Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian filtering for a bluetooth positioning system

Positioning systems are one of the multiple applications of the wireless sensor networks. These networks are very adequate in environments where other positioning technologies, as satellite systems, do not work. Bluetooth is a promising technology, since it is present in any kind of portable devices. By using the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) it is possible to make an estimation of the distance between a transmitter and a receiver. By using this information, it is possible to develop an algorithm that estimates positions, even with the bluetooth constraints when the RSSI is obtained. Our experimental results show that our algorithm, based on a particle filter, can achieve a good performance.
Sequential updating of multimodal hydrogeologic parameter fields using localization and clustering techniques

Estimated parameter distributions in groundwater models may contain significant uncertainties because of data insufficiency. Therefore, adaptive uncertainty reduction strategies are needed to continuously improve model accuracy by fusing new observations. In recent years, various ensemble Kalman filters have been introduced as viable tools for updating high‐dimensional model parameters. However, their usefulness is largely limited by the inherent assumption of Gaussian error statistics. Hydraulic conductivity distributions in alluvial aquifers, for example, are usually non‐Gaussian as a result of complex depositional and diagenetic processes. In this study, we combine an ensemble Kalman filter with grid‐based localization and a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) clustering techniques for updating high‐dimensional, multimodal parameter distributions via dynamic data assimilation. We introduce innovative strategies (e.g., block updating and dimension reduction) to effectively reduce the computational costs associated with these modified ensemble Kalman filter schemes. The developed data assimilation schemes are demonstrated numerically for identifying the multimodal heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity distributions in a binary facies alluvial aquifer. Our results show that localization and GMM clustering are very promising techniques for assimilating high‐dimensional, multimodal parameter distributions, and they outperform the corresponding global ensemble Kalman filter analysis scheme in all scenarios considered.
Circuit performance optimization for local intra-die process variations using a gate selection metric

Process variations are imposing strong limits to performance of digital circuits at gigascale integration; they are classified in two types: inter-die and intra-die variations. Moreover, intra-die variations, which were ignored in the past, now have become significant. The present work proposes a statistical performance optimization methodology using a gate selection metric to enhance performance of digital integrated circuits in the presence of local intra-die process variations. The gate selection metric allows to select those gates to be re-sized for improving circuit performance at a lower area cost. This selection metric allows to optimize the circuit behavior using Lagrange method. The obtained results on ISCAS benchmark circuits show the benefits of the proposed methodology. The proposed optimization methodology allows to increases yield leading to better revenue.
Energy-efficient tailoring of VM size and tasks in cloud data centers

Nowadays, cloud computing has emerged as the most popular computing platform due to its ability to reduce the operating costs. A sizable chunk of the operating costs is composed of power consumption of the cloud data center alone. It has been observed that improperly sized virtual machines result in comparatively higher power consumption. Although efforts have been made to address the issue of high power consumption, still efficient resource allocation in a cloud environment continues to pose a significant challenge. The proposed design is based on the concept of clustering tasks based on computing resource requirements, and then distributing the tasks among appropriately sized virtual machines on the basis of computing resources. The current paper evaluates the proposed model against representational techniques in the field. A benchmark dataset from Google cloud trace is used for the evaluation. Empirical results analysis has shown that the proposed model offers significant advantages over the existing schemes in so far as load balancing of active physical servers is concerned in terms of defined performance metrics.
The Yin-and-Yang of Collaborative Consumption Development: the Role of Ambidextrous is Capabilities at Goget Carshare

In this paper, we present a model of how ambidextrous IS capabilities enact the development and management of collaborative consumption platforms. Collaborative consumption in an increasingly digital economy is emergent, and fosters hyper-connections among human actors, organizations, and processes in the negotiating and sharing of goods and services. Despite this, existing literature does not provide actionable process models, nor does it meaningfully engage with the role of IS in understanding how collaborative consumption platforms create value. We present a study of GoGet, a car-sharing platform, service and community that has experienced significant growth over the past decade. Based on preliminary findings and drawing on IS capabilities as theoretical lens, we reveal a four-stage process model − minimizing, attaining, extending and optimizing − central to achieving a balance between growth and control objectives in a collaborative consumption ecosystem. Our ongoing study, which seeks to reveal a roadmap as to how IS capabilities facilitate this new mode of consumption, has implications for both theory and practice.
Locating phone boundaries from acoustic discontinuities using a two-staged approach

Ability to automatically align phonetic transcriptions with their associated acoustic signal is crucial to the development of computer-assisted speech training system where, it is frequently needed to locate phone boundaries from a known transcription in the signal. In this paper, an attempt to locate phone boundaries in the case where only the numbers of boundaries are known is described. Phone boundaries are hypothesized based solely on acoustic discontinuities without knowing exact transcriptions. This allows speech segmentation to be performed without large number of in-domain speech data for training. The boundary identification is done in two stages. Candidates for possible boundaries are selected in the first stage via local maxima of spectral changes. Dynamic programming is used to search for the best locations of phone boundaries from the candidate list. Allowing at most 20 ms. deviation from the actual boundaries, approximately 75% accuracy is achieved on a Thai continuous speech corpus.
Effect of filmless imaging on the utilization of radiologic services.

PURPOSE To determine the effect of a large-scale picture archiving and communication system (PACS) on in- and outpatient utilization of radiologic services. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (BVAMC) before and after implementation of an enterprise-wide PACS; the numbers and types of imaging examinations performed for fiscal years 1993 and 1996 were evaluated. These data were compared with those from a similar academic medical center, the Philadelphia VA Medical Center (PVAMC), and with aggregate data obtained nationally for all VA hospitals over comparable periods. RESULTS Inpatient utilization, defined as the number of examinations per inpatient day, increased by 82% (from 0.265 to 0.483 examinations per patient day) after a transition to filmless operation at BVAMC. This is substantially greater than the increases of 38% (from 0.263 to 0.362 examinations per patient day) and 11% (from 0.190 to 0.211 examinations per patient day) at the film-based PVAMC and nationally, respectively. Outpatient utilization, defined as the number of examinations per visit, increased by 21% (from 0.108 to 0.131 examinations per visit) at BVAMC, compared with a 1% increase (from 0.087 to 0.088 examinations per visit) at PVAMC and a net decrease of 19% (from 0. 148 to 0.120 examinations per visit) nationally. CONCLUSION The transition to filmless operation was associated with increases in inpatient and outpatient utilization of radiologic services, which substantially exceeded changes at PVAMC and nationally over the same interval.
Presynaptic δ Opioid Receptors Regulate Ethanol Actions in Central Amygdala

Endogenous opioid systems are implicated in the reinforcing effects of ethanol consumption. For example, δ opioid receptor (DOR) knockout (KO) mice show greater ethanol consumption than wild-type (WT) mice (Roberts et al., 2001). To explore the neurobiological correlates underlying these behaviors, we examined effects of acute ethanol application in brain slices from DOR KO mice using whole-cell patch recording techniques. We examined the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) because the CeA is implicated in alcohol reinforcement (Koob et al., 1998). We found that the acute ethanol effects on GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were greater in DOR KO mice than in WT mice. Ethanol increased the frequency of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) significantly more in DOR KO mice than in WT mice. In CeA of WT mice, application of ICI 174864 [[allyl]2-Tyr-α-amino-isobutyric acid (Aib)-Aib-Phe-Leu-OH], a DOR inverse agonist, augmented ethanol actions on mIPSC frequency comparable with ethanol effects seen in DOR KO mice. Superfusion of the selective DOR agonist d-Pen2,d-Pen5-enkephalin decreased the mean frequency of mIPSCs; this effect was reversed by the DOR antagonist naltrindole. These findings suggest that endogenous opioids may reduce ethanol actions on IPSCs of CeA neurons in WT mice through DOR-mediated inhibition of GABA release and that the increased ethanol effect on IPSCs in CeA of DOR KO mice could be, at least in part, due to absence of DOR-mediated inhibition of GABA release. This result supports the hypothesis that endogenous opioid peptides modulate the ethanol-induced augmentation of GABAA receptor-dependent circuitry in CeA (Roberto et al., 2003).
Psychopathology among young homeless people: longitudinal mental health outcomes for different subgroups.

BACKGROUND Homeless young people are recognized as a very vulnerable group in terms of mental health; however, few studies in the UK have examined this. Furthermore, homeless young people represent a heterogeneous group in terms of their mental health and greater characterization could improve intervention work. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to examine prevalence and subtypes of psychopathology among a British sample of young homeless people and to investigate potential associations between identified typologies and a priori specified current and past experiences. In addition, the study intended to explore physical health, mental health, and housing outcomes for the different mental health subgroups. DESIGN A prospective longitudinal design was used. METHODS Structured interviews including a mental health assessment were conducted with 90 young homeless people aged 16-23 years. Follow-up interviews were conducted approximately 10 and 20 months later. Cluster analysis at baseline was used to identify groups based on lifetime mental health problems. RESULTS The current and lifetime incidence of mental health problems was high (88% and 93%, respectively). Three subgroups of homeless young people were identified: (1) minimal mental health issues; (2) mood, substance, and conduct disorder; and (3) post-traumatic stress disorder, mood, and anxiety issues. These groups differed with respect to follow-up indicators of change and stability of mental health status, service use, and suicide risk, but not housing outcome. Other characteristics (gender ratio, past experiences) also distinguished the subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Typologies of young homeless people based on psychopathology reveal differences in lifetime and future experiences including mental health at follow-up. Identified groups could be used to tailor interventions towards differing needs. PRACTITIONER POINTS Low mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosis are common mental health issues among young homeless people in the UK. Subgroups of young homeless people with differing needs can be identified, and these groups can be used to predict outcomes. Tailoring support provision towards specific needs has the potential to improve mental health and other outcomes for vulnerable young homeless people. Young homeless people often do not access the support to which they are entitled. Services need to be adapted to improve access for this group.
Constraint-based playlist generation by applying genetic algorithm

In this paper, we propose a formal model of playlist generation and define three types of constraints, i.e., parameter-specified constraints, derived constraints, and user-defined constraints. Some constraints can be derived through user behaviour and user interactions. Given a set of constraints, we apply a genetic algorithm to generate a playlist which optimizes the number of matched constraints. We also implement our prototype, and perform experiments to show the feasibility and effectiveness of prototype.
Quorum Sensing Contributes to Natural Transformation of Vibrio cholerae in a Species-Specific Manner

ABSTRACT Although it is a human pathogen, Vibrio cholerae is a regular member of aquatic habitats, such as coastal regions and estuaries. Within these environments, V. cholerae often takes advantage of the abundance of zooplankton and their chitinous molts as a nutritious surface on which the bacteria can form biofilms. Chitin also induces the developmental program of natural competence for transformation in several species of the genus Vibrio. In this study, we show that V. cholerae does not distinguish between species-specific and non-species-specific DNA at the level of DNA uptake. This is in contrast to what has been shown for other Gram-negative bacteria, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus influenzae. However, species specificity with respect to natural transformation still occurs in V. cholerae. This is based on a positive correlation between quorum sensing and natural transformation. Using mutant-strain analysis, cross-feeding experiments, and synthetic cholera autoinducer-1 (CAI-1), we provide strong evidence that the species-specific signaling molecule CAI-1 plays a major role in natural competence for transformation. We suggest that CAI-1 can be considered a competence pheromone.
Shifting Perspectives on Comparative Research: A view from the USA

The evolution of scholarship in comparative education in the USA has reached a point where several observations are possible. While there is variation in methodology and theory, three principal perspectives tend to be represented in most contemporary articles published in the top journals in the field. These might be referred to as being area studies based, social science disciplinary based, or development/planning studies based. In this article we briefly trace the evolution of these perspectives, identify some stress points in the field, and look ahead to whether or not the field is facing competition among these perspectives or convergence. We suggest that the field of comparative education, not being bound by one or another of these perspectives, can play a significant role in the reconstruction of learning.
Bricoleurs and Planners engaging in Scientific Reasoning: a Tale of Two Groups in One Learning Community

Many learners think of scientific reasoning as something that is done only in the classroom. We aim to develop long-term scientific programs outside of school, helping learners to see and do science in their everyday lives, where the science is not simple and fixed (or pre-packaged). Our challenge is to facilitate the development of a learning community for learners with a variety of interests and learning styles, allowing each to find their own "hook" into science. Our approach is to help learners form a learning community where they participate in science together, taking ownership of their learning and learning science as they pursue their own goals of preparing tasty dishes. In this paper, we present data from our informal learning environment, Kitchen Science Investigators, where middle-school-aged children learn science and scientific reasoning skills through cooking. We are specifically focused on how participants reason scientifically. We look at two groups, who are at opposite ends of two dimensions (interest and planning style) to see how they responded to the scaffolding provided in the environment, how their scientific reasoning skills developed, and the community issues that arose (i.e. group dynamics) among and within the groups. We do this in efforts to draw out issues that arise when designing for a heterogeneous set of learners (along the dimensions of interest and planning style), and to begin thinking about ways to address these issues.
DETERMINANTS OF VIOLENCE IN THE FAMILY : TOWARD A THEORETICAL INTEGRATION

Prior to 1971 violent family members were among the missing persons of family research. No articles whose titles contained the word “violence” had appeared in The Journal of Marriage and the Family before the special issue on violence in November 1971 (O’Brien, 1971). The few references to violence between family members almost invariably dealt with pathological extremes. They tended to be either in the form of analyses of crime statistics such as homicide and assault (see for example Wolfgang, 1958; Pittman and Handy, 1964). discussions of particular cases of conjugal homicide or child abuse or filicide (see for example Kempe et al., 1962; Steele and Pollock, 1974; Schultz, 1960; and Snell et al., 1964). or presentations on possible intervention strategies in family violence (see for example Bard, 1969; Bard and Berkowitz, 1969; and Parnas, 1970). Implicit in most of the previous work on intrafamily
Characterization of Hardwood Lignin: Investigation of Syringyl/Guaiacyl Composition by 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance Spectroscopy was investigated äs a method to determine the relative syringyl/guaiacyl composition of hardwood lignins. By this technique, red oak fiber and middle lamella milled wood lignins (MWLs) were similar while white birch MWLs from different morphological regions gave apparent differences in their syringyl/guaiacyl ratios. However, methoxyl contents of MWLs were similar, indicating the unsuitability of carbon magnetic resonance Spectroscopy, äs performed, äs a quantitative method. A correlation was noted between the measured carbon magnetic resonance syringyl/ guaiacyl ratio and the molecular weight distribution of the MWLs. Molecular weight distributions of the MWLs suggested that birch middle lamella lignin was higher in molecular weight than fiber cell wall lignin.
Prognostic impact of cancer-associated stromal cells in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment, of which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major cellular components, plays an important role in tumor progression. This study evaluated the significance of podoplanin-positive CAFs and CD204-positive TAMs, which may reflect tumor-promoting CAFs and TAMs, as risk factors for recurrence in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS The expression of podoplanin in CAFs and CD204 in TAMs was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 304 patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection between September 1992 and July 2004. The recurrence-free proportion (RFP) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The presence of podoplanin-positive CAFs and the higher number of CD204-positive TAMs were associated with a lower 5-year RFP (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Podoplanin-positive CAFs were an independently statistically significant risk factor for recurrence with the highest hazard ratio (3.474, P = .029, by multivariate Cox proportional hazards model). According to subgroup analyses combining podoplanin-positive CAFs and other independent risk factors (visceral pleural invasion and intratumoral vascular invasion), the 5-year RFPs were 95.6%, 92.3%, 80.5%, and 30.3% (P = .294, P = .067, and P < .001) for patients with zero, one, two, or three risk factors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Podoplanin-positive CAFs were the most powerful independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma. Podoplanin-positive CAFs may be useful for identifying patients with a high risk of recurrence who might benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Notice of RetractionWhen does a product recall hurt? An investigation on public response

One of the most pressing problems faced by business leaders in product recalls is to reduce negative public response and protect the firms' reputation. But how public response to product recalls remains largely unexplored and current studies failed to reach consistent conclusion on the performance of product recall strategies. In this article, we analyse public comments on product recall events occurred during the past 3 years and construct the public response model. Our results show that public response towards product recalls contains attention and evaluation. Prior beliefs of the public on the recalled brand influence the interpretation of the recall and result in different response to product recall strategies.
The impact of personality disorder in UK primary care: a 1-year follow-up of attenders

Background. The usefulness of the concept of personality disorder has not been properly tested outside psychiatric services. We set out to examine this in primary care, by examining the ability of the diagnosis to predict health status and patterns of service use. Method. A cohort of consecutive attenders, who had previously been rated for the presence of personality disorder using a standardized assessment, was followed-up at 1 year. The participating general practitioners also rated the personalities of, and their attitudes towards, a proportion of this sample of attenders. Results. After adjusting for the effects of all covariates, a rating of personality disorder (generated by the standardized assessment) was associated with frequent attendance to general practice and fewer referrals to secondary care. A GP rating of personality disorder was associated with the prescription of psychotropic medication. The level of agreement between a GP rating of personality disorder and the standardized assessment was poor. GPs rated personality disorder more frequently in participants who were perceived to be less compliant, less likeable and more stressful to deal with. Participants with a psychiatric rating of personality disorder did not attract these negative perceptions. Conclusions. Personality disorder, as rated by a research interview, is a predictor of health service usage. There is a significant disparity between a research rating of personality disorder and the diagnostic ratings made by GPs. The GP ratings of personality disorder were strongly associated with adverse perceptions of the patient's consulting behaviour.
High slew rate two stage A/AB and AB/AB op-amps with phase lead compensation at output node and local common mode feedback

Class A/AB and class AB/AB two stage op-amps with very high and symmetrical slew rate are introduced. They use output dominant pole with phase lead compensation. Resistive local common mode feedback is used to achieve a class AB output stage. One of the architectures uses also a class AB pseudo-differential pair to achieve class AB operation in the input stage. Experimental results verify slew rate enhancement factors of 12 and 50 for the A/AB and AB/AB circuits respectively. This is achieved with same bandwidth and noise and very small additional quiescent power dissipation or hardware complexity.