Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mobile Alternate Reality Gaming Engine: A Usability Evaluation

We propose MARGE, a game which incorporates multiplayer, pervasive gaming elements into mobile content sharing. MARGE allows users to annotate real world locations with multimedia content, and concurrently, provide opportunities for play through creating and engaging interactive game elements, earning currency, and socializing. A study of MARGE was conducted. The results suggest the potential of the application in terms of entertainment and content sharing value. Participants felt that the features in MARGE were able to support the objectives of content sharing and gaming, and that the idea of gaming could be a motivator for content sharing. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Optimal time-weighted H 2 model reduction for Markovian jump systems

This article addresses the optimal time-weighted H 2 model reduction problem for Markovian jump linear systems. That is, for a given mean square stable Markovian jump system, our aim is to find a mean square stable jump system of lower order such that the time-weighted H 2 norm of the corresponding error system is minimised. The time-weighted H 2 norm of the system is first defined, and then a computational method is constructed. The computation requires the solution of two sets of recursive Lyapunov-type linear matrix equations associated with the Markovian jump system. To solve the optimal time-weighted H 2 model reduction problem, we propose a gradient flow method for its solution. A necessary condition for minimality is derived, and a computational procedure is provided to obtain the minimising reduced-order model. The necessary condition generalises the standard result for systems when Markov jumps and the time-weighting term do not appear. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
An in vitro study of the compressive load at fracture of Procera AllCeram crowns with varying thickness of veneer porcelain.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM When designing and cutting a crown preparation, a balance must be achieved between the amount of tooth structure conserved and the space created for the restoration. All-ceramic crowns, which contain a core, are usually veneered with porcelain to produce the desired aesthetics and contour. The effect of veneer porcelain on the strength of the restoration has been a cause of debate. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different thickness of veneer porcelain on the compressive load at fracture of Procera AllCeram crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty brass dies were fabricated with a crown-like preparation and a chamfer margin. Sixty crowns were fabricated with a 0.6-mm-thick core: Procera crowns with either a 0.4-mm- or 0.9-mm-thick veneer of AllCeram (Groups 1 and 2 respectively) and In-Ceram crowns with a 0.9-mm-thick veneer of Vitadur Alpha porcelain (Group 3). Each group consisted of 20 crowns. In-Ceram crowns were used as the control group. All crowns were measured at 4 axial and 1 occlusal random locations before autoglazing. They were air abraded and adhesively bonded onto the appropriate brass die using Clearfil Newbond Bonding Agent, Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator, and Panavia 21 TC Dental Adhesive as the luting agent. After storage in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours, the specimens were placed in a compressive test rig within an Instron universal testing machine and loaded in the center of the occlusal surface with a 4-mm diameter stainless steel ball. An axial preload of 20 N was applied before compressive testing at a crosshead speed of 0.1 mm/minute until fracture occurred. An analysis of variance revealed no significant difference in the load at fracture between the 3 groups (P=.3). Using a Bonferroni correction, independent t tests revealed no significant difference in load at fracture for any of the pair-wise comparisons between the 3 test groups (P < .05). RESULTS The mean load at fracture for Group 1 was 2197.6 N (SD = 776.4); Group 2, 2401.4 N (SD = 699.1); and Group 3, 2581.0 N (SD = 715.6). CONCLUSION Within the parameters of this study, the axial thickness of veneer porcelain did not have a significant effect on the compressive load at fracture of Procera AllCeram crowns.
Korean Anxiety Sensitivity Index—Revised: its factor structure, reliability, and validity in clinical and nonclinical samples

The factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index—Revised (ASI‐R) were examined in a community sample, a student sample, and patients with panic disorder in Korea. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) comparing our data to factor solutions commonly reported as representative of European American populations indicated a poor fit. A subsequent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicated that a four‐factor solution provided the best fit. Correlations between the ASI‐R and anxiety measures were moderately high, providing evidence of convergent validity. Implications for assessment with Koreans are discussed. Depression and Anxiety 24:331–341, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing stir bar sorptive extraction for triazine herbicides extraction by using a central composite design approach

A (PDMS)-coated stir bar was prepared for a glass jacket-free stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) configuration by adhesion technique for the extraction of triazine herbicides prior to quantification using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). A central composite design (CCD) was used in the optimization of extraction and desorption conditions. At optimum conditions, values of factors were set as pH 8.5, with no addition of NaCl, for 25 minutes of extraction time, and 24 minutes of desorption time. Under optimal experimental conditions, the proposed method has linear ranges at 0.1 – 100 µgL-1 with correlation of determination (R2), ranging from 0.9991 – 0.9995, respectively. The limit of detection (LODs) and limit of quantification (LOQs) of three triazines were found to be ranging from 0.015 – 0.023 µgL-1 and 0.047 – 0.060 µgL-1, respectively.
High capacity watermarking using balanced multiwavelet transforms

The emergence of digital multimedia and the proliferation of its use have raised major concerns about the protection of intellectual property. In response to these concerns, digital watermarks have emerged as a possible solution for protecting the intellectual property of digital content. In this paper, we derive estimates of data-hiding capacity of balanced multiwavelet transforms. This class of transforms, relatively new, has useful properties for image processing applications as shown in this paper. Furthermore, we investigate the relevance of two closely related statistical models, developed for scalar wavelets, for modeling the statistics of balanced multiwavelet transform coefficients. Finally, we present performance results of a spread spectrum watermarking system that is based on this new transform.
Refining Key Establishment

We use refinement to systematically develop a family of key establishment protocols using a theorem prover. Our development spans four levels of abstraction: abstract security properties, message-less guard protocols, protocols communicating over channels with security properties, and protocols secure with respect to a Dolev-Yao intruder. The protocols we develop are Needham-Schroeder Shared Key, the core of Kerberos 4 and 5, and Denning Sacco, and include realistic features such as key confirmation, replay caches, and encrypted tickets. Our development highlights that message-less guard protocols provide a fundamental abstraction for bridging the gap between security properties and message-based protocol descriptions. It also shows that the refinement approach presented in [SB10] can be applied, with minor adaption, to families of key establishment protocols and that it scales to protocols of nontrivial size and complexity.
The beak of the other finch: coevolution of genetic covariance structure and developmental modularity during adaptive evolution

The link between adaptation and evolutionary change remains the most central and least understood evolutionary problem. Rapid evolution and diversification of avian beaks is a textbook example of such a link, yet the mechanisms that enable beak's precise adaptation and extensive adaptability are poorly understood. Often observed rapid evolutionary change in beaks is particularly puzzling in light of the neo-Darwinian model that necessitates coordinated changes in developmentally distinct precursors and correspondence between functional and genetic modularity, which should preclude evolutionary diversification. I show that during first 19 generations after colonization of a novel environment, house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) express an array of distinct, but adaptively equivalent beak morphologies—a result of compensatory developmental interactions between beak length and width in accommodating microevolutionary change in beak depth. Directional selection was largely confined to the elimination of extremes formed by these developmental interactions, while long-term stabilizing selection along a single axis—beak depth—was mirrored in the structure of beak's additive genetic covariance. These results emphasize three principal points. First, additive genetic covariance structure may represent a historical record of the most recurrent developmental and functional interactions. Second, adaptive equivalence of beak configurations shields genetic and developmental variation in individual components from depletion by natural selection. Third, compensatory developmental interactions among beak components can generate rapid reorganization of beak morphology under novel conditions and thus greatly facilitate both the evolution of precise adaptation and extensive diversification, thereby linking adaptation and adaptability in this classic example of Darwinian evolution.
Lack of Pathology in a Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease after Overexpression of the Anti-Apoptotic Protein Bcl-2

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of plaques containing β-amyloid (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) consisting of modified tau. Although Aβ deposition is thought to precede the formation of NFTs in AD, the molecular steps connecting these two pathologies is not known. Previous studies have suggested that caspase activation plays an important role in promoting the pathology associated with AD. To further understand the contribution of caspases in disease progression, a triple transgenic Alzheimer's mouse model overexpressing the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was generated. Here we show that overexpression of Bcl-2 limited caspase-9 activation and reduced the caspase cleavage of tau. Moreover, overexpression of Bcl-2 attenuated the processing of APP (amyloid precursor protein) and tau and reduced the number of NFTs and extracellular deposits of Aβ associated with these animals. In addition, overexpression of Bcl-2 in 3xTg-AD mice improved place recognition memory. These findings suggest that the activation of apoptotic pathways may be an early event in AD and contributes to the pathological processes that promote the disease mechanisms underlying AD.
Energy dissipation in fractal-forced flow

The rate of energy dissipation in solutions of the body-forced three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is rigorously estimated with a focus on its dependence on the nature of the driving force. For square integrable body forces, the high Reynolds number (low viscosity) upper bound on the dissipation is independent of the viscosity, consistent with the existence of a conventional turbulent energy cascade. On the other hand, when the body force is not square integrable, i.e., when the Fourier spectrum of the force decays sufficiently slowly at high wave numbers, there is significant direct driving at a broad range of spatial scales. Then the upper limit for the dissipation rate may diverge at high Reynolds numbers, consistent with recent experimental and computational studies of “fractal-forced” turbulence.
Use of an Automated Bolus Calculator in MDI-Treated Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of flexible intensive insulin therapy (FIIT) and an automated bolus calculator (ABC) in a Danish type 1 diabetes population treated with multiple daily injections. Furthermore, to test the feasibility of teaching FIIT in a 3-h structured course. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The BolusCal Study was a 16-week randomized, controlled, open-label, three-arm parallel, clinical study of 51 adults with type 1 diabetes. Patients aged 18–65 years in poor metabolic control (HbA1c 8.0–10.5%) were randomized to the Control (n = 8), CarbCount (n = 21), or CarbCountABC (n = 22) arm. During a 3-h group teaching, the Control arm received FIIT education excluding carbohydrate counting. CarbCount patients were taught FIIT and how to count carbohydrates. CarbCountABC group teaching included FIIT and carbohydrate counting and patients were provided with an ABC. RESULTS At 16 weeks, the within-group change in HbA1c was −0.1% (95% CI −1.0 to 0.7%; P = 0.730) in the Control arm, −0.8% (−1.3 to −0.3%; P = 0.002) in the CarbCount arm, and −0.7% (−1.0 to −0.4%; P < 0.0001) in the CarbCountABC arm. The difference in change in HbA1c between CarbCount and CarbCountABC was insignificant. Adjusting for baseline HbA1c in a regression model, the relative change in HbA1c was −0.6% (−1.2 to 0.1%; P = 0.082) in CarbCount and −0.8% (−1.4 to −0.1%; P = 0.017) in CarbCountABC. Treatment satisfaction measured by the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (status version) improved in all study arms, but the improvement was significantly greater in CarbCountABC. CONCLUSIONS FIIT and carbohydrate counting were successfully taught in 3 h and improved metabolic control and treatment satisfaction. Concurrent use of an ABC improved treatment satisfaction further.
Metamodeling-Based Optimization of Driver Restraint Systems

1. Abstract An optimization procedure for a vehicle driver restraint system is here presented, focusing on minimizing trauma during vehicle frontal impact. Approximate models are used aiming to replace FE models in order to produce fast and reliable results. These approximate models are referred to as metamodels or surrogate models, and were created according to Kriging methodology and applied in the optimization process based on the GA (Genetic Algorithm) technique. The driver restraint system was optimized considering the complex interaction between the anthropomorphic test devices and the different components that assemble the restraint system, like airbag, safety belts with/without pre-tensioners, seatbelt load limiting devices and steering column stroke. The methodology applied helped to develop a robust restraint system, target to meet Brazilian regulations (CONTRAN Resolution No. 221/07 – ABNT NBR15300 option 3) which is similar to United Nations regulations (ECE R94). The numerical computational model was initially correlated with a physical test, followed by 36 numerical simulations. The numerical computational simulations were performed based on Design of Experiments. Five control factors were evaluated during the optimization phase. They are: seatbelt load limiter, airbag vent holes diameter, airbag tethers length, seatbelt height adjuster and steering column stroke. Three noise factors were considered, sources of uncontrollable variation that affect a systems function, H-point variations (X/Z directions), seatbelt load limiter variation and steering column stroke tolerance. The simulations were developed considering the vehicle frontal impact at 56 km/h against a deformable barrier at 40% overlap (ODB) in accordance with the United Nations Regulations ECE R94. The test was carried out with two 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummies belted at the front seats. The metamodel was created combining the test sample points with respective simulation results. Finally, the single objective optimization of the chest compression was conducted based on the GA (Genetic Algorithm) technique. Both control factors and noise factors were considered as discrete variables in the optimization process. The optimized parameters provided by GA approach based on metamodel lead to a significant reduction in the probability of injuries in a vehicle frontal impact. The computational numerical optimization tool helped to reduce the cost and time development of a safer vehicle that meets the current regulations. The results presented excellent correlation between numerical simulation and physical test and the goals of the optimization were achieved showing that this tool is reliable and helpful for current and future developments. 2.
Colonization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Outpatients in Taiwan with Candida Species

ABSTRACT To understand the Candida colonization of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected outpatients in Taiwan, we have conducted a prospective cohort study of Candida colonization and its risk factors at the National Taiwan University Hospital from 1999 to 2002. More than 50% of the patients were colonized with Candida species, and 12% developed symptomatic candidiasis. Patients colonized with fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida species had a higher prevalence of candidiasis than those colonized with susceptible strains. Our analysis found that antibiotic treatment and lower CD4+ counts (<200 cells/mm3) increased the rate of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients, while antiretroviral therapy protected patients from the development of candidiasis.
Fiber from Whole Grains, but not Refined Grains, Is Inversely Associated with All-Cause Mortality in Older Women: The Iowa Women’s Health Study

Background: Inconsistencies in epidemiologic findings relating grain fiber to chronic disease may be explained by differentiating nutrient-rich fiber derived from whole grain vs. nutrient-poor fiber derived from refined grain. Objective: Given that phytochemicals are most varied and abundant in the outer layers of grains, we tested the hypothesis that whole grain fiber consumption is associated with a reduced mortality risk in comparison to a similar amount of refined grain fiber. Design: 11040 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Iowa Women’s Health Study, matched on total grain fiber intake, but differing in the proportion of fiber consumed from whole vs. refined grain, were followed from baseline in 1986 through 31 December, 1997, during which time 1341 deaths occurred in 124,823 observed woman-years. Results: After multivariate adjustment in proportional hazards regression, women who consumed on average 1.9 g refined grain fiber/2000 kcal and 4.7 g whole grain fiber/2000 kcal had a 17% lower mortality rate (RR=0.83, 95% CI=0.73–0.94) than women who consumed predominantly refined grain fiber: 4.5 g/2000 kcal, but only 1.3 g whole grain fiber/2000 kcal. Conclusion: Inferences from studies that have reported associations between grain fiber intake and morbidity or mortality may be limited by not differentiating fiber sources. Future studies should distinguish fiber from whole vs. refined grains. Public health policy should differentiate whole grains from refined, and recommend increased consumption of the former.
Vehicle-logo Recognition Method Based on Tchebichef Moment Invariants and SVM

In order to solve the problem about the recognition accuracy, Tchebichef moment invariants and support vector machine (SVM) are adopted to recognize the vehicle-logo. It extracts six invariant moments of the object as feature vectors, and then uses the support vector machines (SVM) to recognize vehicle-logo. Tchebichef moment invariants perform significantly better than Hu moment invariants and Zernike moment invariants. The result of these experiments suggests that this system has a high recognition rate in both noise-free and noisy environment which has high practical value.
Hardware Support for Secure Processing in Embedded Systems

The inherent limitations of embedded systems make them particularly vulnerable to attacks. We have developed a hardware monitor that operates in parallel to the embedded processor and detects any attack that causes the embedded processor to deviate from its originally programmed behavior. We explore several different characteristics that can be used for monitoring and quantitative tradeoffs between these approaches. Our results show that our proposed hash-based monitoring pattern can detect attacks within one instruction cycle at lower memory requirements than traditional approaches that use control-flow information.
Computational Creativity: The Final Frontier?

Notions relating to computational systems exhibiting creative behaviours have been explored since the very early days of computer science, and the field of Computational Creativity research has formed in the last dozen years to scientifically explore the potential of such systems. We describe this field via a working definition; a brief history of seminal work; an exploration of the main issues, technologies and ideas; and a look towards future directions. As a society, we are jealous of our creativity: creative people and their contributions to cultural progression are highly valued. Moreover, creative behaviour in people draws on a full set of intelligent abilities, so simulating such behaviour represents a serious technical challenge for Artificial Intelligence research. As such, we believe it is fair to characterise Computational Creativity as a frontier for AI research beyond all others—maybe, even, the final frontier.
A Hot-Page Aware Hybrid-Copy Migration Method

Hybrid-copy migration is a practical mean in cloud computing for memory intensive workload. But it does not perform perfectly in fetching remote pages. Aiming at solving this problem, we present a hot-page hybrid-copy migration method. We design a hot-page capturer to find out hot-pages, and a hot-page syringe to push hot-pages into transmission queue. We present an evaluation called page fault interval time, to evaluate the performance of hybrid-copy migration. The experimental results show that our method can extend the free part in page fault interval time about 19.79%, reduce the amount of remote page faults about 9.6%, and finally improve the performance of hybrid-copy migration.
The Model of Client Relationship Management of a Knowledge Intensive Business Services Organization

In the rapidly changing environment business organizations face information and knowledge transformation, abundance or deficiency, their vali dity, incapacity to find a way out when problems emerge, etc. In such a situation, providers of knowledge intensive business services help organizations. Knowledge intensive business services distinguish themselves in knowledge accumulation and production as well as diffusion, corporate learning of a provi der and a customer, strong involvement of a customer into the process of service creation. These features distinguish knowledge intensive business services among the other and determine the importance of longterm relationship. The article addresses the follow ing research problem: how to manage customer relationship of organizations of knowledge intensiv e business services in attaining corporate benefit? H aving disclosed features and functions of knowledge inten sive business services as well as the process of develop ment of customer relationship of an organization renderi ng a standard product, the model of an organization of knowledge intensive business services and customer relationship management is presented. It consists o f five stages: self-analysis, beginning, development, commitments and ending. The model elaborates