Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Helping Jonny Manage Privacy Exploring Filters as Interfaces for Privacy Preference Specification

In recent years, online interpersonal communication via social media has become an integral part of people’s personal and professional lives. Exponential growth in the adoption of mobile and wearable devices has further enriched communication by incorporating contextually relevant sensor information, such as location. At the same time, the capabilities and functionalities of these devices and systems lead to inherent tensions with people’s desires for privacy. Designers of these systems allow users to resolve this tension by specifying preferences for privacy-relevant settings. For instance, a user may be able to indicate that only a certain group of people may access his or her profile information or may be able to choose whether to allow an app to access his or her location. Privacy preference specification interfaces typical of today’s systems suffer from a number of shortcomings, thereby falling short of their objective of helping end users achieve effective privacy management. Some of the issues with these interfaces include:
Content-based image retrieval: an application of MPEG-7 Standard and Fuzzy C-Means

The objective of this study is to develop and examine the performance of an image classification system using fuzzy c-means (FCM) on a large set of images represented by MPEG-7 low-level descriptors. This experimental data set consists of five different categories of images. In a series of experiments we considered 5 different categories of the MPEG-7 descriptors related to colors and textures of images. Prior to any clustering the original space was reduced using the standard principal component analysis (PCA). A series of carefully organized experiments has led to a number of interesting findings as to the suitability of fuzzy sets in the framework in image organization and description, insights into the structure of various categories and their interrelationship
Humic substance-mediated reduction of iron(III) oxides and degradation of 2,4-D by an alkaliphilic bacterium, Corynebacterium humireducens MFC-5

With the use of an alkaliphilic bacterium, Corynebacterium humireducens MFC‐5, this study investigated the reduction of goethite (α‐FeOOH) and degradation of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) mediated by different humic substances (humics) and quinones in alkaline conditions (pH of 9.0). The results indicated that (i) using sucrose as the electron donor, the strain MFC‐5 was capable of reducing anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonic acid (AQDS), anthraquinone‐2‐disulfonic acid (AQS), anthraquinone‐2‐carboxylic acid (AQC), humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), and its reducing capability ranked as AQC > AQS > AQDS > FA > HA; (ii) the anaerobic reduction of α‐FeOOH and 2,4‐D by the strain was insignificant, while the reductions were greatly enhanced by the addition of quinones/humics serving as redox mediators; (iii) the Fe(III) reduction rate was positively related to the content of quinone functional groups and the electron‐accepting capacities (EAC) of quinones/humics based on fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and electrochemical analyses; however, such a relationship was not found in 2,4‐D degradation probably because quinone reduction was not the rate‐limiting step of quinone‐mediated reduction of 2,4‐D. Using the example of α‐FeOOH and 2,4‐D, this study well demonstrated the important role of humics reduction on the Fe(III)/Fe(II) biogeochemical cycle and chlorinated organic compounds degradation in alkaline reducing environments.
The effect of ionic conditions on DNA helical repeat, effective diameter and free energy of supercoiling.

We determined the free energy of DNA supercoiling as a function of the concentration of magnesium and sodium chloride in solution by measuring the variance of the equilibrium distribution of DNA linking number,<(DeltaLk)2>. We found that the free energy of supercoiling changed >1.5-fold over the range of ionic conditions studied. Comparison of the experimental results with those of computer simulations showed that the ionic condition dependence of<(DeltaLk)2>is due mostly to the change in DNA effective diameter, d, a parameter characterizing the electrostatic interaction of DNA segments. To make this comparison we determined values of d under all ionic conditions studied by measuring the probability of knot formation during random cyclization of linear DNA molecules. From the topoisomer distributions we could also determine the changes in DNA helical repeat, gamma, in mixed NaCl/MgCl2 solutions. Both gamma and d exhibited a complex pattern of changes with changing ionic conditions, which can be described in terms of competition between magnesium and sodium ions for binding to DNA.
Track-To-Track Measurement Fusion Architectures and Correlation Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to address some theoretical issues related to the track-to-track fusion problem when the measurements tracking the same tar- get are inherently correlated by the common process noise of the underlying target. This problem has been intensively investigated using standard Kalman filter with some appealing theoretical results, however such results are no longer valid in case of subop- timality due to either the presence of strong nonlinearity or to the discrete uncertainty pervading the origin of the measurement. This paper reviews several architectures of parallelized blocks of Kalman filters, including the augmented stacked measurement, sequential and data compression architectures. Next, convex combination architecture will be investigated and some theoretical results concerning its extension as well as in case of presence of correlation are investigated. Two special cases of correlation are highlighted. This concerns the case of presence of only two correlated tracks among all tracks and the case of weak correlation. In both cases some original theoretical results are put forward. Finally, links with related fusion architectures is investigated.
Realistic character modeling based on vector difference

It is a very challenging task to interactively build a realistic character model. In this paper, by introducing the stretching model and the vector differential adjustor, a character modeling method based on vector difference is proposed. With this method, firstly, a reference model, a vertical stretching model and a horizontal stretching model are constructed in accordance with the model structure of the human body; secondly, the vector differences of control points are obtained between the horizontal stretching model and the reference model, and between the vertical stretching model and the reference model; and then a vector difference adjustor is employed to interactively adjust the control points in the reference model; lastly, a realistic character model is automatically generated based on the control points' coordinates. Experimental results show that this method can overcome the problems associated with other methods, such as: the need to master professional model software, system requirements for large cumbersome model databases, cracks or holes generated in the result model, and make it easy for users to interactively build a realistic character model.
Effects of Flicker on Different Types of 150-W High-Pressure Sodium Lamps and Ballasts

The limits of the severity of flicker caused by voltage fluctuations is defined in Europe by the standard CENELEC EN 50160. Under normal operating conditions, flicker level will not exceed the long term severity Plt=1 during 95% of the time in one week. This threshold was originally established considering that a lamp with tungsten coiled coil filament of 60 W and 230 V that is gas-filled produces a flicker perceivable by 50% of the population when it is supplied with a voltage that verifies Plt=1. Other light sources like fluorescent lamps and discharge lamps with ballasts exhibit a different behavior under the same supply conditions. This means that the flicker meter should be different for each type of illumination technique ir order to provide accurate information about flicker phenomena. At the same time, lamp age also plays an important role in flicker generation. In this research work, a test system and a methodology able to measure the optical fluctuation produced by different types of lamps and ballast is presented. This experimental platform allows to obtain a correlation between voltage flicker levels and optical flicker perception. It can be considered the first step in the definition of new lamp models. This work also shows that age lamp has a significant correlation with flicker generation.
Distance metric learning for medical image registration

Medical image registration has received considerable attention in medical imaging and computer vision, because of the large variety of ways in which it can impact patient care. Over the years, many algorithms have been proposed for medical image registration. Medical image registration uses techniques to create images of parts of the human body for clinical purposes. This thesis focuses on one small subset of registration algorithms: using machine learning techniques to train the similarity measure for use in medical image registration. This thesis is organized in the following manner. In Chapter 1 we introduce the idea of image registration, describe some some applications in medical imaging, and mathematically formulate the three main components of any registration problem: geometric transformation, similarity measure and optimization procedure. Finally we describe how the ideas in this thesis fit into the field of medical image registration, and we describe some related work. In Chapter 2 we introduce the concept of machine learning and we provide examples to illustrate machine learning algorithms. We then describe the κ-nearest neighbors algorithm and the relationship between Euclidean and Mahalanobis distance. Next we introduce distance metric learning and present two approaches for learning the Mahalanobis distance. Finally we provide a description and visual comparison of two algorithms for distance metric learning. In Chapter 3 we describe how distance metric learning can be applied to the problem of medical image registration. Our goal is to learn the optimal similarity measure given a training dataset of correctly registered images. To assess the performance of the two distance metric learning algorithms we test them using images from a series of patients. Moreover we illustrate the sensitivity of one of the learning algorithms by examining the variability of the resulting target registration errors. Finally we present our experimental results of registering CT and MR images. Finally in Chapter 4 we suggest some ideas for future work in order to improve our registration results and to speed up the algorithms.
Capelli elements in the classical universal enveloping algebras

For any complex classical group $G=O_N,Sp_N$ consider the ring $Z(g)$ of $G$-invariants in the corresponding enveloping algebra $U(g)$. Let $u$ be a complex parameter. For each $n=0,1,2,. $ and every partition $\nu$ of $n$ into at most $N$ parts we define a certain rational function $Z_\nu(u)$ which takes values in $Z(g)$. Our definition is motivated by the works of Cherednik and Sklyanin on the reflection equation, and also by the classical Capelli identity. The degrees in $U(g)$ of the values of $Z_\nu(u)$ do not exceed $n$. We describe the images of these values in the $n$-th symmetric power of $g$. Our description involves the plethysm coefficients as studied by Littlewood, see Theorem 3.4 and Corollary 3.6.
BELL-SHAPED PROBABILISTIC FUZZY SET FOR UNCERTAINTIES MODELING

The probabilistic fuzzy set (PFS) and the related p robabilistic fuzzy logic system (PFLS) is designed for handling the uncertainties in both stochastic and n onstochastic nature. In this paper, a bell-shaped probabilistic fuzzy set is proposed and the related PFLS is constructed and applied to a modeling prob lem to study stochastic modeling capability. It clearly discloses that the bell-shaped PFS performs better than the previous PFS under certain stochastic circumsta nce. The bell-shaped probabilistic fuzzy set gives a more general model of fuzzy rules and improving the pr cision of probabilistic fuzzy logic system. The PFLS using bell-shaped probabilistic fuzzy set impr oves its potential application in engineering.
Malignancy Texture Classification in Digital Mammograms based on Chebyshev Moments and Logpolar Transformation

A method for selecting a three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional environment improves a speed and efficiency of a lassoing technique. The method reduces the number of objects that have to be rendered into images in order to determine whether the object is included within an area selected by the lasso. The method selects objects intersected by the lasso using ray picking. These selected objects are not rendered into images. The method determines those objects whose bounding boxes do not intersect a bounding box of the area selected by the lasso. These objects are also not rendered into images. The method renders the remaining objects into images to determine which are included with the area selected by the lasso.
Systemic thromboembolism in chronic heart failure. A prospective study in 406 patients.

In patients with heart failure the risk of systemic thrombo-embolism and the benefit of anticoagulation are uncertain. To assess the incidence of systemic thromboembolism and the factors associated with an increased risk, 406 consecutive patients with chronic heart failure were prospectively investigated. Their left ventricular ejection fraction was 23 +/- 8%, pulmonary wedge pressure 19 +/- 10 mmHg and cardiac index 2.3 +/- 1.41. min-1.m-2 of body surface area. Two hundred patients were in NYHA functional class III-IV. Two hundred and thirty-two patients were receiving oral anticoagulants. Over a follow-up period of 16 +/- 11 months, thromboembolism occurred in 11 patients (2.7%), seven of whom were on anticoagulants. Among clinical, echocardiographic and haemodynamic variables, atrial fibrillation, more severe haemodynamic impairment and low exercise capacity were associated with increased thromboembolic risk. No echocardiographic findings, including the presence of intracavitary thrombi, either at baseline or during follow-up, were related to subsequent thromboembolic events. The rate of embolism did not differ in patients receiving anticoagulants (4%) compared with those who did not receive anticoagulants (1%). No major bleeding occurred during follow-up. Thus, in patients with chronic heart failure and sinus rhythm the incidence of systemic thromboembolism is low regardless of anticoagulant treatment. Atrial fibrillation, particularly when associated with low cardiac index, identifies a subgroup of patients at high risk of events. In this subgroup, a moderate-intensity anticoagulant regimen provides unsatisfactory protection against thromboembolism.
X-Ray-fluorescent Fe Kα Lines from Stellar Photospheres

X-ray spectra from stellar coronae are reprocessed by the underlying photosphere through scattering and photoionization events. While reprocessed X-ray spectra reaching a distant observer are at a flux level of only a few percent of that of the corona itself, characteristic lines formed by inner shell photoionization of some abundant elements can be significantly stronger. The emergent photospheric spectra are sensitive to the distance and location of the fluorescing radiation and can provide diagnostics of coronal geometry and abundance. Here we present Monte Carlo simulations of the photospheric K α1,α2 doublet arising from quasi-neutral Fe irradiated by a coronal X-ray source. Fluorescent line strengths have been computed as a function of the height of the radiation source, the temperature of the ionizing X-ray spectrum, and the viewing angle. We also illustrate how the fluorescence efficiencies scale with the photospheric metallicity and the Fe abundance. Based on the results we make three comments: (1) fluorescent Fe lines seen from pre-main-sequence stars mostly suggest flared disk geometries and/or supersolar disk Fe abundances; (2) the extreme ≈1400 mÅ line observed from a flare on V1486 Ori could be explained entirely by X-ray fluorescence if the flare itself were partially eclipsed by the limb of the star; and (3) the fluorescent Fe line detected by Swift during a large flare on II Peg is consistent with X-ray excitation and does not require a collisional ionization contribution. There is no convincing evidence supporting the energetically challenging explanation of electron impact excitation for observed stellar Fe Kα lines.
Spatiotemporal patterns of desiccation tolerance in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster

Water availability is a major environmental challenge to a variety of terrestrial organisms. In insects, desiccation tolerance varies predictably over various spatial and temporal scales and is an important physiological basis of fitness variation among natural populations. Here, we examine the dynamics of desiccation tolerance in North American populations of Drosophila melanogaster using: 1) natural populations sampled across latitudes and seasons in the eastern USA; 2) experimental evolution in the field in response to changing seasonal environments; 3) a sequenced panel of inbred lines (DGRP) to perform genome wide associations and examine whether SNPs/genes associated with variation in desiccation tolerance exhibit patterns of clinal and/or seasonal enrichment in pooled sequencing of populations. In natural populations we observed a shallow cline in desiccation tolerance, for which tolerance exhibited a positive association with latitude; the steepness of this cline increased with decreasing culture temperature, demonstrating a significant degree of thermal plasticity. No differences in desiccation tolerance were observed between spring and autumn collections from three mid-to-northern latitude populations, or as a function of experimental evolution to seasonality. Similarly, water loss rates did not vary significantly among latitudinal, seasonal or experimental evolution populations. However, changes in metabolic rates during prolonged exposure to dry conditions indicate increased tolerance in higher latitude populations. Genome wide association studies identified thirty-six SNPs in twenty-eight genes associated with sex-averaged drought tolerance. Among North American populations, genes associated with drought tolerance do not show increased signatures of spatially varying selection relative to the rest of the genome, whereas among Australian populations they do.
Vulnerability in the Canadian refugee determination arena : an interpretive description study

This exploratory study utilized Interpretive Description, an applied qualitative methodology, to investigate the manner in which the concept of vulnerability is currently understood and intervened upon within the refugee determination arena in Canada. Consistent with Interpretive Description, this study generated qualitative data from multiple sources, which were theoretically and purposively selected. Four distinct source groups provided data at different levels of analysis: government documents and qualitative interviews with officials offered insight into the systemic level, key professional informants provided access to the organizational level, recent refugee claimants provided information on the individual level, and the collected documentation of a small number of refugee claims provided examples of particular instances, while providing insight into the refugee determination arena as a whole. In the context of Canadian refugee determination, ‘vulnerability’ refers to factors that impede access to a fair hearing and the risk of retraumatization. This study provides a rich and timely description of aspects of identity and experience that give rise to vulnerability for refugee claimants and the institutional and community-based practices that can exacerbate or mitigate risks for harm. Three key findings can be distilled from this study: vulnerability is conceptualized according to essentialized characteristics of refugee claimants, there is variation between professional conceptualizations of vulnerability, and there are barriers to implementation across the refugee determination arena. I argue that a mis-attribution of harm to the individual/intrapsychic rather than to the systemic domain, a lack of integration of the psychological knowledge base that underpins the concept of vulnerability, and systemic barriers to implementation result in less than optimal protection for refugee claimants.
Predictors of outcomes of total knee replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVE To identify pre-operative predictors of patient-reported outcomes of primary total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. METHODS The Elective Orthopaedic Centre database is a large prospective cohort of 1991 patients receiving primary TKR in south-west London from 2005 to 2008. The primary outcome is the 6-month post-operative Oxford Knee Score (OKS). To classify whether patients had a clinically important outcome, we calculated a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) for the 6-month OKS related to satisfaction with surgery. Potential predictor variables were pre-operative OKS, age, sex, BMI, deprivation, surgical side, diagnosis, operation type, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and EQ5D anxiety/depression. Regression modelling was used to identify predictors of outcome. RESULTS The strongest determinants of outcome include pre-operative pain/function-those with less severe pre-operative disease obtain the best outcomes; diagnosis in relation to pain outcome-patients with RA did better than those with OA; deprivation-those living in poorer areas had worse outcomes; and anxiety/depression-worse pre-operative anxiety/depression led to worse pain. Differences were observed between predictors of pain and functional outcomes. Diagnosis of RA and anxiety/depression were associated with pain, whereas age and gender were specifically associated with function. BMI was not a clinically important predictor of outcome. CONCLUSION This study identified clinically important predictors of attained pain/function post-TKR. Predictors of pain were not necessarily the same as functional outcomes, which may be important in the context of a patient's expectations of surgery. Other predictive factors need to be identified to improve our ability to recognize patients at risk of poor TKR outcomes.
To speak or not to speak in the new Taiwanese university: class participation and identity construction in linguistically and culturally diverse graduate classrooms

ABSTRACT In order to internationalize higher education, universities across Asia have engaged in aggressive recruitment of international students and increased provision of English-medium instruction (EMI). While many studies have examined Asian international students’ intercultural interactions during class discussions in Western/English-speaking countries, little is known about how the diverse students interact in EMI classes in the newly internationalized universities in Asia. This study analyzed interviews with 82 graduate students in a Taiwanese university to examine their classroom participation and identity construction in EMI. Findings indicate that Taiwanese and international students diverge in their frequency, manner, and content of speech in whole class discussions. Students explained the contrast in terms of cultural and linguistic identities while they also reported a dynamic two-way adjustment in their classroom behaviors over time. Previous studies emphasized the need for context-oriented analysis of students’ intercultural classroom experiences and tended to focus on the classroom contexts. This study suggests that such contextualized analysis needs to also attend to the local linguistic contexts and power relations between languages and cultures as they are intertwined with the cultural and linguistic identity construction that influence classroom behaviors in the non-Western and non-native-English-speaking settings.