Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passive Configuration Decomposition and Passivity-Based Control of Nonholonomic Mechanical Systems

We propose a novel passivity-based stabilization control framework for a certain class of nonholonomic mechanical systems. First, we derive the notion of passive configuration decomposition, which enables us to configuration-level decompose the system's Lagrange–D’Alembert dynamics into two systems, each evolving on their respective configuration spaces and also individually inheriting Lagrangian structure and passivity from the original dynamics. We then propose passivity-based time-varying and passivity-based switching control schemes that, by utilizing some control actions defined on each of the configuration spaces of the two systems and also their interplay with the nonholonomic constraint, can achieve stabilization while exploiting the nonlinear dynamics of the decomposed dynamics. We also provide conditions under which the passive configuration decomposition is possible, establish an equivalence between certain conditions for the proposed controls and kinematic controllability, and elucidate robustness property of the proposed controls based on passivity. Finally, examples are provided along with their simulation and experimental results to illustrate the theory.
Depression and circadian typology.

BACKGROUND The relationship between circadian disruptions and depressive disorders is a topic of great interest in contemporary psychiatry. Circadian rhythms include all physiological processes displaying a period around 24 hours. Sleep/wake cycles, body temperature, hormone secretion and other functions are subjected to person's individual circadian rhythm. Circadian typology includes three chronotypes: morning, neither and evening. The aim of this study was to examine the chronobiological aspects of depression. METHODS This cross-sectional study aimed to determine circadian rhythmic expression in 60 patients suffering from depression. The patients were in remission and were treated as outpatients at the Department of Psychiatry of the University Hospital Center Zagreb. The data were compared to a control group consisting of 40 medical workers employed at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb. A self-report measure of circadian typology was utilized - the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. RESULTS According to our findings, among depressed patients 35% were morning, 58.3% neither and 6.7% evening types. In the control group 46% were morning, 48% neither and 6.0% evening types. Depressed patients reported stronger morning fatigue. Further, they tended to go to sleep earlier and felt more tired earlier in the evening, and they were less prone to choosing morning periods for completing complex cognitive tasks. CONCLUSION This study supports the association between depression and some alterations in circadian rhythms of behavior and sleep. Depression may be considered as the consequence or trigger of circadian disturbances. However, both depression and circadian rhythm disturbances may have a common aetiology: a decreased cellular resilience associated with lower resistance to stressful events.
Breathing Intolerance Index in COPD and Obesity: A Comparative Observational Study

Background: The breathing intolerance index, BIT, a noninvasive derivation of the tension-time index of respiratory muscles, has been recently used to evaluate patients with respect to their need for noninvasive ventilation. Comparing the BIT index in different disorders with mild to moderate respiratory impairment, such as COPD and obesity, would be useful in determining differences in threshold for respiratory muscle fatigue amongst cohorts. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare control of ventilation and BIT in individuals with obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and control subjects free of cardiorespiratory disorders. Because change in posture can alter respiratory load and control of ventilation, variables were assessed in two postures. Methods: We assessed 142 subjects consisting of 81 with obesity, 42 with COPD, and 19 non-smoking healthy adults. All subjects underwent evaluation of pulmonary function, control of ventilation and BIT index [(Ti/Ttot) × (Vt/FVC)] in seated and supine postures. Findings: BIT index was significantly greater in seated posture in all 3 cohorts due primarily to an increase in Vt in this position. BIT index was similar in value amongst cohorts in both postures, but tended to be higher in patients with obesity and COPD. Conclusion: While BIT index is higher in seated posture, and tends to be higher in patients with obesity and COPD as compared to control subjects, discrimination between cohorts is not found in our study because of small inter-group variations of respiratory function amongst cohorts. Thus, in clinically stable patients whose vital capacities are mild to moderately reduced, the BIT index alone cannot be recommended as a predictive guide for initiating assisted ventilation for respiratory failure. Nevertheless, because it is easy to perform, and is comfortably tolerated by patients, its potential usefulness may be in periodic measurements to monitor its increase as respiratory reserve declines.
Migration of long-running Tasks between Reconfigurable Resources using Virtualization

Computing performance and scalability are the essential basics in modern data centres. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) provide a promising opportunity to improve performance, security and energy efficiency. Especially background acceleration of computationally complex and long-running tasks is an important field of application. A flexible use of reconfigurable devices within a cloud context requires an abstraction of the actual hardware through virtualization. In this paper we present an approach inspired by paravirtualized machines for the integration of reconfigurable hardware into cloud services. Using partial reconfiguration our hardware and software framework virtualizes a single physical FPGA to enable multiple independent user designs. Essential components are the management of those virtual user-defined accelerators (vFPGA) and their migration between physical FPGAs to achieve higher system-wide utilization. The migration requires saving and restoring the internal state or context of the vFPGA. We demonstrate the application possibilities and the resource trade-off of our approach by transferring a running design from one physical FPGA to another. Moreover, we present future perspectives for the use of FPGAs in cloud-based environments.
Human Social Interaction Modeling Using Temporal Deep Networks

We present a novel approach to computational modeling of social interactions based on modeling of essential social interaction predicates (ESIPs) such as joint attention and entrainment. Based on sound social psychological theory and methodology, we collect a new "Tower Game" dataset consisting of audio-visual capture of dyadic interactions labeled with the ESIPs. We expect this dataset to provide a new avenue for research in computational social interaction modeling. We propose a novel joint Discriminative Conditional Restricted Boltzmann Machine (DCRBM) model that combines a discriminative component with the generative power of CRBMs. Such a combination enables us to uncover actionable constituents of the ESIPs in two steps. First, we train the DCRBM model on the labeled data and get accurate (76\%-49\% across various ESIPs) detection of the predicates. Second, we exploit the generative capability of DCRBMs to activate the trained model so as to generate the lower-level data corresponding to the specific ESIP that closely matches the actual training data (with mean square error 0.01-0.1 for generating 100 frames). We are thus able to decompose the ESIPs into their constituent actionable behaviors. Such a purely computational determination of how to establish an ESIP such as engagement is unprecedented.
From education for peace to education in conflict: changes in UNESCO discourse, 1945–2015

ABSTRACT Since the turn of the twenty-first century, the global education community has focused significant attention on the promotion of education in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, embodied in the growth of a new sub-field called Education in Emergencies. This article points out the surprising distinction of this new sub-field from the more established and closely related field of peace education. It examines United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) documents for insight into the changing global ideas that have facilitated the shift in focus from peace to conflict. Empirically, we draw on a quantitative content analysis of more than 450 UNESCO documents published between 1945 and 2015. We find that education for peace remains a constant, if evolving, concern in these texts, but that a powerful emphasis on individual rights has shifted the discursive focus away from inter-state relations and towards the educational needs of young people. In the documents, conflict is now theorised as a threat to education and peace is re-envisioned not just as the desirable outcome of education, but also as its pre-condition. We show how this ideational transformation has re-cast an expansive array of conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies as threats to education.
Reversal of HO‐1 related cytoprotection with increased expression is due to reactive iron

It is often postulated that the cytoprotective nature of heme oxygenase (HO‐1) explains the inducible nature of this enzyme. However, the mechanisms by which protection occurs are not verified by systematic evaluation of the physiological effects of HO. To explain how induction of HO‐1 results in protection against oxygen toxicity, hamster fibroblasts (HA‐1) were stably transfected with a tetracycline response plasmid containing the full‐length rat HO‐1 cDNA construct to allow for regulation of gene expression by varying concentrations of doxycycline (Dox). Transfected cells were exposed to hyperoxia (95% O2/5% CO2) for 24 h and several markers of oxidative injury were measured. With varying concentrations of Dox, HO activity was regulated between 3‐ and 17‐fold. Despite cytoprotection with low (less than fivefold) HO activity, high levels of HO‐1 expression (greater than 15‐fold) were associated with significant oxygen cytotoxicity. Levels of non‐heme reactive iron correlated with cellular injury in hyperoxia whereas lower levels of heme were associated with cytoprotection. Cellular levels of cyclic GMP and bilirubin were not significantly altered by modification of HO activity, precluding a substantial role for activation of guanylate cyclase by carbon monoxide or for accumulation of bile pigments in the physiological consequences of HO‐1 overexpression. Inhibition of HO activity or chelation of cellular iron prior to hyperoxic exposure decreased reactive iron levels in the samples and significantly reduced oxygen toxicity. We conclude that there is a beneficial threshold of HO‐1 overexpression related to the accumulation of reactive iron released in the degradation of heme. Therefore, despite the ready induction of HO‐1 in oxidant stress, accumulation of reactive iron formed makes it unlikely that exaggerated expression of HO‐1 is a cytoprotective response. —Suttner, D. M. , Dennery, P. A. Reversal of HO‐1 related cytoprotection with increased expression is due to reactive iron. FASEB J. 13, 1800–1809 (1999)
Using Bayesian Classifiers to Enhance Clustering

Recently, combining Naive-Bayes with the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm for unsupervised learning have received significant attention. AutoClass is a classical Bayesian clustering algorithm that uses Naive-Bayes in combination with EM algorithm to find the probability distribution parameters to best fit the data. In this study, we introduce a robust approach, which is similar to AutoClass, it can arbitrarily impose any Bayesian classifiers in combination with EM algorithm to enhance cluster's performance. This paper focuses on how clustering techniques can benefit from classification. We provide experimental evidence that more accurate than original results of clustering in the t-test on most of the benchmark data sets
Algorithms and throughput analysis for MDS-coded switches

Network switches and routers need to serve packet writes and reads at rates that challenge the most advanced memory technologies. As a result, scaling the switching rates is commonly done by parallelizing the packet I/Os using multiple memory units. For improved read rates, packets can be coded with an [n,k] MDS code, thus giving more flexibility at read time to achieve higher utilization of the memory units. In the paper, we study the usage of [n,k] MDS codes in a switching environment. In particular, we study the algorithmic problem of maximizing the instantaneous read rate given a set of packet requests and the current layout of the coded packets in memory. The most interesting results from practical standpoint show how the complexity of reaching optimal read rate depends strongly on the writing policy of the coded packets.
Cost Based Approach to Block Placement for Distributed File Systems

Our computing demands have grown so much that we need a robust distributed computing platform to process data. To feed such data hungry systems, we need an equally robust distributed file systems that span across multiple geographically separate locations. Most distributed file systems break any file into a set of blocks or chunks which are spread across the cluster. The major bottleneck is to identify where to place the blocks and where to place the replicas so that cluster is optimized on certain parameters like disk utilization, minimizing network congestion, maximizing throughput, optimal power utilization, etc. This paper proposes assigning a distance measure for each one of the data sources with respect to the other and placing the blocks on the specified disk on the node that minimizes the total distance of the last few requests made for that block. As the request pattern and parameters change, the distances are updated and the blocks are moved dynamically to minimized the distance, in effect optimizing on the required parameters. The distance function is to be modeled based on the cluster and the parameters you wish to optimize on. It can be a function of just bandwidth or bandwidth and latency or other miscellaneous features like disk utilization, processing power, disk speed, power utilization, cooling requirements, temperature, etc. A detailed performance analysis was carried out with disk bandwidth, network bandwidth and disk utilization as the parameters and the performance is far better in comparison to the reference system (10\% or more depending on specification differences) which has no understanding of the different type of disks present and the nature of the cluster. Due to the performance aware nature, the system was inherently able to utilize memory for speeding up performance through the use of in-memory partitions.
Synergy between methionine stress and chemotherapy in the treatment of brain tumor xenografts in athymic mice.

This study describes a novel approach to the treatment of brain tumors with the combination of recombinant L-methionine-alpha-deamino-gamma-lyase and chemotherapeutic regimens that are currently used against such tumors. The growth of Daoy, SWB77, and D-54 xenografts in athymic mice was arrested after the depletion of mouse plasma methionine (MET) with a combination of a MET- and choline-free diet and recombinant L-methionine-alpha-deamino-gamma-lyase. The treated tumor-bearing mice were rescued from the toxic effects of MET withdrawal with daily i.p. homocystine. This regimen suppressed plasma MET to levels below 5 microM for several days, with no treatment-related deaths. MET depletion for 10-12 days induced mitotic and cell cycle arrest, apoptotic death, and widespread necrosis in tumors but did not prevent tumor regrowth after cessation of the regimen. However, when a single dose of 35 mg/m(2) of N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU), which was otherwise ineffective as a single therapy in any of the tumors tested, was given at the end of the MET depletion regimen, a more than 80-day growth delay was observed for Daoy and D-54, whereas the growth of SWB77 was delayed by 20 days. MET-depleting regimens also trebled the efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) against SWB77 when TMZ was given to animals as a single dose of 180 mg/m(2) at the end of a 10-day period of MET depletion. The enhanced responses of both Daoy and SWB77 to DNA alkylating agents such as BCNU and TMZ could be attributed to the down-regulation of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase activity. However, the synergy of MET depletion and BCNU observed with D-54 tumors, which do not express measurable O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase protein, is probably mediated by a different mechanism. MET depletion specifically sensitizes tumors to alkylating agents and does not significantly lower the toxicity of either BCNU or TMZ for the host. In this regard, the combination approach of MET depletion and genotoxic chemotherapy demonstrates significant promise for clinical evaluation.
Regional dialect variation in the vowel systems of typically developing children.

PURPOSE To investigate regional dialect variation in the vowel systems of typically developing 8- to 12-year-old children. METHOD Thirteen vowels in isolated h_d words were produced by 94 children and 93 adults (males and females). All participants spoke American English and were born and raised in 1 of 3 distinct dialect regions in the United States: western North Carolina (Southern dialect), central Ohio (Midland dialect), and southeastern Wisconsin (Northern Midwestern dialect). Acoustic analysis included formant frequencies (F1 and F2) measured at 5 equidistant time points in a vowel and formant movement (trajectory length). RESULTS Children's productions showed many dialect-specific features comparable to those in adult speakers, both in terms of vowel dispersion patterns and formant movement. Different features were also found, including systemic vowel changes, significant monophthongization of selected vowels, and greater formant movement in diphthongs. CONCLUSIONS The acoustic results provide evidence for regional distinctiveness in children's vowel systems. Children acquire not only the systemic relations among vowels but also their dialect-specific patterns of formant dynamics. Directing attention to the regional variation in the production of American English vowels, this work may prove helpful in better understanding and interpreting the development of vowel categories and vowel systems in children.
The Museum Effect

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions provide opportunities for people to understand and celebrate who they are, were, and might be. These institutions educate the public and civilize society in a variety of ways, ranging from community events to a single child making a first visit. The Museum Effect documents this phenomenon, explains how it happens, and shows how institutions can facilitate this process. Cultural institutions vary dramatically in size, nature and purpose, but they all allow visitors to hold conversations with artists and authors perhaps long dead. These conversations, sometimes with others present, and sometimes with artists, scientists, explorers, or authors not present, allow visitors to explore their lives and their “possible selves. ” Cultural institutions inspire personal reflection, and help visitors better themselves, in that they leave having contemplated what is noble, excellent, or exemplary about the society in which they live. The “museum effect” is a process through which cultural institutions educate and civilize us as individuals and as societies. These institutions allow visitors to spend some time with their thoughts elevated, and leave the institution better people in some meaningful fashion than when they entered. This visionary book presents the underlying idea and the argument for the museum effect, along with empirical research supporting that argument. It will help those working in museums, libraries, and archivists to facilitate this process, and study how this is working in their own institutions.
Global modeling of spatially distributed microwave and millimeter-wave systems

Microwave and millimeter-wave systems have generally been developed from a circuit perspective with the effect of the electromagnetic (EM) environment modeled using lumped elements or N-port scattering parameters. The recent development of the local reference node concept coupled with steady-state and transient analyses using state variables allows the incorporation of unrestrained EM modeling of microwave structures in a circuit simulator. A strategy implementing global modeling of electrically large microwave systems using the circuit abstraction is presented. This is applied to the modeling of a quasi-optical power-combining amplifier.
Simultaneous homographic and comparametric alignment of multiple exposure-adjusted pictures of the same scene

An approach is presented that can simultaneously align multiple exposure-adjusted pictures of the same scene both in their spatial coordinates as well as in their pixel values. The approach is featureless and produces an image mosaic at a common spatial and exposure reference and also addresses the misalignment problem common to methods that compose mosaics from only pair-wise registered image pairs. The objective function considered minimizes the sum of the collective variance over pixels of a global coordinate grid on which to create the final image. The models employed relate images spatially by homographic transformations and tonally by comparametric functions. The importance of performing joint spatial and tonal registration on exposure-adjusted images is emphasized by providing two examples in which spatial-only registration fails. A discussion describing the performance between pair-wise and simultaneous registration under both spatial-only and joint registration procedures is provided.
A Robust Frequency Offset Estimator for Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

We address the integer frequency offset (IFO) estimation under the influence of the timing offset (TO) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Incorporating the IFO and TO into the symbol set used to represent the received OFDM symbol, we investigate the influence of the TO on the IFO, and then, propose a combining method between two consecutive OFDM correlations, reducing the influence. The proposed scheme has almost the same complexity as that of the conventional schemes, whereas it does not need the TO knowledge contrary to the conventional schemes. From numerical results it is confirmed that the proposed scheme is insensitive to the TO, consequently, yielding an improvement of the IFO estimation performance over the conventional schemes when the TO exists. Keywords—Estimation, integer frequency offset, OFDM, timing offset.
Predictors of Counseling Self-Efficacy: Examining Counselor Trainees' Perception of Supervisory Interaction Style

The present research examined the relationship between perceived supervisory autonomy support and counseling self-efficacy (CSE) of counselor trainees. We explored whether this relationship was mediated by autonomous work motivation using the framework of self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2017) . Participants were master’s level mental health counseling interns (n = 182) enrolled in field internships. Mediational analyses showed that autonomous work motivation partially mediated the relationship between perceived autonomy support from supervisor and counselor trainees’ CSE. Results underscore the importance of adopting autonomy-supportive styles of clinical supervision for enhancing counselor trainees’ counseling self-efficacy. What is the public significance of this article? : This study suggests that when clinical supervisors provide an environment that supports counselor trainees’ autonomy, trainees experience increased autonomous motivation, which further enhances their counseling self-efficacy.