Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing the visual privacy of incidental information in web browsers

Privacy can be a concern during informal collaboration around someone's personal display when traces of activity incidental to the current task are displayed. This dissertation examined how to help users manage their visual privacy within web browsers. A key goal was to allow users to maintain the functionality of their browser convenience features (e.g. Auto Complete, History, Favorites) while limiting the information displayed within the features to content that is appropriate for their current viewing situation. We first needed to determine the extent of the problem, the nature of the privacy concerns, and the browsing behaviours which may impact the effectiveness of privacy management solutions. For this exploratory research, we employed a mixed methodology approach consisting of a survey (155 participants) and two, week-long field studies (35 participants total). The survey examined participants' privacy concerns for varying usage scenarios, while the field studies examined participants' application of a four-tier privacy gradient to their actual web browsing activity. Results identified several factors that impact a person's privacy comfort level in a given situation and enabled us to develop a model of visual privacy concerns. Results also guided development of design guidelines for visual privacy management systems for web browsers. Such a system must support easy classification of new traces of browsing activity and provide mechanisms to appropriately filter those traces during collaboration. As documented in our results, the rapid bursts of activity and the magnitude of web pages visited will make it difficult for users to manually classify their activities with a privacy level. Our exploratory data allowed us to examine the feasibility of three privacy management approaches. Based on these results, PrivateBits, a proof of concept privacy enhancing web browser, was developed as an instantiation of our design requirements and leveraged usage patterns we observed in our field studies. An initial evaluation of PrivateBits showed that it was effective at allowing users with varying privacy concerns and browsing behaviours to manage the privacy of their web browsing traces.
A Suite of Robotic Solutions for Nuclear Waste Decommissioning

Dealing safely with nuclear waste is an imperative for the nuclear industry. Increasingly, robots are being developed to carry out complex tasks such as perceiving, grasping, cutting, and manipulating waste. Radioactive material can be sorted, and either stored safely or disposed of appropriately, entirely through the actions of remotely controlled robots. Radiological characterisation is also critical during the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. It involves the detection and labelling of radiation levels, waste materials, and contaminants, as well as determining other related parameters (e.g., thermal and chemical), with the data visualised as 3D scene models. This paper overviews work by researchers at the QMUL Centre for Advanced Robotics (ARQ), a partner in the UK EPSRC National Centre for Nuclear Robotics (NCNR), a consortium working on the development of radiation-hardened robots fit to handle nuclear waste. Three areas of nuclear-related research are covered here: human–robot interfaces for remote operations, sensor delivery, and intelligent robotic manipulation.
A Minimally Constrained Optimization Algorithm for Table Cartograms

Table cartograms are a recent type of data visualization that encodes numerical tabular data as a grid of quadrilaterals whose area are brought into correspondence with the input data. The overall effect is similar to that of a heat map that has been ‘area-ed‘ rather than shaded. There exist several algorithms for creating these structures—variously utilizing techniques such as computational geometry and numerical optimization —yet each of them impose aesthetically-motivated conditions that impede fine tuning or manipulation of the visual aesthetic of the output. In this work we contribute an optimization algorithm for creating table cartograms that is able to compute a variety of table cartograms layouts for a single dataset. We make our web-ready implementation available as table-cartogram.ts.
The effect of using authentic materials on the spoken use of English verb tenses for English as a foreign language among Arab secondary school students in Malaysia

Many Arab learners in Malaysia, who are learning English as a foreign language (EFL), are struggling to use English language proficiently in conversations. The methodology used by the teachers is largely traditional in nature and they still use grammar translation method. This method failed to produce proficient Arabic learners in English, especially in speaking. Although some studies have been conducted on the use of authentic materials in teaching English to EFL learners, there is lack of research on the effects of using authentic materials among Arab EFL learners. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of using authentic materials on the spoken use of English verb tenses among Arab international secondary school students in Malaysia. The study also examined the ways native Arab speakers learn EFL, and the perceptions of Arab students and EFL teachers on the use of authentic materials. The present study adopted a quasi-experimental design in which the control group which consisted of 25 students was taught using the conventional method while the experimental group of 35 students was taught English using authentic materials. The four types of authentic materials that were used are films, videos, newspapers and photos during 18 hours of experimental teaching. A speaking pre-test, a post-test and structured interviews were conducted with both groups. The data were analysed quantitatively using two non-parametric tests, which are the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for checking whether the data samples were matched and the Mann-Whitney test for comparing any significant difference of the means of the post-test of both groups. Findings revealed that the majority of the Arab EFL learners, who learnt English at the international secondary school, learnt English through memorization. The teachers believed that authentic materials could help the students practice English in real life and the students were motivated in learning English. The findings showed that the experimental group performed better than the control group in using tenses in the post-test. It is concluded that the authentic materials could provide stimulating, and enriching learning experience among Arab EFL learners. The study contributed to the use of authentic materials particularly for grammar teaching in an EFL context. The EFL teachers would be able to facilitate EFL learners by improving their pedagogy in terms of creating more interesting, stimulating, interactive and engaging language learning activities.
Parallel Interrogation of Piezo-Impedance Transducers for Quick Damage Detection

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based piezo-impedance transducers have been successfully used in structural health monitoring (SHM) of various engineering structures in the recent past. They are usually surface bonded on the host structure to be monitored and are excited to produce structural responses, which varies if damage occurs in the structure. This forms the basis of PZT-structure interaction based SHM technique. In order to monitor structural health, identification of damage location is of great importance and hence development of quick damage detection method is needed. Although a single PZT is sensitive enough to detect damage, it is insufficient to indicate the location of damage especially in large host structures. Hence in this paper, nine PZTs are surface bonded on an aluminum plate, and damages (holes) are induced in a sequential manner. After each damage state, structural response is obtained for all PZTs. A pattern useful for damage identification is thus proposed using the structural responses for each damage state.
Importance sampling for stochastic simulations

Importance sampling is one of the classical variance reduction techniques for increasing the efficiency of Monte Carlo algorithms for estimating integrals. The basic idea is to replace the original random mechanism in the simulation by a new one and at the same time modify the function being integrated. In this paper the idea is extended to problems arising in the simulation of stochastic systems. Discrete-time Markov chains, continuous-time Markov chains, and generalized semi-Markov processes are covered. Applications are given to a GI/G/1 queueing problem and response surface estimation. Computation of the theoretical moments arising in importance sampling is discussed and some numerical examples given.
Utilisation of Exponential-Based Resource Allocation and Competition in Artificial Immune Recognition System

There has been a rapid growth in using Artificial Immune Systems for applications in data mining and computational intelligence recently. There are extensive computational aspects with the natural immune system. Several algorithms have been developed by exploiting these computational capabilities for a wide range of applications. Artificial Immune Recognition System is one of the several immune inspired algorithms that can be used to perform classification, a data mining task. The results achieved by Artificial Immune Recognition Systems have shown the potential of Artificial Immune Systems to perform classification. Artificial Immune Recognition System is a relatively new classifier and has some advantages such as self regularity, parameter stability and data reduction capability. However, the Artificial Immune Recognition System uses a linear resource allocation method. This linearity increases the processing time of generating memory cells from antigens and causes an increase in the training time of the Artificial Immune Recognition System. Another problem with the Artificial Immune Recognition System is related to the resource competition phase which generates premature memory cells and decreases the classification accuracy of system. This thesis proposes new algorithms based on Artificial Immune Recognition System to address the mentioned weaknesses and improve the performance of the Artificial Immune Recognition System. Firstly, exponential-based resource allocation methods are utilized instead of the existing linear resource allocation method. Next, the Real World Tournament Selection method is adapted and incorporated into the resource competition of Artificial Immune Recognition System. The proposed algorithms have been tested on a variety of datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. The experimental results show that utilizing exponential-based resource allocation methods decreases the training time and increases the data reduction capability of Artificial Immune Recognition System. In addition, incorporating an adapted Real World Tournament Selection technique increases the accuracy of the Artificial Immune Recognition System up to 4%. The difference between the performances of the proposed algorithms and Artificial Immune Recognition System are significant in majority of cases.
Modeling of electric ship power systems

The central element of a ship power system model is typically a circuit model. This level of modeling has been valuable in evaluating architectures for future electric ships as it provides initial power flow and stability information as well as performance specifications, perhaps most notably overall efficiency. This circuit model is typically the middle layer in what is a three layer approach. At the more basic level, the physics of the components and processes is captured. In a power system, there are interactions among the electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal behaviors. The third level is even more approximate than the circuit level. It includes such models as cost-of-ownership models, models of physical layout and integration of the power system with the balance of plant. These models are critical in the design process and depend on the circuit model to specify components and their interconnections. Incorporating breakdown physics demonstrates the linkage between the basic physics and the circuit models. Rotor dynamics provides examples of phenomena that cannot be captured in a circuit model. The design of insulation systems is an example of a field in which the circuit modeling may lead to less costly electrical systems for future electric ships.
Investigation of Interface Shear Stresses on Wheelchair Seat Cushions and the Effects on Subcutaneous Buttock Soft Tissues

Pressure ulcer incidence rates have remained constant [1] even though wheelchair seat cushion technologies have advanced. Shear stress is recognized as a risk factor for pressure ulcer development [2] and is a focus of many shear reduction technologies incorporated into cushions; however, shear reduction has not been quantified in the literature. This study evaluated 21 commercial wheelchair seat cushions using a methodology developed to quantify interface shear stress and calculate overall and local horizontal stiffness values. For statistical analyses, the cushions were grouped by Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes. The general use cushion category (E2601) resulted in significantly greater interface shear stresses (p<.001) than all other categories and the adjustable skin protection cushion category (K0734) resulted in significantly less interface shear stress (p<.001) than all other categories. Additionally, this study provided evidence that the current horizontal stiffness test methodology (ISO 16840-2) [3] provides sufficient information to characterize wheelchair seat cushions, but does not directly quantify interface shear stress.Results from the evaluation of commercial wheelchair seat cushions provided evidence of materials and technologies that may reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Based on these results, three prototype cushions were conceptualized and prototyped into a closed-loop control system. The closed-loop control system monitored interface stress amplitude to actively modulate cushion properties. None of the prototypes effectively reduced interface shear stress using the methodology developed for cushion testing.Subcutaneous buttock soft tissues were investigated using a finite element model. Researchers have previously used finite element models [4-13]; however, this study improved upon image collection methodology and validation techniques. MR images of one subject were collected in three seated postures and were used to create 3-D models of the buttock. A non-linear 3-D finite element model was developed with anatomical geometries using hyperelastic and viscoelastic constitutive models. Interface pressure, interface shear stress, and soft tissue displacements were used to validate the model. A parametric analysis resulted in a partially validated model that provided subcutaneous stresses and strains for the upright seated posture. The validated model will be used in future studies to evaluate the SCI population and to evaluate commercial and prototype wheelchair seat cushions.
Project Implementation: Classification of Organic Soils and Classification of Marls—Training of INDOT Personnel

This is an implementation project for the research completed as part of the following projects: SPR‐3005 ‐ Classification of Organic Soils and SPR‐3227 – Classification of Marl Soils. The methods developed for the classification of both soils have been incorporated in Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) standard specification 903.05 and 903.06 respectively. Both projects included recommendations for implementation that reflected input from the project administrator and study advisory committee. A specific recommendation from both projects was that INDOT soil technicians be trained to perform the required tests and classify soils based on the revised classification systems. This project was initiated to carry out the implementation of those recommendations. The project scope includes development of training material for instruction about the performance of the revised classification tests and methods, training to pertinent INDOT personnel, integration of the revised classification system into INDOT’s standards, and establishment of a resource database for future training of INDOT personnel. Within the general scope outlined above,the specific objectives of the proposed work were to: 1) administer training to select INDOT personnel and interested representatives from the geotechnical consulting/construction community; and 2) develop training materials to be used by INDOT to train additional personnel. These two general objectives were accomplished through four specific tasks: 1) Collection of Sample Soils for Testing and Classification; 2) Development of Training Material (a PowerPoint presentation with concise instructional handouts; supporting classification examples from a variety of soils; and a short manual summarizing the classification system for both soils with supporting examples); 3) Delivery of Training Sessions for INDOT personnel, as well as representatives from select geotechnical consultants and contractors; and 4) Production of a Training Video.
Attention deficit in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at primary school age measured with the attention network test (ANT): A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Attentional deficits are among the most bothersome symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To date, the neurological basis of attentional deficits has not been fully described according to the diagnostic criteria. ADHD may result from deficits in various attributes of attention. There is no specialist neuropsychological diagnostic method that allows reliable distinction between primary attention disorders in the etiology of ADHD and secondary problems that may arise due to co-morbidities. This protocol aims to systematically review the literature to evaluate patterns of attention common to school-age children either diagnosed with ADHD or at high risk of ADHD, as measured by the neuropsychological attention network test (ANT). Methods Our search strategy will consist of electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) and hand searching. Both prospective cohort studies and prospective studies of intervention effects will be included, provided they used the ANT. The primary output variable will be attention deficits. Screening and eligibility will be done independently by two reviewers based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be based on a pre-pilot data extraction form and conducted by two authors independently. The risk of bias will be assessed by two authors independently. The rating of the certainty of the entire body of evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE approach. Any discrepancies identified at any stage of the review will be resolved by discussion or/and consultation with another reviewer. We plan a narrative synthesis of findings and a quantitative meta-analysis if the data allow. Discussion The research will identify patterns of neuropsychological ANT results characteristic of both school-age children diagnosed with ADHD and those at high risk of having ADHD. Our results could be used to check whether the pattern of a child’s performance in the ANT corresponds to the characteristic pattern of the results of children with ADHD. At present, the ANT is used only in research; the results of this review will serve as a useful benchmark. Hopefully, in the future, it will be possible to use the ANT in the wider diagnosis of ADHD. Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42021249768.
Masters Thesis: Design of an underactuated grasper with adjustable compliance

Underactuated graspers are known for their selfadaptability. The final configuration of the grasper in which it obtains a stable grasp relies on the static equilibrium of the grasper and object. An external or inertial force that acts on the object disturbs this static equilibrium and can cause a change in the configuration of the grasper. The self-adaptability therefore reduces the robustness against external perturbations. This paper introduces the concept design of an underactuated grasper with the ability to adjust its level of self-adaptability by changing the rotational stiffness of an internal differential mechanism. By implementing a bi-stable mechanism the grasper is able to transfer from a compliant state to a stiff state once the actuator force overcomes a threshold value. Experimental validation of the concept design shows that the lateral compliance of the grasper in the stiff state is reduced by a factor of 7 compared to the compliant state. The lateral pull-out force of the grasper in the stiff state is increased by a factor of 1.9 compared to the compliant state. As a result a grasper was designed which uses the benefits of self-adaptability to grasp an object and increases its robustness once a stable grasp is obtained without the need of an additional actuator.
Correlated Attack Modeling (CAM)

Abstract : This report describes research into the nature of multistep cyber attack scenarios, aimed toward automatic detection and identification of such attacks. Previous work in intrusion detection and cyber attack analysis has been focused mainly on isolated attack steps, and less on how such steps are combined into composite scenarios. The purpose of this work is to gain a deeper understanding of multistep attack scenarios, develop models of such scenarios, and design the mechanisms needed to automatically recognize such scenarios through event monitoring. Several multistep attack scenarios were developed and are documented in great detail in this report. Based on these scenarios, an attack modeling language called the Correlated Attack Modeling Language (CAML) was designed. A library of predicates and the concept of attack patterns were also developed to support the use of CAML. To validate CAML, a scenario recognition engine was developed. Furthermore, we designed an architecture supporting novel concepts in highly dynamic monitoring and correlation functionality, and a language for specification of active component behavior.
The Trade Elasticities of Export Demand for three CARICOM Member Countries: An Application of the Bounds Test for Cointegration - L’elasticità della domanda dell’export in tre paesi membri CARICOM: un’applicazione del bounds test di cointegrazione

This paper estimates long-run and short-run trade elasticities of export demand for Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. To that end, a traditional export demand model is estimated for all three countries in the study using the bounds test for analyzing level relationships within the conditional autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) framework. This study finds that for all three countries the price-centered variables in the model are statistically significant with their correct theoretical signs in the longrun and short-run. Moreover, the study finds that for all three countries, the estimated coefficients for the foreign activity variable are positive and statistically significant in both the long-run and the short-run. - Questo studio stima l’elasticita nel lungo e nel breve periodo della domanda dell’export in Guyana, Giamaica e Trinidad e Tobago. A questo fine si utilizza un modello tradizionale di domanda dell’export per i tre paesi considerati nello studio, utilizzando il bound test per analizzare le relazioni a intervallo distribuito autoregressivo condizionale. Questo lavoro evidenzia che per tutti e tre i paesi le variabili del modello basate sul prezzo sono statisticamente significative con i loro segni teoricamente corretti nel lungo e nel breve periodo. Inoltre vi e evidenza che per i tre paesi i coefficienti stimati per la variabile attivita straniere sono positivi e statisticamente significativi sia nel lungo sia nel breve periodo.