Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Counter-Based and MUX-Based Design of DPLL, a Comparative Study

The design of modern day communication system emphasizes on transmission and proper reception of data at minimum possible error rates and also at the same time on maintenance of high degrees of precision. But there are additional factors that add to it such as the operating speeds of the communication device developed should be compatible with the other sub-systems of the setup. Also, the design complexity of the device and the cost of design should be minimum. So, based on the various factors as mentioned above, a situation arises where a number of designs can be put forward for the same device having their sets of merits and demerits. As such, an analysis of these different designs is essential to derive an optimal solution which is the main objective of this work. Considering the various constraints at hand, we would like to put forward a comparative study between two different designs of the communication receiver device DPLL, namely the counter based DPLL and Multiplexer based DPLL design which brings to light the merits of one design over the other in terms of key parameters such as speed, design, complexity, hardware requirement etc. Keywords: Multiplexer, oscillator, detector, phase, recovery
Recent concepts in thermoelectric power generation

The development of economic thermoelectric generators for waste heat recovery has become an increasing research focus over the past a few years. Traditionally, attempts to improve their economic viability have concentrated primarily on improving the conversion efficiency by increasing the figure-of-merit of thermoelectric materials, with only marginal successes. This paper explores the possibilities and implications of alternative approaches in an attempt to improve the economic competitiveness of thermoelectric generators based on currently available materials (i.e., with ZT/spl sim/1). Novel concepts which provide alternative approaches to overcome low efficiency drawback are discussed and examples presented, typical of which include high-power-density thermoelectric generating modules; symbiotic systems for co-generation of heat and power; high efficiency heat-recirculating thermoelectric-combustion systems and thermoelectric microgenerators.
Authentication and access control in the JPEG 2000 compressed domain

Transmission and exchange of digital images with friends and customers is become a very simple task thanks to the development of the communication networks and the tools built around them. Unfortunately, such operations become delicate whenever image security is required, typically for commercial applications or protection of proprietary data. Solutions associated to data encryption already exist but are usually complex and do not take into account the specificities of images, generally under a compressed form. The Joint Photographic Experts group has recently created a new still image coding standard called JPEG 2000. It presents an efficient compression scheme together with support of functionalities required by today and tomorrow applications (progressive decoding, region of interest.). By considering the JPEG 2000 algorithm, we are presenting tools for image authentication or access control (on image resolutions and qualities). These techniques can be applied on JPEG 2000 codestreams or directly integrated into the coding/decoding operations, and are mainly based on modification and insertion of information in the bit stream. The resulting codestreams remain compliant with the standard. Moreover, they allow image side information retrieval and/or prevent use by unauthorized parties.
Characterization of UHF radio propagation channels in tunnel environments for microcellular and personal communications

Narrowband and wideband propagation measurements have been conducted in five tunnels. The effects of pedestrians, vehicles, and curvature on propagation are included in the characterization. The narrowband propagation is characterized in terms of power distance law, slow fading, and fast fading statistics: wideband propagation, rms delay spread, and its statistics. The results show that the power distance law is insensitive to the location of the transmit antenna in the cross section of a tunnel, but not to the antenna insertion loss. The lognormal distribution basically fits the slow variation of the received signals, whereas the Rician distribution, the fast fading in the straight empty sections of the tunnels. In the curved tunnel sections, the Rayleigh distribution does not fit the fast fading variation as is expected. Tunnel radio propagation channels are dependent strongly upon frequency. Higher frequency signals exhibit more severe fluctuations and larger rms delay spread. The rms delay spreads are found to be generally less than 25 and 103 ns for the emptied and occupied tunnel conditions, respectively. One can conclude that the tunnel channels have a broad coherent bandwidth and can support the data rate up to 1 Mb per second without equalization.
Executing opportunistic plans under uncertainty

When planning in uncertain domains, it can be of great benet if the planner is aware of the nature of the actions that it is dealing with. This paper investigates the use of statistical distributions of resource usage at the planning stage, and how these can be exploited to form robust plans. These statistical distributions are not always simple | they are a by-product of the execution process, formed by sub-programs that are used internally by the executive to accomplish the primitive action in hand. Techniques of forming these distributions are discussed in this paper, and methods for execution of such plans are also investigated and presented.
Understanding motivations for continuance intention of online communities in China

Social networking sites (SNSs) and virtual communities (VCs) are popular online social media having similarities and differences. The paper investigated the difference in motivations and in the relationships from motivations to continuance intention between active users of SNSs and VCs. The results show that while connecting with old friends, meeting new people, seeking information, seeking entertainment, and seeking social support are significant motivations of both communities’ active users, active users of SNSs rate higher motivation to connect with old friends than VCs; seeking information and social support motivations have the same effect on the continuance intention of the both communities’ active users through attitude; connecting with old friends and meeting new people motivations have obvious different effects on continuance intention through attitude between the two communities’ active users.
Evaluating the impact of the labor market conditions index on labor market forecasts

Abstract This paper examines the usefulness of the labor market conditions index (LMCI) in forecasting key labor market variables, particularly unemployment rates. Using a number of models, we compare out-of-sample forecasts of the unemployment rate with the LMCI to those without the LMCI. We also estimate models of the disaggregated unemployment rates by gender, race, and race by gender, with and without the LMCI, to identify disparities in the predictive power of the LMCI for different subgroups. Last, to determine how the LMCI performs in the presence of labor market shocks, we compare the forecasting performance of the LMCI during recessionary periods and expansionary periods. Our results confirm the potential usefulness of the LMCI as a parsimonious forecasting tool; we find that the LMCI generally improves unemployment forecasts. But, disparities exist in the predictive power of the index across subpopulations and the index forecasts slightly better during recessionary periods than expansionary periods.
Parallelizing queue compiler

論文の和文要旨 論文題目 Parallelizing Queue Compiler ! パラレルキューコンパイラに関する研究 氏 名 Arquimedes M. Canedo キュープロセッサは、中間結果格納用にFIFOレジスタを持っており、キュー内のデータは キューの先頭から取り出され、データの入力は、キューの末尾にされる。 この計算モデル は、従来のランダムアクセスを用いるレジスタマシンやスタックマシンとは異なるもので あるため、現用のコンパイラと同様のコード生成方法を適用する事は不可能である。 本論 文では、初めて実用に近いコードをコンパイルすることができるようになったキュープロ セッサ用並列コンパイラの設計及び開発手法について述べるものである。 本キュープロセッサ用並列コンパイラは、C言語で書かれた任意のプログラムを、キュー プロセッサの機械語に変換する。 キューコンパイラでは、全てのコード生成段階において キュー計算モデルに沿ってコードを生成しなければならないので、従来のコンパイラとは 異なる構造と手続きを必要とする。 そのため内部構造は、従来のコンパイラとは大幅に異 なる構造になっている。 本コンパイラではプログラムのコントロールフロー及びデータフローグラフを構成し、 それをキューコード生成に適したQTreeに変換し、そこから幅優先トラバース用のLeveled DAGを生成する。 次に、オフセットの計算を行うため、グラフの解析と変換を行い、最後 に、ターゲットとなるキューマシンへのコード生成を幅優先トラバースによって行う。 こ れらの手続きの多くは未知のものであったため、様々な問題を解決するために新しく効率 的なアルゴリズムとデータ構造の開発を行った。 本コンパイラでは目的のプロセッサの要求にあうように、コードサイズ、並列性、性 能、オフセット最適化、キューサイズといった目的を指定したコードを生成する方法を同 時に開発した。 本コンパイラは成功裏に完成し、自身のコードを含め、任意のプログラムをコンパイル しキューオブジェクトコードを出力するコンパイラとなった。 出力されたコードの質は、 従来のコンパイラの命令数、命令種の分布と似たようなものになり、並列性、コードサイ ズに関しては従来の結果を上回るものとなった。
Development of a satellite network simulator tool and simulation of AX.25, FX.25 and a hybrid protocol for nano-satellite communications

Nano-satellites are mostly used in lower earth orbit applications, where communication intervals are limited, often to a combined total of less than one hour per day. With these type of inherent limitations of lower earth orbits, there are also the physical size and equipment restriction of nano-satellites to consider, especially those of the CubeSat specification. It is of critical importance to use the limited time and communication resources as effectively as possible. The network protocol has a huge influence on reliability and throughput of a satellite network. An important requisite for designing, comparing and improving network protocols is a network protocol simulator, that is able to envisage the design results. Simulation can facilitate rapid development and unforeseen discoveries. Very little information is currently available regarding communication protocols used in nano-satellites. This thesis aims to explore and improve the current status of nano-satellite network simulation, as well as to demonstrate the development of an improved communication protocol strategy. It was found that there is a lack of proper simulation tools for satellite networks, which led to the development of SatSim. SatSim is a discrete event network simulation tool, developed in Python, which can be used to develop and analyse network protocols. SatSim was verified by comparing simulation results with other published results, which made use of different software tools and theoretical throughput calculations. AX.25 is one of the most commonly used network protocols in the nano-satellite industry. It was implemented in SatSim and verified with theoretical throughput calculations, as no other simulation data on AX.25 was available. AX.25 was used as a baseline protocol to improve upon. FX.25 was developed by the Stensat Group in an attempt to improve AX.25. FX.25 adds forward error correction to AX.25, by wrapping additional data around the AX.25 frames. This method maintains backward compatibility with AX.25. FX.25 was implemented in SatSim and the simulation results proved that FX.25 was a more reliable protocol than AX.25, as it can communicate at lower elevations and over noisier communication channels. However, the drawback of the additional forward error correction is the increased overhead, which reduces the overall payload data throughput. A modular AX/FX.25 protocol was then implemented in SatSim, to exploit the strengths of both protocols. This hybrid protocol yielded significant improvements to data throughput and can enable future software defined radio or hardware developments. iii Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
Numerical Investigation of Fuel Distribution Effect on Flow and Temperature Field in a Heavy Duty Gas Turbine Combustor

Abstract Multiple-swirlers structure is commonly adopted for combustion design strategy in heavy duty gas turbine. The multiple-swirlers structure might shorten the flame brush length and reduce emissions. In engineering application, small amount of gas fuel is distributed for non-premixed combustion as a pilot flame while most fuel is supplied to main burner for premixed combustion. The effect of fuel distribution on the flow and temperature field related to the combustor performance is a significant issue. This paper investigates the fuel distribution effect on the combustor performance by adjusting the pilot/main burner fuel percentage. Five pilot fuel distribution schemes are considered including 3 %, 5 %, 7 %, 10 % and 13 %. Altogether five pilot fuel distribution schemes are computed and deliberately examined. The flow field and temperature field are compared, especially on the multiple-swirlers flow field. Computational results show that there is the optimum value for the base load of combustion condition. The pilot fuel percentage curve is calculated to optimize the combustion operation. Under the combustor structure and fuel distribution scheme, the combustion achieves high efficiency with acceptable OTDF and low NOX emission. Besides, the CO emission is also presented.
No Reprieve for Tasmanian Rock Art

The Australian State of Tasmania, at latitude 42 degrees south, became an island about 8,000 years ago when the sea rose to its present level, following the melting of polar and glacial ice that covered much of the land mass. After that time, the Tasmanian Aboriginal rock art developed independently of mainland Australia, with its form being basically linear with some naturalistic figures and a predominance of cupules. The petroglyphs with one lithophone site occur on various rock substrates varying in hardness from granite to sandstone. Many sites exist along the western coastline that borders the Southern Ocean where the landscape in some places has changed little since the arrival of Europeans in 1803. The significance of this Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural heritage along what is now known as the Tarkine Coast, named after an Aboriginal band that once inhabited this area, was recognised by the Australian Government in February 2013 when a 21,000 ha strip, 2 km wide, was inscribed on its National Heritage Register, being one of 98 special places listed in the country. However, politics and racism hamper its management. This paper is based on the results of 40 years of field recording of the Tasmanian Aboriginal rock art sites, many of which remain unpublished.
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment for an Information Organization Curriculum Based on the Kirkpatrick Framework

Abstract This study aimed to use the Kirkpatrick four-stage model to evaluate the learning outcomes of information organization (IO) courses. The study used the learning outcomes evaluation method and case studies; the evaluation method was used to transform the expected achievement and course goal according to cataloging competencies. The 3-credit “information organization” (IO) course at National Chengchi University and enrolled students during the 2016 fall semester were selected as the case study, with the study population consisting of 33 graduate students of two classes. Cataloging competencies were transformed into learning objectives and ten course units for the IO course, including information organization concept, descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, cataloging management and technology. The study used the four–stage Kirkpatrick model to evaluate student learning outcomes of the IO course, including evaluation of the level 1 reaction, level 2 learning, level 3 behavior and level 4 results. The empirical data collected from the course tasks was used to evaluate level 2 through three assignments, four tests and a final examination, while a questionnaire survey was used to evaluate levels 1, 3 and 4, with the student satisfaction score 4.51, shown with the IO course. As the average student achievement score was 83.48 points, the post-test scores of two classes’ graduate students were significantly higher than pre-test scores, with the study thus proving that all students made progress after taking the courses. Based on the Kirkpatrick model, the results provide favorable evidence for course effectiveness and its value, as well as illustrating that the students learned well on the information organization course.
Bundling, Vertical Differentiation, and Platform Competition

Abstract This paper studies the bundling strategies of two firms that each sell a horizontally differentiated platform and a complementary good. When the complementary goods are vertically differentiated, the firm that sells the superior one can commit to a more aggressive pricing strategy through bundling. In the presence of asymmetry in externalities between the two sides in the platform market, bundling may be profitable without foreclosing the rival when platforms implement cross subsidies from the high-externality side (developers) to the low-externality side (consumers). Bundling has a positive effect on welfare because it allows for better internalization of the indirect network effects and reduces the developer cost of multi-homing, but it also has a negative effect because some consumers consume less-preferred components. Consequently, bundling is socially desirable when platforms are not too differentiated and the vertical differentiation between the complementary goods is high.
A network diffusion ranking family that includes the methods of Markov, Massey, and Colley

Abstract We present a one parameter family of ratings and rankings that includes the Markov method, as well as the methods of Colley and Massey as particular cases. The rankings are based on a natural network diffusion process that unites the methodologies above in a common framework and brings strong intuition to how and why they differ. We also explore the behavior of the ranking family using both real and simulated data.
Amoeba searching behavior model using vibrating potential field

This paper presents one approach to modeling life using a field technique, the vibrating potential field. The behavior of life is complex and interesting. All life must have some intelligence for making its own life cycle stable and adept to changing environment. This study tries to model mathematically the formation of a specific part of living cells. For this purpose, we prepare an adequate mathematical model of physical interactions on many different properties. The mathematical model presents parallel distributed processing system that exchanges information through vibrating potential field (VPF) and life's kinetics. Using VPF and life's kinetics, the computer simulations show the behaviors of artificial life that conserves its own energy level and tunes its configurations or location of its parts.
Managerial Ownership, Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Corporate Performance

Abstract The main objective of this study is to prove empirically the impact of good corporate governance on corporate performance with corporate social responsibility disclosure as an intervening variable on manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (ISX) of the 2013-2015. The sample chosen used purposive sampling method and 56 companies were obtained. The path analysis method was used as the analysis technique which was solved by gradual regression analysis, with a significant value of 5%. The results of this study show that (1) managerial ownership effected on corporate social responsibility disclosure. (2). Corporate social responsibility disclosure has an effect on corporate performance. (3) Managerial ownership does not affect corporate performance, and (4) corporate social responsibility disclosure mediates the impacts of managerial ownership against corporate performance.
Studies on the Physicochemical and Processing Properties of Tremella fuciformis Powder

Abstract Tremella fuciformis is edible and medicinal food since ancient times in China. In this article, the physicochemical and processing properties of Tremella fuciformis powder (TFS) and synergistic interaction with Lotus seed powder (LTS) in aqueous solution were investigated. The elemental compositions of TFS were 1.71 % N, 47.21 % O, 40.35 % C, 6.25 % H and 0.20 % S. Aspartic and Glutamic acids were the major amino acids in TFS for taken about 0.91 % and 1.12 %. TFS dispersion couldn’t form a gel structure at all selected concentrations until the ratio of TFS: LTS was 1:1 at a total concentration of 36 mg/mL. The network strength of TFS/LTS dispersions increased with the total powder concentrations increased during continuous heating from 25°C to 70°C. Gluten, amorphous and crystalline regions, and amorphous starch were observed in mixtures TFS/LTS compared with TFS. TFS/LTS had a more concavo-convex microstructure than TFS due to starch gelatinization in LTS.
EXAMINING THE LANGUAGE LEARNING POTENTIAL OF A TASK-BASED APPROACH TO SYNCHRONOUS COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

This study investigates the influence of two task implementation features, the level of task structure and the use of language support, on learner language production during task-based text synchronous computer-mediated communication (text-SCMC) interactions. The study draws on two theoretical sets of claims concerning the process of second language acquisition (SLA). The first, broadly described as cognitive accounts of language learning, the Cognition Hypothesis (Robinson, 2001b, 2003b, 2005) and the Trade-off Hypothesis (Skehan, 1998, 2009), has generated a large body of research on the role of implementation features (a means of varying task complexity) in influencing learner language production. The second, the Interactionist Approach (Gass & Mackey, 2006) has also claimed the facilitative role of interaction in promoting second language production. Most of the studies in both these areas were conducted in face-to-face settings (e.g. Gilabert, 2007b; Michel, Kuiken & Vedder, 2007; Robinson, 2007b; Tavakoli & Foster, 2008; Tavakoli & Skehan, 2005). Because SCMC is growing more pervasive in academic and professional communication, it is timely for empirical research into the effect of task complexity on interaction and language production to be conducted in this setting (Lee, 2008; Smith, 2008). It is this gap that the current study aims to address. The participants were 96 engineering learners at a technical university in Malaysia in an English for Professional Communication course. Using a 2x2 experimental design, the learners were placed in one of four experimental groups defined by high or low task structure (+TS or —TS), and with or without language support (+LS or —LS). Each group was subdivided into teams of four. In each team, the students engaged in a 45-minute chat session performing a simulation of a decision-making task on an engineering problem. The chat exchanges were captured and then analyzed to determine the role of these task implementation features on the occurrence of focus on form sequences and on the accuracy, complexity, and quantity of language produced during the tasks. Results showed that the two task implementation features (+/—TS and +/—LS) influenced the occurrence of language-related episodes (LREs), accuracy, complexity and quantity of output. The findings on the effects of task structure (TS)