Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experiencing game-based learning through Mobile Devices

The introduction of game-based learning (GBL) into the pedagogical processes and curriculum design can increase student engagement in the learning process. There are a range of game based learning approaches available, but, so far, limited adoption of serious games has been recorded. The digital habits of learners should be studied carefully, to better understand the way current technology-savvy students learn, and integrate socially. With the wide-spread use of Mobile Devices today, GBL has a vital role to play in the educational landscape. This research analyses the potential usage of Mobile Devices to enhance the learning process, through Game-Based Learning.
Unsupervised Tracking With the Doubly Stochastic Dirichlet Process Mixture Model

We present an unsupervised tracking algorithm for human and car trajectory detection, using what is called the temporal doubly stochastic Dirichlet process (TDSDP) mixture model. The TDSDP captures the global dependence and the variation of human crowds and cars in temporal domains without the Markov assumption, making it particularly suitable for long-term tracking. Moreover, TDSDP prior can estimate the number of trajectories automatically. We first define the TDSDP based on the Cox process and then explain how to construct a TDSDP mixture model from thinning multiple Dirichlet process mixtures (DPMs) with conjugate priors. Next, a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling inference is presented. Experimental results on synthetic and real-world data demonstrate that the proposed TDSDP mixture is superior to the DPM and the dependent Dirichlet process (DDP) in terms of topic variation modeling. PETS2001 data set experiments show that TDSDP has more robust object tracking capability over DDP based on generalized Polya urn. Low-quality fish data set experiments indicate that the TDSDP excels at solving tracking problems with insufficient features.
A Framework for Reliability Computation of the IP Network

As communication networks play an important role in today's life, network reliability becomes more critical than ever. Traditionally, network reliability is measured by connectivity or traffic volume. However, most of performance degradation problems are correlated with routing dynamic and congestion. It is necessary to include the both routing dynamics and congestion into network reliability computation. This paper proposes a new framework to compute the reliability. In this framework, the effects of multiple facts such as routing dynamics, traffic pattern and congestion probability are investigated. The reliability based on the proposed framework provides a new way for network operator to evaluate the performance of the IP network.
Live coding practice

Live coding is almost the antithesis of immediate physical musicianship, and yet, has attracted the attentions of a number of computer-literate musicians, as well as the music-savvy programmers that might be more expected. It is within the context of live coding that I seek to explore the question of practising a contemporary digital musical instrument, which is often raised as an aside but more rarely carried out in research (though see [12]). At what stage of expertise are the members of the live coding movement, and what practice regimes might help them to find their true potential?
Keypress interval timing ratios as behavioral biometrics for authentication in computer security

Many different types of keystroke dynamics approaches have been explored to protect personal data in networked systems. Keystroke patterns are behavioral biometrics, and are considered to be as unique to an individual as a signature. This paper presents a new approach to keystroke analysis that uses key press interval ratios to authenticate users. Participants in this study registered their passwords into a specially-designed analysis program. Keypress ratios were calculated, and neural network techniques were employed to obtain a mapping between patterns and the correct user. Results indicate that authentication through keypress ratios achieves high true acceptance rates, while also maintaining low false acceptance rates, which are particularly important in high-security applications. The approach presented here is suitable for incorporation into agent-based networked security systems.
The Progeroid Phenotype of Ku80 Deficiency Is Dominant over DNA-PKCS Deficiency

Ku80 and DNA-PKCS are both involved in the repair of double strand DNA breaks via the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. While ku80−/− mice exhibit a severely reduced lifespan and size, this phenotype is less pronounced in dna-pkcs−/− mice. However, these observations are based on independent studies with varying genetic backgrounds. Here, we generated ku80−/−, dna-pkcs−/− and double knock out mice in a C57Bl6/J*FVB F1 hybrid background and compared their lifespan, end of life pathology and mutation frequency in liver and spleen using a lacZ reporter. Our data confirm that inactivation of Ku80 and DNA-PKCS causes reduced lifespan and bodyweights, which is most severe in ku80−/− mice. All mutant mice exhibited a strong increase in lymphoma incidence as well as other aging-related pathology (skin epidermal and adnexal atrophy, trabacular bone reduction, kidney tubular anisokaryosis, and cortical and medullar atrophy) and severe lymphoid depletion. LacZ mutation frequency analysis did not show strong differences in mutation frequencies between knock out and wild type mice. The ku80−/− mice had the most severe phenotype and the Ku80-mutation was dominant over the DNA-PKCS-mutation. Presumably, the more severe degenerative effect of Ku80 inactivation on lifespan compared to DNA-PKCS inactivation is caused by additional functions of Ku80 or activity of free Ku70 since both Ku80 and DNA-PKCS are essential for NHEJ.
A Short Note on Opportunistic Planning and Memory in Arguments

Engaging in an argument is a complex task of natural language processing that involves understanding an opponent's utterances, discovering what his "point" is, determining whether his claims are believable, and fashioning a coherent rebuttal. Accomplishing these tasks requires the coordination of many different abilities and many different kinds of knowledge. Because arguing, and conversation generally, involve real-time interaction with another agent, this coordination must be even more flexible than is required for other natural language processing tasks. An arguer must have some expectations about what his opponent might say, but must also be able to respond to the unexpected. He must have some idea of the claims he wants to make, and plans for putting them forward, but his opponent may confound these plans. Or, more positively, his opponent may say something that offers an unforeseen opportunity to make a point. Arguing thus exemplifies the need for a flexible mix of topdown and bottom-up processing in both language understanding and production.
Using acoustic and prosodic cues to correct Chinese speech repairs

Speech repairs introduce much noise in spoken language processing. Properly correcting speech repairs can help the speech recognizer to avoid the textual errors, and prevent the interpretation errors during the subsequent processing. Because the task of repair processing cannot defer to the latter (word segmentation, part-of-speech tagging and sentence parsing) stages, this paper employs acoustic and prosodic cues to correct Chinese repetition and addition repairs. The experimental results show that the precision rate of 93.87% (76.09%) and the recall rate of 90.65% (70%) can be achieved for correcting Chinese repetition (addition) repairs.
Study of Performance Issues on a SMP-NUMA System using the Roofline Model

This work presents a performance model based on a combination of hardware counters and a Roofline Model developed to characterize the behavior of the FINISTERRAE supercomputer, one of the largest SMP-NUMA systems. Our main objective is to provide an insightful model which allows to determine, at a glance, performance issues related to thread and memory allocation of irregular codes in this machine. Results show that this model provides practical information of the effects that degrade the performance of a code and, additionally, gives hints to improve it.
A system dynamics model for medical staff allocation in post-Wenchuan earthquake relief

In May 2008, a 8.0 earthquake struck the city of Wenchuan in Sichuan province, China, causing 69227 people killed, 17923 people missing and 374643 injured. Many medical staff participated in the rescue because of the high casualties in this disaster. In this paper a dynamic system is proposed to assist the relief in Wenchuan earthquake. Based on that, key subsystems are chosen in order to help to put forward some medical advices which are based on the model and helpful for the post-Wenchuan earthquake relief.
Numerical valuation of options under Kou's model

Numerical methods are developed for pricing European and American options under Kou's jump‐diffusion model which assumes the price of the underlying asset to behave like a geometrical Brownian motion with a drift and jumps whose size is log‐double‐exponentially distributed. The price of a European option is given by a partial integro‐differential equation (PIDE) while American options lead to a linear complementarity problem (LCP) with the same operator. Spatial differential operators are discretized using finite differences on nonuniform grids and time stepping is performed using the implicit Rannacher scheme. For the evaluation of the integral term easy to implement recursion formulas are derived which have optimal computational cost. When pricing European options the resulting dense linear systems are solved using a stationary iteration. Also for pricing American options similar iterations can be employed. A numerical experiment demonstrates that the described method is very efficient as accurate option prices can be computed in a few milliseconds on a PC. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hybrid PWM Scheme for the Grid Inverter

A hybrid pulsewidth modulation (PWM) scheme for the grid inverter is investigated, which combines the merits of space-vector PWM (SVM) and selected harmonic elimination PWM (SHEPWM). SHEPWM is adopted at steady state, while SVM is adopted to achieve better dynamic performance at grid fault. A transition strategy between these two PWM schemes is proposed, which achieves smooth and quick transition by optimizing the switching state during transition. Finally, the proposed transition strategy for the hybrid PWM scheme is validated by the simulation and the experiment.
Error detection scheme based on fragile watermarking for H.264/AVC

Compressed video bitstreams are very sensitive to transmission errors. If we lose packets or receive them with errors during transmission, not only the current frame will be corrupted, but also the error will propagate to succeeding frames due to the spatiotemporal predictive coding structure. Error detection and concealment is a good approach to reduce the bad influence on the reconstructed visual quality. To increase concealment efficiency, we need to get some more accurate error detection algorithm. In this paper, we present a new error detection scheme based on a fragile watermarking algorithm to increase the error detection ratio. We verified that the proposed algorithm generates good performances in PSNR and objective visual quality through the computer simulation by H.324M mobile simulation set.
The Complexity of Parity Graph Homomorphism: An Initial Investigation

Given a graph G, we investigate the question of determining the parity of the number of homomorphisms from G to some other fixed graph H. We conjecture that this problem exhibits a complexity dichotomy, such that all parity graph homomorphism problems are either polynomial-time solvable or parityP-complete, and provide a conjectured characterisation of the easy cases. We show that the conjecture is true for the restricted case in which the graph H is a tree, and provide some tools that may be useful in further investigation into the parity graph homomorphism problem, and the problem of counting homomorphisms for other moduli.
Knowledge , Logical Omniscience , and Resource-bounded Reasoning

Agent theories typically use modal epistemic logic for modeling knowledge of agents. Since the modal approach to epistemic logic cannot formalize resource-bounded reasoning adequately, it it not suited to describe realistic, implementable agents. We develop a framework for solving that problem. We introduce the notion of algorithmic knowledge — a concept that establishes a direct link between and agent’s available resources and his knowledge. We show that our concept of knowledge is useful for modeling resource-bounded agents. Moreover, because a resource-bounded agent is naturally not logically omniscient, all variants of the logical omniscience problem are solved intuitively within our framework.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Power Line Inspection: A Cooperative Way in Platforms and Communications

The emerging technology of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has become more affordable and practicable for power line inspections. In this paper, we propose a multi-platform UAV system and multi-model communication system for highly efficient power line inspection tasks in China. The different UAVs cooperatively serve as long-distance imaging, short dis- tance imaging and communication relay. The high quality im- age/video is transmitted in realtime to the on-site control station for UAV navigation and far end office for analysis. Our experi- ence shows that the cooperative inspection for multi-UAVs can achieve a much higher efficiency than traditional inspection methods.  Index Terms—UAV, hexrotor, fixed wing, tethered rotor, pow- er line inspection, communication relay, datalink
A 1.5-bit pipelined stage with time-interleaved dual-pipeline architecture used in SHA-less pipelined ADC

A design of a 1.5-bit pipelined stage with time-interleaved dual-pipeline architecture used in SHA-less pipelined ADC is presented in this paper. Due to the absence of SHA, sampling flash architecture and bootstrapped sampling switch is used to improve the linearity. Op-amp sharing between time-interleaved dual-pipeline is to reduce power consumption. The sampling network is specially analyzed. The pipelined stage can be used as the first stage of a 10-bit 40 MHz pipelined A/D converter. Simulation by Spectra on 0.18um CMOS process under 1.8V supply voltage shows its SFDR achieves 62 dB near Nyquist input frequency.
Observational Evidence Linking Interstellar UV Absorption to PAH Molecules

The 2175 Å UV extinction feature was discovered in the mid-1960s, yet its physical origin remains poorly understood. One suggestion is absorption by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules, which is supported by theoretical molecular structure computations and by laboratory experiments. PAHs are positively detected by their 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.3, and 12.7 μm IR emission bands, which are specified by their modes of vibration. A definitive empirical link between the 2175 Å UV extinction and the IR PAH emission bands, however, is still missing. We present a new sample of hot stars that have both 2175 Å absorption and IR PAH emission. We find significant shifts of the central wavelength of the UV absorption feature, up to 2350 Å, but predominantly in stars that also have IR PAH emission. These UV shifts depend on stellar temperature in a fashion that is similar to the shifts of the 6.2 and 7.7 μm IR PAH bands, that is, the features are increasingly more redshifted as the stellar temperature decreases, but only below ∼15 kK. Above 15 kK both UV and IR features retain their nominal values. Moreover, we find a suggestive correlation between the UV and IR shifts. We hypothesize that these similar dependences of both the UV and IR features on stellar temperature hint at a common origin of the two in PAH molecules and may establish the missing link between the UV and IR observations. We further suggest that the shifts depend on molecular size, and that the critical temperature of ∼15 kK above which no shifts are observed is related to the onset of UV-driven hot-star winds and their associated shocks.
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces corneal neovascularization and upregulates VEGF expression in endothelial cells.

PURPOSE Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent proinflammatory mediator that accumulates in the cornea after injury and induces the expression of genes related to inflammation and wound healing. The current study was conducted to investigate the direct effect of PAF on corneal neovascularization and on the expression of angiogenic growth factors in vascular endothelial cells. METHODS Pellets containing carbamyl-PAF (cPAF) were implanted in corneas of wild-type or PAF-receptor (PAF-R)-knockout mice, and the progression of angiogenesis was monitored by microscope. In some experiments, mice were treated with a daily intraperitoneal injection of the PAF-R antagonist LAU8080. Migration assays of human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were performed in a Boyden chamber after addition of various concentrations of cPAF or bovine fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Cell proliferation was assessed by fluorescence-binding assay in the presence of cPAF or FGF-2 for 8 days. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and FGF-2 expression was studied by RT-PCR and Northern- and Western-blot analyses in cells stimulated with cPAF at different concentrations and for different times. RESULTS Six days after cPAF pellet implantation, there were new vessels growing from the limbus to the center of the cornea. The PAF-induced neovascularization was significantly reduced in PAF-R-knockout mice and in mice treated with the PAF antagonist. cPAF added to the lower well of the Boyden chamber produced a dose-dependent migration of HUVECs and HMVECs that was inhibited in cells preincubated with LAU8080 or with a VEGF-blocking antibody. In contrast, cPAF did not stimulate proliferation of endothelial cells. cPAF induced VEGF mRNA and protein expression but not FGF-2 expression in HUVECs and HMVECs. CONCLUSIONS PAF stimulates corneal neovascularization by a receptor-mediated mechanism. Induction of VEGF expression and stimulation of vascular endothelial cell migration are initial events in PAF-promoted corneal angiogenesis.
Does complexity matter? Meta-analysis of learner performance in artificial grammar tasks

Complexity has been shown to affect performance on artificial grammar learning (AGL) tasks (categorization of test items as grammatical/ungrammatical according to the implicitly trained grammar rules). However, previously published AGL experiments did not utilize consistent measures to investigate the comprehensive effect of grammar complexity on task performance. The present study focused on computerizing Bollt and Jones's (2000) technique of calculating topological entropy (TE), a quantitative measure of AGL charts' complexity, with the aim of examining associations between grammar systems' TE and learners' AGL task performance. We surveyed the literature and identified 56 previous AGL experiments based on 10 different grammars that met the sampling criteria. Using the automated matrix-lift-action method, we assigned a TE value for each of these 10 previously used AGL systems and examined its correlation with learners' task performance. The meta-regression analysis showed a significant correlation, demonstrating that the complexity effect transcended the different settings and conditions in which the categorization task was performed. The results reinforced the importance of using this new automated tool to uniformly measure grammar systems' complexity when experimenting with and evaluating the findings of AGL studies.
A Macro-econometric Model for the Sudan Economy

This study aims at building a macro-econometric model for the Sudan economy mainly for the sole purpose of policy analysis. The model conforms to the previous attempts in relying on the conventional income-expenditure approach. However, it differs from them in certain aspects. It covers a rather extended period from 1960 to 2005. The model contains 14 equations covering the monetary sector, public sector, real sector, external sector, labor sector, and prices. The equations of the model are identified, and the three stages least squares is used to estimate the model. Also, unit root test has been used to avoid problem of spurious regression. The model passes all the required tests and is employed to conduct sound policy analysis.
Beyond the Hubble Deep Field Limiting Magnitude: Faint Galaxy Number Counts from Surface Brightness Fluctuations

The faint end of the differential galaxy number counts n(m) in the Hubble Deep Field-North (HDF-N) has been determined for the F450W, F606W, and F814W filters by means of surface brightness fluctuation measurements. This technique allows us to explore n(m) beyond the limiting magnitude of the HDF, providing new, stronger constraints on the faint end of n(m). This has allowed us to test the validity of previous number count studies, to produce a new determination of the faint end of n(m) for magnitudes fainter than 28.8 in the AB system, and to extend this estimate down to 31 mag. This value represents an extension of more than 2 mag beyond the limits of previous photometric studies. The obtained n(m) slopes are γ = 0.27, 0.21, and 0.26 in B450, V606, and I814, respectively.
Assessing Antioxidant Capacity in Brain Tissue: Methodologies and Limitations in Neuroprotective Strategies

The number of putative neuroprotective compounds with antioxidant activity described in the literature continues to grow. Although these compounds are validated using a variety of in vivo and in vitro techniques, they are often evaluated initially using in vitro cell culture techniques in order to establish toxicity and effective concentrations. Both in vivo and in vitro methodologies have their respective advantages and disadvantages, including, but not limited to, cost, time, use of resources and technical limitations. This review expands on the inherent benefits and drawbacks of in vitro and in vivo methods for assessing neuroprotection, especially in light of proper evaluation of compound efficacy and neural bioavailability. For example, in vivo studies can better evaluate the effects of protective compounds and/or its metabolites on various tissues, including the brain, in the whole animal, whereas in vitro studies can better discern the cellular and/or mechanistic effects of compounds. In particular, we aim to address the question of appropriate and accurate extrapolation of findings from in vitro experiment-where compounds are often directly applied to cellular extracts, potentially at higher concentrations than would ever cross the blood-brain barrier—to the more complex scenario of neuroprotection due to pharmacodynamics in vivo.
The performance of macrodiversity system in the presence of long-term Nakagami-m fading and short-term gamma fading

Probability density function (PDF), moments of signal and amount of fading (AF) at the output of macrodiversity system in closed form are obtained. Dual maximal-ratio combining (MRC) is implemented at the micro level (single base station) and selection combining (SC) with two base stations (dual diversity) is implemented at the macro level. This model assumes a Nakagami-m density function for the envelope of the received signal and a gamma distribution to model the average power to account for the shadowing. The results are shown graphically for different signal and fading parameters values.