Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factored Upper Bounds for Multiagent Planning Problems under Uncertainty with Non-Factored Value Functions

Nowadays, multiagent planning under uncertainty scales to tens or even hundreds of agents. However, current methods either are restricted to problems with factored value functions, or provide solutions without any guarantees on quality. Methods in the former category typically build on heuristic search using upper bounds on the value function. Unfortunately, no techniques exist to compute such upper bounds for problems with non-factored value functions, which would additionally allow for meaningful benchmarking of methods of the latter category. To mitigate this problem, this paper introduces a family of influence-optimistic upper bounds for factored Dec-POMDPs without factored value functions. We demonstrate how we can achieve firm quality guarantees for problems with hundreds of agents.
Revised Structures of Nardal and Nardin: Identity with Valerenal and Valerenic Acid ¶

Structure 2 assigned presently to nardin is revised to that of valerenic acid (4), and structure 1 assigned presently to nardal is revised to that of valerenal (3). The names valerenic acid and valerenal have priority so the names nardin and nardal should no longer be used.
Similar Health Benefits of Endurance and High-Intensity Interval Training in Obese Children

Purpose To compare two modalities of exercise training (i.e., Endurance Training [ET] and High-Intensity Interval Training [HIT]) on health-related parameters in obese children aged between 8 and 12 years. Methods Thirty obese children were randomly allocated into either the ET or HIT group. The ET group performed a 30 to 60-minute continuous exercise at 80% of the peak heart rate (HR). The HIT group training performed 3 to 6 sets of 60-s sprint at 100% of the peak velocity interspersed by a 3-min active recovery period at 50% of the exercise velocity. HIT sessions last ∼70% less than ET sessions. At baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, aerobic fitness, body composition and metabolic parameters were assessed. Results Both the absolute (ET: 26.0%; HIT: 19.0%) and the relative VO2 peak (ET: 13.1%; HIT: 14.6%) were significantly increased in both groups after the intervention. Additionally, the total time of exercise (ET: 19.5%; HIT: 16.4%) and the peak velocity during the maximal graded cardiorespiratory test (ET: 16.9%; HIT: 13.4%) were significantly improved across interventions. Insulinemia (ET: 29.4%; HIT: 30.5%) and HOMA-index (ET: 42.8%; HIT: 37.0%) were significantly lower for both groups at POST when compared to PRE. Body mass was significantly reduced in the HIT (2.6%), but not in the ET group (1.2%). A significant reduction in BMI was observed for both groups after the intervention (ET: 3.0%; HIT: 5.0%). The responsiveness analysis revealed a very similar pattern of the most responsive variables among groups. Conclusion HIT and ET were equally effective in improving important health related parameters in obese youth.
Modeling and Analysis of Sinoatrial Cell using SIMULINK-A Computational Approach

Cardiac action potential has proven to be a powerful tool for illuminating various aspects of cardiac function, including cardiac arrhythmias. Action Potential models containing detailed formulations of biological ionic currents like sodium, potassium, calcium and background currents. In this work, mathematical model of single channel sinoatrial node is modeled using Matlab/Simulink . The action potential output seems to be comparable with the experimental results of rabbit sinoatrial action potential. The action potential duration and height goes with the literature. The currents involving the action potential are blocked and outputs are observed it seems to produce satisfactory outcomes. KeywordsAction potential, cardiac cell, Iionic currents, Simulink model, Sinoatrial node cell
Multicast routing using genetic algorithm seen as a permutation problem

Classical approaches of multicast routing consider a tree path whose computational cost entails high use of resources such time and memory in the optimization process. This paper presents a genetic algorithm model applied to the multicast routing problem, in which no tree is built. The solution aims to maximize common paths in source-destinations routes and to minimize the route sizes. New options of fitness functions, variation and selection operators were proposed to increase the ability to generate feasible routes. The simulations were performed in two networks: the 33-node European GEANT WAN network to assess the capacity to find viable solutions and a 100-node network to test the capacity to handle larger networks. The results suggest promising performance for this approach.
Metrical Stress Theory: Principles and Case Studies

In this account of metrical stress theory, Bruce Hayes builds on the notion that stress constitutes linguistic rhythm - that stress patterns are rhythmically organized, and that formal structures proposed for rhythm can provide a suitable account of stress. Through an extensive typological survey of word stress rules that uncovers widespread asymmetries, he identifies a fundamental distinction between iambic and trochaic rhythm, called the "Iambic/Trochaic law," and argues that it has pervasive effects among the rules and structures responsible for stress. Hayes incorporates the iambic/trochaic opposition into a general theory of word stress assignment, intended to account for all languages in which stress is assigned on phonological, as opposed to morphological, principles. His theory addresses particularly problematic areas in metrical work, such as ternary stress and unusual weight distinctions, and he proposes new theoretical accounts of them. Attempting to take more seriously the claim of generative grammar to be an account of linguistic universals, Hayes proposes analyses for the stress patterns of over 150 languages. Hayes compares his own innovative views with alternatives from the literature, allowing students to gain an overview of the field. "Metrical Stress Theory" should interest all who seek to understand the role of stress in language.
Biomarkers for exposure to estrogenic compounds: Gene expression analysis in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Gene expression analyses in male zebrafish (Danio rerio) were carried out using microarray technique and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Genes responding to the exposure to 17β‐estradiol, bisphenol A and genistein were identified, among them genes involved in metabolism, reproductional and developmental processes. Threshold levels of 17β‐estradiol (200 ng/L), bisphenol A (2000 μg/L), and genistein (5000 μg/L) for the upregulation of the vtg1 gene in short‐time exposures (11 days) were determined by qPCR. 14k microarrays were used to generate complete lists of genes regulated by these estrogenic compounds. For this purpose, liver samples from 10 exposed zebrafish and 10 controls were processed. In this case the expressions of 211 genes were significantly regulated by 17β‐estradiol, 47 by bisphenol A and 231 by genistein. Furthermore, it is shown that fish exposed to 17β‐estradiol and genistein have similarities in their gene expression patterns, whereas bisphenol A apparently affected gene expression in a different way. Only genes coding for egg‐yolk precursor protein vitellogenin were found to be regulated by all three compounds, which shows that these genes are the only suitable markers for exposure to different estrogenic compounds. The regulated genes were assigned to gene ontology classes. All three estrogenic compounds regulated genes mainly involved in primary and cellular metabolism, but genistein regulated several genes involved in cell cycle‐regulation and bisphenol A several genes involved in protein biosynthesis. Genistein also upregulated the expression of four eggshell proteins, which can be used as biomarkers for exposure to this chemical. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Guidelines for assessment of bone microstructure in rodents using micro–computed tomography

Use of high‐resolution micro–computed tomography (µCT) imaging to assess trabecular and cortical bone morphology has grown immensely. There are several commercially available µCT systems, each with different approaches to image acquisition, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to interpret reported results and to compare findings across different studies. This article addresses this critical need for standardized terminology and consistent reporting of parameters related to image acquisition and analysis, and key outcome assessments, particularly with respect to ex vivo analysis of rodent specimens. Thus the guidelines herein provide recommendations regarding (1) standardized terminology and units, (2) information to be included in describing the methods for a given experiment, and (3) a minimal set of outcome variables that should be reported. Whereas the specific research objective will determine the experimental design, these guidelines are intended to ensure accurate and consistent reporting of µCT‐derived bone morphometry and density measurements. In particular, the methods section for papers that present µCT‐based outcomes must include details of the following scan aspects: (1) image acquisition, including the scanning medium, X‐ray tube potential, and voxel size, as well as clear descriptions of the size and location of the volume of interest and the method used to delineate trabecular and cortical bone regions, and (2) image processing, including the algorithms used for image filtration and the approach used for image segmentation. Morphometric analyses should be based on 3D algorithms that do not rely on assumptions about the underlying structure whenever possible. When reporting µCT results, the minimal set of variables that should be used to describe trabecular bone morphometry includes bone volume fraction and trabecular number, thickness, and separation. The minimal set of variables that should be used to describe cortical bone morphometry includes total cross‐sectional area, cortical bone area, cortical bone area fraction, and cortical thickness. Other variables also may be appropriate depending on the research question and technical quality of the scan. Standard nomenclature, outlined in this article, should be followed for reporting of results. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
A Low-Cost Humanoid Robot with Human Gestures Imitation Capabilities

Sales of entertainment robots are primed to explode in the next few years. Gesture imitation from a human operator demonstration is considered a promising technique that allows unexperienced users to easily interact with a robotic platform. In this paper a Programming by Demonstration system for a humanoid robot is proposed. The robot is a Robosapien V2 toy which is programmed to observe and imitate human gestures. The system combines inputs from multiple sensory devices, including a dataglove, a motion tracker and a monocular vision system. In the proposed imitation approach the sensor data are mapped to the joint space of the robot. Even though the performance of the robot is constrained by the kinematic and dynamic limitations of RSV2 and by the sensor inaccuracies, experiments involving simple gesture imitation of an untrained user show the viability and effectiveness of the method.
Employing the Centering Theory in Pronoun Resolution from the Semantic Perspective

In this paper, we employ the centering theory in pronoun resolution from the semantic perspective. First, diverse semantic role features with regard to different predicates in a sentence are explored. Moreover, given a pronominal anaphor, its relative ranking among all the pronouns in a sentence, according to relevant semantic role information and its surface position, is incorporated. In particular, the use of both the semantic role features and the relative pronominal ranking feature in pronoun resolution is guided by extending the centering theory from the grammatical level to the semantic level in tracking the local discourse focus. Finally, detailed pronominal subcategory features are incorporated to enhance the discriminative power of both the semantic role features and the relative pronominal ranking feature. Experimental results on the ACE 2003 corpus show that the centering-motivated features contribute much to pronoun resolution.
Making room for daddies: male couples and their adopted children

Dedication Dedicated to John Fernandez, with love; to all the men who so generously shared their stories; and to all of my family and friends who supported me throughout this endeavor. v Acknowledgements The completion of this dissertation could not have been possible without the continued support and guidance provided by Deborah Tharinger (you are a mentor and a friend); the amazing men and their families who participated in this study (each one of you touched my life in a profound way); and to the Yancy family for always providing a place to work and a place to stay on my many trips to Austin (I can't thank you enough). Finally, to my parents and my grandmother for their support and patience, all the while asking " are you finished with your paper yet? " vi Despite the increased visibility of gay and lesbian parents, absent from the literature is theory concerning how or why gay men decide to become fathers and how these families navigate the unique challenge of defining their families within a context of pervasive heterosexism and antigay prejudice. The current study utilized a grounded theory approach to aid in the development of a theory of gay male-headed family development. Questions considered included: Who are these men and how do they go about forming their families? What challenges do these families face in their daily lives and from whom or what do they seek support? Finally, what are the experiences of these families as they interact with such contextual forces as schools, communities, biological families, and chosen families? Results indicate that this new generation of gay fathers exhibit great strength and resiliency in constructing and raising their families. These men are themselves transformed by the act of fathering while at the same time acting as forces of change to transform the very idea of fatherhood in American culture.
Dissipation of upwind schemes at high wave numbers

A modification of the Roe scheme aimed at low Mach number flows is discussed. It improves the dissipation of kinetic energy at the highest resolved wave numbers in a low Mach number test case of decaying isotropic turbulence. No conflict is observed between the reduced dissipation and the accuracy or stability of the scheme in any of the investigated test cases ranging from low Mach number potential flow to hypersonic viscous flow around a cylinder.
Shoes, cars, and other love stories: Investigating the experience of love for products

People often say they love a product. What do they really mean when they say this, and is this a phenomenon that is relevant to the field of design? Findings from a preliminary study in this thesis indicated that people describe their love as a rewarding, long-term, and dynamic experience that arises from a meaningful relationship built with products they own and use. Inspired by existing approaches to the experience of love from social psychology, research tools are developed for the closer study of person-product love. Using those tools the research in this thesis investigates how person-product interactions are linked to the experience of love and how these influence love over time. The findings reveal how the experience of love arises from person-product relationships, how love relationships develop over time, and which factors can provoke change in the love experience and love relationships over time. These findings present opportunities for design researchers and designers to foster rewarding experiences and long-lasting person-product relationships. Person-product love relationships can bring emotional rewards that benefit people’s wellbeing and stimulate sustained efforts to keep loved products for longer.
Virologic and Immunologic Outcomes of the Second-Line Regimens of Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV-Infected Patients in Thailand

Goal of the second-line therapy among HIV-1-infected patients is to re-establish virological suppression, although treatment options in resource-limited settings are limited. An observational cohort of patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure was conducted in a university hospital in Thailand. Of 95 patients, mean age 39 years, 65% were male. Median CD4 and HIV-1 RNA at second-line ART initiation were 158 cells/mm3 and 4.1 copies/mL, respectively. Boosted protease inhibitor plus 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), indicated by genotype results, was commonly used as second-line regimen. At 6, 12, 24, and 36 months of second-line ART, 67%, 62%, 84%, and 90% of patients achieved HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL; median CD4 were 258, 366, 444, and 522 cells/mm 3, respectively. Good adherence, high baseline CD4, and early Centers for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staging were associated with virologic success (P < .05). Second-line ART based on the results of genotype testing yields the good virologic and immunologic outcomes in a resource-limited setting, and scaling-up of second-line ART is indicated.
Arabic Named Entity Recognition using Optimized Feature Sets

The Named Entity Recognition (NER) task has been garnering significant attention in NLP as it helps improve the performance of many natural language processing applications. In this paper, we investigate the impact of using different sets of features in two discriminative machine learning frameworks, namely, Support Vector Machines and Conditional Random Fields using Arabic data. We explore lexical, contextual and morphological features on eight standardized data-sets of different genres. We measure the impact of the different features in isolation, rank them according to their impact for each named entity class and incrementally combine them in order to infer the optimal machine learning approach and feature set. Our system yields a performance of Fβ=1-measure=83.5 on ACE 2003 Broadcast News data.
Multi-objective optimization using genetic algorithms of multi-pass turning process

In this paper we present a multi-optimization technique based on genetic algorithms to search optimal cuttings parameters such as cutting depth, feed rate and cutting speed of multi-pass turning processes. Two objective functions are simultaneously optimized under a set of practical of machining constraints, the first objective function is cutting cost and the second one is the used tool life time. The proposed model deals multi-pass turning processes where the cutting operations are divided into multi-pass rough machining and finish machining. Results obtained from Genetic Algorithms method are presented in Pareto frontier graphic; this technique helps us in decision making process. An example is presented to illustrate the procedure of this technique.
Bone Tissue Engineering with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Bioactive Composites of Laser-Sintered Porous Polycaprolactone Scaffolds and Platelet-Rich Plasma

Three-dimensional porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with consistent inter-pore channels, 83% porosity and 300–400 μm pore size were fabricated via selective laser sintering. The PCL scaffold was combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to form a bioactive composite and studied for potential application in bone tissue engineering using porcine adipose-derived stem cells (PASCs). The PCL/PRP/PASCs construct showed enhanced cell seeding efficiency and synergistically increased the differentiation capability of PASCs in osteogenic medium toward the osteoblast lineage, judging from elevated alkaline phosphatase activity and up-regulated osteogenic genes expression. For in vivo study, a 3 cm × 3 cm mandible defect was created in pigs and reconstructed by implanting acellular PCL scaffolds or PCL/PRP/PASCs constructs. Both groups showed new bone formation, however, the new bone volume was 5.1 times higher for PCL/PRP/PASCs 6 months post-operation. The bone density was less and loose in the acellular PCL group and the Young’s modulus was only 29% of normal bone. In contrast, continued and compact bone formation was found in PCL/PRP/PASCs and the Young’s modulus was 81% that of normal bone. Masson’s trichrome stain, immunohistochemical analysis of osteocalcin and collagen type I also confirmed new bone formation.
A Semantic Similarity Language Model to Improve Automatic Image Annotation

In recent years, with the rapid proliferation of digital images, the need to search and retrieve the images accurately, efficiently, and conveniently is becoming more acute. Automatic image annotation with image semantic content has attracted increasing attention, as it is the preprocess of annotation based image retrieval which provides users accurate, efficient, and convenient image retrieval with image understanding. Different machine learning approaches have been used to tackle the problem of automatic image annotation; however, most of them focused on exploring the relationship between images and annotation words and neglected the relationship among the annotation words. In this paper, we propose a framework of using language models to represent the word-to-word relation and thus to improve the performance of existing image annotation approaches utilizing probabilistic models. We also propose a specific language model - the semantic similarity language model to estimate the semantic similarity among the annotation words so that annotations that are more semantically coherent will have higher probability to be chosen to annotate the image. To illustrate the general idea of using language model to improve current image annotation systems, we added the language model on top of the two specific image annotation models - the translation model (TM) and the cross media relevance model (CMRM). We tested the improved models on a widely used image annotation corpus - the Corel 5K dataset. Our results show that by adding the semantic similarity language model, the performance of image annotation improves significantly in comparison with the original models. Our proposed language model can also be applied to other image annotation approaches using word probability conditioned on image or word-image joint probability as well.
Resiliencia y estilos de socialización parental en escolares de 4to y 5to año de secundaria de Lima Metropolitana

Objectives: 1) To establish the psychometric properties of the instruments used; 2) To analyze the relationship between resilience and styles of parental socialization variables in fourth and fifth grade hight school students considering public and private schools; 3) To compare the resilience variable in fourth and fifth grade hight school students between public and private school; 4) To compare the variable resilience in fourth and fifth grade hight school students between gender; 5) To compare the parental socialization styles variable in fourth and fifth grade hight school students between public and private school; 6) To compare the parental socialization styles variable in fourth and fifth grade hight school students between gender. Type and design: It is a basic research, with a descriptive, correlation and comparative design. Materials and methods: The sample was made up of 394 fourth and fifth grade hight school students, of whom 189 are from public schools and 205 from private schools of Lima city. To this end we used the Scale of resilience of Wagnild & Young (1993), and the scale of parental socialization styles in adolescent, of Musitu & Garcia (2001). Results: As a result of the study was found reliability and validity of the instruments used, in addition there was a significant correlation between these two variables, and equally significant differences in both variables taking into account gender and type of school.