Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classifier prediction based on tile coding

This paper introduces XCSF extended with tile coding prediction: each classifier implements a tile coding approximator; the genetic algorithm is used to adapt both classifier conditions (i.e., to partition the problem) and the parameters of each approximator; thus XCSF evolves an ensemble of tile coding approximators instead of the typical monolithic approximator used in reinforcement learning. The paper reports a comparison between (i) XCSF with tile coding prediction and (ii) plain tile coding. The results show that XCSF with tile coding always reaches optimal performance, it usually learns as fast as the best parametrized tile coding, and it can be faster than the typical tile coding setting. In addition, the analysis of the evolved tile coding ensembles shows that XCSF actually adapts local approximators following what is currently considered the best strategy to adapt the tile coding parameters in a given problem.
Live cell imaging of repetitive DNA sequences via GFP-tagged polydactyl zinc finger proteins

Several techniques are available to study chromosomes or chromosomal domains in nuclei of chemically fixed or living cells. Current methods to detect DNA sequences in vivo are limited to trans interactions between a DNA sequence and a transcription factor from natural systems. Here, we expand live cell imaging tools using a novel approach based on zinc finger-DNA recognition codes. We constructed several polydactyl zinc finger (PZF) DNA-binding domains aimed to recognize specific DNA sequences in Arabidopsis and mouse and fused these with GFP. Plants and mouse cells expressing PZF:GFP proteins were subsequently analyzed by confocal microscopy. For Arabidopsis, we designed a PZF:GFP protein aimed to specifically recognize a 9-bp sequence within centromeric 180-bp repeat and monitored centromeres in living roots. Similarly, in mouse cells a PZF:GFP protein was targeted to a 9-bp sequence in the major satellite repeat. Both PZF:GFP proteins localized in chromocenters which represent heterochromatin domains containing centromere and other tandem repeats. The number of PZF:GFP molecules per centromere in Arabidopsis, quantified with near single-molecule precision, approximated the number of expected binding sites. Our data demonstrate that live cell imaging of specific DNA sequences can be achieved with artificial zinc finger proteins in different organisms.
What Speech Tells Us About Discourse: The Role of Prosodic and Discourse Features in Speech Act Classification

This paper explores the relative importance of discourse features, prosodic features and their fusion in robust classification of speech acts. Five different feature selection algorithms were used to select set of features to improve the robustness of the classification. The results showed that the ensemble-based classifiers performed best in the classification of 12 speech acts using subsets of both prosodic and discourse features.
The goalkeeper influence on ball possession effectiveness in futsal

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify which variables were the best predictors of success in futsal ball possession when controlling for space and task related indicators, situational variables and the participation of the goalkeeper as a regular field player or not (5 vs. 4 or 4 vs. 4). The sample consisted of 326 situations of ball possession corresponding to 31 matches played by a team from the Spanish Futsal League during the 2010–2011, 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 seasons. Multidimensional qualitative data obtained from 10 ordered categorical variables were used. Data were analysed using chi-square analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. Overall, the highest ball possession effectiveness was achieved when the goalkeeper participated as a regular field player (p<0.01), the duration of the ball possession was less than 10 s (p<0.01), the ball possession ended in the penalty area (p<0.01) and the defensive pressure was low (p<0.01). The information obtained on the relative effectiveness of offensive playing tactics can be used to improve team’s goal-scoring and goal preventing abilities.
Water quality studies in Kranji Catchment, Singapore : use of organic tracer and PEDs for identifying potential sewage sources

The objective of this study was to identify organic compounds that could serve as indicators of potential human fecal contamination sources to the Kranji Reservoir in Singapore that could be used as confirmation indicators along with bacteria indicators. The compounds chosen as potential tracers were nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxyltes (NPEOs), as these are indicative of sewage and have been found at measurable concentrations in rivers and streams elsewhere in Asia. Polyethylene devices (PEDs) were used as passive samplers to measure NPEOs in stormwater drains in Kranji catchment. Fieldwork was conducted in the month of January 2010. PEDs were deployed in different land use areas in order to obtain an overview of concentration ranges across the Kranji catchment and thus provide an indication of where and why this family of compounds could be found. Storm drains vary in design and since experience with PEDs in storm drains was limited, different types of drains were selected for deployment. The PED deployment design changed depending on the type of drain and the available tools and local conditions that were found. Subsequent chemical analysis of the PEDs was done at MIT. PED deployment times in Kranji were not long enough for mass transfer equilibrium between the water and the PED to be reached, and thus a model for kinetic sampling was used to estimate concentrations in the water. The results of fieldwork done for this study showed that survival of the PEDs was highly dependent on type of drains and flow intensity. The results of the laboratory analysis showed that NPEOs were present in non-residential areas of the catchment. The kinetic sampling model produced results that, although highly uncertain, give an indication of potentially risky concentrations in the water. These analyses lead to the recommendation that PEDs should be deployed pre-loaded with tracers to better model equilibrium in stormwater drains. Deployment should be considered at or near sites where human DNA factors and/or E. coli have been found. More information is needed on household detergent ingredients in Singapore to further evaluate using NPEOs as sewage indicators. Future studies should be done to confirm estimated NPEOs concentrations in Kranji water to verify if there is a risk to the ecosystem's health. Thesis Co-Supervisor: Philip M. Gschwend Title: Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Thesis Co-Supervisor: Peter Shanahan Title: Senior Lecturer of Civil and Environmental Engineering
A Hybrid Algorithm for Community Detection Using PSO and EO

Community detection in networks is one of the most prominent areas of network science which is very hard and not yet satisfactorily solved. A hybrid algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Extremal Optimization (EO) for community detection is. PSO algorithm has strong global search ability but is easily to trap into the local optima, while EO algorithm can make the search to jump out of local optima due to its strong local search ability. A special encoding scheme based on the partition solution of a network is designed which can automatically determine the number of the community in a network. The popular modularity Q is used as the fitness of PSO algorithm and node betweenness centrality is adopted as the fitness of EO algorithm. EO algorithm can repair the isolated nodes existing in the particles and make the partition result more precise. Several experiments in real networks demonstrate that the algorithm obtains high modularity and achieves good community results.
Amyand's Hernia – Case Report and Review of the Literature

Amyand’s hernia is an extremely rare condition in which the appendix is positioned in the inguinal hernia sac. Acute appendicitis is much less common in this situation and few reports are found in the literature. We report a case of acute appendicitis with the tip of the appendix incarcerated outside the external ring of the right groin. A mobilized cecum and ascending colon were noticed during surgery. We conducted a review of the literature, emphasizing possible causes and suggesting a predisposing factor for the condition.
Customized Shoe-Lasts Modeling Based on 3D Measurement

This research aims at improving efficiency and variety of shoe-lasts modeling in the footwear industry. A novel digital method is proposed for customized shoe-last modeling based on the analysis and research of human foot features and the shoe-last design theory. The method uses 3D foot data measured from human feet, combines with shoe-last design specifications and the force analysis of feet-shoe to decide the profile of shoe-lasts. The design of shoe-lasts is based on the action analysis of feet and shoes, foot features, discrete modeling methods and the variable subdivision modeling theory. The proposed method can perform a complete process from design to manufacturing of customized shoe-lasts. The experimental results show its feasibility. It is significant for customized shoe-lasts design and manufacturing.
Zotepin versus Perazin bei Patienten mit paranoider Schizophrenie: eine doppelblind-kontrollierte Wirksamkeitsprüfung

The dibenzothiepine zotepine is a new potential "atypical" neuroleptic exhibiting powerful antiserotonergic and antidopaminergic properties. The efficacy of zotepine was evaluated in a double-blind controlled trial versus the tricyclic neuroleptic perazine in 41 patients suffering mainly from the paranoid-hallucinatory type of schizophrenia. The key outcome variable was the extent of mental disturbance as defined by the total score of the BPRS. Additional outcome variables were GAS and CGI. In addition, adverse reactions and extrapyramidal side effects were assessed according to the FSUCL scale and the Gerlach and AIMS rating scale, respectively. Additional variables recorded were blood pressure, heart rate and routine laboratory parameters as well as electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. In the first two days, standard equivalent doses of both drugs were administered. Thereafter, doses were administered as required. The efficacy of both substances was compared after 7, 14 and 28 days of treatment. Both drugs showed a similar antipsychotic efficacy. Under zotepine treatment a 55% improvement of the BPRS total score was observed while perazine led to a 41% BPRS score reduction. After 7 days the zotepine group was significantly more improved than the perazine group, possibly due to a dosing effect in the perazine group. In the zotepine group, fewer adverse reactions and a better benefit/risk index were observed although the differences between the two treatment groups did not reach levels of statistical significance. There were no drug-specific abnormal laboratory findings. Thus, in the present study there was no significant difference between zotepine and perazine with respect to antipsychotic efficacy and side-effect rates. However, zotepine showed a trend to a better benefit/risk index at the end of treatment.
Potentials and limitations of Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory systems

The reduction of CO2 emissions is one of the most anticipated features of future transportation systems. Smart traffic lights are believed to contribute to achieving this by either adapting their signal program or by informing approaching drivers. In this paper we investigate the potentials and limitations of the latter, that is, Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA) systems in a realistic, large scale simulation study. We examine the impact of different equipment rates of both traffic lights and vehicles on environmental related metrics but also study how these systems can increase the comfort for drivers by reducing waiting times and the number of stops. We find that at low traffic densities these systems can meet all their goals and lower CO2 emissions by up to 11.5% whereas in dense traffic several side-effects could be observed, including overall longer waiting times and even higher CO2 emissions for unequipped vehicles.
Hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction is dependent on tachykinin-induced cysteinyl leukotriene synthesis.

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that tachykinins mediate hyperpnea-induced induced bronchoconstriction indirectly by triggering cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) synthesis in the airways. Guinea pigs (350-600 g) were anesthetized with xylazine and pentobarbital sodium and received hyperpnea challenge (tidal volume 3.5-4.0 ml, frequency 150 breaths/min) with either humidified isocapnic gas (n = 6) or dry gas (n = 7). Dry gas challenge was performed on animals that received MK-571 (LTD4 antagonist; 2 mg/kg i.v.; n = 5), capsaicin (n = 4), neurokinin (NK) antagonists [NK1 (CP-99994) + NK2 (SR-48968) (1 mg/kg i.v.); n = 6], or the H1 antihistamine pyrilamine (2 mg/kg i.v.; n = 5). We measured the tracheal pressure and collected bile for 1 h before and 2 h after hyperpnea challenge. We examined the biliary excretion of cysteinyl LTs; the recovery of radioactivity in bile after instillation of 1 microCi [3H]LTC4 intratracheally averaged 24% within 4 h (n = 2). The major cysteinyl LT identified was LTD4 (32% recovery of radioactivity). Cysteinyl LTs were purified from bile of animals undergoing hyperpnea challenge by using reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and quantified by radioimmunoassay. There was a significant increase in the peak value of tracheal pressure after challenge, indicating bronchoconstriction in dry gas-challenged animals but not after humidified gas challenge. MK-571, capsaicin, and NK antagonists prevented the bronchoconstriction; pyrilamine did not. Cysteinyl LT levels in the bile after challenge were significantly increased from baseline in dry gas-challenged animals (P < 0.05) and were higher than in the animals challenged with humidified gas or dry gas-challenged animals treated with capsaicin or NK antagonists (P < 0.01). The results indicate that isocapnic dry gas hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction is LT mediated and the role of tachykinins in the response is indirect through release of LTs. Endogenous histamine does not contribute to the response.
Perceptions of HR Practices on Job Motivation and Work-life Balance: Mixed Drives and Outcomes

Purpose : Based on regulatory focus theory and social exchange theory, this study explains how care service workers’ job attitudes, such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment and perceived organizational support, help form their promotion-focus or prevention-focus perceptions of firms’ HR practices. Design/methodology : A survey study of 709 residential care service workers was used to test the developed framework with structure equation modelling analysis. Findings : The empirical results show that the adoption of HR practices in the British care service sector can simultaneously enhance workers’ job motivation and help to correct their work-life imbalance, which have different effects on workers’ job attitudes. Research implications : When HR practices are adopted, it can create both promotion-and prevention-focused perceptions from the workers’ perspective. The mixed perceptions about HR practices trigger both perceptions of job motivation and perceptions of work-life imbalance, that can then lead to different outcomes with regard to job attitudes. Practical implication : This study helps practitioners apply HR practices suitably, to certain types of employees in order to drive positive, rather than negative impacts. It is important for managers in the care service industry to take into account the conditions that determine the impacts of HR practices on workers’ job attitudes when deciding to adopt HR practices. Originality : This study contributes to the management literature by providing empirical evidence of the critical role played by job motivation and work-life imbalance in the HR practices-job attitudes link
TrapperKeeper: The Case for Using Virtualization to Add Type Awareness to File Systems

TrapperKeeper is a system that enables the development of type aware file system functionality. In contrast to existing plug-in-based architectures that require a software developer to write and maintain code for each file type, TrapperKeeper requires no type-specific code. Instead, TrapperKeeper executes existing software applications that already parse the desired file type in virtual machines. It then uses accessibility APIs to control the application and extract desired information from the application's graphical user interface.
Recognising User Intentions in a Virtual Environment

: Human-centred design in the adaptive virtual interface is about supporting the intentionality of the user. An operator has a purposeful motivation in undertaking activity in the virtual environment. This can range from task-focused activity in a vocational sense, such as telepresence surgery or rehearsing mission tactics in a flight simulator, to the purely recreational exploration of a cyberspace. In each case, the adaptive virtual interface needs to monitor the user, and compare user behaviours to models of possible actions. A method is demonstrated for constructing procedures from the spatio-temporal data that describe action plans of agent/entities in a virtual environment. These are required for testing candidate operator intentions against operator action history. This is explored experimentally in the context of flight simulation, and we present a method for learning action plans in real-time. Three components are required: an appropriate ontology (model of operator task performance), an appropriate virtual environment architecture (accessibility of data and image generation databases) and a learning procedure (which relates the data stream to the domain ontology). Relational machine learning methods are applied to traces of pilot behaviour in flight tasks. The simulator is enhanced to provide descriptions of the out-the-window world view in the data trace as well as operator control actions and simulation internal state variables. Control actions are relatable to the achievement of world goal states. Further work has generalised this from user intention modelling, to the modelling of other simulated entities.
The Ability of Human Judges to Link Crimes Using Behavioral Information Current Knowledge and Unresolved Issues

A large body of empirical research conducted to date has focused on the extent to which humans can make accurate decisions under ambiguous conditions (e.g., Dawes, Faust, & Meehl, 1989; Kahneman, Slovic, & Tversky, 1982; Kuipers, Moskowitz, & Kassirer, 1988), and whether prior experience in a given domain can improve decision making (e.g., Chan, 1982; Fisher & Fonteyn, 1995; Meehl, 1954). A criminal investigation is one such situation where complex decisions must be
Adaptive whitening of the electromyogram to improve amplitude estimation

Previous research showed that whitening the surface electromyogram (EMG) can improve EMG amplitude estimation (where EMG amplitude is defined as the time-varying standard deviation of the EMG). However, conventional whitening via a linear filter seems to fail at low EMG amplitude levels, perhaps due to additive background noise in the measured EMG. This paper describes an adaptive whitening technique that overcomes this problem by cascading a nonadaptive whitening filter, an adaptive Wiener filter, and an adaptive gain correction. These stages can be calibrated from two, five second duration, constant-angle, constant-force contractions, one at a reference level [e.g., 50% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)] and one at 0% MVC. In experimental studies, subjects used real-time EMG amplitude estimates to track a uniform-density, band-limited random target. With a 0.25-Hz bandwidth target, either adaptive whitening or multiple channel processing reduced the tracking error roughly half-way to the error achieved using the dynamometer signal as the feedback. At the 1.00-Hz bandwidth, all of the EMG processors had errors equivalent to that of the dynamometer signal, reflecting that errors in this task were dominated by subjects' inability to track targets at this bandwidth. Increases in the additive noise level, smoothing window length, and tracking bandwidth diminish the advantages of whitening.
Tax reform analysis using flexible models of labor supply

The present invention relates to a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis device and an insertion tool for the same. The device includes a generally cylindrical tapered housing having a bore therethrough and readily removable valve means operably connected to the housing. The housing has a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end. The larger diameter end portion includes an inner threaded surface portion which terminates in an inner grooved surface. The valve means includes a check valve and bearings operably disposed adjacent the inner grooved surface and a retainer having a surface portion threaded in a complimentary manner to the inner threaded surface of the housing for retaining the check valve and bearings within the housing when threaded thereto. The insertion tool comprises a generally cylindrical member having one end of a small enough diameter size and of a sufficient length to enable passing the end through the bore of the device and wherein the end is further characterized to have a rounded aspect, and another end of a larger diameter than the bore of the device to prevent passage therein.
Mineral nitrogen transformations in and under seasonal snow in a high-elevation catchment

In an effort to understand sources of nitrate (NO-) in surface waters of high- elevation catchments, nitrogen (N) transformations in and under seasonal snow were investigated from 1993 to 1995 on Niwot Ridge, an alpine ecosystem at 3,500 rn located in the Colorado Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Ammonium (NH-) and NO- labeled with 5N applied as nonconservative tracers to the snow showed no evidence of nitrification in the snowpack. Furthermore, NH- movement through the amended snowpack was highly correlated with a conservative chloride tracer (r 2 = 0.99). In an unamended snowpack NH- concentrations in meltwater before contact with the ground were highly correlated with NO- concentrations (r 2 = 0.98), which is consistent with no nitrification in the snowpack. The isotopically labeled 5NH- applied to the snowpack was found in underlying soils, showing that NH- released from snow can be rapidly immobilized. Resin bag (mixed-bed ion-exchange resins) measurements (n = 22) showed that 80% of the mobile inorganic N in unamended subnivial soils was NO-. Measurements of KCl-extractable inorganic N from surface soils showed that highest values were prior to the initiation of snowmelt and lowest values were during the growing season. The naturallSN abundance of unamended soils was negative and ranged from -12 to -2, suggesting that atmospheric deposition of $SN-depleted N is an important component of N cycling in these alpine soils. These results suggest that soil mineralization under seasonal snow, rather than snowmelt release of NO-, may control NO- concentrations in surface waters of high-elevation catchments.
A file system for continuous media

The Continuous Media File System, CMFS, supports real-time storage and retrieval of continuous media data (digital audio and video) on disk. CMFS clients read or write files in “sessions,” each with a guaranteed minimum data rate. Multiple sessions, perhaps with different rates, and non-real-time access can proceed concurrently. CMFS addresses several interrelated design issues; real-time semantics fo sessions, disk layout, an acceptance test for new sessions, and disk scheduling policy. We use simulation to compare different design choices.