Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Similarity based one-sided tests for the expected value and interval data

A novel way for addressing one-sided hypothesis tests for the mean of unable to observe real random variables from which we have information provided in terms of interval data is proposed. For this purpose, a measure of similarity between intervals is considered and the classical one-sided hypothesis test to check whether the similarity between the expectation of a random interval and a subset of an specific unbounded interval is high enough. Asymptotic and bootstrap techniques are applied in order to study the limit distribution of the proposed test statistic. Some simulations have been carried out in order to show the empirical behavior of the test.
Novel Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filter for Mobile Robot SLAM Using Monocular Vision

— This paper presents the novel Rao-Blackwellised particle filter (RBPF) for mobile robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) using monocular vision. The particle filter is combined with unscented Kalman filter (UKF) to extending the path posterior by sampling new poses that integrate the current observation which drastically reduces the uncertainty about the robot pose. The landmark position estimation and update is also implemented through UKF. Furthermore, the number of resampling steps is determined adaptively, which seriously reduces the particle depletion problem, and introducing the evolution strategies (ES) for avoiding particle impoverishment. The 3D natural point landmarks are structured with matching Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) feature pairs. The matching for multi-dimension SIFT features is implemented with a KD-Tree in the time cost of O (log 2 N ). Experiment results on real robot in our indoor environment show the advantages of our methods over previous approaches.
‘Please turn it off ’: Negotiations and morality around children’s media use at home

This article examines the discourse of negotiation surrounding children’s media time use as it emerges from naturally occurring video-recorded interactions between parents and children. Specifically, it explores how children are socialized into thinking about prioritizing activities when one of them involves media. Also, this study examines how (un)availability of time with media is morally constructed in face-to-face interactions, paying special attention to processes of negotiation, authority and power through directive trajectories. Three trends of discourses around media emerge. First, when media use is framed as problematic, prioritizing certain activities almost systematically entails postponing media use. Second, when parents ratify their children’s use of media, it becomes a prize or a privilege to be earned by children. Third, even when children are rightfully engaged in media, parents often seem to be wary of their children’s ability to turn the technology off by themselves, and reinforce moral accountability.
Private information storage (extended abstract)

Rafail Ostrovsky” Victor Shoupt Belicore Bellcore, IBM This paper deals with the problem of efficiently and privately storing and retrieving information that is distributively maintained in several databases that do not communicate with one another. The goal is to minimize the communication complexity while maintaining privacy (i.e., so that individual databases do not get any information about the data or the nature of the users’ queries). The question of private retrieval from multiple databases was introduced in a very nice paper of Chor, Goldreich, Kushilevitz and Sudan (FOCS ’95), but the question whether it is possible to perform both reading and writing in a communication-efficient manner remained open. In this paper, we answer this question in the affirmative, and show that efficient read/ write schemes are indeed possible. In fact, we show a general information-theoretic reduction from reading and writing to any read-only scheme that preserves the communication complexity of the read scheme to within a poly-logarithmic factor (in the size of the database), thus establishing that read/ write schemes could be implemented as efficiently (up to poly-log factors) as read-onfy schemes. Additionally, we consider the question of both reading and writing in the computational security setting.
Data Structure Consistency Using Atomic Operations in Storage Devices

Managing concurrency is a fundamental requirement for any multi-threaded system, frequently implemented by serializing critical code regions or using object locks on shared resources. Storage systems are one case of this, where multiple clients may wish to access or modify on-disk objects concurrently yet safely. Data consistency may be provided by an inter-client protocol, or it can be implemented in the file system server or storage device. In this work we demonstrate ways of enabling atomic operations on object-based storage devices (OSDs), in particular, the compare-and-swap and fetch-and-add atomic primitives. With examples from basic disk resident data structures to higher level applications like file systems, we show how atomics-capable storage devices can be used to solve consistency requirements of distributed algorithms. Offloading consistency management to storage devices obviates the need for dedicated lock manager servers.
FPGA Based Maximum Power Point Tracker of Partially Shaded Solar Photovoltaic Arrays using Modified Adaptive Perceptive Particle Swarm Optimization

Abstract The paper presents a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based tracker to accurately track the maximum power point (MPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) array. The tracking logic realized on FPGA is based on a modified version of Adaptive Perceptive Particle Swarm Optimization (APPSO) technique. Photovoltaic generation systems use MPP tracker because the photovoltaic array exhibits multiple maxima in the power voltage characteristic under partially shaded conditions. Compared to PSO, the APPSO offers flexibility in the motion dynamics of the particle in the search space through variation in perception radius, number of sampling points per directions, and the number of sampling directions. The APPSO algorithm has been suitably modified to suit to the slight changes in the maximum power point at around the maximum power point. The proposed technique uses only one pair of sensors to control multiple PV arrays. This results in lower cost, higher accuracy and also the algorithm is simple. The implementation of the algorithm on a reconfigurable architecture like FPGA ensures hardware based flexibility in the motion dynamics presented by APPSO. A comparative study is performed to compare the performance of PSO and APPSO with respect to MPP tracking. Compared to PSO that track to the MPP under partial shading conditions and reaches the MPP with 96.41% accuracy, the APPSO can track to the MPP with 97.95% accuracy. The algorithm when realized on an Altera Cyclone EP1C6Q240C8 FPGA consumes 5967 logic blocks.
A Novel Hybrid Algorithm for Big Resource Allocation Problems

The complexity of resource allocation problems is usually NP-complete, which makes exact method inadequate to handle Resource allocation problems, and encourages heuristic techniques to this class of problems for obtaining approximate solutions in polynomial time. Different heuristic techniques have already been investigated for handling various Resource allocation problems. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid search algorithm that combines the merit of genetic algorithm and tabu search optimization. In our implementation, both iteration number fixed algorithm and running time fixed algorithm are well designed for the resource allocation problem. Furthermore, Simulation results are reported and it shows that proposed algorithm indeed have admirable performance for tested problems.
Exploring dyslexia, literacies and identities on Facebook

This paper examines the role of identities in underpinning and activating literacies learning in a small class of adolescent students labelled with dyslexia. It derives from a project in which teacher-researcher and student-participants co-constructed a Facebook group page about the students’ scaffolded research into dyslexia. The study investigated an apparent paradox: that although literacy demands are often cited as barriers to learning and participation for students labelled with dyslexia, social networking technologies seem to motivate at least some such students to willingly undertake significant amounts of reading and writing. Two interrelated potential explanations are investigated to attempt to resolve this paradox. Firstly, that the social and collaborative nature of Facebook literacy events and practices, which promotes a sense of shared identity amongst the participants, is itself motivating. Secondly, that identity strongly influences engagement with texts. Three intertwined strands of identity work emerged from analysis of the data. These three strands underpinned the students’ literacy events and practices. Each strand is elaborated, through reference to interview data and classroom dialogue. The study concludes that Facebook offered an affinity space in which the students inhabited projective identities which reciprocally shaped their literacy practices
Changes in site productivity and the recovery of soil properties following wet- and dry-weather harvesting disturbances in the Atlantic Coastal Plain for a stand of age 10 years

Wet-weather logging can cause severe soil physical disturbances and redistribute residues. Although some research indicates negative effects of such disturbances on individual tree growth, the long-term resilience and resistance of soils and the ameliorative effects of site preparation are not fully understood. Three 20 ha loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations located on fertile wet pine flats on the coastal plain of South Carolina were subjected to five treatment combinations of harvest (wet and dry) and site preparation. Mean tree heights were 10.2–11.5 m, and stand biomass ranged between 95 and 143 Mg/ha. A rank diagnostic indicates that wet-weather harvesting did not significantly change site productivity between rotations, and bedding improved site productivity. At the polypedon scale (0.04 ha), there were no significant differences in tree height, biomass, or the rank diagnostic among classes of soil physical disturbances or harvesting residues when bedding was employed. On nonbedded sites, som.
A fuzzy based approach to effective relative humidity tracking in industrial systems

This paper presents a relative humidity control scheme to reduce variable fluctuations and improve process control precision, thus increasing production quality and energy saving in industrial applications. The influence of absolute temperature on the closed-loop process control of relative humidity is discussed. Based on the relative humidity measurement principle, this effect of modifying the input measurement signal on the relative humidity control system is analyzed, and a fuzzy control model in conjunction with the existing PID control algorithm is developed to eliminate the influence of room temperature on relative humidity control. Simulation results using the proposed relative humidity controller confirm the improvement in controller performance.
Attitudes toward Muslims: a test of the parasocial contact hypothesis and contact theory

Abstract The present research relied on intergroup theory to explain attitudes toward Muslim Americans. In particular, the parasocial contact hypothesis was relied on to develop a set of hypotheses about the relationship between news consumption as a vicarious form of intergroup contact and attitudes toward Muslim Americans. A set of competing hypotheses was also offered based on contact theory. Both theories were supported, but attitudes toward Muslim Americans were related in opposite ways. At the same time, actual intergroup contact with Muslims was reported to be low. Level of religiosity, political identity, gender, and ethnicity were also related to attitudes toward Muslim Americans.
A detail-preserving scale-driven approach to change detection in multitemporal SAR images

This paper presents a novel approach to change detection in multitemporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. The proposed approach exploits a wavelet-based multiscale decomposition of the log-ratio image (obtained by a comparison of the original multitemporal data) aimed at achieving different scales (levels) of representation of the change signal. Each scale is characterized by a different tradeoff between speckle reduction and preservation of geometrical details. For each pixel, a subset of reliable scales is identified on the basis of a local statistic measure applied to scale-dependent log-ratio images. The final change-detection result is obtained according to an adaptive scale-driven fusion algorithm. Experimental results obtained on multitemporal SAR images acquired by the ERS-1 satellite confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Cleavage Site Detection in Broken 3D Objects

This paper presents an efficient surface inspection algorithm for cleavage site detection in broken 3D objects. Presented algorithm is intended to be used as a preprocessing stage for broken object reassembly. It helps reduce the area to be matched drastically by marking only the broken part of the surface resulting in much faster matches. The algorithm captures differences in the geometric structure in different parts of the 3D object represented by polygon meshes. These differences are used to find most probable cleavage/fracture sites. The presented approach is robust and the computations are simple making it time efficient, easy to implement and applicable to all triangulated surface data even in presence of noise. The algorithm finds extensive use in the field of computer vision, archeology, and computer aided orthopedic surgery etc. Index Terms-- Cleavage site detection, Roughness Estimation, 3D meshes.
Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa Extract Attenuates DSS-Induced Murine Colitis

We examined the protective effects of Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (AAK) extract on a murine model of acute experimental colitis. Colitis was induced by 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water of male C57BL/6 mice, for 7 consecutive days. Oral administration of AAK extract (500 mg/kg/day) significantly alleviated DSS-induced symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss, events of diarrhea or bloody stools, and colon shortening. Histological damage was also ameliorated, as evidenced by the architectural preservation and suppression of inflammatory cell infiltration in colonic samples. Treatment improved the colonic mRNA expression of different inflammatory markers: cytokines, inducible enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases, and tight junction-related proteins. In the isolated serum, IgE levels were downregulated. Collectively, these findings indicate the therapeutic potentials of AAK as an effective complementary or alternative modality for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
A Conceptual Model for Explaining Violations of the Information Security Policy (ISP): A Cross Cultural Perspective

This paper is an attempt to develop a model that explores the factors that affect the frequency of violations of information security policies (ISPs). Additionally, it examines the moderating effect of cultural attributes on the frequency of ISP violations. Does national culture affect the way managers and employees perceive and practice ISPs? If we understand why ISPs are violated, perhaps we can deter future violations before they occur. We look at three groups of factors and the impact they have on the frequency of violations of ISPs. The factors examined are 1) the individual characteristics and capabilities of employees, 2) the information security policy (ISP) itself and 3) management issues. Finally, the study examines the moderating effect of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, and power distance) on the proposed model.
Energetics of Ortho-7 (Oxime Drug) Translocation through the Active-Site Gorge of Tabun Conjugated Acetylcholinesterase

Oxime drugs translocate through the 20 Å active-site gorge of acetylcholinesterase in order to liberate the enzyme from organophosphorus compounds’ (such as tabun) conjugation. Here we report bidirectional steered molecular dynamics simulations of oxime drug (Ortho-7) translocation through the gorge of tabun intoxicated enzyme, in which time dependent external forces accelerate the translocation event. The simulations reveal the participation of drug-enzyme hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions and water bridges between them. Employing nonequilibrium theorems that recovers the free energy from irreversible work done, we reconstruct potential of mean force along the translocation pathway such that the desired quantity represents an unperturbed system. The potential locates the binding sites and barriers for the drug to translocate inside the gorge. Configurational entropic contribution of the protein-drug binding entity and the role of solvent translational mobility in the binding energetics is further assessed.
Frequency‐directivity scanning in laboratory radar imaging

This work concerns an extension of usual radar imaging in which the pictures of the target do not simply exhibit the position of elementary reflectors but also give the behavior of these reflectors when the frequency and the direction of illumination vary. Essentially, the technique consists of describing the target by a generalized image which can be computed from the knowledge of the backscattering function on a large domain in the angle‐frequency space. A discussion of the physical relevance of the approach is given and its conclusions are used to derive a practical formulation relying on a special wavelet transform. The implementation of the technique is developed by using the fast Mellin transform. Special features of the method are the use of data in polar format without resampling and the fact that the computation can be easily parallelized. ©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Experimental Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke Model Reveals Sex-specific Estrogen Signaling

Background and Purpose— Pediatric stroke, birth to 18 years, is a significant cause of long-term disability in the United States; however, there is currently little experimental data on the pathophysiology of childhood stroke owing to lack of animal models. We developed a novel mouse model of experimental childhood-onset arterial ischemic stroke to characterize the sex-specific response of the adolescent brain to cerebral ischemia and assess the neuroprotective effect of estrogen at this developmental stage. Methods— Postnatal day 20 to 25 mice were subjected to 90 minutes experimental stroke via the intraluminal filament middle cerebral artery occlusion model and ischemic damage assessed 22 hours after reperfusion. Real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed 22 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion to determine the effects of ischemia and estrogen treatment on the proapoptotic gene Bax. Results— Ischemic injury did not differ between male and female juvenile (postnatal day 20–25) mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion. However, estrogen reduced ischemic injury in female mice, whereas having no effect in juvenile males. No differences in estrogen receptor expression were observed on postnatal day between 20 males and females. In contrast, estrogen minimized the ischemia-induced increase in the proapoptotic gene Bax in female mice, whereas having no effect on Bax induction in the male brain. Conclusions— Focal ischemia has fundamentally different effects in the juvenile brain compared with the adult, as evidenced by the lack of sex difference in ischemic injury in the murine postnatal day 20 to 25 middle cerebral artery occlusion model and the sexually dimorphic response to estrogen neuroprotection.
Movement of cortical actin patches in yeast

In yeast, actin forms patches associated with the plasma membrane. Patch distribution correlates with polarized growth during the cell cycle and in response to external stimuli. Using green fluorescent protein fused to capping protein to image actin patches in living cells, we find that patches move rapidly and over long distances. Even patches in clusters, such as at the incipient bud site, show movement. Patches move independently of one another and generally over small distances in a local area, but they can also move larger distances, including through the mother-bud neck. Changes in patch polarization occur quickly through the cell cycle. These observations provide important new parameters for a molecular analysis of the regulation and function of actin.
Effects of Dynactin Disruption and Dynein Depletion on Axonal Microtubules

We investigated potential roles of cytoplasmic dynein in organizing axonal microtubules either by depleting dynein heavy chain from cultured neurons or by experimentally disrupting dynactin. The former was accomplished by siRNA while the latter was accomplished by overexpressing P50‐dynamitin. Both methods resulted in a persistent reduction in the frequency of transport of short microtubules. To determine if the long microtubules in the axon also undergo dynein‐dependent transport, we ascertained the rates of EGFP‐EB3 “comets” observed at the tips of microtubules during assembly. The rates of the comets, in theory, should reflect a combination of the assembly rate and any potential transport of the microtubule. Comets were intitally slowed during P50‐dynamitin overexpression, but this effect did not persist beyond the first day and was never observed in dynein‐depleted axons. In fact, the rates of the comets were slightly faster in dynein‐depleted axons. We conclude that the transient effect of P50‐dynamitin overexpression reflects a reduction in microtubule polymerization rates. Interestingly, after prolonged dynein depletion, the long microtubules were noticeably misaligned in the distal regions of axons and failed to enter the filopodia of growth cones. These results suggest that the forces generated by cytoplasmic dynein do not transport long microtubules, but may serve to align them with one another and also permit them to invade filopodia.
Limitations of Current Multicore Architectures for Bioinformatics Applications – A Case Study on Cell BE

The fast growth of biological databases has attracted the attention of computer scientists calling for greater efforts to improve computational performance. From a computer architecture point of view, we intend to investigate how bioinformatics applications can benefit from future multicore processors. Here we present a preliminary study of the Cell BE limitations when executing a representative bioinformatics application performing multiple sequence alignment (i.e. ClustalW). The inherent large parallelism of the core algorithm used makes it ideal for architectures supporting multiple dimensions of parallelism. However, in the case of Cell BE we identified several architectural limitations that need a careful study.