Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Simulation-based Approach to Evaluating the Effectiveness of Navigation Compression Models

Within the growing literature on web mining, there is a relatively coherent thread of ideas focused on improvements to web navigation. In this paper we focus on the idea of web usage mining, and present a general framework for deploying the mining results and evaluating the performance improvement. The generalized objects created by the application of learning methods are called Navigation Compression Models (NCMs), and we show a method for creating them and using them to make dynamic recommendations. Of note is the observation that no application of any learning method to web data makes sense without first formulating a goal framework against which that method can be evaluated. This simple idea is typically the missing ingredient of many WWW mining techniques. In this paper we present a simulation-based approach to evaluating the effectiveness of Navigation Compression Models non-intrusively by measuring the potential navigation improvement. We evaluate the improvement of user navigation using a quantitative measure called navigation improvement (NI), which indicates whether we are actually “improving” the user’s navigation by reducing the number of hyperlinks traversed to find “relevant” pages.
Prefix Hash Tree An Indexing Data Structure over Distributed Hash Tables

Distributed Hash Tables are scalable, robust, and self-organizing peer-to-peer systems that support exact match lookups. This paper describes the design and implementation of a Prefix Hash Tree a distributed data structure that enables more sophisticated queries over a DHT. The Prefix Hash Tree uses the lookup interface of a DHT to construct a trie-based structure that is both efficient (updates are doubly logarithmic in the size of the domain being indexed), and resilient (the failure of any given node in the Prefix Hash Tree does not affect the availability of data stored at other nodes).
Generation of Musical Sequences with Genetic Techniques

Biologically inspired computational methods have recently attracted much research interest in the field of computer music. This group of methods is a subset of computational intelligence, and is represented by neural networks (NNs), genetic algorithms (GAs), and genetic programming (GP). A common feature of these methods is that they all mimic biological processes: NNs realize the evolutionary device of learning from experience, as humans and other animals do, while GAs and GP are based upon procedures that imitate the laws of natural selection. Genetic algorithms have been shown to display distinct performance improvements compared to enumerative, calculus-based, and random searches of a given arbitrary search space (Goldberg 1989). This is achieved by combining aspects of these search methods to result in a ”guided random” search. The genetic algorithm samples points throughout the search space for their worth, and is ”blind” to any information regarding the search space apart from this measure of worth. This makes genetic search techniques more general and applicable to many search or optimization tasks, as long as an appropriate encoding scheme is employed. By using a population of candidate solutions, rather than single individuals, an inherent parallelism in the search process is apparent. This is because the search for an optimum solution is ”performed over genetic structures (building blocks) that can represent a number of possible so
Towards Effective Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces Dedicated to Gait Rehabilitation Systems

In the last few years, significant progress has been made in the field of walk rehabilitation. Motor cortex signals in bipedal monkeys have been interpreted to predict walk kinematics. Epidural electrical stimulation in rats and in one young paraplegic has been realized to partially restore motor control after spinal cord injury. However, these experimental trials are far from being applicable to all patients suffering from motor impairments. Therefore, it is thought that more simple rehabilitation systems are desirable in the meanwhile. The goal of this review is to describe and summarize the progress made in the development of non-invasive brain-computer interfaces dedicated to motor rehabilitation systems. In the first part, the main principles of human locomotion control are presented. The paper then focuses on the mechanisms of supra-spinal centers active during gait, including results from electroencephalography, functional brain imaging technologies [near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron-emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT)] and invasive studies. The first brain-computer interface (BCI) applications to gait rehabilitation are then presented, with a discussion about the different strategies developed in the field. The challenges to raise for future systems are identified and discussed. Finally, we present some proposals to address these challenges, in order to contribute to the improvement of BCI for gait rehabilitation.
The Mediating Effect of Knowledge Creation on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Performance

Based on Nonaka’s theory of knowledge creation, this study examines the role of knowledge creation process in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. Using data collected from 165 firms in Taiwan’s new ventures, we find that the entrepreneurial orientation firm performance relationship is mediated by knowledge creation process, including socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization. Structural equation modeling is used to test measurement and structural models with the survey data. The results suggest the need for consideration of knowledge creation process as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. The limitations and implications are discussed.
Two-Handed Through-the-Lens-Techniques for Navigation in Virtual Environments

We present a tool set of techniques for navigation in virtual environments. Based on a through-the-lens concept, the user is enabled to simultaneously view the surrounding virtual world and an arbitrary location of the virtual world as seen through an interactively defined window. For the manipulation and the adjustment of this virtual window we propose three different strategies, loosely based on the well-known eyeball-in-hand, scene-in-hand, and world-in-miniature techniques. Since our technique provides a preview area with controllable size and position, the occluded part of the scene can be flexibly managed, while enabling intuitive and precise work with the proposed tools. The proposed techniques provide powerful tools that are easy to implement and can be applied in any type of virtual environments.
Optimization of Sizing and Battery Cycle Life in Battery/Ultracapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Systems for Electric Vehicle Applications

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries tend to have accelerated degradation due to high peak power and harsh charging/ discharging cycles during acceleration and deceleration periods, particularly in Urban driving conditions. Oversized energy storage system (ESS) meets the high power demand; however, in tradeoff with increased ESS size, volume, and cost. In order to reduce overall ESS size and extend battery cycle life, battery/ultracapacitor (UC) hybrid ESS (HESS) has been considered as a solution in which UCs act as a power buffer to charging/discharging peak power. In this paper, a multiobjective optimization problem is formulated to minimize the overall ESS size, while maximizing the battery cycle life according to the assigned penalty functions. An integrated framework for HESS sizing and battery cycle life optimization applied in a midsize EV, using an Autonomie simulation model, is described and illustrated in this paper. This multidimensional optimization is realized by a sample-based global search oriented DIviding RECTangles (DIRECT) algorithm. The optimization results under Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) are compared with the battery-only ESS results, which demonstrate significant battery cycle life extension of 76% achieved by the optimized HESS with 72 UC cells.
Using Search Engine Technology to Improve Library Catalogs

This chapter outlines how search engine technology can be used in online public access catalogs (OPACs) to help improve users’ experiences, to identify users’ intentions, and to indicate how it can be applied in the library context, along with how sophisticated ranking criteria can be applied to the online library catalog. A review of the literature and the current OPAC developments forms the basis of recommendations on how to improve OPACs. Findings were that the major shortcomings of current OPACs are that they are not sufficiently user-centered and that their results presentations lack sophistication. Furthermore, these shortcomings are not addressed in current 2.0 developments. It is argued that OPAC development should be made search-centered before additional features are applied. Although the recommendations on ranking functionality and the use of user intentions are only conceptual and not yet applied to a library catalogue, practitioners will find recommendations for developing better OPACs in this chapter. In short, readers will find a systematic view on how the search engines’ strengths can be applied to improving libraries’ online catalogs.
Empirical Verification of Adjacency Pairs Using Dialogue Segmentation

A problem in dialogue research is that of finding and managing expectations. Adjacency pair theory has widespread acceptance, but traditional classification features (in particular, 'previous-tag' type features) do not exploit this information optimally. We suggest a method of dialogue segmentation that verifies adjacency pairs and allows us to use dialogue-level information within the entire segment and not just the previous utterance. We also use the X2 test for statistical significance as 'noise reduction' to refine a list of pairs. Together, these methods can be used to extend expectation beyond the traditional classification features.
Linking Semistructured Data on the Web

Many Web data sources and APIs make their data available in XML, JSON, or a domain-specific semi-structured format, with the goal of making the data easily accessible and usable by Web application developers. Although such data formats are more machine-processable than pure text documents, managing and analyzing such data in large scale is often nontrivial. This is mainly due to the lack of a well-defined (or understood) structure and clear semantics in such data formats, which could result in poor data quality. In the xCurator project, we add structure to such data with the goal of publishing it on the Web as Linked Data. We enhance the quality of such data by: extracting entities, their types, and their relationships to other entities; performing entity (and entity type) identification; merging duplicate entities (and entity types); linking related entities (internally and to external sources); and publishing the results on the Web as high-quality Linked Data. This is all in a light-weight easy-to-use and scalable framework that eectively incorporates user feedback in all phases. We describe the initial framework of our system and report the results of using our system for managing large volumes of (user-generated) data on the Web in several real world applications.
Prediction of Bodyweight and Energy Expenditure Using Point Pressure and Foot Acceleration Measurements

Bodyweight (BW) is an essential outcome measure for weight management and is also a major predictor in the estimation of daily energy expenditure (EE). Many individuals, particularly those who are overweight, tend to underreport their BW, posing a challenge for monitors that track physical activity and estimate EE. The ability to automatically estimate BW can potentially increase the practicality and accuracy of these monitoring systems. This paper investigates the feasibility of automatically estimating BW and using this BW to estimate energy expenditure with a footwear-based, multisensor activity monitor. The SmartShoe device uses small pressure sensors embedded in key weight support locations of the insole and a heel-mounted 3D accelerometer. Bodyweight estimates for 9 subjects are computed from pressure sensor measurements when an automatic classification algorithm recognizes a standing posture. We compared the accuracy of EE prediction using estimated BW compared to that of using the measured BW. The results show that point pressure measurement is capable of providing rough estimates of body weight (root-mean squared error of 10.52 kg) which in turn provide a sufficient replacement of manually-entered bodyweight for the purpose of EE prediction (root-mean squared error of 0.7456 METs vs. 0.6972 METs). Advances in the pressure sensor technology should enable better accuracy of body weight estimation and further improvement in accuracy of EE prediction using automatic BW estimates.
ELECTROLYTE DEPEDENCE OF AC ELECTRO-OSMOSIS

This paper reports the first investigation of the dependence of AC electro-osmosis (ACEO) on the solution chemistry. It is argued that classical dilute-solution theory breaks down in ACEO, since the large applied voltage leads to ion crowding near the electrode surfaces. A modified theory is proposed with steric effects (finite ion sizes) and a charge-dependent viscoelectric effect, which predicts that ACEO flow depends on the salt concentration, ion sizes and valences. Experiments demonstrate significant variations in ACEO pumping upon varying salt concentration (μM – mM KCl) or ionic species (μM NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, KI, KOH), which merit further experimental and theoretical study.
Monsoonal response to mid-holocene orbital forcing in a high resolution GCM

In this study, we use a sophisticated high- resolution atmosphere-ocean coupled climate model, EC- Earth, to investigate the effect of Mid-Holocene orbital forc- ing on summer monsoons on both hemispheres. During the Mid-Holocene (6 ka), there was more summer insolation on the Northern Hemisphere than today, which intensified the meridional temperature and pressure gradients. Over North Africa, monsoonal precipitation is intensified through in- creased landward monsoon winds and moisture advection as well as decreased moisture convergence over the oceans and more convergence over land compared to the pre-industrial simulation. Precipitation also extends further north as the ITCZ shifts northward in response to the stronger poleward gradient of insolation. This increase and poleward extent is stronger than in most previous ocean-atmosphere GCM sim- ulations. In north-westernmost Africa, precipitation extends up to 35 N. Over tropical Africa, internal feedbacks com- pletely overcome the direct warming effect of increased in- solation. We also find a weakened African Easterly Jet. Over Asia, monsoonal precipitation during the Mid-Holocene is increased as well, but the response is different than over North-Africa. There is more convection over land at the ex- pense of convection over the ocean, but precipitation does not extend further northward, monsoon winds over the ocean are weaker and the surrounding ocean does not provide more moisture. On the Southern Hemisphere, summer insolation and the poleward insolation gradient were weaker during the Mid-Holocene, resulting in a reduced South American mon- soon through decreased monsoon winds and less convection, as well as an equatorward shift in the ITCZ. This study cor- roborates the findings of paleodata research as well as previ- ous model studies, while giving a more detailed account of Mid-Holocene monsoons.
A Novel Virus Causes Scale Drop Disease in Lates calcarifer

From 1992 onwards, outbreaks of a previously unknown illness have been reported in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) kept in maricultures in Southeast Asia. The most striking symptom of this emerging disease is the loss of scales. It was referred to as scale drop syndrome, but the etiology remained enigmatic. By using a next-generation virus discovery technique, VIDISCA-454, sequences of an unknown virus were detected in serum of diseased fish. The near complete genome sequence of the virus was determined, which shows a unique genome organization, and low levels of identity to known members of the Iridoviridae. Based on homology of a series of putatively encoded proteins, the virus is a novel member of the Megalocytivirus genus of the Iridoviridae family. The virus was isolated and propagated in cell culture, where it caused a cytopathogenic effect in infected Asian seabass kidney and brain cells. Electron microscopy revealed icosahedral virions of about 140 nm, characteristic for the Iridoviridae. In vitro cultured virus induced scale drop syndrome in Asian seabass in vivo and the virus could be reisolated from these infected fish. These findings show that the virus is the causative agent for the scale drop syndrome, as each of Koch’s postulates is fulfilled. We have named the virus Scale Drop Disease Virus. Vaccines prepared from BEI- and formalin inactivated virus, as well as from E. coli produced major capsid protein provide efficacious protection against scale drop disease.
Lewis acid catalysis of phosphoryl transfer from a copper(II)-NTP complex in a kinase ribozyme

The chemical strategies used by ribozymes to enhance reaction rates are revealed in part from their metal ion and pH requirements. We find that kinase ribozyme K28(1-77)C, in contrast with previously characterized kinase ribozymes, requires Cu2+ for optimal catalysis of thiophosphoryl transfer from GTPγS. Phosphoryl transfer from GTP is greatly reduced in the absence of Cu2+, indicating a specific catalytic role independent of any potential interactions with the GTPγS thiophosphoryl group. In-line probing and ATPγS competition both argue against direct Cu2+ binding by RNA; rather, these data establish that Cu2+ enters the active site within a Cu2+•GTPγS or Cu2+•GTP chelation complex, and that Cu2+•nucleobase interactions further enforce Cu2+ selectivity and position the metal ion for Lewis acid catalysis. Replacing Mg2+ with [Co(NH3)6]3+ significantly reduced product yield, but not kobs, indicating that the role of inner-sphere Mg2+ coordination is structural rather than catalytic. Replacing Mg2+ with alkaline earths of increasing ionic radii (Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+) gave lower yields and approximately linear rates of product accumulation. Finally, we observe that reaction rates increased with pH in log-linear fashion with an apparent pKa = 8.0 ± 0.1, indicating deprotonation in the rate-limiting step.
Efficient QoS routing q

We consider the problem of routing in a network where quality of service constraints are placed on network traffic. We provide two optimal algorithms that are based on determining the discontinuities of functions related to the optimization at hand. The proposed algorithms have pseudopolynomial worst case running time and for a wide variety of tested networks they have fairly satisfactory running times. They perform significantly better than the algorithm based on the direct application of the dynamic programming equations and can also be used in conjunction with known polynomial-time approximation algorithms to provide good average case behavior, in addition to guaranteeing polymonial worst-case running time. 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Is there a dynamic relationship between the real exchange rate and the fundamental variables on the Case of the Algerian economy

The objective of this paper is to test the dynamic relationship between macroeconomic variables for the Algerian economy and the real exchange rate during the period 1986-2010, based on the notions of the theory of cointegration, we will try to estimate a macroeconomic model to analyze the impact of different variables determining the real equilibrium exchange rate (RER) long-term Algeria. We are trying through this article to estimate the relationships existing between the RER, trade openness (Ouvr) term exchange (TE) Have Outside Net (NEA) and external debt (RDET) relative to GDP, the net domestic credit and the ratio of expenditure to GDP. We concluded from our study that the external debt RDET, has a significant and positive effect on the long-term real exchange rate. Outside the Net Assets are also significant in determining the real exchange rate equilibrium in Algeria. With an elasticity of 0.0267, its importance is reflected by an increase in the competitiveness of the Algerian economy (depreciation of the real exchange rate).
A Joint Design for Distributed Stable Routing and Channel Assignment Over Multihop and Multiflow Mobile Ad Hoc Cognitive Networks

Data communication in mobile ad hoc cognitive networks (MACNets) significantly suffers from link instability and channel interference. The availability and stability of each link in MACNets highly depends on not only the relative movement of neighbor nodes but also the adjacent communication among primary nodes and among cognitive nodes. In multihop and multiflow MACNets, this problem becomes even worse because multiple links potentially interfere with each other. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer distributed approach, called mobility-prediction-based joint stable routing and channel assignment (MP-JSRCA), to maximize the network throughput by jointly selecting stable routes and assigning channels avoiding inter- and intra-flow interferences based on mobility prediction. To quantitatively measure the communication quality of links, we propose a new metric data transmission cost (DTC) that captures node mobility, impact to primary nodes, and channel conflict among cognitive nodes. In our MP-JSRCA, each relay node selects the best link with the smallest DTC as the next hop, within a specified sector region towards the destination. NS2-based simulation results demonstrate that our MP-JSRCA algorithm significantly improves network throughput, and the higher degree of interference MACNets experience, the more improvement can be achieved.
Real Users Behave Weird - Experiences made collecting large Human-Machine-Dialog Corpora

We have built a demonstrator for spoken human{ machine dialogs. The system is capable to answer inquiries about the InterCity train timetable of the Deutsche Bahn. It evolved from the work done in the ESPRIT project Sundial with four participating Eu-ropean countries (cf. 11]). First experiments have already been described in 1]. In this paper we describe our analysis of real user interaction with automated information systems: since performance gures of the automated system are already reported, we concentrate on description of some essential aspects of user behavior.
A New Hybrid Video Segmentation Algorithm using Fuzzy C Means Clustering

This paper is concerned with the development of video segmentation technique for segmenting both the static and dynamic objects in the video sequence. The effective extraction of objects from the frame is an important process of video segmentation. The proposed technique uses the fuzzy C means approach for object extraction. The proposed approach uses the joint use of frame difference algorithm with the background subtraction method as well as consecutive frame difference for segmentation of static and dynamic objects. The prior research used the FKM based object extraction method whereas the proposed approach uses the improved FCM based object extraction method. The proposed technique is evaluated by varying video sequences and the efficiency is analyzed by calculating the statistical measures and kappa coefficient.