Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sparse spike train deconvolution using the hunt filter and a thresholding method

A new deconvolution method of sparse spike trains is presented. It is based on the coupling of the Hunt filter with a thresholding. We show that a good model for the probability density function of the Hunt filter output is a Gaussian mixture, from which we derive the threshold that minimizes the probability of errors. Based on an interpretation of the method as a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator, the hyperparameters are estimated using a joint MAP approach. Simulations show that this method performs well at a very low computation time.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE METHODS FOR AMBIENT INTELLIGENCE

Ambient intelligence is a term coined in Europe at the turn of the century to identify the methodologies and technologies that enable an environment to better respond to a user’s needs. The core concept is to endow an environment with the computational power sufficient to sense its inhabitants and to interpret their actions and interactions in order to anticipate their needs, supply them with necessary information, and/or to act on their behalves. Ambient intelligence covers a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from entertainment services to safety and security. This special issue introduces the concept of intelligent environments, and explores the algorithms required to build such systems. The articles address a range of applications but emphasize domestic contexts (i.e., smart homes), which have been a major motivator of ambient intelligence research. Taken together, the articles provide a window into the technologies most relevant to this area of research, emphasizing agent-based methods for information fusion, situation recognition, planning, monitoring, and behavior modeling. The issue contains six papers, which we summarize briefly, below:
Designing Cognitive Complexity in Mathematical Problem-Solving Items

Cognitive complexity level is important for measuring both aptitude and achievement in large-scale testing. Tests for standards-based assessment of mathematics, for example, often include cognitive complexity level in the test blueprint. However, little research exists on how mathematics items can be designed to vary in cognitive complexity level. In fact, determining the cognitive complexity level of items is usually based on correspondence to definitions rather than on empirically and theoretically justifiable variables that can predict item difficulty. In the current study, mathematical problem-solving items were designed for varying cognitive complexity levels based on a cognitive model of item processing. Structural variants of item models were designed to vary on two aspects of the cognitive model, the equation source and the number of subgoals. Participants were randomly assigned to test forms that contained different structural variants of the item models. Results from the linear logistic test model, the two-parameter-logistic—constrained model, and a corresponding linear mixed modeling procedure indicated that the item design variables affected both item difficulty and response time. Implications of the results for using structural variants in item generation and for the plausibility of the hypothesized cognitive model are discussed.
Aggressive school troublemakers and victims : a longitudinal model examining the pivotal role of self-concept

Aggressive Troublemaker (getting into physical fights, getting into trouble, being seen as a troublemaker, and being punished for getting into trouble) and Victim (being threatened with harm, not feeling safe) factors were related to 3 components of self-concept (General, Same Sex, and Opposite Sex) based on the large, nationally representative National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 database. At 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade levels, Troublemaker and Victim constructs were reasonably stable over time and moderately positively correlated (many students were both troublemakers and victims). The Victim factor was negatively correlated with self-concept and had negative effects on subsequent self-concept. Whereas the Troublemaker factor was also correlated somewhat negatively with self-concept, it had small positive effects on subsequent self-concept: Low self-concept may trigger troublemaking behavior in a possibly successful attempt to enhance subsequent self-concept. Although boys had higher Troublemaker and Victim scores than did girls, the effects of these constructs on subsequent self-concepts were similar for boys and girls.
Gestão, formação docente e inclusão: eixos da reforma educacional brasileira que atribuem contornos à organização escolar

The objective of this text is to discuss the school organization proposed by the Brazilian educational reform in the 1990s. Comprehending that the school performs a social function which goes beyond transmitting knowledge and that the necessary capitalist reorganization places on education one of its focuses, we sought to perceive how this reform redefines school organisation by looking at three key points: management, teacher training and inclusion. Special education and teacher training appear here as an expression of these relationships. Observing that these points are articulated, we endeavour to explain how the educational reform proposes changes whose main objective is the conservation of its exculpatory logic.
LOCALIZATION OF A MOBILE ROBOT USING NATURAL LANDMARKS AND SENSOR FUSION

In this study, localization of a mobile robot is accomplished using laser range finder, compass and natural landmark. Corners in a room are used as natural landmarks. It is assumed that mobile robot is positioned to sense corners and there is no other corner like objects in the environment. Once a corner is sensed, the position of this corner is determined using the robot heading which is indicated by the compass. Experiments are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Acknowledgement 3 Invited Speakers 5

The Survey Parser is a robust parsing system that applies a syntactically rich annotation scheme to natural texts. The parsing scheme is probably one of the most complex, explicitly indicating syntactic categories, their internal structures and also their syntactic functions. Since this parser is designed for the processing of large quantities of text, its evaluation needs to indicate its performance in quantitative terms. This article proposes the use of the NIST scheme as a better alternative for the evaluation of parser output in terms of correct match, substitution, deletion, and insertion. It describes an experiment to measure the performance of the Survey Parser that was used to complete the syntactic annotation of the International Corpus of English. This article will finally report empirical scores for the performance of the parser and outline some future research.
Better Pseudorandom Generators from Milder Pseudorandom Restrictions

We present an iterative approach to constructing pseudorandom generators, based on the repeated application of mild pseudorandom restrictions. We use this template to construct pseudorandom generators for combinatorial rectangles and read-once CNFs and a hitting set generator for width-3 branching programs, all of which achieve near-optimal seed-length even in the low-error regime: We get seed-length Õ(log (n/ε)) for error ε. Previously, only constructions with seed-length O(log3/2 n) or O(log2 n) were known for these classes with error ε = 1/poly(n). The (pseudo)random restrictions we use are milder than those typically used for proving circuit lower bounds in that we only set a constant fraction of the bits at a time. While such restrictions do not simplify the functions drastically, we show that they can be derandomized using small-bias spaces.
High-Contrast, High-Intensity Petawatt-Class Laser and Applications

A high-contrast high-intensity petawatt-class Ti:sapphire chirped-pulse amplification laser has been developed for research on high field science. A saturable absorber and a low-gain optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification preamplifier in the front-end have improved the temporal contrast in the system to ∼$2 \times 10^{12}$ on the subnanosecond time scale at the ∼70 TW power level. In addition to the high-contrast broadband high-energy output from the final amplifier has been achieved with a flat-top spatial profile with a filling factor of ∼70%. This is the result of pump beam spatial profile homogenization with diffractive optical elements. The system produces the uncompressed output pulse energy of 29 J, indicating the capability for reaching a peak power of ∼600 TW. We discuss in detail the design, performance, and characterization of the laser including output power, pulse duration, and spatiotemporal beam quality. We also describe the on-going upgrade of the laser system and some applications for the laser in relativistic dominated laser–matter interactions.
Throughput regions and optimal policies in wireless networks with opportunistic routing

Opportunistic routing in wireless networks has been proposed as a method to combat the volatility of wireless links, by leveraging their broadcast nature and choosing the next hop for each transmitted packet post-facto, using the actual reception outcomes at the respective neighbors, rather than based on a priori information. Much of the research on the topic has focused on protocol design issues, e.g. coordination mechanisms among the next-hop candidates; however, the fundamental performance bounds of the scheme are not yet known. In this paper we study the theoretical throughput region of opportunistic routing, for a generic network model with an arbitrary matrix of packet erasure probabilities between any two nodes, which cannot be mapped onto any classical model due to the existence of undirected broadcast from each node. We introduce a generic technique involving a transformation into a virtual network consisting of nodes corresponding to packet states in the original network, and define two different throughput-optimal scheduling policies in the virtual network, one based on a backpressure-like approach, and another that uses a dynamic programming algorithm which finds the minimum time to clear the system from any initial queued backlog. These policies can support both a unidirectional (half-duplex) flow between a given source and destination, and a bidirectional (full-duplex) connection with inter-session network coding in intermediate nodes.
Computing the Structured Pseudospectrum of a Toeplitz Matrix and Its Extreme Points

The computation of the structured pseudospectral abscissa and radius (with respect to the Frobenius norm) of a Toeplitz matrix is discussed and two algorithms based on a low-rank property to construct extremal perturbations are presented. The algorithms are inspired by those considered in [N. Guglielmi and M. Overton, SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. , 32 (2011), pp. 1166--1192] for the unstructured case, but their extension to structured pseudospectra and analysis presents several difficulties. Natural generalizations of the algorithms, allowing us to draw significant sections of the structured pseudospectra in proximity of extremal points, are also discussed. Since no algorithms are available in the literature to draw such structured pseudospectra, the approach we present seems promising to extend existing software tools (Eigtool, Seigtool) to structured pseudospectra representation for Toeplitz matrices. We discuss local convergence properties of the algorithms and show some applications to a few illustrative.
Multilinear generalization of Common Spatial Pattern

The Common Spatial Patterns (CSP) algorithm has been widely used in EEG classification and Brain Computer Interface (BCI). In this paper, we propose a multilinear formulation of the CSP, termed as TensorCSP or Common Tensor Discriminant Analysis (CTDA) for high-order tensor data. As a natural extension of CSP, the proposed algorithm uses the analogous optimization criteria in CSP and a new framework for simultaneous optimization of projection matrices on each mode based on tensor analysis theory is developed. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm is able to improve classification accuracy of multi-class motor imagery EEG.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce in Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, and Vascular Disorders

In this paper, a crude methanolic extract from the stem bark of Prosopis cineraria, a plant native of Pakistan, was tested for its possible presence of spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vasodilator activities in an attempt to validate some of its folkloric uses. Moreover, attempts were made to provide plausible explanations of the observed biological activities. The extract caused relaxation of the spontaneous as well as K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions at tissue bath concentrations of 3–10 mg/mL in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, probably mediated through blockade of Ca+2 channels. This finding was further confirmed by the shifting of the Ca+2 concentration response curves to the rightward in a manner similar to verapamil used as a standard Ca+2 channel blocker. The extract also exhibited nonspecific relaxant effect on carbachol (1 μM)- and K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit tracheal preparations. The same effect was recorded for phenylephrine (11 μM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit aortic preparations in a manner similar to verapamil. These observations confirm that observed bronchodilator and vasodilator activities were possibly mediated through blockade of Ca+2 channels. The above-mentioned observations validate the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments.
Catholic schools and poor and disadvantaged students: how the Sydney Catholic school system is responding to the challenge

Abstract In a recent Pastoral Letter the Bishops of New South Wales challenged Catholic schools to increase the enrolment of Catholic children from low-income families who are increasingly attending government schools. National census data indicated that only one-third of such students attend Catholic schools. The enrolment of these students is frequently linked to the issue of tuition fees and levies charged to offset the 20% gap between the costs of schooling and the grants which schools receive from government. This is a source of disappointment and embarrassment to those responsible for Catholic education. While there is a long-standing policy in the Archdiocese of Sydney that no Catholic child will be denied a Catholic education through a genuine inability of the family to pay fees, the fact remains that many needy Catholic families do not seek enrolment in Catholic schools. Situated in the context of the global economic crisis, this article outlines a range of initiatives taken in the Archdiocese of Sydney to reach out to students who are poor, disadvantaged or who have special needs. It uses current definitions of poverty and disadvantage, and adopts a wide frame of reference to address the needs of students in Catholic schools over many decades.
Low Fertility of Highly Educated Women: The Impact of Child Care Infrastructure

Most studies of the negative correlation between fertility and education treat education as exogenously raising wages and the cost of child rearing, thus reducing fertility. I relax these assumptions in two respects. First, child costs don't increase with the value of time when external child care is used. Second, over a lifetime, education is endogenous. I model women's choice of education, fertility, and form of child care, allowing for economies of scale in parental child care. Compatibility between work and family duties increases labor supply, the demand for children of educated women, and enhances incentives for obtaining education. Die meisten Untersuchungen uber den negativen Zusammenhang zwischen Kinderzahl und Ausbildung behandeln den Bildungsstand als exogene Grose, welche den Lohn und damit die Kosten der Kinderbetreuungs erhoht und die Fertilitat reduziert. Zwei Annahmen werden in diesem Papier gelockert. Erstens steigen die Kinderkosten nicht mit dem Wert der Zeit wenn externe Kinderbetreuung in Anspruch genommen werden. Zweitens ist das Bildungsniveau in einer Lebenszeitbetrachtung endogen. Ich modelliere die Entscheidung einer Frau uber ihre Bildung, Fertilitat und Kinderbetreuungsform. Dabei werden auch Skalenertrage in der hauslichen Kinderbetreuung berucksichtigt. Bessere Vereinbarkeit zwischen beruflichen und familiaren Verpflichtungen erhoht das Arbeitsangebot, die Nachfrage gebildeter Frauen nach Kindern, und die Anreize in Bildung zu investieren.
Self-Coaching: A Context-Sensitive, Person-Centred Approach to Social Communication After Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Unsuccessful social communication after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often a consequence of self-regulatory (executive function) impairments. The primary goal of this article is to describe an approach to intervention for individuals with self-regulatory impairments that is individualised, sensitive to context and to the role of everyday communication partners, and supported by personally compelling metaphors. After a brief review of the social communication outcome literature, an innovative approach to improving social competence is presented and illustrated. The article ends with a review of the evidence base for social skills and self-talk interventions.
Evidence for the Mitigating Effects of a Support Group for Attitudes Toward Statistics

We implemented a large series (N = 8) single-case research design to assess the effectiveness of a four-session peer support group intervention with students in a doctoral counselor education program completing statistics coursework. Analysis of wait-list group participants’ scores on the Attitude Toward Statistics scale yielded treatment effects indicating that a support group may be effective for promoting student attitudes; however, this intervention was not associated with ubiquitous efficacy between all participants associated with the support group. Considerations for implementing groups that promote positive attitudes are provided.
Immunohistochemical expression of RUNX 3 and p 21 WAF 1 / CIP 1 and its correlation with clinicopathologic parameters in breast carcinoma of Egyptian women

Background: RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor involved in many cancers. RUNX3 regulation is complex; it can both repress and activate p21WAF1/CIP1. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21waf1 is a key regulator of progression from the G1 to the S-phase of cell cycle. Previous studies on the prognostic value of RUNX3 and p21waf1 in breast carcinoma revealed conflicting results. To date, no immunohistochemical studies have been performed to assess the possible association between them in breast carcinoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of RUNX3 and p21waf1 and investigate its association with clinicopathological prognostic parameters and to assess the possible relationship between them. Methods: A retrospective immunohistochemical study was conducted on 78 invasive ductal breast carcinoma cases using RUNX3 and p21waf1. Statistical analysis was performed. Results and Conclusion: The current study reports for the first time the relationship between RUNX3 and p21waf1 immunohistochemical expression in breast cancer; there was a highly statistically significant relation between RUNX3 and p21waf1 expressions (P=0.001), and a moderate significant agreement (kappa =0.467) between them. The two markers are statistically related to established prognostic clinicopathologic parameters suggesting a role in prognosis; RUNX3 showed high statistically significant relations with grade and lymph nodal status (P=0.001 for each), and statistically significant relations with tumor size and molecular subtypes (P=0.02, and P=0.04 respectively). p21waf1 showed highly statistically significant relations with grade, lymph nodal status, ER expression, PR expression, and molecular subtypes (P=0.001 for each), and a statistically significant relation with tumor size (P=0.045). The two markers also represent potential therapeutic targets for patients with breast cancer.
Functional Validation and Comparison Framework for EIT Lung Imaging

Introduction Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an emerging clinical tool for monitoring ventilation distribution in mechanically ventilated patients, for which many image reconstruction algorithms have been suggested. We propose an experimental framework to assess such algorithms with respect to their ability to correctly represent well-defined physiological changes. We defined a set of clinically relevant ventilation conditions and induced them experimentally in 8 pigs by controlling three ventilator settings (tidal volume, positive end-expiratory pressure and the fraction of inspired oxygen). In this way, large and discrete shifts in global and regional lung air content were elicited. Methods We use the framework to compare twelve 2D EIT reconstruction algorithms, including backprojection (the original and still most frequently used algorithm), GREIT (a more recent consensus algorithm for lung imaging), truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD), several variants of the one-step Gauss-Newton approach and two iterative algorithms. We consider the effects of using a 3D finite element model, assuming non-uniform background conductivity, noise modeling, reconstructing for electrode movement, total variation (TV) reconstruction, robust error norms, smoothing priors, and using difference vs. normalized difference data. Results and Conclusions Our results indicate that, while variation in appearance of images reconstructed from the same data is not negligible, clinically relevant parameters do not vary considerably among the advanced algorithms. Among the analysed algorithms, several advanced algorithms perform well, while some others are significantly worse. Given its vintage and ad-hoc formulation backprojection works surprisingly well, supporting the validity of previous studies in lung EIT.
INTERPERSONAL TRUST SCORES OF COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS

The relationship of parentZ' trust of others to their college children's trust was investigated by the use of the Interpersonal Trust Scale. 100 male and 100 female college students, whose scores were , SD above or below the mean of a larger group, were selected. Parents of these students were sent the same questionnaire and a high rate of return (67 percent) was obtained. Fathers appear to exert a significant influence on the attitudes of their sons, but have little effect on daughters. Mothers' scores show a weak statistical trend toward a small and equal effect on sons and daughters. Belief in interpersonal communications is a basic characteristic of a healthy society. Recently, dramatic attention has been brought to an alleged "credibility gap" regarding many of the statements about foreign affairs which spokesmen for government make and to the increasing evidence that the Negro has little faith in the promises of government officials on all levels. There may be an equally strong but less dramatic reduction in trust in general public reaction toward doctors, teachers, repairmen, and others. The need for studies of the development and maintenance of attitudes of trust or distrust is evident. The area of interpersonal trust is being viewed from the perspective of social learning theory (Rotter, 1954). According to this orientation, choice behavior in specific situations depends upon the expectancy that a given behavior will lead to a particular outcome or reinforcement in that situation and the preference value of that reinforcement for the