Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Other Related Publications Abbreviations and Symbols Amos Active Mediator Object System Cpu Central Processing Unit Dbms Database Management System Dsms Data Stream Management System B

List of Papers This thesis is based on the following papers, which are referred to in the text by their Roman numerals. Using stream queries to measure communication performance of a parallel computing environment. (2008) Highly scalable trip grouping for large-scale collective transportation systems. Proc. EDBT 2008, pp 678–689. I contributed to 60% of the implementation work and to 30% of the writing. Reprints of the papers were made with permission from the publishers. All papers are reformatted to the one-column format of this book.
CARMA: A robust motion artifact reduction algorithm for heart rate monitoring from PPG signals

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a non invasive measurement of the blood flow, that can be used instead of electrocardiography to estimate heart rate (HR). Most existing techniques used for HR monitoring in fitness with PPG focus on slowly running alone, while those suitable for intensive physical exercise need an initialization stage in which wearers are required to stand still for several seconds. This paper present a novel algorithm for HR estimation from PPG signal based on motion artifact removal (MAR) and adaptive tracking (AT) that overcomes limitations of the previous techniques. Experimental evaluations performed on datasets recorded from several subjects during running show an average absolute error of HR estimation of 2.26 beats per minute, demonstrating the validity of the presented technique to monitor HR using wearable devices which use PPG signals.
A scheme of automated object and facet extraction for faceted search over XML data

Applying faceted search for XML data enables users to search XML data in an interactive manner. However, applying faceted search is challenging, because faceted search requires target subtrees (objects) and facets to be defined before-hand. To this problem, existing works assume that such objects and/or facets are defined manually, but it is infeasible to manually specify objects and facets in particular when the XML data are huge and/or its structure is quite complicated. To address this problem, this paper proposes an automatic extraction scheme of objects and facets from XML data. We propose two approaches, namely frequency-based approach and semantic-based approach, and also hybrid approach of them. The basic ideas of these approaches are that the frequently occurring XML elements seem to be objects and facets, and such XML elements may have semantically meaningful name. Although the proposed approaches are rather simple, the experiments using real world XML data show that the proposed approaches can automatically extract objects and facets from the XML data.
Building Text Corpus for Unit Selection Synthesis

The present paper deals with building the text corpus for unit selection text-to-speech synthesis. During synthesis the target and concatenation costs are calculated and these costs are usually based on the prosodic and acoustic features of sounds. If the cost calculation is moved to the phonological level, it is possible to simulate unit selection synthesis without any real recordings; in this case text transcriptions are sufficient. We propose touse the cost calculated during the test data synthesis simulation to evaluate the text corpus quality. The greedy algorithm that maximizes coverage ofcertainphoneticunitswillbeusedtobuildthecorpus. Inthisworkthecorporaoptimized to cover phonetic units of different size and weight are evaluated.
Socio-demographic factors associated with underweight and stunting among adolescents in Ethiopia

Introduction Nutrition during adolescence plays an important role in the individual's life. There are different factors that affect nutritional status of adolescents. Socio Economic Status, age, sex and mothers’ educational level are among the important determinants factors of nutritional status of adolescents. Younger adolescents tend to be more undernourished than older adolescents, and, contrary to expectations that boys are almost twice as undernourished as girls. In this study, we test the competing hypothesis about the correlates of nutritional status among Ethiopian adolescents. Methods We report a total of 2084 adolescents from the second round of a 5-year longitudinal study in Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia. Univariate and Multivariable linear regression were used to assess socio-demographic factors associated with Underweight and Stunting among Adolescents in Jimma zone. Results Age, highest grade completed, job and last attended in community school were positively associated with BMI for Age z-score and highest grade completed, household income and job were positively associated with Height for Age z-score. However, male gender was negatively associated with BMI for Age z-score and male gender, last attended in community school, abdominal pain and household size were negatively associated with Height for Age z-score. Conclusion Age of the adolescents, gender, educational status, employment status and type of last school attended are associated with underweight; and gender, place of residence, household size, household income, educational status, employment status, type of last school attended and abdominal pain are associated with stunted. The findings reflect socio-demographic characteristics are associated with underweight and stunting.
Accelerating the Integrated Instruction of Developmental Reading and Writing at Chabot College

This paper uses qualitative and quantitative data to compare the outcomes of students at Chabot College who participated in an accelerated, one-semester developmental English course and their peers who participated in a two-semester sequence. The sample included first-time students who entered college between summer 1999 and fall 2010; students were tracked for up to five years. Propensity score matching and regression analyses show that participation in the accelerated course was positively associated with a range of positive short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes, including entry-level college English completion, credit accumulation, grade point average, transfer to a four-year institution, and certificate and degree attainment. To better understand the quantitative findings, the authors draw on data from interviews with faculty, administrators, and staff; student focus groups; and classroom observations. The authors posit that the benefits of an accelerated course structure are amplified at Chabot College by a developmental English curriculum that is well aligned with college-level English and that develops critical academic literacy skills.
Indicators and Indices of Conflict and Security: A Review and Classification of Open-Source Data

Abstract : With the advent of the World Wide Web (WWW), there has been a proliferation of readily accessible open-source databases on conflict and security indicators and indices. The sheer proliferation and diversity of information sources, however, demands an increasing level of knowledge management to maximize the utility of the available information for end users. Part of that function involves discovering what data and information sources currently exist, as well as classifying those information sources in a coherent and systematic manner. The primary purpose of this report is to provide an overview of open-source databases on conflict and security indicators to assist users in selecting the indicator(s) most appropriate for their purposes. The current summary and classification of the databases is intended to be a fairly comprehensive "field-guide" for researchers and analysts looking to exploit conflict- and security-related open-source information. A systematic search for open-source data was conducted over a four-month period between April and July of 2007. To be included, databases had to satisfy a list of pre-specified criteria. The current categorization of the databases is the result of a unanimous agreement among the authors reached through a process of reiterative discussions. The report includes a list of 62 databases on conflict and security indicators and indices classified into 6 categories, and a list of 64 secondary databases addressing peripheral and macroscopic issues grouped into 10 categories. For each database, the authors provide the following information: name of database, supporting institution, institution type, brief description, web site link, variables covered, number of cases, time span, methodology, and data format.
Organizational and technological infrastructures alignment

The objective of this empirical study is to find ways that best support business performance through the alignment of organizational and technological infrastructures. Adapting D. Tapscott and A. Caston's (1993) infrastructure themes, the organizational infrastructure includes components such as common vision, cooperation, empowerment, adaptability and learning, and the technological infrastructure addresses dimensions such as user involvement, connectivity, distributed computing, flexibility and technology awareness. Top managers from 104 organizations completed a questionnaire. The data analysis is performed using structural equation modeling techniques. The results indicate that the alignment of organizational and technological infrastructure enhances business performance.
Divergent Biophysical Defects Caused by Mutant Sodium Channels in Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Arrhythmia

Mutations in SCN5A encoding the principal Na+ channel &agr;-subunit expressed in human heart (NaV1.5) have recently been linked to an inherited form of dilated cardiomyopathy with atrial and ventricular arrhythmia. We compared the biophysical properties of 2 novel NaV1.5 mutations associated with this syndrome (D2/S4 – R814W; D4/S3 – D1595H) with the wild-type (WT) channel using heterologous expression in cultured tsA201 cells and whole-cell patch-clamp recording. Expression levels were similar among WT and mutant channels, and neither mutation affected persistent sodium current. R814W channels exhibited prominent and novel defects in the kinetics and voltage dependence of activation characterized by slower rise times and a hyperpolarized conductance-voltage relationship resulting in an increased “window current. ” This mutant also displayed enhanced slow inactivation and greater use-dependent reduction in peak current at fast pulsing frequencies. By contrast, D1595H channels exhibited impaired fast inactivation characterized by slower entry into the inactivated state and a hyperpolarized steady-state inactivation curve. Our findings illustrate the divergent biophysical defects caused by 2 different SCN5A mutations associated with familial dilated cardiomyopathy. Retrospective review of the published clinical data suggested that cardiomyopathy was not common in the family with D1595H, but rather sinus bradycardia was the predominant clinical finding. However, for R814W, we speculate that an increased window current coupled with enhanced slow inactivation and rate-dependent loss of channel availability provided a unique substrate predisposing myocytes to disordered Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis leading to myocardial dysfunction.
Logic Synthesis for Concurrent Error Detection

The structure of a circuit determines how the effects of a fault can propagate and hence affects the cost of concurrent error detection. By considering circuit structure during logic optimization, the overall cost of a concurrently checked circuit can be minimized. This report presents a new technique called structure-constrained logic optimization (SCLO) that optimizes a circuit under the constraint that faults in the resulting circuit can produce only a prescribed set of errors. Using SCLO, circuits can be optimized for various concurrent error detection schemes allowing the overall cost for each scheme to be compared. A technique for quickly estimating the size of a circuit under different structural constraints is described. This technique enables rapid exploration of the design space for concurrently checked circuits. A new method for the automated synthesis of self-checking circuit implementations for arbitrary combinational circuits is also presented. It consists of an algorithm that determines the best parity-check code for encoding the output of a given circuit, and then uses SCLO to produce the functional circuit which is augmented with a checker to form a self-checking circuit. This synthesis method provides fully automated design, explores a larger design space than other methods, and uses simple checkers. It has been implemented by making modifications to SIS (an updated version of MIS [Brayton 87a]), and results for several MCNC combinational benchmark circuits are given. In most cases, a substantial reduction in overhead compared to a duplicate-and-compare implementation is achieved.
Rhythm Patterns Interaction - Synchronization Behavior for Human-Robot Joint Action

Interactive behavior among humans is governed by the dynamics of movement synchronization in a variety of repetitive tasks. This requires the interaction partners to perform for example rhythmic limb swinging or even goal-directed arm movements. Inspired by that essential feature of human interaction, we present a novel concept and design methodology to synthesize goal-directed synchronization behavior for robotic agents in repetitive joint action tasks. The agents’ tasks are described by closed movement trajectories and interpreted as limit cycles, for which instantaneous phase variables are derived based on oscillator theory. Events segmenting the trajectories into multiple primitives are introduced as anchoring points for enhanced synchronization modes. Utilizing both continuous phases and discrete events in a unifying view, we design a continuous dynamical process synchronizing the derived modes. Inverse to the derivation of phases, we also address the generation of goal-directed movements from the behavioral dynamics. The developed concept is implemented to an anthropomorphic robot. For evaluation of the concept an experiment is designed and conducted in which the robot performs a prototypical pick-and-place task jointly with human partners. The effectiveness of the designed behavior is successfully evidenced by objective measures of phase and event synchronization. Feedback gathered from the participants of our exploratory study suggests a subjectively pleasant sense of interaction created by the interactive behavior. The results highlight potential applications of the synchronization concept both in motor coordination among robotic agents and in enhanced social interaction between humanoid agents and humans.
Need Analysis in Developing Drug Abuse Prevention Module for High School Guidance Curriculum Services

—In order to provide prevention services for drug abuse, school counselors need to be assisted with module as the media that provides guidance material which its more comprehensive nature. This study tries to describe the availability of modules as a medium of guidance material for drug abuse prevention that can be done as part of guidance curriculum services. The study used a cross-sectional survey method with multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results show available modules are less complete and less up to date material, not adapted to the reality in the field, module usage instructions unclearly, limited availability of worksheets and evaluations, book designs not properly according to the age of students' development. These findings indicate the need to develop modules in order to provide guidance curriculum services for drug abuse prevention.
Aggregating Indices of Governance Quality: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

Abstract : In this technical report, we used the exploratory factor analysis to examine 24 open−source governance indices measuring levels of democracy, economic development and human rights, in order to identify and describe patterns of relationships that may exist among them. The 24 variables used for the factor analysis were selected from a comprehensive list of open−source databases obtained from the DRDC Toronto Technical Report 2008−167. The analysis produced a three−factor solution that explained the most variance and provided a theoretical interpretation in accordance to the already established definitions of good governance. We build on previous efforts by providing a more comprehensive analysis of a larger set of similar indices, proposing a new approach to interpreting multiple sources of data in an integrative manner, and offering further guidance on the use of these measures for assessing state governance.
A novel matting system using human selective attention

Image matting is an important task in image and video editing. In this paper we propose a novel matting system, which can provide good results with less human intervention. We split the task into two steps: attention-based scribble extraction followed by alpha matting. We use the attention shift trace which is refined in the HSI color space as the useful constraints for matting algorithm instead of user-specified constraints. Distinct from previous approaches, the system presents the advantage of being natural and intuitive to humans and less human intervention.
Variability in phenotype induced by the podocin variant R229Q plus a single pathogenic mutation

Background Mutations in podocin (NPHS2) are the most common cause of childhood onset autosomal recessive steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). The disease is characterized by early-onset proteinuria, resistance to immunosuppressive therapy and rapid progression to end-stage renal disease. Compound heterozygous changes involving the podocin variant R229Q combined with another pathogenic mutation have been associated with a mild phenotype with disease onset often in adulthood. Methods We screened 19 families with early-onset SRNS for mutations in NPHS2 and WT1 and identified four disease-causing mutations (three in NPHS2 and one in WT1) prior to planned whole-exome sequencing. Results We describe two families with three individuals presenting in childhood who are compound heterozygous for R229Q and one other pathogenic NPHS2 mutation, either L327F or A297V. One child presented at age 4 years (A297V plus R229Q) and the other two at age 13 (L327F plus R229Q), one with steadily deteriorating renal function. Conclusions These cases highlight the phenotypic variability associated with the NPHS2 R229Q variant plus pathogenic mutation. Individuals may present with early aggressive disease.
Enhancing Quality of Service in ERS- AODV for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

A MANET is a wireless network which operates by themselves without centralized administration. Each node in MANET operates as an end system and a router for all other nodes in the network. The primary challenge in building a MANET is equipping each device to continuously maintain the information required to properly route the traffic. Reactive routing protocols are favoured in MANET’s because they generate fewer overheads in network. These protocols suffer due to network flooding in route discovery process. Expanding ring search in terms of early detection of destination cause quality of service to fluctuate randomly. Performance degradation due to quality of service is a bottleneck to fulfill stability and reliability in MANET’s. In this paper, a scheme is introduced for controlling the broadcasting of RREQ information focusing on improved quality of service in AODV (Ad hoc on Demand Distance Vector) routing protocol. This is achieved by monitoring the TTL start, TTL increment and TTL threshold values of network and choosing optimum values of TTL suitable to network designed that accounts for reliability and quality of service during route discovery process. It is simulated using OPNET 14.5 with fixed node density.
A SystemC Based Framework for the Evaluation of Proactive Power-Management Approaches in Distributed Energy Harvesting Systems

This paper presents "SimPlayGround" - a framework for the stimulative evaluation of reactive and proactive power-management approaches in distributed energy harvesting systems. Our simulation framework combines the simulation of wireless communication, the behavior of reversible power supplies and the dynamics of power consumption. It supports models of the environmental power and energy harvesters with an on-line computation of aviable power, so that the control of the simulated system can base on it.
Multiparameter Flow Cytometry: Advances in High Resolution Analysis

Over the past 40 years, flow cytometry has emerged as a leading, application-rich technology that supports high-resolution characterization of individual cells which function in complex cellular networks such as the immune system. This brief overview highlights advances in multiparameter flow cytometric technologies and reagent applications for characterization and functional analysis of cells modulating the immune network. These advances significantly support high-throughput and high-content analyses and enable an integrated understanding of the cellular and molecular interactions that underlie complex biological systems.
EVN + MERLIN Observations of Radio-intermediate Quasars: Evidence for Boosted Radio-weak Quasars

We present VLBI (EVN + MERLIN) observations of a sample of three low-redshift radio-intermediate PG quasars (RIQ) with flat and variable radio spectrum (III Zw 2, PG 1309+355, PG 2209+184). Their radio-to-optical flux ratio (R) is slightly lower than the average R for steep-spectrum quasars, but their radio spectral properties are those of core-dominated quasars. It was proposed previously that these sources might be relativistically boosted jets in radio-weak quasars. Our VLBI observations now indeed confirm the presence of a high brightness temperature core in all three of these objects—two of them have lower limits on TB well in excess of 1010 K. Moreover, we find no “missing flux,” which means that basically all the flux of these quasars is concentrated in the compact radio core. As the total radio flux is already at the low end for radio-loud quasars, we can place a strong limit on the presence of any extended emission. This limit is consistent with the extended emission in radio-weak quasars but excludes that the flat-spectrum RIQ reside in typical radio-loud quasars. The observations therefore strongly support the idea that relativistic jets are present in radio-weak quasars and, hence, that radio-loud and radio-weak quasars have very similar central engines.
An asymptotic FX option formula in the cross currency Libor market model

In this article, we introduce analytic approximation formulae for FX options in the Libor market model (LMM). ThemethodtoderivetheformulaeisanasymptoticexpansiontechniqueintroducedinKawai[Kaw03]. We first apply the method to the lognormal LMM and lognormal FX model. Then, the method is applied to the displaced diffusion LMM and the displaced diffusion FX model. Some numerical examples show that the derived formulae are sufficiently accurate for practical applications.
ACRS: Arabic Character Recognition System Based on Multi Features Extraction Methods

— this paper proposed a new architecture for Arabic Character Recognition System Based on Multi Features Extraction Methods and SVM Classifier (ACRS). An Arabic handwriting dataset proposed as well for training and testing the proposed system. Although half of the dataset used for training the SVM and the second half used for testing, the system achieved high performance with less training data. Besides, the system achieved best recognition accuracy 99.64% based on several feature extraction methods and SVM classifier. Experimental results show that the linear kernel of SVM is convergent and more accurate for recognition than other SVM kernels.