Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enriching sensor data processing with quality semantics

Sensors and their observations are used in almost all pervasive applications to configure and adjust the behavior of applications to the user's need. However, the quality of those sensor observations are influenced by different factors including the physical or chemical principle of measurement, the internal processing of the sensing device, and the prevailing environmental conditions at the time of measurement. Thus, it is of great interest to not just measure and process the sensor observation but to also handle the quality of the sensor observation correctly and propagate the quality of the observation along the processing path to the user. To do so, we use the Semantic Sensor Network Ontology (SSN) to combine necessary sensor observations from multiple sources in a Probabilistic Data Stream Management System (PDSMS) to estimate prevailing conditions and propagate current quality information.
Co-ordination between leaf initiation and leaf appearance in field-grown maize (Zea mays): genotypic differences in response of rates to temperature.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS In maize (Zea mays), early flowering date, which is a valuable trait for several cropping systems, is associated with the number of leaves per plant and the leaf appearance rate. Final leaf number depends upon the rate and duration of leaf initiation. The aims of this study were to analyse the genotypic variation in the response to temperature of leaf appearance rate and leaf initiation rate, and to investigate the co-ordination between these processes under field conditions. METHODS Sixteen hybrids of different origins were grown under six contrasting environmental conditions. The number of appeared leaves was measured twice a week to estimate leaf appearance rate (leaves d(-1)). Plants were dissected at four sampling dates to determine the number of initiated leaves and estimate leaf initiation rate (leaves d(-1)). A co-ordination model was fitted between the number of initiated leaves and the number of appeared leaves. This model was validated using two independent data sets. KEY RESULTS Significant (P < 0.05) differences were found among hybrids in the response to temperature of leaf initiation rate (plastochron) and leaf appearance rate (phyllochron). Plastochron ranged between 24.3 and 36.4 degree days (degrees Cd), with a base temperature (Tb) between 4.0 and 8.2 degrees C. Phyllochron ranged between 48.6 and 65.5 degrees Cd, with a Tb between 2.9 and 5.0 degrees C. A single co-ordination model was fitted between the two processes for all hybrids and environments (r2= 0.96, P < 0.0001), and was successfully validated (coefficient of variation < 9 %). CONCLUSIONS This work has established the existence of genotypic variability in leaf initiation rate and leaf appearance rate in response to temperature, which is a promising result for maize breeding; and the interdependence between these processes from seedling emergence up to floral initiation.
Evaluation of SVM Kernels and Conventional Machine Learning Algorithms for Speaker Identification

One of the central problems in the study of Support vector machine (SVM) is kernel selection, that’s based essentially on the problem of choosing a kernel function for a particular task and dataset. By contradiction to other machine learning algorithms, SVM focuses on maximizing the generalisation ability, which depends on the empirical risk and the complexity of the machine. In the following paper, we considered the problem of kernel selection of SVMs classifiers to achieve performance on text-independent speaker identification using the TIMIT corpus. We were focused on SVM trained using linear, polynomial and Radial Basic Function (RBF) kernels. A preliminary study has been made between SVM using the best choice of kernel and three other popular learning algorithms, namely Naive Bayes (NB), decision tree C4.5 and Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP). Results had revealed that SVM trained using polynomial kernel is the best choice for dealing with speaker identification tasks and that SVM is the best choice when compared to other algorithms.
Multi-view Learning as a Nonparametric Nonlinear Inter-Battery Factor Analysis

Factor analysis aims to determine latent factors, or traits, which summarize a given data set. Inter-battery factor analysis extends this notion to multiple views of the data. In this paper we show how a nonlinear, nonparametric version of these models can be recovered through the Gaussian process latent variable model. This gives us a flexible formalism for multi-view learning where the latent variables can be used both for exploratory purposes and for learning representations that enable efficient inference for ambiguous estimation tasks. Learning is performed in a Bayesian manner through the formulation of a variational compression scheme which gives a rigorous lower bound on the log likelihood. Our Bayesian framework provides strong regularization during training, allowing the structure of the latent space to be determined efficiently and automatically. We demonstrate this by producing the first (to our knowledge) published results of learning from dozens of views, even when data is scarce. We further show experimental results on several different types of multi-view data sets and for different kinds of tasks, including exploratory data analysis, generation, ambiguity modelling through latent priors and classification.
Computational measurement of void percolation thresholds of oblate particles and thin plate composites

The void percolation thresholds of random oblate particles and thin plate composites are measured computationally using the lattice mapping technique and the Monte Carlo simulation scheme. Two types of spatially uncorrelated inclusions have been investigated: oblate ellipsoids and elliptical thin plates, with which the site and bond percolation systems are developed separately. The results are obtained from the finite-size lattices followed by a mathematical extrapolation to the infinite domains. The computational results are validated by a comparison with the numerical solutions of the limiting cases found in the literature. It is concluded that the void percolation thresholds of oblate inclusions have a much stronger dependence on the geometric aspect ratio of the inclusions compared to those of the prolate counterparts. In the limit, the percolation threshold η is measured to be 22.86 for circular thin disks. Approximate solutions are presented in the form of polynomial functions and Pade approximants.
Effects of the Combined PDL/Nd:YAG Laser on Surgical Scars: Vascularity and Collagen Changes Evaluated by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the sequential combined 585 nm PDL and the 1064 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser (PDL/Nd:YAG) in the treatment of surgical scars and to evaluate the short-term effects by in vivo confocal microscopy (RCM) and the long-term effects by clinical assessment of the scars. Twenty-five patients were enrolled with 39 postoperative linear scars; each scar was divided into two fields. One half was treated with the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser, whereas the other half remained untreated. Each scar was treated three times at monthly intervals. Scars were evaluated by an independent examiner, using the Vancouver Scar Scale. The combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser significantly improved the appearance of the scars. In order to study the short-term effects of combined laser treatment, six additional patients were enrolled with 7 postoperative linear scars. One half of scars was treated once with the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser. One week after this laser treatment, both the treated and the nontreated parts of the scars were examined by dermoscopy and RCM. The dermoscopic pictures revealed improvements even in treated areas. In conclusion, the combined PDL/Nd:YAG laser was found to be effective in improving the quality and appearance of the surgical scars.
Convexity, Maximum Likelihood and All That

This note is meant as a gentle but comprehensive introduction to the expectation-maximization (EM) and improved iterative scaling (IIS) algorithms, two popular techniques in maximum likelihood estimation. The focus in this tutorial is on the foundation common to the two algorithms: convex functions and their convenient properties. Where examples are called for, we draw from applications in human language technology .
Seismoelectric measurements on artifical porous media and Berea sandstone

Seismic to electromagnetic wave conversion has been proposed as a possible exploration method. We present laboratory measurements of the conversion of an acoustic wave into electric potential, which occurs at a fluid/porous-medium interface. The conversion is measured for artificial porous media and Berea sandstone. Recorded electric potentials are smaller for largegrain samples. We also show variability of the conversion over a time span of 120 hours.
Capacity of Wireless Networks with Heterogeneous Node Distribution and Relationship

This paper studies the throughput capacity of wireless networks with heterogeneous node distribution and relationship. We propose a simple model which captures the two key characteristics observed in such networks, i.e., small-worldness and power-law node degree distributions, and examine their impact on capacity. We show the fact that the heterogeneity of nodes’ geographical location leads to traffic locality and improves capacity. Moreover, multicasting may be employed to further enhance performance when information is desired to be published from the source to all its contacts, of which the number follows power-law distribution. In addition, we propose the corresponding capacity-achieving communication schemes which optimally exploit the underlying structure. Our study discloses how heterogeneity in terms of both node location and relationship may impact on network capacity from a theoretical perspective, and provides fundamental insight on the design and analysis of real wireless networks.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF DESTINATION MULTIPLEXING FOR WIRELESS LANS

This thesis describes the performance of the IEEE 802.11 Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol with and without destination multiplexing. The IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol, the most widely used standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), allows the wireless channel to be effectively shared by portable computers or wireless stations. In this thesis we consider the most common WLAN structure, one where wireless stations connect to a "backbone" wired LAN through a fixed base station or access point (AP). We consider the traffic from APs to wireless stations since typically most of the data flows in this direction. We also take into account fading since it is unavoidable in real wireless channels. An AP using First In First Out (FIFO) packet scheduling transmits or retransmits a data frame until it is successfully received. Fading that lasts for several retransmissions will degrade the performance of the system. Destination multiplexing selects a different destination after a failed transmission. Because of the statistical independence of the fading between the AP and different wireless stations, a transmission to another destination is more likely to be successful. We performed a computer simulation study of throughput and average delay for the overall system. The following factors were studied in our simulations: different data rates, different number of nodes, collision effect, different data frame length, effect of RTS/CTS control frames, different algorithms in selection of next frame, and the effect of fading channel parameters. Our results show that under some conditions destination multiplexing can improve the throughput more than 20 to 30 percent and decrease the average delay significantly.
Integrated and cost-effective simulation tool for GNSS space receiver algorithms development

AGGA-4 is a GNSS baseband signal processor for space applications, developed under ESA contract, currently being implemented. This paper presents the “GNSS Dynamics Simulator and AGGA-4 Test and Simulation Tool” (GSTST), being developed by DEIMOS Engenharia under ESA contract. The GSTST is an integrated simulation and testing tool for the design and realistic analysis and test of GNSS signal processing and navigation algorithms for AGGA-4-based GNSS receivers, which will allow AGGA-4-targeted software to be tested without the need for the AGGA-4 chip or complex and expensive hardware setups.
Age and sex differences in genetic and environmental factors for self-rated health: a twin study.

OBJECTIVES Self-rated health has been shown to be a predictor for future health status and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-group and sex differences in genetic and environmental sources of variation for self-rated health. METHODS A sample of twins from the Swedish Twin Registry participated in a computer-assisted telephone interview with assessment of self-rated health. Structural equation model analyses on 1,243 complete twin pairs provided estimates of genetic and environmental components of variance. RESULTS Individual differences primarily reflected individual specific environmental influences at all ages. The increase in total variance across age groups was primarily due to genetic influences in the age groups 45--74 years and greater environmental influences in the oldest age group (>74). No significant sex differences were found in variance components. DISCUSSION Genetic variance in the two middle age groups (45--74) could reflect genetic susceptibility to age-dependent illnesses not yet expressed in the youngest group. The findings suggest that it might be more fruitful to explore the origins of individual differences for self-rated health in the context of an individual's age and birth cohort rather than in the context of sex.
A Three-Dimensional, Unsplit Godunov Method for Scalar Conservation Laws

Linear advection of a scalar quantity by a specified velocity field arises in a number of different applications. Of particular interest here is the transport of species and energy in low Mach number models for combustion, atmospheric flows, and astrophysics, as well as contaminant transport in Darcy models of saturated subsurface flow. An important characteristic of these problems is that the velocity field is not known analytically. Instead, an auxiliary equation is solved to compute averages of the velocities over faces in a finite volume discretization. In this paper, we present a customized three-dimensional finite volume advection scheme for this class of problems that provides accurate resolution for smooth problems while avoiding undershoot and overshoot for nonsmooth profiles. The method is an extension of an algorithm by Bell, Dawson, and Shubin (BDS), which was developed for a class of scalar conservation laws arising in porous media flows in two dimensions. The original BDS algorithm is a variant of unsplit, higher-order Godunov methods based on construction of a limited bilinear profile within each computational cell. Here we present a three-dimensional extension of the original BDS algorithm that is based on a limited trilinear profile within each cell. We compare this new method to several other unsplit approaches, including piecewise linear methods, piecewise parabolic methods, and wave propagation schemes.
Performance Analysis of MIMO with Amplify and Forward Relay Network for Mobile to Mobile Fading Channel Model

Wireless relaying is essential to provide reliable transmission, high throughput and broad coverage for wireless networks in a variety of applications. In a cellular environment a relay can be used to overcome shadowing effect due to obstacles. In wireless communication, multiple-antenna systems provide higher rate data transmission than a single-antenna system in a scattered environment. This paper analyses capacity of MIMO with two hop relay systems for mobile to mobile fading channel model (M2M), in which NLOS (Non-line-sight) propagation conditions are assumed from the source mobile station to mobile relay and also from mobile relay to destination station. A non regenerative amplify and forward (AF) relay is used to optimize the capacity between the source and destination, and optimal relaying scheme is compared with few other alternative relaying schemes in terms of capacity for realistic channel model. It is found that the capacity offered by optimal relaying scheme is better than other relaying systems for ideal and realistic channel model.
Understanding the dropout strategy and analyzing its effectiveness on LVCSR

The work by Hinton et al shows that the dropout strategy can greatly improve the performance of neural networks as well as reducing the influence of over-fitting. Nevertheless, there is still not a more detailed study on this strategy. In addition, the effectiveness of dropout on the task of LVCSR has not been analyzed. In this paper, we attempt to make a further discussion on the dropout strategy. The impacts on performance of different dropout probabilities for phone recognition task are experimented on TIMIT. To get an in-depth understanding of dropout, experiments of dropout testing are designed from the perspective of model averaging. The effectiveness of dropout is analyzed on a LVCSR task. Results show that the method of dropout fine-tuning combined with standard back-propagation gives significant performance improvements.
Labeling of religious non-believers: The effect of the "atheist" title on moral judgments about non-theists

Prior research indicates that how concepts are described impacts our beliefs about the subject itself. For example, when the term “welfare” (instead of “help for the poor”) is used to ask people whether assistance should be increased in times of economic hardship, support is lower (Smith, 1987). My research question centers on whether or not this effect would carry over to the area of religion and the use of the terms “atheist” or “those with no religious beliefs. ” Participants in the current studies were presented with a vignette about a student who was labeled as an atheist, as having no religious beliefs, or with no religious information provided (control) who committed an ethical transgression (cheating on an exam). Participants completed dependent measures assessing morality of the target, seriousness of the transgression, recommended punishment, and responsibility. Additionally, participants’ religiosity (Huber & Huber, 2012) and Cognitive Need for Closure (Webster & Kruglanski, 1994) were analyzed as potential moderators. When the target was labeled as an atheist, participants across the three studies recommended that the target be punished more severely and viewed the transgression as more serious than when the target was described as having no religious beliefs. Neither Need for Closure nor religiosity moderated these effects.
From context to text in contractual interpretation

Much of the contemporary scholarship on contractual interpretation is staunchly against a textual analysis, by which a court can only depart from the plain meaning of a contract exceptionally. It is therefore no surprise that scholars have reacted negatively to the spate of recent cases where the English courts have re-emphasized the plain meaning of the text in contractual interpretation. Yet one cannot help but wonder whether a textual analysis is really so problematic when courts across the common law world have re-embraced it. Drawing from both theoretical and comparative perspectives, this paper suggests that a focus on the text in contractual interpretation, and the corresponding application of the plain meaning rule, is to be welcomed and not scorned.
An Open Rectifier Potassium Channel with Two Pore Domains in Tandem Cloned from Rat Cerebellum

Tandem pore domain K+ channels represent a new family of ion channels involved in the control of background membrane conductances. We report the structural and functional properties of a TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ channel (rTASK), a new member of this family cloned from rat cerebellum. The salient features of the primary amino acid sequence include four putative transmembrane domains and, unlike other cloned tandem pore domain channels, a PDZ (postsynaptic density protein, disk-large, zo-1) binding sequence at the C terminal. rTASK has distant overall homology to a putative Caenorhabditis elegansK+ channel and to the mammalian clones TREK-1 and TWIK-1. rTASK expression is most abundant in rat heart, lung, and brain. When exogenously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, rTASK currents activate instantaneously, are noninactivating, and are not gated by voltage. Because rTASK currents satisfy the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz current equation for an open channel, rTASK can be classified an open rectifier. Activation of protein kinase A produces inhibition of rTASK, whereas activation of protein kinase C has no effect. rTASK currents were inhibited by extracellular acidity. rTASK currents also were inhibited by Zn2+(IC50 = 175 μm), the local anesthetic bupivacaine (IC50 = 68 μm), and the anti-convulsant phenytoin (∼50% inhibition at 200 μm). By demonstrating open rectification and open probability independent of voltage, we have established that rTASK is a baseline potassium channel.
Performance Evaluation of TCP / IP over EDGE

Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) provides an evolutionary path from existing cellular systems such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) for delivering higher bit rate services that facilitate wireless Internet access. Thus, EDGE only de nes a new radio access technology to achieve higher bit rates. This paper investigates the performance of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) over the enhanced packet-switched transmission mode of EDGE, i.e., Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EGPRS). The Network Simulator (ns) tool was used in the simulation. The performance of TCP was examined under various channel conditions with and without the link adaptation scheme of EGPRS. The link adaptation scheme improves the TCP performance under poor channel conditions. In the simulation, two di erent methods, BLock Error Rate (BLER) and the average of measured Carrier-to-Interference ratio (C/I), were employed to determine the channel quality and subsequently to select the most appropriate coding scheme to maximize the TCP throughput. The TCP throughput obtained using the BLER method is higher under poor channel conditions, while the throughput based on the average of measured C/I out-performs BLER under good channel conditions. As a result, we proposed a hybrid method, which selects the BLER method for poor channel conditions and the average measured C/I for good channel conditions. The simulation results show that the throughput obtained using the hybrid method is superior compared to the individual method.
TV-ACTA: Embedding an Activity-Centered Interface for Task Management in Email

In contextual computing, where cues beyond direct user input are used to trigger computation, one of the most daunting challenges is inferring what the user is doing. For the domain of task management, we have developed a new approach to reducing the problem of ambiguity of user action for intelligent systems. We introduce a construct we call an Activity, designed to reduce this ambiguity by providing a meaningful structure for task information that assists users with their work. We present ethnographic research and prototype evaluations to assess the value of the Activity construct from an end-user’s perspective. Our findings suggest that the Activity structure is useful to people and therefore could be exploited for inference.