Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Possible evidence for a variable fine structure constant from QSO absorption lines: Motivations, analysis and results

An experimental search for variation in the fundamental coupling constants is strongly motivated by modern high-energy physics theories. Comparison of quasar absorption line spectra with laboratory spectra provides a sensitive probe for variability of the ne structure constant, , over cosmological time-scales. We have previously developed and applied a new method providing an order of magnitude gain in precision over previous optical astrophysical constraints. Here we extend that work by including new quasar spectra of damped Lyman- absorption systems. We also re-analyse our previous lower redshift data and conrm our initial results. The constraints on come from simultaneous tting of absorption lines of subsets of the following species: Mgi ,M gii, Alii ,A liii ,S iii ,C rii ,F eii ,N iii and Znii. We present a detailed description of our methods and results based on an analysis of 49 quasar absorption systems (towards 28 QSOs) covering the redshift range 0:5 <z <3:5. There is statistical evidence for a smaller at earlier epochs: = =( 0:720:18)10 5 . The new and original samples are independent but separately yield consistent and signicant non-zero values of =. We summarise the results of a thorough investigation of systematic eects published in a companion paper. The value we quote above is the raw value, not corrected for any of these systematic eects. The only signicant systematic eects so far identied, if removed from our data, would lead to a more signicant deviation of = from zero.
Revisiting public information management for effective e-government services

Governments are employing modern information and communication technologies to serve society better. Raising the effectiveness and quality of government services is not only a matter of new technologies; it also involves clear vision and objectives as well as a sound business strategy. Information systems need to support internal work within a government’s boundaries, serve customers through digital interfaces and leverage digital relationships among social partners. To implement such systems, preparatory work is required in both organization and technology. A new public information management philosophy underlies this significant revamping of the value propositions made to customers. The ongoing enrichment of the Greek Ministry’s of Finance e‐services follows an ICDT‐like business logic. A key factor of all these advances is the re‐orientation of information systems for customer‐centric service.
Online cognitive training in healthy older adults: a preliminary study on the effects of single versus multi-domain training

Abstract It has been argued that cognitive training may be effective in improving cognitive performance in healthy older adults. However, inappropriate active control groups often hinder the validity of these claims. Additionally there are relatively few independent empirical studies on popular commercially available cognitive training programs. The current research extends on previous work to explore cognitive training employing a more robust control group. Twenty-eight healthy older adults (age: M = 64.18, SD = 6.9) completed either a multi-faceted online computerised cognitive training program or trained on a simple reaction time task for 20 minutes a day over a 28 day period. Both groups significantly improved performance in multiple measures of processing speed. Only the treatment group displayed improved performance for measures of memory accuracy. These results suggest improvements in processing speed and visual working memory may be obtained over a short period of computerized cognitive training. However, gains over this time appear only to show near transfer. The use of similar active control groups in future research are needed in order to better understand changes in cognition after cognitive training.
Lifespan Changes in Global and Selective Stopping and Performance Adjustments

This study examined stopping and performance adjustments in four age groups (M ages: 8, 12, 21, and 76 years). All participants performed on three tasks, a standard two-choice task and the same task in which stop-signal trials were inserted requiring either the suppression of the response activated by the choice stimulus (global stop task) or the suppression of the response when one stop-signal was presented but not when the other stop-signal occurred (selective stop task). The results showed that global stopping was faster than selective stopping in all age groups. Global stopping matured more rapidly than selective stopping. The developmental gain in stopping was considerably more pronounced compared to the loss observed during senescence. All age groups slowed the response on trials without a stop-signal in the stop task compared to trials in the choice task, the elderly in particular. In addition, all age groups slowed on trials following stop-signal trials, except the elderly who did not slow following successful inhibits. By contrast, the slowing following failed inhibits was disproportionally larger in the elderly compared to young adults. Finally, sequential effects did not alter the pattern of performance adjustments. The results were interpreted in terms of developmental change in the balance between proactive and reactive control.
Touch-screen technology for children: giving the right instructions and getting the right responses

While devices such as iPhones, iPads and Surface tables enable a wide range of interaction possibilities, we do not yet have a set of widely understood terminology that conveys the new and unfamiliar touch-screen gestures required for interaction. In this paper we explore terminology for touch-screen gestures and in particular the implications for child users. An initial study exploring touch-screen language with 6-7 year-olds is presented as an illustration of some of the key problems that designers need to be aware of. The children were able to perform a range of touch-screen gestures and transfer metaphors from other contexts but mistakes were observed. From this study we present a set of suggestions as to how designers of touch-screen applications can support children more effectively.
PIC matrices: a computationally tractable class of probabilistic query operators

The inference network model of information retrieval allows a probabilistic interpretation of query operators. In particular, Boolean query operators are conveniently modeled as link matrices of the Bayesian Network. Prior work has shown, however, that these operators do not perform as well as the pnorm operators used for modeling query operators in the context of the vector space model. This motivates the search for alternative probabilistic formulations for these operators. The design of such alternatives must contend with the issue of computational tractability, since the evaluation of an arbitrary operator requires exponential time. We define a flexible class of link matrices that are natural candidates for the implementation of query operators and an O(n2) algorithm (n = the number of parent nodes) for the computation of probabilities involving link matrices of this class. We present experimental results indicating that Boolean operators implemented in terms of link matrices from this class perform as well as pnorm operators in the context of the INQUERY inference network.
Igf1r+/CD34+ immature ICC are putative adult progenitor cells, identified ultrastructurally as fibroblast-like ICC in Ws/Ws rat colon

The colon of Ws/Ws mutant rats shows impairment of pacemaker activity and altered inhibitory neurotransmission. The present study set out to find structural correlates to these findings to resolve mechanisms. In the colon of Ws/Ws rats, interstitial cells of Cajal associated with Auerbach’s plexus (ICC‐AP) were significantly decreased and ICC located at the submuscular plexus and intramuscular ICC were rarely observed based on immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural investigations revealed that there was no overall loss of all types of interstitial cells combined. Where loss of ICC was observed, a marked increase in fibroblast‐like ICC (FL‐ICC) was found at the level of AP. Immunoelectron microscopy proved FL‐ICC to be c‐Kit– but gap junction coupled to each other and to c‐Kit+ ICC; they were associated with enteric nerves and occupied space normally occupied by ICC in the wild‐type rat colon, suggesting them to be immature ICC. In addition, a marked increase in immunoreactivity for insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r) occurred, co‐localized with CD34 but not with c‐Kit. A significantly higher number of Igf1r+/CD34+ cells were found in Ws/Ws compared to wild‐type rat colons. These CD34+/Igf1r+ cells in the Ws/Ws colon occupied the same space as FL‐ICC. Hence we propose that a subset of immature ICC (FL‐ICC) consists of adult progenitor cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed a reduction of neurons positive for neuronal nitric oxide synthase. The functional capabilities of the immature ICC and the regenerative capabilities of the adult progenitor cells need further study. The morphological features described here show that the loss of pacemaker activity is not associated with failure to develop a network of interstitial cells around AP but a failure to develop this network into fully functional pacemaker cells. The reduction in nitrergic innervation associated with the Ws mutation may be the result of a reduction in nitrergic neurons.
Theory of Pixel Lensing

Pixel lensing, gravitational microlensing of unresolved stars, is potentially much more sensitive and much more widely applicable than is generally recognized. I give explicit expressions for the pixel noise induced by a time-variable PSF, by photometric and geometric misalignment, and by discrete pixelization, and I show that these can all be reduced below the photon noise. Pixel lensing can be divided into two regimes. In the ``semi-classical'' regime, it is similar to classical lensing in that it measures the time scale of individual events. In the ``spike'' regime, it measures the total optical depth but not individual time scales. I present simple expressions for the boundary between the two regimes and for the event rate in the latter one. These expressions can be used to quickly classify all potential pixel lensing experiments. Pixel lensing can measure the luminosity function as well as the mass function of stars in target galaxies to a distance of a few Mpc. Future space-based pixel lensing could be $\sim 5$ times more effective in the infrared than in the optical, depending on developments in detector technology. Pixel techniques can also be applied to non-pixel-lensing problems including the search for unresolved variable stars and follow up observations of lensing events found in classical lensing searches. To benefit fully from pixel-lensing techniques, follow-up observations should have resolutions of at least 5 pixels per FWHM.
From Cluster Tracking to People Counting

The Cluster Tracker, introduced in previous work, is used to detect, track, split, merge and remove clusters of pixels significantly different from the corresponding pixels in a r eference image. Clusters with common motion are grouped together into super-clusters during off-line processing, and the number of people in each super-cluster is determined by the sizes of the super-clusters and their pattern of merging and splitting. Finally, this information is used to obtain a statistical summary of the behaviour of people in the field of view.
Don't Be Puzzled!

This paper is about how to solve a class of puzzles, called self-referential quizzes (srq), with constraint programming. An srq is a sequence of multiple choice questions that are about the puzzle itself. srqs are an attractive pastime, when they provide the possibility of drawing non-trivial conclusions on the way to the solution. We introduce a typical srq, and represent it as a propositional satis ability problem. Its straightforward clausal representation is too big for e ective treatment using standard methods. Instead, we solve it with nite domain constraint programming. For this application of constraint programming, support of logic connectives such as conjunction and disjunction is crucial. With their small problem descriptions, srqs are ideal candidates for benchmarks covering the implementation of 0/1 variables in constraint programming languages.
Secure and Shortest Path by Modifying RREP Packet of AODV Protocol

The mobile Ad hoc networks are the self configuring type of network in which the mobile nodes can move freely in the environment, even when they are communicating with the other mobile nodes. Due the mobility in nature of mobile nodes the problem of link failure will cause. When the route is established between the mobile nodes and intermediate mobile nodes when change its path. The route will be broken and packet loss may cause . Due to this problem the efficiency of MANET will be reduced. In this paper, we are proposing the new technique in which we are enhancing the traditional AODV protocol, to cope up with the problem of link failure. Index Terms—Mobile nodes, AODV, link Failure, Signal strength. ——————————  ——————————
Flexible optical infrastructure for Ethernet transport: Solutions and enabling technologies in the ICT STRAUSS project

Cloud applications and the global delivery of Ethernet services require a scalable, reliable, virtualizable and cost/energy efficient optical transport infrastructure able to support data rates beyond 100 Gb/s. The ICT STRAUSS project addresses the requirement of future optical infrastructures for Ethernet transport beyond 100 Gb/s, by combining two network switching technologies, namely Optical Packet Switching (OPS) and flexible Optical Circuit Switching (OCS). In this paper, cost/energy-efficient solutions and technology enablers are presented, specifically dealing with data plane aspects, such as the design and development of sliceable bandwidth variable transponders (S-BVT), fixed-length variable-capacity OPS, flexi-grid optical switching nodes and OPS/OCS integrated interface.
ASPIRATIONS AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONSTRUCTIONS OF THEIR FUTURES: INVESTIGATING SOCIAL MOBILITY AND SOCIAL REPRODUCTION

ABSTRACT The United Kingdom’s Coalition government has introduced an education policy that is focused on increasing the opportunities to promote and advance social mobility for all children within state education. Raising young people’s aspirations through school-based initiatives is a prominent theme within recent policy texts, which are focused on improving educational outcomes and thus advancing social mobility. This article draws on qualitative data from paired interviews with 32 students in two academies to first investigate if our participants’ aspirations indicate a desire for intragenerational social mobility and second, to explore our participants’ perceptions of the influences of their family background on their aspirations for the future. Analysis of our data highlights the mismatch between our participants’ aspirations for the future and the government’s constructions of what they should aspire to, as articulated in policy texts. By investigating aspirations, as part of a wider project to understand social mobility qualitatively, our data shows the important role of family in shaping our participants’ varied and diverse aspirations that are frequently at variance with government policy.
Preclinical Studies on Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Growth Plate Cartilage Injury Repair

In the last two decades, there has been a strong interest in searching for biological treatments for regeneration of injured growth plate cartilage and prevention of its bony repair. Various means have been tried, including implantation of chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), together with exogenous growth factor and scaffolds, and gene therapy. However, with the lack of success with chondrocytes, more research has focussed on MSC-based treatments. In addition to circumvent limitations with MSC-based treatments (including cell harvest-associated morbidity, difficulties/time/cost involved in MSC isolation and ex vivo expansion, and potential disease transmission), mobilising endogenous MSCs to the growth plate injury site and enhancing in situ regeneration mechanisms would represent an alternative attractive approach. Further studies are required to investigate the potential particularly in large animal models or clinical setting of the ex vivo MSC approach and the feasibility of the endogenous MSC in situ approach in growth plate regeneration.
The post-military earnings of female veterans

Women’s role in the military has grown rapidly. Using standard data sets and a special survey of reservists, female veterans are found to have better earnings endowments than nonveterans. Although female veterans have higher unadjusted earnings than nonveterans, a wage disadvantage is found for white but not nonwhite veterans following control for measured and unmeasured skills. Low returns to military service may result from historically limited military opportunities for women and difficulty in transferring skills to civilian jobs.
Discriminative Random Fields for Behavior Modeling

This paper proposed an approach of human behavior modeling based on Discriminative Random Fields. In this model, by introducing the hidden behavior feature functions and time window parameters, the Classical CRFs models was extended to spatio-temporal fields. And feature templates were designed to capture the dynamics of human motions. Due to the conditional structure, this model can accommodate arbitrary overlapping features of the observation as well as long-term contextual dependencies among observations. Behavior recognition method was designed in the experiments. And the results proved that the proposed modeling method performed over than HMM and CRF for human behavior modeling.
Establishing the connection: interventions linking service responses for sexual assault with drug or alcohol use/abuse: final report

Overview This study examined the intersections between alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and sexual victimisation and trauma, how both support sectors currently work together, and how they can respond more effectively to the needs of those affected. The study found that: Participants from both the AOD and the sexual assault sectors demonstrated a practical understanding of the interrelationship between drug and alcohol use and sexual victimisation. The overlap between sexual victimisation and alcohol and other drug use was very relevant for AOD and sexual assault counsellors and managers who were aware of the very large numbers of potentially “shared” clients. Current practice in the assessment and intake processes in the AOD and sexual assault sectors varies considerably and reflects both the organisational frameworks that guide practice, as well as the initiative and confidence of individuals in the sectors in referring clients to other services. Factors that hinder collaboration included insufficient resources; uncertainty about how the other sector works; lack of communication; and role creep, which describes the expansion of demands and activities of a job or role over time that are not balanced by additional resources to support them. Practitioners and managers expressed great interest in expanding their understanding of the other sector through a variety of avenues, some of which included: shared focus on client-centred care; openness to discussion and sharing information; previous interagency collaboration; and policy and governance support. Findings from the report informed the development of practice guidelines to assist service providers with the identification, assessment, response and referral of individuals and families affected by co-occurring sexual abuse victimisation and substance use issues.
Fair-Coverage Monte Carlo Generation of Monotonic Functions within Envelopes

The Monte Carlo technique is an alternative to semiquantitative simulation of incompletely known differential equations. Here, a large number of ODEs matching the given QDE are randomly generated making use of the available semi-quantitative information. Each ODE is then numerically integrated and conclusions are drawn from the family of results produced. Maintaining fair-coverage (or true randomness) is important for producing unbiased conclusions when we randomly generate monotonic functions matching the original incomplete specifications in the numerical integration phase of these techniques. Earlier attempts did not ensure fair-coverage in a theoretical sense. We provide a hierarchy of algorithms (exponential in number) to do this when envelopes for the monotonic functions are specified. These algorithms can be ranked according to increasing degrees of nearness to fair-coverage and decreasing computational tractability. The appropriate algorithm can then be selected from this hierarchy to suit the requirements of the problem.
A Real-Time Millimeter-Wave Phased Array MIMO Channel Sounder

In this paper, we present a novel real-time MIMO channel sounder for 28 GHz. Until now, the common practice to investigate the directional characteristics of millimeter-wave channels has been using a rotating horn antenna. The sounder presented here is capable of performing horizontal and vertical beam steering with the help of phased arrays. Thanks to the fast beam-switching capability, the proposed sounder can perform measurements that are directionally resolved both at the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) as fast as 1.44 milliseconds compared to the minutes or even hours required for rotating horn antenna sounders. This does not only enable us to measure more points for better statistical inference but also allows us to perform directional analysis in dynamic environments. Equally important, the short measurement time combined with the high phase stability of our setup limits the phase drift between TX and RX, enabling phase-coherent sounding of all beam pairs even when TX and RX are physically separated and have no cabled connection for synchronization. This ensures that the measurement data is suitable for high-resolution parameter extraction algorithms. Along with the system design and specifications, this paper also discusses the measurements performed for verification of the sounder. Furthermore, we present sample measurements from a channel sounding campaign performed on a residential street.
MSSU – EIRS – ERC – 97 – 17 Using Hector in an Architecture for Rapid Distributed Fault Tolerance

– Embedded high performance computing is being called upon to provide critical computing resources with increasing frequency. The ability to tolerate faults during operation, both maintaining operational capability and ensuring that correct results continue to be produced, is an important ingredient in mission–critical systems. An architecture for such a system is proposed, providing the ability to withstand faults with graceful degradation in performance and complete transparency to the applications programmer. The final system will be able to offer fault–tolerant computing transparently to MPI applications and draws heavily on existing, demonstrated successes.