Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amplifiers for the Moran Process

The Moran process, as studied by Lieberman, Hauert, and Nowak, is a randomised algorithm modelling the spread of genetic mutations in populations. The algorithm runs on an underlying graph where individuals correspond to vertices. Initially, one vertex (chosen uniformly at random) possesses a mutation, with fitness r > 1. All other individuals have fitness 1. During each step of the algorithm, an individual is chosen with probability proportional to its fitness, and its state (mutant or nonmutant) is passed on to an out-neighbour which is chosen uniformly at random. If the underlying graph is strongly connected, then the algorithm will eventually reach fixation, in which all individuals are mutants, or extinction, in which no individuals are mutants. An infinite family of directed graphs is said to be strongly amplifying if, for every r > 1, the extinction probability tends to 0 as the number of vertices increases. A formal definition is provided in the article. Strong amplification is a rather surprising property—it means that in such graphs, the fixation probability of a uniformly placed initial mutant tends to 1 even though the initial mutant only has a fixed selective advantage of r > 1 (independently of n). The name “strongly amplifying” comes from the fact that this selective advantage is “amplified. ” Strong amplifiers have received quite a bit of attention, and Lieberman et al. proposed two potentially strongly amplifying families—superstars and metafunnels. Heuristic arguments have been published, arguing that there are infinite families of superstars that are strongly amplifying. The same has been claimed for metafunnels. In this article, we give the first rigorous proof that there is an infinite family of directed graphs that is strongly amplifying. We call the graphs in the family “megastars. ” When the algorithm is run on an n-vertex graph in this family, starting with a uniformly chosen mutant, the extinction probability is roughly n − 1/2 (up to logarithmic factors). We prove that all infinite families of superstars and metafunnels have larger extinction probabilities (as a function of n). Finally, we prove that our analysis of megastars is fairly tight—there is no infinite family of megastars such that the Moran algorithm gives a smaller extinction probability (up to logarithmic factors). Also, we provide a counterexample which clarifies the literature concerning the isothermal theorem of Lieberman et al.
A robot self-localization system using one-way ultra-wideband communication

A robot localization system is presented that enables a robot to estimate its position within some space by passively receiving ultra-wideband radio signals from fixed-position modules. Communication from the fixed-position modules is one-way, allowing the system to scale to multiple robots. Furthermore, the system's high position update rate makes it suitable to be used in a feedback control system, and enables the robot to track and perform high-speed, dynamic motions. This paper describes the algorithmic underpinnings of the system, discusses design decisions and their impact on the performance of the resulting localization, and highlights challenges faced during implementation. Performance of the localization system is experimentally verified through comparison with data from a motion-capture system. Finally, the system's application to robot self-localization is demonstrated through integration with a quadrocopter.
Adapting and personalizing the communication in a synchronous communication tool

In this paper, we present a synchronous text-based communication tool, referred to as Adaptive Communication Tool (ACT), which provides capabilities for adaptation and personalization. ACT supports both the free and the structured form of dialogue. The structured dialogue is implemented by two types of Scaffolding Sentence Templates (SST); i.e. sentence openers or communicative acts. The capability of adaptation is considered in the sense of making suggestions for the supported form of dialogue and SST type and providing the most meaningful and complete set of SST with respect to the learning outcomes addressed by the collaborative learning activity and the model of collaboration followed by the group members. Also, ACT enables learners to have control on the adaptation by selecting the form of dialogue and the SST type they prefer to use and enriching the provided SST set with their own ones in order to cover their communication needs. The results from the formative evaluation of the tool showed that (i) the proposed dialogue form, SST type and the provided set of SST cover students’ communication needs, (ii) the capability of personalizing the communication by selecting the desired communication means as well as by enriching the provided SST set satisfied students, and (iii) students used adequately both types of SST resulting into on-task and coherent dialogues.
Hippocampal-like categorization of object views: A self-organizing learning approach to vision modeling using stochastic grammar inference and associative memory

The categorization problem in object recognition is the assignment of semantic categories to objects or parts of objects. Here, the best categorization performance provide mammalian brain functions that motivate to partly mimic such a formation for the application to machine learning and automation. Curiosity and experimental willingness support human recognizing and detecting in relation to still unknown objects. In order to learn an understanding of the topology of such objects, objects are observed from a series of different viewpoints. This results in a collection of object views that afterward can be used by cognitive processes. State-of-the-art systems provide learning structures that are subsequently utilized for object recognition and tracking tasks. However, most of these systems aim at very specific goals in restricted domains, and therefore, it remains no room for learning and understanding of object structures. In the work of this paper, we propose a new robot vision model for neural categorization. This is close to our initial idea of mimicking mammalian brain functions for robot vision. We use the combinatorial solution of our cognitive framework with an embedding of a recently presented stochastic n-gram model, supported by a three-dimensional grammar model on a discrete three-dimensional lattice. Furthermore, we use ant colony optimization heuristics for collecting the transition probabilities of the n-gram model. The proposed solution is exemplified by applying the method to several object view series of 69 polytopes generated out of the five platonic solids by truncation; thus, generating images from 32 viewpoints each, yields an object set of 2208 images. These set is further expanded to four sets perturbed by Gaussian-noise with varying sigma = {0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2}. Finally, we show results for selected objects and conclude with an outlook on further work.
Classification of Feature Set Using K-means Clustering from Histogram Refinement Method

In this paper, we propose to use K-means clustering for the classification of feature set obtained from the histogram refinement method. Histogram refinement provides a set of features for proposed for Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR). Standard histograms, because of their efficiency and insensitivity to small changes, are widely used for content based image retrieval. But the main disadvantage of histograms is that many images of different appearances can have similar histograms because histograms provide coarse characterization of an image. Hence histogram refinement method further refines the histogram by splitting the pixels in a given bucket into several classes based on color coherence vectors. Several features are calculated for each of the cluster and these features are further classified using the K-means clustering.
Climatic conditions and fire regime affect vegetation recovery after large wildfires in Pinus forest ecosystems

Fire is one of the most important disturbance processes in Pinus forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin. These ecosystems differ markedly in their response to this disturbance. They rely on climatic conditions in the area, fire regime and biological traits of the vegetation. Thus, understanding the influence of climatic conditions and fire characteristics in shaping postfire vegetation recovery will help to identify the most appropiate post-fire management strategies. During recent decades, wildfire ocurrence in fire-prone ecosysems in the Mediterranean Basin has increased because of changes in land use, increased fuel load and continuity in the landscape. Moreover, these socio-ecological changes are related to the increase in burn severity and the surface affected. These large wildfires usually result in high heterogenous spatial mosaics with different degrees of severity and recurrence, which clearly influence vegetation regeneration capacity. However, fire regime characteristics not only affect vegetation regeneration after wildfire but also climatic conditions and their functional traits. Many authors recognise that in situations of high recurrence, resprouter species have an advantage over seeders. To determine how vegetation regeneration in a Pinus fire-prone ecosystem may be related to climatic gradients, fire regime characteristics and plant traits, we selected three large wildfires that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula during 2012 and 2013: the Carnota wildfire in Atlantic climate conditions (Galicia), the Sierra del Teleno wildfire in transition climatic conditions (León) and the Cortes de Pallás wildfire in Mediterranean climatic conditions (Valencia). In each study area, a burn severity map of two levels (low and high) was obtained from a classification (threshold) of a Landsat-based differenced Normalized Burn Ratio image. Moreover, in each fire scar we evaluated recurrence in the last 20 years and differentiated two recurrence situations: low (1 wildfire) and high (2 or more wildfires). As a result, four scenarios were differentiated: low recurrence-low severity, low recurrence-high severity, high recurrencelow severity and high recurrence-high severity. In each scenario, a proportional number of 2 m x 2 m plots were established. In each plot, we sampled the visual cover percentage of all plant taxa in 4 subplots of 1 m three years after the wildfire. Mean cover values of Pinus saplings and resprouter and seeder shrubs were differentiated and compared among fire regime scenarios and climatic conditions. We observed diferences in the regeneration patterns in the three study sites, with more similarity between the Transition and Mediterranean ones. The common pattern of regeneration among the three climatic conditions has a significant negative effect on Pinus recruitment and cover in scenarios of high recurrence with low and high severity. At the same time, the resprouter shrubs species were favored by high recurrence.
GEC into the future: Where are we going and how do we get there?

The field of grammatical error correction (GEC) has made tremendous bounds in the last ten years, but new questions and obstacles are revealing themselves. In this position paper, we discuss the issues that need to be addressed and provide recommendations for the field to continue to make progress, and propose a new shared task. We invite suggestions and critiques from the audience to make the new shared task a community-driven venture.
The role of the mannose/N‐acetylglucosamine receptor in the pinocytosis of horseradish peroxidase by mouse peritoneal macrophages

Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan inhibits the pinocytosis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by resident, thioglycollate‐, proteose peptone‐, and Co‐rynebacterium parvum‐elicited macrophages from 30 to 70% when 1 mg/ml HRP is used, and 65 to 87% when 250 μg/ml HRP is used. In contrast, HRP uptake by J774 cells, a macrophage cell line reported to have little mannose receptor activity, is inhibited only about 25% by mannan. HRP uptake by resident and thioglycollate‐elicited (thio) macrophages is also inhibited 34 and 66% by addition of EGTA to the medium and 55 and 79% by trypsin treatment of the macrophages, respectively. The inhibitory effect of EGTA can be reversed by 1 mM excess Ca2+. High extracellular concentrations of Ca2+, in the range of 10–20 mM, however, inhibit pinocytosis in resident macrophages by about 50%. Sucrose uptake by resident macrophages is not appreciably affected by mannan. These results support the hypothesis that HRP uptake is mediated by the macrophage mannose/N‐acetylgluco‐samine receptor. PMA stimulates fluid‐phase pinocytosis of HRP by thio‐macrophages but does not affect receptor‐mediated uptake of HRP, while the combination of adenosine, homocysteine, and erythro‐9‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐nonyl) adenine (EHNA) selectively inhibits bulk‐phase uptake by thio macrophages.
Comparison of Incidence and Risk Factors for Shunt-dependent Hydrocephalus in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of ventricular shunt placement for shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) after clipping versus coiling of ruptured aneurysms. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was conducted in 215 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who underwent surgical clipping or endovascular coiling during the period from May 2008 to December 2011. Relevant clinical and radiographic data were analyzed with regard to the incidence of hydrocephalus and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS). Patients treated with clipping were assigned to Group A, while those treated with coiling were assigned to Group B. Results Of 215 patients (157 clipping, 58 coiling), no significant difference in the incidence of final VPS was observed between treatment modalities (15.3% vs. 10.3%) (p = 0.35). Independent risk factors for VPS for treatment of chronic hydrocephalus were as follows: (1) older than 65 years, (2) poorer Hunt-Hess grade IV and V, (3) Fisher grade III and IV, and (4) particularly initial presence of an intraventricular hemorrhage. Conclusion In this study comparing two modalities for treatment of aneurysm, there was no difference in the incidence of chronic hydrocephalus requiring VPS. A significantly higher rate of shunt dependency was observed for age older than 65 years, poor initial neurological status, and thick SAH with presence of initial intraventricular hemorrhage. By understanding these factors related to development of SDHC and results, it is expected that management of aneurysmal SAH will result in a better prognosis.
On improving the accuracy of T1 mapping of the human brain

The focus of the presented research is to improve the ac-curacy in T1 mapping of the human brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Quantitative T1 imaging is essen-tial for the non-invasive detection and characterization of brain edema. Existing techniques are either very slow or provide inadequate accuracy. A method for improving the accuracy of the Inversion Recovery Fast Spin Echo MRI sequence is investigated. The approach is based on matching the image reconstruction algorithm to the noise present in the magnetic resonance echo signal measurements. A reduction in T1 estimation error by 36% is achieved.
The Genetic-Causal Tradition and Modern Economic Theory

This paper is an analysis of a specific tradition of causal thinking in economics--this was most self-consciously developed in the work of the Austrian school but spilled over into other approaches. Genetic-causal explanations place emphasis, inter alia, on processes in time, emanating from changes in agents' desires and beliefs. The authors present a brief history of this approach, outline its major characteristics, differentiate genetic-causal explanation from other kinds of explanation, and illustrate the approach in mid- and late-twentieth century economic theory. Copyright 1996 by WWZ and Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag AG
Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the human GLUT2 locus.

Source and Description: A (dC-dA)n . (dG-dT)n sequence was found within an intron of the human liver/islet glucose transporter (GLUT2) gene. Two oligonucleotides homologous to the sequences flanking the dinucleotide repeat were used to amplify the region and generate a fragment of the predicted size of 112 bp.
The Scaling of Human Contacts in Reaction-Diffusion Processes on Heterogeneous Metapopulation Networks

We present new empirical evidence, based on millions of interactions on Twitter, confirming that human contacts scale with population sizes. We integrate such observations into a reaction-diffusion metapopulation framework providing an analytical expression for the global invasion threshold of a contagion process. Remarkably, the scaling of human contacts is found to facilitate the spreading dynamics. Our results show that the scaling properties of human interactions can significantly affect dynamical processes mediated by human contacts such as the spread of diseases, and ideas.
Human-interactive hardware-in-the-loop simulation framework for cyber-physical systems

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) is a complex system consisting of physical elements including sensors and actuators, and computing elements to control these physical elements. It is composed of distributed heterogeneous systems and operates in a complicated operating environment including the human factors such as military, aerospace, smart vehicles, medical systems, and so on. In these domains, systems require the high reliability and must be adapted in the unpredictable and uncertain conditions, so that system testing is very important and essential process. Generally, in order to test the functionality and performance of the hardware system, Hardware-In-the-Loop Simulation (HILS) is a widely used technique in many industrial areas. However, conventional HILS cannot be applied to CPS because it is mostly developed for a specific system in a non-distributed environment. In this paper, we propose a human-interactive HILS framework for CPS. As the proposed framework is developed to support the reliability and the reusability in a fully distributed operating environment, developers employing this framework may reduce a huge amount of boredom and time-consuming job, and guarantee the high reliability.
Reconnaissance automatique de la parole guidée par des transcriptions a priori. (driven decoding for speech recognition system combination)

L’utilisation des systemes de reconnaissance automatique de la parole necessite des conditions d’utilisation contraintes pour que ces derniers obtiennent des resultats convenables. Dans de nombreuses situations, des informations auxiliaires aux flux audio sont disponibles. Le travail de cette these s’articule autour des approches permettant d’exploiter ces transcriptions a priori disponibles. Ces informations se retrouvent dans de nombreuses situations : les pieces de theâtre avec les scripts des acteurs, les films accompagnes de sous-titres ou de leur scenario, les flashes d’information associes aux prompts des journalistes, les resumes d’emissions radio. Ces informations annexes sont de qualite variable, mais nous montrerons comment ces dernieres peuvent etre utilisees afin d’ameliorer le decodage d’un SRAP. Ce document est divise en deux axes lies par l’utilisation de transcriptions a priori au sein d’un SRAP : la premiere partie presente une methode originale permettant d’exploiter des transcriptions a priori manuelles, et de les integrer directement au cœur d’un SRAP. Nous proposons une methode permettant de guider efficacement le systeme de reconnaissance a l’aide d’informations auxiliaires. Nous etendons notre strategie a de larges corpus denues d’informations temporelles. La seconde partie de nos travaux est axee sur la combinaison de SRAP. Nous proposons une combinaison de SRAP basee sur le decodage guide : les transcriptions a priori guidant un SRAP principal sont fournies par des systemes auxiliaires. Les travaux presentes proposent d’utiliser efficacement une information auxiliaire au sein d’un SRAP. Le decodage guide par des transcriptions manuelles permet d’ameliorer sensiblement la qualite du decodage ainsi que la qualite de la transcription a priori . Par ailleurs, les strategies de combinaison proposees sont originales et obtiennent d’excellents resultats par rapport aux methodes existantes a l’etat de l’art.
A Note on Average Rate Options with Discrete Sampling

The authors model the fair value of average rate financial options as the solution of partial differential equations. When the average is sampled discretely the equation to be solved is the Black–Scholes equation with the measure of the average-to-date being a parameter in the problem and a jump condition across sampling dates. The authors show how to derive explicit results for the value of average rate options when the average is measured arithmetically. When the average is measured geometrically the problem must be solved numerically.
The Acceptance of Information Technology in the Sales Force

Combining both a direct and an unobtrusive measure of acceptance (i.e. two judges for measuring acceptance), the authors develop and test a theoretical model that explains the extent to which salespeople accept an information technology. The model builds on the Technology Acceptane Model and specifies relationships between perceived usefulness, ease of use, personal innovativeness, computer self-efficacy, organizational facilitators, supervisor influence, peer usage, customer influence, competitive pressure and technology acceptance. Counter to the theory of the Technology Acceptance Model, the results indicate that the personal innovativeness of a salesperson and the organizational facilitators are key to explaining salespeoples technology acceptance. In addition, the findings suggest that salespeople comply with the influences of their supervisors and competitive reps in adopting sales technology. Implications of the findings are discussed in light of providing guidelines for successful technology implementation in the sales force. Introduction The introduction of information technology into (sales and marketing) organizations has been shown on many occasions to result in superior returns for a company (e.g. enhanced productivity, customer communication and relationships) when these technologies are embraced by the individual target users (Bhattacherjee 1998; Srinivasan 1985; Davis et al. 1989; Leonard-Barton and Deschamps 1988). Still, in sales force contexts the acceptance of technological innovations at the individual level (i.e. the field salespeople), has not been investigated previously. The marketing literature on innovation adoption has primarily focused either on consumer markets (e.g. Ozanne and Churchill 1971; Gatignon and
3-D Interfaces to Improve the Performance of Visual Known-Item Search

Most interfaces in the field of image and video search use a two-dimensional grid interface, which presents image thumbnails in a left-to-right arrangement that can be browsed from top to bottom. This grid interface, however, has several drawbacks that become particularly apparent when performing interactive search tasks for target items in large collections of images or videos. Therefore, we propose to use 3-D interfaces as an alternative to the grid interface for interactive known-item search in visual data as they can partially overcome these drawbacks. In this paper, we first summarize our ideas and discuss design aspects of a 3-D ring and a 3-D globe interface. Next, we present results from four different user studies, where we evaluated the performance of these interfaces for known-item search tasks in image collections. Our results from these studies show that the proposed 3-D interfaces allow for significantly faster visual target search on desktop computers with mouse interaction as well as on tablet devices. The interfaces also achieve better subjective ratings. However, our evaluation also shows that on smartphones with 3.5-in screens an improvement over the grid interface in terms of visual search time is only possible in collections with more than 200 images.