Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimized Event Storyline Generation based on Mixture-Event-Aspect Model

Recently, much research focuses on event storyline generation, which aims to produce a concise, global and temporal event summary from a collection of articles. Generally, each event contains multiple sub-events and the storyline should be composed by the component summaries of all the sub-events. However, different sub-events have different part-whole relationship with the major event, which is important to correspond to users’ interests but seldom considered in previous work. To distinguish different types of sub-events, we propose a mixture-event-aspect model which models different sub-events into local and global aspects. Combining these local/global aspects with summarization requirements together, we utilize an optimization method to generate the component summaries along the timeline. Wedevelopexperimentalsystemson 6 distinctively different datasets. Evaluation and comparison results indicate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Work in Progress : Extended Cooperative Balanced Space-Time Block Coding for Increased Efficiency in Wireless Sensor Networks

Diversity techniques for communications among sensors are very effective tool to increase reception quality and battery lifetimes. A well-known method to increase diversity in cooperative communications is sensor (relay) selection. However, sensor selection method may lead to the selection of the same (near) sensor for transmission over a long period. One of the alternative techniques to sensor selection is cooperative balanced space-time block coding which utilizes every sensor in sight, thus, distributes the energy consumption among many sensors. Furthermore, it guarantees full diversity for any number of relay sensors. In this work, we consider dual-hop amplify-and-forward wireless sensor network and extend the cooperative balanced space-time block code family to improve its performance. In the proposed scheme, a larger number of codes can be generated for improved coding gain, and better signalto-noise ratio improvement can be obtained compared to sensor selection schemes.
An improved CUDA-based implementation of differential evolution on GPU

Modern GPUs enable widely affordable personal computers to carry out massively parallel computation tasks. NVIDIA's CUDA technology provides a wieldy parallel computing platform. Many state-of-the-art algorithms arising from different fields have been redesigned based on CUDA to achieve computational speedup. Differential evolution (DE), as a very promising evolutionary algorithm, is highly suitable for parallelization owing to its data-parallel algorithmic structure. However, most existing CUDA-based DE implementations suffer from excessive low-throughput memory access and less efficient device utilization. This work presents an improved CUDA-based DE to optimize memory and device utilization: several logically-related kernels are combined into one composite kernel to reduce global memory access; kernel execution configuration parameters are automatically determined to maximize device occupancy; streams are employed to enable concurrent kernel execution to maximize device utilization. Experimental results on several numerical problems demonstrate superior computational time efficiency of the proposed method over two recent CUDA-based DE and the sequential DE across varying problem dimensions and algorithmic population sizes.
The influences of e-satisfaction, e-trust and hedonic motivation on the relationship between e-banking adoption and its determinants in Nigeria

The main objective of this study is to investigate factors that can predict adoption of ebanking in Nigeria. Specifically, it aims at investigating mediating influences of esatisfaction, e-trust and hedonic motivation on the relationship between e-banking adoption and its other determinants. The motivation of this study is driven by the inconsistent findings in the literature with respect to the relationships between e-banking adoption and its determinants: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security and facilitating condition. In line with the inconsistencies, various suggestions have emerged pointing to the need to investigate the possible mediating variables that could explain the inconsistencies. For that purpose, this study employed theories of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Universal Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Social Exchange theory to synchronize the possible relationships among the variables in the conceptual framework. Survey questionnaire was advocated and the questionnaires were distributed randomly to 382 customers of four major banks in Nigeria. Out of 291 returned questionnaires, 266 were useable for analysis. PLS-SEM was used to analyze both direct and indirect relationships among the variables of the study. The results reveal that perceived usefulness, perceived security, perceived ease of use, facilitating condition, and awareness are positive determinants of e-banking adoption, e-satisfaction, hedonic motivation and e-trust accordingly with an exception of perceived usefulness that does not determine e-trust. The study also found that e-satisfaction; e-trust and hedonic motivation mediate the relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security and facilitating conditions and e-banking adoption. Finally, managerial, policy and theoretical implications as well as directions for future research are discussed in this paper.
Evolution of communication and language using signals, symbols, and words

This paper describes different types of models for the evolution of communication and language. It uses the distinction between signals, symbols, and words for the analysis of evolutionary models of language. In particular, it shows how evolutionary computation techniques such as artificial life can be used to study the emergence of syntax and symbols from simple communication signals. Initially, a computational model that evolves repertoires of isolated signal is presented. This study has simulated the emergence of signals for naming foods in a population of foragers. This type of model studies communication systems based on simple signal-object associations. Subsequently, models that study the emergence of grounded symbols are discussed in general, including a detailed description of a work on the evolution of simple syntactic rules. This model focuses on the emergence of symbol-symbol relationships in evolved languages. Finally, computational models of syntax acquisition and evolution are discussed. These different types of computational models provide an operational definition of the signal/symbol/word distinction. The simulation and analysis of these types of models will help to understand the role of symbols and symbol acquisition in the origin of language.
The complexity of walking. Cognitive control of gait in aging and Parkinson's disease

Many older adults, especially those with Parkinson’s disease, experience difficulties during walking. Mainly complex situations that require another action next to walking itself (talking, thinking or navigating) often lead to falls. In this thesis, we investigated the neural causes underlying these walking difficulties (by using fNIRS and fMRI). Interesting results were that older adults with Parkinson’s disease did not show increased activity in frontal brain areas during complex compared to simple walking. Walking probably takes much attention (reflected in increased frontal activity), which cannot be further increased in more complex situations. Besides, we found that deep within the brain (in the putamen), older adults with Parkinson’s disease showed altered activity during complex situations. Possibly, Parkinson‘s disease caused brain networks that normally are nicely segregated to be intertwined. This could be another mechanism underlying the inability to combine two tasks. In older adults without Parkinson’s disease, we did not find altered brain activity. Especially in Parkinson’s disease, the results of this thesis provide new insights and opportunities for development of therapies to improve walking.
Mixed RF/FSO two-way relaying system under generalized FSO channel with pointing error

This paper investigates performance of a mixed radio frequency (RF)/free space optical (FSO) two-way relaying system. A half-duplex two-way relay is adopted to establish the communication between both RF and FSO links. Under this scenario, the associated end-to-end statistical features of the system are derived. They are then used for calculating outage and average symbol error rate (ASER) of M-ary phase shift keying (MPSK). Furthermore, we characterize the asymptotic behaviors and diversity orders for both outage and ASER at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It is observed that the diversity orders depend on the severity of PE, which equals to 1/2 for weak PE and equals to g2/2 under strong PE with g being the PE severity. Finally, simulation results confirm the accuracy of the theoretical analysis and observations.
An adaptive kalman filter to estimate state-of-charge of lithium-ion batteries

Fast and accurate estimation of battery state of charge (SOC) is a key technology in the battery management system. Based on the non-linear response characteristics of lithium batteries, an adaptive Kalman filter algorithm is put forward in this paper. It is known that the battery model parameters vary with SOC, battery temperature and battery aging. Moreover, the relationship between open circuit voltage (OCV) and SOC is nonlinear. To solve these issues, a piecewise linear approximation of the model parameters is proposed based on the SOC, and then the nonlinear battery model is turned into a piecewise linear one. On these bases, an adaptive Kalman filter can be implemented and thus the amount of computation can be reduced. In addition, we apply the Arrhenius equation to update internal resistance and the remaining capacity of battery which can reflect the aging state of battery. The algorithm achieves an adaptive SOC estimation and improves the estimation accuracy with a small amount of calculation. Finally, the simulation results show the accuracy and applicability of the algorithm.
0 to 10k in 20 Seconds: Bootstrapping Large-Scale DHT Networks

A handful of proposals address the problem of bootstrapping a large DHT network from scratch, but they all forgo the standard DHT join protocols in favor of their own distributed algorithms that build routing tables directly. Motivating their algorithms, the proposals make a perfunctory claim that the standard join protocols are not designed to handle the huge number of concurrent join requests involved in such a bootstrapping scenario. Moreover, the proposals assume a pre-existing unstructured overlay as a starting point for their algorithms. We find the assumption somewhat unrealistic. We take a step back and reexamine the performance of the standard DHT join protocols. Starting with nothing other than a well-known bootstrap server, when faced with a large number of nodes joining nearly simultaneously, can the standard join algorithms form a stable DHT overlay? If so, how quickly? Our simulation results show that Chord and Kademlia's join protocols can actually handle the bootstrapping scenario quite well. For 10,000 nodes joining at a rate of 1,000 nodes per second, Chord and Kademlia took less than 20 and 15 seconds, respectively, to form a stable overlay. The Chord join protocol, however, requires a slight modification for fast bootstrapping. We elucidate the reason why the modification is necessary.
Comparing Commercial Systems for Characterizing Episodes of Care

Payers are increasingly using episodes of care to measure and reward efficiency in health care. Much attention has been paid to the effects of different rules for assigning episodes to providers, but little to how individual costs are assigned to episodes. In this paper, we studied the extent to which the two most widely-used commercially available episode groupers differ in the episodes they construct. In particular, we compare how much of, and how, the two groupers allocate claims/spending to episodes of care and, for grouped claims, compare the 25 clinical episodes accounting for the greatest share of total spending. Using multi-payer data from the MarketScan Commercial Database, we applied the two most widely used commercial episode groupers: Episode Treatment Groups (ETGs) by Symmetry and Medical Episode Groups (MEGs) by Thomson-Reuters (Medstat). The groupers varied in their ability to allocate spending to episodes: MEG allocated 82% and ETG allocated 86% of spending to episodes. Of episodes ending in 2006, MEG classified 69% (corresponding to 53% of costs) as acute, 21% of episodes (43% of costs) as chronic, and the remainder as preventive or administrative. In contrast, ETG classified 54% of episodes (corresponding to 39% of costs) as acute, 36% of episodes (59% of costs) as chronic, and the remainder as preventive or administrative. Five percent of MEGS and 6% of ETGs accounted for half of each grouper's allocated spending. The 25 most expensive episodes accounted for 49% and 46% of total spending on ETGs and MEGs, respectively. Comparative application of the two most widely used episode groupers to the same commercial claims data shows important differences between the two approaches. As the use of episode-based payment expands, payers should be aware that differences between groupers may affect the allocation of spending to episodes, as well as episode classification, thereby impacting the services and providers that are assigned to an episode.
Le Grand Livre de la Formation

Cet ouvrage a pour objectif de livrer une analyse des fonctions et metiers de la formation et leur mise en perspective, afin de permettre au lecteur de comprendre les nouveaux modes d'apprentissage et les enjeux de la formation professionnelle. Il fait le point sur le nouveau cadre reglementaire et budgetaire et ses implications manageriales dans le cadre du pilotage de la formation en entreprise. Les auteurs adoptent une demarche conciliant trois approches : pedagogique (comment former ? ), manageriale et budgetaire (comment organiser et optimiser la formation ? ), relationnelle (comment former selon la nature du public et le niveau d’apprentissage ? ). Ils apportent aux professionnels de la formation les outils et les methodes pour les guider dans leurs demarches au quotidien. Chaque chapitre se termine par des fiches pratiques, des outils et des conseils et peut etre lu independamment en fonction des besoins du lecteur.
Virtual Robots RoboCupRescue Competition : Contributions to Infrastructure and Science

The Virtual Robots (VR) competition using the USARSim simulator began in 2006 in Bremen as a parallel activity of teams actively competing in Rescue Robot competitions. The competition has benefited the robotics research community by accelerating the development of and maintaining research infrastructure (USARSim) and by focusing competitions on issues meaningful to research including multirobot control and mapping. Research users of the simulation are evenly divided between those who do and those who do not participate in the competition, demonstrating that its benefits have not been limited to an overly narrow problem or “playing to the rules. ”
The formin mDia2 stabilizes microtubules independently of its actin nucleation activity

A critical microtubule (MT) polarization event in cell migration is the Rho/mDia-dependent stabilization of a subset of MTs oriented toward the direction of migration. Although mDia nucleates actin filaments, it is unclear whether this or a separate activity of mDia underlies MT stabilization. We generated two actin mutants (K853A and I704A) in a constitutively active version of mDia2 containing formin homology domains 1 and 2 (FH1FH2) and found that they still induced stable MTs and bound to the MT TIP proteins EB1 and APC, which have also been implicated in MT stabilization. A dimerization-impaired mutant of mDia2 (W630A) also generated stable MTs in cells. We examined whether FH1FH2mDia2 had direct activity on MTs in vitro and found that it bound directly to MTs, stabilized MTs against cold- and dilution-induced disassembly, and reduced the rates of growth and shortening during MT assembly and disassembly, respectively. These results indicate that mDia2 has a novel MT stabilization activity that is separate from its actin nucleation activity.
Immortalization of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells in the Absence of Viral Oncoproteins

By expressing two genes (hTERT and Cdk4), we have developed a method to reproducibly generate continuously replicating human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) lines that provide a novel resource to study the molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer and the differentiation of bronchial epithelial cells. Twelve human bronchial epithelial biopsy specimens obtained from persons with and without lung cancer were placed into short-term culture and serially transfected with retroviral constructs containing cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 4 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), resulting in continuously growing cultures. The order of introduction of Cdk4 and hTERT did not appear to be important; however, transfection of either gene alone did not result in immortalization. Although they could be cloned, the immortalized bronchial cells did not form colonies in soft agar or tumors in nude mice. The immortalized HBECs have epithelial morphology; express epithelial markers cytokeratins 7, 14, 17, and 19, the stem cell marker p63, and high levels of p16INK4a; and have an intact p53 checkpoint pathway. Cytogenetic analysis and array comparative genomic hybridization profiling show immortalized HBECs to have duplication of parts of chromosomes 5 and 20. Microarray gene expression profiling demonstrates that the Cdk4/hTERT-immortalized bronchial cell lines clustered together and with nonimmortalized bronchial cells, distinct from lung cancer cell lines. We also immortalized several parental cultures with viral oncoproteins human papilloma virus type 16 E6/E7 with and without hTERT, and these cells exhibited loss of the p53 checkpoint and significantly different gene expression profiles compared with Cdk4/hTERT-immortalized HBECs. These HBEC lines are a valuable new tool for studying of the pathogenesis of lung cancer.
Determining the primary caregiver for disabled older adults in Mainland China: spouse priority and living arrangements

Researchers have widely discussed the key role of having a spouse and proximity of family in the provision of elder care, but the relationship between kinship and living arrangements in primary caregiver selection has not been fully examined. Based on the 2011–2012 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, multinomial logistic regression models were built to test the effects of kinship and living arrangements on primary caregiver selection. This study found that spouses were most likely to assume the primary caregiver role, even when the elderly couple lived with their adult children. This study suggests that more social services should be provided to support spousal caregivers, and that the different needs of spouse and adult child caregivers should be considered in interventions.
Reactive and Proactive Ethnic–Racial Socialization Practices of Second-Generation Asian American Parents

Studies of Asian American parenting have primarily focused on first-generation immigrant parents. Few studies have examined the experiences of second-generation Asian American adults who now have children of their own. The purpose of this qualitative study, then, is to better understand the values, practices, and concerns of second-generation Asian American parents regarding ethnic and racial socialization. The sample included 34 Asian American parents from seven different cities across the United States. Using interviews and a focus group, the results show that (a) place, specific contexts, and transitions were important to second-generation parents’ motivation behind ethnic and racial socialization, (b) parents are reactive and proactive, especially with regard to promoting an awareness of discrimination, in the racial socialization of their children, (c) parents engage in predominantly proactive ethnic socialization when passing on heritage culture, which they believe is important, but also difficult to do, (d) in contrast to ethnic socialization, passing on American culture and passing on important values (that they did not see as solely “American” or “Asian”) came easily, and (e) parents consider the intersection of race and culture with religion and disability when socializing their children. Our findings highlight unique aspects of how second-generation Asian American parents engage in ethnic and racial socialization in an increasingly socially diverse world.
A comparison of singles and doubles badminton: heart rate response, player profiles and game characteristics

Physiological demands of singles and doubles badminton were compared to assist coaches in evidence-based design of training programs. Sixteen male players (eight singles and eight doubles) were tested for physical and physiological characteristics. Heart rates were monitored during competition and games videoed to allow for lapsed-time analysis. Mean and peak heart rates were significantly greater in singles (88.8% and 96.8% of maximal heart rate respectively) than doubles (75.5% and 89.0%). Singles players took more steps per game (593.8 vs 314.5) and at a higher velocity. There were no differences in rally or game length. Singles players had greater predicted VO2max (50.6 vs 45.5 ml·kg-1 ·min-1) and flexibility, and lower body fat levels (15.5% vs 21.9%). There were no differences in power, speed or agility. Game analyses showed tactical differences, with 89.6% of shots in singles played to the extreme fore- and rear-court (clear, drop, lift or net shot) or a smash, and doubles involving a greater diversity of shots. Success in badminton may require focusing on specific discipline strategies. For example, singles training drills could focus on efficient movement about the court and doubles on a faster, more attacking game.
Acute and Chronic Impact of Dynamic Exercise on Arterial Stiffness in Older Hypertensives

Arterial stiffness increases with ageing and hypertension. Regular physical activity has been recommended as an important management component of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute impact of maximal dynamic exercise and the effect of 20 weeks of aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness of the carotid and brachial arteries in older hypertensives. Nine previously sedentary and treated older hypertensives (2 men and 7 women, age 68.2 ± 5.4 yrs) performed maximal treadmill exercise to volitional fatigue while arterial stiffness indices (arterial distensibility and β stiffness index) were measured prior to, immediately (about 10 min) following, and 24 h following maximal exercise. These measurements were repeated following 20 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training. Maximal exercise had no impact on arterial stiffness indices immediately and 24 h following exercise intervention. Following 20 weeks of training, arterial stiffness indices remained unchanged at rest and following maximal exercise. These data show that, in older hypertensives, 1) acute maximal dynamic exercise had no impact on arterial stiffness of the carotid and brachial arteries, and 2) 20 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic exercise training failed to modify arterial stiffness.