Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Public electronic payments: A case study of the electronic cash system in Ecuador

Electronic payment methods, or ePayments, are frequently used by the private sector for eCommerce transactions for buying and selling goods or services offered through the Internet. This term describes the process needed to carry out the supply chain without changing media channels. Mobile payment systems and electronic cash have emerged as a quick and safe opportunity, which draws high penetration and use of cell phones for payments in the world. This type of payment method can also be extended and implemented by public administrations. In this paper, a case study on an electronic payment method developed by the Central Bank of Ecuador is presented as an alternative model to the electronic cash system offered with the public sector, seeking to provide the Ecuadorian population with an alternative for economic inclusion and allowing interoperability with different service providers and economic actors. In this work, the design of the system and a comparison with other electronic payment projects is presented. The findings are used to provide recommendations on how to enhance and replicate the development of this type of public projects.
Complexity Lower Bounds through Balanced Graph Properties

We present a combinatorial approach for proving complexity lower bounds; we focus on the following instantiation of this approach. For a property of regular hypergraphs with m edges and an arbitrary hypergraph G with m - t edges, we may count the number of super-hypergraphs of G (i.e., hypergraphs obtained by adding t edges) satisfying the property. Suppose that we find a pair of these properties where every such G has the same number of super-hypergraphs satisfying each property. We show that in this case, we immediately obtain an explicit m/(t - 1) lower bound on the rank of tensors (which are high-dimensional matrices). Notice that if the hypergraphs are 3-uniform, this implies a lower bound of Ω(m/t) for arithmetic circuits. We also show, albeit non-explicitly, that essentially-optimal lower bounds can be obtained using this approach. Furthermore, we exemplify our approach in the t = 2 case, and prove that even in this case we can already obtain interesting lower bounds. In particular, we derive a (tight) lower bound of 3n/2 on the rank of n × n × n tensors that are naturally associated with hypergraph trees. In fact, our bound also applies to the stronger notion of border rank, for which our result essentially matches the best lower bounds known.
Mel Frequency Teager Energy Features for Isolate Word Recognition in Noisy Environment

This paper introduces a robust feature extraction algorithm for speech recognition. A feature extraction algorithm is motivated by the enhanced discrimination capability of Teager Energy Operator (TEO) that estimates the true energy of the source of a resonance. The robust features are computed from the speech signal of given frame through the following steps. First, the short time spectrum of each frame of speech signal is calculated. Second, the frame spectrum is passed through a Mel scaled triangular filter bank. Then, the mean of absolute values of sequence obtained after applying TEO on each filter output is estimated. Finally, the cepstral coefficients are extracted by applying discrete cosine transform on the estimated means. The estimated features are denoted as Mel Frequency Teager Energy Cepstral Coefficients (MFTECC). The effectiveness of this technique has been tested on TI-20 isolated word database and its noisy part created by adding various additive noises like white, babble, train and street noise. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed technique over conventional MFCC.
A cost semantics for self-adjusting computation

Self-adjusting computation is an evaluation model in which programs can respond efficiently to small changes to their input data by using a change-propagation mechanism that updates computation by re-building only the parts affected by changes. Previous work has proposed language techniques for self-adjusting computation and showed the approach to be effective in a number of application areas. However, due to the complex semantics of change propagation and the indirect nature of previously proposed language techniques, it remains difficult to reason about the efficiency of self-adjusting programs and change propagation. In this paper, we propose a cost semantics for self-adjusting computation that enables reasoning about its effectiveness. As our source language, we consider a direct-style λ-calculus with first-class mutable references and develop a notion of trace distance for source programs. To facilitate asymptotic analysis, we propose techniques for composing and generalizing concrete distances via trace contexts (traces with holes). We then show how to translate the source language into a self-adjusting target language such that the translation (1) preserves the extensional semantics of the source programs and the cost of from-scratch runs, and (2) ensures that change propagation between two evaluations takes time bounded by their relative distance. We consider several examples and analyze their effectiveness by considering upper and lower bounds.
Test–retest reliability of peripheral arterial tonometry in the metabolic syndrome

Endothelial dysfunction is an important contributor to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, routine assessment via angiography or flow-mediated dilation is difficult due to technical limitations. Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is a promising alternative method for non-invasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction. This study assessed the test–retest reliability of PAT in adults with the metabolic syndrome (n = 20) and provides sample size and power estimates for study design. Participants completed five PAT tests each separated by 1 week. The PAT-derived reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) showed robust repeatability (intra-class correlation = 0.74). A parallel-arm study powered at 0.90 would require 22 participants to detect an absolute change in RHI of 0.40 units (equal to ~25% change in this sample), whereas a crossover study would require 12 participants. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that PAT can be used to assess endothelial dysfunction in adults with the metabolic syndrome as reliably as in healthy samples.
Cytoplasmic microtubules containing acetylated alpha-tubulin in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: spatial arrangement and properties

A monoclonal antibody, 6-11B-1, specific for acetylated alpha-tubulin (Piperno, G., and M. T. Fuller, 1985, J. Cell Biol., 101:2085-2094) was used to study the distribution of this molecule in interphase cells of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Double-label immunofluorescence was performed using 6-11B-1, and 3A5, an antibody specific for all alpha- tubulin isoforms. It was found that acetylated alpha-tubulin is not restricted to the axonemes, but is also present in basal bodies and in a subset of cytoplasmic microtubules that radiate from the basal bodies just beneath the plasma membrane. Immunoblotting experiments of basal body polypeptide components using 6-11B-1 as a probe confirmed that basal bodies contain acetylated alpha-tubulin. In the cell body, 6-11B- 1 stained an average of 2.2 microtubules/cell, while 3A5 stained an average of 6.5 microtubules. Although exposure to 0 degrees C depolymerized both types of cytoplasmic microtubules, exposure to various concentrations of colchicine or nocodazole showed that the acetylated microtubules are much more resistant to drug-induced depolymerization than nonacetylated microtubules. Axonemes and basal bodies are already known to be colchicine-resistant. All acetylated microtubules appear, therefore, to be more drug-resistant than nonacetylated microtubules. The acetylation of alpha-tubulin may be part of a mechanism that stabilizes microtubules.
Amplifier linearization using simultaneous harmonic and baseband injection

A novel linearization scheme utilizing injection of distortion signal at the input of amplifier is described. Harmonic and baseband signal generated by predistortion circuits is fed to the input of the main amplifier and by controlling the power level of the harmonic and baseband signal properly, mixing products can be made to cancel out with the FET inherent distortion signals. Unlike many other techniques, no precise phase adjustment is required for the RF signal path. For verification, the two-tone performance of a constructed linearized amplifier is measured and a reduction of the third-order IMD power level of about 27 dB is observed.
Quantum algorithms for element distinctness

We present several applications of quantum amplitude amplification to finding claws and collisions in ordered or unordered functions. Our algorithms generalize those of Brassard, Hoyer, and Tapp (1998), and imply an O(N/sup 3/4/ log N) quantum upper bound for the element distinctness problem in the comparison complexity model. This contrasts with /spl Theta/(N log N) classical complexity. We also prove a lower bound of /spl Omega/(/spl radic/N) comparisons for this problem and derive bounds for a number of related problems.
The mediating effects of time structure on the relationships between time management behaviour, job satisfaction, and psychological well‐being

Abstract This article examined the relationship between time structure and Macan's process model of time management. This study proposed that time structure—‘appraisal of effective time usage’—would be a more parsimonious mediator than perceived control over time in the relationship between time management behaviours and outcome variables, such as job satisfaction and psychological well‐being. Alternative structure models were compared using a sample of 111 university students. Model 1 tested Macan's process model of time management with perceived control over time as the mediator. Model 2 replaced perceived control over time by the construct of time structure. Model 3 examined the possibility of perceived control over time and time structure as being parallel mediators of the relationships between time management and outcomes. Results of this study showed that Model 1 and Model 2 fitted the data equally well. On the other hand, the mediated effects were small and partial in both models. This pattern of results calls for reassessment of the process model.
Sequencing at the syllabic and supra-syllabic levels during speech perception: an fMRI study

The processing of fluent speech involves complex computational steps that begin with the segmentation of the continuous flow of speech sounds into syllables and words. One question that naturally arises pertains to the type of syllabic information that speech processes act upon. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to profile regions, using a combination of whole-brain and exploratory anatomical region-of-interest (ROI) approaches, that were sensitive to syllabic information during speech perception by parametrically manipulating syllabic complexity along two dimensions: (1) individual syllable complexity, and (2) sequence complexity (supra-syllabic). We manipulated the complexity of the syllable by using the simplest syllable template—a consonant and vowel (CV)-and inserting an additional consonant to create a complex onset (CCV). The supra-syllabic complexity was manipulated by creating sequences composed of the same syllable repeated six times (e.g., /pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa/) and sequences of three different syllables each repeated twice (e.g., /pa-ta-ka-pa-ta-ka/). This parametrical design allowed us to identify brain regions sensitive to (1) syllabic complexity independent of supra-syllabic complexity, (2) supra-syllabic complexity independent of syllabic complexity and, (3) both syllabic and supra-syllabic complexity. High-resolution scans were acquired for 15 healthy adults. An exploratory anatomical ROI analysis of the supratemporal plane (STP) identified bilateral regions within the anterior two-third of the planum temporale, the primary auditory cortices as well as the anterior two-third of the superior temporal gyrus that showed different patterns of sensitivity to syllabic and supra-syllabic information. These findings demonstrate that during passive listening of syllable sequences, sublexical information is processed automatically, and sensitivity to syllabic and supra-syllabic information is localized almost exclusively within the STP.
Are there any effects of enhanced UV-B radiation on Chara polyacantha and Nitella hyalina under laboratory conditions?

Attenuation of UV-B radiation in the water column occurs due to absorption and scatter but in shallow clear freshwater systems enhanced UV-B radiation might be of importance in affecting aquatic organisms. Two laboratory experiments were performed to determine whether two species of charophytes typical for shallow waterbodies, such as Chara polyacantha and Nitella hyalina , are negatively affected by UV-B radiation. Each experiment had two treatments: (i) the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) treatment and (ii) the enhanced UV-B+PAR treatment. We focussed on the influence on growth rate, photosynthetic pigment concentration and the amount of methanol soluble UV absorbing compounds which can act as a screen preventing radiation damage. UV-B radiation increase in the Extremely Enhanced UV-B Radiation Experiment (> 15 kJ·m -2 ·day -1 UV-B dose) reduced average charophyte length in both species after three weeks of incubation and caused depigmentation and cracking of the charophytes. However, in the Enhanced UV-B Radiation Experiment (3.6 kJ·m -2 ·day -1 UV-B dose) we found a large variability in the length of charophyte individuals in both treatments after 22 and 49 days what caused that there were not statistically significant differences in the growth rates of both charophyte species. However, significant differences in C. polyacantha growth rate were found after four months of exposure. There were not either significant differences in chlorophyll a concentration in C. polyacantha charophyte tissues among the treatments. On the other hand, N. hyalina increased its chlorophyll concentration in the PAR+UV-B treatment. In both experiments, we did not find statistically significant increased levels of methanol soluble UV absorbing compounds under enhanced UV-B conditions. The lack of induction of this kind of compounds in C. polyacantha and N. hyalina under augmented UV-B doses during our experiments is in agreement with other Authors results for Chara aspera , and make us to consider charophytes as potentially sensitive organisms to UV-B radiation.
Alcohol Drinking Problems Among New York City Residents after the September 11 Terrorist Attacks

Recent studies have shown an increase in alcohol use in New York City in the months after the September 11 terrorist attacks; thus far there have been no studies documenting changes in drinking problems. In 2002, a random digit dial phone survey was conducted of residents of New York City. This study provided us with estimates of the prevalence of alcohol drinking problems among residents of New York City 6 months after September 11 compared with the 6 months before September 11. Among 1,570 adults, the prevalence of drinking problems was 3.7% in the 6 months before September 11 and 4.2% in the 6 months after September 11. The incidence of drinking problems among those without drinking problems before September 11 was 2.2%. Persons with incident drinking problems were more likely than those without to report symptoms consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (17.4% vs. 0.4% in those without drinking problems and 1.4% in nondrinkers), and depression (23.5% vs 5.6% vs. 4.9%, respectively) after September 11. After a disaster, a link between drinking problems and posttraumatic stress disorder or depression should be assessed.
Biomechanics and Mechanotransduction in Cells and Tissues Reactive oxidant and p 42 / 44 MAP kinase signaling is necessary for mechanical strain-induced proliferation in pulmonary epithelial cells

Chess, Patricia R. , Michael A. O’Reilly, Fredrick Sachs, and Jacob N. Finkelstein. Reactive oxidant and p42/44 MAP kinase signaling is necessary for mechanical strain-induced proliferation in pulmonary epithelial cells. J Appl Physiol 99: 1226–1232, 2005. First published May 12, 2005; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01105. 2004. — Mechanical strain is necessary for normal lung growth and development. Individuals with respiratory failure are supported with mechanical ventilation, leading to altered lung growth and injury. Understanding signaling pathways initiated by mechanical strain in lung epithelial cells will help guide development of strategies aimed at optimizing strain-induced lung growth while mitigating ventilatorinduced lung injury. To study strain-induced proliferative signaling, focusing on the role of reactive oxidant species (ROS) and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, human pulmonary epithelial H441 and MLE15 cells were exposed to equibiaxial cyclic mechanical strain. ROS were increased within 15 min of strain. N-acetylcysteine inactivated strain-induced ROS and inhibited p42/44 MAP kinase phosphorylation and strain-induced proliferation. PD98059 and UO126, p42/44 MAP kinase inhibitors, blocked strain-induced proliferation. To verify the specificity of p42/44 MAP kinase inhibition, cells were transfected with dominant-negative mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 plasmid DNA. Transfected cells did not proliferate in response to mechanical strain. To determine whether straininduced tyrosine kinase activity is necessary for strain-induced ROSp42/44 MAP kinase signaling, genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was used. Genistein did not block strain-induced ROS production or p42/44 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Gadolinium, a mechanosensitive calcium channel blocker, blocked strain-induced ROS production and p42/44 MAP kinase phosphorylation but not strain-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. These data support ROS production and p42/44 MAP kinase phosphorylation being involved in a common strain-induced signaling pathway, necessary for strain-induced proliferation in pulmonary epithelial cells, with a parallel strain-induced tyrosine kinase pathway.
Naive CD4+ T Lymphocytes Circulate through Lymphoid Organs To Interact with Endogenous Antigens and Upregulate Their Function

Naive T lymphocytes recirculate through the lymph-vascular system and enter and exit lymphoid organs. Using mice expressing the photoconvertible fluorescence protein Kaede, we demonstrated that naive T cells seek to interact with endogenous Ags after migrating to the lymphoid organs. The interaction with endogenous Ags transiently induces CD69 expression on T cells, which prolongs retention in the lymphoid organs. Cells that fail to express CD69 or lose CD69 expression migrate to other lymphoid organs. Functionally, CD69+-naive CD4+ T cells exhibit faster and greater cytokine production than do CD69− naive CD4+ T cells. These results indicate that CD4+ T cells continuously migrate to interact with endogenous Ags, and such an interaction plays an important role in the Ag reactivity of naive CD4+ T cells.
Privacy-Preserving Mining of Association Rules From Outsourced Transaction Databases

Spurred by developments such as cloud computing, there has been considerable recent interest in the paradigm of data mining-as-a-service. A company (data owner) lacking in expertise or computational resources can outsource its mining needs to a third party service provider (server). However, both the items and the association rules of the outsourced database are considered private property of the corporation (data owner). To protect corporate privacy, the data owner transforms its data and ships it to the server, sends mining queries to the server, and recovers the true patterns from the extracted patterns received from the server. In this paper, we study the problem of outsourcing the association rule mining task within a corporate privacy-preserving framework. We propose an attack model based on background knowledge and devise a scheme for privacy preserving outsourced mining. Our scheme ensures that each transformed item is indistinguishable with respect to the attacker's background knowledge, from at least k-1 other transformed items. Our comprehensive experiments on a very large and real transaction database demonstrate that our techniques are effective, scalable, and protect privacy.
Defining the user requirements for wearable and optical fall prediction and fall detection devices for home use

One of the major problems in the development of information and communication technologies for older adults is user acceptance. Here we describe the results of focus group discussions that were conducted with older adults and their relatives to guide the development of assistive devices for fall detection and fall prevention. The aim was to determine the ergonomic and functional requirements of such devices and to include these requirements in a user-centered development process. A semi-structured interview format based on an interview guide was used to conduct three focus group discussions with 22 participants. The average age was 75 years in the first group, 68 years in the second group and 50 years in the third group (relatives). Overall, participants considered a fall prediction system to be as important as a fall detection system. Although the ambient, unobtrusive character of the optical sensor system was appreciated, wearable inertial sensors were preferred because of their wide range of use, which provides higher levels of security. Security and mobility were two major reasons for people at risk of falling to buy a wearable and/or optical fall prediction and fall detection device. Design specifications should include a wearable, non-stigmatising sensor at the user's wrist, with an emergency option in case of falling.
Mobile Navigation Guide for the Visually Disabled

A location-aware navigation system has been developed and implemented for the visually disabled or visually impaired; the system is designed to improve individuals' independent mobility. This self-contained, portable system integrates several technologies, including mobile personal digital assistants, voice synthesis, a geographic information system (GIS), and a differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). The system is meant to augment the various sensory inputs available to the visually impaired user. It provides the user with navigation assistance, making use of voice cues iterating contextual building and feature information at regular intervals, through automatic GPS readings and a GIS database. To improve the efficiency of the retrieval of contextual information, an indexing method based on road segmentation was developed to replace the exhaustive search method. Experimental results show that the performance of the system on searching the buildings, landmarks, and other features around a road has been significantly improved by using this indexing method.
Phrase-Based Statistical Language Generation Using Graphical Models and Active Learning

Most previous work on trainable language generation has focused on two paradigms: (a) using a statistical model to rank a set of generated utterances, or (b) using statistics to inform the generation decision process. Both approaches rely on the existence of a handcrafted generator, which limits their scalability to new domains. This paper presents Bagel, a statistical language generator which uses dynamic Bayesian networks to learn from semantically-aligned data produced by 42 untrained annotators. A human evaluation shows that Bagel can generate natural and informative utterances from unseen inputs in the information presentation domain. Additionally, generation performance on sparse datasets is improved significantly by using certainty-based active learning, yielding ratings close to the human gold standard with a fraction of the data.