CoT takes a relational schema as input, where multiple tables are interconnected through inclusion dependencies and generates an equivalent XML schema as output.
Microlensing Optical Depth Revisited with Recent Star Counts

More reliable constraints on the microlensing optical depth can come from a better understanding of the Galactic model. Based on well-constrained Galactic bulge and disk models constructed from survey observations, such as those from HST, 2MASS, and SDSS, we calculate the microlensing optical depths toward Galactic bulge fields and compare them with recent results from microlensing surveys. We test the χ2 statistics of the microlensing optical depths expected from these models, as well as from previously proposed models, using two types of data: optical depth maps in (l, b) and averaged optical depth over Galactic longitude l as a function of latitude b. From this analysis, we find that the Galactic bulge models from 2MASS and Han & Gould, and model G2 of Stanek et al., show good agreement with the microlensing optical depth profiles for all the microlensing observations, compared with model E2 of Stanek et al. On the other hand, we find that models involving an SDSS disk model produce relatively higher χ2 values. It should be noted that modeled microlensing optical depths diverge at low Galactic latitudes, |b| ≲ 2°. Therefore, we suggest microlensing observations toward regions much closer to the center of the Galaxy to further test the proposed Galactic models, if technically feasible, rather than waiting for a larger data set of microlensing events.
D Panorama Generation Using Depth-MapStitching

As the popularization and development of 3D display makes common users easy to experience a solid 3D virtual reality, the demand for virtual reality contents are increasing. In this paper, we propose 3D panorama system using vanishing point locationbased depth map generation method. 3D panorama using depthmap stitching gives an effect that makes users feel staying at real place and looking around nearby circumstances. Also, 3D panorama gives free sight point for both nearby object and remote one and provides solid 3D video.
A Qualitative Look at Alice and Pair-Programming

In previous studies, we have used quantitative methods to examine the effectiveness of the Alice programming language in terms of student enjoyment, confidence, and learning outcomes. However, in terms of the overall quality of a learning experience, quantitative measures provide only part of the story. This paper reports on the use of Alice from a student perspective using qualitative data gathered from student reflective exercises and focus groups. Eighty-nine (89) students from six (6) different sections of an introductory computing class for non-majors completed a 2.5-week programming module using the Alice interactive graphical programming language. Students in two (2) sections completed the Alice programming module individually and students in four (4) sections used the pair-programming paradigm, where two programmers work on the same program at the same time using the same computer. At the end of the module, all 89 students wrote a reflective essay on their experience with Alice and focus groups were facilitated in three (3) different sections. This qualitative data indicates that students who used Alice reported that they enjoyed programming, had confidence in their programming ability, understood basic programming concepts, and understood the relationship between algorithms and Alice stories.
Power Aware Scheduling for Real-Time Systems with ( m, k )-Guarantee

Energy consumption and Quality of Service (QoS) are two of the primary concerns in design of today’s pervasive computing systems. In this paper, we study the problem of minimizing the energy consumption while ensuring the designated QoS requirements for a real-time system on a two-level variable voltage processor. In our approach, the real-time tasks are scheduled according to the earliest deadline ﬁrst scheme, and the QoS requirements are quantiﬁed with so-called ( m, k )-constraints, which require that at least m number of any k consecutive jobs of a task meet their dead-lines. In this paper, we develop a static scheduling strategy to guarantee the ( m, k ) − constraints while optimizing the energy. Extensive experiments, both on synthesized systems and real applications, have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
New Evidence on the Expectations Hypothesis of the Term Structure of Bond Yields

This paper tests the expectations hypothesis (EH) with the data used in Campbell and Shiller’s (1991) seminal work on the EH using a Lagrange multiplier test developed recently by Bekaert and Hodrick (2001). This test is applied under the assumption that interest rates are integrated of order one, I(1), as in Campbell and Shiller (1987), and under the assumption that interest rates are stationary. We also extend the literature beyond the bivariate comparisons of long-term and short-term rates which dominates the EH testing literature. In addition, we examine the linkage between the term structure and macrcoeconomic variables. Consistent with the findings of Campbell and Shiller (1991), the EH is rejected at the short end of the maturity spectrum but not at the longer end. The EH is rejected at the longer end of the term structure when more than two rates or the relationship between the term structure and the macroeconomy are considered. Moreover, we find that evaluating the EH using the ratio of the variance of the forecasted long-term rate (or rate spread) under the EH to the observed variance generates misleading information about the merit of the EH. JEL Classification: G1, E4, E10
Paths Beyond Local Search: A Nearly Tight Bound for Randomized Fixed-Point Computation

In 1983, Aldous proved that randomization can speedup local search. For example, it reduces the query complexity of local search over [1:n]^d from Theta (n^{d-1}) to O (d^{1/2}n^{d/2}). It remains open whether randomization helps fixed-point computation. Inspired by this open problem and recent advances on equilibrium computation, we have been fascinated by the following question: Is a fixed-point or an equilibrium fundamentally harder to find than a local optimum? In this paper, we give a nearly-tight bound of Omega(n)^{d-1} on the randomized query complexity for computing a fixed point of a discrete Brouwer function over [1:n]^d. Since the randomized query complexity of global optimization over [1:n]^d is Theta (n^{d}), the randomized query model over [1:n]^d strictly separates these three important search problems: Global optimization is harder than fixed-point computation, and fixed-point computation is harder than local search. Our result indeed demonstrates that randomization does not help much in fixed-point computation in the query model; the deterministic complexity of this problem is Theta (n^{d-1}).
Face Verification using Fundamental Matrices

Face verification is an application of object recognition. Two face images are compared and the question is if these images are of the same face or not. With this in view, this thesis project devises a way to utilize the epipolar geometric constraint, which exists between two different images of the same face. The epipolar geometry is algebraically represented by the fundamental matrix which can be calculated using matching image points between the face images. The set of matching points is found using the concept of rotational symmetries and face detection techniques. The proposed algorithm is tested on a set of face images. The results show that, in many cases, the algorithm has the ability to separate different faces. In order to further improve the results, a number of suggestions are proposed.
Ruggedisation methodologies for GPS based Vehicle Tracking System

Main objective of this research proposal is to develop ruggedised strategic GPS based Vehicle Tracking System (VTS). For ruggedisation, system needs to be tested for specifications according to the different standards such as JSS-55555 / MIL-STD-810E (Environmental) and MIL-STD-461E (EMI/EMC). This paper gives brief survey of strategic testing procedures, typical severities of the tests, and probable failures/damages in the electronics / communication systems /circuits. The tests include Environmental, Dynamic, Corrosion, Mould growth, Radiated / Conducted Emission and Susceptibility, ESS and Burn-in, etc. This paper also explains the effect of all these tests on the equipment leading to probable damages/failures in the system for which cognizance must be taken in the design for improvement of reliability of the equipment to make the equipment compatible with stringent requirements. The outcome of these tests may be probable damages like failure of semiconductor devices and components, destruction of electronic circuits, breakage of PCB, damages in the enclosures, drift in the specifications / parameters, functional impairments, malfunctioning of the equipment, etc. The brief methodologies of ruggedisation such as selection of MIL grade components, use of shock mounts, specialized enclosure design, balanced mechanical layout, and use of protective coatings are recommended. These methodologies are useful to ensure the compatibility of GPS based Vehicle Tracking System with different standards like JSS-55555 / MIL-810E (Environmental).
EXACT DISTRIBUTION OF HAT VALUES AND IDENTIFICATION OF LEVERAGE POINTS

This paper proposed the exact distribution of centered hat values of the hat matrix of predictors in multiple linear regression analysis. The authors adopted the relationship proposed by Belsey et al. (1980) between the centered hat values and the F-ratio and we showed that the derived density function of the centered hat values followed Beta distribution ( 1, ) p n p    and it lies between1/ 1 ii n h   . Moreover, the first two moments of the distribution are derived and we established the upper and lower limits of the centered hat values. Moreover, the shape of the density function of hat values is also visualized and the authors computed the percentage points of centered hat values at 5% and 1% significance level for different sample sizes and predictors. Finally, the authors proposed two approaches. The first approach helps to identify the leverage points in multiple linear regression analysis in the X-space based on the test of significance and the second approach scrutinized the leverage points as well as the outliers. The proposed approaches were numerically illustrated and the results were compared the traditional approach.
The Shadow Side of Teaching Classroom as Organization

Classroom as organization (CAO) is an approach at the extreme end of an experiential learning intensity continuum. While proponents suggest they would never go back to a teacher-centered classroom, CAO has not become widely adopted since its initial description by Cohen. We argue this is, in part, because of shadow elements that may discourage faculty in both initial adoption and persistence in the journey from novice to master. This article reports the authors’ reflexive process related to the shadow elements they encountered as early adopters of the CAO methodology. The article begins with a brief background on CAO, followed by a discussion of shadow elements that manifest at the student and faculty levels. We include our recommendations for practice.
Modified Flatbed Tow Truck Model for Stable and Safe Platooning in Presences of Lags, Communication and Sensing Delays

— Many ideas have been proposed to reduce traffic congestion problems. One of the proposed ideas is driving in platoon. Constant spacing policy is the most important control policy. It increases traffic density, but it needs very reliable communication channel. Driving with a constant time headway between vehicle is also well known policy and robust control law, but the inter-vehicle distances are very large. We have proposed in [1], [2] a modification for the constant time headway policy. This modification reduces the inter-vehicle distances largely using only one information shared between all vehicles. In this work we propose an additional modification of our control law. This modification makes our control law similar, in form, to the classical constant spacing policy, but it only uses the same shared information. This modification improves the stability of the platoon. We proved the robustness of the control law in presence of parasitic actuating lags, sensing and communication delays. This prove can be also used for proving the stability of classical spacing policy in presence of all previous delays, contrary to what have been proved in some papers in the literatures.
Statistics of conductance oscillations of a quantum dot in the Coulomb-blockade regime

The fluctuations and the distribution of the conductance peak spacings of a quantum dot in the Coulomb-blockade regime are studied and compared with the predictions of random matrix theory (RMT). The experimental data were obtained in transport measurements performed on a semiconductor quantum dot fabricated in a GaAs-AlGaAs heterostructure. It is found that the fluctuations in the peak spacings are considerably larger than the mean level spacing in the quantum dot. The distribution of the spacings appears to be Gaussian both for zero and for non-zero magnetic field and deviates strongly from the RMT predictions.
Effets de l’automatisation de la conduite en situations de conduite normales et critiques : de l’étude empirique sur simulateur à la modélisation cognitive.

Avec l'automatisation de la conduite et le transfert de la responsabilite du vehicule vers l'automate, il convient de s'interesser aux risques potentiels induits par la « sortie de la boucle » de l'humain. A cette fin, deux experimentations ont ete realisees sur simulateur de conduite. La 1ere porte sur l'automatisation du vehicule en conditions d'embouteillages sur autoroute. Les resultats indiquent qu'un niveau d'automatisation plus eleve (L4, compare a L3) est juge par les participants comme plus utile, reduisant la difficulte et la penibilite de la tâche de conduite. La 2nde experimentation, en situations de conduite critiques, s'interesse a l'effet de l'automatisation sur la conscience de la situation (CS), l'evaluation de sa criticite, la capacite des participants a reprendre le controle manuel en cas de necessite, et enfin sur leur confiance en un systeme automatise gerant le risque a leur place. Les resultats de cette 2nde experimentation revelent des effets de l'automatisation sur la CS des conducteurs, sur l'evaluation du risque ainsi que sur les strategies visuelles, effets neanmoins dependants du niveau d'experience de conduite. Dans la derniere section de l'article, les donnees empiriques collectees au cours de la 2nde experimentation sont utilisees dans le modele COSMODRIVE afin de simuler certains effets de l'automatisation de la conduite sur les strategies d'exploration visuelle du conducteur.
Performance measurements of a depth-encoding PET detector module based on position-sensitive avalanche photodiode read-out

We are developing a high-resolution, high-efficiency positron emission tomography (PET) detector module with depth of interaction (DOI) capability based on a lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) scintillator array coupled at both ends to position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPDs). In this paper we present the DOI resolution, energy resolution and timing resolution results for complete detector modules. The detector module consists of a 7 × 7 matrix of LSO scintillator crystals (1 × 1 × 20 mm3 in dimension) coupled to 8 × 8 mm2 PSAPDs at both ends. Flood histograms were acquired and used to generate crystal look-up tables. The DOI resolution was measured for individual crystals within the array by using the ratio of the signal amplitudes from the two PSAPDs on an event-by-event basis. A measure of the total scintillation light produced was obtained by summing the signal amplitudes from the two PSAPDs. This summed signal was used to measure the energy resolution. The DOI resolution was measured to be 3–4 mm FWHM irrespective of the position of the crystal within the array, or the interaction location along the length of the crystal. The total light signal and energy resolution was almost independent of the depth of interaction. The measured energy resolution averaged 14% FWHM. The coincidence timing resolution measured using a pair of identical detector modules was 4.5 ns FWHM. These results are consistent with the design goals and the performance required of a compact, high-resolution and high-efficiency PET detector module for small animal and breast imaging applications.