Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sculpture virtuelle par système de particules

La 3D s'impose comme un nouveau media dont l'adoption generalisee passe par la conception d'outils, accessibles au grand public, de creation et de manipulation de formes tridimensionnelles quelconques. Les outils actuels reposent fortement sur la modelisation sous-jacente des formes, generalement surfacique, et sont alors peu intuitifs ou limitatifs dans l'expressivite offerte a l'utilisateur.Nous souhaitons, dans ces travaux, definir une approche ne presentant pas ces defauts et permettant a l'utilisateur de se concentrer sur le processus creatif. En nous inspirant de l'utilisation seculaire de l'argile, nous proposons une approche modelisant la matiere sous forme lagrangienne.Une forme est ainsi decrite par un systeme de particules, ou chaque particule represente un petit volume du volume global.Dans ce cadre lagrangien, la methode Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) permet l'approximation de grandeurs physiques en tout point de l'espace. Nous proposons alors une modelisation de materiaux a deux couches, l'une decrivant la topologie et l'autre decrivant la geometrie du systeme global.La methode SPH permet, entre autres, d'evaluer la densite de matiere. Ceci nous permet de definir une surface implicite basee sur les proprietes physiques du systeme de particules pour redonner un aspect continu a la matiere.Ces materiaux peuvent alors etre manipules au moyen d'interactions locales reproduisant le maniement de la pâte a modeler, et de deformations globales. L'interet de notre approche est demontree par plusieurs prototypes fonctionnant sur des stations de travail standard ou dans des environnements immersifs.
Exploring filesystem synchronization with lightweight modeling and analysis

There are a number of software tools that offer a user the ability to synchronize filesystems despite conflicting updates made to multiple filesystem replicas, and often it is unclear what policies these tools employ and difficult to understand what the policies guarantee. Alloy, a lightweight formal modeling language, is used in an exploration of filesystem synchronization properties, specifications, and algorithms. The Alloy language and tool are evaluated in the task of interactively constructing models of filesystem synchronization and understanding their intricacies. Thesis Supervisor: Daniel Jackson Title: Associate Professor
Comparison of support vector machines and multilayer perceptron networks in building mine classification models

The augmentation of a currently employed baseline feature set for mine classifier design by “transform” or “moment” derived features, e.g. such as Discrete Cosine Transform and Pseudo-Zernike Moments, results in an aggregate feature set which is large in size. A “traditional” approach to this problem in the context of using multilayer perceptron(MLP) neural networks for classification consists first in the use of feature selection techniques, followed by some cross-validation based training algorithm. In this paper we contrast results obtained using the described “traditional” approach, with those obtained from using the Support Vector Machine(SVM) based framework for classifier design. The SVM approach is regarded as more attractive for large feature sets due to the optimization of a criterion in training, which is closely related to theoretical bounds on classifier generalization ability.
VIH/SIDA Y RECHAZO A MIGRANTES EN CONTEXTOS FRONTERIZOS

In this article we analyze the negative response against migrants as it relates to VHI/ AIDS in the Mexico–Guatemala border. A transversal study within a border commu nity was undertaken in 2001. From the community’s perspective, AIDS «comes from abroad» and it is considered that different groups of mobile population are their diffusers. For the community residents, the presence of AIDS is explained by the interrelationship among members of the community and members of the different mobile groups. AIDS has become an additional element that contributes to increase attitudes of refusal against undocumented migrant groups. Reducing stigmatism and refusal can favor the exit of VHI/AIDS preventive actions in border areas.
Fitts' Task by Teleoperator: Movement Time, Velocity, and Acceleration

This paper reports two experiments about teleoperation with replica master controllers. In the first experiment participants completed Fitts' (1954) reciprocal tapping task by hand and with a teleoperator. Movement time and index of difficulty were linearly related in these data. However, times were much longer with the teleoperator than when participants completed the task by hand. The information rate for the teleoperator was 2.88 bits per second, averaged across conditions. The information rate for performance by hand was 16.98 bits per second, nearly six times faster. In the second experiment master handle velocity and acceleration were calculated for each 10-millisecond interval during tapping task trials. Most velocity observations (95%) made during the task's terminal phase were less than 0.45 meter per second. Many observations (20%) made during the ballistic phase were greater than 0.7 meter per second. Acceleration characteristics divided the participants into two groups. The low-variability group exhibited accelerations between −0.9 and 0.9 meters pers second2. The high-variability group exhibited accelerations ranging from −29 to 41 meters per second. Style or skill differences among participants may have caused the acceleration variability difference.
Two indices can approximate four hundred and two amino acid properties

We have developed a novel, general technique involving nonlinear transformation that summarizes the four hundred and two amino acid properties contained in the Nakai database in the form of two simply visualizable indices. The technique yields a higher fidelity of representation of the original data than linear methods, and results in a distribution of the amino acids which illustrates their dependence on size and hydrophobicity properties on the one hand, and their preference for belonging to loops vs. strands, on the other.
The Circle-End-Face Centering Device Based on Image Processing

The circle-end-face centering device which is in the base of image processing accomplishes the center of the cylinders end face by digital image processing. Through edge extraction and doing the matching in the calculation of the least square method, the coordinate of the central of the circle can be calculated. At last, the drill will be moved to the central of the circle and do the punching by the actuator. This equipment is in the high accuracy and speed compared with the traditional way and the concentric circle laser of marking with the center. Meanwhile, the actuator consists of the programmable logic controller, touch panel and servo drivers which is in the high stability and accuracy. Certainly it is easy to be controlled by the method.
Estudio del orden Hemiptera (Heteroptera) en el departamento de Antioquia en diferentes pisos altitudinales

Para el presente estudio se seleccionaron un total de 42 estaciones correspondientes a ecosistemas lóticos y lénticos, entre los 45 – 2665 metros de altura sobre el nivel del mar.Las colecciones se realizaron a partir del 18 de enero hasta el 3 de noviembre de 1981. El objetivo principal del trabajo fue el de iniciar el conocimiento taxonómico de los hemípteros acuáticos y subacuáticos del departamento de Antioquia. Los insectos fueron identificados mediante la ayuda de la literatura disponible, además de la colaboración de los doctores Nico Nieser de la Universidad de Utrecht (Holanda) y Axel O. Bachmann de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina), especialistas en la Taxonomía del grupo.Se realizaron también mediciones de algunos parámetros físico-químicos como O2, CO2, NO3, PO4, temperatura del agua, conductividad, etc., con el fin de conocer las condiciones del agua en el momento del muestreo.De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, la diversidad de los hemípteros mostró una tendencia a disminuir con la altura. En el trabajo se reportaron un total de 13 familias, 27 géneros y 17 especies confirmadas, 21 especies están aún sin confirmar por parte de los especialistas. Se elaboraron calves tanto para las familias como para los géneros encontrados.Con respecto a los géneros que se reportan en el estudio, Linmocoris sp. Mostró un amplio rango de distribución en altitud; el género Rhagovelia sp. Presentó amplia distribución en ecosistemas lóticos. Eurygerris kahli presentó una marcada preferencia por pisos altitudinales elevados, al contrario de Ambrysus que sólo ocurrió a bajas alturas. El género Parapela sp. Es un nuevo reporte para Colombia. Varias de las especies citadas en el estudio y de las que aún no han sido determinadas por los especialistas, posiblemente también sean nuevos reportes para nuestro país.
Conocimiento especializado para enseñar división de fracciones

En esta investigacion caracterizamos el conocimiento especializado para ensenar la division de fracciones puesto en juego por profesores y estudiantes de licenciatura en matematicas en un contexto de formacion. El modelo teorico Mathematics Teacher’s Specialized Knowledge (MTSK), con sus seis subdominios, fue la herramienta metodologica para la exploracion analitica de evidencias e indicios de conocimientos. La discusion de los resultados empiricos aportada por los avances actuales en el area (revision de 52 estudios) nos permite responder: ? que conjunto de conocimientos es especifico para un profesor ensenar la division de fracciones? La respuesta es el que definimos como ‘MTSK de la division de fracciones’. Esto es el panorama de conocimientos mas completo ya preparado hasta la fecha.
On integrating apprentice learning and reinforcement learning

Apprentice learning and reinforcement learning are methods that have each been developed in order to endow computerized agents with the capacity to learn to perform multiple-step tasks, such as problem-solving tasks and control tasks. To achieve this end, each method takes differing approaches, with disparate assumptions, objectives, and algorithms. In apprentice learning, the autonomous agent tries to mimic a training agent's problem-solving behavior, learning based on examples of the trainer's action choices. In an attempt to learn to perform its task optimally, the learner in reinforcement learning changes its behavior based on scalar feedback about the consequences of its own actions. We demonstrate that a careful integration of the two learning methods can produce a more powerful method than either one alone. An argument based on the characteristics of the individuals maintains that a hybrid will be an improvement because of the complimentary strengths of its constituents. Although existing hybrids of apprentice learning and reinforcement learning perform better than their individual components, those hybrids have left many questions unanswered. We consider the following questions in this dissertation. How do the learner and trainer interact during training? How does the learner assimilate the trainer's expertise? How does the proficiency of the trainer affect the learner's ability to perform the task? And, when during training should the learner acquire information from the trainer? In our quest for answers, we develop the A scSK FOR H scELP integrated approach, and use it in our empirical study. With the new integrated approach, the learning agent is significantly faster at learning to perform optimally than learners employing either apprentice learning alone or reinforcement learning alone. The study indicates further that the learner can learn to perform optimally even when its trainer cannot; thus, the learner can outperform its trainer. Two strategies for determining when to acquire the trainer's aid show that simple approaches work well. The results of the study demonstrate that the A scSK FOR H scELP approach is effective for integrating apprentice learning and reinforcement learning, and support the conclusion that an integrated approach can be better than its individual components.
Composites on Base of the Ultradispersed Polytetrafluoroethylene and Graphite Oxide Intercalated Compounds

Composites based on ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene and intercalated graphite oxide compounds with dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborates and methods of their fabrication have been developed. The fabricated composites have been characterized using XRD analysis, and optical microscopy. These composites are distinguished with completeness of their combustion, since the combustion products comprise gaseous boron fluorine-containing compounds of boron, boron trifluoride (BF3), and boron oxyfluoride ((BOF)3). Besides, these composites are characterized with increased energy capacity as compared to purely oxygen-containing compounds, since the heat of formation of boron fluorine-containing compounds is higher than that of boron oxide. Introduction of ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene imparts composites with hydrophobicity, thus improving their functioning properties.
Light Robust Edge Preserving Smoothing using Self-quotient Referential ε-Filter

In this paper, we propose a light robust edge preserving smoothing filter named self-quotient referential e-filter. Although many filters for edge preserving smoothing have been proposed, as it often uses local information, it is difficult to preserve edge information when the images are taken under light variation. To solve the problems, we pay attention to the feature of self-quotient filter, and combine self-quotient filter and e-filter. Some experiments were done to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Throughout the experiments, the validity of our method was verified.
Can flexible shoes improve function in the older foot?

Older people with toe deformities have been identified as having an increased risk of falling. Little is known, however, about the biomechanical changes that might contribute to this increased risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether older people with hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities displayed different gait, balance and plantar pressure characteristics compared to individuals without toe deformities. The presence of hallux valgus and lesser toe deformities were assessed for 312 community-dwelling older men and women. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using the GAITrite® system, postural sway was assessed on two surfaces using a sway-meter and dynamic plantar pressure distribution was measured using an Emed-AT4 pressure plate. The results indicated that, although there were no effects of toe deformities on spatiotemporal gait characteristics or postural sway, older people with hallux valgus (n=36) and lesser toe deformities (n=71) were found to display altered forefoot plantar pressure patterns. These findings suggest that toe deformities alter weight distribution under the foot when walking, but that the relationship between toe deformities and falls may be mediated by factors other than changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters or impaired postural sway.
Do Agency Costs Really Matter? A Non-Linear Approach to Panel Data

This paper investigates the relationship between agency cost, ownership structure and corporate governance mechanisms. Though previous studies of agency problems, corporate governance mechanisms or ownership variables suffer from endogeneity, with respect to the corporate governance it is unclear as to which variables are endogenous and which are exogenous. This study, using the Durbin-Wu-Hausman test for endogeneity, confirms noendogeneity issues should be addressed. Furthermore, addressing the issue of non-linearity, this study confirms that the relationship between agency costs, ownership structures and corporate governance mechanisms are non-linear. Using a balanced panel of 79 New Zealand-listed firms, this study employs a non-linear panel data method using Tobit. Apart from block-holders’ ownership, leverage, dividend, non-executive directors and audit committees, managerial ownership, the number of the board size, nomination and remuneration of the committee have significant impact in reducing the agency costs in the context of New Zealand-listed firms. Overall, it can be concluded that corporate governance mechanisms and ownership structures are vital in mitigating agency costs in the New Zealand context.
A redescription of the Stephanian species Callipteridium virginianum (Fontaine & White, 1880) comb. nov. and Alethopteris leonensis Wagner, 1964

An analysis of Alethopteris virginiana Fontaine & White from the lower Dunkard in the Appalachians of North America shows that three different taxa are likely to be represented in the initial illustration. The specific epithet ‘virginiana’ ought to be restricted to a form comparable to Callipteridium costei (Zeiller) Wagner, whereas the two other taxa are referred to pecopterid ferns. A neotype is proposed for Callipteridium virginianum (Fontaine & White) comb. nov. on the basis of topotypes. Zeiller’s illustration of ‘Alethopteris’ costei is reproduced for comparison. On the other hand, a full description and illustration are provided for Alethopteris leonensis Wagner, a species which had been identified previously with Alethopteris virginiana, apparently in error. An associated Holcospermum ‘seed’ is also illustrated. Comparisons include the rather similar Alethopteris bohemica Franke, 1912, which is also illustrated with an associated ‘seed’. The age of the lower Dunkard flora is determined as (early? ) Autunian. The relative position of the Upper Pennsylvanian (upper Conemaugh, Monongahela, Dunkard) of eastern North America is depicted in a chart showing the full succession of substages in the West European chronostratigraphic classification of the Pennsylvanian Subsystem, as well as the corresponding megafloral zones.
Effects of seagrass beds (Zostera noltii and Z-marina) on near-bed hydrodynamics and sediment resuspension

The main objectives of this flume study were to (1) quantify density dependent effects of the short-leaf seagrass Zostera nolti on hydrodynamics and sediment resuspension from a sandy bed, and (2) measure the erodability of 2 contrasting sediments (sandy and muddy) and the extent to which this is modified by the presence of 2 seagrass species, Z. noltii (sandy) and Z. marina (muddy). Field measurements of near-bed tidal currents, turbulence and suspended particulate matter at 2 dif- ferent Z. noltii locations (low energy (sheltered) and higher energy (exposed) environments) were interpreted in the context of the flume results. Skimming flow above the high density bed of Z. noltii was accompanied by a 40% reduction in near-bed flow, but this was offset by a 2-fold increase in tur- bulent kinetic energy (TKE) and bed shear stress (τ0). Despite this increase in τ0 there was an increase in sediment stabilisation with increasing seagrass density (10-fold increase in critical bed shear stress for erosion (τe) from 0.1 (bare sediment) to 1.0 Pa at the highest shoot density). This was largely explained by the increased microphytobenthos abundance (reflected in the higher chlorophyll a and carbohydrate contents) and a lower density of the grazer and bio-destabiliser Hydrobia ulvae. In con- trast, the muddy site was more easily eroded (10-fold higher), with Z. marina having little effect on sediment erodability (bare: τe = 0.05 Pa; Z. marina: τe = 0.07 Pa). This higher erodability was due to differences in hydrodynamics and the physical/biological properties of the sediment.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on Polyaniline/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Counter Electrode

This work presented the successful fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cell using polyaniline base (EB), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), organic dye (rhodamine B or riboflavin), zinc oxide (ZnO), and indium tin oxide (ITO). The electrical properties of the resultant devices were investigated by measuring the current density voltage (-), capacitance voltage (-), and impedance measurements under both dark and illuminated conditions. The photovoltaic cell characteristics, that is, open circuit voltage (), short circuit current density (), and energy conversion efficiency (), were evaluated under illumination and were found to be 0.48 mA/cm2, 400 mV, and 0.224%, respectively, for ITO/EB-MWCNTs/ZnO-rhodamine B/ITO heterostructure. Using impedance spectra, it was found that the series resistances of this type of solar cell are 62 and 60 Ω under darkness and illumination, respectively.
Using Compulsory Mobility to Identify School Quality and Peer Effects

Education production functions that feature school and student fixed effects are identified using students' school mobility. However, student mobility is driven by factors like parents' labour market shocks and divorce. Movers experience large achievement drops, are more often minority and free meal students, and sort endogenously into peer groups and school types. We exploit an English institutional feature whereby some students must change schools between grades 2 and 3. We find no evidence of endogenous sorting of such compulsory movers across peer groups or school types. Non-compulsory movers bias school quality estimates downward by as much as 20% of a SD.
On Definition of Automatic Text Summarization

Research in the continuously growing field of automatic text summarization is branched into extractive and abstractive approaches. Over the past few decades, major advances have occurred in extractive summarization and a smooth transition from extractive to abstractive approaches can be observed in recent years. Despite advances, a proper definition of automatic text summarization has been mainly neglected by researchers. In this work we emphasize on the importance of an appropriate definition of automatic text summarization. We review previous definitions on text summarization, investigate their properties and propose our own definition.
Construction of Information Resources Organization System Based on Medical Portal Using Folksonomy

With medical portal as application scenarios, we proposed a method of constructing information resource organization system using folksonomy, the first to use subject terms set from medical portal, clustering labels that the public create under the appropriate subject term, according to the label cluster similarity ranks ,and forming some similar type of cluster, Then we generate labels having different levels of the tree structure, using the improved K-means clustering algorithm clusters within each class, select several nodes of the tree structure and tag number of levels ,last form information resource organization system for medical portal.