Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plant models faithful to botanical structure and development

Some very impressive results have been obtained in the past few years in plants and trees image synthesis. Some algorithms are largely based on the irregularity and fuzziness of the objects, and use fractals, graftals or particle systems. Others focus on the branching pattern of the trees with emphasis on morphology. Our concern here is the faithfulness of the models to the botanical nature of trees and plants. We present a model which integrates botanical knowledge of the architecture of the trees: how they grow, how they occupy space, where and how leaves, flowers or fruits are located, etc. The very first interest of the model we propose is its great richness: the same procedural methods can produce "plants" as different as weeping willows, fir trees, cedar trees, frangipani trees, poplars, pine trees, wild cherry trees, herbs, etc. Another very important benefit one can derive from the model is the integration of time which enables viewing the aging of a tree (possibility to get different pictures of the same tree at different ages, accurate simulation of the death of leaves and branches for example). The ease to integrate physical parameters such as wind, the incidence of factors such as insects attacks, use of fertilizers, plantation density, and so on makes it a useful tool for agronomy or botany.
Facilitating Self-Initiated Proto-Declaratives and Proto-Imperatives in Prelinguistic Children with Developmental Disabilities

This study tested the effects of 2 prelinguistic communication interventions on generalized use of communication for two major pragmatic functions: proto-imperatives and proto-declaratives. Outcomes were measured immediately following intervention, and 6 months later. Fifty-eight children with developmental disabilities in the prelinguistic communication period of development were assigned randomly to either a treatment or contrast intervention. In families with high responsivity to children's communication acts at the pre-treatment period, the prelinguistic milieu teaching (PMT) treatment facilitated post treatment increases in generalized use of self-initiated proto-imperatives and self-initiated proto-declaratives. In families with low responsivity to children's communication acts, the responsive small group (RSG) comparison intervention facilitated post treatment increases in generalized use of self-initiated proto-imperatives. Weaker evidence at the 6-month follow-up suggests some effects of RSG on self-initiated proto-declaratives.
Figural and Metric Understanding of Rhythm

Bamberger's studies of visual descriptions of rhythmic patterns led to a distinction between two kinds of rhythmic understanding: metric and figural (Bamberger, 1982). Metric understanding describes events in terms of a measured underlying beat, while figural understanding describes events in terms of the events surrounding them. The present study asked whether the ability to produce accurate figural representations is related to the level of metric understanding. Forty-nine children (6-12 years old), and forty-eight adults (17-45 years old), served as subjects. Twenty-four of the adults, but none of the children, were musically trained. Each listener completed four tasks: (1) drawing, (2) clap-back, (3) join-in, and (4) an intelligence test. For the first three tasks, eighteen rhythm sequences were designed so that metric and figural representations did not coincide. The drawing task required listeners to represent each sequence with symbols of their choice, so that someone else could reproduce the sequence from their description. For the clap-back task, listeners were asked to clap back the sequence. For the join-in task, listeners were asked to clap along with what they perceived to be the underlying beat of the sequence. For both children and adults correlations between accuracy on drawing and performance tests were significant for the figural drawers but not for the metric drawers. Accuracy of figural drawing is related, for both children and adults, to the ability to respond to the metric aspects of rhythm. Figural descriptions and metric actions may be complementary aspects of rhythmic understanding.
Youth as Agents of Adult and Community Development: Mapping the Processes and Outcomes of Youth Engaged in Organizational Governance

Scholars theorize that engaging young people in organizational governance promotes positive youth development and organizational effectiveness. To explore this prediction, the study discussed here, based on interview data from 16 youth and 24 adult organizational leaders representing 8 organizations, mapped the developmental processes that occur when youth and adults share governance responsibilities. It was found that engaging youth in decision making secured the commitment of young people to their organizational communities, and additionally, contributed positively to youth development. Further, the adult leaders reported that the experience of working with youth had a positive effect on their own development and contributed to the overall efficacy of their organizations. These data indicate that organizational governance may offer a viable context through which youth can be active producers of their own development and of the communities in which they interact. Implications for future research and practice are discussed in light of these findings.
A Resource Pool Management Model using Fuzzy Logic Decision Making

Virtualized Data Center (VDC), fixed allocation of virtual machines (VMs)' resources usually make overloading or under- loading condition as the workloads of the application they run have dynamic features. Underloading leads unutilized resource usages and SLA deviation is also appeared because of the over- loading. Therefore, dynamic allocation of VM resource usage is necessary in order to get a load balanced environment. Resource usage prediction of virtual machines is needed to be done for dynamic VM resource provisioning. For VMs, dynamic resource provisioning is available only when the host has enough re- sources to complement their demands. But in the condition of host overloading, VM migration should be made in order to keep a load balanced condition. VM migration depends on a variety of criteria and efficient decision support is required. In this paper, neuro-fuzzy is applied for resource usage prediction and combination of AHP and Fuzzy-TOPSIS is used for deci- sion support of VM migration. VM resource prediction and de- cision support model are evaluated by the resource pools data. Simulation and mathematical evaluation confirms that such an integrated solution ensures acceptable accuracy.
Optical Degradation Mechanisms of Indium Gallium Nitride-Based White Light Emitting Diodes by High-Temperature Aging Tests

We have measured five major mechanisms that govern light-emitting diode (LED) degradation, calculated respective percentages, and identified the most influential mechanism during the time evolution of aging. After 480 h, due to the reduction of phosphor-conversion efficiency, the increase of non-radiative centers, the deterioration of thermal properties, the darkening of silicone resin lenses, and the degradation of Ag reflective layers, approximately 42% of the average optical power has decayed. Within this 42%, Ag degradation contributes approximately 28% (with the remaining 14% contributed by the degradation of silicone resin lenses), primarily because other chemical elements have deposited on the surface of Ag reflective layers, thus lowering the reflectivity of these layers. The present work can help draw the community's attention to lowering LED junction temperatures, and to the optimization of packaging designs.
“I Guess It Was Pretty Fun”: Using WebQuests in the Middle School Classroom

In a recent book, Stanford professor Larry Cuban (2001) argues that computers are "oversold and underused" in America's schools. Although new initiatives have significantly increased the number of "wired" schools across the country, teachers' practices have remained relatively unchanged. Rather than engaging with the new technology in dynamic classroom settings, students continue to learn in traditionial ways and rarely use computers for anything more than word processing and simple research. Especially at the middle school level, technology can greatly benefit teachers hoping to supplement their classroom curriculum and make it more meaningful for their students. One area of nmiddle school instruction that new technologies have the potential to transform is the study of the Civil War. Students encountering this topic in American history classrooms are often overwhelmed with a large amount of data (battles, generals, dates, speeches, etc.). They come away from thie experience without any real understainding of this momentous event and the individuals involved in it. Recent research into historical understanding (e.g., Levstik and Barton 2001) has found that students will develop more meaningful ideas of the past if it is personalized for them. If teachers are able to provide experiences that help students identify with historical events and people, learning will become more significant. With the explosion of the popularity and availability of the World Wide Web in the past decade, previously hard-to-finid documents, letters, census records, and other materials are now easily available to students. Althouglh the names and dates of battles are still an important part of the history, the stories of people who lived in the 1.860s provide more intimate details of what life was like in the Civil War era. Braun (1999) suggests a number of ways that middle school social studies teachers can harness the power of Internet technology and integrate it into their instruction. Although the suggestions are intended for social studies teachers, they are applicable to other subject area instructors as well. Braun recognizes that teachiers have different levels of computer expertise and provides ten ways, ranging from simple to more advanced, that teachers can improve their classrooms through technology. One of the activities that Brauw suggests for teachers desiring a meaningful experience with technology is the WebQuest.
Agent-based load balancing on homogeneous minigrids: macroscopic modeling and characterization

In this paper, we present a macroscopic-characterization of agent-based load balancing in homogeneous minigrid environments. The agent-based load balancing is regarded as agent distribution from a macroscopic point of view. We study two quantities on minigrids: the number and size of teams where agents (tasks) queue. In macroscopic modeling, the load balancing mechanism is characterized using differential equations. We show that the load balancing we concern always converges to a steady state. Furthermore, we show that load balancing with different initial distributions converges to the same steady state gradually. Also, we prove that the steady state becomes an even distribution if and only if agents have complete knowledge about agent teams on minigrids. Utility gains and efficiency are introduced to measure the quality of load balancing. Through numerical simulations, we discuss the utility gains and efficiency of load balancing in different cases and give a series of analysis. In order to maximize the utility gain and the efficiency, we theoretically study the optimization of agents' strategies. Finally, in order to validate our proposed agent- based load balancing mechanism, we develop a computing platform, called simulation system for grid task distribution (SSGTD). Through experimentation, we note that our experimental results in general confirm our theoretical proofs and numerical simulation results from the proposed equation system. In addition, we find a very interesting phenomenon, that is, agent-based load balancing mechanism is topology-independent.
Structural analysis of a non-contiguous second-site revertant in T4 lysozyme shows that increasing the rigidity of a protein can enhance its stability.

The mutation Glu108-->Val (E108V) in T4 lysozyme was previously isolated as a second-site revertant that specifically compensated for the loss of function associated with the destabilizing substitution Leu99-->Gly (L99G). Surprisingly, the two sites are 11 A apart, with Leu99 in the core and Glu108 on the surface of the protein. In order to better understand this result we have carried out a detailed thermodynamic, enzymatic and structural analysis of these mutant lysozymes as well as a related variant with the substitution Leu99-->Ala. It was found that E108V does increase the stability of L99G, but it also increases the stability of both the wild-type protein and L99A by essentially equal amounts. The effects of E108V on enzymatic activity are more complicated. The mutation slightly reduces the maximal rate of cell wall hydrolysis of wild-type, L99G and L99A. At the same time, L99G is an unstable protein and rapidly loses activity during the course of the assay, especially at temperatures above 20 degrees C. Thus, even though the double mutant L99G/E108V has a slightly lower maximal rate than L99G, over a period of 20-30 minutes it hydrolyzes more substrate. This decrease in the rate of thermal inactivation appears to be the basis of the action of E108V as a second-site revertant of L99G. Mutant L99A creates a cavity of volume 149 A(3). Instead of enlarging this cavity, mutant L99G results in a 4-5 A displacement of part of helix F (residues 108-113), creating a solvent-accessible declivity. In the double mutant, L99G/E108V, this helix returns to a position akin to wild-type, resulting in a cavity of volume 203 A(3). Whether the mutation Glu108-->Val is incorporated into either wild-type lysozyme, or L99A or L99G, it results in a decrease in crystallographic thermal factors, especially in the helices that include residues 99 and 108. This increase in rigidity, which appears to be due to a combination of increased hydrophobic stabilization plus a restriction of conformational fluctuation, provides a structural basis for the increase in thermostability.
Source Identification of Spoofed DDoS Attacks using an Image Processing Approach

This paper presents a novel source identification scheme for spoofed DDoS attacks using an image processing method. The key idea is that “DDoS attack traffic” that uses subnet spoofing is represented as “lines” on the spatial image planes, and they can be recognized by an edge detection algorithm. Applying the clustering technique to the lines makes it possible to identify multiple attack source networks simultaneously. On the identified networks which the zombie hosts reside, we then employ a signature based pattern extraction algorithm, called pivoted movement, and the DDoS attacks are filtered by correlating IP and MAC pairings signature. Unlike previous IP traceback schemes such as packet marking, which tried to diagnose the entire attack path, our proposed scheme focuses on identifying only the attack source. Our approach can achieve an adaptive response to DDoS attacks, thereby mitigating them at the source, while minimizing the disruption of legitimate traffic. The proposed scheme is analyzed and evaluated on the IPv4 and IPv6 network topology from CAIDA and the results show superior effectiveness.
À la recherche de l'Homo oeconomicus... et si le commerce adoucissait les mœurs ?

Au carrefour de l'anthropologie et de l'economie, l'A. rapporte les resultats d'une experience dite de l'ultimatum, menee en differents contextes ethniques et culturels, et consistant a observer les comportements de repartition d'une somme d'argent en fonction d'une regle contraignante. L'A. montre un effet civilisant du marche par-dela les differences liees a l'appartenance culturelle
Structure calculation of an elastic hydrogel from sonication of rigid small molecule components.

Making plans for hydrogels: Calculations successfully predict the molecular structure of a robust hydrogel. Melamine and uric acid cocrystallize with water upon sonication, and using experimental data, the minimized structure (see picture) was calculated and successfully compared with powder X-ray diffraction data of the xerogel.
MedicaLVR: towards medical remote collaboration using virtual reality

We present a virtual reality framework and assistive tool for design practices for new medical environments, grounded on human visual perception, attention and action. This includes an interactive visualization of shared electronic patient records, previously acquired with a remote tablet device, in a virtual environment incorporating hand tracking, eye tracking and a vision-based peripheral view monitoring. The goal is to influence medical environments' affordances, especially for e-health and m-health applications as well as user experience and design conception for tele-medicine.
A visual formalism for graphical user interfaces based on state transition diagrams

We present a "lightweight" visual formalism that can be used to examine the state space complexity of an interface. The method can form a basis for designing, testing and documenting the 'front-end' component of a typical GUI forms based interface. The standard is intended to be free standing and seeks to address issues specific to forms based GUI interfaces. The method is based on a state transition diagram (STD) notation that is used to model the GUI component. STDs can be used at an early stage in the design of an interface to quantify and control surface level complexity. Further to allowing a visualisation of the complexity of an interface, techniques used in graph theory are applied to determine a novel measure of complexity that can then be used to better usability.
Learning to work with difference

Managing international and domestic diversity and learning to work with difference are increasingly becoming key managerial and organizational skills. Reviews the reasons for the growth of interest in this topic, critically analyses the claims made by practitioners in this area, and draws on two case studies of organizations attempting to develop their capabilities to work successfully with difference to develop a model of the key skills involved. Outlines some strategies by which such skills and capabilities may be developed.
SPECTROSCOPIC CONFIRMATION OF THE DWARF GALAXIES HYDRA II AND PISCES II AND THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER LAEVENS 1

We present Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopy of stars in the recently discovered Milky Way satellites Hydra II, Pisces II, and Laevens 1. We measured a velocity dispersion of 5.4 − 2.4 + 3.6 ? > km s−1 for Pisces II, but we did not resolve the velocity dispersions of Hydra II or Laevens 1. We marginally resolved the metallicity dispersions of Hydra II and Pisces II but not Laevens 1. Furthermore, Hydra II and Pisces II obey the luminosity–metallicity relation for Milky Way dwarf galaxies ( ⟨ [ Fe / H ] ⟩ = - 2.02 ± 0.08 ? > and - 2.45 ± 0.07 ? > , respectively), whereas Laevens 1 does not ( ⟨ [ Fe / H ] ⟩ = - 1.68 ± 0.05 ? > ). The kinematic and chemical properties suggest that Hydra II and Pisces II are dwarf galaxies, and Laevens 1 is a globular cluster. We determined that two of the previously observed blue stars near the center of Laevens 1 are not members of the cluster. A third blue star has ambiguous membership. Hydra II has a radial velocity ⟨ v helio ⟩ = 303.1 ± 1.4 ? > km s−1, similar to the leading arm of the Magellanic stream. The mass-to-light ratio for Pisces II is 370 − 240 + 310 M ☉ / L ☉ ? > . It is not among the most dark matter-dominated dwarf galaxies, but it is still worthy of inclusion in the search for gamma-rays from dark matter self-annihilation.
Allergy Pattern in the EEG

ABSTRACT This paper describes an EEG pattern the author has found to be associated with an allergic response. A consistent 22 Hz frequency pattern has now been observed in more than 100 cases in recordings made with a bipolar (sequential) montage at F4-T4. Case illustrations with examples of this EEG pattern are provided.
On Improving the Efficiency of the Iterative Proportional Fitting Procedure

Iterative proportional ﬁtting (IPF) on junction trees is an important tool for learning in graphical models. We identify the propagation and IPF updates on the junction tree as ﬁxed point equations of a single constrained entropy maximization problem. This allows a more eﬃcient message updating protocol than the well known eﬀective IPF of Jirouˇsek and Pˇreuˇcil (1995). When the junction tree has an intractably large maximum clique size we propose to maximize an approximate constrained entropy based on region graphs (Yedidia et al., 2002). To maximize the new objective we propose a “loopy” version of IPF. We show that this yields accurate estimates of the weights of undirected graphical models in a simple experiment.
Modeling and Simulation of Multi-operation Microcode-Based Built-In Self Test for Memory Fault Detection and Repair

As embedded memory area on-chip is increasing and memory density is growing, problem of faults is growing exponentially. Newer test algorithms are developed for detecting these new faults. These new March algorithms have much more number of operations than the March algorithms existing earlier. An architecture implementing these new algorithms is presented here. This is illustrated by implementing the newly defined March SS algorithm. Along with the fault diagnosis a word-oriented memory Built-in Self Repair methodology, which supports on-the-fly memory repair, is employed to repair the faulty locations indicated by the MBIST controller presented.
Is leaf dry matter content a better predictor of soil fertility than specific leaf area?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Specific leaf area (SLA), a key element of the 'worldwide leaf economics spectrum', is the preferred 'soft' plant trait for assessing soil fertility. SLA is a function of leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf thickness (LT). The first, LDMC, defines leaf construction costs and can be used instead of SLA. However, LT identifies shade at its lowest extreme and succulence at its highest, and is not related to soil fertility. Why then is SLA more frequently used as a predictor of soil fertility than LDMC? METHODS SLA, LDMC and LT were measured and leaf density (LD) estimated for almost 2000 species, and the capacity of LD to predict LDMC was examined, as was the relative contribution of LDMC and LT to the expression of SLA. Subsequently, the relationships between SLA, LDMC and LT with respect to soil fertility and shade were described. KEY RESULTS Although LD is strongly related to LDMC, and LDMC and LT each contribute equally to the expression of SLA, the exact relationships differ between ecological groupings. LDMC predicts leaf nitrogen content and soil fertility but, because LT primarily varies with light intensity, SLA increases in response to both increased shade and increased fertility. CONCLUSIONS Gradients of soil fertility are frequently also gradients of biomass accumulation with reduced irradiance lower in the canopy. Therefore, SLA, which includes both fertility and shade components, may often discriminate better between communities or treatments than LDMC. However, LDMC should always be the preferred trait for assessing gradients of soil fertility uncoupled from shade. Nevertheless, because leaves multitask, individual leaf traits do not necessarily exhibit exact functional equivalence between species. In consequence, rather than using a single stand-alone predictor, multivariate analyses using several leaf traits is recommended.