Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of rice research on income, poverty and food security in Africa: an ex-ante analysis.

390 (eds M.C.S. Wopereis et al.) the next generation greater opportunities to break the remaining shackles of under-development (AfricaRice, 2011). Africa’s rice sector faces a large number of biophysical and socio-economic constraints. These generally translate into low productivity of rice produced in Africa. Research areas to address these are numerous and need to be prioritized because resources are scarce – basic economics and general knowledge recognize that this scarcity of resources causes many needs to remain unsatisfied. Ex-ante assessment of the impact of rice research in Africa is important to: (i) adequately identify priority research themes and target populations; (ii) efficiently allocate scarce resources to priority research themes; (iii) better target research outputs to where they will have the maximum impact; (iv) enhance research relevance and positive impact on the livelihoods and well-being of the target population; and (v) enhance the efficiency of public research organizations (Diagne et al., 2009). Several assessments have been made of the potential benefit of rice research in Africa. Many of these were conducted by the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), one of the 15 members of the CGIAR Consortium and an association of Introduction
Topology optimization of two-dimensional phononic crystals using FEM and genetic algorithm

Phononic crystals (PnCs) can be designed to control and confine elastic waves. We present and use the optimization algorithm based on the two-stage genetic algorithm (GA) and the finite element method (FEM) to carry out the band gap optimization of the two-dimensional (2D) solid-solid binary-component PnCs.
Matrix Effects on the Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Red Cabbage Anthocyanins under Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion

Red cabbage is, among different vegetables, one of the major sources of anthocyanins. In the present study an in vitro digestion method has been used to assay the influence of the physiological conditions in the stomach and small intestine, as well as faecal microflora on anthocyanins stability in red cabbage and anthocyanin-rich extract. The recovery of anthocyanins during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was strongly influenced by food matrix. The results showed that other constituents present in cabbage enhanced the stability of anthocyanins during the digestion. The amount of anthocyanins (HPLC method) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP assays) strongly decreased after pancreatic-bile digestion in both matrices but total phenolics content (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) in these digestions was higher than in initial samples. Incubation with human faecal microflora caused further decline in anthocyanins content. The results obtained suggest that intact anthocyanins in gastric and products of their decomposition in small and large intestine may be mainly responsible for the antioxidant activity and other physiological effects after consumption of red cabbage.
Blind estimation of unknown time delay in periodic non-uniform sampling: Application to desynchronized time interleaved-ADCs

Increasing the sampling rate of Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) is a main challenge in many fields and especially in telecommunications. Time-Interleaved ADCs (TI-ADC) were introduced as a technical solution to reach high sampling rates by time interleaving and multiplexing several low-rate ADCs at the price of a perfect synchronization between them. Indeed, as the signal reconstruction formulas are derived under the assumption of uniform sampling, a desynchronization between the elementary ADCs must be compensated upstream with an online calibration and expensive hardware corrections of the sampling device. Based on the observation that desynchronized TI-ADCs can be effectively modeled using a Periodic Non-uniform Sampling (PNS) scheme, we develop a general method to blindly estimate the time delays involved in PNS. The proposed strategy exploits the signal stationarity properties and thus is simple and quite generalizable to other applications. Moreover, contrarily to state-of-the-art methods, it applies to bandpass signals which is the more judicious application framework of the PNS scheme.
Distributed Clustering Techniques for Improving Lifetime in Two-Tiered Sensor Networks

In hierarchical two-tiered sensor networks, higher-powered relay nodes have recently been proposed to be used as cluster heads for designing scalable sensor networks.The assignment of sensor nodes to clusters in an energy-efficient way is known to improve the lifetime of such networks. In this paper we have proposed two efficient distributed algorithms for assigning sensor nodes to clusters in two-tiered networks. The first heuristic assumes that all relay nodes, acting as cluster heads, send their data directly to the base station. The second heuristic relaxes this assumption and is to be used with any network where each relay node uses a multi-hop route to send its data to the base station. Simulations on networks of different sizes show that our approaches consistently outperform existing heuristics for clustering in two-tier sensor networks and are fast enough to be used for practical networks containing hundreds of sensor nodes. We have compared the results of our distributed approaches with the optimal solutions obtained using an existing approach based on an Integer Linear Program (ILP) formulation and have shown that, on an average, our approaches, with a relatively small overhead, can produce results that are close to the optimal solutions.
Student satisfaction with an online and a face-to-face Business English course in a higher education context

Abstract Over the last decade, online learning has grown to become an important part of higher education. However, despite the considerable volume of research in this area, many educators are still concerned about how online learning can be used in an effective way. This paper presents the results of research which set out to evaluate the efficacy of an online Business English course in higher education. The key findings of a comparison of student satisfaction in an online vs. face-to-face Business English course are discussed and the questions of how much the online learning environment benefits the student and what factors affect students’ satisfaction with the course are addressed. The results indicate that there are significant differences in student satisfaction levels between online and face-to-face learning of English as a foreign language. Students taking the face-to-face course were generally more satisfied with the course on several dimensions than their online counterparts.
The role of fictional narratives in adolescent identity formation : a theoretical exploration

This theoretical study explores the ways in which adolescents’ engagement with fictional narratives can support developmental processes of identity formation and individuation. The purpose of the study was to develop a theoretical framework for understanding the intense relationship that some adolescents have with favorite books, movies, and television shows. A review of the literature on the psychology of fiction showed that, when deeply engaged with a narrative, readers are able to simulate characters’ experiences in ways that lead to changes in behavior, empathy, and self-concept. A review of the literature on parasocial relationships showed that readers and viewers often form relationships with fictional characters that are similar to real-life social relationships. Two theories – self psychology and Winnicott’s concept of transitional experience – were applied. These theoretical lenses helped to elucidate the ways that taking on the experiences of, or forming relationships with fictional characters can influence adolescents’ processes of identity formation and individuation. Attention was given to the implications of such a framework for clinical work with adolescents. Additionally, recommendations were made for further research. THE ROLE OF FICTIONAL NARRATIVES IN ADOLESCENT IDENTITY FORMATION: A THEORETICAL EXPLORATION A project based upon an independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work.
Effect of Duration of Acute Moderate Exercise on Exercise-elicited Cortical Activation and Cognitive Performance on Stroop Task: a Preliminary Examination

Recently a growing number of human studies have reported the beneficial influence of acute moderate exercise on cognitive functions. Neurocognitive investigations into such neural substrates have mainly been performed using electroencephalography. However, we recently introduced multichannel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which is a noninvasive and nonrestrictive optical method to monitor cerebral hemodynamics reflecting regional neural activation. We found improved cognitive performance for Stroop interference elicited by an acute bout of moderate exercise that coincided with enhanced cortical activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In a previous study, we set the duration of the exercise at 10 min, but the extent to which we could shorten exercise duration remained uncertain. Thus, here we assessed the effects of various durations of acute exercise on neurocognitive performance during an incongruent Stroop task. We present the first experimental evidence that a minimum of 10 min of acute exercise with an intensity of 50% of the maximum oxygen intake is necessary in order to improve cognitive performance on a Stroop interference test. In combination with facilities enabling strict physiological control, fNIRS is a promising tool that will serve to cultivate a novel application in sports science namely, elucidating, in detail, the cognitive effects of physical exercise.
Fourier depth of field

Optical systems used in photography and cinema produce depth-of-field effects, that is, variations of focus with depth. These effects are simulated in image synthesis by integrating incoming radiance at each pixel over the lense aperture. Unfortunately, aperture integration is extremely costly for defocused areas where the incoming radiance has high variance, since many samples are then required for a noise-free Monte Carlo integration. On the other hand, using many aperture samples is wasteful in focused areas where the integrand varies little. Similarly, image sampling in defocused areas should be adapted to the very smooth appearance variations due to blurring. This article introduces an analysis of focusing and depth-of-field in the frequency domain, allowing a practical characterization of a light field's frequency content both for image and aperture sampling. Based on this analysis we propose an adaptive depth-of-field rendering algorithm which optimizes sampling in two important ways. First, image sampling is based on conservative bandwidth prediction and a splatting reconstruction technique ensures correct image reconstruction. Second, at each pixel the variance in the radiance over the aperture is estimated and used to govern sampling. This technique is easily integrated in any sampling-based renderer, and vastly improves performance.
Pilot-Based Synchronization and Equalization in Filter Bank Multicarrier Communications

This paper presents a detailed analysis of synchronization methods based on scattered pilots for filter bank based multicarrier (FBMC) communications, taking into account the interplay of the synchronization, channel estimation, and equalization methods. We show that by applying pilots designed specifically for filter banks, the carrier frequency offset (CFO), fractional time delay (FTD), and channel response can be accurately estimated. Further, a novel joint FTD and channel estimation scheme, based on iterative interference cancelation, permits extending the FTD estimation range well beyond the limit imposed by the pilot separation. The channel parameter estimation and compensation are successfully performed totally in the frequency domain, in a subchannel-wise fashion, which is appealing in spectrally agile and cognitive radio scenarios. The performance evaluation is done in a hypothetical WiMAX scenario in which an FBMC system would substitute OFDM maintaining as much physical layer compatibility as possible.
Implementation of a Scenario-Based MPC for HVAC Systems: An Experimental Case Study

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems play a fundamental role in maintaining acceptable thermal comfort and air quality levels. Model Predictive Control (MPC) techniques are known to bring significant energy savings potential. Developing effective MPC-based control strategies for HVAC systems is nontrivial since buildings dynamics are nonlinear and influenced by various uncertainties. This complicates the use of MPC techniques in practice. We propose to address this issue by designing a stochastic MPC strategy that dynamically learns the statistics of the building occupancy patterns and weather conditions. The main advantage of this method is the absence of a-priori assumptions on the distributions of the uncertain variables, and that it can be applied to any type of building. We investigate the practical implementation of the proposed MPC controller on a student laboratory, showing its effectiveness and computational tractability.
Non-native Chinese language learners' attitudes towards online vision-based motion games

Learning to write Chinese characters is often thought to be a very challenging and laborious task. However, new learning tools are being designed that might reduce learners' tedium. This study explores one such tool, an online program in which learners can learn Chinese characters through vision-based motion games. The learner's gestures are detected by a computer webcam, which sends the message back to the online program, and the corresponding strokes appear on the computer screen. In this way, the learner practises the correct Chinese stroke order by gesturing. For this study, nine non-native Chinese-language learners used this program to practise writing characters, and their learning strategies and attitudes towards the online program were observed. Data were collected from two self-reported surveys and interviews. The results of the study are reported here, and implications for instructional design and future development of the gestural recognition program are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Thucydides’ Trap and Online Readers’ Reviews of Two Books on Zheng He’s Voyages

This article analyzes 458 online readers’ reviews of two books on Zheng He’s seven voyages. Under the theoretical guidance of reader response criticism and via the research methods of website observation and purposive selection and textual and thematic analyses, this study has found: influenced by such dominant Chinese cultural values as harmony, benevolence, and mutual benefits, Zheng He’s voyages were non-aggressive exchanges of trade and culture, showing basically no evidence of hostile attitudes, offensive actions, or beclouded emotions of fear, hubris, and honor. Instead of supporting the trustworthiness of Thucydides’ trap, the online readers’ reviews call on tapping the complementary aspects between China and the United States and drawing invaluable lessons from the past for mutually-beneficial bilateral relationship.
Microfluidic Automation and Digital Quantification

Kühnemund, M. 2016. Single Molecule Detection. Microfluidic Automation and Digital Quantification. Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine 1189. 57 pp. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. ISBN 978-91-554-9498-8. Much of recent progress in medical research and diagnostics has been enabled through the advances in molecular analysis technologies, which now permit the detection and analysis of single molecules with high sensitivity and specificity. Assay sensitivity is fundamentally limited by the efficiency of the detection method used for read-out. Inefficient detection systems are usually compensated for by molecular amplification at the cost of elevated assay complexity. This thesis presents microfluidic automation and digital quantification of targeted nucleic acid detection methods based on padlock and selector probes and rolling circle amplification (RCA). In paper I, the highly sensitive, yet complex circle-to-circle amplification assay was automated on a digital microfluidic chip. In paper II, a new RCA product (RCP) sensing principle was developed based on resistive pulse sensing that allows label free digital RCP quantification. In paper III, a microfluidic chip for spatial RCP enrichment was developed, which enables the detection of RCPs with an unprecedented efficiency and allows for deeper analysis of enriched RCPs through next generation sequencing chemistry. In paper IV, a smart phone was converted into a multiplex fluorescent imaging device that enables imaging and quantification of RCPs on slides as well as within cells and tissues. KRAS point mutations were detected (i) in situ, directly in tumor tissue, and (ii) by targeted sequencing of extracted tumor DNA, imaged with the smart phone RCP imager. This thesis describes the building blocks required for the development of highly sensitive low-cost RCA-based nucleic acid analysis devices for utilization in research and diagnostics.
Precise Calibration of Robots with small link lengths using Kinematic Extensions

Complex anthropomorphic robotic hands with small link lengths and large number of degrees of freedom pose a unique challenge for calibration. The problem is interesting because the small magnitude of joint motion produced by small robots are difficult to capture by external sensors such as motion tracking systems. There is a need for a simple yet effective solution to this problem. In this paper, we show that a simple mechanical extension of the kinematic chain can be utilized to address this issue with good results. Using Standard motion tracking system and least squares optimization techniques, we identify joint sensor parameters. We also use finger tip loop closure distance, which is the distance between the thumb finger tip and the rest of the finger tips taken individually as an aid in estimating the true joint angles to calibrate the joint position sensors mounted on the hand. The results obtained are a significant improvement over the manual sensor calibration.
A Dynamic Approach for Setting Parameters of the Coordinated Distributed Scheduler of the IEEE 802.16

The IEEE 802.16 standard is currently one of the most interesting broadband wireless access. One key issue of mesh networks is the MAC (medium access control) layer. In this paper we analyze the coordinated distributed scheduling scheme (CDS) of the standard IEEE 802.16. Since some fundamental parameters in this scheme has been left un-standardized, we focus on the dynamic setting of these parameters in order better performance in terms of throughput and average end-to-end data packets delay to be obtained. The standard describes a data scheduler in a general way, based on a three-way-handshake mechanism, but details about data scheduler scheme have been left un- standardized. In order to obtain a better evaluation in terms of performance of the control schedule, we implemented a simplified data scheduler and we show how this simplified data schedule allows smaller data delay transmissions to be realized.
Towards a low-cost framework for Intelligent Robots

Intelligent Robots can take advantage of a distributed, web-based information system deployed in the cloud to perform high level tasks. This paper proposes a robotic control framework suited to be used by low-cost robots, performing teloperated and/or autonomous tasks. The first part is dedicated to the development of an Android based robot control framework. This framework connects to specific low-level controllers that were developed for multicopters, wheeled/tracked mobile robots. The second part is dedicated to “place” the Android based robot in the cloud. There, the robot can perform Cloud based highly automated cognitive tasks in order to optimize their use and take best advantage of previous knowledge models, e.g., objects databases or 3D world models. Also, the robot can be controlled remotely using a classical teleoperation mode, using wifi networks. First experiments are presented when a tracked robot is performing surveillance tasks, while its state can be changed to teleoperation/videoconferencing mode, while interacting with a reasoning engine in the Cloud.
Replication and Predictive Value of SNPs Associated with Melanoma and Pigmentation Traits in a Southern European Case-Control Study

Background Genetic association studies have revealed numerous polymorphisms conferring susceptibility to melanoma. We aimed to replicate previously discovered melanoma-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a Greek case-control population, and examine their predictive value. Methods Based on a field synopsis of genetic variants of melanoma (MelGene), we genotyped 284 patients and 284 controls at 34 melanoma-associated SNPs of which 19 derived from GWAS. We tested each one of the 33 SNPs passing quality control for association with melanoma both with and without accounting for the presence of well-established phenotypic risk factors. We compared the risk allele frequencies between the Greek population and the HapMap CEU sample. Finally, we evaluated the predictive ability of the replicated SNPs. Results Risk allele frequencies were significantly lower compared to the HapMap CEU for eight SNPs (rs16891982 – SLC45A2, rs12203592 – IRF4, rs258322 – CDK10, rs1805007 – MC1R, rs1805008 - MC1R, rs910873 - PIGU, rs17305573- PIGU, and rs1885120 - MTAP) and higher for one SNP (rs6001027 – PLA2G6) indicating a different profile of genetic susceptibility in the studied population. Previously identified effect estimates modestly correlated with those found in our population (r = 0.72, P<0.0001). The strongest associations were observed for rs401681-T in CLPTM1L (odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% CI 1.22–2.10; P = 0.001), rs16891982-C in SCL45A2 (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34–0.76; P = 0.001), and rs1805007-T in MC1R (OR 4.38, 95% CI 2.03–9.43; P = 2×10−5). Nominally statistically significant associations were seen also for another 5 variants (rs258322-T in CDK10, rs1805005-T in MC1R, rs1885120-C in MYH7B, rs2218220-T in MTAP and rs4911442-G in the ASIP region). The addition of all SNPs with nominal significance to a clinical non-genetic model did not substantially improve melanoma risk prediction (AUC for clinical model 83.3% versus 83.9%, p = 0.66). Conclusion Overall, our study has validated genetic variants that are likely to contribute to melanoma susceptibility in the Greek population.