Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral Shape Estimation in Data Compression for Smart Grid Monitoring

This paper proposes a transform-based compression algorithm for waveforms associated with power quality and transient phenomena in power systems. This method uses the wavelet transform, a dynamic bit allocation in the transform domain through estimation of the spectral shape, as well as entropy coding in order to minimize residual redundancy. Five distinct approaches for estimating the spectral shape are proposed. Four of them are based on analytical models that seek to describe the decreasing behavior of the transformed coefficients: (1) decreasing linear bit allocation shape; (2) decreasing quadratic bit allocation shape; (3) decreasing exponential bit allocation shape; (4) rotated sigmoid bit allocation shape; and (5) the fifth approach-the neural shape estimator (NSE)-is an adaptive model that uses an artificial neural network to map the changes in the spectrum shape. Results with databases of real signals and a performance evaluation using objective measures are reported. The results indicate that the NSE approach outperforms the other proposed solutions that use spectral shape estimation for coding, as well as other compression contributions reported in the literature.
Summarizing inter-query learning in content-based image retrieval via incremental semantic clustering

In previous work, we developed a novel relevance feedback (RF) framework that learns one-class support vector machines (ISVM) from retrieval experience to represent the set memberships of users' high level semantics. By doing a fuzzy classification of a query into the regions of support represented by the ISVMs, past experience is merged with short-term (i.e., intra-query) learning. However, this led to the representation of long-term (i.e., inter-query) learning with a constantly growing number of ISVMs in the feature space. We present an improved version of our earlier work that uses an incremental k-means algorithm to cluster ISVMs. The main advantage of the improved approach is that it is scalable and can accelerate query processing by considering only a small number of cluster representatives, rather than the entire set of accumulated ISVMs. Experimental results against real data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A novel buffer underflow avoidance scheme for multiple-source high quality multimedia delivery

This paper proposes a novel buffer underflow avoidance scheme for multiple-source multimedia delivery which enables maintaining high user perceived quality in highly loaded network conditions. Unlike existing solutions which perform delivery adaptation by adjusting the original multimedia quality to varying network conditions, this solution is based on dynamic buffer occupancy estimation for multiple streams to achieve its goal. The proposed scheme and three other approaches are compared in terms of estimated user perceived quality. Simulation results show how this scheme outperforms the other solutions including when the number of simultaneous receivers increases significantly.
Adaptive resource management for cellular-based multimedia wireless networks

Next generation wireless cellular networks aim to provide guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for multimedia applications. However, bandwidth is an extremely scarce resource in such networks that required an efficient and effective management to enhance the network performance and provide better services for mobile users. In this paper, we propose a QoS adaptive multimedia service framework for controlling the multimedia traffic in cellular-based multimedia wireless networks. The frame operates at the connection-level where the bandwidth of ongoing connections can be dynamically adjusted to provide an acceptable trade off level between connection blocking and dropping probabilities for different traffic class. The proposed framework is designed to take advantage of the Adaptive Bandwidth Allocation (ABA) algorithm with new calls in order to enhance the system utilization and blocking probability of new calls. The performance of our framework is compared to a framework previously proposed in [4]. Simulation results show that our QoS adaptive multimedia service framework outperforms the previous framework in terms of connection blocking probability, connection dropping probability, and bandwidth utilization.
Discriminative FaceTopics for face recognition via latent Dirichlet allocation

Latent Dirichlet Allocation is a widely used approach for topic modeling and it has been successfully applied in several information retrieval applications. In this paper, we introduce this modeling technique for face recognition, by making an analogy between the two domains. We utilize latent Dirichlet allocation to represent facial regions in terms of FaceTopics. Further, linear discriminant analysis is utilized to obtain discriminative FaceTopics which are more suitable for classification tasks. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated on the CMU-MultiPIE dataset under illumination and expression variations. The evaluation on over more than 50k images shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Further, the proposed approach shows improved identification results on e-PRIP dataset for matching composite sketches to photos.
Hidden Markov Models for Optical Flow Analysis in Crowds

This paper presents an event detector for emergencies in crowds. Assuming a single camera and a dense crowd we rely on optical flow instead of tracking statistics as a feature to extract information from the crowd video data. The optical flow features are encoded with hidden Markov models to allow for the detection of emergency or abnormal events in the crowd. In order to increase the detection sensitivity a local modelling approach is used. The results with simulated crowds show the effectiveness of the proposed approach on detecting abnormalities in dense crowds
An investigation into the accuracy of A‐level predicted grades

Summary This paper presents the results of an investigation into the relationship between teachers’ predictions of A‐level grades and the actual grades obtained by a sample of applicants for university places. In total, over 9,000 predicted grades from approximately 3,000 applicants were considered. The data are analysed according to gender, type of education centre attended, ethnic origin, age of applicant, examining board and subject. Summary data for each category are presented. A two level analysis of the data, with applicants nested within subject, was performed. The results of this analysis enabled interaction effects between the categories to be considered, thereby allowing some explanation of the picture presented by the summary information. The largest contribution to the optimism or pessimism of the predicted grade is the actual grade awarded, indicating that differences between grade distributions must be taken into consideration before offering any substantive interpretation of results for two.
A Tale of Three Functions: The Self-Reported Uses of Autobiographical Memory.

Abstract Theories hold that autobiographical memory serves several broad functions (directive, self, and social). In the current study, items were derived from the theoretical literature to create the Thinking About Life Experiences (TALE) questionnaire to empirically assess these three functions. Participants (N = 167) completed the TALE. To examine convergent validity, they also rated their overall tendency to think about and to talk about the past and completed the Reminiscence Functions Scale (Webster, 1997). The results lend support to the existence of these theoretical functions, but also offer room for refinements in future thinking about both the breadth and specificity of the functions that autobiographical memory serves.
Training and learning in the knowledge and service economy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the shift from training to learning is related to employment categories using a categorisation popularised by Robert Reich.Design/methodology/approach – Collation and analysis of existing CIPD research information and assessment of labour statistics.Findings – An examination of the national data on training reveals an uncertain picture. There is a problem surrounding data capture. In short, what is measured is training, particularly off‐the‐job training. If the definition of learning as a process is accepted, there are both conceptual and practical problems involved in measuring the move to learning in different sectors.Practical implications – The testing of this proposition and analysis of its consequences is of critical importance. It will affect public policy – what interventions promote learning as opposed to training? It should assist in determining the research agenda. Finally it central to the role of HRD practitioners in organisations: ho.
Prioritizing software anomalies with software metrics and architecture blueprints

According to recent studies, architecture degradation is to a large extent a consequence of the introduction of code anomalies as the system evolves. Many approaches have been proposed for detecting code anomalies, but none of them has been efficient on prioritizing code anomalies that represent real problems in the architecture design. In this sense, our work aims to investigate whether the prioritization of instances of three types of classical code anomalies, Divergent Change, God Class and Shotgun Surgery, can be improved when supported by architecture blueprints. These blueprints are informal models often available in software projects, and they are used to capture key architecture decisions. Moreover, we are also investigating what information may be useful in the design blueprints to help developers on prioritizing the most critical software anomalies. In many cases, developers indicated that it would be interesting the insertion of additional information on the blueprints in order to detect architecturally-relevant anomalies.
Organized Labor’s Civic Niche

I compare the effects of labor union member density and religious adherent density on apolitical and political types of civic engagement. Results indicate that religious and union activists are involved in civic affairs, but only unions elevate prosocial behavior among persons that are not in a church or union. For political forms of civic engagement, union contexts positively correlate with a wide range of prosocial acts, whereas religious contexts showed no effect, or were negatively correlated with signing a petition, participating in demonstrations, protests, boycotts or marches, and involvement in local action for social or political reform. The effect of religious organizations on apolitical civic engagement is largely confined to adherents, and in the community, religious institutions reduce political activism and cultivate conservative identity. In contrast, labor organizations are institutions that elevate civic behavior in the nonunion community, especially political types of engagement, and cultivate liberal identity.
Foreign Language in the Elementary School

When properly taught, foreign languages can contribute a great deal to international understanding. By gaining familiarity with the language and by active involvement in situations that typify other cultures, children gain an appreciation of customs which otherwise might seem queer, even dangerous, because they are "foreign" and unfamiliar. This fostering of tolerance and opening of new vistas are important contributions to the child's total growth. Why start languages in the elementary school? Because a smattering of foreign language is not enough. Only by starting language study in the lower grades can a fair degree of mastery be assured. There is another reason, too. We know that most children up to 12 years of age can imitate accurately and learn one or more foreign languages without self-consciousness. This is the period when they learn quickly orally, when they readily absorb vocabulary. Pre-adolescence invents secret languages. When this urge is not satisfied by introducing a foreign language, double Dutch and pig Latin take over. It seems unreasonable and wasteful not to capitalize on these natural language interests and capacities. Teaching foreign languages to children in the early grades is not new in this country. We have precedents and established patterns for it. German was taught in the grades for many years, a century ago, in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, St. Louis. In 1921, Cleveland inaugurated a foreign-language program for superior children in grades one through six in about 20 of its elementary schools. Within the past three years, more and more communities concerned with this rising need have begun to offer foreign languages in the grades: 75 in 1952, 145 in 1953, 280 in 43 states last year. Probably more than 500 will have such programs by the end of this year. Already at least 200,000 pupils in over 1550 schools are engaged in language study in the grades. Those who favor language learning in the early grades find no serious obstacles to overcome. Search will uncover former language teachers or language majors now teaching elementary-school subjects. Their self improvement can be hastened and continued through participation in language workshops, use of tape recondings and discs, language films, and other linguistic resources, and possibly by travel and study abroad. The availability of foreign-language materials is increasing. Appropriate language manuals and work books will be ready this fall. The Modern Language Association's section on foreign language in elementary school has published bulletins and programs which give valuable help and guidance. Because of the relative time flexibility of the elementary-school curriculum, there are elementary teachers who say that foreign-language classes (usually three 20-minute periods a week) can be arranged within school time without interfering with other offerings. Furthermore, languages in the grades do not operate in a vacuum. There can be close relationship between them and other subjects such as art,
Embed finite domain constraint programming into Java and some Web‐based applications

Although constraint programming has attracted much attention in logic programming, nowadays the importance to integrate constraints with imperative programming is widely acknowledged. In particular, in artificial intelligence domains, the benefits deriving from merging constraint‐based programming with object‐oriented paradigms seem to be still more attractive because of the lack of ‘pure’ AI languages in supporting structured representations. This work presents the extension of the Java language towards finite domain constraint programming. This extension has been possible thanks to a high‐level approach to low‐level resource management: the sleeper mechanism. As practical results, this paper shows how Java programmers can develop meaningful applications in which finite domain constraints have been extensively used, as in the design of visual, interactive, user‐interface environments in a client–server architecture. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial adversity and emotional instability: an application of gene–environment interaction models

A central idea in personality theory is that events in childhood have an effect on the development of personality. The present study applied models of gene–environment interaction that demonstrate how environmental conditions may moderate genetic variability in a population and/or the influence of other environmental effects. Results showed that perceived levels of family conflict and maternal indulgence moderated the genetic influences underlying emotional instability, a central feature of borderline personality disorder. The analyses identified a wide variety of environmental influences that moderate the variability in the liability to emotional instability, such as perceived levels of parental bonding, family functioning, and exposure to nonassaultive traumatic events. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE SELECTIVE IMPAIRMENT OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE KNOWLEDGE:AMULTIPLE PROCESSING CHANNELS ACCOUNT OF FINE-GRAIN CATEGORY SPECIFICITY

We report the case of a gentleman, FAV, who developed a grave anomia and selective comprehension deficit following a left temporo-occipital infarction. His word retrieval abilities were significantly more impaired for living things than for man-made artefacts. There was no difference between his performance when naming to confrontation and naming to verbal description. However, further assessment revealed a more fine-grain deficit at the level of comprehension. FAV had significantly more difficulty with fruit and vegetables than animals or nonliving foods on a number of tests probing semantic knowledge. These results are discussed within the context of current theories of the organisation of conceptual knowledge. We conclude that this pattern of performance and other fine-grain category effects within the realms of living and nonliving things are best explained by a multiple processing pathways account.
Synergy in the knowledge base of U.S. innovation systems at national, state, and regional levels: The contributions of high‐tech manufacturing and knowledge‐intensive services

Using information theory, we measure innovation systemness as synergy among size‐classes, ZIP Codes, and technological classes (NACE‐codes) for 8.5 million American companies. The synergy at the national level is decomposed at the level of states, Core‐Based Statistical Areas (CBSA), and Combined Statistical Areas (CSA). We zoom in to the state of California and in more detail to Silicon Valley. Our results do not support the assumption of a national system of innovations in the U.S.A. Innovation systems appear to operate at the level of the states; the CBSA are too small, so that systemness spills across their borders. Decomposition of the sample in terms of high‐tech manufacturing (HTM), medium‐high‐tech manufacturing (MHTM), knowledge‐intensive services (KIS), and high‐tech services (HTKIS) does not change this pattern, but refines it. The East Coast—New Jersey, Boston, and New York—and California are the major players, with Texas a third one in the case of HTKIS. Chicago and industrial centers in the Midwest also contribute synergy. Within California, Los Angeles contributes synergy in the sectors of manufacturing, the San Francisco area in KIS. KIS in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area—a CSA composed of seven CBSA—spill over to other regions and even globally.
Securing Humanity: Situating ‘Human Security’ as Concept and Discourse

The label ‘human security’ has attracted much attention since the 1994 Human Development Report, but there are numerous conflicting definitions and agendas, and widespread scepticism. The Ogata–Sen Commission report Human Security Now has proposed a unified yet flexible definition and agenda. This paper specifies the Human Security Now concept as the intersection of: a concern with reasoned freedoms; a focus on basic needs; and a concern for stability as well as levels in key human development dimensions. Second, it specifies other elements of this human security discourse: a normative focus on individuals' lives and an insistence on basic rights for all; and an explanatory agenda that stresses the nexus between freedom from want and indignity and freedom from fear. Third, it clarifies where the human security discourse repeats the basic human needs conception, and where it adds and shows the consistency of the human security, human needs and human rights languages. Fourth, it specifies the types of intellectual ‘boundary work’ that the concept and discourse attempt: mobilizing attention and concern, connecting explanatory and normative agendas, and linking diverse intellectual and policy communities. Finally, it assesses human security as a boundary concept, including the particular label chosen, and diagnoses the threats as well as opportunities implicit in security language.
Randomized clinical trial of propofol versus methohexital for procedural sedation during fracture and dislocation reduction in the emergency department.

UNLABELLED Although methohexital has been well studied for use in emergency department (ED) procedural sedation (PS), propofol has been evaluated less extensively for ED use. OBJECTIVE The authors hypothesized that there is no difference in the depth of sedation and the rate of respiratory depression (RD) between propofol and methohexital in PS during the reduction of fractures and dislocations in the ED. METHODS This was a randomized prospective study of nonintoxicated adult patients undergoing PS for fracture or dislocation reduction in the ED between July 2001 and March 2002. Patients were randomized to receive either propofol or methohexital, 1 mg/kg intravenously, followed by repeat boluses of 0.5 mg/kg every 2 minutes until adequate sedation was achieved. Doses, vital signs, end-tidal CO(2) (ETCO(2)) by nasal cannulae, pulse oximetry, and bispectral electroencephalogram analysis (BIS) scores were recorded. RD was defined as an ETCO(2) greater than 50 torr, an oxygen saturation less than 90% at any time, or an absent ETCO(2) waveform. After returning to baseline mental status, patients completed three 100-mm visual analog scales (VASs) regarding pain associated with the procedure, recall of the procedure, and satisfaction. RD rates and VAS outcomes were compared with chi-square tests. RESULTS There were 109 patients enrolled; six were excluded for study protocol violations. Of the remaining 103 patients, 52 received methohexital (reduction successful in 94%) and 51 received propofol (98% successful). No cardiac rhythm abnormalities or significant decline in systolic blood pressure (>20%) was detected. Six patients required bag-valve-mask-assisted ventilations during the procedure, all for less than 1 minute; four of these patients received methohexital, and two received propofol. By the authors' definition, RD was seen in 25 of 52 (48%) patients receiving methohexital and 25 of 51 (49%) patients receiving propofol (p = 0.88). The mean minimum recorded BIS score was 66.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 62 to 70) for methohexital and 66 (95% CI = 60 to 71) for propofol. VAS results showed similar rates of reported pain, recall, and satisfaction for the two agents. CONCLUSIONS The authors were unable to detect a significant difference in the level of subclinical RD or the level of sedation by BIS between the two agents. The use of either agent seems to be safe in the ED.
Dynamic phasor analysis and design of phase-locked loops for single phase grid connected converters

The purpose of the paper is to introduce the Dynamic Phasor Modelling (DPM) approach for stability investigation and control design of single-phase Phase Locked Loops PLLs. The aim is to identify the system instabilities not predicted using the existent analysis and design methods based on the simplified average model approach.