Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro-Benchmarking Property Preserving Encryption: Balancing Performance, Security and Functionality

Practical encryption systems with new and more flexible capabilities have been enabled by recent advances in computing hardware performance and Property Preserving Encryption (PPE) schemes. PPE schemes allow limited and preselected operations to be performed on encrypted data allowing system designers to trade-off between performance, security and functionality. This paper uses micro-benchmark to evaluate three interdependent factors of PPE: performance, security and functionality. The findings validate the efficacy of this technique and provide guidance to application designers and technology evaluators seeking to understand these interdependent relationships for PPE database applications. Experiments were performed using the CryptDB research system. Results validate the previous assessments of CryptDB and provide supplemental detail on performance, security and functionality.
Fulcrum: Flexible Network Coding for Heterogeneous Devices

We introduce Fulcrum, a network coding framework that achieves three seemingly conflicting objectives: 1) to reduce the coding coefficient overhead down to nearly <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula> bits per packet in a generation of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula> packets; 2) to conduct the network coding using only Galois field <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$GF(2)$ </tex-math></inline-formula> operations at intermediate nodes if necessary, dramatically reducing computing complexity in the network; and 3) to deliver an end-to-end performance that is close to that of a high-field network coding system for high-end receivers, while simultaneously catering to low-end receivers that decode in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$GF(2)$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. As a consequence of 1) and 3), Fulcrum has a unique trait missing so far in the network coding literature: providing the network with the flexibility to distribute computational complexity over different devices depending on their current load, network conditions, or energy constraints. At the core of our framework lies the idea of precoding at the sources using an expansion field <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$GF(2^{h}),~h > 1$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, to increase the number of dimensions seen by the network. Fulcrum can use any high-field linear code for precoding, e.g., Reed-Solomon or Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC). Our analysis shows that the number of additional dimensions created during precoding controls the trade-off between delay, overhead, and computing complexity. Our implementation and measurements show that Fulcrum achieves similar decoding probabilities as high field RLNC but with encoders and decoders that are an order of magnitude faster.
The Contribution of Nintendo Wii® in children’s motricity

The increasingly visible sedentarism in the children of our current society is a problem that has been worrying the Childhood Educators. Taking into account the advancement of technology and the fact that children in today’s activity rooms are considered as Digital Natives, we intend to introduce the Nintendo Wii® into the motor activities developed by children in order to verify their contribution to children’s motor skills. To this end, the objectives of this study focused on the promotion of digital resources in activities related to motor expression; the analysis of the effect of the practice of motor activities performed with Nintendo Wii® and the identification of changes in children’s motor development, namely in the analyzed variables, balance, laterality, body notion and global praxia, resulting from practice in the environment virtual. The present investigation was developed in the Supervised Practice in Pre-School Education, in a group of children between the ages of 4 and 5 years. In this investigation the qualitative and quantitative paradigm was combined. A mixed qualitative approach was also developed, combining action research and exploratory case study, due to the uniqueness of the study. For the collection of data, several instruments and techniques were used: participant observation, field notes, audiovisual media, BPM, semi-structured interview and questionnaire surveys. The implementation was developed in seven sessions, in which the children of the experimental group used the Nintendo Wii® and its accessories (Wii Remote and Balance Board). After the due analysis of all the collected data, we can conclude that the Nintendo Wii® contributes significantly in the children’s motricity, that is, in the improvement of motor skills. It is noteworthy that the accomplishment of motor activities with the Nintendo Wii® generated in the children spontaneous collaborative spirit; healthy competition, because what mattered was the accomplishment of motor activities and not exactly the gain of points, and the punctuation emerged as a motivating element in terms of people, giving rise to greater feelings of self-esteem
Experimental Breast Phantoms for Estimation of Breast Tumor Using Microwave Imaging Systems

In this paper, the preparation and the measurement of a set of human breast phantoms for microwave breast imaging (MBI) as a method of tumor detection are presented. The developed artificial breast phantoms have realistic dielectric properties. Homogenous and most realistic heterogeneous breast phantoms have been fabricated based upon 3D structures filled up with different chemical mixtures that imitate the various breast tissue types (skin, healthy fat tissue, glandular tissue, and tumor tissue) regarding permittivity over ultra-wideband frequency band (3.1–10.6 GHz). The primary challenge in fabricating such phantoms is in developing suitable mixtures of materials to emulate those properties across the frequency band of interest in hyperthermia and to fabricate the phantom with realistic anatomy. Once fabricated, the dielectric properties are measured using a dielectric probe connected with a modern vector network analyzer. The measured dielectric is compared to real human breast dielectric properties, and the primary imaging results are presented. The integrated design of the homogenous and heterogeneous phantoms permits to combine the tumor and breast phantoms dynamically for creating a test platform based on MBI systems. The experimental dielectric properties of the phantoms show good agreement with this paper and theoretical results. The phantoms are constructed in such a way that the chosen materials demonstrate the properties to be stable over a long period. The experimental results demonstrate the validity of our proposed phantoms to be used in investigating as a supplement to the real human breast tissue with multiple object and comparatively high-resolution image.
Soft-decision LCC Decoder Architecture with n=4 for RS(255,239)

In this work we present a novel architecture for a soft-decision Reed-Solomon LCC decoder. In our decoder the data sorted and stored in the Multiplicity Assignment stage are different from other authors’ work. We present architectures for the Syndrome Update and Symbol Modification blocks that are adapted to the proposed sorting stage. We present implementation results for ASIC and FPGA that show that this architecture can reach high performance and low latency when compared with similar decoders. For example, in ASIC, our decoder requires 40% less area than a specific state-of-the-art decoder, while still has 40% higher throughput and 0.07 dB coding gain over that decoder.
3-D Stacked Synapse Array Based on Charge-Trap Flash Memory for Implementation of Deep Neural Networks

This paper proposes a synaptic device based on charge-trap flash memory that has good CMOS compatibility and superior reliability characteristics compared with other synaptic devices. Using hot-electron injection and hot-hole injection, we designed operation methods to implement gradual conductance modulation and spike-timing-dependent plasticity. We demonstrate the feasibility of the device for neuromorphic applications through both a device-level technology computer-aided design simulation and a system-level MATLAB simulation. For the first time, we also propose a 3-D stacked synapse array and present the structure, operation, and process methods. The proposed array architecture features a small area and low process cost and could be a novel solution for neuromorphic systems for implementing deep neural networks.
Mourning Modernity: Literary Modernism and the Injuries of American Capitalism

[Table of Contents] CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction PART ONE. THE TWO MODERNISMS 1. Modernism and Loss: The Divided Response to American Capitalism 2. Melancholic Modernism 3. The Modernism of Mourning PART TWO. THE TWO MODERNISMS AT WAR: DOS PASSOS'S U.S.A. TRILOGY 4. John Dos Passos and the Crises of American Radicalism 5. The Modernism of Mourning in U.S.A. : "Writing So Fiery and Accurate" 6. Melancholic Modernism in U.S.A. : Naturalism and the "Torment of Hope" Conclusion. "The Language of the Beaten Nation Is Not Forgotten": Dos Passos's Camera Eye and the Unfinished Work of Mourning Notes Works Cited Index
A simulated annealing approach for social utility maximization in dynamic spectrum management

The demand for spectrum resource is increasingly growing with the rapid development of wireless networks and devices. Therefore, how to allocate spectrum dynamically to enhance system efficiency has become an important issue in recent years. In this paper, we propose a simulated annealing (SA) based approach to solve the dynamic spectrum management problem. The objective is to maximize the sum of individual Shannon utilities in a multi-user communication system. Experimental result shows that our proposed approach can achieve an acceptable solution within a reasonable amount of time as the number of users and channels increases.
The empirical base of linguistics

Throughout much of the history of linguistics, grammaticality judgments – intuitions about the well-formedness of sentences – have constituted most of the empirical base against which theoretical hypothesis have been tested. Although such judgments often rest on subtle intuitions, there is no systematic methodology for eliciting them, and their apparent instability and unreliability have led many to conclude that they should be abandoned as a source of data. Carson T. Schutze presents here a detailed critical overview of the vast literature on the nature and utility of grammaticality judgments and other linguistic intuitions, and the ways they have been used in linguistic research. He shows how variation in the judgment process can arise from factors such as biological, cognitive, and social differences among subjects, the particular elicitation method used, and extraneous features of the materials being judged. He then assesses the status of judgments as reliable indicators of a speaker's grammar. Integrating substantive and methodological findings, Schutze proposes a model in which grammaticality judgments result from interaction of linguistic competence with general cognitive processes. He argues that this model provides the underpinning for empirical arguments to show that once extragrammatical variance is factored out, universal grammar succumbs to a simpler, more elegant analysis than judgment data initially lead us to expect. Finally, Schutze offers numerous practical suggestions on how to collect better and more useful data. The result is a work of vital importance that will be required reading for linguists, cognitive psychologists, and philosophers of language alike. "Native speakers' judgments of the acceptability of linguistic examples have always formed a major part of the data of linguistics, but linguists generally either have elicited such data in a haphazard fashion and accepted the results uncritically or have rejected acceptability judgments altogether and equally uncritically. Schutze's book is a welcome relief from the failure of linguists to deal responsibly with what can be either the most fertile or the most misleading source of information about languages. " —James D. McCawley, University of Chicago "Schutze has written an extraordinarily useful and timely book. In it, he provides a clear and readable review of past studies of the methodology of generative syntax. But this is not merely a survey: it is also a call for more careful and objective scientific methods in syntax, including a set of practical methodological suggestions for working syntacticians. If heeded, they will greatly strengthen the empirical base of linguistic theory. " —Tom Wasow, Stanford University
Channel estimation and tracking in spatially correlated MIMO OFDM systems

This paper addresses the problem of channel estimation for MIMO OFDM systems where the channels may be spatially correlated. Starting from OFDM transmission model with independent MIMO channels, we derive a new state-space model that accounts for spatial correlation at transmitter and receiver antenna arrays. Kalman filter is then applied to estimate and track the time-varying channels. Correlation parameters are also estimated from the received data.
Early Detection: A strategy to reduce risk and severity?

Despite changes in surgical techniques, radiotherapy targeting and the apparent earlier detection of cancers, secondary lymphoedema is still a significant problem for about 20–30% of those who receive treatment for cancer, although the incidence and prevalence does seem to be falling. The figures above generally relate to detection of an enlarged limb or other area, but it seems that about 60% of all patients also suffer other problems with how the limb feels, what can or cannot be done with it and a range of social or psychological issues. Often these ‘subjective’ changes occur before the objective ones, such as a change in arm volume or circumference. For most of those treated for cancer lymphoedema does not develop immediately, and, while about 60–70% develop it in the first few years, some do not develop lymphoedema for up to 15 or 20 years. Those who will develop clinically manifest lymphoedema in the future are, for some time, in a latent or hidden phase of lymphoedema.
A virtual mathematics learning environment for engineering students

Teachers of the course Introduction to Mathematics for Engineers at the UOC, an online distance-learning university, have designed, developed and tested an online study material. It includes basic pre-university mathematics, indications for correct follow-up of this content and recommendations for finding appropriate support and complementary materials. Many different resources are used, depending on the characteristics of the contents: Flash sequences, interactive applets, WIRIS calculators and PDF files. During the last semester, the new study material has been tested with 119 students. The academic results and student satisfaction have allowed us to outline and prioritise future lines of action.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Explore Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients’ Dietary Behavior

Heart transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage heart disease. Coronary artery vasculopathy is, however, a significant morbidity and leading cause of late graft loss, and hyperlipidemia a risk factor for its development. Improving diet in this population could have important benefits for patients. We wanted to understand what influences decisions about food intake in this patient group. Dietary intentions and behavior were examined using a questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with 67 children who had undergone heart transplantation at least 12 months previously. The TPB model was significant for both healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviors, explaining 55% and 38% of the variance, respectively. Ten percent of children reported not eating any fruit and/or vegetables in the previous week and only 29% reported eating fruit and/or vegetables every day. The Theory of Planned Behavior provides a framework for explaining some specific dietary behaviors related to individual food groups in children who have undergone heart transplantation. These preliminary data support using this approach to inform the development of interventions to improve fruit and vegetable consumption but the approach may be less useful for explaining and developing interventions to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.
Underutilization of mental health services by Asian American clients : The impact of language and culture in clinical assessment and intervention

Previous research indicates a disproportionately low service utilization rate and a high dropout rate among Asian Americans receiving mental health services (Sue, 1977). Findings suggest that many of the factors accounting for this problem are related to cultural and linguistic mismatches. This study asked the following questions: Do non-Asian American and Asian American clinicians differ in their (1) style of service delivery, (2) assessment of their Asian American clients, and (3) interventions with them? Clinicians' clinical assessment and intervention strategies are identified components of this study. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with Asian American and non-Asian American clinicians in the field of social work. A case vignette was developed as the basis for the interviews. Data analysis was based on a content-analysis approach. The findings showed clinicians from the Asian American group as more process-oriented: they placed more emphasis on use of non-directive intervention styles, famil.
Multi-Objective Optimization of the Switched Reluctance Motor for Improved Performance in a Heavy Hybrid Electric Vehicle Application

Ravi, Sashankh, M.S.E.C. E. , Purdue University, August 2016. Multi-Objective Optimization of the Switched Reluctance Motor for Improved Performance in a Heavy Hybrid Electric Vehicle Application. Major Professor: Dionysios Aliprantis. The goal of this research is to improve the performance of the switched reluctance motor for a heavy hybrid electric vehicle based application. In order to achieve this, the stator and rotor tooth shapes and the switching current waveforms are modified from their base values. A multi-objective optimization problem is formulated to minimize the square of the RMS current and the normalized torque ripple. The optimization is solved using a genetic algorithm and a Pareto-optimal front is obtained. Finally, a time-domain simulation is employed to study the performance of the optimal designs over a wide range of operating speeds.
Transitivity alternations in second language acquisition : a crosslinguistic study of English, Spanish and Turkish

L'A. propose un resume de sa these consacree a l'etude de l'acquisition des alternances de transitivite en anglais, espagnol et turc langues secondes dans un cadre generatif. Il reprend ainsi les resultats obtenus a partir de l'analyse de l'interaction entre les principes universels et les connaissances provenant de la langue maternelle dans la grammaire de l'interlangue afin de determiner si on observe des modeles de developpement similaires pour des langues typologiquement differentes. Ce resume est suivi d'un compte rendu dans lequel A. Sorace souligne la pertinence de cette these tant pour une theorie de l'interface semantique-pragmatique que pour illustrer la maniere dont les recherches sur l'acquisition d'une L2 peuvent permettre de mieux comprendre la maniere dont fonctionne le langage
Business process discovery through conversation log analysis in pluralist and coercive problem contexts

Business process discovery is one of the most fundamental steps of business process management (BPM) lifecycles. Incorrect, misleading or biased results of this stage can cause the whole BPM project to fail or the information systems that are created based on them to have great alignment problems with the reality of the organisation and how people carry out their work. The main problems of the business process discovery phase stem from two main sources. Firstly, the wrong attachment of BPM definitions and business process discovery techniques to the functionalist social paradigm whose only objective is the survival of the organisation through ensuring its efficiency and adaptability like a machine. This attachment to the functionalist paradigm has made BPM definitions to assume that organisations as social systems are in a unitary problem context, which means its constituents have similar beliefs and interests, they share common goals and objectives and they have all been involved in the decision-making. These assumptions are obviously far from the reality of today’s organisations which are normally either in pluralist or coercive problem contexts. The second source of problems in the business process discovery phase are BPM’s definitions and techniques over-reliance on human memory and cognition that has made them suffer, like any other knowledge acquisition technique, from human memory and cognition limitations. Using Design Science Research methodology, this research develops a conceptual framework in which new definitions for business task, business process and business process model in pluralist and coercive problem contexts will be presented. It will also be shown that conversation logs are a good source of information for business process discovery based on the new definitions and that using conversation logs can reduce the limitations caused by human memory and cognition. To develop the new conceptual framework, organisations as social systems have been analysed using the creative holism systems approach, and sound theories such as viable system model (VSM), i* framework, speech act theory, conversation for action diagrams and episodic memory have been leveraged. Based on the conceptual framework that consumes email messages as the conversation log and as its source of information, a method for business process discovery has been developed. Using two case studies it has been demonstrated that the proposed definitions and the developed methods are applicable in unitary, pluralist and coercive problem contexts; and taking advantage of the conversation logs as their information source, they suffer to a lesser extent from human memory and cognition limitations. As a consequence, the resulting business process models created from applying the proposed definitions and methods are closer to the realities of the organisations and can increase the success rate of the business process management projects and reduce the information system’s alignment problems.
Consensus on Circulatory Shock and Hemodynamic Monitoring of Task Force of the European Society of Comments on Intensive Care Medicine

Circulatory shock is a life-threatening syndrome resulting in multi-organ failure and a high mortality rate. The aim of this consensus by the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine task group is to provide clinicians with comprehensive guideline with respect to the diagnosis, monitoring and management of shock. The consensus includes 44 statements consisting of description, definition, recommendations and best possible practice at bedside. Key words: Shock; Hemodynamics; Intensive care