Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of EU enlargement on migration flows

This document is a report commissioned by the Home Office in order to assess the magnitude of potential migration flows to the UK after the enlargement of the European Union (EU). The countries which are expected to join the EU on 1 May 2004 are Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. The aim of the report is to provide extensive information that will be helpful in evaluating the migration potential from these countries to the UK. This is done by (i) describing the socio-economic situation of the accession countries nowadays and since the early 1990s and comparing it to that of the UK and Germany, (ii) critically reviewing the existing literature that attempts to predict the effects of the current EU enlargement on migration flows, (iii) analysing the so-called Southern enlargement (the accessions of Greece, Portugal and Spain) and comparing it to the current one, and (iv) presenting a quantitative analysis of the effect of the current enlargement on migration to the UK.
TNet: A Reliable System Area Network

A major departure from traditional I/O systems, TNet is a new system area network designed to support current and future needs for reliable, efficient communications among processors and peripherals. It is an extensible hardware-software layer that allows very large configurations by logically and physically isolating processor buses from I/O buses. TNet features wormhole routing, packet-switched transfers, and point-to-point links. >
Analysis of ball carrier head motion during a rugby union tackle without direct head contact: A case study

Rugby union players can be involved in many tackles per game. However, little is known of the regular head loading environment associated with tackling in rugby union. In particular, the magnitude and influencing factors for head kinematics during the tackle are poorly understood. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to measure head motion of a visually unaware ball carrier during a real game tackle to the upper trunk with no direct head contact, and compare the kinematics with previously reported concussive events. Model-Based Image-Matching was utilised to measure ball carrier head linear and angular velocities. Ball carrier componential maximum change in head angular velocities of 38.1, 20.6 and 13.5 rad/s were measured for the head local X (coronal plane), Y (sagittal plane) and Z (transverse plane) axes respectively. The combination of a high legal tackle height configuration and visually unaware ball carrier can lead to kinematics similar to average values previously reported for concussive direct head impacts.
Parallel domain decomposition based algorithm for large scale color image denoising

An effective method for recovering blocky and discontinuous images from noisy data is the Total variation (TV) method. In this paper, we introduce a parallel domain decomposition based Newton-Krylov-Schwarz (NKS) method to numerically solve the total variation minimization model for the color image restoration. We show numerically that the NKS method converges and scales well on parallel computers with over one thousand processors. Several numerical experiments and comparisons demonstrate that the proposed method is fast and robust, especially for large scale color images.
Ambiguous Group Membership Is Extracted Automatically From Faces

To economize the demands of person perception, individuals quickly and accurately categorize others into groups (Macrae & Bodenhausen, 2000). Indeed, for groups with salient perceptual markers (e.g., sex, age, race), category activation is deemed to be an unavoidable consequence of the person-perception process (Bargh, 1999; Brewer, 1988; Fiske & Neuberg, 1990). But what about social groups with less obvious physical cues, do they also trigger automatic person categorization? Recent data hint that this may, indeed, be the case. Take, for example, male sexual orientation. Although the cues to male sexual orientation are ostensibly ambiguous (yielding categorization accuracy of approximately 60-70% against a chance guessing rate of 50%), differences between gay and straight men can be judged significantly better than chance following very brief exposure to a target (i.e., 50 ms; Rule & Ambady, 2008) and can modulate incidental memory for previously encountered faces (Rule, Ambady, Adams, & Macrae, 2007). What these findings suggest is that, like sex, age, and race, information pertaining to male sexual orientation may be extracted automatically from faces (see Rule, Ambady, Adams, & Macrae, 2008). To explore this possibility, we employed a lexical decision task in which participants responded to gay and straight verbal associates after the presentation of facial primes. If exposure to a face is sufficient to trigger category activation (i.e., information pertaining to sexual orientation), performance should be facilitated on prime-congruent trials.
Real-world challenges to collaborative text creation

Academic real-time collaborative document editing faces a number of theoretical challenges. However, when implementing an editor in practice in the form of a web-based solution, a number of more practical challenges appear while some of the more theoretical problems seem less relevant. In this position paper we argue for working from a practice-based perspective when confronting issues of collaborative editing.
Improved weight assignment approach for multimodal fusion

Biometric systems are emerging trends in the world of technological revolution for accessing confidential information of an individual. Multibiometric systems are more preferable nowadays as it overcomes the problem of non-universality, increases recognition performance and spoofing faced by the unimodal system. The multimodal biometric system is built up by fusing the features/ scores/ decisions of individual model. Fusion at the match score level is more preferable as it is more efficient in terms of computational complexity and contains sufficient information to recognize an individual. In the proposed bimodal rule based method, weight assignment strategy is based upon the Equal Error Rate (EER) and Genuine Acceptance Rate (GAR) values of individual models. It has been observed that total error rate (TER) of a fused system decreases and the Genuine Acceptance Rate (GAR) of fused system increases i.e. recognition performance of fused system is better as compared to individual systems.
Immunological Memory: Contribution of Memory B Cells Expressing Costimulatory Molecules in the Resting State1

Traditionally, emphasis has been placed on the roles of Th cells in generating and amplifying both cellular and humoral memory responses. Little is known about the potential contributions of B cell subsets to immunological memory. Resting memory B cells have generally been regarded as poor APC, attributed in part to the relative paucity of costimulatory molecules identified on their surface. We describe a novel subpopulation of human memory B cells that express CD80 in their resting state, are poised to secrete particularly large amounts of class switched Igs, and can efficiently present Ag to and activate T cells. This functionally distinct B cell subset may represent an important mechanism by which quiescent human B cells can initiate and propagate rapid and vigorous immune memory responses. Finally, these studies extend recent observations in the murine system and highlight the phenotypic and functional diversity that exists within the human B cell memory compartment.
Un modelo estructural pequeo para la economa uruguaya.

The Central Bank of Uruguay started to an interest rate instrument for monetary policy in September 2009. This paper develops a Small Structural Model for the Uruguayan economy which contributes to the understanding of the channels through which monetary policy operates under a flexible inflation targeting regime. The model is built in an open economy framework with partial dollarization and quasi-rational expectations. We calibrate the model parameter using quarterly data and present the dynamic response to several structural shocks. The results are consistent with the underlying New Keynesian theory, as well as with previews figures shown in works for countries with similar structural characteristics. Given the small sample size available for some series the empirical results of this model should be considered preliminary.
Fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia molar crowns with reduced thickness

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationship between fracture load of monolithic zirconia crowns and axial/occlusal thickness and to evaluate the fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia crowns with reduced thickness in comparison with that of monolithic lithium disilicate crowns with regular thickness. Materials and methods. Monolithic zirconia crowns (Lava Plus Zirconia, 3M/ESPE) with specified axial/occlusal thicknesses and lithium disilicate crowns (IPS e.max press, Ivoclar/Vivadent) with regular thickness were fabricated using a dental CAD/CAM system and a press technique, respectively. The crowns cemented onto dies were loaded until fracture. Based on measurements of the crown thickness made by micro-CT and the fracture load, multiple regression analysis was performed. Results. It was revealed that the occlusal thickness significantly affected the fracture load (p < 0.01), but the axial thickness did not (p = 0.2828). Although the reduction of the occlusal thickness decreased the fracture resistance of the monolithic zirconia crowns, the fracture load of the zirconia crowns with the occlusal thickness of 0.5 mm (5558 ± 522 N) was significantly higher than that of lithium disilicate crowns with an occlusal thickness of 1.5 mm (3147 ± 409 N). Conclusion. Within the limitations of the present study, it is suggested that monolithic zirconia crown with chamfer width of 0.5 mm and occlusal thickness of 0.5 mm can be used in the molar region in terms of fracture resistance.
On the Behavior of LMS Adaptive Algorithm in MMSE Receivers for DS-CDMA Systems

This paper analyzes the behavior of the Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive algorithm in the minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) single user adaptive receiver for the asynchronous direct sequence-code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) system. It is known that in this context the adaptive algorithm can be iterated several times during the same bit interval in order to achieve a faster convergence rate for the receiver, which further reduces the length of the training sequence. Instead of using such multiple iterations we propose a single equivalent formula for updating the receiver coefficients, saving significant time processing. The simulation results prove the equivalency of these approaches in terms of convergence rate performances.
Estimation of Truck Traffic Volume from Single Loop Detectors with Lane-to-Lane Speed Correlation

An algorithm for real-time estimation of truck traffic in multilane freeways was proposed. The algorithm used data from single loop detectors—the most widely installed surveillance technology for urban freeways in the United States. The algorithm worked for those freeway locations that have a truck-free lane and exhibit high lane-to-lane speed correlation. These conditions are met by most urban freeway locations. The algorithm produced real-time estimates of the truck traffic volumes at the location. It also can be used to produce alternative estimates of the mean effective vehicle length, which can improve speed estimates from single loop detector data. The algorithm was tested with real freeway data and produced estimates of truck traffic volumes with only 5.7% error. It also captured the daily patterns of truck traffic and mean effective vehicle length. Applied to loop data on Interstate 710 near Long Beach, California, during the dockworkers’ lockout October 1 to 9, 2002, the algorithm found a 32% reduction in five-axle truck volume.
Multidimensional Filtering Approach Based on Contextual Information

Existing recommended systems offer calculation of recommendation for user-item with e-commerce. But these systems omit much available information. It is user's contextual information. Thus accuracy of recommender systems is relatively lower. Mostly excepted information is difficult to clearly define the attributes and to calculate the values as the numerical data. If this contextual information can be changed into calculable element in recommender system, it can become the improved recommendation technique. This paper proposes multidimensional approach additionally applying contextual information for 2 dimensions based on existing recommendation system
Novel Coupling Structure for the Resonant Coaxial Probe

Herein we present a technique for performing complex permittivity measurements with an overmoded, evanescently perturbed coaxial resonator at microwave frequencies. The design of a noninvasive electromagnetic coupling structure, which allows transmission measurements to be taken from one end of a resonant section of coaxial cable, is discussed in detail. Quasi-spectral information was obtained through the exploitation of higher order resonances, and complex permittivity measurements of a number of common industrial solvents were taken at multiple discrete frequencies between 1 and 8 GHz. A combination of experimental and simulated results was used also to characterise the device behavior. The high stability of temporal measurements, coupled with the robustness of the design, make this device ideal for analytical chemistry and industrial process control.
Evaluation of ‘I-Preventive’: a digital preventive tool for musculoskeletal disorders in computer workers—a pilot cluster randomised trial

Objectives I-Preventive is a digital preventive tool for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in computer workers. We sought to determine its impact on pain in computer workers with upper limb MSDs and visual discomfort. Methods We conducted a pilot cluster randomised trial in 2 different sites of a tyre factory in France. We randomised 200 employees to either an intervention group (I-Preventive) or control group, each comprising symptomatic and asymptomatic employees. The workers were followed up for 5 months. The main outcome was overall recovery from symptoms following 1 month's intervention based on Nordic-style and eyestrain questionnaires. Results We included 185/200 workers: 96 in the intervention group (mean age 41.8±1.4 years; 88.5% males) and 79 in the control group (mean age 42.9±12.0 years; 94.5% males). The most painful areas (numerical scale ≥2) were the neck (40.0%), upper back (18.8%) and shoulders (15.7%). For the most painful anatomical area, the Nordic score significantly decreased after 1 month in the intervention group (p=0.038); no change was observed in the control group (p=0.59). After 1 month's use, the intervention group reported less pain in the painful area and less visual discomfort symptoms (p=0.02). Adherence to the I-Preventive program was 60%. Conclusions I-Preventive is effective in the short term on musculoskeletal symptoms and visual discomfort by promoting active breaks and eyestrain treatment. This easy-to-use digital tool allows each worker to focus on areas of their choice via personalised, easy exercises that can be performed in the workplace. Trial registration number NCT02350244; Pre-results.
Biquaternion electrodynamics and Weyl-Cartan geometry of space-time

The generalized Cauchy-Riemann equations (GCRE) in biquaternion algebra appear to be Lorentz-invariant. The Laplace equation is in this case replaced by a nonlinear (complexified) eikonal equation. GCRE contain the 2-spinor and the gauge structures, and their integrability conditions take the form of free-source Maxwell and Yang-Mills equations. For the value of electric charge from GCRE only the quantization rule follows, as well as the treatment of Coulomb law as a stereographic map. The equivalent geometrodynamics in a Weyl-Cartan affine space and the conjecture of a complex-quaternion structure of space-time are discussed.
Synthesizing iterators from abstraction functions

A technique for synthesizing iterators from declarative abstraction functions written in a relational logic specification language is described. The logic includes a transitive closure operator that makes it convenient for expressing reachability queries on linked data structures. Some optimizations, including tuple elimination, iterator flattening, and traversal state reduction, are used to improve performance of the generated iterators. A case study demonstrates that most of the iterators in the widely used JDK Collections classes can be replaced with code synthesized from declarative abstraction functions. These synthesized iterators perform competitively with the hand-written originals. In a user study the synthesized iterators always passed more test cases than the hand-written ones, were almost always as efficient, usually took less programmer effort, and were the qualitative preference of all participants who provided free-form comments.
Quantitative Prediction for Early Design Space Exploration in Delft WorkBench : An Outlook

In this paper, we discuss Quipu our multidimensional quantitative prediction model for hardwaresoftware partitioning. The proposed model is based on linear regression between software metrics determined on a dataset of 127 kernels and measures from their corresponding hardware designs. These software metrics capture the complexity of the C language description. The hardware designs are determined using the DWARV C-toVHDL translator [1]. Currently, Quipu exhibits a relatively large error compared to lower level approaches, however the Quipu model can make fast and early predictions and is applicable to a wide variety of applications. For the moment, we have only considered prediction of area measures, like the number of slices or flip-flops. The main steps to improve Quipu are the following: 1) re-evaluation of the selected software metrics. 2) use of a lower level representation of the C code. 3) extension of the set of kernels. 4) extension of the modeled hardware parameters. In other words, a consolidated model can provide more, and more accurate information. We conclude that fast and early prediction of hardware characteristics is important, but our approach was not accurate enough in the past. While a somewhat larger error is acceptable in the early stages of design, we need to improve our Quipu model. Furthermore, for Quipu to be applicable, it must predict additional hardware measures for a wider range of application domains. Keywords—Reconfigurable architectures, Modeling, Estimation, Statistics, Software metrics, System analysis and design
Phenotypic Approaches to Identify Inhibitors of B Cell Activation

An EPIC label-free phenotypic platform was developed to explore B cell receptor (BCR) and CD40R-mediated B cell activation. The phenotypic assay measured the association of RL non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma B cells expressing lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) to intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)-coated EPIC plates. Anti-IgM (immunoglobulin M) mediated BCR activation elicited a response that was blocked by LFA-1/ICAM-1 specific inhibitors and a panel of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. LFA-1/ICAM-1 association was further increased on coapplication of anti-IgM and mega CD40L when compared to individual application of either. Anti-IgM, mega CD40L, or the combination of both displayed distinct kinetic profiles that were inhibited by treatment with a BTK inhibitor. We also established a FLIPR-based assay to measure B cell activation in Ramos Burkitt’s lymphoma B cells and an RL cell line. Anti-IgM-mediated BCR activation elicited a robust calcium response that was inhibited by a panel of BTK inhibitors. Conversely, CD40R activation did not elicit a calcium response in the FLIPR assay. Compared to the FLIPR, the EPIC assay has the propensity to identify inhibitors of both BCR and CD40R-mediated B cell activation and may provide more pharmacological depth or novel mechanisms of action for inhibition of B cell activation.
A personal information management approach for people with low vision or blindness

A method and tool is presented that extends a word-processor so as to assist with organising personal notes and other information. It is usable by people who are blind or who have low vision, as well as by others, on a small display. The basic principle is to allow the user to annotate parts of the text with labels and then group together any parts of the text that have the same label. The tool was prototyped using the 4DML transformation system, was experimentally evaluated, and refinements are reported on.
Inferno in Embedded Space : Porting to the Sun SPOT

We report, here, on a project to port the Inferno operating system to the Sun SPOT sensor platform. The port provides support for the temperature and light sensors, the threeaxis accelerameter, LEDs, momentary contact switches, and GPIO pins. Communication among sensors is provided by an IPv6 implementation running over the integrated 802.15. 4 radios.
UDP Performance over an Ad Hoc Network for Mobile Robots

The use of wireless networks has become very popular in the mobile robotics community as they offer many advantages over traditional tethered systems. Wireless networks, however, often suffer from lower throughput and higher packet loss than their wired counterparts. This work attempts to enhance wireless networks used in mobile robotics by determining the optimal packet size for maximum throughput in environments with varying Signal to Noise Ratios (SNRs) where packet loss has started to occur, but has not yet reached 100%. Data recorded by a UDP based Java program was used to calculate the throughput, packet loss, time with signal, and average SNR of packets sent from one stationary node to another in an ad hoc network. Data was taken for ten packet sizes (16, 48, 144, 272, 528, 784, 1040, 1296, 1484, and 1500 bytes) in four SNR zones (4-7, 7-10, 9-12, and 14-18 dB) in two environments (a multi-story building and an open road). Results indicate that a packet size of 784 bytes is optimal for environments in which the signal to noise ratio ranges between 4-18 dB. Future work focuses on incorporating the results of this experiment into an autonomous program for wireless mobile robots that monitors SNR and packet throughput and adjusts the size of the packets accordingly.
A Comparison of PGP, IBE, and Password-based Secure Email

Copyright is held by the author/owner. Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee. Poster presented at the 12th Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security (SOUPS 2016), June 22-24, 2016, Denver CO. Abstract In this paper, we describe a user study we are conducting that compares PGP, IBE, and password-based secure email. This will be the first study that compares wholly different key management schemes while holding the overall system and interface design constant, thereby reducing confounding factors. Our goal is to establish the inherent usability differences between PGP, IBE, and passwordbased encryption in secure email.
Using Event Aggregation to Provide Autonomic Mixed Initiative Personalized Service Support in UbiComp Environments

Providing autonomic personalized services is one of the most empowering features of a ubiquitous computing environment. Such personalized support relies on effectively recognizing a user’s needs based on a wide range of input streams. This paper discusses a framework for aggregating these distributed and heterogeneous data sources and using them to infer a user’s goals such that useful pre-emptive support can be offered.