Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spinning the Stories of our Lives

SUMMARY The way people talk about past events can affect the way they remember them (Tversky & Marsh, 2000). The current research explores how people naturally talk about events from their own lives. Participants recorded what, when, and how they told others about events from their lives. In general, participants talked about recent emotional events, and told them primarily to peers in order to convey facts and/or to entertain. Not all distorted retellings were regarded as ‘inaccurate. ’ Participants labeled 61% of their retellings as distorted (containing exaggerations, omissions, minimizations, or additions) but only 42% of their retellings as inaccurate. Social context shaped the stories people told: they changed stories for different audiences; they exaggerated to entertain and simplified to inform. People construct stories as they retrieve and use memories in a social context. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sparse 3 D Reconstruction by Edgel Sweeping

This paper introduces a method for the fast generation of sparse 3D point clouds from multiple oriented images. We use a plane sweeping scheme to compute the 3D location of edge features. A two step approach is used to find a set of tentative hypotheses, which are then refined in an optimization pass. A robust image-based similarity measure is used to verify the 3D hypotheses and identify false positives. We performed experiments on a synthetic data set and on several real datasets.
Do Performance Goals Lead Students to Game the System?

Students approach the learning opportunity offered by intelligent tutoring systems with a variety of goals and attitudes. These goals and attitudes can substantially affect students' behavior within the tutor, and how much the student learns. One behavior that has been found to be associated with poorer learning is gaming the system, where a student attempts to complete problems and advance through an educational task by systematically taking advantage of properties and regularities in the system used to complete that task. It has been hypothesized that students game the system because of performance goals. In this paper, however, we find that the frequency of gaming the system does not correlate to a known measure of performance goals; instead, gaming is correlated to disliking computers and the tutor. Performance goals, by contrast, are shown to be associated with working slowly and avoiding errors, and are found to not be correlated to differences in learning outcomes.
THE "RULE OF THREE": A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE POLITICAL PROBLEM OF COMPETING OBJECTIVES FOR ROAD PRICING. IN: URBAN TRANSPORT

Twenty-five years ago the Smeed Report said that road pricing was technicaly feasible and environmentally desirable. Current technical developments in electronics and concerns with the environmental effects of traffic, reinforce that case. There are two main parts to the argument. First, it has always been argued that road pricing would increase economic and transport efficiency. This is valid but some crucial points of the proof of that argument have never been given much attention when using the classical diagrams and equations. Unfortunately, they are the parts that have political implications, and this explains why implementing road pricing has been so politically difficult. Secondly, exactly the same political difficulties, if re-analyzed, provide a different specification of the objectives of road pricing. This will resolve many of the new problems, and also create the basis of a completely new alignment of political and pressure groups that can unify rather than divide those who can benefit.
Automated Visual Surveillance Using Hidden Markov Models

This paper describes an automated visual surveillance system that detects suspicious human activity in a scene. The system is designed to: 1) detect and track people in the scene, 2) recognize the “normal” activities in the scene, and 3) detect anomalous activity by finding sufficiently large deviations from the normal activity patterns. The stochastic time-sequence recognition framework of the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) forms the basis of activity recognition and anomaly detection. We have implemented the system to monitor an office corridor in real-time using a Pentium III machine running Windows 2000. The results show that the system correctly classifies examples of normal activities in the corridor and identifies a mock break-in attempt as suspicious activity.
Secret-sharing schemes based on self-dual codes

Secret sharing is an important topic in cryptography and has applications in information security. We use self-dual codes to construct secret-sharing schemes. We use combinatorial properties and invariant theory to understand the access structure of these secret-sharing schemes. We describe two techniques to determine the access structure of the scheme, the first arising from design properties in codes and the second from the Jacobi weight enumerator, and invariant theory.
D-FLAT: Declarative problem solving using tree decompositions and answer-set programming

Abstract In this work, we propose Answer-Set Programming (ASP) as a tool for rapid prototyping of dynamic programming algorithms based on tree decompositions. In fact, many such algorithms have been designed, but only a few of them found their way into implementation. The main obstacle is the lack of easy-to-use systems which (i) take care of building a tree decomposition and (ii) provide an interface for declarative specifications of dynamic programming algorithms. In this paper, we present D-FLAT, a novel tool that relieves the user of having to handle all the technical details concerned with parsing, tree decomposition, the handling of data structures, etc. Instead, it is only the dynamic programming algorithm itself which has to be specified in the ASP language. D-FLAT employs an ASP solver in order to compute the local solutions in the dynamic programming algorithm. In the paper, we give a few examples illustrating the use of D-FLAT and describe the main features of the system. Moreover, we report experiments which show that ASP-based D-FLAT encodings for some problems outperform monolithic ASP encodings on instances of small treewidth.
TR-2008-003 Sample clustering of flow cytometry data

Flow cytometry technique produces large, multidimensional datasets of individual cells that are helpful for biomedical science and clinical research. Given the size of the data, efficient computational analysis techniques are necessary to assist researchers in understanding and interpreting the data. Automatic cluster analysis of samples based on flow cytometry data is a powerful and promising technique for identifying separate sub-groups of patient samples. To overcome challenges posed by the irregularities and the high dimensions of the data, the current paper explores efficient feature reduction techniques based on regression analysis. Experiments clustering data from the Protective Immunity Project (PIP) shows the effectiveness of the approach.
Syllable structure in spoken Arabic: a comparative investigation

The aim of this study is to demonstrate that rhythm variation across Arabic dialects is to a great extent correlated with the different types of syllabic structure observed in these dialects, especially with regard to the relative complexity of onsets and codas. The main focus is on the relationship between syllabic structures on the one hand, and rhythm classes based on segmental duration on the other. Rhythmic variations in Arabic dialects based on proportions of vocalic and consonantal intervals were described in [1] following experimental procedures put forth by [2]. The present investigation consists in computing the frequency of occurrence of the different types of syllables in Moroccan, Tunisian and Lebanese Arabic representing different areas along the dialect continuum. The experimental data is based on the production of 10 minutes of spontaneous speech by Moroccan, Tunisian and Lebanese subjects. The results show that the syllabic patterns observed could be useful in characterizing the different Arabic dialects and may also constitute a basis for discriminating between them. The occurrence of the various types of syllables is significantly different from one dialect to another; the percentage of simple syllables and long vowels (CV, CVC, CVV, CVVC…) is higher in Lebanese Arabic. Moroccan Arabic, on the other hand, shows a tendency towards a high percentage of complex syllables (CCVC, CCVCC,.etc) and short vowels.
SQL extension for exploring multiple tables

The standard SQL assumes that the users are aware of all tables and their schemas to write queries. This assumption may be valid when the users deal with a relatively small number of tables, but writing a SQL query on a large number of tables is often challenging; (1) the users do not know what tables are relevant to their query, (2) it is too cumbersome to explicitly list tens of (or even hundreds of) relevant tables in the FROM clause and (3) the schemas of those tables are not identical. We now propose an intuitive yet powerful extension to SQL that helps users explore and aggregate information spread over a large number of tables.
Prevalence and Incidence of Memory Complaints in Employed Compared to Non-Employed Aged 55–64 Years and the Role of Employment Characteristics

Objectives To examine the association of employment status and characteristics with prevalent and incident memory complaints (MC) in 55–64-year-olds. Methods Subjects were participants of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). Respondents with baseline data were selected to examine the association of employment status (n = 1525) and employment characteristics (n = 1071) with prevalent MC (i.e., MC at baseline). Respondents without MC at baseline were selected to examine the association of employment (n = 526) and employment characteristics (n = 379; working hours, job prestige, job level, psychological job demands, iso-strain) with incident MC (i.e., no MC at baseline and MC at three-year follow-up). Associations were adjusted for relevant covariates (demographics, memory performance, physical health, mental health, personality traits). Logistic regression was applied. Data were weighed according to gender and age of the Dutch population. Results At baseline 20.5% reported MC. At three-year follow-up, 15.4% had incident MC. No associations were found between employment status and MC. Adjusted analysis revealed that individuals with high occupational cognitive demands were more likely to have prevalent MC. Conclusions Middle-aged workers are equally as likely to experience MC as non-working age-peers. Among workers, those with cognitively demanding work were more likely to experience MC, independent of memory performance. Memory decline due to ageing may be noticed sooner in 55–64-year-olds performing cognitively demanding work.
Syndecan-4 signalling inhibits apoptosis and controls NFAT activity during myocardial damage and remodelling.

AIMS Myocardial infarction (MI) results in acute impairment of left ventricular (LV) function through the initial development of cardiomyocyte death and subsequent progression of LV remodelling. The expression of syndecan-4 (Sdc4), a transmembrane proteoglycan, is up-regulated after MI, but its function in the heart remains unknown. Here, we characterize the effects of Sdc4 deficiency in murine myocardial ischaemia and permanent infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS Targeted deletion of Sdc4 (Sdc4(-/-)) leads to increased myocardial damage after ischaemic-reperfusion injury due to enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis associated with reduced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. After ischaemic-reperfusion injury and permanent infarction, we observed an increase in cardiomyocyte area, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), and transcription of the NFAT target rcan1.4 in wild-type mice. NFAT pathway activation was enhanced in Sdc4(-/-) mice. In line with the in vivo data, NFAT activation and hypertrophy occurs in isolated cardiomyocytes with reduced Sdc4 expression during phenylephrine stimulation in vitro. Despite the initially increased myocardial damage, echocardiography revealed improved LV geometry and function in Sdc4(-/-) mice 7 days after MI. CONCLUSION Interception of the Sdc4 pathway enhances infarct expansion and hypertrophic remodelling during early infarct healing in ischaemic-reperfusion injury and permanent infarction mouse models and exerts net beneficial effects on LV function.
Effects of a nonlinear pedagogy intervention programme on the emergent tactical behaviours of youth footballers

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study analysed the effects of a training intervention programme using principles of Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP) on the decision making (DM) and performance behaviours (P) of youth footballers. Method: 19 footballers (U12 yrs) participated in 14 training sessions, spread over three phases: Pre-intervention, Intervention, Retention. The intervention was based on Small-Sided and Conditioned Games. We assessed progress during the intervention phase at two different points: intermediate and final. The GPET instrument was used to analyse the DM and P during the completion of 3208 passes in the intervention. Results: Results shown significant improvements in the DM and P after the intermediate and final points of the acquisition phase. Moreover, significantly higher values were also obtained in both variables in the retention, compared to the pre-intervention phase. Conclusion: Results indicated that the NLP intervention programme was effective in improving both aspects of team games performance in youth players, with effects consolidated over time.
How People Use the Web in Large Indoor Spaces

We report a preliminary study of mobile Web behaviour in a large indoor retail space. By analysing a Web log collected over a 1 year period at an inner city shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, we found that 1) around 60% of registered Wi-Fi users actively browse the Internet, and the rest 40% do not, with around 10% of these users using Web search engines. Around 70% of this Web activity in the investigated mall come from frequent visitors; 2) the content that indoor users search for is different from the content they consume while browsing; 3) the popularity of future indoor search queries can be predicted with a simple theoretical model based on past queries treated as a weighted directed graph. The work described in this paper underpins applications such as the prediction of users' information needs, retail recommendation systems, and improving the mobile Web search experience.
Vascular dementia by thalamic strategic infarct.

The thalamic nuclei may be classified in five functional classes and include associative and limbic ones. Branches from the posterior cerebral cir-culation supply different nuclear groups and intrathalam-ic tract fibers. The syndromes may be classified consider-ing functional characteristics of the damaged nuclei and the affected vascular territories
Assessment of prescription profile of pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics

Managing medical complications in pregnancy is a challenge to clinicians. Objectives This study profiled some disease and prescription patterns for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in Nigeria. A risk classification of the medicines was also determined. Methods Medical case files of 1,200 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of 3 health facilities in Benin City, Nigeria were investigated. Disease pattern was determined from their diagnoses. The prescription pattern was assessed using WHO indicators, and the United States Food and Drug Administration classification of medicines according to risk to the foetus. Results A total of 1,897 prescriptions of the 1,200 pregnant women attendees during the period under review were evaluated. Results indicated that malaria 554 (38%) was the most prevalent disease, followed by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs, 13%) and gastrointestinal disturbances (GIT, 12%). The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was found to be 3.0, and 2,434 (43%) of medicines were prescribed by generic name. Minerals/ Vitamins 2,396 (42%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines, and antibiotics occurred in 502 (8.8%) of the total medicines. Of all medicines prescribed, 984 (17%) were included in the foetal risk category C and 286 (5%) in category D. Conclusion The study concluded that malaria fever occurred most frequently followed by URTIs and GIT disturbances among the pregnant women. Minerals, vitamins and to a less extent antimalarials topped the list of the prescribed medicines. The average number of medicines per encounter was much higher than WHO standards. The occurrence of contraindicated medicines was low.
Adaptive output zero-bias tracking control of 1DOF AMB suspension system

AMB (Active Magnetic Bearing) technology based multi-degree-of-freedom positioning systems is a very promising solution to many precise motion problems. In some applications, such as the photolithography process, AMB based positioning system can be used to carry tools of unknown geometry and mass. To avoid the positioning stage tracking performance degradation due to unknown payload, adaptive control methods should be used. Although the subject of adaptive control algorithms for the AMB based rotating machinery was widely studied in the past, due to some differences, the available results can not be applied in a straight-forward manner to the precise AMB based positioning systems. This paper contributes to the field of precise AMB based positioning stages by presenting design and implementation of an adaptive control algorithm for a 1DOF (degree-of-freedom) AMB based suspension system. In this study we assume that the payload and electromagnetic coefficient values of the plant are unknown and only the output measurements are available as a feedback. In addition, the control currents computed by the presented algorithm are free of a bias term. The control law in this papers solves the trajectory tracking problem, and its effectiveness was verified experimentally.
Towards a Perception Based Image Editing System

The primary goal of this research is to develop a perception based image editing system. The input to this system will be either a rendered image, a photograph, or a high dynamic range image. We are currently developing techniques that allow the user to edit these images in a perceptually intuitive manner. Specifically we are considering the following image editing features: (1) warm cool image adjustment, (2) intensity adjustment, (3) contrast adjustment, and (4) detail adjustment. The algorithms we are developing can be used either in an interactive editing system or for automatic image adjustment. Read complete abstract on page 2.
The Employment Situation of Students in their Final Semester at FCyA-UNAM and the Family ' s Socioeconomic Level

It is commonly believed that students enter the job market to cover their family's economic needs, and such reasoning is often utilized to explain the interruption or deceleration of a student's planned course of study. However, few studies have been conducted on the topic in Mexico. An earlier study discovered that among first-semester students at UNAM'S school of accounting and administration (FCyA), the two factors primarily associated with student employment were gender and age; the schooling and occupation of both parents (taken as indicators of socioeconomic level) did not show any relationship with the students' working status. Therefore, a decision was made to compare the same variables with students in their final semester of school. The previous results were confirmed: the relative importance of socioeconomic variables had very low weight in explaining student employment. Various reasons are presented to explain the outcome and future lines of inquiry are suggested.
Review of Flooding Attack Detection in AODV Protocol for Mobile Ad-hoc Network

Ad Hoc Networks are extremely vulnerable to attacks due to their dynamically changing topology, absence of conventional security infrastructures, vulnerability of nodes and channels and open medium of communication. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS) attacks are two of the most harmful threats to the network functionality. The Prevention methods like authentication and cryptography techniques alone are not able to provide the security to these types of networks. Therefore, efficient intrusion detection must be deployed to facilitate the identification and isolation of attacks. Major attacks on Mobile Ad hoc networks are flooding, selective forwarding, sinkhole, wormhole etc. We have presented various intrusion detection techniques in MANET. Then we have proposed a method to detect flooding attack in MANET.
Disruption of a rice gene for α-glucan water dikinase, OsGWD1, leads to hyperaccumulation of starch in leaves but exhibits limited effects on growth

To identify potential regulators of photoassimilate partitioning, we screened for rice mutant plants that accumulate high levels of starch in the leaf blades, and a mutant line leaf starch excess 1 (LSE1) was obtained and characterized. The starch content in the leaf blades of LSE1 was more than 10-fold higher than that in wild-type plants throughout the day, while the sucrose content was unaffected. The gene responsible for the LSE1 phenotype was identified by gene mapping to be a gene encoding α-glucan water dikinase, OsGWD1 (Os06g0498400), and a 3.4-kb deletion of the gene was found in the mutant plant. Despite the hyperaccumulation of starch in their leaf blades, LSE1 plants exhibited no significant change in vegetative growth, presenting a clear contrast to the reported mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana and Lotus japonicus in which disruption of the genes for α-glucan water dikinase leads to marked inhibition of vegetative growth. In reproductive growth, however, LSE1 exhibited fewer panicles per plant, lower percentage of ripened grains and smaller grains; consequently, the grain yield was lower in LSE1 plants than in wild-type plants by 20~40%. Collectively, although α-glucan water dikinase was suggested to have universal importance in leaf starch degradation in higher plants, the physiological priority of leaf starch in photoassimilate allocation may vary among plant species.