Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Designing an Educational and Intelligent Human-Computer Interface for Older Adults

DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR CREATING ACCESSIBLE HUMANCOMPUTER INTERFACES FOR OLDER ADULTS Drew M. Williams, B.S. Marquette University, 2014 As computing devices continue to become more heavily integrated into our lives, proper design of human-computer interfaces becomes a more important topic of discussion. Efficient and useful human-computer interfaces need to take into account the abilities of the humans who will be using such interfaces, and adapt to difficulties that different users may face – such as the particular difficulties older users must face. However, various issues in the design of human-computer interfaces for older users yet exist: a wide variance of ability is displayed by older adults, which can be difficult to design for. Motions and notions found intuitive by younger users can be anything but for the older user. Properly-designed devices must also assist without injuring the pride and independence of the users – thus, it’s understood that devices designed “for the elderly” may encounter a poor reception when introduced to the ageing community. Affective computing gives current researchers in HCI a useful opportunity to develop applications with interfaces that detect mood and attention via nonverbal cues and take appropriate actions accordingly. Current work in affective computing applications with older adult users points to possibilities reducing feelings of loneliness in the older adult population via these affective applications. However, we believe that everyday applications – such as chat programs or operating systems – can also take advantage of affective computing principles to make themselves more accessible for older adults, via communication enhancement. In this thesis, we document a variety of work in the field of developing humancomputer interfaces for the older adult user, and the various requirements each of these studies confirm regarding human-computer interaction design for the elderly. We then explain how integration of affective computing can positively affect these designs, and outline a design approach for proper human-computer interfaces for the elderly which take into account affective computing principles. We then develop a case study around a chat application – ChitChat – which takes these principles and guidelines into account from the beginning, and give several examples of real-world applications also built with these guidelines. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the broader impacts of this work.
Field emission characteristics of SnO 2 /CNTs composites prepared by microwave-assisted wet impregnation

The SnO2/CNT composites were prepared by microwave-assisted wet impregnation at 60°C. The process was optimized by varying the microwave power and reaction time. Raman analysis showed the typical features of the rutile phase of as-synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles on CNTs, which was consistent with the results from X-ray diffraction. Enhanced field emission performance was observed for SnO2/CNTs composite prepared by a microwave method when compared to pure CNTs and SnO2/CNTs composite prepared by conventional wet impregnation. The dependence of emission current density on the electric field followed a Fowler-Nordheim relationship.
An urban traffic extension of a freeway driver model for use in the OpenTraffic® open source traffic simulation

This paper presents an extension of a microscopic freeway driver model for urban traffic. As urban traffic is more complex than freeway traffic, and because scientific models require extensive development, scientific models are often limited to freeways. For urban studies commercial software is often used. Models describing the behaviour in commercial software are only known to researchers into a limited extent, making them unsuitable for driver behaviour studies. Commercial software is therefore often used for studies on traffic control or safety. This paper fills some of the gap for urban driver behaviour models. Adaptations to the freeway model include an additional lane change incentive regarding intersections and an increased willingness to accelerate. New sub-models are presented for traffic lights and priority conflict. The latter includes courtesy yielding, yielding for priority traffic and keeping conflicts clear. If these models are combined with models for other modes such as public transport, cyclists and pedestrians and with realistic traffic light controllers, driver behaviour in urban traffic becomes an accessible subject for simulation research.
Quantifying pyroconvective injection heights using observations of fire energy: sensitivity of spaceborne observations of carbon monoxide

Abstract. We use observations of active fire area and fire radiative power (FRP) from the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS), together with a parameterized plume rise model, to estimate biomass burning injection heights during 2006. We use these injection heights in the GEOS-Chem (Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry) atmospheric chemistry transport model to vertically distribute biomass burning emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and to study the resulting atmospheric distribution. For 2006, we use over half a million FRP and fire area observations as input to the plume rise model. We find that convective heat fluxes and active fire area typically lie in the range of 1–100 kW m−2 and 0.001–100 ha, respectively, although in rare circumstances the convective heat flux can exceed 500 kW m−2. The resulting injection heights have a skewed probability distribution with approximately 80% of the injections remaining within the local boundary layer (BL), with occasional injection height exceeding 8 km. We do not find a strong correlation between the FRP-inferred surface convective heat flux and the resulting injection height, with environmental conditions often acting as a barrier to rapid vertical mixing even where the convective heat flux and active fire area are large. We also do not find a robust relationship between the underlying burnt vegetation type and the injection height. We find that CO columns calculated using the MODIS-inferred injection height (MODIS-INJ) are typically −9 to +6% different to the control calculation in which emissions are emitted into the BL, with differences typically largest over the point of emission. After applying MOPITT (Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere) v5 scene-dependent averaging kernels we find that we are much less sensitive to our choice of injection height profile. The differences between the MOPITT and the model CO columns (max bias ~ 50%), due largely to uncertainties in emission inventories, are much larger than those introduced by the injection heights. We show that including a realistic diurnal variation in FRP (peaking in the afternoon) or accounting for subgrid-scale emission errors does not alter our main conclusions. Finally, we use a Bayesian maximum a posteriori approach constrained by MOPITT CO profiles to estimate the CO emissions but because of the inherent bias between model and MOPITT we find little impact on the resulting emission estimates. Studying the role of pyroconvection in the distribution of gases and particles in the atmosphere using global MOPITT CO observations (or any current spaceborne measurement of the atmosphere) is still associated with large errors, with the exception of a small subset of large fires and favourable environmental conditions, which will consequently lead to a bias in any analysis on a global scale.
Influence of Light Exposure during Cold Storage of Minimally Processed Vegetables (Valeriana sp.)

Minimally processed vegetables are sensitive to leaves discoloration and quality deterioration, and these negative aspects can affect their shelf life. During the manufacturing processing, Valeriana leaves were submitted to different dipping acid solutions and then were stored at cold temperature in dark and in light to study the influence of the light exposure on their quality in terms of total free acidity, dry matter percentage, colour, water activity, total bacterial count, antioxidant components, and total antioxidant activity. The results suggest that dark storage is recommended for a better physicochemical quality of Valeriana leaves. In particular, light influenced significantly the browning index and hue angle with a significance level of p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively, whereas both exposure conditions affected total bacterial count and pH (p<0.01). Dipping treatments had an effect on pH, aw, and total bacterial count, while the storage time influenced with highly significant differences the most of the studied parameters, except for the antioxidant compounds.
Extreme dissolved organic nitrogen fluxes in the human impacted Pamba River, Kerala, India

Abstract. Cultural eutrophication of coastal aquatic systems is a major undesired phenomenon of today, which is mainly ascribed to the application of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture. Consequently, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) is considered the major problem and widely studied. However, human interventions also strongly influence the riverine dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) concentrations and fluxes. Studies of nutrient inputs from tropical river catchments are biased towards DIN, even though they account for only a portion of the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) pool, whereas the rest is comprised of DON and has been largely ignored. The tropical Pamba River was studied because of its manifold human activities in the catchment and was sampled during the south west monsoon (SWM), north east monsoon (NEM) and the pre monsoon (PM) months during 2010 to 2013. The largest pilgrim center on earth, the Sabarimala temple, located in the upstream forest is a unique feature of the catchment. Fertilizer application, livestock farming and inadequate sewage treatment are the prevailing land use practices. The goals of this study were to (i) define cause-effect relationships by assessing the effect of various human interventions such as the pilgrims, agriculture and sewage disposal in combination with the seasonal variations in hydrology on the DON concentrations and fluxes and to (ii) quantify the inputs from respective land use segments. The global maximum DON concentration (29 302 μM) was measured for the Pamba River. Pilgrim activities, high population density, agricultural and livestock farming as well as the lack of infrastructure for sanitation facilities were the cause for extremely high DON concentrations and fluxes in the plantation and settlement with mixed tree crop (SMT) segments. A DON yield of 745 kg ha−1 yr−1 was calculated for the Pamba catchment. The total DON inputs from all quantifiable sources amounted to 514 kg ha−1 yr−1 comprising of 69% of the total Pamba DON yield. In the Pamba River, sewage is the major source of DON and the unique Sabarimala pilgrim event accounts for most of it. Nevertheless, sewage input from the rest of the densely-populated catchment is high, which is a common feature of developing countries that lack adequate sanitation and water technology, i.e. in South and Southeast Asia and tropical Africa. Our study shows that DON makes up a significant portion of anthropogenic nitrogen in rivers, in particular in those regions, which are, however, scarce in respective data. It underscores the need for more quantitative studies from densely-populated tropical river catchments in order to improve global nitrogen budgets and the assessment of the consequences of anthropogenic nitrogen inputs into coastal aquatic systems.
THE CHOICE OF OPTIMAL MONETARY POLICY INSTRUMENT FOR KENYA

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has over the years used monetary policy to stabilize both inflation and output using two instruments; interest rates and reserve money simultaneously. However, literature suggests that the two instruments used simultaneously will not be effective in hitting the monetary policy targets. In fact, the CBK has over the years missed its inflation target, a fact that could in part be explained by the use of the two instruments simultaneously. The CBK therefore must make a choice between the two instruments. Literature suggests that the choice depends on the economic environment of the country in question. Furthermore, some literature argues that a combination policy which is a mix of these two instruments may work better than either of the two used independently. Using data for the period 1994 to 2010 and an error correction model (ECM), this study establishes that the interest rates result in minimum losses in output compared to the reserve money instrument. Furthermore, a combination instrument minimizes losses from equilibrium output better than the other two instruments taken independently. There is therefore need for the CBK to adopt a pure interest rate instrument policy strategy if it desires to use one isolated instrument. Better still; there is need for the CBK to construct a monetary policy conditions index which would help in the implementation of a combination instrument policy.
Changes in soil carbon and nutrients following 6 years of litter removal and addition in a tropical semi-evergreen rain forest

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric CO2 and temperature may increase forest productivity, including litterfall, but the consequences for soil organic matter remain poorly understood. To address this, we measured soil carbon and nutrient concentrations at nine depths to 2 m after 6 years of continuous litter removal and litter addition in a semi-evergreen rain forest in Panama. Soils in litter addition plots, compared to litter removal plots, had higher pH and contained greater concentrations of KCl-extractable nitrate (both to 30 cm); Mehlich-III extractable phosphorus and total carbon (both to 20 cm); total nitrogen (to 15 cm); Mehlich-III calcium (to 10 cm); and Mehlich-III magnesium and lower bulk density (both to 5 cm). In contrast, litter manipulation did not affect ammonium, manganese, potassium or zinc, and soils deeper than 30 cm did not differ for any nutrient. Comparison with previous analyses in the experiment indicates that the effect of litter manipulation on nutrient concentrations and the depth to which the effects are significant are increasing with time. To allow for changes in bulk density in calculation of changes in carbon stocks, we standardized total carbon and nitrogen on the basis of a constant mineral mass. For 200 kg m−2 of mineral soil (approximately the upper 20 cm of the profile) about 0.5 kg C m−2 was “missing” from the litter removal plots, with a similar amount accumulated in the litter addition plots. There was an additional 0.4 kg C m−2 extra in the litter standing crop of the litter addition plots compared to the control. This increase in carbon in surface soil and the litter standing crop can be interpreted as a potential partial mitigation of the effects of increasing CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.
RESPONSIBLE MARKETING AND ADVERTISING IN GAMBLING: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Marketing and advertising play a significant role in the adoption of attitudes and societal norms, which have been shown to have a direct impact on behavioural intentions, ultimately leading to behavioural execution. Concurrent with other attempts to inform policy strategy with respect to harm minimisation in gambling there is a paucity of evidence pertaining to the impact that gambling advertising has on gambling behaviour, gambling-related harm, and the efficacy of advertising regulations to minimise harm. There appears to be an overwhelming portrayal of gambling as a normative, legitimate social activity, at the expense of highlighting the potential risks involved. Furthermore, new marketing techniques utilising the social media platform are able to instil emotive and positive attitudes towards gambling brands and products, as well as enabling consumers to widely share and recommend gambling products across their online community, sometimes exposing under-age and vulnerable populations to gambling. The following paper critically reviews existing research investigating the impact of current gambling advertising and marketing campaigns on both vulnerable (i.e. adolescents and problem gamblers) and normal adult populations, looking specifically at the impact of exposure, the positive framing of gambling, and the transparency of marketing techniques. It is concluded that marketing and advertising in gambling needs to facilitate more informed choice for consumers, and a more balanced approach in the framing of gambling. It is suggested that risk information is presented asynchronously to gambling promotions, as opposed to being delivered as peripheral information, and moreover future strategies need to be based on robust empirical evidence demonstrating the impact of responsible gambling advertising and marketing on behaviour.
Differential predation on marine invertebrate larvae by two benthic predators

Planktotrophic larvae of polychaetes, echinoids, asteroids, gastropods and cirripeds were preyed upon differentially in the laboratory by 2 filter-feeding benthic predators, the ascidian Styela gibbsii and the mussel Mytilus edulis. Differences in predation rate are attributed in part to larval defense mechanisms. Presumed structural defenses (veliger shell, naupliar spines, trochophore setae) were ineffective against the predators investigated. Echinoderm larvae, which had no apparent structural defenses, had the highest survival. S. gibbsii displayed a higher frequency of siphon closure when exposed to echinopluteus larva homogenate than in seawater controls. This is considered preliminary evidence for chemical defense mechanisms possessed by these larvae.
Executive Summary Does Equity Research Induced Buying Have Investment Value? Evidence from an Emerging Market

Buy Rating Accuracy This research investigates the contribution (if any) of sell side analysts towards profitable investment decisions for investors in India. A sample of 1,000 target prices issued with buy ratings issued between 2007 and 2011 is used to investigate if investors have benefitted from these target price forecasts. The accuracy of target price forecasts is assessed by investigating if target price forecasts have been achieved anytime during the forecast horizon of one year.
Wireless terahertz light transmission based on digitally-modulated terahertz quantum-cascade laser

A wireless terahertz digital transmission link is demonstrated, in which a quantum-cascade laser and a spectrally-matched quantum-well photodetector serve as the emitter and receiver, respectively. An on-off modulation scheme is used. By directly amplitude modulating the laser emitting at 4.13 THz, a 1.0-Mbps pseudorandom signal is transmitted over a distance of 2.2 m.
Geschlecht und Kriminalität

Im folgenden Beitrag werden die Beziehungen von Geschlecht und Kriminalität unter Bezug auf drei verschiedene Theorien aus der Frauenund Geschlechterforschung beleuchtet: differenztheoretische, ethnomethodologische wie poststrukturalistische Perspektiven werden aufgegriffen, um unterschiedliche Zugänge zu einem tieferen Verstehen der Zusammenhänge von Geschlecht und Kriminalität zu eröffnen (vgl. Micus-Loos 2004). Konkretisiert werden die Zusammenhänge zwischen Geschlecht und Kriminalität am Thema Gewalt1 – ein für die Frauenund Geschlechterforschung wichtiges Thema, das darüber hinaus aber auch „den öffentlichen wie wissenschaftlichen Diskurs zu Devianz und Geschlecht maßgeblich prägt“ (Bereswill/ Neuber 2010, S. 308).
Assessment of SPLAT formulations to control Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in a Brazilian apple orchard

Mating disruption is a technique that uses synthetic copies of sex pheromones to control insect pests. We aimed to control Oriental fruit moth (OFM) Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with formulations of SPLAT Grafo (SG) and SPLAT Grafo Attract and Kill (SGAK) in small (1 ha) apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards. Our experiment was conducted in a commercial orchard with 'Gala' trees (spacing 1.5 x 4.5 m) in Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. We evaluated the effect of four treatments on G. molesta population densities: a) SG at 1 kg ha-1 (300 point sources of 3.3 g each), b) SGAK at 1 kg ha-1 (1000 point sources of 1 g each), c) insecticides as recommended by Integrated Apple Production (IAP), and d) untreated control (no treatment). Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT) treatments were applied on 1 August 2004 and reapplied after 120 d (1 December 2004). The treatment effect was evaluated by weekly counts of males captured in Delta traps baited with commercial synthetic sex pheromone lures (eight traps per treatment). We assessed fruit damage caused by G. molesta in eight replicates of 200 fruits each on 26 October, 30 November 2004, and 5 and 31 January 2005. Applying 1 kg ha-1 of SG and SGAK in August and December 2004 significantly reduced the number of male moths caught in Delta traps. Damage to fruits at harvest, however, did not differ significantly from the control. This indicates a decline in the efficacy of mating disruption when SG and SGAK are used to protect small areas (1 ha) under high Oriental fruit moth pressure.
Heterologous expression of chit36 gene from Trichoderma atroviride in canola reduces development of lesion caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

An endochitinase gene ( chit 36) was isolated from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride . Chit36 was overexpressed under the CaMV35S constitutive promoter in canola. Transformation of cotyledonary petiole s was achieved via Agrobacterium tumefaciens . The insertion of transgene was verified by PCR and DNA dot blotting. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the transgenic canola w as able to express chit 36 gene. Also, we used a transgenic over-expression approach in order to investigate an tifungal activity of expressed chit 36 on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum . Antifungal activity was detected in crude protein extracts from transgenic canola using radial diffusion assay. Also, lesion sizes of transgenic c anola by S. sclerotiorum were significantly retarded compared to non transgenic canola plant using detached leaf ass ay.
Bayesian inference of genomic similarity among individuals from mark- ers and phenotypes

1 Iowa State University, Department of Animal Science, 806 Stange Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA 2 Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA 3 Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA 4 Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA 5 Department of Plant Sciences, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences, Germany 6 Institute of Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany