Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximate storage for energy efficient spintronic memories

Spintronic memories are promising candidates for future on-chip storage due to their high density, non-volatility and near-zero leakage. However, the energy consumed by read and write operations presents a major challenge to their use as energy-efficient on-chip memory. Leveraging the ability of many applications to tolerate impreciseness in their underlying computations and data, we explore approximate storage as a new approach to improving the energy-efficiency of spintronic memories. We identify and characterize mechanisms in STT-MRAM bit-cells that provide favorable energy-quality trade-offs, i.e., disproportionate energy improvements at the cost of small probabilities of read/write failures. Based on these mechanisms, we design a quality-configurable memory array in which data can be stored to varying levels of accuracy based on application requirements. We integrate the quality-configurable array as a scratchpad in the memory hierarchy of a programmable vector processor and expose it to software by introducing quality-aware load/store instructions within the ISA. We evaluate the energy benefits of our proposal using a device-to-architecture modeling framework and demonstrate 40% and 19.5% improvement in memory energy and overall application energy respectively, for negligible (<; 0.5%) quality loss across a suite of recognition and vision applications.
A Survey on Video Summarization Techniques

Video summarization methods attempt to abstract the main occurrences, scenes, or objects in a clip in order to provide an easily interpreted synopsis. The main aim of Video summarization is to provide clear analysis of video by removing duplications and extracting key frames from the video. Video Summarization will divide the frames of the video into blocks and calculating the mean, variance, skew, kurtosis histogram of every block and comparing the same with the corresponding blocks of the next frame. There are many different methods used for Key frame extraction in video Summarization. Some important methods are compared. The frame with highest mean is selected as the key frame. The best method is selected based on the color distribution.
Can Africa's saving collapse be reversed?

Private saving in Sub-Saharan Africa declined from more than 11 percent of disposable income in the 1970s to less than 8 percent in the 1980s and only partially recovered (to less than 9 percent) in the 1990s. This article analyzes the determinants of private saving in Sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to explain the region's dismal performance and identify policies that could help to reverse the region's decline in saving. The analysis shows that in Sub-Saharan Africa causality runs from growth to investment (and perhaps to private saving), whereas a rise m the saving rate Granger-causes an increase in investment. The empirical analysis of private saving in Sub- Saharan Africa and other regions over 1970-95 suggests that private saving in Africa can be explained by standard behavioral models. According to these models private saving in Africa lags behind that in other regions (most notably, the high performing Asian economies) because of the region's lower per capita income, high young-age dependency ratio, and high dependence on aid. The combined effects of these factors substantially outweigh Africa's advantage from its lower public saving and higher government consumption. Finally, analysis of the experiences of Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Botswana provides further insight into the saving process in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Spermine and Citrate as Metabolic Biomarkers for Assessing Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness

Separating indolent from aggressive prostate cancer is an important clinical challenge for identifying patients eligible for active surveillance, thereby reducing the risk of overtreatment. The purpose of this study was to assess prostate cancer aggressiveness by metabolic profiling of prostatectomy tissue and to identify specific metabolites as biomarkers for aggressiveness. Prostate tissue samples (n = 158, 48 patients) with a high cancer content (mean: 61.8%) were obtained using a new harvesting method, and metabolic profiles of samples representing different Gleason scores (GS) were acquired by high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS). Multivariate analysis (PLS, PLS-DA) and absolute quantification (LCModel) were used to examine the ability to predict cancer aggressiveness by comparing low grade (GS = 6, n = 30) and high grade (GS≥7, n = 81) cancer with normal adjacent tissue (n = 47). High grade cancer tissue was distinguished from low grade cancer tissue by decreased concentrations of spermine (p = 0.0044) and citrate (p = 7.73·10−4), and an increase in the clinically applied (total choline+creatine+polyamines)/citrate (CCP/C) ratio (p = 2.17·10−4). The metabolic profiles were significantly correlated to the GS obtained from each tissue sample (r = 0.71), and cancer tissue could be distinguished from normal tissue with sensitivity 86.9% and specificity 85.2%. Overall, our findings show that metabolic profiling can separate aggressive from indolent prostate cancer. This holds promise for the benefit of applying in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) within clinical MR imaging investigations, and HR-MAS analysis of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies has a potential as an additional diagnostic tool.
Pixel estimation based video forgery detection

In this paper, we propose a novel technique to detect double quantization, which results due to double compression of a tampered video. The proposed algorithm uses principles of estimation theory to detect double quantization. Each pixel of a given frame is estimated from the spatially colocated pixels of all the other frames in a Group of Picture (GOP). The error between the true and estimated value is subjected to a threshold to identify the double compressed frame or frames in a GOP. The advantage of this algorithm is that it can detect tampering of I, P or B frames in a GOP with high accuracy. In addition, the technique can also detect forgery under wide range of double compression bitrates or quantization scale factors. We compare our experimental results against popular video forgery detection techniques and establish the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Existence of Eulerian Solutions to the Semigeostrophic Equations in Physical Space: The 2-Dimensional Periodic Case

In this article we use new regularity and stability estimates for Alexandrov solutions to Monge-Ampère equations, recently established by De Philippis and Figalli [14], to provide global in time existence of distributional solutions to the semigeostrophic equations on the 2-dimensional torus, under very mild assumptions on the initial data. A link with Lagrangian solutions is also discussed.
HiPAD: High Performance Adaptive Deflection Router for On-Chip Mesh Networks

The efficiency of a router in a Network on Chip (NoC) is characterised by good performance, minimum packet latency, area and power. In this paper, we propose an adaptive deflection router for mesh NoC which offers higher speed of operation by reducing the router critical path latency. We propose a single cycle router that uses an intelligent decision making logic to store deflected flits in minimum number of side buffers. Synthesis results of the design show an overall reduction in timing latency compared to a conventional minimally buffered router with two cycle latency. Network simulation of the proposed architecture using synthetic and real application traffic reports that the average flit latency and deflection rate reduces significantly in our design compared to the state-of-the-art single cycle deflection routers.
Enhancing Motivation and Job Satisfaction of Police Officers: A Test of High Performance Cycle Theory

Although goal-setting theory is one of the most examined motivation theories, few studies examine a theoretical framework of the high performance cycle (HPC) offered by Locke and Latham. Thus, the aim of this article is to examine the causes of job motivation and satisfaction within the framework of HPC. The data were gathered from 1,970 police officers working in various police departments in Turkey. Overall, the results of the study were consistent with the tenets of HPC. Results suggest that specific goals, self-efficacy, and feedback increase police officers’ job motivation, which leads to rewards and subsequently, job satisfaction among police officers. The results also suggest that job motivation has direct and indirect effects on job satisfaction. The practical implications of this study are to show that HPC is an effective and applicable framework to increase police officers’ job motivation and satisfaction.
Teachers' Attitude towards Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

: There is a close relationship between the quality of education and the quality of teachers. The quality of education depends upon the knowledge and attitude of teachers towards the ICT. Teacher educators are the facilitators in any educational reform movement. In order to effectively implement the prescribed curriculum and to achieve its objectives of preparing better future teachers, teacher, educators should themselves be psychologically and academically competent. This research paper discusses the difference between male-female, senior-junior and arts -science teacher educators.
Do patients with lactose intolerance exhibit more frequent comorbidities than patients without lactose intolerance? An analysis of routine data from German medical practices

Background The increase in food intolerances poses a burgeoning problem in our society. Food intolerances not only lead to physical impairment of the individual patient but also result in a high socio-economic burden due to factors such as the treatment required as well as absenteeism. The present study aimed to explore whether lactose intolerant (LI) patients exhibit more frequent comorbidities than non-LI patients. Methods The study was conducted on a case-control basis and the results were determined using routine data analysis. Routine data from the IMS Disease Analyzer database were used for this purpose. A total of 6,758 data records were processed and analyzed. Results There were significant correlations between LI and the incidence of osteoporosis, changes in mental status, and the presence of additional food intolerances. Comparing 3,379 LI vs. 3,379 non-LI patients, 34.5% vs. 17.7% (P<0.0001) suffered from abdominal pain; 30.6% vs. 17.2% (P<0.0001) from gastrointestinal infections; and 20.9% vs. 16.0% (P=0.0053) from depression. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were the highest for fructose intolerance (n=229 LI vs. n=7 non-LI; OR 31.06; P<0.0001), irritable bowel syndrome (n=247 LI vs. n=44 non-LI; OR 5.23; P<0.0001), and bloating (n=351 LI vs. n=68 non-LI; OR 4.94; P<0.0001). Conclusion The study confirms that LI should not be regarded as an isolated illness but considered a possible trigger for further diseases. Additional research is necessary to assert more precise statements.
Ecosystem services span from tangible goods like wood , clean water , or agricultural products to non-material benefits like landscapes ’ aesthetic features , climate regulation , and maintenance of soil fertility

Ecosystem services have become a critical issue in the environmental literature, however knowledge on whether women and men similarly value ecosystem services is still nascent. We aim at advancing the understanding of the relation between gender and environmental perceptions through the analysis of values assigned by women and men to ecosystem services supplied by home gardens in Vall Fosca (Catalan Pyrenees, north-eastern Spain). We found that women give a higher value than men to all ecosystem services. Overall, women’s valuation of the full range of ecosystem services provided by home gardens was 7.55% higher than men’s valuation. Gender socialization influences the way people interact with and value the environment, including highly managed environments such as home gardens. We argue that considering gendered differences in ecosystem services valuation may lead to policies more effective in enhancing ecosystem services provision.
Exploring Personal Reading Histories in Developing Reading Interest of English Study Program Learners of University of Riau

As one of activities in Extensive Reading classroom, Exploring Personal Reading Histories provides learners in exploring their reading experiences. This study aimed to explore: (1) What are the reading experiences of English study program learners of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education University of Riau based in Exploring Personal Reading Histories? ” (2) How are the reading experiences of English study program learners of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education University of Riau based on Exploring Personal Reading Histories developing reading interest? ”It was a case study and the data were collected through the document of learners ‘reading histories. The result of this study found that: (1) the reading experiences of English study program learners of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education University of Riau based on Exploring Personal Reading Histories is individual contexts and processes in becoming competent for each level. (2) The reading experiences of English study program learners of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education University of Riau based on Exploring Personal Reading Histories developing reading interest are through reading experiences developing processes (parent’s and teachers’ role, learners’ positive attitude, reading materials for each level, reading activities, building critical thinking). This study suggests implementing Exploring Personal Reading Histories in Extensive Reading course. It is also recommended conducting deep study on Exploring Personal Reading Histories in developing reading interest by using socio-cultural theory and interviews as additional theory and interview.
Occurrence of Leaf Blight on Cosmos Caused by Alternaria cosmosa in Korea

In 2011, a leaf blight disease was observed on cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) leaves in Nonsan, Korea. The causal pathogen was isolated and identified based on morphological and molecular approaches. Morphological characteristics of the pathogen matched well with the Alternaria cosmosa and also easily distinguishable from Alternaria zinniae reported from cosmos seeds by producing branched beak. Phylogenetically, the pathogen could not be distinguished from A. passiflorae based on the sequence analysis of a combined data set of Alt a1 and gpd genes. However, A. passiflorae was distinguished from the present species by having conidiophores with 4 to 5 conidiogenous loci. The results indicate that the present Alternaria species is A. cosmosa. Pathogenicity tests revealed that the isolate was pathogenic to the leaves of Cosmos bipinnatus. This is the first report of Alternaria blight disease caused by A. cosmosa on cosmos in Korea.
On the ionisation fraction in protoplanetary disks. II. The effect of turbulent mixing on gas-phase chemistry

We calculate the ionisation fraction in protostellar disk models using two different gas-phase chemical networks, and examine the effect of turbulent mixing by modelling the diffusion of chemical species vertically through the disk. The aim is to determine in which regions of the disk gas can couple to a magnetic field and sustain MHD turbulence. The disk models are conventional α -disks, and the primary source of ionisation is X-ray irradiation from the central star. We assume that the vertical mixing arises because of turbulent diffusion, and accordingly equate the vertical diffusion coefficient, ${\cal D}$, with the kinematic viscosity, ν . We find that the effect of diffusion depends crucially on the elemental abundance of heavy metals (magnesium) included in the chemical model. In the absence of heavy metals, diffusion has essentially no effect on the ionisation structure of the disks, as the recombination time scale is much shorter than the turbulent diffusion time scale. When metals are included with an elemental abundance above a threshold value, the diffusion can dramatically reduce the size of the magnetically decoupled region (“dead zone”), or even remove it altogther. This arises when recombination is dominated by metal ions, and the recombination time exceeds the vertical diffusion time scale. For a complex chemistry the elemental abundance of magnesium required to remove the dead zone is $x_{\rm Mg} = 10_{}^{-10}$–$10_{}^{-8}$. We also find that diffusion can modify the reaction pathways, giving rise to dominant species when diffusion is switched on that are minor species when diffusion is absent. This suggests that there may be chemical signatures of diffusive mixing that could be used to indirectly detect turbulent activity in protoplanetary disks. We find examples of models in which the dead zone in the outer disk region is rendered deeper when diffusion is switched on. This is caused by turbulent mixing diluting the electron fraction in regions where the ionisation degree is marginally above that required for good coupling. Overall these results suggest that global MHD turbulence in protoplanetary disks may be self-sustaining under favourable circumstances, as turbulent mixing can help maintain the ionisation fraction above that necessary to ensure good coupling between the gas and magnetic field.
Effects of Gay-Themed Advertising among Young Heterosexual Adults from U.S. and South Korea

Little research has been conducted to explain the effects of gay-themed advertising in a cross-cultural context. Such research has been particularly scarce in South Korea. This study is designed to investigate the effects of cultural orientation, gender, and types of gay-themed advertising in evaluation of gay male and female lesbian print ads. The study results indicate that Korean college students (i.e., collectivists) had lower tolerance of homosexuality than did U.S. college students (i.e., individualists). The study also finds that gender-role beliefs lead males to have lower tolerance of homosexuality. However, gender did not have statistically significant impacts on advertising and brand evaluation. Lastly, the study also found that lesbian imagery print ads could lead to greater tolerance of homosexuality and more favorable evaluations of the advertising and brand than could gay male imagery print ads. The current study sheds some light on the characteristics of U.S. consumers and Korean consumers on tolerance of homosexuality and gay-themed ads. Limitations and areas for further research are discussed.
Community-based processes behind species richness gradients: contrasting abundance-extinction dynamics and sampling effects in areas of low and high productivity

Aim To consider the role of local colonization and extinction rates in explaining the generation and maintenance of species richness gradients at the regional scale. Location A Mediterranean biome (oak forests, deciduous forests, shrublands, pinewoods, firwoods, alpine heathlands, crops) in Catalonia, Spain. Methods We analysed the relative importance of direct and indirect effects of community size in explaining species richness gradients. Direct sampling effects of community size on species richness are predicted by Hubbell’s neutral theory of biodiversity and biogeography. The greater the number of individuals in a locality, the greater the number of species expected by random direct sampling effects. Indirect effects are predicted by the abundance‐extinction hypothesis, which states that in more productive sites increased population densities and reduced extinction rates may lead to high species richness. The study system was an altitudinal gradient of forest bird species richness. Results We found significant support for the existence of both direct and indirect effects of community size in species richness. Thus, both the neutral and the abundance‐extinction hypotheses were supported for the altitudinal species richness gradient of forest birds in Catalonia. However, these mechanisms seem to drive variation in species richness only in low-productivity areas; in high-productivity areas, species richness was uncorrelated with community size and productivity
Two-wave interaction in ideal magnetohydrodynamics

The weakly nonlinear interaction of sound and linearly polarised Alfven waves propagating in the same direction along an applied magnetic field is studied. It is found that a sound wave is coupled to the Alfven wave with double period and wavelength when the sound and Alfven speeds are equal. The Alfven wave drives the sound wave through the ponderomotive force, while the sound wave returns energy back to the Alfven wave through the parametric (swing) influence. As a result, the two waves alternately exchange their energy during propagation. The process of energy exchange is faster for waves with stronger amplitudes. The phenomenon can be of importance in astrophysical plasmas, including the solar atmosphere and solar wind.
FAST-PPR: scaling personalized pagerank estimation for large graphs

We propose a new algorithm, FAST-PPR, for computing personalized PageRank: given start node s and target node t in a directed graph, and given a threshold δ, it computes the Personalized PageRank π_s(t) from s to t, guaranteeing that the relative error is small as long πs(t) > δ. Existing algorithms for this problem have a running-time of Ω(1/δ in comparison, FAST-PPR has a provable average running-time guarantee of O(√d/δ) (where d is the average in-degree of the graph). This is a significant improvement, since δ is often O(1/n) (where n is the number of nodes) for applications. We also complement the algorithm with an Ω(1/√δ) lower bound for PageRank estimation, showing that the dependence on δ cannot be improved. We perform a detailed empirical study on numerous massive graphs, showing that FAST-PPR dramatically outperforms existing algorithms. For example, on the 2010 Twitter graph with 1.5 billion edges, for target nodes sampled by popularity, FAST-PPR has a 20 factor speedup over the state of the art. Furthermore, an enhanced version of FAST-PPR has a 160 factor speedup on the Twitter graph, and is at least 20 times faster on all our candidate graphs.
Approximation Algorithms for Steiner and Directed Multicuts

In this paper we consider theSteiner multicutproblem. This is a generalization of the minimum multicut problem where instead of separating nodepairs, the goal is to find a minimum weight set of edges that separates all givensetsof nodes. A set is considered separated if it is not contained in a single connected component. We show anO(log3(kt)) approximation algorithm for the Steiner multicut problem, wherekis the number of sets andtis the maximum cardinality of a set. This improves theO(tlogk) bound that easily follows from the previously known multicut results. We also consider an extension of multicuts to directed case, namely the problem of finding a minimum-weight set of edges whose removal ensures that none of the strongly connected components includes one of the prespecifiedknode pairs. In this paper we describe anO(log2k) approximation algorithm for this directed multicut problem. Ifk? n, this represents an improvement over theO(lognloglogn) approximation algorithm that is implied by the technique of Seymour.