Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Is the Nearest Neighbor in High Dimensional Spaces?

Nearest neighbor search in high dimensional spaces is an interesting and important problem which is relevant for a wide variety of novel database applications. As recent results show, however, the problem is a very di cult one, not only with regards to the performance issue but also to the quality issue. In this paper, we discuss the quality issue and identify a new generalized notion of nearest neighbor search as the relevant problem in high dimensional space. In contrast to previous approaches, our new notion of nearest neighbor search does not treat all dimensions equally but uses a quality criterion to select relevant dimensions (projections) with respect to the given query. As an example for a useful quality criterion, we rate how well the data is clustered around the query point within the selected projection. We then propose an e cient and e ective algorithm to solve the generalized nearest neighbor problem. Our experiments based on a number of real and synthetic data sets show that our new approach provides new insights into the nature of nearest neighbor search on high
Outage probability of microcellular radio systems in a Rayleigh/Rician fading environment

An expression is derived for outage probabilities in a microcellular radio system in which the desired radio signal is Rayleigh faded while an interfering signal is Rician faded. At low average signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) this Rayleigh/Rician fading environment is shown to exhibit a higher outage probability than that expected in cellular systems in which both desired and interfering signals are Rayleigh faded. However, at high average SIR the performance predicted by either model is the same. <<ETX>>
Fault-tolerant and efficient parallel computation

Recent advances in computer technology made parallel machines a reality. Massively parallel systems use many general-purpose, inexpensive processing elements to attain computation speed-ups comparable to or better than those achieved by expensive, specialized machines with a small number of fast processors. In such setting, however, one would expect to see an increased number of processor failures attributable to hardware or software. This may eliminate the potential advantage of parallel computation. We believe that this presents a reliability bottleneck that is among fundamental problems in parallel computation. We investigate algorithmic ways of introducing fault-tolerance in multiprocessors under the constraint of preserving efficiency. This research demonstrates how in certain models of parallel computation it is possible to combine efficiency and fault-tolerance. We show that in the models we study, it is possible to develop efficient parallel algorithms without concern for fault-tolerance, and then correctly and efficiently execute these algorithms on parallel machines whose processors are subject to arbitrary dynamic fail-stop errors. By ensuring efficient executions for any patterns of failures, the efficiency is also maintained when failures are infrequent, or when the expected number of failures is small. The efficient algorithmic approaches to multiprocessor fault-tolerance presented in this thesis make a contribution towards bridging the gap between the abstract models of parallel computation and realizable parallel architectures.
VisChem: Building mental models of the molecular world using interactive multimedia

Understanding chemistry involves being able to link what one sees substances doing in the laboratory, to what one imagines is happening within these substances at the invisible molecular level. Only then can these ideas be communicated using abstract symbolism (e.g. chemical formulas), terminology and mathematics. The VisChem multimedia resources (QuickTime animations and video) explicitly link these three levels – the molecular, laboratory and symbolic. Research in chemical education over the last 20 years has revealed that many students have unacceptable, incomplete or non-existent mental models of chemical substances and processes at the molecular level. This problem is considered a major cause of misconceptions in chemistry, and is one reason why many students do not engage with the subject. In this poster session we will demonstrate some of the VisChem molecular-level animations (see http://vischem.cadre.com.au/). However, multimedia resources that promote meaningful learning should require ‘cognitive struggle’, facilitated through engagement, rather than by passive reception. We will describe how the animations are presented in live teaching contexts, and incorporated into interactive multimedia resources, to build mental models of the molecular world through meaningful ‘cognitive struggle’.
VLSI implementation of a 200-MHz 16/spl times/16 left-to-right carry-free multiplier in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS technology for next-generation DSPs

We describe the VLSI implementation of a 16/spl times/16 left-to-right carry-free multiplier. Left-to-right multipliers are significantly faster than conventional right-to-left multipliers because they do not require a carry-propagate adder to complete the multiplication process. The key to the high speed of left-to-right multiplication is the fact that the most significant partial product digits are available in carry-save form earlier than they are in conventional right-to-left multipliers. Two conversion schemes for converting the most significant half of the partial products from carry-save to binary form are described. The first scheme uses a variation of the Ercegovac-Lang converter, and the second scheme uses a conventional carry-select adder. Experimental measurements are presented to show the feasibility of 200-MHz operation.
Interactive Optimization Programs for Initial Propeller Design

This thesis presents two methods for initial design propeller optimization using constrained nonlinear programming. The process uses the Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm. The Wageningen B-series optimal propeller selection is presented along with the combined annular momentum theory and blade element theory optimization. Both techniques require preliminary hull and engine design characteristics, but do not necessitate extensive background knowledge of propellers and their calculations. A comparison of the two methods shows the combined annular momentum theory and blade element theory optimization produces the more efficient propeller. The optimization programs were designed with a graphic user interface implemented in the programming language Python.
NEATS: A Multidocument Summarizer

NEATS is a multidocument summarization system that attempts to extract relevant or interesting portions from a set of documents about some topic and present them in coherent order. It is tailored to the genre of newspaper news articles, and it works for English, but can be made multilingual without a great deal of effort. At present NEATS produces generic (author’s point of view) summaries, but it could be made sensitive to desired focus topics, input by a user.
Modelling Modal Shift from Personal Vehicles to Bus on Introduction of Bus Priority Measure

This study is concerned with estimation of the probable shift of personal vehicle users to bus due to the increase in its level of service as a result of the provision of exclusive bus lanes on Indian city roads. The quantum of increase in level of service of bus due to introduction of exclusive bus lanes was determined using a recently developed simulation model for heterogeneous traffic flow. The data on the other factors (variables) that might cause modal shift from personal vehicles to bus were collected through home-interview survey using a stated preference approach. Mode-choice models to explain the shift behaviour of the users of motorised two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and cars to buses are developed. Modal shift probability curves are also developed to serve as a user friendly tool to analyze the probable modal shift for a wide range of the variables.
A high density datapath layout generation method under path delay constraints

A novel method for producing high-density datapath layouts under path delay constraints is proposed. The authors have adopted an array-compiler for generating layouts of functional blocks, and a place-and-route program for generating an overall layout. For linear placement of functional blocks, they have applied the A-algorithm with a new cost function which has the terms of path delay constraints and track number. This makes it possible to find a placement of functional blocks which leads to a high-density datapath layout that satisfies all path delay constraints. With the proposed method, the authors successfully generated several datapath layouts realizing the desired performance. The density of the layout ranges from 6.1 to 8.5Ktr. /mm/sup 2/, which is sufficiently high.
Dithering and /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulation in mono-bit digital receivers for ultra-wideband communications

Ultra-wideband (UWB) systems employ short, low power pulses. Analog receiver designs can accommodate the required bandwidths, but come at a cost of reduced flexibility. Digital approaches, on the other hand, provide flexibility in receiver signal processing but are limited by analog-to-digital (ADC) resolution and power consumption. In this paper we consider reduced complexity digital receivers, in which the ADC is limited to a single bit per sample. We study three one-bit ADC schemes: fixed reference, stochastic reference, and sigma-delta modulation (SDM). These are compared for two types of receivers based on (i) matched filtering, and (ii) a transmitted-reference. Bit error rate (BER) expressions are developed for these systems, and compared to full resolution implementations with negligible quantization error. The analysis includes the impact of quantization noise, filtering, and oversampling. In particular, for an additive white Gaussian noise channel, we show that the SDM scheme with oversampling can achieve the BER performance of a full resolution digital receiver.
Floorplan optimization on multiprocessors

A parallel formulation of a branch-and-bound algorithm for floorplan optimization in VLSI design is given. Implementation details and performance analyses of the authors' formulation are presented. This implementation was done on a 128-node Symult s2010 multicomputer, as well as on a network of 16 SUN workstations. In the experiments with realistic problems, linear speedups on both machine configurations were obtained. Previous analyses of a similar parallel algorithm suggest that linear speedup can be obtained even on very large computers (>1000 processors) on practical instances of this problem. <<ETX>>
Spontaneous speed reversals in stepper motors

Experimental data shows that permanent magnet stepper motors can spontaneously reverse their direction of rotation when controlled in full step, open-loop mode. The paper shows that the reversal of speed can be explained, and that the reverse speed is equal to three times the forward speed. A linear approximation of the motor dynamics predicts that reverse running will arise when the undershoot of the single-step response exceeds 50% (or when the damping factor is less than 0.11). The observations of the paper suggest a revision of the conventional explanation that resonance problems occur because of high positive velocity at the stepping time. Instead, the data and the analysis of the paper suggest that resonance problems, including stalling and speed reversal, occur due to the growth of the undershoot in the response to repeated steps.
Global Value Chains

This book contains seven case studies of global value chains as well as a discussion of the theory behind these chains. Specifically, it examines the impact of global value chains on local upgrading strategies, as well as the role of governments, buyers, donors, and civil society in influencing value chains and the importance of partnerships as mechanisms for value chain upgrading. An impressive group of eminent scholars deliver a thorough examination of this important economic and political phenomenon.
Questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups

With fast changing technologies and related human interaction issues, there is an increased need for timely evaluation of systems with distributed users in varying contexts (Pace, 2004). This has led to the increased use of questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups in commercial usability and academic research contexts. Questionnaires are usually paper based or delivered online and consist of a set of questions which all participants are asked to complete. Once the questionnaire has been created, it can be delivered to a large number of participants with little effort. However, a large number of participants also means a large amount of data needing to be coded and analysed. Interviews, on the other hand, are usually conducted on a one-to-one basis. They require a large amount of the investigator’s time during the interviews and also for transcribing and coding the data. Focus groups usually consist of one investigator and a number of participants in any one session. Although the views of any one participant cannot be probed to same degree as in an interview, the discussions that are facilitated within the groups often result in useful data in a shorter space of time than that required by one-to-one interviews. All too often, however, researchers eager to identify usability problems quickly throw together a questionnaire, interview or focus group that, when analysed, produces very little of interest. What is often lacking is an understanding of how the research method design fits with the research questions (Creswell, 2003) and how to appropriately utilise these different approaches for specific HCI needs. The methods described in this chapter can be useful when used alone but are most useful when used together with other methods. Creswell (2003) provides a comprehensive analysis of the different quantitative and qualitative methods and howthey can be mixed and matched for overall better quality research. Depending on what we are investigating, sometimes it is useful to start with a questionnaire and then, for example, follow up some specific points with an experiment, or a series of interviews, in order to fully explore some aspect of the phenomenon under study. This chapter describes how to choose between and design questionnaires, interviews and focus group studies and using two examples illustrates the advantages of combining a number of approaches when conducting HCI research.
Constructional grounding : the role of interpretational overlap in lexical and constructional acquisition

Constructional grounding: The role of interpretational overlap in lexical and constructional acquisition by Christopher Ronald Johnson B.A. (University o f Chicago) 1987 M.A. (University o f California, Berkeley) 1993 A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics in the GRADUATE DIVISION of the UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY Committee in charge: Professor Charles J. Fillm ore, Chair Professor George P. L akoff Professor Dan I. Slobin Professor Eve E. Sw eetser Fall 1999 R e p r o d u c e d with p e r m i s s io n of t h e co p y rig h t o w n er. F u r th e r r e p r o d u c tio n prohibited w ith o u t p e r m is s io n .
Desempeño lector y narrativo en escolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje

Los objetivos de esta investigación son conocer el desempeño lector y narrativo de escolares con TeL y estudiar sus posibles relaciones en estos sujetos. Se trabajó con 31 estudiantes (12 alumnos con TeL y déficit gramatical y 19 estudiantes sin problemas de lenguaje). Todos cursaban 1° básico en escuelas con proyectos de integración. Se les evaluó la comprensión y producción de narraciones orales, la decodificación y la comprensión lectora. Los resultados mostraron que los escolares con TeL presentan como grupo problemas en la lectura (comprensión y decodificación) pese a que sus desempeños lectores son variables. Además, evidencian un rendimiento narrativo similar al de los alumnos sin problemas de lenguaje. Finalmente, no se encontró relación entre el desempeño lector y las habilidades narrativas orales en ambos grupos.
Exploring the elements and dynamics of transformational change

The desire for organisational competitiveness as a result of factors such as the changing and increasing needs of customers, deregulation, the globalisation of the economy and work, the increasing competition due to globalisation, the need to control costs and increase efficiency, as well as the fast pace of technological advancement, has compelled organisations to embark on changes that take place at a fast and ever-increasing rate. However, it was noted that organisations are not at all succeeding in implementing and institutionalising change initiatives effectively. There is a high failure rate in the implementation of transformational change efforts, and this is attributed to the fact that managers are not well-equipped to deal with challenges associated with the implementation of transformational changes in organisations. As a result of the high failure rate in change implementation, there had been a number of empirical studies conducted, which investigated reasons behind this low success rate. Unfortunately very few studies have focused on the human side of transformational change. Most of the researches have dwelt more on the technical side of change. This quantitative study was then conducted in order to identify and explore the elements and dynamics of transformational change, which can be regarded as constituting the human dimension of transformational change. Specifically, the main objective of this study was to determine the extent to which the elements and dynamics of transformational change (that is, perceptions, reactions, experiences, personal impact, and organisational impact) relate to the status of the change process. This research adopted a two-pronged approach, which incorporated a literature study first, and thereafter an empirical study. The literature study contextualised the elements and dynamics of transformational change within the Correctional Services environment. An overview of transformational change in the Department of Correctional Services was also provided. Based on the results of the literature study, a theoretical model, which hypothesised the relationships between perceptions and experience on one side, and
Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary

This is a dictionary of English as it is actually used and is also written and presented in plain English. By presenting the patterns of spoken or plain English in a new format, it enables easier and earlier use of a monolingual dictionary. This dictionary is suitable for all learners of English from intermediate to advanced level. There are over 70,000 references and over 90,000 examples, taken from books, magazines and newspapers. The wordlist is up-to-date and gives detailed treatment to the most frequently used words in English. All senses are explained in clear, natural English, using carefully chosen vocabulary to ensure that each meaning can be easily understood. Each spelling of a word is given in full to ensure clarity and essential grammar is contained in the wording of each definition. Synonyms and antonyms are given, as well as guidance on pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Good intentions are not enough: Promoting quality teaching and productive pedagogies in teacher education programs

At the heart of Initial Teacher Education programs is the concept of "quality teaching". Certainly, as teacher educators we are concerned to be the best teachers we can possibly be in order to prepare our students - future teachers - to be "quality teachers" who have the capacities to achieve optimal learning outcomes for all their students. However, if our students' examination results are any indication, we fall somewhat short of the mark. In this paper we analyse student teachers' learning as evident from their final examinations and while we realise that examinations cannot adequately demonstrate the range of student learning we would suggest that they can point the way to re-conceptualising our teaching to create more effective and meaningful learning experiences. While we might all agree that quality teaching is desirable, this concept is unstable and frequently contested. A further aim of our paper, therefore, is to begin to deconstruct what we mean when we talk about 'quality teaching' within the context of the notion of 'productive pedagogies'.
Understanding the determinants of sovereign debt ratings: Evidence for the two leading agencies

An analysis of the possible determinants of sovereign credit ratings assigned by the two leading credit rating agencies, Moody's and Standard and Poor's, is conducted in this paper by using linear, logistic, and exponential transformations of the rating scales. Of the large number of variables that can be used, the set of explanatory variables selected in this study is significant in explaining the credit ratings. Namely, six variables appear to be the most relevant to determining a country's credit rating: GDP per capita, external debt, level of economic development, default history, real growth rate, and inflation rate.
More Than Stories With Buttons: Narrative, Mechanics, and Context as Determinants of Player Experience in Digital Games

Recent research has attempted to describe meaningful experiences with entertainment media that go beyond hedonic enjoyment. Most of this research focuses on noninteractive media, such as film and television. When applied to digital games, however, such research needs to account for not only the content of the medium, but also the unique dimensions of digital games that distinguish them from noninteractive media. Experiences with digital games are shaped by the game mechanics that define the users' interaction with game content, as well as by the opportunities for social interaction that many games offer. We argue that the complex interplay of these dimensions (narrative, mechanics, and context) facilitates or inhibits meaningful user experiences in ways that are unique to digital games.
Wireless Security and Cryptography: Specifications and Implementations

As the use of wireless devices becomes widespread, so does the need for strong and secure transport protocols. Even with this intensified need for securing systems, using cryptography does not seem to be a viable solution due to difficulties in implementation. The security layers of many wireless protocols use outdated encryption algorithms, which have proven unsuitable for hardware usage, particularly with handheld devices. Summarizing key issues involved in achieving desirable performance in security implementations, Wireless Security and Cryptography: Specifications and Implementations focuses on alternative integration approaches for wireless communication security. It gives an overview of the current security layer of wireless protocols and presents the performance characteristics of implementations in both software and hardware. This resource also presents efficient and novel methods to execute security schemes in wireless protocols with high performance. It provides the state-of-the-art research trends in implementations of wireless protocol security for current and future wireless communications. Unique in its coverage of specification and implementation concerns that include hardware design techniques, Wireless Security and Cryptography: Specifications and Implementations provides thorough coverage of wireless network security and recent research directions in the field.