Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Whatever Happened to the Europe of the Regions? Revisiting the Regional Dimension of European Politics

In European politics, the idea of a ‘Europe of the Regions’ came to the fore in the 1980s and early 1990s, in response to innovative policy and institutional developments in European integration. Different subnational actors saw in these developments the potential for creating an alternative supranational framework for meeting their territorial and other policy goals. Scholars of the European Union were also inspired to develop new theories and concepts for explaining decision making within a multi-level European polity. In recent years, however, as the limitations for regional mobilization within the EU have become more apparent, the notion of a ‘Europe of the Regions’ has fallen out of favour. One unfortunate consequence of this has been that the regional dimension of European politics has become increasingly neglected. This Introduction makes the case for the need to revisit the regional dimension to European politics. After summarizing the rise and fall of the ‘Europe of the Regions’ idea, the numerous ways in which the EU remains highly important for regions, and in which regional politics plays a significant role in shaping the nature and direction of European integration, are outlined. The Introduction concludes by summarizing how the contributions to this Special Issue take up the challenge of re-examining this regional dimension within an ever-changing and ever-expanding Europe.
Sample size considerations for the external validation of a multivariable prognostic model: a resampling study

After developing a prognostic model, it is essential to evaluate the performance of the model in samples independent from those used to develop the model, which is often referred to as external validation. However, despite its importance, very little is known about the sample size requirements for conducting an external validation. Using a large real data set and resampling methods, we investigate the impact of sample size on the performance of six published prognostic models. Focussing on unbiased and precise estimation of performance measures (e.g. the c‐index, D statistic and calibration), we provide guidance on sample size for investigators designing an external validation study. Our study suggests that externally validating a prognostic model requires a minimum of 100 events and ideally 200 (or more) events. © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Deployment of a wireless sensor network in a vineyard

A complete analysis for the deployment of a wireless sensor network in a vineyard is presented in this paper. First, due to the lack of propagation models for peer to peer networks in plantations, propagation experiments have been carried out to determine the propagation equations. This model was then used for planning and deploying an actual wireless sensor network. Afterwards, some sensor data are presented and finally, some general conclusions are extracted from the experiments and presented in the paper.
Differentiation of New Insulin-Producing Cells Is Induced by Injury in Adult Pancreatic Islets

The ability of the adult pancreas to generate new insulin (β) cells has been controversial because of difficulties in unequivocally identifying the precursor population. We recently determined that β cells were generated during development from precursors that expressed the homeodomain-containing transcription factor pancreas duodenum homeobox gene-1 (PDX-1). To investigate whether PDX-1+ stem cells are present in adult pancreas, we examined two animal models of diabetes. One model was produced by injecting adult mice with streptozotocin (SZ), a toxin that produces hyperglycemia due to rapid and massive β cell death. After SZ-mediated elimination of existing IN+/PDX-1+ cells, a population of somatostatin (SOM)+/PDX-1+ cells, a cell type thought to represent an embryonic islet precursor cell, appeared in islets. The appearance of SOM+/PDX-1+ cells was followed in time by the differentiation to SOM+/IN+/PDX-1+cells. SOM+/PDX-1+ cells also appeared in islets of nonobese diabetic mice, a strain of mice in whi.
Chemical properties of the divalent cation binding site on potassium channels

The actions of divalent cations on voltage-gated ion channels suggest that these cations bind to specific sites and directly influence gating kinetics. We have examined some chemical properties of the external divalent cation binding sites on neuronal potassium channels. Patch clamp techniques were used to measure the electrophysiological properties of these channels and Zn ions were used to probe the divalent cation binding site. The channel activation kinetics were greatly (three- to fourfold) slowed by low (2-5 mM) concentrations of Zn; deactivation kinetics were only slightly affected. These effects of Zn were inhibited by low solution pH in a manner consistent with competition between Zn and H ions for a single site. The apparent inhibitory pK for this site was near 7.2. Treatment of the neurons with specific amino acid reagents implicated amino, but no histidyl or sulfhydryl, residues in divalent cation binding.
The Neurobiological Development of Reading Fluency

This chapter offers an extensive review of current and foundational research literature on the neurodevelopment of dyslexia and reading fluency worldwide. The impact of different languages and their orthographies on the acquisition of phonological analysis and orthographical features by beginning readers is explored. Contributions from the Psycholinguistic Grain Size Theory and new assessments, i.e. rapid automatized naming, have focused and advanced the understanding of slow phonological and visual processing skills. Recently, the development of new definitions of fluency has led to a proposed continuum of automatized decoding and processing skills required for students of English. Computer technology has enhanced the use of visual hemisphere-specific stimulation to affect the neurodevelopment of efficient word retrieval pathways and to increase reading speed. Processes for subtyping students based on reading behaviors and then stimulating a particular hemisphere of the brain with the fast presentation of words and phrases have been found to change levels of activation in key brain locations and increase the fluent processing of connected text. Newer technologies such as diffusion tensor imaging, while somewhat suspect, may provide the evidence that ultimately will document the changes in communication between regions of interest regulating the automaticity of brain functions in reading.
Standard-Compliant Enhancements of JVT Coded Video for Transmission over Fixed and Wireless

This paper describes standard compliant enhancements of the currently developed JVT coding algorithms for transmission over fixed and wireless IP-based networks. This includes a description of JVT coding algorithm and the adaptation to IP-based networks. The error resilience features within the JVT coding algorithm are presented in greater detail. Standard compliant encoder and decoder enhancements as well as the exploitation of network information to improve the quality in packet lossy environments are presented. Pointers and references to well-known and successfully applied error resilience schemes in prior video coding standards are provided. Different schemes are compared and appropriate experimental results based on common test conditions are presented and
SECURITY ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL UNCLONEABLE FUNCTIONS

We propose a general theoretical framework to analyze the security of Physical Uncloneable Functions (PUFs). We apply the framework to Optical PUFs. In particular we present a derivation, based on the physics governing multiple scattering processes, of the number of independent challengeresponse pairs supported by a PUF. We find that the number of independent challenge-response pairs is proportional to the square of the thickness of the PUF, and inversely proportional to the wavelength of the laser and to the scattering length in the PUF. We compare our results to those of Pappu and show that they are compatible in the case where the density of scatterers becomes very high.
A Robust Approach for Anti-jamming Target Tracking in Forward Looking Infrared Imagery

In this paper, we present a new robust approach of target tracking in infrared imagery based on Mean Shift tracking and clustering algorithm. Our approach works robustly on jammed images, which is usually under extreme situation. We first define the Jammed forward looking by 4 Features, and proposed tracking algorithm based on them. The proposed tracking algorithm mainly references Camshift, yet has many unique features. First, a quick mean shift clustering algorithm for one-dimension data is applied to shorten the time cost. Second, we introduce the idea of double possibility distribution image to get accurate position and size of target. Third, we discard the kernel function to avoid the influence of interference. Results show that the proposed tracking approach works smoothly despite of several harmful factors which other approaches fail to overcome.
Framing resilience: practitioners’ views of its meaning and usefulness in disaster risk management practice

There is an imperative to search for approaches that can further develop Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The resilience perspective emerges as a plausible approach, and although it is not a new concept for DRM practitioners and researchers, it is only in the last decade has it been strongly introduced into the policy arena. However, there is no single, agreed definition of disaster resilience with the idea being highly contested, with few empirical studies available to inform theory or show its application in practice. This research investigates the construction of the disaster resilience discourse to a disaster management initiative in Australia; the Natural Disaster Resilience Program (NDRP), in Queensland. Using Hajer’s ‘Social-interactive discourse theory’ together with practitioners’ in-depth interviews, a document analysis of program and government artefacts, and observation of different activities at various sites, the discourse was analysed and implications for policy and practice within DRM were revealed. The research findings show that practitioners understand and construct the meaning of disaster resilience differently, which is embedded in their diverse storylines, and importantly the divergences among these storylines reveal possibilities for social learning and reframing to occur. Three distinct ways of understanding resilience’s contribution to DRM emerge: mechanistic/technocratic, community based and sustainability. These different storylines are characterised by seven discourse categories, in which each storyline has a different interpretation and emphasis in relation to these categories. The resilience discourse is considered by the study participants as a shift in paradigm, useful for the development of DRM and helpful for changing and improving practices. The results presented in this thesis offer empirical evidence to extend the knowledge of resilience theory, addressing the most critical gap in the literature, and also providing helpful insights to inform policy design and implementation of resilience ideas in DRM practice.
Design of a multi-functional system based on virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation

This paper presents a motor function rehabilitation system for the disabled with virtual reality. The design of the entire system is established on the SIGVerse virtual platform. The patient can complete the rehabilitation training immersed in a virtual environment. Firstly, the motion information of the patient is recognized by Kinect, and regenerated by the avatar in the virtual environment accurately. At the same time, the view of the avatar can be presented to the patient by HMD. Though this method, the patient can exposure to the virtual environment during the rehabilitation training, so that they can feel like their real and health motions in the virtual environment. Additionally, the EMG signals of the activated muscle are collected, and they can provide a feedback of contraction intensities of the muscle to the patient in real time. Moreover, we provide an electrical stimulation to the corresponding muscle. As a result, the patient can have the perception of muscle contractions.
Estimating the Probability of Return Visits Using a Survey of Tourist Expenditure in the Balearic Islands

Using data supplied by the annual Survey on Tourist Expenditure in the Balearics, the returning intention (‘yes’ or ‘no’) has been modelled using a LOGIT model of discrete choice, which enables research of the factors (most of them qualitative) influencing this decision. The special importance of return visits to the Balearics is highlighted. The results presented correspond to the 1994 survey, although earlier studies, for 1989 and 1992, give us a temporal comparison of results. In addition, a comparison of the results for the two predominant nationalities of visitors to the Islands, British and German, is discussed.
Constrained-optimal balance regulation of a biped with toe-joint using model predictive control

In this paper standing balance control of a biped with toe-joint is presented. The model consists of an inverted pendulum as the upper body and the foot contains toe-joint. The biped is actuated by two torques at ankle-joint and toe-joint to regulate the upper body in upright position. To model the interaction between foot and the ground, configuration constraints are defined and utilized. To stabilize the biped around upright position model predictive control (MPC) is implemented by which the constraints can be incorporate to the optimal control algorithm properly. Simulations show that the controller has a good capability of stabilization. In addition by comparison with a similar flat foot bipedal model without toe-joint in literature, the present model displays better performance and enhances the actuator demand.
Ultrasound Ventricular Contour Extraction Based on an Adaptive GVF Snake Model

In order to accurately extract the ultrasound ventricular contour, an adaptive contour extraction algorithm based on a kind of active contour model was put forward against the shortcomings of the traditional GVF snake model that was difficult to converge to the deep concave edges and noise sensitivity. The algorithm was based on the traditional GGVF snake, which added a pressure pointing to the normal direction of snake contour in the part of external force, and the value of the force was adaptive to the mean gradients of the neighbor contour points. The experimental results show that the algorithm can make the contour converge to the deep cavity border fleetly and improve the robustness to noise. Furthermore, it also can maintain the ability of weak edge extraction which has a good performance of the ultrasound ventricular contour extraction.
Validation of a Prediction Rule for Prognosis of Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia

In a previous study, we developed a prognostic prediction rule, based on nine prognostic variables, capable to estimate and to adjust the mortality rate of patients admitted in intensive care unit for severe community-acquired pneumonia. A prospective multicenter study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of this rule. Five hundred eleven patients, over a 7-year period, were studied. The ICU mortality rate was 29.0%. In the 3 initial risk classes, we observed significantly increasing mortality rates (8.2% in class I, 22.8% in class II and 65.0% in class III) (p<0.001). Within each initial risk class, the adjustment risk score identified subclasses exhibiting significantly different mortality rates: 3.9% and 33.3% in class I; 3.1%, 12.9% and 63.3% in class II; and 55.8% and 82.5% in class III. Compared with mortality rates predicted by our previous study, only a few significant differences were observed. Our results demonstrate the performance and reproductibility of this prognostic prediction rule.
Calibration of tri-axial magnetometer in magnetic compass using vector observations

In this paper, we propose a novel calibration scheme for a tri-axial magnetometer used in a magnetic compass. We first demonstrate that the most commonly used calibration method for tri-axial magnetometer, which is based on ellipsoid fitting, is unable to determine the inter-triad misalignment in a multi-sensor system. Then we discuss an improved calibration scheme that utilizes the invariance of the dot product of two constant vectors to overcome the weakness of the ellipsoid fitting method. Simulation and experiment results show that the proposed scheme is more accurate and stable compared with the conventional method.
Studies in Trend Detection of Scatter Plots with Visualization

Cover: Three views with different scales on an image showing a wall fern (Polypodium vulgare). Acknowledgements I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor Lasse Holmström for his guidance and support during my doctoral studies. Through his incessant questioning , he has taught me the value of rigor and hard work. I am also indebted to Petri Koistinen for fruitful discussions and for having introduced me to the subject together with Lasse. I also warmly acknowledge the extensive collaboration with Atte Korhola and Jan Weckström in the application field. Furthermore, I would like to thank all the people of the former Rolf Nevanlinna Institute for the supportive and motivating atmosphere-just to name a few. Lunches and other breaks with Petri, Fabian, Mikko and Simopekka have also been important, and not only in terms of physical nutrition. In addition, I thank all my friends for support and for showing me that there is life outside of the office. Particularly the meetings with Matti and Jukka have been vital for me. I want to dedicate this thesis to my family: Antti, Pirjo, Tytti, Sari and Kuutti. Paper V: Bayesian analysis of features in a scatter plot with dependent observations and errors in predictors. P. Erästö and L. Holmström. Submitted.
The Invisible Faculty: Improving the Status of Part-Timers in Higher Education

1. Confronting Myths and Realities About Part--Time Faculty Members Part One: The Current Environment for Part--Time Faculty 2. Who Are the Part--Time Faculty? 3. Employment Profiles of Part--Timers 4. External Forces Affecting Part--Time Employment 5. Money and the Use of Part--Time Faculty 6. When and Why Institutions Employ Part--Timers 7. Employment Policies and Practices 8. Participation in the Academic Community Part Two: Enhancing Education Through the Use of Part--Time Faculty 9. Recognizing the Changing Context of Academic Employment 10. Using Part--Timers to Achieve Educational Objectives 11. Developing Fair Employment Policies and Practices 12. Investing in Human Resources 13. From Invisible to Valued: Creating a New Reality for Part--Time Faculty Resources: A. Site Institutions B. Questionnaires Used in Campus Interviews
Yi: an editor in haskell for haskell

Yi is a text editor written in Haskell and extensible in Haskell. We take advantage of Haskell's expressive power to define embedded DSLs that form the foundation of the editor. In turn, these DSLs provide a flexible mechanism to create extended versions of the editor. Yi also provides some support for editing Haskell code.
An efficient approach for heartbeat classification

In this paper an efficient heart beat classification algorithm for mobile devices is presented. A simplified ECG model is used for feature extraction in the time domain. QRS complex is modeled by two straight lines while P and T waves are modeled by parabolas. The T wave asymmetry is achieved using a fourth degree parabola, whereas the P wave is modeled by the second degree parabola. The model parameters are estimated using the linear least squares fitting technique.
Open-domain Factoid Question Answering via Knowledge Graph Search

We introduce a highly scalable approach for open-domain question answering with no dependence on any data set for surface form to logical form mapping or any linguistic analytic tool such as POS tagger or named entity recognizer. We deﬁne our approach under the Constrained Conditional Models framework which lets us scale up to a full knowledge graph with no limitation on the size. On a standard benchmark, we obtained near 4 percent improvement over the state-of-the-art in open-domain question answering task.
Optimal breeding strategies for calving ease.

Calving ease is of economic importance in dairy cattle and should be considered in breeding programs. Economic values of direct and maternal calving ease were derived based on cost-benefit analysis and gene flow methodology. Marginal returns from dystocia reduction in primiparous dams were -$43 per phenotypic standard deviation compared with $300 for production. For an average mate, numbers of discounted expressions for sires to breed replacements were . 58, . 44, and . 63 for direct and maternal calving ease and production. Discounted expressions for direct calving ease were higher when sires were mated to primiparous versus multiparous dams. Three alternative breeding strategies were compared: 1) separate selection of sires as mates of primiparous and multiparous cows, based on their respective optimal indexes for direct and maternal calving ease, 2) selection based on the optimal index for an average mate, and 3) selection on direct calving ease only. Strategies 2 and 3 allowed for assortative mating of sires with favorable direct calving ease to primiparous females subsequent to selection. Strategy 2 resulted in maximal economic response. Optimal standardized index weights under Canadian circumstances were approximately 100:9:7 for production:direct calving ease:maternal calving ease. Inclusion of calving ease traits had a minor effect (< .5%) on selection responses and efficiency but would provide proper guidelines to producers. Greatest benefits of genetic evaluations for calving ease were obtained through assortative mating.
Product Liability for the Human Factors Practitioner

Product liability cases in the media often raise questions about the logic and justice behind the decision, as well as about the role of human factors practitioners in liability prevention. What is first needed is the understanding that legal decisions are based on specific theories of the law in force in the particular jurisdiction and at the particular time. These are not theories in the scientific sense of empirically tested frameworks of cause and effect, but rather statements of what considerations are deemed relevant and admissible to the legal argument based on philosophical, social, and political positions. The theory in force varies with the place and the time. The product liability case is initiated on the grounds of one or more of the theories acceptable to the court. The chapter first introduces the range of theories that exist, then comments on international variations, and lastly suggests how the factors practitioner can contribute to product liability prevention. This chapter is intended to provide a simplified layperson’s introduction to the topic and does not replace the expert advice of a qualified professional.
Parental transfers, student achievement, and the labor supply of college students

Using nationally representative data from the NLSY97 and a simultaneous equations model, this paper analyzes the financial motivations for and the effects of employment on U.S. college students’ academic performance. The data confirm the predictions of the theoretical model that lower parental transfers and greater costs of attending college increase the number of hours students work while in school, although students are not very responsive to these financial motivations. They also provide some evidence that greater hours of work lead to lower grade point averages (GPAs).