Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constant-Blocklength Multiple-Rate LDPC Codes for Analog-Decoding Implementations

This paper describes and analyzes low-density parity-check codes for a variety of different rates that all share the same fundamental decoder architecture. This technique allows the design of programmable analog LDPC decoders for different rates. An important advantage of this approach is that all effective code rates have the same blocklength as opposed shortening and puncturing that reduce the effective blocklenght as the rate changes. The proposed design method maintains good graphical properties and hence low error floors for all rates.
Exploiting Domain Knowledge with a Concurrent

Based on recent research about coordinating concurrent hierarchical plans (CHiPs), we introduce a sound and complete hierarchical planner that can better reason about precomputed conditions (summary information) of abstract plans to potentially make better reenement decisions than previous approaches. A reasonable criticism of this technique is that the summary information can grow exponentially as it is propagated up a plan hierarchy. This paper analyzes the complexity of the problem to show that in spite of this exponential growth, nding solutions at higher levels is still exponentially cheaper than at lower levels. In addition, this paper ooers heuristics, including \fewest threats rst" (FTF) and \ex-pand most threats rst" (EMTF), that take advantage of summary information to smartly direct the search for a global plan. Experiments show that for a particular domain these heuris-tics could greatly improve the search for the optimal global plan compared to two other heuristics (FAF and ExCon) that have both been successful in Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) planning.
Information retrieval for probabilistic pattern matching based on neural network

Distributed information systems tend to be highly heterogeneous, integrating different computer platforms, data storage structure, different database management systems and schemas which converted data structure under one model to data structure under a different model. For these reasons, a probabilistic pattern matching framework based on neural network is introduced. Our approach gives a probabilistic interpretation of the prediction weights of the candidates, selects the rule set with highest matching probability. Pattern matching is the problem of finding correspondences (mapping rules, e.g. logical formulae) between heterogeneous schemas e.g. in the data exchange domain. Through the union formulae, distributed information system may achieve uniform retrieval and provide a strong reference for the research of information retrieval.
Lagrange Relaxation and Constraint Programming Collaborative schemes for Traveling Tournament Problems

This paper presents a study of hybrid algorithms combining Lagrange relaxation and constraint programming on a problem combining round-robin assignment and travel optimization. Traveling Tournament Problems (TTP) have been identified a year ago as very hard problems requiring combinations from techniques of Operations Research (OR) and Constraint Programming (CP). Indeed, constrained round robin tournament problems are now best solved using CP with global constraints while traveling salesman problems are best solved using integer programming (IP) techniques. Our problem of interest, TTP, is a good candidate for hybrid CP-OR approaches, since neither of the pure approaches generalizes to the full problem: pure IP methods fail to take the general round-robin structure into account, while pure CP is penalized with weak global lower bounds for travel optimization. This paper targets another kind of hybrids, combining Lagrange Relaxation techniques with CP. We show how the relaxation can not only provide a rich global bound which limits the search but can also give feasible fragments of solutions that can be used as seeds for building tournaments or as guides for efficient branching.
Use of Ethical SEO Methodologies to Achieve Top Rankings in Top Search Engines

In this research project an empirical study was done on the application of ethical SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques to a website (www.uvasys.com), in an attempt to increase its visibility to the three main search engines. Neither paid placement nor any black hat techniques were considered. A literature survey has established that there are a number of proposed techniques that could be used to achieve high visibility. However, no reference could be found to empirical work proving these claims. An evaluation of the chosen website proved that it had virtually no visibility. The methodology involved the measurement of visibility, re-engineering of the website according to the elements indicated by the survey, and subsequent re-measurement. The results indicated that the website now occupied first position on the three top search engines for a number of selected keyword definitions. It can be concluded that the implementation of ethical methodologies, careful placing of text and the use of key phrases can dramatically increase the visibility of a real-world website.
CRENÇAS DE DUAS ALUNAS-PROFESORAS SOBRE O ENSINO DE INGLÊS COMO LÍNGUA ESTRANGEIRA EM ESCOLA PÚBLICA

The present work aimed at analysing two student-teachers’ (ST) beliefs in an undergraduate course in Letras-Ingles about the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) in public schools. With the objective of investigating the possible changes in the ST’s beliefs occurred between the beginning of Practicum and the teaching practice period, an interpretative analysis, of materials produced by the participants in 2006, was developed. Based on this analysis, an open questionnaire and an interview were carried out in 2007. Data triangulation resulted in the production of meaning, in the light of the works of authors such as Barcelos (2001) and Borg (2003). Results indicate that some of the ST’s beliefs about EFL teaching in public schools changed after the beginning of the teaching practice.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE SETTLINGOF POLYDISPERSE SUSPENSIONS OF SPHERESR

The extension of Kynch’s kinematical theory of ideal suspensions to polydisperse suspensions of spheres leads to a nonlinear system of conservation laws for the volumetric concentration of each species. In this work, we consider particle species different in sizes and densities, including the buoyant case. We show that modern shock-capturing numerical schemes for the solution of systems of conservation laws can be employed as an efficient tool for the simulation of the settling and separation of polydisperse suspensions. This is demonstrated by comparison with published experimental and theoretical results and by simulating some hypothetical configurations. Particular attention is focused on the emergence of rarefaction waves. q 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Levenstein and Suslow : What Determines Cartel Success ? 45

Following George Stigler (1964), many economists assume that incentive problems undermine attempts by firms to collude to raise prices and restrict output. But the potential profits from collusion can create a powerful incentive as well. Theory cannot tell us, a priori, which effect will dominate: whether or when cartels succeed is thus an empirical question. We examine a wide variety of empirical studies of cartels to answer the following questions: (1) Can cartels succeed? (2) If so, for how long? (3) What impact do cartels have? (4) What causes cartels to break up? We conclude that many cartels do survive, and that the distribution of duration is bimodal. While the average duration of cartels across a range of studies is about five years, many cartels break up very quickly (i.e., in less than a year). But there are many others that last between five and ten years, and some that last decades. Limited evidence suggests that cartels are able to increase prices and profits, to varying degrees. Cartels can also affect other non-price variables, including advertising, innovation, investment, barriers to entry, and concentration. Cartels break up occasionally because of cheating or lack of effective monitoring, but the biggest challenges cartels face are entry and adjustment of the collusive agreement in response to changing economic conditions. Cartels that develop organizational structures that allow them the flexibility to respond to these changing conditions are more likely to survive. Price wars that erupt are often the result of bargaining issues that arise in such circumstances. Sophisticated cartel organizations are also able to develop multipronged strategies to monitor one another to deter cheating and a variety of interventions to increase barriers to entry.
Feedback Provision Strategies in Intelligent Tutoring Systems Based on Clustered Solution Spaces

Designing an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) usually requires precise models of the underlying domain, as well as of how a human tutor would respond to student mistakes. As such, the applicability of ITSs is typically restricted to welldefined domains where such a formalization is possible. The extension of ITSs to ill-defined domains constitutes a challenge. In this paper, we propose the provision of feedback based on solution spaces which are automatically clustered by machine learning techniques operating on sets of student solutions. We validated our approach in an expert evaluation with a data set from a programming course. The evaluation confirmed the feasibility of the proposed feedback provision strategies.
Reduction in IκB Kinase α Expression Promotes the Development of Skin Papillomas and Carcinomas

We reported recently a marked reduction in IκB kinase α (IKKα) expression in a large proportion of human poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and the occurrence of Ikkα mutations in human SCCs. In addition, overexpression of IKKα in the epidermis inhibited the development of skin carcinomas and metastases in mice. However, whether a reduction in IKKα expression promotes skin tumor development is currently unknown. Here, we assessed the susceptibility of Ikkα hemizygotes to chemical carcinogen-induced skin carcinogenesis. Ikkα +/− mice developed 2 times more papillomas and 11 times more carcinomas than did Ikkα +/+ mice. The tumors were larger in Ikkα +/− than in Ikkα +/+ mice, but tumor latency was shorter in Ikkα +/− than in Ikkα +/+ mice. Some of the Ikkα +/− papillomas and most Ikkα +/− carcinomas lost the remaining Ikkα wild-type allele. Somatic Ikkα mutations were detected in carcinomas and papillomas. The chemical carcinogen-induced H- Ras mutations were detected in all the tumors. The phorbol ester tumor promoter induced higher mitogenic and angiogenic activities in Ikkα +/− than in Ikkα +/+ skin. These elevated activities were intrinsic to keratinocytes, suggesting that a reduction in IKKα expression provided a selective growth advantage, which cooperated with H- Ras mutations to promote papilloma formation. Furthermore, excessive extracellular signal-regulated kinase and IKK kinase activities were observed in carcinomas compared with those in papillomas. Thus, the combined mitogenic, angiogenic, and IKK activities might contribute to malignant conversion. Our findings provide evidence that a reduction in IKKα expression promotes the development of papillomas and carcinomas and that the integrity of the Ikkα gene is required for suppressing skin carcinogenesis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(19):9158–68]
EXPLORING USE OF EXERGAMES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES AS A WAY TO CURB OBESITY AND PROMOTE HEALTH IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN ZIMBABWE

We now survive in a risk society especially when we look at the type of food that is consumed together with the fact that children and adolescents are inactive in most of the times is an issue that can be averted by promoting exercise and activity in the group. Computers, TV, cell phones, and computer video games are currently integral to the daily lives of our students. On the other hand, obesity has been an issue that has been lately affecting children and adolescents who spend most of their time glued to these gadgets which encourage inactivity. Straker and Abbott (2007) commented on the consequences caused by technology such as TV, computers, video games, smart phones which they said promoted sedentary lifestyles, poor physical and mental health, obesity in children and adolescents and cardiac diseases in children. There are several ways that have been employed to try and fight childhood and adolescent obesity in various aspects and this has been done due to introducing relevant technology that promotes activity. Technology has been in use in physical education for example; use of heart rate monitors, pedometers and video analysis of games. Use of information technology in teaching physical education can be of much help in physical activity if it also considers activity based technology. Use of technology should not be however looked at as a substitute to replace physical activity or physical education teachers. Technology and exergames have been noted for their ability to encourage participation in Physical Education (PE). Tracking personal progress provides a mechanism for students to become cognitively involved with their fitness through a process of critical reflection. Implications of introducing exergames which are new active video games to the school curriculum can be considered in the wake of information technology. Perhaps it is also prudent to look at how these games can be used as part of the Zimbabwean PE school curriculum. Article visualizations:
Elites and Society as Political Actors in Post-Soviet Russia

The paper looks at social and psychological changes in Russian society during Putin’s third presidency. This period is unique for Post-Soviet transformation of the Russian state. It differs from the previous political development in many ways. First of all we deal with an old, but new leader with his newly obtained experience of the premiership. Second, Russian society is not the same as in his previous presidencies. Third, tremendous changes have occurred in internal political context not to mention global context of Putin’s third term. The paper is based on two largescale empirical studies undertaken by the Sociology and Psychology of politics chair in Department of Politics, Lomonosov Moscow University under author’s guidance. The first study focuses on the images of Russian politics, political values and concepts reflected in the minds of Russian citizens in current electoral cycle. In particular, special attention is paid to the way, citizens perceive power, political institutions, state, parliament and leaders. The paper discusses recent trends in political perception of Russian society. The second study is devoted to the analysis of Russian political elites. Acting deputies of Duma, governors, leaders of 4 parliamentary political parties and ministers of the government were studied in this project from the point of view of their biographical trajectories, political views, values, concepts, motives and other social psychological characteristics. Both projects use new original methods that permit to reveal and describe a “human dimension” of politics.
The Case of Teacher Tracking at Leon Middle School

Derrick Lindsey, a Black teacher at Leon Middle School, has high aspirations for his career in education and hopes to become an outstanding teacher and transformative educator. He is enthusiastic about his job and passionate about his students; however, he cannot help but notice that there are some serious inequities occurring at Leon. Of primary concern is the long-standing, disproportionate assignment of Black faculty to less prestigious courses and White faculty to better-resourced classrooms in Leon’s International Baccalaureate program. The root of Leon’s issues begins to unravel as Derrick voices his concerns about the mistreatment of Black faculty to Principal Anderson. This case study explores the damaging effects of teacher tracking and asks readers to consider the consequences of these decisions on school climate and the retention of diverse faculty.
Grazing Effects on Some of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil

13 3 Abstract: This paper studies short-term effects of grazing management on some of the physical and chemical characteristics of soil in steppe rangelands of Saveh (Markazi Province of Iran). Thus, features such as phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, acidity and soil bulk density have been studied within two projects of range management; the Nemati rangeland with a rest-rotation grazing system for 10 years (moderate grazing intensity) and the Shirali rangeland with continuous grazing during the year (severe grazing intensity). The obtained data was compared with that of a rangeland, which had been excluded for four years. Studies showed that elements such as phosphorus and potassium in the Shirali rangeland are more than the other two regions. However, nitrogen and organic carbon, pH and soil bulk density were not significantly different in these three areas. The results indicate that enclosure and rest-rotation grazing system with moderate grazing intensity leads to small changes in some of the physical and chemical characteristics of soil. Therefore, the effect of management on soil properties requires a longer time in the steppe rangelands.
Detecting and tracking people by mobile robot using structured light range sensor

An effective human-robot interaction is essential for wide penetration of mobile home robots into the market. The ability to track human in the home environment is one of fundamental functions of home robots. In this paper, we introduce a prototype of Samsung home robot (SHR) developed by Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) and present a scheme of tracking user movement utilizing a structured light range sensor. The structured light range sensor is considered to be cost-effective and robust for a wide range of environment; however, its low resolution of range data tends to extract wrong features for the human tracking, such as table legs, trash cans, door-edges, etc. To compromise this weakness, we have developed an algorithm that excludes those features that do not come from human legs. Efficacy and robustness of this proposed system were examined through experiments in the real home environment.
Comparison of PSDA and CCA detection methods in a SSVEP-based BCI-system

Using steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems is the subject of a lot of research. One of the most popular and widely used detection method is using a power spectral density analysis (PSDA). Lately there have been some new methods emerging, one of them is using canonical correlation analysis (CCA) which seems to have some promising improvements and advantages compared to traditional SSVEP detection methods, like better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lower inter-subject variability and the possibility to use harmonic frequencies, i.e., a serie of frequencies which have the same fundamental frequency. In this research two different SSVEP detection methods, one using PSDA and one using CCA are compared. The results show that the CCA-based detection method performs significantly better than the PSDA-based detection method. The increase of performance can in particular be seen when using harmonic frequencies. While the PSDA-based detection method has difficulties detecting harmonic frequencies, the CCA-based detection method is able to detect harmonic frequencies.
Poder Revelado: Contexto Histórico e a Estratégia Como Prática Social Sob a Luz De Foucault / Power Revealed: Historical Context and Strategy as Social Practice Alighted by Foucault

O objetivo deste artigo e analisar, sob a otica da estrategia como pratica social, as caracteristicas de discurso de um planejamento estrategico de uma empresa junior. O estudo de caso tem a metodologia analise de discurso, iluminado pelo conceito de poder centralizador de Foucault. O poder e fenomeno centralizador, mas concentrando uma imagem de cooperacao, tentando passar nao so para os funcionarios, mas tambem para os leitores, que a construcao da empresa e feita de forma coletiva e a favor de uma harmonia conjunta, o que, de acordo com as analises, mostrou-se incompativel com a realidade. Palavras-Chave: Planejamento Estrategico. Poder. Discurso. Pratica Social. ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to analyze, from the perspective of strategy as a social practice, the speech characteristics of a strategic planning a junior company. The case study is a discourse analysis methodology, illuminated by centralizing power concept of Foucault. Power is centralized phenomenon, but focusing an image of cooperation, trying to pass not only for employees but also for the readers, the construction company is made collectively and in favor of a joint harmony, which according with analysis proved to be incompatible with reality. Key Words: Strategic Planning. Power. Speech. Social Practice.
Improving quality of code generated from OCL expressions

In this paper, we briefly describe existing principles and stages for generating code from OCL expressions pointing out the drawbacks that cause inefficiencies of the resulting code. The proposed improvement of the transformation is based on extended abstract syntax trees (AST) with context-specific attributes. Principles for defining such attributes on AST trees and an example of transformation is presented.
Modeling risk for SOD nationwide: what are the effects of model choice on risk prediction?

Phytophthora ramorum has the potential to infect many forest types found throughout the United States. Efforts to model the potential habitat for P. ramorum and sudden oak death (SOD) are important for disease regulation and management. Yet, spatial models using identical data can have differing results. In this paper we examine the results from five types of models generated from common input parameters, and investigate model agreement for distribution of risk for P. ramorum. We examine five models: (1) Rule-based, (2) Logistic regression, (3) Classification and Regression Trees, (4) Genetic Algorithm modeling, and (5) Support Vector Machines. The models differed in terms of parametric and non-parametric requirements, necessity for presence/absence data, and whether or not the explanatory variables were determined a priori or revealed during the model process. Nationwide input data included vegetation/host (hardwood diversity and hardwood density), topography, and climate (e.g. precipitation, frost days, temperature, and many other layers). We developed a risk map for the conterminous United States in which probabilities for P. ramorum disease establishment were based not on one model, but on agreement between multiple models. The five models were consistent in their prediction of some SOD risk in coastal CA, OR and WA. All models predicted some risk in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in CA. Outside of the west coast, the combined models predicted highest risk for SOD in a east-west oriented band including eastern OK, central AR, TN, KY, northern MI, AL, GA and SC, parts of central NC, and eastern VA, DL and MD. The paper also discusses issues of input data accuracy, coverage, availability of nationwide host datasets, data scale, and model computational requirements. Although theoretical in nature, the results of this paper have practical and applied value for managers and regulators of this disease.