Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated Language Processing with Neural Networks : theALPINE partial parserCaroline

This paper describes the Alpine parser, a hybrid, corpus based processor in which neural networks operate within a grammatical framework. The purpose of the parser is to take straightforward English text, and decompose declarative sentences into syntactic constituents. It rst nds the position of the subject. This decomposes the sentence into three concatenated segments, pre-subject-subject-predicate , which can then be further parsed independently. This reduces the complexity of the parsing task. The neural processing component belongs to the class of Generalized Single Layer Networks. Such networks ooer advantages of functional transparency and operational speed. In this parser, the initial stage of processing maps linguistic data onto a higher order representation, which can then be analysed by a single layer network. This transformation is supported by information theoretic analysis. The parser has been trained and tested on text from technical manuals. It also works quite well on straightforward English from other domains, and there is a prototype on which you can try your own text.
Software Engineering tutorial

The field of Software Engineering has undergone some of the most profound changes in the last decade. In recent years, the National ACM Conferences have been giving increasing attention to Software Engineering—“Structured Program Planning and Design: Standardization Needs” (ACM '79 - Detroit) and “ More on Structured Design” (ACM '80 - Nashville). This session contains treatment of software engineering with emphasis on real applications. Presented are state-of-the-art software techniques including the latest refinements in structured analysis and design and programming methodologies. Several issues related to the portrayal of software design include architectural, structural, behavioral, and informational considerations. Stressed are techniques for implementing reliable, maintainable software. Also offered are software management approaches.
Mediating between Qualitative and Quantitative Representations for Task-Orientated Human-Robot Interaction

In human-robot interaction (HRI) it is essential that the robot interprets and reacts to a human's utterances in a manner that reflects their intended meaning. In this paper we present a collection of novel techniques that allow a robot to interpret and execute spoken commands describing manipulation goals involving qualitative spatial constraints (e.g. "put the red ball near the blue cube"). The resulting implemented system integrates computer vision, potential field models of spatial relationships, and action planning to mediate between the continuous real world, and discrete, qualitative representations used for symbolic reasoning.
Sustaining Global Growth while Reducing External Imbalances

With renewed deterioration of the external balance in recent months, it now appears that the US current account deficit will exceed $600 billion in 2004—or over 5⁄2 percent of US GDP. Plausible estimates suggest that, at present exchange rates and with US economic growth continuing to exceed that of most other industrial countries, the US external deficit could reach $1 trillion or more by the end of this decade. The cumulative effect of the persistent external deficits of the past 30 years (which have averaged about 3 percent of US GDP) is already reflected in the transformation of the United States from the world’s largest net creditor to the world’s largest net debtor. Specifically, the United States has shifted from a position in the mid-1970s when US net external assets exceeded 25 percent of US GDP to a position where US net external liabilities now exceed 25 percent of annual GDP. If current account deficits persist at a level of more than 5 percent of GDP (and rising), the US external liability position is on track to reach 50 percent of GDP within a decade and to exceed 100 percent of GDP within the next 25 years. It is possible that US current account deficits of 5 percent or somewhat more of US GDP could persist for a while longer. And there is no indication yet that the prospect that US net external liabilities might reach 50 percent of US GDP is a cause for fright and likely instability in global financial markets. However, there is good reason to doubt that US current account deficits of 5 percent or more of GDP can be sustained indefinitely
Named Entity Recognizer for Filipino Text Using Conditional Random Field

The study for a Named Entity Recognizer for Filipino Text Using Conditional Random Field (NERF-CRF) focused creating a system which identifies and classifies named entities present in a given corpus. The named entities were classified into four, namely: person, place, date and org. Named entities that are identified but do not fall in the four classifications are tagged as etc. Different modules were created to achieve the study's purpose, including a tokenizer and a part-of-speech tagger. The conditional random field approach was used in the classification of identified named entities. Filipino biographies were the corpus used in testing the system. The results, based on solving for the F-measure, indicate that the system is 83% accurate, and best in identifying named entity Date with 0% error rate but is unsatisfactory in distinguishing named entity place and org, with 42% and 33% error rates respectively.
Gamma ray emission and stochastic particle acceleration in galaxy clusters

FERMI (formely GLAST) will shortly provide crucial information on relativistic particles in galaxy clusters. We discuss non thermal emission in the context of general calculations in which relativistic particles (protons and secondary electrons due to proton‐proton collisions) interact with MHD turbulence generated in the cluster volume during cluster mergers. Diffuse cluster‐scale radio emission (Radio Halos) and hard X‐rays are produced during massive mergers while gamma ray emission, at some level, is expected to be common in galaxy clusters.
A Review of Theoretical Perspectives Applied to Sales Promotion and a New Perspective based on Mental Accounting Theory

The paper reviews theoretical perspective applied to the study of consumer response to promotions. These include adaptation level theory, assimilation contrast theory, attribution theory, prospect theory, transaction utility theory, the elaboration likelihood model and the attitude model. It finds that these theoretical approaches have had a single product focus in evaluating consumer response to promotions. It suggests an alternative theoretical perspective to examine consumer response to promotion from a multi product perspective. This perspective is based on mental accounting theory, a behaviorally based model of choice. It is used to examine the psychological processes involved in creating a positive cross product impact of a promotion (i.e. increase in sale of regular priced products during a promotion).
A predicate-based software testing strategy

In this paper, we describe the basic theory underlying BOR ( b oolean o perato r ) testing and BRO ( b oolean and r elational o perator) test-selection criteria, and discuss experimental evidence that shows that BOR testing requires a far smaller number of test-cases than some more traditional strategies, while retaining fault-detection capabilities that are as good as, or better than these strategies. The approach we describe can be used to develop test cases based on software specifications, or based on the implementation, that is, it can be used for both functional and structural testing. We evaluate the BOR strategy with respect to branch testing, traditional cause-effect graph testing, and informal functional and random testing. Two simulation experiments showed that BOR testing is very effective at detecting faults in predicates. We also performed two experiments where we applied BOR strategy to software specification cause-effect graphs of a real-time control system and a set of N-version programs. Our results indicate that BOR testing is practical, and has detected faults that the previously applied strategies have not.
Elastocapillary levelling of thin viscous films on soft substrates

A thin liquid film with non-zero curvature at its free surface spontaneously flows to reach a flat configuration, a process driven by Laplace pressure gradients and resisted by the liquid's viscosity. Inspired by recent progresses on the dynamics of liquid droplets on soft substrates, we here study the relaxation of a viscous film supported by an elastic foundation. Experiments involve thin polymer films on elastomeric substrates, where the dynamics of the liquid-air interface is monitored using atomic force microscopy. A theoretical model that describes the coupled evolution of the solid-liquid and the liquid-air interfaces is also provided. In this soft-levelling configuration, Laplace pressure gradients not only drive the flow, but they also induce elastic deformations on the substrate that affect the flow and the shape of the liquid-air interface itself. This process represents an original example of elastocapillarity that is not mediated by the presence of a contact line. We discuss the impact of the elastic contribution on the levelling dynamics and show the departure from the classical self-similarities and power laws observed for capillary levelling on rigid substrates.
Estradiol is nephroprotective in the rat remnant kidney.

BACKGROUND Female sex hormones may influence the progression of renal diseases. We therefore evaluated the effects of estradiol on the development of glomerulosclerosis in a remnant kidney model. METHODS Ovariectomized or intact female Wistar rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy. Ovariectomized animals were treated with vehicle, 17beta-estradiol alone or in combination with progesterone, intact rats received vehicle only. Twenty-four weeks after renal ablation, histological as well as molecular analysis were performed. RESULTS Vehicle-treated ovariectomized animals developed severe proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis as compared with vehicle-treated intact rats. In addition, renal mRNA levels of platelet-derived growth factor-A chain (PDGF-A) were increased. Estradiol replacement reduced proteinuria, which was paralleled by a diminished glomerular injury and reduced transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and PDGF-A mRNA expression. In animals that received combined hormone treatment there were no significant differences in proteinuria, creatinine clearance, renal histopathology and growth factor mRNA levels compared with those measured in vehicle-treated ovariectomized rats. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were comparable between all groups during the whole follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that estrogens protect against the development of glomerulosclerosis in the rat remnant kidney model.
Effects of Environmental Agents on the Attainment of Puberty: Considerations When Assessing Exposure to Environmental Chemicals in the National Children’s Study

The apparent decline in the age at puberty in the United States raises a general level of concern because of the potential clinical and social consequences of such an event. Nutritional status, genetic predisposition (race/ethnicity), and environmental chemicals are associated with altered age at puberty. The Exposure to Chemical Agents Working Group of the National Children’s Study (NCS) presents an approach to assess exposure for chemicals that may affect the age of maturity in children. The process involves conducting the assessment by life stages (i.e., in utero, postnatal, peripubertal), adopting a general categorization of the environmental chemicals by biologic persistence, and collecting and storing biologic specimens that are most likely to yield meaningful information. The analysis of environmental samples and use of questionnaire data are essential in the assessment of chemicals that cannot be measured in biologic specimens, and they can assist in the evaluation of exposure to nonpersistent chemicals. Food and dietary data may be used to determine the extent to which nutrients and chemicals from this pathway contribute to the variance in the timing of puberty. Additional research is necessary in several of these areas and is ongoing. The NCS is uniquely poised to evaluate the effects of environmental chemicals on the age at puberty, and the above approach will allow the NCS to accomplish this task.
Depth-map merging for Multi-View Stereo with high resolution images

By taking advantage of recent progress in patch match based stereo [1], we propose a depth-map merging based Multi-View Stereo (MVS) reconstruction method for large-scale scenes. Combining the strength of the accuracy of patch match stereo and the redundancy information provided by multiple views, our method can produce quite satisfactory MVS reconstruction results. Besides, the proposed method could be easily parallelized at image level, i.e., each depth-map is computed individually, which makes it suitable for large-scale scene reconstruction with high resolution images.
La Inflación Subyacente en Uruguay: Un Indicador Basado en el Análisis Factorial Dinámico Generalizado

En este trabajo se presenta un indicador de inflacion subyacente para la economia uruguaya, que resulta de extraer el componente de largo plazo de la tasa de variacion del IPC que es comun a un grupo amplio de variables de precios, producto, demanda agregada, indicadores del mercado laboral, y variables monetarias y financieras. La obtencion de este indicador, con base en la propuesta de Cristadoro et al (2003), consiste en aplicar el Modelo Factorial Dinamico Generalizado (MFDG) de Forni et al (2000, 2002). El indicador presentado posee dos caracteristicas que lo hacen apropiado para el analisis de la tendencia inflacionaria. En primer lugar, permite resumir, en un unico indicador, informacion sobre las presiones inflacionarias, implicita en el comportamiento de un gran numero de variables. En segundo lugar, filtra simultaneamente los dos tipos de distorsiones que afectan al IPC: los movimientos idiosincrasicos y la volatilidad de corto plazo.
Spin Networks in Nonperturbative Quantum Gravity

A spin network is a generalization of a knot or link: a graph embedded in space, with edges labelled by representations of a Lie group, and vertices labelled by intertwining operators. Such objects play an important role in 3-dimensional topological quantum eld theory, functional integration on the spaceA=G of connections modulo gauge transformations, and the loop representation of quantum gravity. Here, after an introduction to the basic ideas of nonperturbative canonical quantum gravity, we review a rigorous approach to functional integration onA=G in which L 2 (A=G) is spanned by states labelled by spin networks. Then we explain the ‘new variables’ for general relativity in 4-dimensional spacetime and describe how canonical quantization of gravity in this formalism leads to interesting applications of these spin network states.
Refining video annotation by exploiting inter-shot context

This paper proposes a new approach to refine video annotation by exploiting the inter-shot context. Our method is mainly novel in two ways. On one hand, to refine annotation result of the target concept, we model the sequence of shots in video as a conditional random field with chain structure. In this way, we can capture different kinds of concept relationships in inter-shot context to improve the annotation accuracy. On the other hand, to exploit inter-shot context for the target concept, we classify shots into different types according to their correlation to the target concept, which will be used to represent different kinds of concept relationships in inter-shot context. Experiments on the widely used TRECVID 2006 data set show that our method is effective for refining video annotation, achieving a significant performance improvement over several state of the art methods.
Reflections on Directions in Health Education: Implications for Policy and Practice. AAHE Scholar Address Revisited - Fast Forward 30 Years

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to update and enhance the 1989 Association for Health Education (AAHE) Scholar presentation, Reflections on Directions in Health Education: Implications for Policy and Practice, at the American Association for Health Education (AAHE) National Convention in Boston. It describes and complements the notion of shifting health from one based on disease and a medical model by advancing our understanding that many premature deaths are preventable and by noting the importance of risk factors with behavioral influences as an important component. However, while recognizing the importance of individual responsibility and personal behavior, it labels the shift to focusing on individual health behaviors as “micro myopia” and highlights several negative implications. It also suggests using a macro approach on a population level that may be equal or more effective and efficient. Recognizing the value and need to incorporate both micro and macro approaches, this article suggests the use of a social ecological model for health promotion that takes into consideration public policy, community, institutional, interpersonal and intrapersonal factors. Health educators should consider utilizing an ecological approach in both practice and professional preparation. As in the 1989 paper, the goal is to stimulate thought and discussion.
Design of a Distributed Interactive Online GIS Viewer by Wavelets

The purpose of this paper is to develop a distributed interactive online GIS (DIOGIS) viewer using wavelet technology. Wavelet analysis is a new mathematical tool that can transform information into a multiresolution format. This allows efficient transmission of data upon clients’ requests. In DIO-GIS, a raster map is treated as a two-dimensional function and decomposed into a non-redundant hierarchy of sub-maps by storing only the difference between the various resolutions. These differences in scale can be compressed and transmitted separately over the Internet. A prototype DIO-GIS viewer is given using a wavelet scheme known as lifting. This prototype demonstrates that the presented technology is very efficient in transferring large amounts of GIS data over low speed networks. In particular, by coupling the compression algorithm with the ability to perform zooming and panning operations over networks, this prototype is able to eliminate redundant data transfer and achieve a smooth real time image browsing capability. This distinguishes it from other networked GIS browsers, which work standard image file formats such as GIF and JPEG.
Renal Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction with Hemin Augments Renal Hemodynamics, Renal Autoregulation, and Excretory Function

Heme oxygenases (HO-1; HO-2) catalyze conversion of heme to free iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin/bilirubin. To determine the effects of renal HO-1 induction on blood pressure and renal function, normal control rats (n = 7) and hemin-treated rats (n = 6) were studied. Renal clearance studies were performed on anesthetized rats to assess renal function; renal blood flow (RBF) was measured using a transonic flow probe placed around the left renal artery. Hemin treatment significantly induced renal HO-1. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not different (115 ± 5 mmHg versus 112 ± 4 mmHg and 331 ± 16 versus 346 ± 10 bpm). However, RBF was significantly higher (9.1 ± 0.8 versus 7.0 ± 0.5 mL/min/g, P < 0.05), and renal vascular resistance was significantly lower (13.0 ± 0.9 versus 16.6 ± 1.4 [mmHg/(mL/min/g)], P < 0.05). Likewise, glomerular filtration rate was significantly elevated (1.4 ± 0.2 versus 1.0 ± 0.1 mL/min/g, P < 0.05), and urine flow and sodium excretion were also higher (18.9 ± 3.9 versus 8.2 ± 1.0 μL/min/g, P < 0.05 and 1.9 ± 0.6 versus 0.2 ± 0.1 μmol/min/g, P < 0.05, resp.). The plateau of the autoregulation relationship was elevated, and renal vascular responses to acute angiotensin II infusion were attenuated in hemin-treated rats reflecting the vasodilatory effect of HO-1 induction. We conclude that renal HO-1 induction augments renal function which may contribute to the antihypertensive effects of HO-1 induction observed in hypertension models.
Maya Semantic Technique: A Mathematical Technique Used to Determine Partial Semantics for Declarative Sentences

— This research uses computational linguistics, an area of study that employs a computer to process natural language, and aims at discerning the patterns that exist in declarative sentences used in technical texts. The approach is mathematical, and the focus is on instructional texts found on web pages. The technique developed by the author and named the MAYA Semantic Technique is used here and organized into four stages. In the first stage, the parts of speech in each sentence are identified. In the second stage, the subject of the sentence is determined. In the third stage, MAYA performs a frequency analysis on the remaining words to determine the verb and its object. In the fourth stage, MAYA does statistical analysis to determine the content of the web page. The advantage of the MAYA Semantic Technique lies in its use of mathematical principles to represent grammatical operations which assist processing and accuracy if performed on unambiguous text. The MAYA Semantic Technique is part of a proposed architecture for an entire web-based intelligent tutoring system. On a sample set of sentences, partial semantics derived using the MAYA Semantic Technique were approximately 80% accurate. The system currently processes technical text in one domain, namely C++ programming. In this domain all the keywords and programming concepts are known and understood.
Service Innovation in Franchising Convenience Store: An Exploratory Study

In the retail industry, store expansion has always been the main practice of franchisers in increasing their market share and profitability. However, simply expanding the store quantities to maintain one’s competitive advantages does not always assure success nowadays. Instead, service innovation has become the key strategy to stay on the lead. Since the franchise industry of convenience stores in Taiwan holds the world record in store density to population, we investigate how these stores operate innovatively to maintain their competitive advantages. To cite, the analysis on the news published by the top three franchising convenience stores in the top seven newspapers from 2004 to 2006 provides us with an overall understanding of the activities launched by the stores. After gathering relevant information about the state of the franchising industry in Taiwan, we asked the senior manager from each of the three stores to identify the activities they believe to be the most successful ones. Thereafter, questionnaires were developed based on those successful activities. The survey results were later compared with the data gathered from the three managers to identify the cognitive differences that exist between the stores and their consumers. The findings revealed that new product strategy is frequently used by retailers, while new service offering is instead believed to be more successful by the senior managers. As for the “degree of innovation”, launching new products through "product line extension" method is widely used, while “product improvement” is frequently found in those successful activities. In the end, we present the managerial implications of these results.