Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS RATIONAL AGENCY

Until recently perfect rationality was the most desired property of intelligent systems, i.e. rational agents, stipulating that they always act so as to maximize their expected utility given their beliefs. Nowadays a shift can be seen both in economy (from perfect to bounded rationality), in game theory (from action to program selection) and in philosophy (from act to rule utilitarianism) because of the fundamentally unsatisfiable requirements imposed by the definition [1]. This led in artificial intelligence to the definition of bounded-optimality [2], which had an impact on the other fields. Hence rationality is rediscovered as a central property of intelligent systems, as foreseen in [1].
Fragmentation and complementarity: The case of EFPs

With the proliferation of alternative markets, concerns have arisen that they may induce lower liquidity on centralized exchanges. In futures markets, the use of an alternative trading mechanism known as exchange of futures for physicals (EFPs) has increased sharply in recent years. EFPs provide a means to obtain futures positions, coupled with offsetting cash positions, away from the centralized exchange. Traders use EFPs to ensure a desired price on complex packages of trades, thus avoiding the transactional risk (slippage) that is inherent in the centralized market. Theoretical analysis establishes that any detrimental effects of fragmenting the centralized market can be offset by traders' knowledge of another opportunity to trade without transactional risk. If EFPs attract more risk‐bearing capacity, there could even be a net benefit to the central market. An empirical analysis suggests that EFP trading is motivated by transactional risk because it represents a larger portion of total trading during periods of unusually high volatility when slippage is apt to be more of a problem. Consistent with the notion that alternative markets can be complementary to centralized exchanges, we find that EFP trading is not associated with reductions in market quality and may act as an outlet for extra volume when markets are under the most stress. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 22:697–727, 2002
Film Affective Content Recognition Based on Fuzzy Inference

Affective content plays an important role in film analysis and retrieval. However, the widely affective gap between the low-level features and the emotion recognition is still an unsolved problem. In order to recognize the affective type of a scene, a new algorithm is proposed based on fuzzy inference theory in this paper. It contains three main technologies. Firstly, two feature extraction models are built up by analyzing the film grammar. Secondly, based on fuzzy membership functions, a fuzzy method is used to transform a low-level feature vector into a fuzzy vector. This fuzzy expression of the scene content is more closed to the humanpsilas emotion description. Thirdly, a fuzzy logic inference rules are established to infer the affective type of a scene based on self-assessment report and fuzzy theory. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is feasible and achieves a high recognition accuracy which exceeds 80 percent.
Market Makers' Supply and Pricing of Financial Market Liquidity

This study models the bid-ask spread in financial markets as a function of asset price variability and order flow. The market-maker is characterized as passively accepting orders to buy and to sell a security at the market's prevailing price (plus or minus half the bid-ask spread). The bid-ask spread adjusts to cover market-makers' average costs. The bid-ask spread then varies positively with: the security's price volatility, the volatility of order flow, and the absolute value of the market-maker's net inventory position. Each of these variables increases average cost and hence is priced in the bid-ask spread. Thus market liquidity (varying inversely with the bid-ask spread) declines with increasing price and volume volatility and with increasing size of market-maker net inventory positions. The model hence provides a particularly simple explanation for declining market liquidity during periods of large price movements and trading imbalances that increase the size of market-makers' net inventory.
Interprocedural data flow decompilation

Traditional compiler data flow analysis techniques are used to transform the intermediate representation of a decompiled program to a higher representation that eliminates low-level concepts such as registers and condition codes, and reintroduces the high-level concept of expression. Summary data flow information is collected on condition codes and registers, and is propagated across basic blocks and subroutine boundaries to find Boolean and arithmetic expressions, register arguments, function return registers, actual arguments, and propagate data types whenever required. The elimination of condition codes is performed by an extension of a reach algorithm. The elimination of registers and intermediate instructions is performed by an extended copy propagation algorithm that is based on intra and interprocedural analysis of the program's control flow graph. The methods presented have been implemented in dcc, a prototype decompiler for the Intel i80286 architecture. Experimental results have proved to reduce the number of intermediate instructions by over 75% on average for this particular CISC machine. © 1996 Chapman & Hall.
Determinants of farmers' awareness of climate change

ABSTRACT Studies have found that farmers' awareness of climatic variations is the preliminary step for adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. Thus, the main aim of this article is to investigate the determinants of farmers' awareness of climate change. A multistage random sampling technique was used to collect primary data from Central and Southern Punjab, Pakistan through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to indicate the farmers' awareness level of climate change, whereas the binary logit model was applied to determine the factors affecting the farmers' level of awareness. The results showed that farmers were aware of prevailing temperature and rainfall patterns, but there is still a considerable potential for public perception to be shaped by relevant stakeholders. Further, it was found that farmers' level of awareness is determined by the environmental communication network, such as socioeconomic, institutional, and geographic factors.
Automatic creation of flexible antropomorphic models for 3D videoconferencing

The contribution describes the automatic creation of highly realistic flexible 3D models of participants for distributed 3D videoconferencing systems. The proposed technique uses a flexible mesh template surrounding an interior skeleton structure, which is based on a simplified human skeleton. The vertices of this template are arranged in rigid rings along the bones of the skeleton. Using 3D data obtained by a shape from silhouette approach the size and shape of the mesh template is adapted to the real person. Texture mapping of the adapted mesh using real camera images leads to a natural impression. The mesh organization in rigid rings allows an efficient surface deformation according to the skeleton movements. Once the resulting model is transmitted, it can be animated subsequently using the simple parameter set of the interior skeleton structure. Results obtained with real image data confirm the eligibility of the animated person models in terms of realism and efficiency for 3D videoconferencing applications.
International Development

The feasibility of MDA programs should be explored as a control strategy to address the high burden of scabies in Indigenous communities, which is in line with WHO recommendations and the outcome of large research trials conducted across the Pacific. Funded by the Australian Centre for the Control and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases, repeat prevalence surveys at different timepoints are underway to estimate the disease burden in different Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and consider the feasibility of undertaking an ivermectin-based MDA program.
DLC-1:a Rho GTPase-activating protein and tumour suppressor

• Introduction ‐ The deleted in liver cancer family of RhoGAP domain proteins ‐ DLC‐1 ‐ DLC‐2 ‐ DLC‐3 ‐ Invertebrate DLC‐1‐like proteins • Expression of DLC family proteins • Features of DLC family protein domains ‐ SAM domain ‐ RhoGAP domain ‐ START domain ‐ Serine‐rich, unstructured middle region • Biological functions of DLC‐1 ‐ Cytoskeletal organization ‐ DLC‐1 localizes to focal adhesions via binding to tensin family proteins ‐ Interaction of DLC‐1 with caveolin‐1 ‐ DLC‐1 and phosphoinositide signalling ‐ Biological activities of DLC‐2 and DLC‐3 • Genetic analysis of DLC‐1 function ‐ Mouse DLC‐1 gene knockout ‐ RhoGAP88 C in Drosophila • The DLC family proteins in cancer ‐ Decreased expression of DLC‐1 in human cancers ‐ Deletions of DLC1 in tumours ‐ Epigenetic inactivation of DLC‐1 expression ‐ DLC‐1 sequence variants in human cancers ‐ DLC‐1 suppresses tumour cell growth ‐ DLC‐1 as a metastasis suppressor gene ‐ Regulation of DLC‐1 by anti‐oncogenic factors ‐ Animal models of DLC‐1 in cancer ‐ Evidence for roles of DLC‐2 and DLC‐3 in neoplasia • Conclusions and future directions
Internet of things and its challenges

Technology is quickly changing the way we interact with the world around us. We are moving towards new networking paradigm which is Internet of Things (IoT), where number of interconnected sensors or smart objects deployed around the world keeps generating data and transmit over the internet to achieve greater value and services. IoT organizations are trying to create new smart devices which are efficient in all the aspects and be more useful to the society. But there are still challenges that threaten to growth of IoT development. This paper presents the basic architecture of IoT along with many challenges that exists and which demands more research, innovative ideas to overcome such barriers for the growth of Internet of Things.
Using Data from Real and Simulated Learners to Evaluate Adaptive Tutoring Systems

Classification evaluation metrics are often used to evaluate adaptive tutoring systems-programs that teach and adapt to humans. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that existing convention for evaluating tutoring systems may lead to suboptimal decisions. In a companion paper, we propose Teal, a new framework to evaluate adaptive tutoring. In this paper we propose an alternative formulation of Teal using simulated learners. The main contribution of this novel formulation is that it enables approximate inference of Teal, which may useful on the cases that Teal becomes computationally intractable. We believe that this alternative formulation is simpler, and we hope it helps as a bridge between the student modeling and simulated learners community.
Inference with transposable data: modelling the effects of row and column correlations

Summary. We consider the problem of large‐scale inference on the row or column variables of data in the form of a matrix. Many of these data matrices are transposable meaning that neither the row variables nor the column variables can be considered independent instances. An example of this scenario is detecting significant genes in microarrays when the samples may be dependent because of latent variables or unknown batch effects. By modelling this matrix data by using the matrix variate normal distribution, we study and quantify the effects of row and column correlations on procedures for large‐scale inference. We then propose a simple solution to the myriad of problems that are presented by unexpected correlations: we simultaneously estimate row and column covariances and use these to sphere or decorrelate the noise in the underlying data before conducting inference. This procedure yields data with approximately independent rows and columns so that test statistics more closely follow null distributions and multiple‐testing procedures correctly control the desired error rates. Results on simulated models and real microarray data demonstrate major advantages of this approach: increased statistical power, less bias in estimating the false discovery rate and reduced variance of the false discovery rate estimators.
Complications of femoral and subclavian venous catheterization in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Whether venous catheterization at the femoral site is associated with an increased risk of complications compared with that at the subclavian site is debated. OBJECTIVE To compare mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications of femoral and subclavian venous catheterization. DESIGN AND SETTING Concealed, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted between December 1997 and July 2000 at 8 intensive care units (ICUs) in France. PATIENTS Two hundred eighty-nine adult patients receiving a first central venous catheter. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to undergo central venous catheterization at the femoral site (n = 145) or subclavian site (n = 144). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate and severity of mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications, compared by catheterization site in 289, 270, and 223 patients, respectively. RESULTS Femoral catheterization was associated with a higher incidence rate of overall infectious complications (19.8% vs 4.5%; P<.001; incidence density of 20 vs 3.7 per 1000 catheter-days) and of major infectious complications (clinical sepsis with or without bloodstream infection, 4.4% vs 1.5%; P =.07; incidence density of 4.5 vs 1.2 per 1000 catheter-days), as well as of overall thrombotic complications (21.5% vs 1.9%; P<.001) and complete thrombosis of the vessel (6% vs 0%; P =.01); rates of overall and major mechanical complications were similar between the 2 groups (17.3% vs 18.8 %; P =.74 and 1.4% vs 2.8%; P =.44, respectively). Risk factors for mechanical complications were duration of insertion (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.08 per additional minute; P<.001); insertion in 2 of the centers (OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.81-11.23; P =.001); and insertion during the night (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.04-4.08; P =.03). The only factor associated with infectious complications was femoral catheterization (hazard ratio [HR], 4.83; 95% CI, 1.96-11.93; P<.001); antibiotic administration via the catheter decreased risk of infectious complications (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.93; P =.03). Femoral catheterization was the only risk factor for thrombotic complications (OR, 14.42; 95% CI, 3.33-62.57; P<.001). CONCLUSION Femoral venous catheterization is associated with a greater risk of infectious and thrombotic complications than subclavian catheterization in ICU patients.
Object Categorization: The Evolution of Object Categorization and the Challenge of Image Abstraction

ion -at one extreme, the raw input image -at the other extreme, a categorical shape model -betwen them, a large representational gap ? -local appearance abstraction -local features map one-to-one to model features Figure 3: The evolution of object categorization over the past four decades (see text for discussion). directly (one-to-one) to the occluding boundaries (separating figure from background) and surface discontinuities of the high-order volumetric parts making up the models. The results left many unsatisfied, as the images and objects were often contrived (including blocks world scenes), and the resulting systems were unable to deal with real objects imaged under real conditions. Nevertheless, some very important principles emerged in the 1970’s, many of which are being rediscovered by today’s categorization community: 1. the importance of shape (e.g., contours) in defining object categories; 2. the importance of viewpoint-invariant, 3-D shape representations; 3. the importance of symmetry and other non-accidental relations in fea-
Fault Location on Branched Networks Using a New Traveling-Wave Algorithm

Existing traveling-wave fault location algorithms perform poorly on branch networks. A new traveling-wave algorithm used to locate faults on branch networks is demonstrated in this paper. In order to detect the fault-induced transient, an improved transient detection technique based on Park's transformation is proposed. The proposed technique self-adapts to electrical noise level and retrieves the initial traveling wave arrival time at each branch terminal in a simpler way. The fault location algorithm is based on the time difference of arrival between different branches, therefore, for unambiguously locating a fault, It is required that the synchronized transient detection module is placed at each branch terminal. A 35-kV test system case study is performed. The algorithm is evaluated by means of variety faults in the 35-kV power network. The obtained results indicate that the algorithm is very effective and suitable for fault location of branch networks.
Construction Tele-robotic System with Virtual Reality (CG Presentation of Virtual robot and Task Object using Stereo Vision System)

In this study, we investigated a tele-robotics system for a construction machine. The system consists of a servo-controlled construction robot, two joysticks for controlling the robot from a remote place, and a 3-degrees-of-freedom motion base. The operator of the robot sits on the motion base and controls the robot bilaterally from a remote place. The role of the motion base is to realistically simulate the motion of the construction robot. As a tool for assisting the operator, a stereo video of the operation field is projected on a screen. If, in addition to the video, computer graphics (CG) of the robot were to be presented to the operator, the task efficiency could be expected to increase. To confirm this, a CG of a virtual robot was created, and its effectiveness for a task involving carrying an object was determined in this study. This system can present the position and shape of the task object by means of a stereo vision system. The results of the experiment clarified that tasking time was shortened effectively even for amateur operators. Thus, the usefulness of the developed CG system was confirmed.
Kinematic Analysis of the Powerlifting Style Squat and the Conventional Deadlift During Competition: Is There a Cross-Over Effect Between Lifts?

Hales, ME, Johnson, BF, and Johnson, JT. Kinematic analysis of the powerlifting style squat and the conventional deadlift during competition: is there a cross-over effect between lifts? J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2574-2580, 2009-Many individuals involved in the sport of powerlifting believe that the squat and deadlift have such similar lifting characteristics that the lifts yield comparable training results. The aim of this study was to compare and contrast biomechanical parameters between the conventional style deadlift and the back squat performed by 25 lifters competing in regional powerlifting championship. The 3-dimensional analysis incorporated 4 60 Hz synchronized video cameras for collecting data from 25 participants. Parameters were quantified at the sticking point specific to each lift. Kinematic variables were calculated at the hip, knee, and ankle. Paired (samples) t-tests were used to detect significant differences in the kinematic mean scores for the different lift types. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences exist between the squat (0.09 m/s) and the deadlift (0.20 m/s) vertical bar velocities. Differences were found for angular position of the hip, knee, and ankle between lifts. The sticking point thigh angles were quantified as 32.54 ± 3.02 and 57.42 ± 4.57 for the squat and deadlift, respectively. Trunk angles were 40.58 ± 6.29 (squat) and 58.30 ± 7.15 (deadlift). The results indicate the back squat represents a synergistic or simultaneous movement, whereas the deadlift demonstrates a sequential or segmented movement. The kinematic analysis of the squat and the conventional deadlift indicate that the individual lifts are markedly different (p < 0.01), implying that no direct or specific cross-over effect exists between the individual lifts.
Border collision bifurcations in a one-dimensional piecewise smooth map for a PWM current-programmed H-bridge inverter

In this article, we are studying the non-linear effects in a single-phase H-bridge inverter. The PWM control is related to a current feedback control. We are proposing an analytical model, which is a piecewise linear map. The distinctive feature of this study lies in the investigation of the map's properties. This investigation allows for the analytical determination of the fixed points, their domains of stability, and of the bifurcation points. More precisely, we will show that some of these bifurcations are discontinuous. The analysis is performed while keeping in mind the current controller's tuning. In this particular setting, we will show that all the bifurcations are of a certain type: border collision bifurcations. Although we are treating the appearance of chaos in a converter, the work presented stays close to the preoccupations of the engineer, because the particularities of the digital control are shown as an advantage. Moreover, we have strived to comment on the different modes observed, periodic or not, by underlying their practical interest or disadvantages.
Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Maize Seeds and Use of Inorganic Fertilizer for Maize Production in the Intermediate and Lowland Zones of Tanzania

Abstract This paper examines factors influencing the adoption of improved maize seeds and the use of inorganic fertilizer for maize production by farmers in the intermediate and lowland zones of Tanzania. The results indicate that availability of extension services, on-farm field trials, variety characteristics and rainfall were the most important factors that influenced the extent of adopting improved maize seeds and the use of inorganic fertilizer for maize production. Farmers preferred those varieties which minimize field loss rather than maximizing yields. Future research and extension policies should emphasize farmer participation in the research process and on-farm field trials for varietal evaluation and demonstration purposes.
Exploring the effects of instruction on L2 French learner pronunciation, accentedness, comprehensibility, and
 fluency

This study investigates the effects of a 16-week course on the development of second language French pronunciation. The course targeted segmental and suprasegmental features and fluency development, and was administered entirely online. Pre- and post-test tasks (i.e., picture narration, reading-aloud, and conversation simulation) were used to analyze learners’ pronunciation development in terms of segmental errors, connected speech (use of liaisons and enchaînements), and fluency (including pauses and mean length of run). Participants’ accentedness, comprehensibility, and fluency were also judged by five native listeners. Findings revealed a significant decrease in segmental errors and unfilled pause frequency in all the tasks, and improvement in fluency in the reading and conversation tasks. Results also showed a positive trend but no significant improvement in the use of liaisons and enchaînements. There was, however, no significant improvement in the measures of listeners’ ratings. The results are discussed in light of previous research on pronunciation instruction.