Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shear Behaviour of Sand with Fines

The aim in this paper is to present the comparison of results from the present study and published results for sand with fines (clay or silt) contents. The stress ratio and normalized peak deviator stress for-clay specimens are discussed, while the stress path and stress ratio of sand -silt specimens are presented, along with the data available for other types of sand with fines contents. It is found that the results from the present study are generally inwith the published results. The conditions of the tests undertaken for the soil specimens used for comparison purposes are similar.
The Role of Grammar

Teaching a language, and in particular teaching a language as a foreign language, depends on how we perceive the language itself. As Professor Douglas Brown says in his book "Principles of language teaching and learning", "there are no recipes. There isn’t a guaranteed and easy method to reassure success. Every apprentice is unique. Each teacher is unique. And every relationship between teacher and trainee is unique". This means that teaching a language as a foreign language, as well as the teaching process in general, is a constant effort to achieve the best result possible using the appropriate means and methods. "Teaching / Learning Foreign Language," according to Evangelia Kaga, "is not a process of transmitting and mechanistically engaging knowledge, but a synthesis of methodological approaches and pedagogical practices, so that the students acquire the motivation to learn and use language as a means of communication and access to new knowledge and information".
A Watermark Algorithm Against De-Synchronization Attacks

Abstract In this paper, a robust method to the ability of the watermark to resist against attacks is proposed for hiding information into images. The proposed method is blind because the original image is not required at the decoder to recover the embedded data. The robustness of the watermarking scheme is inspired by using a PJND (Pyramidal Just Noticeable Difference) model and the message is inserted into these DoG (Difference of Gaussians) [1, 2]. Our proposal takes into account three main characteristics of Human Visual System, namely: contrast sensitivity, luminance adaptation and contrast marking. Therefore, it not only provides an invisible and robust watermarking but also optimizes watermarking capacity. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated by a series of experiments with different input images. In terms of transparency, besides using the subjective experiments, eight objective metrics are calculated in comparison with other methods such as PSNR, MSSIM, SVDm, etc. Our approach always presents the outperform values. In terms of robustness, many kinds of attacks from global transformation (rotation, scaling, etc) to local transformation (stirmark, checkmark benchmarks, de-synchronization attacks) are implemented. Many image processing tools are applied to simulate the attacks such as Print-Screen, Using Photo editing software, Camcorder, Print-Scan, etc. The experimental results show an outstanding robustness in resisting these attacks. Keywords: Digital Watermarking, Print-Scan process, DoG, De-synchronization attacks, Camcorder.
Article use in L2 English by L1 Russian and L1 German speakers

Abstract Article misuse and omission are common errors in article use in L2 English. A particularly influential theory concerned with article misuse is that of Ionin (2003a, 2003b), whose basic assumption is that, in L2 acquisition, adult learners still have access to Universal Grammar. Central to her theory is the concept of the Article-Choice Parameter, which is set to either definiteness or specificity in article-based languages. According to Ionin’s Fluctuation Hypothesis, speakers of a language without articles fluctuate between the two settings of this parameter and produce systematic errors in article choice. Speakers of an L1 with articles have been shown to transfer the parameter value from their L1 to L2 English. This paper tests the predictions made by Ionin’s account, based on data from an empirical study with a group of German speakers and two groups of Russian speakers. One of the Russian groups had studied English for a longer period of time, and at university level, and also had knowledge of another L2 with articles besides English. The results from this study do not provide clear support for Ionin’s account. The German group rarely misused articles, as predicted, but only one of the Russian groups showed fluctuation. The Russian group with fewer years of English study and generally no knowledge of another L2 with articles showed variable patterns of article misuse and also often omitted articles. An explanation of why the two Russian groups differed is proposed.
User Importance Modelling in Social Information Systems An Interaction Based Approach

User Importance Modelling in Social Information Systems: An Interaction Based Approach. (December 2009) Anupam Aggarwal, B.Tech, National Institue of Technology, Kurukshetra Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. James Caverlee The past few years have seen the rapid rise of all things “social” on the web from the growth of online social networks like Facebook, to real-time communication services like Twitter, to user-contributed content sites like Flickr and YouTube, to content aggregators like Digg. Beyond these popular Web 2.0 successes, the emergence of Social Information Systems is promising to fundamentally transform what information we encounter and digest, how businesses market and engage with their customers, how universities educate and train a new generation of researchers, how the government investigates terror networks, and even how political regimes interact with their citizenry. Users have moved from being passive consumers of information (via querying or browsing) to becoming active participants in the creation of data and knowledge artifacts, actively sorting, ranking, and annotating other users and artifacts. This fundamental shift to social systems places new demands on providing dependable capabilities for knowing whom to trust and what information to trust, given the open and unregulated nature of these systems. The emergence of large-scale user participation in Social Information Systems suggests the need for the development of user-centric approaches to information quality. As a step in this direction this research proposes an interaction-based approach for modeling the notion of user importance. The interaction-based model is centered around the uniquely social aspects of these systems, by treating who communicates with whom (an interaction) as a
Polarised AIRSAR along track interferometry for shoreline change modeling

This study is introducing a new approach of ATInSAR hologram for modeling shoreline change. AIRSAR data with L and C bands utilized to model the shoreline change. Based on the phase information in along track interferometry, and ATInSAR hologram the quantitative information such as current velocity and swell wave height have been modeled. The phase information in ATInSAR hologram images can be transferred to wave refraction pattern. These information have been used to model the shoreline change rate.
EXTRACTING BRIDGE FREQUENCIES FROM THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF A PASSING VEHICLE

Abstract The frequencies of vibration of bridges represent a kind of information that is most useful for many purposes. Traditional vibration tests aimed at measuring the bridge frequencies often require on-site installation of the measurement equipment, which is not only costly, but also inconvenient. As a first attempt, the idea of using a vehicle moving over a bridge as a message carrier of the dynamic properties of the bridge is theoretically explored in this paper. In order to identify the key parameters dominating the vehicle–bridge interaction response, while illustrating the key phenomena involved, assumptions that lead to closed-form solutions are adopted in the analytical study. For instance, a vehicle is modelled as a sprung mass, and a bridge as a simply supported beam considering only the first mode of vibration. The concept of extracting bridge frequencies from a passing vehicle, however, is not restricted by the aforementioned assumptions, as will be demonstrated in an independent finite element study, which do not rely on any particular assumptions. Concluding remarks are given concerning the feasibility of extracting the bridge frequencies from the dynamic response of a passing vehicle, along with directions for future research identified.
The integration of cell phone technology and poll everywhere as teaching and learning tools into the school History classroom

In recent years there has been a growing amount of research concerned with integrating mobile technologies for teaching and learning purposes. In spite of the rapid proliferation of the cell phone as an indispensable mobile tool in the lives of 21 st century teachers and learners, it remains a banned item in many schools and (History) classrooms. As a result cell phone technology, such as its Short Message Service (SMS) texting function in combination with the Audience Response System (ARS), Poll Everywhere, has not been extensively explored as teaching and learning tools in the school classroom. The purpose of this article is to, through a small scale pilot study, explore and assess how the ARS, Poll Everywhere (www.polleverywhere.com), which is based on the cell phone’s SMS function, can be integrated into History lessons to support and enhance the teaching and learning experience of secondary school learners. The article furthermore aims to establish the perceptions and attitudes of History learners (n=52), as well as the experience of the teacher after having had a firsttime opportunity to integrate SMS technology and Poll Everywhere into their lessons. The results indicate among others that although most of the participants singled out data charges as the biggest possible hindrance to its utilisation, the overwhelming majority had positive perception levels about the integration of cell phone technology and the Poll Everywhere application into their History class. The experiences of the teacher who presented the lessons were positive as well as negative in nature.
Experimental results of outer-loop transmission power control using wideband-CDMA for IMT-2000

We propose a method to design parameters of an outer-loop TPC mechanism. This mechanism is needed in a CDMA system to keep the frame error rate (FER) to the required value and produce an equal QoS for all users. We have also developed a testbed system for wideband-CDMA and implemented the outer-loop TPC mechanism. We report the performance of the outer-loop TPC as estimated from laboratory and field tests.
Computationally Characterizing Schizophrenia

Computationally Characterizing Schizophrenia Adrian Green Master’s of Applied Science Graduate Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2012 An accurate diagnosis of schizophrenia is difficult; no reliable biomarkers of the disease exist. We present a computational approach for diagnosis of schizophrenia from electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Novel and existing mathematical methods for the interpretation of EEG are surveyed and compared. Methods utilizing single electrodes are used in conjunction with those incorporating the recordings of multiple electrodes. A data-driven, machine-learning approach is used to automate the selection of relevant features, which are then classified using least-squares support vector machines. This approach yielded a prediction accuracy of 86.5%, using a stringent application of correct statistical techniques. Those features deemed most relevant are related with known abnormalities symptomatic of
Dynamic modeling and control of nonlinear processes using neural network techniques

An adaptive network architecture of nonlinear elements and delay lines is proposed, which can be taught to model the time responses of a nonlinear, multivariable system. The structure has been applied to the modeling and control of a highly coupled multivariable process, namely, gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding. The authors present the architecture, learning algorithm, and experiments which showed the feasibility of the approach, and propose a controller architecture that can regulate a nonlinear, multivariable plant such as GTA welding. <<ETX>>
Universals in Learning to Read Across Languages and Writing Systems

ABSTRACT In this article, we provide a cross-linguistic perspective on the universals and particulars in learning to read across seventeen different orthographies. Starting from the assumption that reading reflects a learned sensitivity to the systematic relationships between the surface forms of words and their meanings, we chose a broad group of seventeen languages, representing syllabic, morphosyllabic, alphasyllabic (abugida), abjad, and alphabetic writing systems. We investigated the systematic variation among these languages in their written forms and in their mapping of writing units to language units, and demonstrated the universality of operating principles in learning to read across languages and writing systems.
Decoding the rhythms of avian auditory LFP

Author(s): Schachter, Mike J. | Advisor(s): Theunissen, Frederic E | Abstract: We undertook a detailed analysis of population spike rate and LFP power in the Zebra finch auditory system. Utilizing the full range of Zebra finch vocalizations and dual-hemisphere multielectrode recordings from auditory neurons, we used encoder models to show how intuitive acoustic features such as amplitude, spectral shape and pitch drive the spike rate of individual neurons and LFP power on electrodes. Using ensemble decoding approaches, we show that these acoustic features can be successfully decoded from the population spike rate vector and the power spectra of the multielectrode LFP with comparable performance. In addition we found that adding pairwise spike synchrony to the spike rate decoder boosts performance above that of the population spike rate alone, or LFP power spectra. We also found that decoder performance grows quickly with the addition of more neurons, but there is notable redundancy in the population code. Finally, we demonstrate that LFP power on an electrode can be well predicted by population spike rate and spike synchrony. High frequency LFP power (80-190Hz) integrates neural activity spatially over a distance of up to 250 microns, while low frequency LFP power (0-30Hz) can integrate neural activity originating up to 800 microns away from the recording electrode.To understand how an auditory system processes complex sounds, it is essential to understand how the temporal envelope of sounds, i.e. the time-varying amplitude, is encoded by neural activity. We studied the temporal envelope of Zebra finch vocalizations, and show that it exhibits modulations in the 0-30Hz range, similar to human speech. We then built linear filter models to predict 0-30Hz LFP activity from the temporal envelopes of vocalizations, achieving surprisingly high performance for electrodes near thalamorecipient areas of Zebra finch auditory cortex. We then show that there are two spatially-distinct subnetworks that resonate at different frequency bands, one subnetwork that resonates around 19Hz, and another subnetwork that resonates at 14Hz. These two subnetworks are present in every anatomical region. Finally we show that we can improve predictive performance with recurrent neural network models.
Third ERCIM workshop on eMobility

Mobile wireless communication systems often need to maximize their network lifetime (defined as the time until the first node runs out of energy). In the broadcast network lifetime problem, all nodes are sending broadcast traffic, and one asks for an assignment of transmit powers to nodes, and for sets of relay nodes so that the network lifetime is maximized. The selection of a relay set consisting of a single node (the ‘master’), can be regarded as a special case of this problem. We provide a mean value analysis of algorithms controlling the selection of a master node with the objective of maximizing the network lifetime. The results show that already for small networks simple algorithms can extend the average network lifetime considerably.
Implementation of On-Line Distributed System-Level Diagnosis Theory

The practical application and implementation of online distributed system-level diagnosis theory is documented. Proven distributed diagnosis algorithms are shown to be impractical in real systems due to high resource requirements. A distributed system-level diagnosis algorithm called Adaptive DSD is shown to minimize network resources and has resulted in a practical implementation. Adaptive DSD assumes a distributed network, in which network nodes can test other nodes and determine them to be faulty or fault-free. Tests are issued from each node adaptively and depend on the fault situation of the network. Test result reports are generated from test results and forwarded between nodes in the network. Adaptive DSD is proven correct in that each fault-free node reaches an accurate independent diagnosis of the fault conditions of the remaining nodes. No restriction is placed on the number of faulty nodes; any fault situation with any number of faulty nodes is diagnosed correctly. An implementation of the Adaptive DSD algorithm is described. >
Soft-Output Decoding in Multiple-Head MTR Encoded Magnetic Recording Systems

We present an approach for the soft-output decoding in multiple-head maximum-transition-run (MTR) encoded digital magnetic recording systems. The log-likelihood ratio (LLR) alge- bra implementation in Boolean logic mappings has been used to propagate the soft-output information through the MTR decoder. MTR code is employed as inner code in concatenation with low- density parity-check (LDPC) in two-track two-head E 2 PR4 partial response (PR) magnetic recording channel. The overall decoding complexity reduction is offered by proposed simulation scheme, while nearly 1.9dB coding gain is obtained with soft-output decod- ing on AWGN channel. Index Terms - soft-output decoding, constrained coding, low- density parity-check codes, maximum-transition-run codes, mul- tiple-head magnetic recording.
Maximize Visibility: A Way to Increase Citation

The number of citations has over 30% share in Times Higher Education (THE) world university ranking system. Therefore, most of the researchers are looking for some helpful techniques to increase their citation record. Nader is developing a module for increasing the visibility of the research which directly influences the number of citations. This article reports just some of the key points of the module for improving the citation counts.
A Novel Handover Scheme based on Context Information in 5G Network

In 5G network, handover should be carried out efficiently based on context information. In this paper, we consider heterogeneous network architecture in 5G networks with separated data and control planes, where macro cellBS manages control signal and data traffic, while small cell BS manages data traffic only.Then, we propose a novel handover schemesbased on context information such as reference signal received power, traffic load of base station, speed of user equipment, and data type requested by user equipment.
Our Mousetrap's Fine: So Why Aren't People Beating A Path To Our Door?

Over the last decade, researchers of user satisfaction have continued to examine the elusive failure of information systems IS amidst advances in computer technology. This paper suggests that despite the very important findings in the area of user satisfaction, very little is finding its way to the day-to-day practices. The paper continues to suggest that even more alarming is the notion that most users expect that systems will be difficult to use and there is little demand by them for the inclusion of psychological or organisational aspects to be included in information systems. This is supported by results of a pilot study examining criteria used for purchase/re-purchase of computing technology. Finally, the paper briefly examines the organisational culture which appears to prevent users demanding more attention to user satisfaction criteria and proposes some necessary inclusions for an infrastructure; users will begin to expect and demand the inclusion of psychological and organisational aspects in the development and implementation of information systems.
Efficient Deterministic Replay through Dynamic Binary Translation

We present an efficient software implementation to deterministically record and replay a full multiprocessor virtual machine (VM), including its guest OS kernel and applications. Deterministically replaying a shared-memory monolithic OS kernel (like Linux) presents a significant performance challenge, and we demonstrate the use of dynamic binary translation to achieve this objective. Dynamic binary translation (DBT) is a powerful technique with several important applications. System-level binary translators have been used for implementing a Virtual Machine Monitor [2] and for instrumentation in the OS kernel [29]. In current designs, the performance overhead of binary translation on kernel-intensive workloads is high. e.g., over 10x slowdowns were reported on the syscall nanobenchmark in [2], 2-5x slowdowns were reported on lmben h microbenchmarks in [29]. These overheads are primarily due to the extra work required to correctly handle kernel mechanisms like interrupts, exceptions, and physical CPU concurrency. Since the overhead of DBT is itself very high hence we can not use it for improving determinstic replay performance. We present a kernel-level binary translation mechanism which exhibits near-native performance even on applications with large kernel activity. Our translator relaxes transparency requirements and aggressively takes advantage of kernel invariants to eliminate sources of slowdown. We have implemented our translator as a loadable module in unmodified Linux, and present performance and scalability experiments on multiprocessor hardware. Although our implementation is Linux specific, our mechanisms are quite general; we only take advantage of typical kernel design patterns, not Linux-specific features. The biggest challenge in deterministically replaying a multiprocessor system is recording the order of shared memory read and writes. The previous comparable approach [27] uses CREW (Concurrent Read Exclusive Write) protocol at the page granularity. Page grained CREW protocol uses hardware page protection technique(EPT/Shadow) to restrict the access privilege of the CPUs such that, multiple CPUs can read from a page by acquiring shared access privilege of the page but for writing to a page they needs to acquire the exclusive access privilege of that page. This scheme suffers from false sharing and huge shuttling between processors for benchmarks having large amount of sharing such as Linux kernel. Every transfer
AN ALGORITHM TO COUNTERACT EYE JITTER IN GAZE-CONTROLLED INTERFACES

One of the major concerns in developing efficient gaze-controlled user interfaces is inherent eye jitter, which presents a key limitation on the pointing accuracy achievable with an eye tracker. To counteract eye jitter, we developed a grab-and-hold algorithm. The efficiency of the algorithm was tested experimentally in a target acquisition task. Results suggest that the grab-and-hold algorithm affords a dramatic 57% reduction in error rates overall. The reduction is as much as 68% for targets subtending 0.35 degrees of visual angle. However, there is a cost which surfaces as a slight increase in movement time (10%). These findings indicate that measures like the algorithm presented here have the potential of making eye gaze a more suitable input modality. 1. Indroduction