Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Processing Continuous k Nearest Neighbor Queries in Obstructed Space with Voronoi Diagrams

With the emergence and growing popularity of and location-based service (LBS) technologies, the continuous k nearest neighbor (COkNN) query in obstructed space is becoming a very important service. In this article, we study the COkNN in obstructed space, which retrieves k obstructed nearest neighbors (ONNs) for every point on a query segment q̄. The state-of-the-art approach, called Euclidean based CONN (E-CONN), exploits an R-tree to traverse the dataset P in ascending order of their Euclidean distances to q̄. Taking a different point of view, in this article, we explore the idea of Voronoi diagram to define the notion of obstructed Voronoi diagram (OVD). The Voronoi cells with obstacles are divided into visible and invisible regions for quickly answering nearest neighbor queries. To facilitate efficient retrieval of Voronoi cells and processing of continuous nearest neighbor (CONN) queries, we propose a new grid-based index, called Voronoi diagram with Obstacles in Grid (VO-Grid), which indexes Voronoi cells and associated obstacle information with a grid file. Based on VO-Grid, we propose an efficient algorithm, called CONN with VO-Grid Acceleration (CONN-VOA), to accelerate the CONN query processing. Moreover, we extend CONN-VOA to the COkNN query, which also explores effective filtering and early termination for reducing redundant access of data objects. A comprehensive performance evaluation using both real and synthetic datasets is conducted to validate the proposed ideas and demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithms. The experimental results show that the CONN-VOA algorithm substantially outperforms E-CONN algorithm.
Collective Linguistic Rights, Endangered Languages And Indigenous Peoples: An International Legal Perspective

International Law envisages collective linguistic rights. Such rights are held by linguistic groups in order to ensure the survival of their languages and to transmit these languages to future generations. While the survival of dominant languages such as English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese etc., is not under threat, the same cannot be said of countless lesser known languages of non-dominant groups. For the latter languages, merely recognizing the collective right of non-dominant groups to their use in diverse domains is not enough for their survival, nor are the positive measures accompanied by “escape clauses” to be taken by States under relevant international instruments. Focusing on indigenous peoples, this paper examines the current international legal regime for the protection of collective linguistic rights of non-dominant groups. With the precarious situation in which indigenous languages find themselves in mind, the author makes an attempt to answer why the current international regime is failing and proposes possible ways to make the regime more effective.
On the possible phenomenological autonomy of virtual realities

ABSTRACT In the following article, I examine Martin Heidegger’s philosophy of dwelling with a view to its importance for the concept of ‘place’. It is my interest to show how a phenomenological concept of place can elucidate the phenomenology of virtual reality. I begin by contextualising the investigation through a presentation of Jeff Malpas’ concept of the non-autonomy of the virtual, and argue for a clearer understanding of the notion of causal non-autonomy. Furthermore, I argue that the autonomy or lack thereof of virtual reality should not lead to the conclusion that virtual reality cannot be experienced and examined as a self-standing entity; that in order to properly understand virtual reality, we cannot limit ourselves to the reductionistic view presented by Malpas, but must account also for the phenomenology of experiencing virtuality – and under such a phenomenological consideration, the distinctions made between non-virtual and virtual reality are made more diffuse. I then argue that we can plausibly accept that places may exist in virtual reality, despite current technological and practical limitations. In addition, I go on to consider some possible metaphysical differences between virtual and non-virtual places.
Pengembangan Aplikasi People Management dalam Software Development dengan Pendekatan Project Management Antipatterns

Faktor manusia dalam proses pengembangan perangkat lunak menjadi salah satu penentu keberhasilan suatu proyek, terlepas dari teknologi dan tools yang digunakan. Dalam praktiknya, banyak project manager tidak memiliki dataset mengenai hard skill dan soft skill anggotanya. Hal ini mengantarkan tim proyek pengembangan perangkat lunak terjebak dalam situasi antipatterns irrational management. Berdasarkan beberapa faktor utama penyebab kegagalan proyek pengembangan perangkat lunak, diperlukan adanya suatu mitigation plan yang dapat membantu project manager dalam melakukan manajemen sumber daya manusia dalam sebuah tim. Mitigation plan yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan mengembangkan aplikasi people management yang didasarkan pada prinsip-prinsip Project Management Antipatterns. Makalah ini mengajukan suatu pemodelan baru dalam bentuk aplikasi untuk melakukan people management di dalam pengembangan perangkat lunak dengan pendekatan Project Management Antipatterns. Penelitian ini mengajukan suatu pemodelan baru dalam bentuk aplikasi untuk melakukan people management di dalam pengembangan perangkat lunak dengan pendekatan Project Management Antipatterns. Hasil yang diberikan berupa pemetaan tim developer kepada task yang relevan berdasarkan hard skill dan soft skill yang dimiliki. Selain itu, aplikasi ini juga memberikan hasil berupa rekomendasi treatment yang bisa dilakukan terhadap tim untuk meningkatkan produktivitas serta mengurangi potensi risiko yang ditimbulkan dari hasil diagnosis praktik yang buruk. Pendekatan yang digunakan terbukti mampu meningkatkan produktivitas tim secara keseluruhan. Refactored solution yang direkomendasikan juga terbukti efektif menurunkan nilai antipatterns dari satu sprint ke sprint berikutnya.
From the Outside to the Inside: New Insights on the Main Factors that Guide the Germination Process

The transition from a dormant to a germinating seed represents a crucial developmental switch in the life cycle of a plant. Subsequent transition from a germinating seed to an autotrophic organism also requires a robust and multi-layered control. Seed germination and seedling growth are multistep processes, involving both internal and external signals, which lead to a fine-tuning control network.
Microbiological and molecular aspects of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in West-Central Brazil

Bovine mastitis is a major disease affecting dairy cattle, and Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important agent involved in this condition due to its capacity to produce enterotoxins and develop resistance to antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to detect S. aureus strains in milk samples from cows with subclinical mastitis employing microbiological and molecular analysis. Eleven farms were visited and from 187 lactating cows sampled, 33 S. aureus strains were isolated. Only one of the 33 strains was positive for mecA resistance gene, 23 were positive for sea enterotoxin gene, and none was positive for seb or sec enterotoxin gene. S. aureus strains were submitted to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test and 63.6% (21/33) were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, while 36.3% (12/33) were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. Identification of mecA and the sea genes highlighted the need to elaborate strategies to reduce problems related to animal. Furthermore, the identification of bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus is very important to manage herd and to public health, since milk contaminated by this pathogen can lead to serious health problems.
Nutrient budgeting, economics and energetics of cowpea under potassium and phosphorus management.

Low availability of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in acidic soil is a major constraint for crop production. Cowpea was grown under split-plot design with three levels of K and P ( viz., 100%, 75% and 50% of recommended dose). Green pod and stover yield was 20.9 and 16.9% higher with 100% K over 50% K application. Similarly, 100% P had 20.2% higher green pod and 16.6% higher stover yield over 50% P. Production efficiency was found higher with 100% K and P (48.6 and 49.0 kg ha -1 day -1 respectively) followed by 75% K. The actual gain of N, P and K, and balance were higher with the increase of K and P levels but reverse in case of gross and net return, and BCR. The energy productivity and energy use efficiency were higher on 100% K and P. Cowpea on acid soil along with 100% recommended dose of 40 kg K and 60 kg P ha -1 showed highest yield along with soil fertility restoration as well as reduced the cost of inorganic fertilizer, higher BCR (1.89) and energy requirement. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/sja.v11i2. 18408 SAARC J. Agri. , 11(2): 129-140(2013)
Q-Selector-Based Prefetching Method for DRAM/NVM Hybrid Main Memory System

This research is to design a Q-selector-based prefetching method for a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)/ Phase-change memory (PCM)hybrid main memory system for memory-intensive big data applications generating irregular memory accessing streams. Specifically, the proposed method fully exploits the advantages of two-level hybrid memory systems, constructed as DRAM devices and non-volatile memory (NVM) devices. The Q-selector-based prefetching method is based on the Q-learning method, one of the reinforcement learning algorithms, which determines a near-optimal prefetcher for an application’s current running phase. For this, our model analyzes real-time performance status to set the criteria for the Q-learning method. We evaluate the Q-selector-based prefetching method with workloads from data mining and data-intensive benchmark applications, PARSEC-3.0 and graphBIG. Our evaluation results show that the system achieves approximately 31% performance improvement and increases the hit ratio of the DRAM-cache layer by 46% on average compared to a PCM-only main memory system. In addition, it achieves better performance results compared to the state-of-the-art prefetcher, access map pattern matching (AMPM) prefetcher, by 14.3% reduction of execution time and 12.89% of better CPI enhancement.
Investigation on substrate effect on physical characteristics of CuO- sprayed thin films suitable for photovoltaic application: Ag/ZnO:Sn (n)/CuO (p)/SnO2:F

ABSTRACT In this paper to compare the growth and optoelectronic properties of copper oxide (CuO) materials suitable for advanced application, CuO layers were synthesized on glass and SnO2:F). The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that CuO nanoparticles were formed in pure monoclinic structure where crystallite size decreases from 37.39 to 33.44 nm when the substrate changed, respectively, from glass to SnO2:F/glass. This crystallite size reduction was related to the energy band gap (Eg) enlargement from 1.455 to 1.525 eV due to the quantum confinement effect. Eg values were almost equal to the theoretical one for converting solar energy into electrical energy and CuO may be used as an absorber material in photovoltaic devices. Electrical characteristics were studied using the impedance spectroscopy technique at room temperature and confirmed by the Hall Effect measurements. CuO/SnO2:F/glass thin films have best electrical parameters and consequently the Ag/ZnO:Sn(n)/CuO(p)/SnO2:F photocell was elaborated and its J-V characteristics were analyzed.
Relative control of an underactuated spacecraft using reinforcement learning

The aim of the article is to approximate optimal relative control of an underactuated spacecraft using reinforcement learning and to study the influence of various factors on the quality of such a solution. In the course of this study, methods of theoretical mechanics, control theory, stability theory, machine learning, and computer modeling were used. The problem of in-plane spacecraft relative control using only control actions applied tangentially to the orbit is considered. This approach makes it possible to reduce the propellant consumption of reactive actuators and to simplify the architecture of the control system. However, in some cases, methods of the classical control theory do not allow one to obtain acceptable results. In this regard, the possibility of solving this problem by reinforcement learning methods has been investigated, which allows designers to find control algorithms close to optimal ones as a result of interactions of the control system with the plant using a reinforcement signal characterizing the quality of control actions. The well-known quadratic criterion is used as a reinforcement signal, which makes it possible to take into account both the accuracy requirements and the control costs. A search for control actions based on reinforcement learning is made using the policy iteration algorithm. This algorithm is implemented using the actor–critic architecture. Various representations of the actor for control law implementation and the critic for obtaining value function estimates using neural network approximators are considered. It is shown that the optimal control approximation accuracy depends on a number of features, namely, an appropriate structure of the approximators, the neural network parameter updating method, and the learning algorithm parameters. The investigated approach makes it possible to solve the considered class of control problems for controllers of different structures. Moreover, the approach allows the control system to refine its control algorithms during the spacecraft operation.
COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR DETERMINING PERCENTAGE OF BODY FAT ON A SAMPLE OF KAYAKERS AND CANOEISTS – IN SLALOM

Determining body structure in physical culture, sports, but also in sports recreation is one of the ways to check effectiveness of certain training programs and their impact on a percentage of subcutaneous fat and fat-free components. This study was conducted on a sample of 49 kayakers and slalom canoeists (aged 19.9 ± 1.7 years), and the aim was to compare validity of methods for estimating percentage of body fat based on the skinfold measurement method in relation to the bioelectrical impedance method for application in diagnostics within a training process of slalom kayakers and slalom canoeists. The percentage of body fat was determined by methods of determining the percentage of body fat according to Siri (1961), Brozek et al. (1963), Jackson, & Pollock, (1985) and the BIA bioelectrical impedance method. After statistical procedures, correlation analysis revealed a high correlation between the methods: anthropometric methods according to Siri and Brozek, both methods with the Jackson Pollock method, while all three methods have a high level of correlation with the BIA method, while the Wilcoxon test showed that the bioelectrical impedance method had statistically significantly higher values than the method of determining the percentage of body fat according to Siri & Brozek (p <0.001), and significantly lower than the method of determining the percentage of body fat according to Jackson Pollock (p = 0.005). The research showed that in the observed sample of respondents, when it comes to one respondent, a group of respondents, respondents within one sport or an uneven sample of non-athletes, if it is not possible to use some of the more sophisticated BIA methods, a satisfactory method could be the skinfold measurement method.
Sea Ice Properties in High‐Resolution Sea Ice Models

Abstract An Arctic sea ice‐ocean model is run with three uniform horizontal resolutions (6, 4, and 2 km) and identical sea ice and ocean model parameterizations, including an isotropic viscous‐plastic sea ice rheology, a mechanical ice strength parameterization, and an ice ridging parameterization. Driven by the same atmospheric forcing, the three model versions all produce similar spatial patterns and temporal variations of ice thickness and motion fields, resulting in almost identical magnitude and seasonal evolution of total ice volume and mean ice concentration, ice speed, and fractions of ice of various thickness categories over the Arctic Ocean. Increasing model resolution from 6 to 2 km does not significantly improve model performance when compared to NASA IceBridge ice thickness observations. This suggests that the large‐scale sea ice properties of the model are insensitive to varying high resolutions within the multifloe scale (2–10 km), and it may be unnecessary to adjust model parameters constantly with increasingly high resolutions. This is also true with models within the aggregate scale (10–75 km), indicating that model parameters used at coarse resolution may be used at high or multiscale resolution. However, even though the three versions all yield similar mean state of sea ice, they differ in representing anisotropic properties of sea ice. While they produce a basic pattern of major sea ice leads similar to satellite observations, their leads are distributed differently in space and time. Without changing model parameters and sea ice spatiotemporal variability, the 2‐km resolution model tends to capture more leads than the other two models.
Precision Medicine in Ossiculoplasty

Introduction: Long term results of ossiculoplasty surgery are considered poor with displacement and extrusion amongst the common reasons for failure. Application of 3Dimensional (3D) printing may help overcome some of these barriers, however digital methods to attain accurate 3D morphological studies of ossicular anatomy are lacking, exacerbated by the limitation of resolution of clinical imaging. Methods: 20 human cadaveric temporal bones were assessed using micro computed tomography (CT) imaging to demonstrate the lowest resolution required for accurate 3D reconstruction. The bones were then scanned using conebeam CT (125 μm) and helical CT (0.6 mm). 3D reconstruction using clinical imaging techniques with microCT imaging (40 μm resolution) as a reference was assessed. The incus was chosen as the focus of study. Two different methods of 3D printing techniques were assessed. Results: A minimum resolution of 100 μm was needed for adequate 3D reconstruction of the ossicular chain. Conebeam CT gave the most accurate data on 3D analysis, producing the smallest mean variation in surface topography data relative to microCT (mean difference 0.037 mm, p < 0.001). Though the incus varied in shape in between people, paired matches were identical. Thus, the contralateral side can be used for 3D printing source data if the ipsilateral incus is missing. Laser based 3D printing was superior to extrusion based printing to achieve the resolution demands for 3D printed ossicles. Conclusion: Resolution of modern imaging allows 3D reconstructions and 3D printing of human ossicles with good accuracy, though it is important to pay attention to thresholding during this process.
Problematic Smartphone Use in Spanish and Italian University Students

Sustainable education requires the proper usage of technological devices. Among these is the smartphone, which is used by millions of young people around the world in today’s society. The objective of this study was to understand the smartphone usage profile of Spanish and Italian university students. It also aimed to identify possible problematic uses, and the differences in smartphone use (or abuse) between the participating subjects. The study was descriptive and comparative, with the intentional sampling of N = 1412 subjects studying at the education faculties of the University of Alicante (UA) and the Suor Orsola Benincasa University (UNISOB). A previously-validated questionnaire with 27 items was employed during the 2019–20 academic year. The data was analysed using the SPSS 25 programme. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out. The results obtained after the analysis of the data indicated that, of the four possible user types—occasional, habitual, at risk, and problematic—more than half of the sample identified themselves as habitual users. It can be concluded that there are significant differences between the universities: the UA students exhibited more problematic use than the UNISOB students. It is therefore necessary to prepare training programmes that are designed to avert problematic behaviours related to smartphone use.
Metodologia hierárquico-fuzzy para avaliação de atratividade de projetos: casos de infraestrutura rodoviária

A atratividade de um projeto é verificada por meio da compatibilidade das demandas do projeto às capacidades organizacionais da instituição responsável pela sua execução. Deste modo, a análise da atratividade de um projeto é essencial para a gestão de portfólio, aumentando as chances de sucesso do empreendimento. Entretanto, poucas pesquisas analisam a atratividade de projetos sob uma ótica ampla, além da atratividade financeira, como verificado nos resultados da revisão sistemática de literatura conduzida nesta pesquisa. Assim, este trabalho propõe uma metodologia para avaliação da atratividade de projetos baseada no método hierárquico-fuzzy, considerando a atratividade sob os aspectos técnico-econômico, socioambiental e estratégico. O método é utilizado para compilar notas atribuídas a indicadores referentes a tais critérios, considerando diferentes pesos e incertezas inerentes a projetos. A metodologia foi aplicada a 13 projetos de infraestrutura rodoviária executados no Brasil, estimando-se seus índices de atratividade. Os resultados são comparados a avaliações gerais realizadas após a execução destas obras. Deste modo, foi possível identificar o valor do índice de atratividade a partir do qual as obras apresentaram resultados negativos, possibilitando a sugestão de um Índice de Atratividade mínimo. Enfim, a metodologia proposta é simples, flexível e pode ser amplamente empregada em diversos setores devido a sua praticidade de aplicação. O índice de atratividade proposto pode ser uma ferramenta versátil para auxiliar os gestores de projeto e de portfólio na tomada de decisão quanto a avaliação de execução de projetos.
Uncertainty Avoidance, Loss Aversion and Stock Market Participation

Abstract Stock market participation differs a lot across countries. Cultural dimensions could be a potential factor for that. We show that indeed uncertainty avoidance (UAI) is linked to rates of stock market participation across countries. We can show even more that uncertainty avoidance has an indirect effect through loss aversion on stock market participation. The country level effects are confirmed on the individual level using data from a recent large-scale international survey, but on individual level there is also a strong effect of UAI on stock market participation after controlling for loss aversion. These results are robust after controlling for ambiguity aversion, and economic and demographic variables. Finally, we find that UAI is related to negative attitudes about stock markets in general.