Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Milestones for Computing Future

Computer applications expand continuously as problem solvers in all areas of human life. Yet, computer scientists have difficulties in calling computer science the “science of computer based problem solving methodology”. This is probably caused by the development of software technology as a collection of tools dedicated to computer experts. The paper proposes a new methodology for computer based problem solving based on problem domain dedicated software tools. This prevents the exponential growth of software tool complexity and does not require computer user to be a computer expert.
Appearance, context and co-occurrence ensembles for identity recognition in personal photo collections

While modern research in face recognition has focused on new feature representations, alternate learning methods for fusion of features, most have ignored the issue of unmodeled correlations in face data when combining diverse features such as similar visual regions, attributes, appearance frequency, etc. Conventional wisdom is that by using sufficient data and machine, one can learn the systematic correlations and use the data to form a more robust basis for core recognition tasks like verification, identification, and clustering. This however, takes large amounts of training data which is not really available for personal consumer photo collections. We address the fusion/correlation issue differently by proposing an ensemble-based approach that is built on different information sources such as facial appearance, visual context, and social (or co-occurrence) information of samples in a dataset, to provide higher classification accuracy for face recognition in consumer photo collections. To evaluate the utility of our ensembles and simultaneously generate stronger generic features, we perform two experiments - (i) a verification experiment on the standard unconstrained LFW (Labeled Faces in the Wild) dataset where by using an ensemble of appearance related features we report comparable results with recently reported state-of-the-art results and 2.9% better classification accuracy than the previous best method, and(ii) experiment on the Gallagher personal photo collection where we demonstrate at least 17% relative performance gain using visual context and social co-occurrence ensembles.
Tendencies regarding the effect of emotional intensity in inter corpus phoneme-level speech emotion modelling

As emotion recognition from speech has matured to a degree where it becomes suitable for real-life applications, it is time for developing techniques for matching different types of emotional data with multi-dimensional and categories-based annotations. The categorical approach is usually applied for acted `full blown' emotions and multi-dimensional annotation is often preferred for spontaneous real life emotions. A particularly realistic task we consider in this contribution is cross-corpus emotion recognition and its evaluation. General and phoneme-level emotional models on acted and spontaneous emotions (`very intense' and `intense') are used in our experimental study. The emotional models were trained on spontaneous emotions from the complete VAM dataset and subsets with variable emotional intensities and evaluated on acted emotions from the Berlin EMO-DB dataset. We observe a significant classification performance gap for general models trained on very intense spontaneous emotions. As a consequence, we address the importance of collecting large corpora with very intense emotional content for training more reliable phoneme-level emotional models.
Elevated phosphate, ammonia and total suspended solids near sewage outlets and reclamation sites in coastal waters of Makassar, Indonesia

Makassar is a large city in Southeast Asia with a strategic role to play in supporting the development of Indonesia. Its position as a centre for local and regional development has led to a sharp increase in the human population and a concomitant need for supporting facilities. With limited land in coastal areas, reclamation is one option being implemented. The increases in population and reclamation have both had negative effects on the condition of coastal waters. This study aimed to compare the levels of phosphate, ammonia and TSS in the waters near selected drainage outlets of Makassar City before and after land reclamation. The results showed increasingly high levels of phosphate at two sites (Jongaya and Paotere Canals). Increased ammonia, nitrogen and TSS were only found at the outlet of the Jongaya Canal. Four of the outlets (Jeneberang River, Benteng Canal and Tallo River) had relatively low nutrient concentrations. The results indicate that domestic waste is a major source of phosphate and ammonia pollution in the Jongaya and Paotere Canals. In the Jongaya Canal, all parameters (phosphate, ammonia, nitrogen, and TSS) were higher after the reclamation than beforehand
Cultural Oppression and Emotional Distress: Finding the Links

Previous analyses of the situation of people who experience emotional distress have focussed on their status as receivers of mental health services, or on the discrimination arising from having been labelled ‘mentally ill’. In contrast to these perspectives, this study explores forms of cultural oppression which have a negative impact on people who experience distress. This includes direct media representations of distress, but also goes beyond these to examine ways in which culture constructs oppressively limited notions of image and identity, in ways which have a negative impact on people who experience distress. It goes beyond previous analyses of culture within disability studies by examining the direct effect of representation on individuals.
Simulated pivot-shift testing with single and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

BACKGROUND One of the principal rationales for performing a double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is the suggestion that it may be superior to a single-bundle reconstruction in restoring a normal pivot-shift sign. The purpose of this study was to measure the abilities of single-bundle and anatomic double-bundle reconstructions to restore normal knee kinematics and graft forces during a simulated pivot-shift test. METHODS Graft force and knee kinematics were recorded during a simulated pivot-shift event with and without the anterior cruciate ligament and after graft reconstructions. With a single bundle, the graft was tensioned to restore anterior-posterior laxity at 30 degrees of flexion. With double-bundle reconstructions, the anteromedial graft was first tensioned as above and then the posterolateral graft tension was set with use of one of four protocols: posterolateral tension = anteromedial tension at 10 degrees of flexion (DB1); posterolateral tension = anteromedial tension at 30 degrees (DB2); posterolateral tension = (anteromedial tension + 30 N) at 10 degrees (DB3); and posterolateral tension = (anteromedial tension + 30 N) at 30 degrees (DB4). RESULTS A single-bundle reconstruction restored all displacements and rotations during the pivot shift to the intact knee levels. The mean tibial rotations and lateral plateau displacements during the pivot shift with DB2, DB3, and DB4 reconstructions were less than those in the intact knee and also less than those in a single-bundle reconstruction. Before the pivot shift, the mean graft forces with all reconstructions were greater than that of the intact knee; the mean graft forces with the DB3 and DB4 reconstructions were also greater than that of a single-bundle reconstruction. After the pivot shift, the mean graft forces for all reconstructions were less than the levels before the pivot shift with single-bundle forces lower than intact knee levels and DB4 forces higher than intact knee levels. CONCLUSIONS Reduction or elimination of the pivot-shift sign is an important goal for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In our model, the results show that a single-bundle reconstruction was sufficient to restore intact knee kinematics during a simulated pivot-shift event. The higher graft forces with some double-bundle graft-tensioning protocols reduced the coupled rotations and displacements from an applied valgus moment to less than the intact levels. This overcorrection should theoretically make the knee less likely to pivot but could have unknown clinical consequences.
Antagonistic Interaction between Systemic Acquired Resistance and the Abscisic Acid–Mediated Abiotic Stress Response in Arabidopsis[W]

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a potent innate immunity system in plants that is effective against a broad range of pathogens. SAR development in dicotyledonous plants, such as tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis thaliana, is mediated by salicylic acid (SA). Here, using two types of SAR-inducing chemicals, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one1,1-dioxide and benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester, which act upstream and downstream of SA in the SAR signaling pathway, respectively, we show that treatment with abscisic acid (ABA) suppresses the induction of SAR in Arabidopsis. In an analysis using several mutants in combination with these chemicals, treatment with ABA suppressed SAR induction by inhibiting the pathway both upstream and downstream of SA, independently of the jasmonic acid/ethylene-mediated signaling pathway. Suppression of SAR induction by the NaCl-activated environmental stress response proved to be ABA dependent. Conversely, the activation of SAR suppressed the expression of ABA biosynthesis–related and ABA-responsive genes, in which the NPR1 protein or signaling downstream of NPR1 appears to contribute. Therefore, our data have revealed that antagonistic crosstalk occurs at multiple steps between the SA-mediated signaling of SAR induction and the ABA-mediated signaling of environmental stress responses.
Sequential Monte Carlo samplers

Summary. We propose a methodology to sample sequentially from a sequence of probability distributions that are defined on a common space, each distribution being known up to a normalizing constant. These probability distributions are approximated by a cloud of weighted random samples which are propagated over time by using sequential Monte Carlo methods. This methodology allows us to derive simple algorithms to make parallel Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms interact to perform global optimization and sequential Bayesian estimation and to compute ratios of normalizing constants. We illustrate these algorithms for various integration tasks arising in the context of Bayesian inference.
Technical report 11-020 Feasible-cooperation distributed model predictive control scheme based on game theory ∗

This work deals with the formulation of a distributed model predictive control scheme as a decision problem in which the decisions of each subsystem affect the decisions of the other subsystems and the performance of the whole system. This decision problem is formulated as a bargaining game. This formulation allows each subsystem to decide whether to cooperate or not depending on the benefits that the subsystem can gain from the cooperation. A solution based on game theory is proposed. The convexity and feasibility properties of the proposed solution are also presented. The proposed control scheme is tested on a case study with a chain of two continuous stirred tank reactors followed by a non-adiabatic flash separator.
Multi-User MIMO Systems Using Semi-Orthogonal Space Division Multiplexing with Alamouti Code

In this paper, a multi-user multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system using semi-orthogonal space division multiplexing (semi-OSDM) and single-user QR-triangular detection with Alamouti code is studied. In this proposed semi-OSDM with STBC system, the transmit signals for each user are grouped into pairs and separately coded by using the standard Alamouti space-time code, while QR decomposition is used to make the signaling streams triangular so that the serial interference cancellation (SIC) can be utilized to maintain an accurate signal detection at the receiver. The bit error rate (BER) performance of the proposed semi-OSDM with STBC system outperforms the orthogonal space division multiplexing (OSDM) system as well as the semi-OSDM system, while exploiting a reduced complexity and stability when the correlation of the channel changes. Moreover, it largely reduces the complexity of the receivers.
Phylogeography of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in the Southwest Indian Ocean

Patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation were used to analyse the population genetic structure of southwestern Indian Ocean green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations. Analysis of sequence variation over 396 bp of the mtDNA control region revealed seven haplotypes among 288 individuals from 10 nesting sites in the Southwest Indian Ocean. This is the first time that Atlantic Ocean haplotypes have been recorded among any Indo‐Pacific nesting populations. Previous studies indicated that the Cape of Good Hope was a major biogeographical barrier between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans because evidence for gene flow in the last 1.5 million years has yet to emerge. This study, by sampling localities adjacent to this barrier, demonstrates that recent gene flow has occurred from the Atlantic Ocean into the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope. We also found compelling genetic evidence that green turtles nesting at the rookeries of the South Mozambique Channel (SMC) and those nesting in the North Mozambique Channel (NMC) belong to separate genetic stocks. Furthermore, the SMC could be subdivided in two different genetic stocks, one in Europa and the other one in Juan de Nova. We suggest that this particular genetic pattern along the Mozambique Channel is attributable to a recent colonization from the Atlantic Ocean and is maintained by oceanic conditions in the northern and southern Mozambique Channel that influence early stages in the green turtle life cycle.
An empirical investigation on ranking financial risk factors using AHP method

Article history: Received December 28, 2013 Accepted 10 April 2014 Available online April 14 2014 This paper determines and ranks financial risk factors in Iranian corporations, using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The present research includes one main question and four subquestions. Its universe population includes managers, production and financial personnel of great corporations activating in Tehran Stock Exchange, who were selected to explain importance and weight of economic risks indices. The source of great corporations recognition is the Companies Registration Organization in Tehran Province, and according to this, there are 120 corporations. The results have indicated that financing risk maintains the highest priority followed by credit risk, liquidity risk, inflation risk and exchange risk. In terms of different risks associated with financing risk, risk of profit per share has been the number one priority followed by the risk of divisional profit per share, the risk of recessionary or boom and the risk of increasing partial pay profit rate. In terms of credit risk, the risk of loan has been number one priority followed by the risk of inability of loan payment and interest payment. Liquidity risk is another risk factor where demand has been the most important factor followed by rules and regulations and inflation risk. In terms of inflation, producers price risk has been the most important factor followed by consumer price risk, gross domestic product and producers price risk. Finally, in terms of different factors influencing exchange risk, export related issues are considered as the most important factors. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Human body part detection using likelihood score computations

Detection and labelling of human body parts in videos or images can provide vital clues in analysis of human behaviour and action. Detecting body parts separately is considerably difficult due to the huge amount of intra-class variations exhibited. In most methods, researchers tend to impose some connectivity or shape constraints on the classifier output to obtain the final detected body parts. In this paper, we propose a novel idea to compute likelihood scores for each of the initial classified body parts based on Bayes theorem using Extreme learning machine's (ELM) output value (different from the predicted class label). Also, we do not impose any other constraints on the initially detected body parts. We use Histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) features and ELM for initial classification. We also employ a voting scheme that uses inter-frame detected segments to filter out errors and detect body parts in the current frame. Experiments have been conducted to show our method can identify body parts in different body postures quiet appreciably.
Selfing results in inbreeding depression of growth but not of gas exchange of surviving adult black spruce trees.

In most tree species, inbreeding greatly reduces seed production, seed viability, survival and growth. In a previous large-scale quantitative analysis of a black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) diallel experiment, selfing had large deleterious effects on growth but no impact on stable carbon isotope discrimination (an indirect measure of the ratio of net photosynthesis (A) to stomatal conductance (gwv)). It was hypothesized that selfing has no effect on carbon (C) fixation at the leaf level but impairs subsequent utilization of C. Alternatively, A and gwv may be impacted by selfing to the same extent. However, no gas exchange data were collected to test these hypotheses. We have now obtained photosynthetic gas exchange data from three selfed families and three outcrossed families (all the result of controlled pollination) from the same diallel experiment. Photosynthetic responses to intercellular CO2 concentration (A-Ci curves) were generated on four replicates per family, one block per day, over a 4-day period in July. There were no differences between selfed and outcrossed families in maximum carboxylation rate, maximum electron transport, A or gwv (both estimated at 370 ppm CO2), or the ratio A/gwv. Because selfed trees had higher mortality than outcrossed trees during the experiment, we cannot exclude the possibility that previously living selfed progeny had low A. Nevertheless, the data indicate that inbreeding can result in trees that have low productivity despite high A, supporting our hypothesis that gas exchange is similar between selfed and outcrossed progeny trees. We conclude that utilization of fixed C is modified in the surviving selfed progeny.
Reincarnation “Iroso” in Esan: A Myth or Reality

Abstract It is the concern of this paper to examine the concept of ‘iroso’, which means reincarnation among the Esan people of southwestern Nigeria. It becomes necessary to x-ray this happening against the background of such selected phenomenon in African traditional worldview that supposedly makes up the content of African philosophy. The paper came to a conclusion that it is not all events or occurrences that could be explained empirically. Hence, reincarnation should be taken as one of the ways Africans promotes family solidarity and unbroken unity and such be accepted as what Echekwube referred to as ‘regeneration’ theory instead of reincarnation.
Sterile inflammation in the spleen during atherosclerosis provides oxidation-specific epitopes that induce a protective B-cell response

Significance In this study we investigate the origin of the protective B-cell response in the spleen in atherosclerosis. We find an ongoing B-cell activation with production of antibodies against oxidation-specific epitopes. In addition, this response can be accelerated using apoptotic cells alone that reduce lesion development and serum cholesterol in a B-cell–dependent manner. This study pinpoints the spleen as an important organ for atherosclerosis-associated immunity and provides novel pathways to use for treatment. The B-cell response in atherosclerosis is directed toward oxidation-specific epitopes such as phosphorylcholine (PC) that arise during disease-driven oxidation of self-antigens. PC-bearing antigens have been used to induce atheroprotective antibodies against modified low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), leading to plaque reduction. Previous studies have found that B-cell transfer from aged atherosclerotic mice confers protection to young mice, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we dissected the atheroprotective response in the spleen and found an ongoing germinal center reaction, accumulation of antibody-forming cells, and inflammasome activation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (Apoe−/−). Specific B-cell clone expansion involved the heavy chain variable region (Vh) 5 and Vh7 B-cell receptor families that harbor anti-PC reactivity. oxLDL also accumulated in the spleen. To investigate whether protection could be induced by self-antigens alone, we injected apoptotic cells that carry the same oxidation-specific epitopes as oxLDL. This treatment reduced serum cholesterol and inhibited the development of atherosclerosis in a B-cell–dependent manner. Thus, we conclude that the spleen harbors a protective B-cell response that is initiated in atherosclerosis through sterile inflammation. These data highlight the importance of the spleen in atherosclerosis-associated immunity.
Link-duration-oriented route lifetime computation for AODV in MANET

Link duration is the time interval during which two nodes are within transmission range of each other. In this paper, the link duration of the random waypoint (RWP) mobility model is derived and the result indicate that it is determined by the speed as well as incident angle of the speeds. By estimating the link duration in route selection for AODV, the energy, delay and packet delivery ratio metrics are improved.
TIG AISI-316 welds using an inert gas welding chamber and different filler metals: Changes in mechanical properties and microstructure

This report analyses the influence of the use of an inert gas welding chamber with a totally inert atmosphere on the microstructure and mechanical properties of austenitic AISI 316L stainless steel TIG welds, using AISI ER316L, AISI 308L and Inconel 625 as filler metals. When compared with the typical TIG process, the use of the inert gas chamber induced changes in the microstructure, mainly an increase in the presence of vermicular ferrite and ferrite stringers, what resulted in higher yield strengths and lower values of hardness. Its effect on other characteristics of the joins, such as tensile strength, depended on the filler metal. The best combination of mechanical characteristics was obtained when welding in the inert gas chamber using Inconel 625 as filler metal.
Hybrid Map Task Scheduling for GPU-Based Heterogeneous Clusters

MapReduce is a programming model that enables efficient massive data processing in large-scale computing environments such as supercomputers and clouds. Such large-scale computers employ GPUs to enjoy its good peak performance and high memory bandwidth. Since the performace of each job is depending on running application characteristics and underlying computing environments, scheduling MapReduce tasks onto CPU cores and GPU devices for efficient execution is difficult. To address this problem, we have proposed a hybrid scheduling technique for GPU-based computer clusters, which minimizes the execution time of a submitted job using dynamic profiles of Map tasks running on CPU cores and GPU devices. We have implemented a prototype of our proposed scheduling technique by extending MapReduce framework, Hadoop. We have conducted some experiments for this prototype by using a K-means application as a benchmark on a supercomputer. The results show that the proposed technique achieves 1.93 times faster than the Hadoop original scheduling algorithm at 64 nodes (1024 CPU cores and 128 GPU devices). The results also indicate that the performance of map tasks, including both CPU and GPU tasks, is significantly affected by the overhead of map task invocation in the Hadoop framework.