Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Warning Characteristics on Driver Performance in Connected Vehicle Systems with Missing Warnings

The connected vehicle systems (CVS) aim to provide drivers with information in a timely and reliable way to improve transportation safety. With the emerging wireless communication technologies, the vehicles will be equipped with the ability to communicate with each other about the surrounding traffic situations by exchanging vehicle status and motion data via Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) network (Kenney, 2011). With the assistance of the cooperative collision warnings, the impact of designed warning parameters on driver performance is increasingly important. Existing empirical studies have studied the warning timing and warning reliability in determining the effectiveness of the collision warning systems in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). In terms of warning timing, the studies in reached consistent conclusions that early warnings induced more timely braking and longer braking process, resulted in higher trust of the warning systems, and reduced collision rates (for example, Abe & Richardson, 2006a; Lee, McGehee, Brown, & Reyes, 2002; Yan, Xue, Ma, & Xu, 2014; Yan, Zhang, & Ma, 2015; Wan, Wu, and Zhang, 2016). In terms of the warning reliability, research has shown that warnings with a higher reliability increased driver’s trust of the warning systems, led to higher frequency in warning responses, and reduced crash rates (for example, Abe, Itoh, & Yamamura, 2009; Bliss & Acton, 2003; Maltz & Shinar, 2007; Sullivan, Tsimhoni, & Bogard, 2008). However, the interaction effects of warning lead time and warning reliability on driver performance was not examined especially under the connected vehicle settings. The current research investigated the interaction effects of warning lead time (2.5s vs. 4.5s), warning reliability (73% vs. 89%), and speech warning style (command vs. notification) on driver performance and subjective evaluation of warnings in CVS. A driving simulator study with thirty-two participants was conducted to simulate a connected vehicle environment with missing warnings due to the failures in the data transmission within the communication network of the CVS. The results showed command warnings led to a smaller collision rate compared to notification warnings with the warning lead time of 2.5s, whereas notification warnings resulted in a smaller collision rate compared to command warning with the warning lead time of 4.5s. These results suggested notification warnings should be selected when warning lead time is longer and warning reliability is higher, which resulted in higher safety benefits and higher subjective ratings. Command warnings could be selected when warning lead time is shorter since they led to more safety benefits. However, such selection has to be made with caution since command warnings may limit drivers’ response type and were perceived as less helpful than notification warnings.
Generative models in computer-assisted musical composition

A number of generative models have been used to facilitate the handling of large amounts of data in computer assisted musical composition. Various modelling techniques are identified and compared. These include fractal (self-similar) models used in both stochastic and non-stochastic contexts. A technique is explained which makes use of recursive parallel production systems similar to those which have been used to devise effective models of biological growth. By applying a cyclic sequence of generative rules to divide up the pitch-time-timbre space, complex non-stochastic musical structures may be formed which exhibit multi-level self-similar features. Minor modifications of an initial seeding cycle may produce a variety of different outcomes as in each successive generation the controlling cycle moves in and out of phase with the number of nodes available for further growth.
Intégration de données ultrasonores per-opératoires dans le geste de chirurgie orthopédique assisté par ordinateur

This work addresses the problem of the integration of ultrasound imaging for intraoperative data acquisition in computer assisted orthopaedic surgery, in particular for hip surgery applications. The point is to improve the quality of the surgery using a minimally invasive, real time, and highly available imaging device. The method we propose uses a featurebased registration between ultrasound images and a pre-operative CT scan volume. We present an ultrasound image segmentation method based on a deformable model with the integration of a regional energy term to detect the local characteristics of ultrasound images. The feature-based registration is a variant of the ICP algorithm that uses a pre-calculated distance map with a Lavenberg-Marquardt optimization. We also propose a protocol for the pre- and intra-operative data acquisition. The real operating room constraint are taken into account for the design of this protocol while trying to provide the necessary ergonomy for the surgeon. A large validation has been conducted on phantoms and a cadaver and is presented in this thesis. From this validation we assess the performances of the data acquisition protocol, as well as the precision of the segmentation and the robustness and precision of the registration. Performances are measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Finally we propose some possible improvements to the segmentation and registration.
An application of graphical models to fMRI data using the lasso penalty

In this thesis, we study the graphical lasso method and apply it to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. The graphical lasso method enables one to construct undirected sparse graphs between variables of interest. The fMRI data concerns subjects’ brain activities while they engage in saccadic eye movement tasks. The datasets are collected before and after they practice certain tasks. Using the graphical lasso procedure, we create undirected graphs that display the connections between the different regions of interest (ROI) in the brain. By controlling the regularization parameter in this lasso procedure, we identify which ROIs are more strongly connected than the others. We compare these undirected graphs before and after the practice and also across different practice groups. INDEX WORDS: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data, Graphical Model, Lasso, Regions of Interest AN APPLICATION OF GRAPHICAL MODELS TO FMRI DATA USING THE LASSO PENALTY
Analysis and design of quality link metrics for routing protocols in Wireless Networks

This dissertation endeavors to contribute enhancements in goodputsof the IEEE 802.11-based Wireless Multi-hop Networks (WMhNs). By performing exhaustive simulations, for the deep analysis and detailed assessment of both reactive (AODV, DSR, DYMO) and proactive (DSDV, FSR, OLSR) protocols for varying mobilities, speeds, network loads and scalabilities, it is observed that a routing link metric is a significant component of a routing protocol. In addition to finding all available paths, the fastest end-to-end route is selected by a link metric for the routing protocol. This study aims the quality routing. In the class of quality link metrics, Expected Transmission Count (ETX) is extensively used. Thus, the most recently proposed ETX-based metrics have been analyzed. Though, newly developed metrics over perform ETX but still they can be improved. By profound analysis and particularized comparison of routing protocols depending upon their classes (reactive and proactive) and ETX-based metrics, we come to realize that users always demand proficient networks. In fact, WMhNs are facing several troubles which they expect to be resolved by the routing protocol operating them. Consequently, the protocol depends upon the link metric for providing quality paths. So, we identify and analyze the requirements to design a new routing link metric for WMhNs. Because, considering these requirements, when a link metric is proposed, then : firstly, both the design and implementation of the link metric with a routing protocol become easy. Secondly, the underlying network issues can easily be tackled. Thirdly, an appreciable performance of the network is guaranteed. Keeping in view the issues of WMhNs, increasing demands of users and capabilities of routing protocols, we propose and implement a new quality link metric, Interference and Bandwidth Adjusted ETX (IBETX). As, MAC layer affects the link performance and consequently the route quality, the metric therefore, tackles the issue by achieving twofold MAC-awareness. Firstly, interference is calculated using cross-layered approach by sending probes to MAC layer. Secondly, the nominal bit rate information is provided to all nodes in the same contention domain by considering the bandwidth sharing mechanism of 802.11. Like ETX, our metric also calculates link delivery ratios that directly affect throughput and selects those routes that bypass dense regions in the network. Simulation results by NS-2 show that IBETX gives 19% higher through put than ETX and 10% higher than Expected Throughput (ETP). Our metric also succeeds to reduce average end-to-end delay up to 16% less than Expected Link Performance (ELP) and 24% less than ETX
Inquiry into serial killer criticises hospital's response

Vital clues that could have pointed to nurse Beverly Allitt being a serial killer were missed during the 58 days she worked on the children's ward at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire, according to the report of the independent inquiry into the tragedy. The inquiry, chaired by Sir Cecil Clothier, criticises the hospital's two consultant paediatricians, the ward sister, the clinical services manager, and other middle managers. It paints a picture of a hospital “on the edge of viability,” operating on a shoestring budget. Sir Cecil, however, dismissed staff shortages as “a tangential issue. ” * Clothier said that steps taken after children's deaths were feeble (Fig Omitted) Allitt, aged 35, is in Rampton Special Hospital after being given 13 life sentences last May for murdering four children and attacking nine others while working as an enrolled nurse on ward 4 between February and April 1991. The report criticises the hospital's “sloppy” appointments procedures in recruiting Allitt but doubts that she would have been detected as unsuitable at …
Mouth Insertion Depths in Canadian Smokers

Abstract There is the potential for smokers of ventilated cigarettes to block the ventilation holes either accidentally or deliberately thereby altering the smoke deliveries from those obtained by standardized machine smoking. One way in which the holes can be blocked is by inserting the cigarette into the mouth so that the holes are partially or completely blocked by the lips of the smoker. We have assessed to what extent this occurs amongst Canadian smokers by measuring the saliva patterns on 2756 cigarette butts collected in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. The butts were a cross-section of brands smoked in Canada. Saliva stains were visualized by treating the tipping paper with ninhydrin solution. The insertion depth was assumed to be the maximum extent of the saliva stain from the mouth end of the tipping. The brand of each cigarette butt was identified where possible as well as whether the filter was ventilated and if so, the distance of the vent holes from the mouth end. The butt lengths were also determined. Of the 2756 butts collected, 2232 had lip imprint patterns that could be visualized with ninhydrin solution. 56.2 % of the butts with measurable insertion depths, and which could be identified by brand, were ventilated. There was no significant difference between the average insertion depths for ventilated and non-ventilated brands (10.6 AA± 3.6 and 11.0 AA± 3.6 mm respectively). It was estimated that for the ventilated brands between 3.7-10.3 % of the butts could have had the vents blocked completely for at least one puff, 13.8-20.4 % of the butts had vents that could have been partially blocked and 75.9 % of the butts showed no sign of any vent blockage during smoking.
Análisis y evaluación de la condición física en estudiantes de educación primaria de un medio rural y urbano

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido analizar y evaluar la condicion fisica de escolares estudiantes de educacion primaria para conocer la diferencia que existe entre los alumnos que viven en un medio rural y los que viven en un medio urbano. Para ello se seleccionaron 253 estudiantes de segundo y tercer ciclo de educacion primaria. La muestra fue clasificada segun el tipo de colegio en dos grupos, urbano y rural. A todos los estudiantes se les realizo una valoracion antropometrica (talla, masa, IMC, ratio CC), evaluacion del salto vertical (CMJ), flexibilidad (test Sit and Reach), fuerza (dinamometria manual) y resistencia (test course na­vette). Los resultados muestran diferencias a nivel antropometrico donde los alumnos del colegio rural han presentado mayores indices de sobrepeso. En cambio, los resultados obtenidos en la evaluacion de la condicion fisica muestran como en las pruebas de fuerza, resistencia y flexibilidad los alumnos del colegio rural obtienen mayores resultados que los alumnos del colegio urbano, mientras que en el salto vertical los alumnos rurales presentan mayores valores.
La notion de valeur fondamentale est-elle indispensable à la théorie financière ?

La theorie financiere classique repose sur l’hypothese d’objectivite des valeurs financieres : chaque titre a a tout moment une « vraie » valeur, ou « valeur fondamentale », qui correspond a l’anticipation des revenus que rapportera l’actif. Le marche est dans cette vision le lieu de la formation de prix correspondant a cette « vraie » valeur. L’approche heterodoxe de la finance conventionnaliste rejette cette vision en poussant a ses conclusions logiques l’idee qu’on ne peut avoir raison contre le marche : l’essentiel n’est pas d’anticiper ce que vaut « reellement » un titre, mais ce que les autres pensent qu’il vaut. Keynes utilisait a propos des marches financiers la metaphore du « concours de beaute » ; ici ils deviennent des « machines cognitives complexes qui […] ont pour finalite de produire une estimation de reference, collectivement admise, ce qu’on appellera une convention ». Convention qui peut etre proche de la « valeur fondamentale », ou entierement differente.
The SITS-UTMOST: A registry-based prospective study in Europe investigating the impact of regulatory approval of intravenous Actilyse in the extended time window (3–4.5 h) in acute ischaemic stroke

Introduction The SITS-UTMOST (Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Upper Time window Monitoring Study) was a registry-based prospective study of intravenous alteplase used in the extended time window (3–4.5 h) in acute ischaemic stroke to evaluate the impact of the approval of the extended time window on routine clinical practice. Patients and methods Inclusion of at least 1000 patients treated within 3–4.5 h according to the licensed criteria and actively registered in the SITS-International Stroke Thrombolysis Registry was planned. Prospective data collection started 2 May 2012 and ended 2 November 2014. A historical cohort was identified for 2 years preceding May 2012. Clinical management and outcome were contrasted between patients treated within 3 h versus 3–4.5 h in the prospective cohort and between historical and prospective cohorts for the 3 h time window. Outcomes were functional independency (modified Rankin scale, mRS) 0–2, favourable outcome (mRS 0–1), and death at 3 months and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) per SITS. Results 4157 patients from 81 centres in 12 EU countries were entered prospectively (N = 1118 in the 3–4.5 h, N = 3039 in the 0–3 h time window) and 3454 retrospective patients in the 0–3 h time window who met the marketing approval conditions. In the prospective cohort, median arrival to treatment time was longer in the 3–4.5 h than 3 h window (79 vs. 55 min). Within the 3 h time window, treatment delays were shorter for prospective than historical patients (55 vs. 63). There was no significant difference between the 3–4.5 h versus 3 h prospective cohort with regard to percentage of reported SICH (1.6 vs. 1.7), death (11.6 vs. 11.1), functional independency (66 vs. 65) at 3 months or favourable outcome (51 vs. 50). Discussion Main weakness is the observational design of the study. Conclusion This study neither identified negative impact on treatment delay, nor on outcome, following extension of the approved time window to 4.5 h for use of alteplase in stroke.
Troubleshooting of Software Defined Networks

Network troubleshooting is a field where automation is sorely needed. While the network has grown in many other ways since 1960s, the tools we use to troubleshoot and manage it have stayed very much the same. Could we use the programmability of SDN to automate this problem? In this thesis work, we developed a prototype that would systematically troubleshoot the network with automation. The prototype automatically captures network behaviour, matches it against a network policy and creates its own test packets to troubleshoot the network policy, on a live system. When the prototype discovers a policy violation it will troubleshoot further down the SDN layers and move down a decision tree based on what the search finds on each layer. The result showed that by the end of a troubleshooting search, the user would know what violating packet, packet path, policy rule, devices, flow entries and ports were the cause of the network problem. The results also showed that the automation of network troubleshooting could cause unexpected behaviour, and that some results were closely tied to timing between different POX controller applications. By using the prototype, network operators could observe network wide traffic, both manually and automatically test that certain policy conditions were uphold on their network. The developed prototype, sdn_dump, helps solve network problems with automation by pinpointing violating behaviour and the network path it takes. Expanding the prototype to include troubleshooting of more SDN layers, and expanding the scope of the descriptive language should be a priority as future work of this thesis.
Medicinal plants use in traditional healthcare systems prevalent in western Himalayas

The present research work was carried out in six villages of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to study application of plants at home scale level in treating various kinds of ailments. The information was documented using questionnaire and PRA techniques with the help of village elders, key informants and local healers. In the present study, thirty-one plant species used by the villagers for the treatment of various diseases at home scale level were identified. Twenty plant species were used for curing more than one disease. Three plants, Aloe barbadensis Mill. , Asparagus racemosus Roxb. and Tinospora cordifolia Willd. were used against more than five diseases. It was found that elder people had more inclination towards herbal medicines followed by middle and young people. Since the knowledge of various medicinal plants being used in herbal treatment and their method of use is confined to mostly local healers, it is of utmost importance to record this knowledge for future generations, otherwise, it will be lost forever.
Optimal Mechanism of Parallel Downloading

Parallel downloading is modeled. And based on the model, the optimal mechanism is analyzed and proposed in terms of the performance of downloading nodes. The optimal mechanism includes the optimal source nodes set selected and file blocking scheme. Theoretical analysis proves that this mechanism can minimize the cost function of downloading nodes. Simulation results justify the validity of this mechanism.
Distinctive Patterns of sonographic Nerve Enlargement between acquired Axonal and Demyelinating Neuropathies. (S42.002)

OBJECTIVE: We systematically investigated main arm and leg nerves in patients with CIDP, MIDN, MMN and acquired axonal neuropathy to determine whether nerve sonography is able to discriminate between acquired axonal and demyelinating neuropathies. BACKGROUND: Sonographic detection of morphologic abnormalities in polyneuropathies is a relatively new research area. However, no systematic investigation has been performed yet. DESIGN/METHODS: We recruited 40 patients with various acquired axonal neuropathies, 26 with CIDP, 8 with MIDN and 14 with MMN. Medical Research Council sum-score was determined. A standardized sonographic protocol was applied. We evaluated nerve size and vascularization in median, ulnar, fibular and posterior tibial nerves as well as brachial plexus were bilaterally. We also quantitatively assessed fascicle size and echogenicity.RESULTS: All 88 patients demonstrated nerve enlargement, yet only few revealed increased vascularization on enlarged nerves. Demyelinating neuropathies revealed larger nerves than axonal neuropathies, especially proximal to sites of entrapment (median and ulnar nerve, brachial plexus p 10 mm2 with a sensitivity of 93[percnt] and specificity of 88[percnt], ulnar nerve at upper arm a cut-off value of > 10 mm2 with a sensitivity of 49[percnt] and specificity of 99[percnt], superior truncus of brachial plexus cut-off value of > 8 mm2 with a sensitivity of 43[percnt] and specificity of 99[percnt]. The swelling ratio was greater in axonal than in demyelinating neuropathies at median, ulnar and fibular nerve (p<0.001). Nerve hypertrophy did not correlate with age, gender, MRC sum-score (overall nor that of median, ulnar or fibular nerve innervated muscles). CONCLUSIONS: In demyelinating neuropathies enlargement of nerves is multifocal among multiple nerves, whereas in axonal neuropathies it is restricted to sites of entrapment. Nerve sonography is able to discriminate between acquired axonal and demyelinating neuropathies. Disclosure: Dr. Goedee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Van Asseldonk has nothing to disclose. Dr. Van den Berg has received personal compensation for activities with Baxter, Biogen Idec, and Cytokinetics. Dr. Visser has nothing to disclose.
Early Pragmatic Language Development for an Infant Robot

Abstract : Recent years have seen the growth of the idea in AI that machines can be designed as sociable creatures: that interacting with a robot could and should be as natural as talking to a fellow human and that machine learning could be achieved in a benevolent environment with a human teacher in ways that similar to children's learning. The two components of the future natural teaching of robots are a maximally natural interface and fast learning of categories and tasks from few examples. A natural interface lets humans intuitively use all the discourse cues and displays normally present in conversation. Sociable machines are embodied creatures which encourage natural interaction from humans and pick up on those cues and displays for the development of their own abilities, such as learning to perform new tasks, or learning to express themselves. This thesis describes a system that engages in such interactions and grounds it vocalizations in a manner inspired by the way human infants establish a communicative basis with their teachers and learn the meaning of words by engaging in functionally, pragmatically meaningful communication. It is a module of proto-linguistics behaviors designed and implemented on a robotic head that was already developed in the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.