Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leveraging CDR datasets for context-rich performance modeling of large-scale mobile pub/sub systems

Large-scale mobile environments are characterized by, among others, a large number of mobile users, intermittent connectivity and non-homogeneous arrival rate of data to the users, depending on the region's context. Multiple application scenarios in major cities need to address the above situation for the creation of robust mobile systems. Towards this, it is fundamental to enable system designers to tune a communication infrastructure using various parameters depending on the specific context. In this paper, we take a first step towards enabling an application platform for large-scale information management relying on `mobile social crowd-sourcing'. To inform the stakeholders of expected loads and costs, we model a large-scale mobile pub/sub system as a queueing network. We introduce additional timing constraints such as (i) mobile user's intermittent connectivity period; and (ii) data validity lifetime period (e.g. that of sensor data). Using our MobileJINQS simulator, we parameterize our model with realistic input loads derived from the D4D dataset (CDR) and varied lifetime periods in order to analyze the effect on response time. This work provides system designers with coarse grain design time information when setting realistic loads and time constraints.
Probabilistic Analysis of Carlitz Compositions

Using generating functions and limit theorems, we obtain a stochastic description of Carlitz compositions of large integer n (i.e. compositions two successive parts of which are different). We analyze: the number M of parts, the number of compositions T(m,n) with m parts, the distribution of the last part size, the correlation between two successive parts, leading to a Markov chain. We describe also the associated processes and the limiting trajectories, the width and thickness of a composition. We finally present a typical simulation. The limiting processes are characterized by Brownian Motion and some discrete distributions.
Systemic Leukocyte-Directed siRNA Delivery Revealing Cyclin D1 as an Anti-Inflammatory Target

Cyclin D1 (CyD1) is a pivotal cell cycle–regulatory molecule and a well-studied therapeutic target for cancer. Although CyD1 is also strongly up-regulated at sites of inflammation, its exact roles in this context remain uncharacterized. To address this question, we developed a strategy for selectively silencing CyD1 in leukocytes in vivo. Targeted stabilized nanoparticles (tsNPs) were loaded with CyD1–small interfering RNA (siRNA). Antibodies to β7 integrin (β7 I) were then used to target specific leukocyte subsets involved in gut inflammation. Systemic application of β7 I-tsNPs silenced CyD1 in leukocytes and reversed experimentally induced colitis in mice by suppressing leukocyte proliferation and T helper cell 1 cytokine expression. This study reveals CyD1 to be a potential anti-inflammatory target, and suggests that the application of similar modes of targeting by siRNA may be feasible in other therapeutic settings.
Power quality improvement using three phase modular converter for welding power supply

This paper deals with the power quality improvement in an arc welding apparatus. An efficient arc welding process needs fine and fast dynamic control of energy flow for good weld quality and productivity. The existing welding machines have the problem of low power factor and high harmonic content at the utility interface. A three-phase modular power-factor-correction converter connected to a pulse width modulated DC-DC converter is proposed for welding power supply. The full-bridge modular converter provides attractive features such as inherent power factor correction, simple DC-DC switching control, high frequency transformer isolation and single-stage power conversion. The converters are designed to operate in both CCM and DCM operation in different power ratings. The proposed system significantly improves the dynamic response of the converter. The criteria for obtaining high power factor is being analyzed and the circuit parameters are determined to obtain the best achievable power factor with reduced THD (Total Harmonics Distortion) of AC mains current and voltage.
Juvenile Delinquency and Gender

This article considers differences in patterns of youth delinquency and problem behaviour between boys and girls. It uses cross-sectional surveys of self-reported youth offending in 11 European countries, and a similar survey covering various ethnic groups in Rotterdam, both carried out in 1992. These surveys show that there remains a substantial gap in the level of delinquency between girls and boys across all countries and ethnic groups. The findings confirm that weak social controls by family and school are an important correlate of delinquency for males and females in all country clusters and across all ethnic groups. On the whole, the correlates of delinquency are found to be similar in males and females, which suggests that there is no need for a different theory to explain delinquency in boys and girls. Social control explains part of the gap in delinquency between boys and girls, simply because social controls of girls tend to be stronger and tighter. Culturally determined differences in the strength of family-based social controls can also explain some of the variation in delinquency between ethnic groups.
Experimental Approaches to Studying Ethical-Unethical Behavior in Organizations

The social scientific study of ethical-unethical behavior in work organizations is in an early stage of development. This paper discusses some of the problems of conducting social scientific research in this area and explores the potential contribution of experimental research approaches. Both laboratory and field experimentation allow the investigator to test theory-based hypotheses and to study causal relations. Examples are provided of investigations that have applied these methods to the study of business ethics.
A Study on Evaluation of Human Arousal Level using PPG Analysis

ABSTRACT This research is to evaluate the arousal level by using cardiovascular response. PPG was used in this study as one of the method of measuring it rather than ECG (Electrocardiography) for the purpose of solving ergonomic problem of sensing. The participants were in the age group of 20 (mean=24, standard deviation=1.25): five men and five women. Each experiment composed with four identical sets. First, a black screen was displayed for 30 second rest. Then, the prepared 6 pair images were randomly presented for 10 second stimulation and for 30 second non-stimulation. PPG was measured on the earlobes of experimenters at 200Hz sampling frequency. PPG amplitude, PPI(Pulse to Pulse Interval), and PRV(Pulse Rate Variability) were analyzed according to arousal level. T-test was performed to compare between the PPG variables of rest and relaxation, rest and arousal, and relaxation and arousal. Relative to the rest state, PPG amplitude decreased in relaxed state and increased in aroused state. Relative to the rest state, PPI decreased in both emotional states. However, more significant decline was observed in aroused state. PRV's LF and HF were used in the form of LF/HF to compare between the relaxed and the aroused state. Therefore, PPG signal showed significant differences between relaxed and aroused state. In conclusion, evaluation of human arousal level used in the PPG analysis demonstrated that PPG has better usability and comforter measurement than ECG and is clearly an alternative method of measuring arousal level. Keyword: Arousal, Photoplethysmography, Pulse Rate Variability, Bio Signal, Autonomic Nervous System
Zero Tolerance Expulsions

ance&dquo; policies. The prime targets of such policies usually include, but are not limited to, weapons and drugs in schools.1 For example, the Gun-Free Schools Act required every state to have legislation authorizing public school officials to expel students who bring guns to school. The resulting wave of state statutes require districts to have written policies for such expulsions. The following two cases and the accompanying question-and-answer discussion demarcate the principal legal boundaries for zero tolerance expulsions.
Modulation of red blood cell aggregation and blood viscosity by the covalent attachment of Pluronic copolymers.

Despite many years of research, the physiologic or possible pathologic significance of RBC aggregation remains to be clearly determined. As a new approach to address an old question, we have recently developed a technique to vary the aggregation tendency of RBCs in a predictable and reproducible fashion by the covalent attachment of nonionic polymers to the RBC membrane. A reactive derivative of each polymer of interest is prepared by substitution of the terminal hydroxyl group with a reactive moiety, dichlorotriazine (DT), which covalently bonds the polymer molecule to membrane proteins. Pluronics are block copolymers of particular interest as these copolymers can enhance or inhibit RBC aggregation. Pluronics exhibit a critical micellization temperature (CMT): a phase transition from predominantly single, fully hydrated copolymer chains to micelle-like structures. The CMT is a function of both copolymer molecular mass and concentration. This micellization property of Pluronics has been utilized to enhance or inhibit RBC aggregation and hence to vary low-shear blood viscosity. Pluronic-coated RBCs were prepared using reactive DT derivatives of a range of Pluronics (F68, F88, F98 and F108) and resuspended in autologous plasma at 40% hematocrit. Blood viscosity was measured at a range of shear rates (0.1-94.5 s(-1)) and at 25 and 37 degrees C using a Contraves LS-30 couette low shear viscometer. RBC aggregation and whole blood viscosity was modified in a predictable manner depending upon the CMT of the attached Pluronic and the measurement temperature: below the CMT, RBC aggregation was diminished; above the CMT it was enhanced. This technique provides a novel tool to probe some basic research questions. While certainly of value for in vitro mechanistic studies, perhaps the most interesting application may be for in vivo studies: typically, intravital experiments designed to examine the role of RBC aggregation in microvascular flow require perturbation of the suspending plasma to promote or reduce aggregation (e.g., by the addition of dextran). By binding specific Pluronics to the surface, we can produce RBCs that intrinsically have any desired degree of increased or decreased aggregation when suspended in normal plasma, thereby eliminating many potential artifacts for in vivo studies. The copolymer coating technique is simple and reproducible, and we believe it will prove to be a useful tool to help address some of the longstanding questions in the field of hemorheology.
Target speech detection and separation for humanoid robots in sparse dialogue with noisy home environments

In normal human communication, people face the speaker when listening and usually pay attention to the speakerpsila face. Therefore, in robot audition, the recognition of the front talker is critical for smooth interactions. This paper presents an enhanced speech detection method for a humanoid robot that can separate and recognize speech signals originating from the front even in noisy home environments. The robot audition system consists of a new type of voice activity detection (VAD) based on the complex spectrum circle centroid (CSCC) method and a maximum signal-to-noise (max-SNR) beamformer. This VAD based on CSCC can classify speech signals that are retrieved at the frontal region of two microphones embedded on the robot. The system works in real-time without needing training filter coefficients given in advance even in a noisy environment (SNR>0 dB). It can cope with speech noise generated from televisions and audio devices that does not originate from the center. Experiments using a humanoid robot, SIG2, with two microphones showed that our system enhanced extracted target speech signals more than 12 dB (SNR) and the success rate of automatic speech recognition for Japanese words was increased about 17 points.
Efficient multi-agent global navigation using interpolating bridges

We present a novel approach for collision-free global navigation for continuous-time multi-agent systems with general linear dynamics. Our approach is general and can be used to perform collision-free navigation in 2D and 3D workspaces with narrow passages and crowded regions. As part of pre-computation, we compute multiple bridges in the narrow or tight regions in the workspace using kinodynamic RRT algorithms. Our bridge has certain geometric properties that enable us to calculate a collision-free trajectory for each agent using simple interpolation at runtime. Moreover, we combine interpolated bridge trajectories with local multi-agent navigation algorithms to compute global collision-free paths for each agent. The overall approach combines the performance benefits of coupled multi-agent algorithms with the precomputed trajectories of the bridges to handle challenging scenarios. In practice, our approach can perform global navigation for tens to hundreds of agents on a single CPU core in 2D and 3D workspaces.
Small Tourism Firms as Agents of Critical Knowledge

This article sets out to examine the potential of the distinctive practical knowledge inherent in small tourism firms in developing theorization of tourism. Whereas previous literature has commonly featured small tourism firms in terms of ‘lack of knowledge’, this paper suggests that particular structural epistemic conditions of small tourism firms enable them to gain a rich and varied repertoire of practical knowledge. This, in turn, opens up a way to rework the existing conceptual frameworks of tourism research. Based on various empirical data collected in Finnish Lapland, the study illustrates the way practical knowledge related to working outdoors in different weather conditions, with a range of groups of tourists and with tourists’ sleeping, invites a development of the existing conceptualizations of affordance, encounter, and agency in tourism. A more general goal of the study is to draw attention to the transmission and circulation of knowledge between and within the academy and the industry, and various spheres of life, and to promote a ‘from practice to theory’ viewpoint in theorizing tourism.
A randomized, controlled trial of child psychiatric assessments conducted using videoconferencing

We used a PC-based videoconferencing system to conduct child psychiatry assessments. The telecommunications link was six digital lines, giving a total bandwidth of 336 kbit s. Twenty-three patients aged 4-16 years, accompanied by their parents, completed two psychiatric assessments, one via videoconferencing and another face to face FTF. The order of assessments was randomized. Questionnaires were used to record the diagnosis, treatment recommendations and the psychiatrists', patients' and their parents' satisfaction with each assessment. An independent evaluator concluded that in 22 cases 96 the diagnosis and treatment recommendations made via the videoconferencing system were the same as those made FTF. The psychiatrists stated that videoconferencing assessments were an adequate alternative to FTF assessments and did not interfere with diagnosis. However, the responses from the psychiatrist satisfaction questionnaire showed that they preferred FTF assessments. No significant difference was found in the patients' or parents' satisfaction responses after the two types of assessment. The majority of children 82 liked' using the telepsychiatry system and six 26 preferred it to a FTF assessment. Most parents 91 indicated that they would prefer to use the videoconferencing system than to travel a long distance to see a psychiatrist in person.
Mobile value-added services and the economic empowerment of women: The case of Usaha Wanita in Indonesia

Mobile value-added services (MVAS) represent a growing collaboration between the private sector and the development community. In this paper, we examine one such MVAS, the Nokia Usaha Wanita service running on the Nokia Life+ platform in Indonesia, and we assess its impact as an innovative means for the economic empowerment of businesswomen. Data were gathered through 282 telephone interviews with a nationwide random sample of women who subscribed to Usaha Wanita. Our research found evidence that subscribers derived economic benefit from using the service. Subscribers reported that their business profits were greater, because of what they had learned from reading Usaha Wanita content. Women who were subscribers also had higher “good month’s” profits as well. Increased profits were positively correlated with frequent reading of the tips and information provided by Usaha Wanita and subscriber perception that the service was useful for business. Women who exhibited entrepreneurial optimism also had greater business profits. Findings suggest that entrepreneurial optimism amplified the effect of mobile phone use on profits.
The Clermont Escherichia coli phylo-typing method revisited: improvement of specificity and detection of new phylo-groups.

There is extensive genetic substructure within the species Escherichia coli. In 2000 a simple triplex PCR method was described by Clermont and colleagues that enables an E. coli isolate to be assigned to one of the phylo-groups A, B1, B2 or D. The growing body of multi-locus sequence data and genome data for E. coli has refined our understanding of E. coli's phylo-group structure and eight phylo-groups are now recognized: seven (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F) belong to E. coli sensu stricto, whereas the eighth is the Escherichia cryptic clade I. Here a new PCR-based method is developed that enables an E. coli isolate to be assigned to one of the eight phylo-groups and which allows isolates that are members of the other cryptic clades (II to V) of Escherichia to be identified. The development of the method is described and the method is validated. Over 95% of E. coli isolates can be correctly assigned to a phylo-group. Two collections of human faecal isolates were screened using the new phylo-group assignment method demonstrating that about 13% of E. coli isolates belong to the newly described phylo-groups C, E, F and clade I.
Mass Suffrage, Secret Voting and Political Participation

T H E S E notes are concerned with a series of problems in cross-national studies of citizen participation in political decision-making. The discussion focuses on contrasts among three channels of citizen influence on decisions for the territorial collectivity : — the traditional channel, characterized by the recourse to kinship ties and local notables; — the electoral channel, characterized by the recourse to formal rights of participation and standardized rules of representation; — the organizational channel, characterized by the recourse to collective action through functional associations organized across a variety of localities within the national or federal territory.
Hypothalamic gene expression profile indicates a reduction in G protein signaling in the Wfs1 mutant mice.

The Wfs1 gene codes for a protein with unknown function, but deficiency in this protein results in a range of neuropsychiatric and neuroendocrine syndromes. In the present study we aimed to find the functional networks influenced by Wfs1 in the hypothalamus. We performed gene expression profiling (Mouse Gene 1.0 ST Arrays) in Wfs1-deficient mice; 305 genes were differentially expressed with nominal P value<0.01. FDR (false discovery rate)-adjusted P values were significant (0.007) only for two genes: C4b (t=9.66) and Wfs1 (t=-9.03). However, several genes related to G protein signaling were very close to the FDR-adjusted significance level, such as Rgs4 (regulator of G protein signaling 4) that was downregulated (-0.34, t=-5.4) in Wfs1-deficient mice. Changes in Rgs4 and C4b expression were confirmed by QRT-PCR. In humans, Rgs4 is in the locus for bipolar disease (BPD), and its expression is downregulated in BPD. C4b is a gene related to the neurodegenerative diseases. Functional analysis including the entire data set revealed significant alterations in the canonical pathway "G protein-coupled receptor signaling. " The gene expression profile in the hypothalami of the Wfs1 mutant mice was significantly similar to the profiles of following biological functions: psychological disorders, bipolar disorder, mood disorder. In conclusion, hypothalamic gene expression profile resembles with some molecular pathways functionally related to the clinical syndromes in the Wolfram syndrome patients.
Cross-Cultural Differences in the Elicitation of Sexual Jealousy

This paper focuses on cross‐cultural differences in sexual jealousy. It is assumed that cultures differ (a) in the incidence of sexual jealousy, (b) in the range of acceptable strategies for coping with a jealousy situation, and (c) in the behavior evoking sexual jealousy. We addressed the last aspect. Subjects were 2,079 students from seven industrialized nations: Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Soviet Union, the United States, and Yugoslavia. Results showed that in nearly all of these nations, kissing, flirting, and sexual involvement of one of the partners with an interloper evoked jealousy. On the other hand, dancing, hugging, and sexual fantasies led, on the average, to a neutral reaction in all nations surveyed. Nevertheless, there were striking cross‐national differences in the relative value attached to a particular behavior. Furthermore, there were cross‐cultural sex differences. In all seven nations, women became more upset when their partner kissed someone else, and men reacted r.
A Novel Graph Constructor for Semisupervised Discriminant Analysis: Combined Low-Rank and k-Nearest Neighbor Graph

Semisupervised Discriminant Analysis (SDA) is a semisupervised dimensionality reduction algorithm, which can easily resolve the out-of-sample problem. Relative works usually focus on the geometric relationships of data points, which are not obvious, to enhance the performance of SDA. Different from these relative works, the regularized graph construction is researched here, which is important in the graph-based semisupervised learning methods. In this paper, we propose a novel graph for Semisupervised Discriminant Analysis, which is called combined low-rank and k-nearest neighbor (LRKNN) graph. In our LRKNN graph, we map the data to the LR feature space and then the kNN is adopted to satisfy the algorithmic requirements of SDA. Since the low-rank representation can capture the global structure and the k-nearest neighbor algorithm can maximally preserve the local geometrical structure of the data, the LRKNN graph can significantly improve the performance of SDA. Extensive experiments on several real-world databases show that the proposed LRKNN graph is an efficient graph constructor, which can largely outperform other commonly used baselines.
A randomized, controlled trial of integrated home-school behavioral treatment for ADHD, predominantly inattentive type.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a behavioral psychosocial treatment integrated across home and school (Child Life and Attention Skills Program) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I). METHOD Sixty-nine children ages 7 to 11 years were randomized to the Child Life and Attention Skills Program or a control group who did not receive the intervention. We compared groups posttreatment and at 3- to 5-month follow-up on parent and teacher ratings of inattention, sluggish cognitive tempo, and functional impairment. RESULTS Children randomized to the Child Life and Attention Skills Program were reported to have significantly fewer inattention and sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms, and significantly improved social and organizational skills, relative to the control group. Gains were maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral psychosocial treatment, when specifically adapted for ADHD-I and coordinated among parents, teachers, and children, appears efficacious in reducing symptoms and impairment associated with ADHD-I.