Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Don't Call Me Refugee!" - The Role of Social Identity in the Adoption of Refugee-Specific Mobile Applications

In 2015, about 890,000 refugees arrived in Germany and an increasing number of mobile applications have been specifically developed to socially include newcomers by informing them about bureaucracy, customs, and language of the host country. Though such applications may be functional in terms of the potential value they deliver to refugees, they may also contribute to unexpected and overlooked forms of further exclusion because the very label "refugee" is associated with an excluded and disempowered population. In this paper, we draw on social identity theory to provide indications that applications specifically developed for refugees can trigger an identity threat and may lead to associations with stereotypical and undesirable aspects of one's identity. We propose a research design to compare the intention to use of two versions of a mobile languagelearning application, a refugee-specific version in the identity threat condition and a neutral version in the control condition.
Limitation of dogwhelk consumption of mussels by crab cues depends on dogwhelk density and cue type

Predator nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) on prey activity are common in nature. Upon sensing predator cues, a common prey response is to reduce feeding to avoid being detected by predators. Using an aquatic system, this study investigated how prey density and predator cue type affect predator NCEs on prey feeding. Prey density was investigated because, as it increases, the individual risk of being preyed upon decreases, which may reduce NCEs if prey can detect conspecifics. Predator cue type was investigated because waterborne cues would trigger weaker NCEs than waterborne and tactile cues combined, as predation risk may be perceived by prey to be stronger in the second case. Specifically, a factorial experiment tested the hypotheses that (i) increasing dogwhelk (prey) density reduces the limitation that crab (predator) chemical cues can have on dogwhelk consumption of mussels and that (ii) chemical and tactile crab cues combined limit dogwhelk feeding more strongly than chemical crab cues alone. The results broadly supported these hypotheses. On the one hand, crab chemical cues limited the per-capita consumption of mussels by dogwhelks at a low dogwhelk density, but such NCEs disappeared at intermediate and high dogwhelk densities. On the other hand, the combination of chemical and tactile cues from crabs caused stronger NCEs, as dogwhelk consumption of mussels was negatively affected at all three dogwhelk densities. The structurally complex mussel beds may provide not only food for dogwhelks but a refuge from crab predation that allows dogwhelk density to limit crab NCEs when mediated by waterborne cues. Overall, this study suggests that prey evaluate conspecific density when assessing predation risk and that the type of cues prey are exposed to can affect their interpretation of risk.
Effect of Training Rate on Recognition of Spectrally Shifted Speech

Objective: Previous studies have shown that the protocol used for auditory training may significantly affect the outcome of training. However, it is unclear how often training should be performed to maximize its benefit. The present study investigated how the frequency of training contributed to normal-hearing listeners' adaptation to spectrally shifted speech. Methods: Eighteen normal-hearing listeners were trained with spectrally shifted and compressed speech via an 8-channel acoustic simulation of cochlear implant speech processing. Five short training sessions (1 hr per session) were completed by each subject; subjects were trained at one of three training rates: five sessions per week, three sessions per week, or one session per week. Subjects were trained to identify medial vowels presented in a cVc format; depending on the level of difficulty, the number of response choices was increased and/or the acoustic differences between vowels were reduced. Vowel and consonant recognition was measured before and after training as well as at regular intervals during the training period. Sentence recognition was measured before and after training only. Results: Results showed that pretraining vowel recognition scores were poor (14.0% correct, on average) for all subjects, due to the severe spectral shift. After five sessions of targeted vowel contrast training, there was a significant improvement of shifted vowel recognition for most subjects. The mean improvement was comparable (∼15 percentage points) across the three training rate conditions, despite significant intersubject variability in pre- and pretraining baseline performance. There was no significant difference in training outcomes among the three training rates. Spectrally shifted consonant and sentence recognition also improved by ∼20 percentage points after training, even though consonants and sentences were not explicitly trained. Similar to vowel recognition, there was no significant difference in training outcomes among the three training rates for shifted consonant and sentence recognition. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the training rate had little effect on normal-hearing listeners' adaptation to spectrally shifted speech, at least for the training periods (ranging from 1 to 5 wk) used in the present study. The outcome of auditory training may depend more strongly on the amount of training (i.e., total number of training sessions) rather than the frequency of training (i.e., daily or once per week). Although more frequent training may accelerate listeners' adaptation to spectrally shifted speech, there may be significant benefits from training as little as one session per week. The results of the present study suggest that appropriate training schedules can be developed to optimize the effectiveness, efficiency, and effort associated with hearing-impaired patients' auditory rehabilitation.
Context-Sensitivity Beyond Indexicality

Résumé Certains noms communs (“étranger”, “ennemi”, “voisin”, etc.) et certains adjectifs (“national”, “local”, “domestique”, etc.) sont sensibles au contexte d' énonciation. On appelle ces expressions des contextuels. Les énonciations d'une phrase contenant un contextuel n'ont pas toutes les même conditions de vérité. Par exemple, certaines énonciations de “La bière locale est excellente” concernent la Belgique et sont vraies si et seulement si la bière beige est excellente; d'autres concernent les États- Unis et sont vraies si et seulement si la biere americaine est excellente. Dans cet article, j'explique ce qu'est un contextuel, j'examine quelques approches que l'on peut suggérer afin d'en rendre compte et jepropose mapropre théorie des contextuels. En vertu de leur sémantique, les contextuels laissent place à une perspective dans les conditions de vérite de l'énonciation d'une phrase. Par exemple, certaines énonciations de “La bière locale est excellente” sont vraies lorsque la perspective est la Belgique, tandis que d'autres sont vraies lorsque la perspective est celle de États-Unis. Les contextuels sont aussi très systématiques, puisque sémantiquement ils indiquent la sorte de perspective pertinente. La perspective spécifique à une énonciation depend cependant des croyances du locuteur. En ce sens, les contextuels sont sensibles aux croyances d'arrière-plan du locuteur.
Oriented Basic Image Features Column for isolated handwritten digit

Several approaches for handwritten digits recognition are proposed an appearance feature-based approach. In this paper we process handwritten digit image without deskewing using oriented Basic Image Features (oBIF) Column scheme extracted from the complete image as well as from different regions of the image by applying a uniform grid sampling to the image. oBIF Column scheme is a very efficient feature descriptor for handwritten digits which is arise from variations in size, shape and slant. Moreover, 4th Nearest Neighbor (4-NN) has been employed as classifier which has better responses. The experimental study is conducted on MNIST dataset and 98.32% recognition rate has been achieved which is comparable with the state of the art.
Artificial immune network applied to multivariable PID controller design with/without decoupler

This paper presents the comparative performance analysis of various artificial immune networks applied to Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller design for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. Four artificial immune networks (i.e, opt-aiNet, IA-AIS, AHAIS and AINe-SL) are used to find optimal controller parameters for multivariable PID controller design with/without decoupler. Four conventional objective functions with respect to error are taken into account. The simulation results indicate that AINet-SL is more efficient for such multivariable PID controller design compared to opt-aiNet, IA-AIS and AHAIS.
Application of STATCOM for power quality improvement

The application of a STATCOM can help to alleviate some of the power quality issues encountered within a refinery consisting of large induction machine loads. The intent of this paper is to demonstrate the improvements obtained with STATCOM for this purpose and also to evaluate economical benefits obtained with it. First, the paper identifies the power quality and other issues around the refinery in the Southern California Edison system. Computer simulations show that the application of a STATCOM can help the big motor load to survive under the most severe contingencies occurring in the area. The analysis also demonstrates that the STATCOM with appropriate controller can be very effective in harmonic reduction.
The Relationship between Trading Volume , Returns and Volatility : Evidence from the Greek Futures Markets

The relationship between returns, volatility and trading volume has interested financial economists and analysts for a number of years. A widely documented result is the positive contemporaneous relationship between price returns and trading volume. This paper investigates the contemporaneous and dynamic relationships between trading volume, returns and volatility for Greek index futures (FTSE/ASE-20 and FTSE/ASE Mid 40). For FTSE/ASE-20, we find that price volatility does not significantly impact volume’s volatility, and also, we conclude that a contemporaneous relationship does not hold. Using GARCH methods, the results show a positive and significant effect, indicating that volume contributes significantly in explaining the GARCH effects. Furthermore, the GMM system suggests that market participants use volume as an indication of prices. For FTSE/ASE Mid 40, the results are mixed. The price volatility significantly impacts volume’s volatility, and also, a positive contemporaneous relationship holds. On the other hand, both GARCH and GMM methods confirm that there is no evidence for positive relationship between trading volume and returns. Finally, this study also investigates the dynamic relationship between trading volume and actual returns. For FTSE/ASE-20, the dynamic models show a bi-directional Granger causality (feedback) between volume and actual returns. However, for FTSE/ASE Mid 40, the results indicate that returns do not Granger cause volume and vice versa.
Scalp field dynamics in evoked and spontaneous EEG

This handout summarizes the educational course on the analysis of the temporal dynamics of scalp electromagnetic fields. The course demonstrates the advantages of scalp field analysis over conventional waveform analysis and illustrates its application in evoked and spontaneous EEG signals. The text follows chapter 6 in the book “Electrical Neuroimaging” (1). More details can be found in this chapter and in other review articles (2-6). The course focuses on EEG and ERP analysis but the methods can be applied to MEG as well.
Applying Ant Colony System algorithm in multi-objective resource allocation for virtual services*

ABSTRACT Over the past few years, using cloud computing technology has become popular. With the cloud computing service providers, reducing the number of physical machines providing resources for virtual services in cloud computing is one of the efficient ways to reduce the amount of energy consumption which in turn enhance the performance of data centres. However, using a minimum of physical machines to allocate resources for virtual services can result in system overload and break the SLA of service. Consequently, providing resources for virtual services which do not only satisfy the constraint of reducing the energy consumption but also ensure the load balancing of the whole system is necessary. In this study, we present the multi-objective resource allocation problem for virtual services. This problem aims at both reducing the energy consumption and balancing the load of physical machines. The MORA-ACS algorithm is proposed to resolve the problem by the Ant Colony System method. The experimental results show that in the CloudSim environment, the MORA-ACS algorithm could balance the load as well as reduce the energy consumption better than the Round Robin algorithm.
Data Driven Assembly of Procedurally Modeled Facilities

We present a method to arrange components of industrial facilities in a constrained site footprint. We use a probabilistic graphical model of industrial sites and existing procedural modeling methods to automate the assembly and 3D modeling of wastewater treatment plants. A knowledge engineered approach produces a combination of components that inherently contains domain speciﬁc information like process dependencies and facility size. The inferred combination is laid out using mathematical optimization or via a physics-based simulation resulting in an arrangement that respects the industrial process and design plausibility.
Nanofabrication Challenges for NEMS

Nanofabrication is the basis for any NEMS. How small a structure can be made? What are the available technologies for making nanostructures? These are the questions constantly asked by NEMS researchers. This paper gave an overview of current nanofabrication technologies and the challenges for NEMS applications. The techniques for making nanostructures are grouped into direct, indirect and self-assembly methods. Each group of techniques is analyzed for their capability and limits, which provides a rough guide for researchers to choose appropriate nanofabrication routes for their own applications
A real-time Kalman filter using deep space three-way measurement

Data from three-way measurement is a kind of important observing data for deep space probes. By utilizing this data, this paper presents an algorithm to calculate the real-time position of deep space probes based on UKF (unscented Kalman Filter). The observing model and forecast method using the three-way measurement are given with the implementation method via dynamic modeling and non-dynamic modeling. Then some measured data of Chang'e-3 are used to test and verify the proposed algorithm. The results indicate that the observation and forecast modeling method is correct and feasible, which can be as a reference in deep space probe's positioning and orbit determination.
Délestage de données en D2D : de la modélisation à la mise en oeuvre

Le trafic mobile global atteindra 24,3 exa-octets en 2019. Accueillir cette croissance dans les reseaux d’acces radio devient un veritable casse-tete. Nous porterons donc toute notre attention sur l'une des solutions a ce probleme : le delestage (offloading) grâce a des communications de dispositif a dispositif (D2D). Notre premiere contribution est DROiD, une strategie qui exploite la disponibilite de l'infrastructure cellulaire comme un canal de retour afin de suivre l'evolution de la diffusion d’un contenu. DROiD s’adapte au rythme de la diffusion, permettant d'economiser une quantite elevee de donnees cellulaires, meme dans le cas de contraintes de reception tres serrees. Ensuite, nous mettons l'accent sur les gains que les communications D2D pourraient apporter si elles etaient couplees avec les transmissions multicast. Par l’utilisation equilibree d'un mix de multicast, et de communications D2D, nous pouvons ameliorer, a la fois, l'efficacite spectrale ainsi que la charge du reseau. Afin de permettre l’adaptation aux conditions reelles, nous elaborons une strategie d'apprentissage basee sur l'algorithme dit ‘’bandit manchot’’ pour identifier la meilleure combinaison de communications multicast et D2D. Enfin, nous mettrons en avant des modeles de couts pour les operateurs, desireux de recompenser les utilisateurs qui cooperent dans le delestage D2D. Nous proposons, pour cela, de separer la notion de seeders (utilisateurs qui transportent contenu, mais ne le distribuent pas) et de forwarders (utilisateurs qui sont charges de distribuer le contenu). Avec l'aide d’un outil analytique basee sur le principe maximal de Pontryagin, nous developpons une strategie optimale de delestage.
On false data injection attacks against Kalman filtering in power system dynamic state estimation

State estimation is a very critical component in smart grid, a typical energy-based cyber-physical system. Kalman filter has been widely used in the dynamic state estimation of power systems. Although a large number of research efforts have been made on the robustness and filtering effectiveness, little effort has been conducted on cyber attacks against Kalman filtering. To address this issue, in this paper we systematically compare three representative Kalman filtering techniques and formalize the problem of anomaly detection against false data injection attacks in Kalman filter. On the basis of our modeling results, we investigate five novel attack approaches that can bypass the anomaly detection. To defend against those attacks, we develop two countermeasures: the enhancement of Kalman filtering and the temporal-based detection algorithm. We conduct extensive performance evaluation and our data validates our theoretical finding well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the impact of flipped classroom on students' acceptance of programming in secondary education

This paper explores and discusses the impact of flipped classroom on students' acceptance of programming. Two Information and Communications Technology (ICT) classes of students, one in Secondary 4 and the other in Secondary 5, were involved in this study. Flipped classroom was adopted to teach programming in both classes. A pre-post questionnaire was designed to identify changes in students' acceptance towards programming before and after the implementation of flipped classroom. The results of this study show that flipped classroom could improve students' acceptance of programming and that students tended to agree with the use of flipped classroom to learn programming. Future work will be undertaken to collect and analyze qualitative data from students.
Evaluation of Super‐Link System Theory for Spinal Cord Injury Patients Using Participatory Action Research in a Rehabilitation Hospital

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to integrate and evaluate the spinal cord injury rehabilitation nursing theory named Super‐Link System Theory using participatory action research. Method: Data were collected from October 2007 to September 2008 in a rehabilitation hospital by means of interviews, participant observations, documentary resources, case conferences and reports, and participants' self‐reflective inquiries. The Super‐Link System Theory was introduced to 31 rehabilitation nurses. The nurses selected a key reference group including the researcher to facilitate the participatory action research process to implement and evaluate the theory. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The findings shows that several key concepts were clarified and specific nursing interventions were identified. Furthermore, an integrated link system from the hospital to the community through both rehabilitation nurses and discharge planners was established. Conclusion: The study demonstrated an evidence base for an evolving theory of care, and empowered nurses to make sustainable changes to their practice.
Privacy requirements patterns for mobile operating systems

Nowadays mobile devices have rapidly developed. Privacy protection for mobile operating systems has become a hot topic in industry and research, which also brings new challenges. The scenarios in mobile operating systems are different from those in tradition systems. Users of mobile systems face more and more new risks in new scenarios. On the other hand, personal data is growing exponentially every day. It reminds us the importance of privacy protection is also increasing at the same time. In this paper, we study the privacy patterns for mobile operating systems. We elicit privacy-related requirements in three ways - knowledge from domain experts, literature review on public documents of existing mature systems and feedback from real users. Based on these requirements, we propose 7 privacy patterns which are presented with the RePa Requirements Pattern Template. All of these patterns were refined by professional business analysts which concrete the result of our work. We believe that our findings can help business analysts with the description for privacy requirements in future mobile operating system development projects.
Hormone replacement therapy and lung cancer risk in Chinese

The association between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a reduced lung cancer risk has been reported in previous studies. There is a high female to male ratio in Chinese lung cancer patients, and female patients have different clinicopathological characteristics compared with Western patient populations. The authors investigated whether HRT may reduce lung cancer risk in Taiwan.
Emergence of Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli Isolates Possessing the Plasmid-Mediated Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing β-Lactamase KPC-2 in Intensive Care Units of a Chinese Hospital

ABSTRACT Twenty-one Serratia marcescens, ten Klebsiella pneumoniae, and one Escherichia coli isolate with carbapenem resistance or reduced carbapenem susceptibility were recovered from intensive care units (ICUs) in our hospital. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that all the S. marcescens isolates belonged to a clonal strain and the 10 K. pneumoniae isolates were indistinguishable or closely related to each other. The MICs of imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem for all isolates were 2 to 8 μg/ml, except for K. pneumoniae K10 (MICs of 128, 256, and >256 μg/ml). Isoelectric focusing, PCRs, and DNA sequencing indicated that all S. marcescens isolates produced KPC-2 and a β-lactamase with a pI of 6.5. All K. pneumoniae isolates produced TEM-1, KPC-2, CTX-M-14, and a β-lactamase with a pI of 7.3. The E. coli E1 isolate produced KPC-2, CTX-M-15, and a β-lactamase with a pI of 7.3. Conjugation studies with E. coli (EC600) resulted in the transfer of reduced carbapenem susceptibility compared to that of the original isolates, and only the blaKPC-2 gene was detected in E. coli transconjugants. Plasmid restriction analysis showed identical restriction patterns among all E. coli transconjugants. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ompK35/36 gene sequence analysis of outer membrane proteins revealed that K. pneumoniae K10 failed to express OmpK36, because of insertional inactivation by an insertion sequence ISEcp1. All these results indicate that KPC-2-producing S. marcescens, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli isolates emerged in ICUs in our hospital. KPC-2 combined with porin deficiency results in high-level carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae. The same blaKPC-2-encoding plasmid was spread among the three different genera.