Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
2016 Ieee International Conference on Big Data (big Data) Exploring the Utilization of Places through a Scalable " Activities in Places " Analysis Mechanism

—People sensing data have been successfully utilized in various domains to support a more livable place with on-demand transport system, green environment, profitable economy and interactive governance, however, their potentials in supporting the design of places are not widely studied and explained. As an ongoing multidisciplinary project in Singapore, " Livable Places " mins valuable insights from these data through a novel mechanism, called Scalable " Activities in Places " Analysis Mechanism (SAPAM), which conducts three kinds of analyses on their spatial, temporal and textual information respectively to reveal frequently used places, called Hot Places (HP), and to measure their utilization quantitively and qualitatively for a better understanding of design contexts. Accordingly, three analysis mechanisms are designed and implemented, namely 1) a Scalable sPace Clustering Mechanism (SPCM) based on spatial information to cluster geo-referenced data, 2) a Hot Place Detection Mechanism (HPDM) based on temporal information to detect frequently used places, and 3) a Discussing Topic Detection Mechanism (DTDM) based on textual information to explore people's activities in a place. As proved by a comprehensive evaluation, 1) SPCM, which implements a scalable version of DBSCAN, indeed, can dramatically improve the clustering performance from the baseline 53.57s to less than 5s; 2) HPDM can precisely detect HPs with a high recall of Singaporean regional centers, main transportation hubs and famous attractions; and 3) DTDM classifies discussing topics of a given HP with a high precision about 85%. As the project testbed, Jurong East is detailedly investigated, and comparing to other Singaporean regional centers, it is marked as a growing regional center with a prosperous and stable commercial ecosystem.
Tight money and central bank intervention (a selective analytical survey)

This paper reviews some models of central bank intervention in the foreign exchange market in the context of tight monetary policy. It is shown that in a small open economy with capital mobility it is still possible to raise the domestic interest rate, at least temporarily, above the international one if the domestic price level exhibits some rigidity (the “overshooting hypothesis”) or if domestic and foreign bonds are imperfect substitutes. The increase in the domestic interest rate in the context of tight money often involves an increase in the risk premium as a result of the change in the asset portfolio of the public. The risk premium can be derived by using the capital asset pricing model of finance theory. Some illustrations of the change in portfolio are presented using the Israeli experience. The paper concludes with a discussion of diffusing the risk premium in a successful disinflation.
Filtered-X LMS vs repetitive control for active structural acoustic control of periodic disturbances

This paper presents a comparison of repetitive control and narrowband filtered-X LMS feedforward control, both applicable in the field of active structural acoustic control (ASAC) and active noise control (ANC) of periodic disturbances. This can be useful for example in rotating machinery, where the disturbance is often determined by the rotational speed. A frequency domain relation between the disturbance and the error signal is presented for the filtered-X LMS algorithm. This relation leads to a frequency domain convergence criterion which is consistent with existing literature and experimental observations. Furthermore, both control strategies are compared based on these frequency domain relations. The comparison shows that an inverse based repetitive controller behaves as an harmonic canceler, while the filtered-X LMS algorithm deviates from this behaviour at frequencies between the harmonics. Finally, the paper suggests the possibility to further match the behaviour of both algorithms, and to improve the performance for ASAC of periodic disturbances.
Exchange Rate Regimes, Determinacy, and Learnability in a Two-Block World Economy

We study how determinacy and learnability of global rational expectations equilibrium may be accected by monetary policy in a simple, two country, New Keynesian framework. The two blocks may be viewed as the U.S. and Europe, or as regions within the euro zone. We study cases in which optimal policies are being pursued country by country - where exhange rates are floating - as well as types of managed exchange rate regimes, including monetary union. This case is of strong practical relevance for monetary policy analysis in the euro area. We find that new concerns can arise in the analysis of classic topics such as the desirability of exchange rate targeting and monetary conditions indices (MCIs), the so-called "corner solutions" debate, and monetary union.
Comparative association rules mining using Genetic Network Programming(GNP) with attributes accumulation mechanism and its application to traffic systems

In this paper, we present a method of comparative association rules mining using Genetic Network Programming (GNP) with attributes accumulation mechanism in order to uncover association rules between different datasets. GNP is an evolutionary approach which can evolve itself and find the optimal solutions. The motivation of the comparative association rules mining method is to use the data mining approach to check two or more databases instead of one, so as to find the hidden relations among them. The proposed method measures the importance of association rules by using the absolute difference of confidences among different databases and can get a number of interesting rules. Association rules obtained by comparison can help us to find and analyze the explicit and implicit patterns among a large amount of data. For the large attributes case, the calculation is very time-consuming, when the conventional GNP based data mining is used. So, we have proposed an attribute accumulation mechanism to improve the performance. Then, the comparative association rules mining using GNP has been applied to a complicated traffic system. By mining and analyzing the rules under different traffic situations, it was found that we can get interesting information of the traffic system.
Evolving Land Rights, Policy and Tenure in Africa

Evolving land rights, policy and tenure in Africa presents and discusses several key aspects of Africa's ongoing land policy debate including legislative reform, the management of land rights, issues of implementation, and policy-making processes. It provides readers with examples of how different countries have approached the highly political and sensitive subject of rights to land and other natural resources. Recent innovative land reform programmes are described, and the authors assess the progress made towards more equitable land policies and highlight the challenges for the future. The book draws much of its material from a workshop on Land Rights and Sustainable Development in sub-Saharan Africa held in February 1999, sponsored by UK's Department for International Development (DFID). IT will be of interest to those in government with responsibility for land matters, development practitioners, donors, scholars, and students. We hope that its readership will span both South and North, and above all, find an interested public in Africa where wider participation in debates about land will help to ensure progressive, workable and acceptable land policies.
Optimal Backup Interval for a Database System with Full and Periodic Incremental Backup

This paper considers the following backup scheme for a database system: a database is updated at a nonhomogeneous Poisson process and an amount of updated files accumulates additively. To ensure the safety of data, full backup are performed at time NT=L or when the database fails, whichever occurs first, and between them, incremental backups are made at periodic times iT (i=1, 2, … , N-1) so as to make the backup efficiently. Using the theory of cumulative processes, the expected cost is obtained, and optimal number s N* of incremental backup which minimizes it are analytically discussed when incremental backup interval T or full backup interval L is given. Finally, it is shown as example s that optimal numbers are numerically computed.
Experimental demonstration of a 10BASE-T Ethernet visible light communications system using white phosphor light-emitting diodes

In this study, a compact design of a highly efficient, and a high luminosity light-emitting diode (LED)-based visible light communications system is presented, which is capable of providing standard room illumination levels and also wide-coverage Ethernet 10BASE-T optical wireless downlink communications over a distance of 2.3 m using commercial white light phosphor LEDs. The measured signal-to-noise ratio of the designed Ethernet system is >45 dB, thus allowing error-free communications with both on-off keying non-return zero and differential Manchester-coded modulation schemes at 10 Mbps. The uplink has been provided via a wireless infra-red link. A comparative study of a point-to-point wired local area network (LAN) and the optical wireless link confirms no discernible differences between them. The design of the transmitter is also shown to be scalable, with the frequency response for driving 25 LEDs being almost the same as driving a single LED. LED driving units are designed to match with the Ethernet sockets (RJ45) that conform to the existing LAN infrastructures (building and portable devices).
Physical Activity Interventions in Schools for Improving Lifestyle in European Countries

Background : In the last decades, children’s and adolescents’ obesity and overweight have increased in European Countries. Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle have been recognized to determine such an epidemic. Schools represent an ideal setting to modify harmful behaviors, and physical activity could be regarded as a potential way to avoid the metabolic risks related to obesity. Methods : A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize the evidence of school-based interventions aimed to promote, enhance and implement physical activity in European schools. Only randomized controlled trials were included, carried out in Europe from January 2000 to April 2014, universally delivered and targeting pupils aged between 3 and 18 years old. Results : Forty-seven studies were retrieved based either on multicomponent interventions or solely physical activity programs. Most aimed to prevent obesity and cardiovascular risks among youths. While few studies showed a decrease in BMI, positive results were achieved on other outcomes, such as metabolic parameters and physical fitness. Conclusion : Physical activity in schools should be regarded as a simple, non-expensive and enjoyable way to reach all the children and adolescents with adequate doses of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
B-type natriuretic peptide is an independent predictor of endothelial function in man

BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) has been reported to be elevated in preclinical states of vascular damage. To elucidate the relationship between plasma BNP and endothelial function, we have investigated the relationship between BNP and endothelial function in a cohort of subjects comprising healthy subjects as well as at-risk subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. To also clarify the relative contribution of different biological pathways to the individual variation in endothelial function, we have examined the relationship between a panel of multiple biomarkers and endothelial function. A total of 70 subjects were studied (mean age, 58.1±4.6 years; 27% had a history of hypertension and 18% had a history of hypercholesterolaemia). Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was evaluated by the invasive ACH (acetylcholine)-induced forearm vasodilatation technique. A panel of biomarkers of biological pathways was measured: BNP, haemostatic factors PAI-1 (plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1) and tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), inflammatory markers, including cytokines [hs-CRP (high sensitive C-reactive protein), IL (interleukin)-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) and MPO (myeloperoxidase] and soluble adhesion molecules [E-selectin and sCD40 (soluble CD40)]. The median BNP level in the study population was 26.9 pg/ml. Multivariate regression analyses show that age, the total cholesterol/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio, glucose and BNP were independent predictors of endothelial function, and BNP remained an independent predictor (P=0.009) in a binary logistic regression analysis using FBF (forearm blood flow) as a dichotomous variable based on the median value. None of the other plasma biomarkers was independently related to ACH-mediated vasodilatation. In a strategy using several biomarkers to relate to endothelial function, plasma BNP was found to be an independent predictor of endothelial function as assessed by endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in response to ACH.
Expression of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in breast fibroadenomas

Background/Aim—Fibroadenomas are benign tumours composed of both glandular and fibrous tissue. The mechanisms regulating the growth of these tumours and the relation between the stromal and epithelial cells are poorly understood. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a well known fibroblast activator, which acts through four specific cell surface receptors, among which, fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is highly specific. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of aFGF and FGFR4 in specific cell types of fibroadenomas to understand their possible role in the growth of these breast lesions. Methods—Formalin fixed and paraffin wax embedded tissues from 15 fibroadenomas and peritumoral normal breasts were investigated for the expression of aFGF and FGFR4 using immunohistochemistry. The presence of aFGF mRNA was also investigated using in situ hybridisation. Results— Immunoreactivity for aFGF and FGFR4 was seen in epithelial cells, but it was lacking in myoepithelial cells of both normal tissues and fibroadenomas. Strong FGFR4 immunoreactivity was found in stromal fibroblasts, which were also weakly positive for aFGF. aFGF mRNA was detected in epithelial cells and in some stromal fibroblasts. Conclusions—These results suggest a paracrine/autocrine modulation of epithelial and stromal cells of fibroadenomas through an aFGF–FGFR4 interaction. This interaction might regulate various cell functions and the growth of fibroadenomas.
MAHII: Machine And Human Interactive Interface

Free-style sketching is more natural than drawing a sketch using mouse and palette based tool. A number of sketching systems have been developed but not much attention is paid towards friendliness of the system. We present here an efficient Sketching system MAHII for sketching the strokes from multiple domains. The proposed paper demonstrates how a sketching system can be made user friendly and user interactive too. We also present the architecture of our system that solves many flaws encountered in the previously built systems. The interface should be such that it minimizes the gap between a human being and a machine. Our system provides a robust architecture that proves to be efficient. It also allows the user to sketch the diagram freely. And at the same time it edits the sketches as well as recognizes the sketches efficiently. This paper represents more robust and natural environment to the user. The MAHII provides the user an interface that is built in accordance with a novice user. MAHII provides free style sketching, recognizes the sketch produced by the user with accurate results.
Spoofing face recognition

Spoofing face recognition is the implementation of detecting facial masks. The algorithm used is Baseline face recognition algorithm, which is mainly based on the functions of face recognition and anti spoofing. The ISV method is used for the face recognition of 2D images by detecting the SURF feature of an image. To differentiate the real faces and mask, anti spoofing is performed by extracting the LBP feature. Finally based on the LBP histograms the features extracted are trained by SVM for feature classification to indicate whether the input will be accessed or not. The SVM classifier was selected because of its high accuracy. This work can be extended in future by detecting the surgically altered faces along with the face mask detection.
Energy-Consumption in Mobile Peer-to-Peer - Quantitative Results from File Sharing

Battery consumption is an important but not very widely studied aspect of peer-to-peer applications. This paper describes a series of experiments which obtained detailed measurements of BitTorrent energy consumption on handheld devices. The measurements that were carried out with SymTorrent client on three different models of Nokia S60 mobile phones indicate that peer-to-peer content sharing on handhelds is practical from the energy consumption point of view. The results also show that acting as a true peer and uploading content for other users does not cause much extra energy consumption during active downloading.
A NOTE ON THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERBOLIC DISCOUNTING

We use experimental matching data from the 2000 Bank of Italy Survey of Household Income and Wealth to compare the relative frequencies of hyperbolic and exponential discounters. Among 3,235 Italian respondents, less than one-fourth exhibited hyperbolic discounting; this finding is both statistically significant and robust across a wide variety of economic, social, and demographic characteristics. The youngest, poorest, and least educated individuals are the most likely to be hyperbolic discounters.
The ALE-method with triangular elements: direct convection of integration point values

The arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) finite element method is applied to the simulation of forming processes where material is highly deformed. Here, the split formulation is used: a Lagrangian step is done with an implicit finite element formulation, followed by an explicit (purely convective) Eulerian step. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Eulerian step for quadratic triangular elements. To solve the convection equation for integration point values, a new method inspired by Van Leer is constructed. The new method is based on direct convection of integration point values without intervention of nodal point values. The Molenkamp test and a so-called block test were executed to check the performance and stability of the convection scheme. From these tests it is concluded that the new convection scheme shows accurate results. The scheme is extended to an ALE-algorithm. An extrusion process was simulated to test the applicability of the scheme to engineering problems. It is concluded that direct convection of integration point values with the presented algorithm leads to accurate results and that it can be applied to ALE-simulations
A new Salmonella typhimurium NM5004 strain expressing rat glutathione S-transferase 5-5: use in detection of genotoxicity of dihaloalkanes using an SOS/umu test system.

The Escherichia coli mu operon was subcloned into a pKK233-2 vector containing rat glutathione S-transferase (GST) 5-5 cDNA and the plasmid thus obtained was introduced into Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. The newly developed strain S.typhimurium NM5004, was found to have 52-fold greater GST activity than the original umu strain S.typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002. We compared sensitivities of these two tester strains, NM5004 and TA1535/pSK1002, for induction of umuC gene expression with several dihaloalkanes which are activated or inactivated by GST 5-5 activity. The induction of umuC gene expression by these chemicals was monitored by measuring the cellular beta-galactosidase activity produced by umuC"lacZ fusion gene in these two tester strains. Ethylene dibromide, 1-bromo-2-chloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and methylene dichloride induced umuC gene expression more strongly in the NM5004 strain than the original strain. 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine were found to induce umuC gene expression to similar extents in both strains. In the case of 1-nitropyrene and 2-nitrofluorene, however, NM5004 strain showed weaker umuC gene expression responses than the original TA1535/pSK1002 strain. 1,2-Epoxy-3-(4'-nitrophenoxy)propane, a known substrate for GST 5-5, was found to inhibit umuC induction caused by 1-bromo-2-chloroethane. These results indicate that this new tester NM5004 strain expressing a mammalian GST theta class enzyme may be useful for studies of environmental chemicals proposed to be activated or inactivated by GST activity.
Egocentric Action in Early Infancy: Spatial Frames of Reference for Saccades

The extent to which infants combine visual (i e, retinal position) and nonvisual (eye or head position) spatial information in planning saccades relates to the issue of what spatial frame or frames of reference influence early visually guided action We explored this question by testing infants from 4 to 6 months of age on the double-step saccade paradigm, which has shown that adults combine visual and eye position information into an egocentric (head- or trunk-centered) representation of saccade target locations In contrast, our results imply that infants depend on a simple retinocentric representation at age 4 months, but by 6 months use egocentric representations more often to control saccade planning Shifts in the representation of visual space for this simple sensorimotor behavior may index maturation in cortical circuitry devoted to visual spatial processing in general
“Of Mice and Men”: Arginine Metabolism in Macrophages

Macrophages are involved in inflammation from induction to resolution. Polarization of macrophages along the M1 (classical) or M2 (alternative) axis occurs during inflammation and can be at least partly categorized by the route of arginine metabolism within the macrophage, balancing the activities of the arginase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme families (1, 2). Arginase activity is associated with tissue repair responses (via ornithine production and pro-proliferative effects). In contrast, NOS2 generates nitric oxide (NO) species with anti-proliferative effects that is necessary for protection against pathogens and aberrant cells (2, 3). Other NOS enzymes produce NO that acts in the regulation of smooth muscle tone and other cellular processes (4). Macrophages preferentially expressing the arginase or NOS2 pathways enzymes also influence T-cell activation, proliferation, signaling, and apoptosis in different ways (1). While arginase and NOS enzymes can be used to ascertain the pathway of macrophage activation in rodents, there has been debate as to whether they are present in macrophages from humans and other mammals. The arginase and NOS enzymes are extensively conserved, and the NOS forms found in mammals are similar to those in cnidarians, mollusks, and other chordates (5, 6). These arginine-metabolizing enzymes are present in some human leukocytes, and there is evidence that they are also present in macrophages from other vertebrates, including chickens, rabbits, cows, and primates (7–12). However, comparisons of tissue macrophages of different species are lacking, which limits our understanding (13). Many studies in humans have principally focused on blood monocytes, leading some researchers to question the suitability of rodents as model of macrophage activation, as there is not always a direct correlation with human cells. Was Robert Koch correct when he said “Gentlemen, never forget that mice are not humans,” or can the differing results between species be explained, in part, by differences in the types of monocyte or macrophage studied? Our purpose here is to examine this question.