Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Dialogue System for Indoor Wayfinding Using Text-Based Natural Language

We present a dialogue system that automatically generates i ndoor route instructions in German when asked about locations, us ing text-based natural language input and output. The challeng ing task in this system is to provide the user with a compact set of accurate and comprehensible instructions. We describe our approach based on high-level instructions. The system is desc rib d with four main modules: natural language understanding, di alogue management, route instruction generation and natura l language generation. We report an evaluation with users unfami li r with the system — using the PARADISE evaluation framework — in a real environment and naturalistic setting. We present r sults with high user satisfaction, and discuss future directions for enhancing this kind of system with more sophisticated and intu it ve interaction.
On Fourier Series of a Discrete Jacobi-Sobolev Inner Product

Let µ be the Jacobi measure supported on the interval [-1, 1] and introduce the discrete Sobolev-type inner product >f,g -1 1 f(x)g(x)dµ(x) + Σ k=1 k Σ i=0 N k M k,i f(i)(a k )g(i)(a k ), where a k , 1 ≤ k ≤ K, are real numbers such that |a k | k,i k=1 K{a k }, and the derivatives of the series converge to f(i)(a k ) for all i and k. Roughly speaking, the term appropriate means here the same as we need for a function f in order to have convergence for its Fourier series associated with the standard inner product given by the measure µ. No additional conditions are needed.
C on ’ 0 4 M um ba i Modeling and Simulation for Dynamics of Packed Bed Adsorption

Understanding the dynamics of fixed-bed adsorption columns for modeling is a demanding task due to the strong nonlinearities in the equilibrium isotherms, interference effects of competition of solutes for adsorbent sites, mass transfer resistances between fluid phase and solid phase, and fluid-dynamic dispersion phenomena. The interplay of these effects produces steep concentration fronts, which move along the column during the adsorption process, which has to be accounted for in modeling. In this study, a mathematical model is studied for a fixed bed isothermal adsorption column with porous adsorbent. Simulations are carried out to understand the influence of axial dispersion, external film resistance, and solid diffusion resistance on adsorption using the above model. The mathematical equations are solved simultaneously using finite difference explicit scheme. The effect of flow rate, mass of adsorbent, and initial concentration of adsorbate are studied. Rapid occurrence of breakthrough time is observed for higher flow rates of effluent, lower mass of adsorbent, and high initial concentration of effluent. The model parameters studied are solid diffusion coefficient, D s , axial dispersion coefficient, D L , and external mass transfer coefficient, k f. The values of D s and D L are found to be in the order of 10-4 to 10-5 and 10-2 cm 2 /s, respectively. There is no effect of D s and D L on the breakthrough curve. The value of k f is found to be in order of 10-2 to 10-4 cm 2 /s. The effect of external mass transfer coefficient on the breakthrough curve is found out.
On the complexity and performance of strategies for symbol detection in multi-antenna wireless LAN

This paper discusses the symbol detection complexity of several orthogonal frequency division multiplexing wireless communication schemes using multiple-input multiple-output channels. We investigate spatial diversity (SD) and spatial multiplexing (SM) architectures. For the SD case we discuss an efficient example of space-time block coding, namely the Alamouti scheme. For the SM case we examine linear filtering, using both the zero-forcing and minimum mean squared error design criteria, and also the nonlinear maximum likelihood detection method. A comparison of the packet error rate performance of the various systems is then provided, followed by a thorough analysis of implementational complexity.
Indeterminism and the Causal Markov Condition

The causal Markov condition (CMC) plays an important role in much recent work on the problem of causal inference from statistical data. It is commonly thought that the CMC is a more problematic assumption for genuinely indeterministic systems than for deterministic ones. In this essay, I critically examine this proposition. I show how the usual motivation for the CMC—that it is true of any acyclic, deterministic causal system in which the exogenous variables are independent—can be extended to the indeterministic case. In light of this result, I consider several arguments for supposing indeterminism a particularly hostile environment for the CMC, but conclude that none are persuasive. 1. Introduction2. Functional models and directed graphs3. The causal Markov theorem4. The causal Markov theorem and genuine indeterminism5. Are the exogenous variables independent? 6. EPR7. Conclusion Introduction Functional models and directed graphs The causal Markov theorem The causal Markov theorem and genuine indeterminism Are the exogenous variables independent? EPR Conclusion
Hippocampus segmentation based on prior knowledge and GAC model

This paper proposes a hippocampus segmentation method integrating prior knowledge with Geodesic active contour (GAC) model and applies it to the human brain sagittal MR images. GAC model is an effective image segmentation method. For specific objects, however, if some prior knowledge of objects is introduced, better segmentation results can be achieved. According to the form of external force in GAC model, the prior region and prior shape knowledge are both transformed into prior force, which can be embedded in the active contour model. Some important parameters of the model are also analyzed to find out their influence on the trend of contour evolution.
Maternal Separation Induced Visceral Hypersensitivity from Childhood to Adulthood

Background/Aims Early adverse life events (EALs) are relevant to irritable bowel syndrome in adulthood. Maternal separation (MS), as one of the EALs, has proved to induce visceral hypersensitivity in adult rats. However, the effect of MS on visceral hypersensitvity from the post-weaning period to adulthood remains unknown. Methods One hundred and ten neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: rats in the MS group were exposed to 3 hours daily MS on postnatal day (PND) 2–14; the normal control (NC) group remained undisturbed. Visceral sensitivity was determined by measuring the visceromotor response to colorectal distention on PND21, 35, and 56. Anxiety-like behaviors were measured by the open field test. Results Compared with NC rats, MS rats showed significant visceral hypersensitivity from the post-weaning period to adult. The proportion of visceral hypersensitive rats decreased with age from 87.5% to 70.0% in the female MS group and from 90.0% to 66.7% in the male MS group. The relative VMR ratio of MS and NC on PND21 was higher than PND35 and PND56. MS rats showed decreased ability of movement and exploration to the novel environment in the post-weaning period, obesity in the prepubertal period, and more anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood. Conclusions MS can significantly affect visceral sensitivity and behaviors of rats in different age stages, especially in the post-weaning period. Visceral hypersensitivity of MS rats is more pronounced in the post-weaning period and slightly restored in adults. Thus, visceral hypersensitivity in the post-weaning period might play a more meaningful pathophysiologic role in the formation of adult irritable bowel syndrome.
SteatoNet- Modelling steatosis identifies candidate systemic flux distribution deregulations

The functional diversity in factors identified in association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) necessitates the utilization of holistic approaches to investigate the network properties of NAFLD pathogenesis. We describe the generation of the first mouse-specific multi-tissue metabolic model, the SteatoNet, to investigate NAFLD-related steatosis, by utilising an object-oriented modelling approach and incorporating numerous hepatic metabolic pathways, their interaction with peripheral tissues and hierarchical feedback regulation at the transcriptional and post-translational level. The unique validated model is based on steady-state analysis of ordinary differential equations that allows investigation of systemic behaviour in the absence of estimated kinetic parameters. Model analysis indicated the importance of the metabolic flux distribution parameter in controlling metabolite concentration and identified critical focal points in the network that may play a pivotal role in initiating NAFLD. Albeit requiring experimental validation, the candidate triggers identified by SteatoNet provide insight into the network properties of NAFLD and emphasize the promising scope and potential of SteatoNet as a primary investigative tool for hypotheses generation and exploring related metabolic diseases.
Have Risks Associated with the Presence of Synthetic Organic Contaminants in Land-Applied Sewage Sludges Been Adequately Assessed?

Land application has become the dominant means for sewage sludge disposal in the United States. In 1993, the EPA concluded that synthetic organics therein posed an insignificant risk, based on the results of the 1988 National Sewage Sludge Survey, the view that most persistent organics are no longer in commerce and that industrial pretreatment further reduces their release to municipal treatment plants. However, we detected high concentrations of several problematic compounds in biosolids that were overlooked in the risk assessment, including persistent, bioaccumulative polybrominated diphenyl ethers and estrogenic nonylphenols. These results and other findings call into question the assessment's certainty.
When do elite cyclists go the extra mile? Team identification mediates the relationship between perceived leadership qualities of the captain and social laboring

In order for a sports team to function optimally, it is essential to avoid motivational losses due to working in a group, also known as social loafing. Ideally, team members can even show an increase in individual effort because of working in a group, which is labeled social laboring. The present study investigated the impact of the leadership qualities of the team captain on social laboring in an elite cycling context. In addition, we examined the underlying process of this effect by focusing on team identification as mediator of the relationship between transformational leadership and social laboring. Participants were 55 male cyclists at the highest competitive level of professional cycling. Structural Equation Modeling demonstrated that the more the captain was perceived as leading by example, the more teammates reported social laboring. This positive relationship was fully mediated by team identification. This finding supports the Social Identity Approach of Leadership, which proposes that social identification is the explanatory process through which contemporary leaders deliver their outcomes.
A new current tracking control method for high power active power filter

The paper is talked about a new current tracking control method for low-voltage high-power active power filter. The main circuit topology of APF adopts a three-phase three-line voltage source converter, which is constituted by three H-bridges. Current tracking control method of APF determines the APF performance. For high-power APF, the switching frequency of APF system is difficult to improve, resulting in a relatively narrow control bandwidth of the current loop, which affects the stability of the APF. How to solve the system switching frequency and system control bandwidth contradictions become critical. This paper presents a new hybrid control strategy, which can achieve the ideal control effect of harmonic suppression and unbalanced reactive power compensation.
Domain theory in stochastic processes

We establish domain-theoretic models of finite-state discrete stochastic processes, Markov processes and vector recurrent iterated function systems. In each case, we show that the distribution of the stochastic process is canonically obtained as the least upper bound of an increasing chain of simple valuations in a probabilistic power domain associated to the process. This leads to various formulas and algorithms to compute the expected values of functions which are continuous almost everywhere with respect to Me distribution of the stochastic process. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the invariant distribution of a vector recurrent iterated function system which is used in fractal image compression. We also present a finite algorithm to decode the image.
Meta-Analysis of Neurobehavioral Outcomes in Very Preterm and/or Very Low Birth Weight Children

OBJECTIVE: Sequelae of academic underachievement, behavioral problems, and poor executive function (EF) have been extensively reported for very preterm (≤33 weeks' gestation) and/or very low birth weight (VLBW) (≤1500 g) children. Great variability in the published results, however, hinders the field in studying underlying dysfunctions and developing intervention strategies. We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of studies published between 1998 and 2008 on academic achievement, behavioral functioning, and EF with the aim of providing aggregated measures of effect size for these outcome domains. METHODS: Suitable for inclusion were 14 studies on academic achievement, 9 studies on behavioral problems, and 12 studies on EF, which compared a total of 4125 very preterm and/or VLBW children with 3197 term-born controls. Combined effect sizes for the 3 outcome domains were calculated in terms of Cohen's d. Q-test statistics were performed to test homogeneity among the obtained effect sizes. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the impact of mean birth weight and mean gestational age, as well as the influence of mean age at assessment on the effect sizes for academic achievement, behavioral problems, and EF. RESULTS: Combined effect sizes show that very preterm and/or VLBW children score 0.60 SD lower on mathematics tests, 0.48 SD on reading tests, and 0.76 SD on spelling tests than term-born peers. Of all behavioral problems stacked, attention problems were most pronounced in very preterm and/or VLBW children, with teacher and parent ratings being 0.43 to 0.59 SD higher than for controls, respectively. Combined effect sizes for parent and teacher ratings of internalizing behavior problems were small (<0.28) and for externalizing behavior problems negligible (<0.09) and not significant. Combined effect sizes for EF revealed a decrement of 0.57 SD for verbal fluency, 0.36 SD for working memory, and 0.49 SD for cognitive flexibility in comparison to controls. Mean age at assessment was not correlated with the strength of the effect sizes. Mathematics and reading performance, parent ratings of internalizing problems, teacher ratings of externalizing behavior, and attention problems, showed strong and positive correlations with mean birth weight and mean gestational age (all r values > 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Very preterm and/or VLBW children have moderate-to-severe deficits in academic achievement, attention problems, and internalizing behavioral problems and poor EF, which are adverse outcomes that were strongly correlated to their immaturity at birth. During transition to young adulthood these children continue to lag behind term-born peers.
User Experience Using Motion Capture: Simulation of Human Motion for Multimedia Applications

This paper presents a motion-capture-based control framework by simulating three core motions namely walking, jumping and running to enhance user experience for Multimedia applications. Using MWalker V1 application, a user can directly control the full body motion of an avatar in virtual environments with different physical attributes for various multimedia applications. However, there are still a few fundamental problems. This research outlines how different physique produces different behavioural patterns based upon mass and proportion. This research considers 'motion' to identify the differences in each subject's physical attributes by sampling subjects of physical differences. The purpose of the research is to study the detail of motion of various subjects with differences in physical attributes, for simulation of human motion for multimedia applications.
New and Old Concepts and Strategies for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

There has been recent progress in the area of John-Cunningham virus (JCV) infection and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). New drugs and better reporting identify new risk cohorts and importantly development of new risk assessment strategies. The clinical presentation has not changed, but presentation of rarer forms of JCV infection are now apparent. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continues to be a pillar of PML diagnosis. The imaging correlation with pathology and the new understanding of the biology and improved methods to detect JCV significantly help with recent diagnostic criteria. Unfortunately a small number of trials for specific treatment of PML have not proven beneficial, and the possibility remains to improve the JCV- specific immune response. Sometimes this response creates an exacerbation of neurological features – immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome – that helps resolve the infection but can cause damage in itself. Overall, the prognosis of PML has improved with much lower mortality but still severe neurological deficits. This review aims to bring together old and new knowledge of PML and help reconsider practical clinical strategies.
Brain Expressed microRNAs Implicated in Schizophrenia Etiology

Background Protein encoding genes have long been the major targets for research in schizophrenia genetics. However, with the identification of regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) as important in brain development and function, miRNAs genes have emerged as candidates for schizophrenia-associated genetic factors. Indeed, the growing understanding of the regulatory properties and pleiotropic effects that miRNA have on molecular and cellular mechanisms, suggests that alterations in the interactions between miRNAs and their mRNA targets may contribute to phenotypic variation. Methodology/Principal Findings We have studied the association between schizophrenia and genetic variants of miRNA genes associated with brain-expression using a case-control study design on three Scandinavian samples. Eighteen known SNPs within or near brain-expressed miRNAs in three samples (Danish, Swedish and Norwegian: 420/163/257 schizophrenia patients and 1006/177/293 control subjects), were analyzed. Subsequently, joint analysis of the three samples was performed on SNPs showing marginal association. Two SNPs rs17578796 and rs1700 in hsa-mir-206 (mir-206) and hsa-mit-198 (mir-198) showed nominal significant allelic association to schizophrenia in the Danish and Norwegian sample respectively (P = 0.0021 & p = 0.038), of which only rs17578796 was significant in the joint sample. In-silico analysis revealed that 8 of the 15 genes predicted to be regulated by both mir-206 and mir-198, are transcriptional targets or interaction partners of the JUN, ATF2 and TAF1 connected in a tight network. JUN and two of the miRNA targets (CCND2 and PTPN1) in the network have previously been associated with schizophrenia. Conclusions/Significance We found nominal association between brain-expressed miRNAs and schizophrenia for rs17578796 and rs1700 located in mir-206 and mir-198 respectively. These two miRNAs have a surprising large number (15) of targets in common, eight of which are also connected by the same transcription factors.
Why Using the Request Abstraction in Proportional Share Allocation Systems is Useful ?

In the recent years, the proportional share schedulers have emerged as a viable alternative for integrating the new multimedia applications with conventional interactive and batch applications. Traditionally, these schedulers use the notion of time quanta for characterizing the service time allocated to a client. In this paper we show that by adding a higher level abstraction that quanti es the service time requested by a client, we can improve the average client response time, and reduce the number of context switches.
X toolkits: the lessons learned

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Indoor Gigabit optical wireless communications: Challenges and possibilities

Indoor Gigabit optical wireless communication systems have the potential to offer multiple high-speed data services that can be delivered to homes via an optical fibre cable in the near future. In this paper we will discuss the challenges involved in the design of such systems and future possible advances. Results from a recent cellular Gigabit prototype link will also be presented and discussed.
QoS Support in Wireless Sensor Networks by Focusing on Coverage Problem

Summary QoS in the area of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be measured based on different criteria: Network lifetime, network coverage, number of active nodes and energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a scheduling solution for activating and deactivating sensor nodes in the network in such a way that all of the above criteria are considered. In the proposed solution, which is based on cellular learning automata, each node is equipped with a learning automaton. The learning automaton of each node decides for the node to be active or not based on the energy level of the node and the activeness of its neighbors. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms similar existing methods in terms of energy consumption and network lifetime.
Scenario-based usability engineering techniques in agile development processes

Improving the users' experience is a common goal of both software engineering and usability engineering. However, although practitioners of both disciplines collaborate in practice, development processes often rely on a sequential division of labor, and thus limit the effectiveness of a meeting of different perspectives. In this paper, we report on experiences we made in both academia and industry as we put an agile development process pattern to the test -- combining Extreme Programming and Scenario-Based Usability Engineering, based on a blend of perspectives on equal terms.
A comparative study between recent wavelet nonthresholding methods and the well-established spectral subtractive and statistical-model-based algorithms for speech enhancement under real noisy conditions

In this paper, a comparative study between current wavelet nonthresholding methods for speech enhancement and the well-established spectral subtractive and statistical-model-based algorithms is performed. The development and evaluation of speech enhancement methods is essential in many branches of telecommunications and entertainment industry. Two classes of speech enhancement methods encompassing both, DFT and wavelet based methods, are evaluated and faced with the current wavelet nonthresholding schemes. Objective analysis taking into account various real noise environments are presented. Questions about wavelet thresholding performance on real noisy environments are discussed. Objective evaluations considering SNR improvement, correlation among original and enhanced sentences and PESQ scores shown that nonthresholding schemes overcome totally the wavelet thresholding methods in PESQ scores, besides performing equally well in noise suppression. A second objective is the identification, among the considered methods, of the more suitable to certain kind of real noisy conditions.