Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mobile Computing in Higher Education: Faculty Perceptions of Benefits and Barriers

Using data from a survey of faculty at a university that is planning to adopt campus-wide mobile computing, this study examined the faculty's perceptions toward the potential benefits of and barriers to mobile computing in higher education. The study also examined the role of three moderating variables associated with the faculty's current use of related technologies in the formation of perceptions about the benefits and barriers. The findings can help explicate the faculty's perceptions toward mobile computing to support educational activities. Such understanding will prove helpful to academic and technology administrators who are planning to adopt mobile computing.
Academic Self-Concept of Gifted Students: When the Big Fish Becomes Small

Abstract Students’ self-concept is developed primarily on the basis of a sense of belonging to the group (an assimilation effect) and a comparison of competency with other students (a big-fish-little-pond effect). A total of 840 fourth and fifth graders were divided into five groups: (1) 29 gifted students instructed together in a gifted program, (2) 29 gifted students and (3) 31 non-gifted students instructed together in a gifted program, (4) 30 non-gifted students instructed together, and (5) 721 all other students. The self-concept scores for Group 1 were higher than for Groups 3, 4, and 5, but Group 2 did not score significantly higher than Group 3. The results suggest that gifted students are not homogeneous in respect to academic self-concept. Thus caution in grouping arrangements should be exercised.
Attachment in institutionalised and community children in China

INTRODUCTION: This thesis critically applies Attachment Theory concepts and methodology with two large and previously understudied populations: family and institutionally reared infants in Mainland China. METHOD: Study 1, assessing 61 infants (aged 12-38 months, mean = 21) with their mothers, provides both an exploration/validation of the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) in a Chinese cultural context and a community comparison group for Study 2, which assesses 78 infants (12-37 months, mean = 20) with caregivers in institutional care. The institutionalised sample includes 4 different units with differing qualities of care, across 3 cities. RESULTS: Study 1. As predicted, upon the basis of previous findings, the majority (57%) of infants assessed with their mothers demonstrated secure attachment patterns, and only 13% were found to be disorganised. Study 2. For the entire institutionalised sample, prevalence of secure attachments was extremely low (average 17%, range = 8-50% across Units) and disorganised classifications extremely high (average 50%, range = 42-70% across Units), consistent with similar studies in other countries. Whilst among family-reared infants insecure-avoidant attachments were low by comparison to Western norms, they were markedly high among institutionally-reared infants compared to previous studies. Neither caregiver-to-infant ratio nor the provision of a dedicated caregiver was significantly associated with attachment classification. Only the unanticipated variable of previous placement in a foster care family was significantly associated with organised, but not secure, attachment. DISCUSSION: The findings provide support for the utilisation of Attachment Theory within these settings, whilst suggesting the need for both conceptual and methodological adaptation. Overall, the findings confirm that resources should be channelled into enhancing caregiving across institutions where they are necessary – increasing the valuation, training, and benefits to caregivers which is likely to enhance their role and retention – whilst reducing exposure to high numbers of transient caregivers, minimizing transitions, and moving toward early and stable family-based care wherever possible.
Automated Analyses of Malicious Code

Sophisticated software with malicious intentions (malware) that can easily and aggressively spread to a large set of hosts is located all over the Internet. Such software struggles to avoid malware analysts to continue its malicious actions without interruption. It is difficult for analysts to find the locations of machines infected with unknown and alien malware. Likewise, it is hard to estimate the prevalence of the outbreak of the malware. Currently, the processes are done using resource demanding manual work, or simply rough guessing. Automating these tasks is one possible way to reduce the necessary resources. This thesis presents an in-depth study of which properties such a system should have. A system design is made based on the findings, and an implementation is carried out as a proof of concept system. The final system runs (malicious) software, and at the same time observes network traffic originating from the software. A signature for intrusion detection systems (IDSes) is generated using data from the observations. When loaded in an IDS, the signature localises hosts that are infected with the same malware type, making network administrators able to find and repair the hosts. The thesis also covers a deep introductory study of the malware problem and possible countermeasures, focusing on a malware analyst's point of view.
Probabilistic Temporal Logic for Motion Planning with Resource Threshold Constraints

Temporal logic and model-checking are useful theoretical tools for specifying complex goals at the task level and formally verifying the performance of control policies. We are interested in tasks that involve constraints on real-valued energy resources. In particular, autonomous gliding aircraft gain energy in the form of altitude by exploiting wind currents and must maintain altitude within some range during motion planning. We propose an extension to probabilistic computation tree logic that expresses such real-valued resource threshold constraints, and present model-checking algorithms that evaluate a piecewise control policy with respect to a formal specification and hard or soft performance guarantees. We validate this approach through simulated examples of motion planning among obstacles for an autonomous thermal glider. Our results demonstrate probabilistic performance guarantees on the ability of the glider to complete its task, following a given piecewise control policy, without knowing the exact path of the glider in advance.
Risk Analysis and Management of IT Systems: Practice and Challenges

Risk analysis is important for safety-critical IT systems and services, both in public and private organizations. However, the actual practices and the challenges of risk analysis in these contexts have not been fully explored. This paper investigates the current practices of risk analysis by an interview-based investigation. This study investigates several factors of the risk analysis process, e.g., its importance, identiﬁcation of critical resources, deﬁnitions of roles, involvement of diﬀerent stakeholders, used methods, and follow-up analysis. Further more, this study also investigates existing challenges in the current practices of risk analysis. A number of challenges are identiﬁed,e.g., that risk analysis requires competence both about the risk analysis procedures and the analyzed system,which is challenging to identify, and that it is challenging to follow-up and repeat a risk-analysis that is conducted. The identiﬁed challenges can be useful when new risk analysis methods are deﬁned.
Graph-Based Complex Representation in Inter-Sentence Relation Recognition in Polish Texts

Abstract This paper presents a supervised approach to the recognition of Cross-document Structure Theory (CST) relations in Polish texts. Its core is a graph-based representation constructed for sentences. Graphs are built on the basis of lexicalised syntactic-semantic relations extracted from text. Similarity between sentences is calculated as similarity between their graphs, and the values are used as features to train the classifiers. Several different configurations of graphs, as well as graph similarity methods were analysed for this task. The approach was evaluated on a large open corpus annotated manually with 17 types of selected CST relations. The configuration of experiments was similar to those known from SEMEVAL and we obtained very promising results.
Long-term changes in fat distribution in children and adolescents aged 3-18 from Krakow (Poland), within the last 30 years (from 1983 to 2010)

Abstract In Poland, even in the late twentieth century, the problem of obesity was not significant. However, recent studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Socioeconomic changes, in last decades, approached Poland to Western Europe. A lifestyle of Poles (physical activity and diet) have changed radically. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in adiposity in children and adolescents over the last decades. Two cross-sectional studies were made in 1983 and 2010. The analysis included 10,324 children and adolescents aged 3-18 living in Krakow (Poland). Data on selected skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac, calf) were collected and compared between the series of studies. The total body fat (sum of 5 skinfolds) was higher in contemporary boys. In girls, there were not noticed such changes. In both sexes, the adiposity of triceps and supscapular region decreased. In the case of abdominal skinfold - there were no significant changes in boys, while contemporary girls had a smaller abdominal adiposity. In boys, there were noticed reduction in suprailiac skinfold thickness. In the case of girls, the reverse trend was reported - contemporary girls were characterized by higher suprailiac adiposity. Children studied in 2010 were characterized by greater calf skinfold. Changes in adiposity are worrying, especially in boys. The priority should therefore be effective prevention and intervention programs. They can prevent further deepening of the problem among Polish children, by the time it will be as severe as in Western Europe.
Sviluppo di un tool per lo studio dinamico automatizzato relativo alle palette di turbine di bassa pressione = Development of a tool to perform automatic dynamic studies related to blade's low pressure turbines

Lo scopo alla base di questo lavoro di tesi e stato quello di sviluppare un tool totalmente automatizzato che permettesse di includere analisi di carattere aeromeccanico in maniera veloce durante la fase di preliminary design delle turbine di bassa pressione. In tale maniera e possibile rendere la progettazione piu robusta fornendo ai progettisti aerodinamici un feedback meccanico, velocizzare il processo includendo analisi di dettaglio, come l’analisi a flutter e a fatica a questo livello del processo ed eliminare eventuali fraintendimenti e scambi di dati errati. Il tool riceve in input i dati aerodinamici, genera l’airfoil 3D e completa il modello andando ad aggiungere a esso gli elementi di estremita. Da questo viene generato un modello agli elementi finiti, tramite la generazione di una mesh e all’apposizione di vincoli e carichi, che permette la performance dell’analisi modale necessaria per definire il comportamento dinamico del modello di pala considerato sotto specifiche condizioni. E’ percio stato creato un eseguibile capace di generare dei modelli di pala rotorica comprensivi di elementi di estremita sviluppati tramite una logica parametrica. Per ognuno di essi si e andato a creare uno sketch, utilizzando il software Unigraphics NX che definisce la cross-section dell’elemento considerato che viene automaticamente scalato per unire correttamente il modello con l’airfoil. Oltre alla pala rotorica e stata inoltre implementata la possibilita di scegliere quali componenti di estremita inserire sull’airfoil in maniera tale da poter testare configurazioni alternative, alla base dello studio di turbine controrotanti.
Protecting Files Hosted on Virtual Machines With Out-of-Guest Access Control

When an operating system (OS) runs on a virtual machine (VM), a hypervisor, the software that facilitates virtualization of computer hardware, provides a service called introspection, which is used for monitoring the internal state of the VM. However, a VM still shares all of the vulnerabilities of its resident OS and software. At some point in time, it will likely be the victim of a successful exploitation. In this research, we develop a security solution, leveraging introspection and enforcement of a separate shadow access control list (SACL) in the hypervisor to protect critical user files hosted on a VM against a range of zero-day attacks. The main security features of our solution include 1) zero-footprint in the guest VM by maintaining an out-of-guest SACL and other required security information in the hypervisor; 2) protection of critical user files from unauthorized access even if an attacker has managed to obtain root privileges on the VM; 3) application white listing to thwart malware execution; and 4) kernel protection by denying both kernel reboot and runtime addition of kernel modules. We conclude that our solution can successfully protect user files against unauthorized access. The observed performance overhead, although significant, remains within usable levels and is mainly attributed to the context switch between the hypervisor and the VM.
Real-time computer vision in software using custom vector overlays

Real-time computer vision places stringent performance requirements on embedded systems. Often, dedicated hardware is required. This is undesirable as hardware development is time-consuming, requires extensive skill, and can be difficult to debug. This thesis presents three case studies of accelerating computer vision algorithms using a software-driven approach, where only the innermost computation is performed with dedicated hardware. As a baseline, the algorithms are initially run on a scalar host processor. Next, the software is sped up using an existing vector overlay implemented in the FPGA fabric, manually rewriting the code to use vectors. Finally, the overlay is customized to accelerate the critical inner loops by adding hardware-assisted custom vector instructions. Collectively, the custom instructions require very few lines of RTL code compared to what would be needed to implement the entire algorithm in dedicated hardware. This keeps design complexity low and yields a significant performance boost. For example, in one system, we measured a performance advantage of 2.4× to 3.5× over previous state-of-the-art dedicated hardware systems while using far less custom hardware.
Comparison of Midface Advancement by External and Internal Craniofacial Distraction Osteogenesis

Background: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is employed to address the midface abnormalities using either an external DO (EDO) or an internal DO (IDO) device. There are few studies that have reported EDO and IDO outcomes through cephalometric evaluation. The aim of this retrospective, record-based study is to compare the change in position of the midface resulting from distraction of noncomplicated cases of Le Fort III osteotomies with EDO as well as IDO and compare the groups using standard right facing lateral cephalometry. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between EDO and IDO in terms of displacement (of point of reference) as well as complications. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analyses of cases fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrieved from archives. Using two sets of right-side cephalometry, preoperative and after consolidation (at the end of the treatment), the changes in Point A and Orbitale (O) as described by Lima et al. were used for the study. Movement in X-axis and Y-axis was noted down and subjected to statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, the coefficient of variability (expressed as percentage), and the interquartile range (maximum and minimum values) were presented. P ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Significant midface advancement was achieved with the procedure. There were five cases of EDO and eight cases of IDO. The age at which patients were operated ranged from 9 to 18 years (mean: 13 years). The mean follow-up time was for 14 ± 8 months. There were eight females (3 – EDO and 5 – IDO) and five males in total. There was no complication in the entire study group. The difference in total bone length gain along the horizontal axis was as follows: 12.19 and 12.84 along the Point A for EDO and IDO and 3.89 and 4.65 along the Point O for EDO and IDO, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.833 and 0.622, respectively). The total movement along the vector at Point A in EDO and IDO was 13.08 and 12.56, respectively, the difference of which was not statistically significant (P = 1); while along the vector at Point O in EDO and IDO, the total movement was 10.98 and 11.48, respectively, the difference of which was not again statistically significant (P = 0.833). Discussion: The significance of the difference in EDO and IDO is discussed using the biomechanical principles and the results deliberated based on the existing literature. Conclusion: The positioning of the devices plays a significant role in deciding the outcome. Both the distractors have their distinct advantages and their applications have to be customized.
Broadband switching system configuration and access protocol

The authors analyze the service conditions that will be required for broadband ISDN (B-ISDN). They also study how to interconnect the B-ISDN with existing networks in the early stages. They examine a hybrid switching architecture using both asynchronous and high-speed synchronous transfer modes and an access protocol that meets the requirements. <<ETX>>
Synthesis and mechanical properties of laminates based on phenolic resins modified with sodium lignosulfonate.

Taverna, Maria Eugenia (1,2); Ollearo, Rocio (3); Moran, Juan (3); Nicolau, Veronica (1); Estenoz, Diana (2); Frontini, Patricia (3) (1) UTN Regional San Francisco, Av. de la Universidad 501, (2400) San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina (2) INTEC (UNL-CONICET), Guemes 3450, (3000) Santa Fe, Argentina. (3) INTEMA (UNMDP and CONICET) Av. Juan B. Justo 4302, 7608 Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Implementation and evaluation of two change detection-methods applied to multivariate Gaussian data-streams

Different types of data streams, time series, are generated in systems and collected in information bases all over the world. One may have data streams of temperatures, air pollution, share prices, traffic demand for networks or strength of the emitted radiation from a power plant. There are different statistical tools to analyse these data streams. An interesting tool to evaluate a data stream is to use a change detection method. A change detection method is used to learn if there are any changes in the stream or not. It is very useful in many areas, an example could be to analyse radiation level data collected from a power plant. The change detection method will tell if there are any changes in the radiation level and if there is an increase it could then be taken care of manually or automatically. In this master’s thesis there are two change detection methods that are analysed and evaluated: the Overlapping method and the Kdq-tree method. The methods are of different types and have different approaches for finding a change/changes in a data stream. The Overlapping method is a parametric method and the Kdq-tree method is a non-parametric method. The exploratory analyze in this report examines and evaluates the detection performance of the two methods in different ways: completed detection rate, detection delay, additional alarm rate with mean and standard deviation, false alarm rate with mean and standard deviation. The tests are made on a synthetic data set, with a multivariate Gaussian distribution, on both abrupt and linear changes. From the results in this master’s thesis I draw the conclusions that the Kdq-tree method is a very useful method because one does not have to know the underlying distribution of the data stream. To be able to use the Overlapping method for change detection one have to know the underlying distribution of the data stream which is rarely known. The Overlapping method is pretty easy to understand and implement for a new user, while the Kdq-tree method requires more knowledge about the method. Both methods have parameters that have to be predetermined and which strongly affects the performance of the detection results, but the Overlapping method only has 4 parameters while the Kdq-tree method has 6 parameters. The parameters in the Kdq-tree method are also very dependent on each other which makes this method harder to work with. Both methods could be improved by studying approaches for other change detection methods. The aim of this Master’s thesis is to obtain interesting research finding that can be used in future research.
Transplantation of interscapular brown adipose tissue in rats

Background: the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) – a highly metabolic tissue – has a magnificent role in the management of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes and numerous researchers have attempted to increase BAT via different methods including transplantation of BAT in animal models. Aims: to describe the protocol of the BAT transplantation in rats, as an animal model for studies about elevated BAT. Methods: twenty female Wistar rats were randomly divided in two groups (donor and recipient). Interscapular BAT (iBAT) were carefully removed from donors and transplanted into the interscapular region of the recipient rats, subcutaneously. To approve the successfulness of the operation, expression of the UCP1 mRNA and histological changes were evaluated in the grafts two months after surgery. Results: all operated rats have survived and fifty percent of the operations were successful. Conclusion: transplantation of BAT following this procedure in rats could be used as an acceptable animal model to investigate multiple aspects of elevated BAT.
Topographical Object Recognition through Structural Mapping

The automatic classification of geometric topographical data into object types (and/or feature codes) can partially be done through recognition of shape [Keyes & Winstanley 2000]. Performance can be improved by extending the classification mechanism with contextual information. This improves the accuracy of automatic classification because we can frequently resolve ambiguous data by examining its context to provide evidence for category membership (thus informally, for example, we can say that a square on a map is more likely to depict a house if it is near a road).
Task Assignment in Distributed Systems

This thesis addresses the problem of task assignment in distributed systems. A distributed system is defined as any configuration of two or more processors, each with private memory, in which computations utilize the combined resources of the component machines. A distributed process is defined as a set of tasks which together work towards some common goal. Each task spends a portion of its time executing on one of the processors and a portion of its time communicating with other tasks in the distributed process. An assignment of tasks to processors designates one processor for each task to reside on for its lifetime. We consider five different performance goals (cost functions) and investigate the problem of achieving optimal assignments with respect to each of these functions. In particular, we investigate task assignment to minimize (1) total execution and communication costs, (2) completion time, (3) total execution, communication, and interference costs, (4) total execution and communication costs with bounds on the number of tasks assigned to each processor, and (5) a weighted product of cost functions (1) and (2). In all cases the problem of finding an optimal assignment for an arbitrary number of processors is found to be NP-complete. This thesis focuses on the development and simulation of suboptimal algorithms and on consideration of special cases for each of the five performance criteria.