Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiport converters - a brief review

In this article I will present a short introduction about multiport static power converters. The advantages, disadvantages, but also the applicability of these types of static power converters are presented in this article. The versatility of those multiport converters topologies gives us the advantage of a large variety of connection (serial or parallel) not only for the input sources but also for the output loads. The applications of the multiport converters can be found in various fields such as : renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, UPS systems or hybrid energy storage systems.
Improving imitated grasping motions through interactive expected deviation learning

One of the major obstacles that hinders the application of robots to human day-to-day tasks is the current lack of flexible learning methods to endow the robots with the necessary skills and to allow them to adapt to new situations. In this work, we present a new intuitive method for teaching a robot anthropomorphic motion primitives. Our method combines the advantages of reinforcement and imitation learning in a single coherent framework. In contrast to existing approaches that use human demonstrations merely as an initialization for reinforcement learning, our method treats both ways of learning as homologous modules and chooses the most appropriate one in every situation. We apply Gaussian Process Regression to generalize a measure of value across the combined state-action-space. Based on the expected value, uncertainty, and expected deviation of generalized movements, our method decides whether to ask for a human demonstration or to improve its performance on its own, using reinforcement learning. The latter employs a probabilistic search strategy, based on expected deviation, that greatly accelerates learning while protecting the robot from unpredictable movements at the same time. To evaluate the performance of our approach, we conducted a series of experiments and successfully trained a robot to grasp an object at arbitrary positions on a table.
Adaptive Voting in Multiple Classifier Systems for Word Level Language Identification

In social media communication, code switching has become quite a common phenomenon especially for multilingual speakers. Automatic language identification becomes both a necessary and challenging task in such an environment. In this work, we describe a CRF based system with voting approach for code-mixed query word labeling at word-level as part of our participation in the shared task on Mixed Script Information Retrieval at Forum for Information Retrieval Evaluation (FIRE) in 2015. Our method uses character n-gram, simple lexical features and special character features, and therefore, can easily be replicated across languages. The performance of the system was evaluated against the test sets provided by the FIRE 2015 shared task on mixed script information retrieval. Experimental results show encouraging performance across the language pairs. CCS Concepts •Computer systems organization → Embedded systems; Redundancy; Robotics; •Networks → Network reliability;
Static Slicing for Python First-Class Objects

Program slicing is an important program analysis technique and now has been used in many fields of software engineering. However, most existing program slicing methods focus on static programming languages such as C/C++ and Java, and methods on dynamic languages like Python are rarely seen. Python, a typical dynamic object-oriented language, has been more and more widely used now. In Python, everything is a first-class object, including functions, classes, methods, and modules. Existing slicing methods cannot handle the issue of these first-class objects. Therefore, this paper proposes a static slicing method for Python first-class objects. By adding all the definitions of first-class objects into the dependence model and uniformly constructing the program dependence graphs for all the functions, classes, methods, and modules, this method can effectively solve the slicing problems caused by arbitrary definitions and uses of first-class objects in Python.
Preliminary test results from a telescope of Hughes pixel arrays at FNAL

In December of 1991 three silicon hybrid pixel detectors each having 2.56 [times] 2.56 pixels 30 [mu]m square, made by the Hughes Aircraft Company, were placed in a high energy muon beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Straight tracks were recorded in these detectors at angles to the normal to the plane of the silicon ranging from 0 to 45[degrees]. In this note, preliminary results are presented on the straight through tracks, i.e., those passing through the telescope at normal incidence. Pulse height data, signal-to-noise data, and preliminary straight line fits to the data resulting in residual distributions are presented. Preliminary calculations show spatial resolution of less than 5 [mu]m in two dimensions.
Distributed Query Optimization : Can Mobile Agents Help ?

The database eld has developed very powerful techniques for nding eÆcient execution plans for declaratively speci ed queries. However, applying these optimization techniques in the setting of distributed information management requires centralized knowledge. The reality of the Web is di erent. Future distributed query optimizers will have to exploit a rich variety of information ow mechanisms (chaining, referral, proxying, etc.) and must regard the Web as both a repository of information and a computing model. We look to mobile agent technologies for the combination of exibility and precision needed for handling these mechanisms. Our language-based approach uses a mobile process calculus in combination with a powerful query-plan language, so that messaging, migration, and database operations all live in the same semantic space and interact, thus creating new opportunities for optimization.
An Empirical Study of the Impact of IT Intensity and Organizational Absorptive Capacity on Customer Relationship Management Performance

In recent years, e-Business has emerged as a mainstream business practice. Engaged in highly competitive Internet -enabled markets, many business organizations have turned to customer relationship management (CRM), a computer -based information system that allows them to gain greater insight into their customers’ needs, to gain a competitive advantage. Consequently, CRM has risen to become a key ebusiness issue. Yet, many critical organizational factors underlie the success and performance of CRM. This study examines the impact of information technology (IT) intensity and organizational absorptive cap acity on CRM practices and performance, and presents a research model. Data collected through a survey of Taiwan financial service institutions suggest that CRM practices mediate the effects of IT intensity and organizational absorptive capacity on CRM performance.
A rectangle-probe router for multilayer P.C. boards*

This paper describes an effective implementation of a rectangle probe interconnection routing algorithm. The router successfully handles multilayer boards with foil conducting paths of various widths. Connections defined by the router may utilize one or more conducting layers. Objectives to be achieved by the router are discussed, and implementation features related to these requirements are presented; data and control structures are briefly described. Routing performance and experiments indicating sensitivity to variations in algorithm or problem definition are presented. The subject router is in production use as part of the DASLL [1] design automation system at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
The influence of distance to refuge on flight initiation distance in the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) typically run to the nearest tree to escape from predators they encounter while foraging on the ground. As the risk of capture increases with distance from the refuge tree, squirrels feeding far from trees should have greater flight initiation distances than those feeding closer by. This prediction was confirmed: flight initiation distance in response to a motorized model predator (a cat) increased as distance to refuge increased. This could not be attributed to any effect of distance to refuge on vigilance.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Community-Based Dancing to Modify Disease Progression in Parkinson Disease

Background. Tango dancing has been effective in improving measures of physical function in people with Parkinson disease (PD). However, all previous studies were institution-based, tested participants on medication, and employed short-term interventions. Objective. To determine the effects of a 12-month community-based tango program for individuals with PD on disease severity and physical function. Methods. Sixty-two participants were randomly assigned to a twice weekly, community-based Argentine Tango program or a Control group (no intervention). Participants were assessed off anti-Parkinson medication at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the Movement Disorders Society–Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale 3 (MDS-UPDRS-3). Secondary outcome measures were the MDS-UPDRS-1, MDS-UPDRS-2, MiniBESTest balance test; Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG_Q); 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT); gait velocity for comfortable forward, fast as possible forward, dual task, and backward walking; and Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). Results. Groups were not different at baseline. Overall, the Tango group improved whereas the Control group showed little change on most measures. For the MDS-UPDRS-3, there was no significant change in the Control group from baseline to 12 months, whereas the Tango group had a reduction of 28.7% (12.8 points). There were significant group by time interactions for MDS-UPDRS-3, MiniBESTest, FOG_Q, 6MWT, forward and dual task walking velocities, and 9HPT in favor of the dance group. Conclusions. Improvements in the Tango group were apparent off medication, suggesting that long-term participation in tango may modify progression of disability in PD.
A privacy-aware localization service for healthcare environments

This paper presents a privacy-aware localization service which has been developed to fulfill the privacy requirements of an assistance system for elderly people. The privacy concept is based on the sticky-policy approach that simplifies the enforcement of policies in a distributed environment. We discuss two well-known policy languages, XACML and GEOPRIVs Common Policy, in respect to their usability for our scenario.
Assessment of the administrative challenges associated with non-contributory pension scheme in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Pension schemes all over the world are confronted with a lot of challenges. In Nigeria, the non-contributory pension scheme faces a lot of administrative challenges since its introduction in 1979.The major challenges are: embezzlement of pension funds, and delay in the payment of retirement benefits to retirees and on time. This study assessed the influence of these challenges in the administration of the scheme in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Structural Functionalism theory was adopted, and survey design was used. The study took place in Ebonyi State and the study population were pension managers. Questionnaires were administered to 108 respondents, out of which 85 were returned. Data obtained were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The administrative challenges identified by pension managers were; lack of adequate staff (51.8%), lack of biometric data capturing machine (81.2%), too many pensioners on the payroll (57.7%), ghost pensioners (55.3%) and embezzlement of pension funds (54.2%). In-depth interviews revealed inadequate preparations for retirement by pensioners, delay in payment of retirement benefits, embezzlement of pension funds, corrupt practices among pension managers and governments. unwillingness to review pensions as challenges confronting the non-contributory pension scheme. The study therefore recommended upwards review of pensions, adequate preparations of civil servants before retirement, provision of biometric data capturing machines and the prosecution of indicted pension managers. Key words : Welfare, Pension administration, Systemic corruption.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF DETECTOR ALIGNMENT MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE ALICE ITS

A real-time detector alignment monitoring system has been developed using commodity USB cameras, spherical mirrors, and laser beams introduced via a single mode fiber. An innovative control and online analysis software has been developed by using the OpenCV (Open Computer Vision) library and PVSS (Prozessvisualisierungsund Steuerungssystem). This system is being installed in the ALICE detector to monitor the position of ALICE's Inner Tracking System subdetector. The operational principle and software implementation will be described.
Complete Diagnosability of Abrupt Faults Using Set-based Sensitivities

Abstract To ensure the safe operation of technical processes, the occurrence of a fault has to be reliably detected for a supervisory component to react in time. We investigate the sensitivity of the measured outputs with respect to abrupt or parametric faults for polynomial hybrid systems. For this we define a sensitivity measure based on the reachable sets of the outputs. The approach allows for the consideration of discrete changes in variables as well as unknown-but-bounded parameters or output measurements. Guaranteed outer bounds of the reachable sets are derived by employing mixed-integer relaxations. Furthermore, we present an algorithm to derive an upper bound on the allowed measurement error such that the faults can be detected and isolated within a specified amount of time. The upper bounds can be used to select or optimize sensors to guarantee complete fault diagnosibility. We illustrate the proposed algorithm considering fault detection and isolation for a three tank system.
WDM-WISA : a metadata based tool for Web information analysis

Metadata has been considered to be "additional data to describe web data". There are many approaches to construct these additional data. The objective is to provide a better, effective description of the web information for effective and efficient analysis and management. Through investigation of a number of the metadata methods, we consider it indispensable to develop a simple metadata model and use the model to realize an effective metadata based tool for web information analysis. In this paper, we present a metadata model, WDM Web Document Model, for description of web resources. We focus on an approach to web information analysis and management based on the web information metadata model. A tool is developed based on the metadata model WDM. The tool attempts to be able to take in web information, no matter in which metadata model it is described, and produce a uniform structure for the information. The tool is also expected to edit and analyze the information. It can yet be used as a metadata based web page creator as well.
An eye to offensiveness : the discourse of offence and censure in Private Eye

This thesis is an empirical examination of the articulation of comic offence and the practices of comic censure as conducted in media discourse. Making complaints about comic discourse is a risky endeavour. The joker can retort that it was `just a joke' or can charge the complainer with lacking a sense of humour and libels can fail and be very costly. The main focus is on the discursive strategies and practices used when claiming that comedy has caused offence. This is an under-researched area in humour studies. The ambivalence involved in negotiations between ethical and comic discourse is a central tenet of the thesis. Two main avenuesf or expressing comic offence are used in the thesis: letters of complaint written to the editor of comic discourse and charges of offensive comedy made through the law of defamation. The thesis adopts an eclectic approach to data collection and analysis. The research draws on different data sources: letters pages and readers' letters printed in the satirical magazine Private Eye, newspaper articles reporting on libel cases brought against Private Eye and interviews with editors, journalists, cartoonists and libel lawyers working for Private Eye. Content analytic techniques are used when analysing the readers' letters to provide a clear overview of the general pattern of complaint involved and the common consequences of such complaint. Composition analysis is used to assess how the editor of Private Eye constructs the letters page. Here I explore the strategies employed by the editor when defendingc criticisms that offence has been causeda nd assessh ow the editor discursively treats the offended reader. To examine in closer detail the characteristic ways in which reader's structure their expression of grievance, I then employ more qualitative modes of analysis: linguistic discourse analysis and symbolic cultural analysis. Attention then shifts to the second main avenue for expressing comic offence: the law of defamation. I conduct a quantitative content analysis of Private Eye's libel litigation history to provide an overview of the types of individual who utilise the law of defamation and the bases on which reputations are damaged. Textual analysis is used to assessh ow newspapersre port libel casesb rought against Private Eye in order to explore the press' role in the debate of comic offence and comic censure. In my conclusion I discuss what the thesis suggests about the ethical considerations of humour and comedy and I highlight the importance of the thesis for humour studies. The thesis finishes with some recommendations for future research.
A Particale Swarm Optimization based method for estimation of transformer insulation model parameters

To enhance the reliability of grids and also safety of power instruments, it is too important to distinguish their defects before a complete damage. Therefore insulation modeling of these instruments is noticed to recognize their insulation conditions and performance. In this paper, a simple RC model is used to model the power insulating instrument and PDC test results are used to determine the different parameters of this model. Among different methods evaluating the parameters, Exponential-curve-fitting and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) techniques are used. At last transformer insulation model of Neka power plant in Iran is presented and its parameters are evaluated according to PDC test results. Therefore the described methods are used to identify the parameters and their results are compared with each other. This comparison shows ability of PSO in estimation of insulation model parameters.
Multirate Formulation for Mismatch Sensitivity Analysis of Analog-to-Digital Converters That Utilize Parallel -Modulators

A general formulation based on multirate filterbank theory for analog-to-digital converters using parallel sigmadelta modulators in conjunction with modulation sequences is presented. The time-interleaved modulators (TIMs), Hadamard modulators (HMs), and frequency-band decomposition modulators (FBDMs) can be viewed as special cases of the proposed description. The usefulness of the formulation stems from its ability to analyze a system's sensitivity to aliasing due to channel mismatch and modulation sequence level errors. Both Nyquist-rate and oversampled systems are considered, and it is shown how the matching requirements between channels can be reduced for oversampled systems. The new formulation is useful also for the derivation of new modulation schemes, and an example is given of how it can be used in this context.
Oligodendroglial Progenitor Cell Therapy Limits Central Neurological Deficits in Mice with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

This work describes the first successful oligodendrocyte-based cell therapy for presymptomatic arylsulfatase A (ARSA) null neonate mice, a murine model for human metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). We found that oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs) engrafted and survived into adulthood when transplanted in the neonatal MLD brain. Transplanted cells integrated nondisruptively, did not produce tumors, and survived as proteolipid protein- and MBP-positive postmitotic myelinating oligodendrocytes (OLs) intermingled with endogenous MLD OLs within the adult MLD white matter. Transplanted MLD mice had reduced sulfatide accumulation in the CNS, increased brain ARSA activity, and full prevention of the electrophysiological and motor deficits that characterize untreated MLD mice. Our results provide direct evidence that healthy OLPs can tolerate the neurotoxic accumulation of sulfatides that evolves during the postnatal development of the MLD brain and contribute to OL cell replacement to limit the accumulation of sulfatides and the evolution of CNS defects in this lysosomal storage disease mouse model.
The Psychology of Religion

Where We Are And Where We Should Go * An Agenda Item for Psychology of Religion: Getting Respect C. Daniel Batson. * Toward Motivational Theories of Intrinsic Religious Commitment Richard L. Gorsuch. Why Religion? Functions of Religious Belief and Behavior * Toward a Theory of Religion: Religious Commitment Rodney Stark and William Sims Bainbridge. * In Times of Stress: The Religion-Coping Connection Kenneth I. Pargament and Crystal L. Park. * Proposed Agenda for a Spiritual Strategy in Personality and Psychotherapy Allen E. Bergin and I. Reed Payne. Social Concerns * An Integrated Role Theory for the Psychology of Religion: Concepts and Perspectives Nils G. Holm. * An Integrated Role Theory for the Psychology of Religion: Concepts and Perspectives Nils G. Holm. * Religion and Moral Evaluation Discrepancy Theory Robert A. Embree. Development of Individual Religion * The Origins of Religion in the Child David Elkind. * Integrating Differing Theories: The Case of Religious Development K. Helmut Reich. * An Attachment-Theory Approach to the Psychology of Religion Lee A. Kirkpatrick. Believing Is Seeing: How Religion Shapes Our Worlds * Attribution Theory and the Psychology of Religion Wayne Proudfoot and Phillip R. Shaver. * A General Attribution Theory for the Psychology of Religion Bernard Spilka, P. R. Shaver, and L. A. Kirkpatrick. * Religion-as-Schema, with Implications for the Relation Between Religion and Coping Daniel N. McIntosh. * Toward an Attitude Process Model of Religious Experience Peter C. Hill. * In the Eye of the Beholder: A Social-Cognitive Model of Religious Belief Elizabeth Weiss Ozorak. The Experience of Religion * A Taxonomy of Religious Experience R. Stark. * The Empirical Study of Mysticism Ralph W. Hood Jr.
A Provably Secure and Efficient Countermeasure against Timing Attacks

We show that the amount of information about the key that an unknown-message attacker can extract from a deterministic side-channel is bounded from above by |O| log (n+1) bits, where n is the number of side-channel measurements and O is the set of possible observations. We use this bound to derive a novel countermeasure against timing attacks, where the strength of the security guarantee can be freely traded for the resulting performance penalty. We give algorithms that efficiently and optimally adjust this trade-off for given constraints on the side-channel leakage or on the efficiency of the cryptosystem. Finally, we perform a case-study that shows that applying our countermeasure leads to implementations with minor performance overhead and formal security guarantees.