Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Problem-Based Learning Approach with Supported Interactive Multimedia in Physics Course: Its Effects on Critical Thinking Disposition

In this research, interactive multimedia on thermodynamic concepts was developed and tested. The purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of interactive multimedia through a problem-based learning approach to students’ critical thinking disposition. The research development had three stages: preliminary study, development, and field testing. The field testing was a quasi-experiment with a pretest and posttest control group design. The research subjects consisted of four lecturers as expert validators, two teachers and two groups of 65 students in a high school in Mataram city, Indonesia. Data were gathered by using questionnaires, observation, interviews, and written test. The results of the Normalized-gain test were 53.1 for the experiment group and 52.2 for the control group. This shows that there were differences in the increase of students' critical thinking dispositions between the control group and the experiment group. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of interactive multimedia could improve students' critical thinking dispositions.
Optimization of Particle Identification

This study aims at evaluating particle identification approaches. First, the goodness of the detector yield is measured. Flaws are revealed and possible causes evaluated. In addition, current and future techniques for combining detector variables are outlined. Next, a Bayesian approach to particle identification is discussed. It aims to produce probabilities of a track belonging to a particle species depending on the received signals. The process of obtaining conditional probabilities is described in detail. Furthermore, some extensions to the Bayesian approach are presented and evaluated. Flaws and benefits are compared using a generic decay. Finally, a neural network is used to label particle tracks. Different methods to adapt the weights and various pre-processing steps are evaluated for a simple network. Hereby, tools from machine learning and statistics are discussed and their application is outlined. Last but not least, the accuracy of the network on a generic decay is determined and a comparison with the Bayesian approaches is performed.
Improved Iterative Hard Thresholding for Sparsity and Nonnegativity Constrained Optimization∗

The iterative hard thresholding (IHT) algorithm is a popular greedy-type method in (linear and nonlinear) compressed sensing and sparse optimization problems. In this paper, we give an improved iterative hard thresholding algorithm for solving the sparsity and nonnegativity constrained optimization (SNCO) by employing the Armijo-type stepsize rule, which automatically adjusts the stepsize and support set and leads to a sufficient decrease of the objective function each iteration. Consequently, the improved IHT algorithm enjoys several convergence properties under standard assumptions. Those include the convergence to αstationary point (also known as L-stationary point in literature if the objective function has Lipschitzian gradient) and the finite identification of the true support set. We also characterize when the full sequence converges to a local minimizer of SNCO and establish its linear convergence rate. Extensive numerical experiments are included to demonstrate the good performance of the proposed algorithm.
CLASSIFICATION FOR MYOELECTRIC CONTROL SYSTEM 1 USING ADAPTIVE RESONANCE THEORY 2 3

15 This research proposes an exploratory study of a simple, accurate, and computationally 16 efficient movement classification technique for prosthetic hand application. Surface 17 myoelectric signals were acquired from the four muscles, namely, flexor carpi ulnaris, 18 extensor carpi radialis, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii, of four normal-limb subjects. The 19 signals were segmented, and the features were extracted with a new combined time-domain 20 feature extraction method. Fuzzy C-means clustering method and scatter plot were used to 21 evaluate the performance of the proposed multi-feature versus Hudgins’ multi-feature. The 22 movements were classified with a hybrid Adaptive Resonance Theory-based neural network. 23 Comparative results indicate that the proposed hybrid classifier not only has good 24 classification accuracy (89.09%) but also a significantly improved computation time. 25
Elocal: An exploratory approach to designing for civic participation

This paper investigates how active citizen participation in local municipal processes can be facilitated through collaborative elicitation and visualization of citizen needs. A Web2.0 platform was developed to realize boundary objects supporting the online dialogue between citizens, local actors and municipal administrators. Results of a closed pilot study display that the stakeholders’ general attitude towards such new participatory means is positive, but that the process of engaging them in using the new technology proves difficult. Different approaches to overcome this issue were explored, resulting in a strategy to combine the current platform with user-generated activity mined from existing social media channels to trigger further contributions, and to connect the many existing social conversations.
Screen Wars , Star Wars , and Sequels : Nonparametric Reanalysis of Movie Profitability

In this paper we use nonparametric statistical tools to quantify motion-picture profit. We quantify the unconditional distribution of profit, the distribution of profit conditional on stars and sequels, and we also model the conditional expectation of movie profits using a nonparametric data-driven regression model. The flexibility of the nonparametric approach accommodates the full range of possible relationships among the variables without prior specification of a functional form, thereby capturing nonlinearities and interactions without introducing possible specification bias. We find that marginal returns to budgets and opening screens vary over the domain of these variables. We also find that the conditional distribution of movie profit and the expected level of profit are related to the use of movie stars and sequels.
The Futures Market Model and No-Arbitrage Conditions on the Volatility

Abstract: Interest rate futures are basic securities and at the same time highly liquid traded objects. Despite this observation, most models of the term structure of interest rate assume forward rates as primary elements. The processes of futures prices are therefore endogenously determined in these models. In addition, in these models hedging strategies are based on forward and/or spot contracts and only to a limited extent on futures contracts. Inspired by the market model approach of forward rates by Miltersen, Sandmann, and Sondermann (1997), the starting point of this paper is a model of futures prices. Using the prices of futures on interest related assets as the input to the model, new no-arbitrage restricions on the volatility structure are derived. Moreover, these restrictions turn out to prevent an application of a market model based on futures prices.
Doubling the Accuracy of Indoor Location: Frequency Diversity

Determination of indoor location based on fine time measurement (FTM) of the round trip time (RTT) of a signal between an initiator (smartphone) and a responder (Wi-Fi access point) enables a number of applications. However, the accuracy currently attainable — standard deviations of 1–2 meter in distance measurement under favorable circumstances — limits the range of possible application. A first responder, for example, may not be able to unequivocally determine on which floor someone in need of help is in a multi-story building. The error in location depends on several factors, including the bandwidth of the RF signal, delay of the signal due to the high relative permittivity of construction materials, and the geometry-dependent “noise gain” of location determination. Errors in distance measurements have unusual properties that are exposed here for the first time. Improvements in accuracy depend on understanding all of these error sources. This paper introduces “frequency diversity,” a method for doubling the accuracy of indoor location determination using weighted averages of measurements with uncorrelated errors obtained in different channels. The properties of this method are verified experimentally with a range of responders. Finally, different ways of using the distance measurements to determine indoor location are discussed and the Bayesian grid update method shown to be more useful than others, given the non- Gaussian nature of the measurement errors.
The effect of firm characteristics on disclosures: A Swedish context

The aim of this thesis is to examine the quality of the disclosure IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements, paragraphs 122 and 125 in the annual reports of Swedish publicly listed firms. These paragraphs state that firms are required to disclose judgments made by management in preparing financial statements that may have significant impact on the recognized carrying amount. These paragraphs should also include information about major sources of estimation uncertainty. A quantitative research approach is used and the sample consists of 1,519 annual reports over a 7-year period. We construct a disclosure index to assess the quality of the disclosures in Critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (IAS 1:122 and 1:125) note and categorize the annual reports into four index groups. Additionally, the number of headlines in the note are counted and sorted into three other groups, creating a headline index. Lastly, we multiply the disclosure index with the headline index to get a score, which then enable us to distinguish and rank the quality of disclosure between firms. Further, we count the number of words in each individual disclosure in each annual report. This additional quantitative data enable regression analyses, further ensuring objectivity in assessing the disclosure quality. Agency theory and political cost theory are used as base for determining which firm characteristics may affect disclosure quality. We examine the firm characteristics firm visibility, ownership concentration and leverage to investigate any relationship with disclosure quality. We use the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression method to analyse this data. The analysis shows that firm visibility and leverage have positive relationships with disclosure quality. This supports the political cost theory and suggests that firms that are more visible have stronger incentives to attain a high disclosure quality. Our findings also support debt-associated agency problems and are also in line with prior studies that found a positive relationship between disclosure quality and the degree of leverage, which indicates that disclosures reduces the information gap.
A Weighted Viewport Quality Metric for Omnidirectional Images

Thanks to the ability to bring immersive experiences to users, Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have been gaining popularity in recent years. A key component in VR systems is omnidirectional content, which can provide 360-degree views of scenes. However, at a given time, only a portion of the full omnidirectional content, called viewport, is displayed corresponding to the user’s current viewing direction. In this work, we first develop Weighted-Viewport PSNR (W-VPSNR), an objective quality metric for quality assessment of omnidirectional content. The proposed metric takes into account the foveation feature of the human visual system. Then, we build a subjective database consisting of 72 stimuli with spatial varying viewport quality. By using this database, an evaluation of the proposed metric and four conventional metrics is conducted. Experiment results show that the W-VPSNR metric well correlates with the mean opinion scores (MOS) and outperforms the conventional metrics. Also, it is found that the conventional metrics do not perform well for omnidirectional content. key words: omnidirectional images, objective quality metrics
Social disadvantage and teenage motherhood: A cohort perspective

In 1968 Campbell stated that: The girl who has an illegitimate child at the age of 16 suddenly has 90% of her life’s script written for her. She will probably drop out of school. , not be able to find a steady job. ; she may feel impelled to marry someone she might not have otherwise chosen. Her life choices are few, and most of them are bad (1968: 238). These negative consequences reported by Campbell continue to be found in many crosssectional studies in the US, Europe and the UK (for discussion see Berthoud and Robson 2001; SEU 1999; Luker 1996; Furstenberg 1987). However, with advances in statistical modelling methods and the availability of longitudinal data, often of large scale and at the national level, researchers in the US and UK have been able to control for the difference in young mothers’ backgrounds. All of these studies have led to significant improvement in the methodology for studying teenage motherhood and pave the way for continued efforts in this area. On balance their results suggest that there are negative consequences associated with teenage motherhood, but these are much smaller than previously thought and can be moderated through social and personal support. Once we control for the selection effects of teenage motherhood it is suggested that teenage motherhood is a consequence, not just a cause, of social disadvantage. In Australia Bradbury (2006) has attempted to control for the selection effect of motherhood on subsequent outcomes by using women who miscarriage as a comparison group. His findings suggest that teenage motherhood has no negative impact on education, labour market activity, income or location. In order to explore this issue further this paper uses a propensity score matching (PSM) technique on data from HILDA waves 1 through 5. This technique allows matching of women who have a teenage birth with those who do not based on variables observed prior to childbearing, thus separating out the effect of motherhood on subsequent life events such as training, relationship formation and fertility. Paper prepared for the 2007 HILDA Survey Research Conference. Melbourne. 19-20 July. This research is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC DP0556526).
COPD_A_222195 2697..2709

*These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: Elastin peptides (EP) can induce lung inflammation and emphysema. Erythromycin has been shown to decrease acute exacerbation frequency and delay lung function decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and ameliorate emphysema in murine models; however, the mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to observe the preventive and immunomodulatory effects of erythromycin in a mouse model of EP-induced emphysema. Methods: In the in vivo study, Balb/cmice were treated with EP intranasally on day 0, and then administered erythromycin (100 mg/kg) or vehicle orally on day 1, which was continued every other day. Mice exposed to cigarette smoke were used as an emphysema positive control. The severity of emphysema and inflammation in the lungs of EP-exposed mice with or without erythromycin treatment were observed on day 40 after EP administration. In the in vitro study, naïve CD4Tcells were isolated from healthy mice spleens and stimulated by EPwith or without erythromycin incubation. Flow cytometry was used to measure the proportions of Th1, Th17, and Treg cells. ELISA was used to detect cytokine levels of IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-6, and TGF-β. Transcript levels of Ifnγ, IL17a, and Foxp3 were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Results: After exposure to EP, Th1 and Th17 cell percentages and the levels of inflammatory cytokines increased in vivo and in vitro, while Treg cells decreased in vivo. Erythromycin reduced IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-6 inflammatory cytokines, MLI, and the inflammation score in the lungs of EP-exposed mice. In vitro, erythromycin also limited Th17 and Th1 cell differentiation and downregulated transcript levels of Ifnγ and IL17a in the EPstimulated CD4T cells. Conclusion: The Th1 and Th17 cell responses were increased in EP-induced emphysema. Prophylactic use of erythromycin effectively ameliorated emphysema and modulated CD4T cells responses in EP-induced lung inflammation in mice.
Soil properties affecting runoff in calcareous soils, northwestern Iran

The study was conducted in an agriculture zone with an area of 900 km located in northwest of Iran to determination of factors influencing runoff in calcareous soils from March 2005 to March 2007. Thirty six grids with a dimension of 5 × 5 km were considered in the study area. In each grid, a dry farming land on a slope 9% was selected and three unit plots with 1.83-m wide and 22.1-m long were installed in each land. Based on results, during a 2-year period, 41 natural rainfall events produced surface runoff at the study plots. Runoff was negatively (R= 0.61, p< 0.001) affected by soil permeability. Runoff also significantly correlated with sand, coarse sand, silt, organic matter and lime, while its relationship with very fine sand, clay, gravel and potassium was not significant. Based on regression analysis, runoff was considerably (p< 0.001, R= 0.64) related to coarse sand, organic matter and lime. Lime like to coarse sand and organic matter positively correlated with soil permeability and consequently decreased runoff in the study area. Key-Words: Runoff; Calcareous soil; Soil properties; Iran
Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Interpret the Molecular Fragmentation Induced in Deoxyribose by Synchrotron Soft X-Rays

It has been suggested that core ionization in DNA atoms could induce complex, irreparable damage. Synchrotron soft X-rays have been used to probe the damage induced by such events in thin films of DNA components. In a complementary approach, we investigate the fragmentation dynamics following a carbon or oxygen K-shell ionization in 2-deoxy-D-ribose (DR), a major component in the DNA chain. Core ionization of the sugars hydration layer is also studied. To that aim, we use state-of-the-art ab initio Density Functional Theory-based Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The ultrafast dissociation dynamics of the core ionized molecule, prior Auger decay, is modeled for about 10 fs. We show that the core-ionization of oxygen atoms within DR or its hydration layer may induce proton transfers towards nearby molecules, before Auger decay. In a second step, we model an Auger effect occurring either at the beginning or at the end of the core–hole dynamics. Two electrons are removed from the deepest valence molecular orbitals localized on the initially core-ionized oxygen atom (O*), and this electronic state is propagated by means of Ehrenfest MD. We show an ultrafast dissociation of the DR2+ molecule C-O* bonds, which, in most cases, seems independent of the time at which Auger decay occurs.
SMALL DSGE MODEL*

In this study I apply a simple DSGE model to forecast the quarterly Romanian GDP. The forecast is based on the posterior distribution of the model parameters resulted from the Bayesian estimation. The forecast for the 2006-2007 period shows that the realized GDP is within the confidence interval of the forecast when the shock uncertainty is also included. The projection for the 2007-2010 period indicates an average growth rate of almost 6%.
Classification of 3D Point Clouds Using Color Vegetation Indices for Precision Viticulture and Digitizing Applications

Remote sensing applied in the digital transformation of agriculture and, more particularly, in precision viticulture offers methods to map field spatial variability to support site-specific management strategies; these can be based on crop canopy characteristics such as the row height or vegetation cover fraction, requiring accurate three-dimensional (3D) information. To derive canopy information, a set of dense 3D point clouds was generated using photogrammetric techniques on images acquired by an RGB sensor onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in two testing vineyards on two different dates. In addition to the geometry, each point also stores information from the RGB color model, which was used to discriminate between vegetation and bare soil. To the best of our knowledge, the new methodology herein presented consisting of linking point clouds with their spectral information had not previously been applied to automatically estimate vine height. Therefore, the novelty of this work is based on the application of color vegetation indices in point clouds for the automatic detection and classification of points representing vegetation and the later ability to determine the height of vines using as a reference the heights of the points classified as soil. Results from on-ground measurements of the heights of individual grapevines were compared with the estimated heights from the UAV point cloud, showing high determination coefficients (R² > 0.87) and low root-mean-square error (0.070 m). This methodology offers new capabilities for the use of RGB sensors onboard UAV platforms as a tool for precision viticulture and digitizing applications.
Influence of band non-parabolicity on electric field induced shifts in the bound states of a finite-barrier quantum well

The Ԑ-k dispersion relation of electrons in a semiconductor is nearly parabolic at the bottom of its conduction band and deviates more and more with increasing electron energy. In a square quantum well (SQW), the ground state itself lies above the band edge and the inter-subband separation increases with energy, placing the excited states away from the band edge. Consideration of band non-parabolicity thus becomes much more relevant in QWs, and is well investigated for such structures [1-3]. Under its influence, the energy levels are found to experience a downward shift. Further, application of an external electric field results in lowering of the ground state, while raising the excited states [4-8]. Therefore, the influence of band non-parabolicity on the energy levels, in presence of electric field, is worth investigating.
R A ] 2 J ul 2 01 7 Vertex Rings and their Pierce Bundles

In part I we introduce vertex rings, which bear the same relation to vertex algebras (or VOAs) as commutative, associative rings do to commutative, associative algebras over C. We show that vertex rings are characterized by Goddard axioms. These include a generalization of the translationcovariance axiom of VOA theory that involves a canonical Hasse-Schmidt derivation naturally associated to any vertex ring. We give several illustratory applications of these axioms, including the construction of vertex rings associated with the Virasoro algebra. We consider some categories of vertex rings, and the rôle played by the center of a vertex ring. In part II we extend the theory of Pierce bundles associated to a commutative ring to the setting of vertex rings. This amounts to the construction of certain reduced étale bundles of vertex rings functorially associated to a vertex ring. We introduce von Neumann regular vertex rings as a generalization of von Neumann regular commutative rings; we obtain a characterization of this class of vertex rings as those whose Pierce bundles are bundles of simple vertex rings. Part I: Vertex Rings