Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An 11-Band 3–10 GHz Receiver in SiGe BiCMOS for Multiband OFDM UWB Communication

This work presents a receiver implementation for MB-OFDM UWB communication that enables 11 bands of operation covering 78% of the spectrum licensed by the FCC. First, important system-level considerations are discussed with basis on the specifications from the MB-OFDM standard. Next, the different circuit techniques employed in the implementation of the receiver are described. For the LNA design, a wideband impedance match network that takes into account the package components is introduced. A notch filter embedded in the LNA and its tuning mechanism are proposed to attenuate the interference from devices operating in the U-NII band from 5.15 to 5.35GHz. Based on the results of a recent investigation on frequency planning for MB-OFDM radios, a compact 11-band fast-hopping synthesizer implementation is proposed for the receiver. The 264-MHz baseband section consists of a linear phase low pass filter and a programmable gain amplifier; it presents an in-band group delay variation of less than 0.6 ns and 42 dB of gain in steps of 2 dB. The IC is fabricated in a 0.25-mum SiGe BiCMOS process, placed in a QFN package and mounted on FR-4 substrate for its characterization. Measurement results show a receiver gain of 78-67 dB and NF of 5-10 dB across the 11 bands from 3-10 GHz, while consuming 114 mA from a 2.5-V supply
A Bayesian method for matching two similar graphs without seeds

Approximate graph matching (AGM) refers to the problem of mapping the vertices of two structurally similar graphs, which has applications in social networks, computer vision, chemistry, and biology. Given its computational cost, AGM has mostly been limited to either small graphs (e.g., tens or hundreds of nodes), or to large graphs in combination with side information beyond the graph structure (e.g., a seed set of pre-mapped node pairs). In this paper, we cast AGM in a Bayesian framework based on a clean definition of the probability of correctly mapping two nodes, which leads to a polynomial time algorithm that does not require side information. Node features such as degree and distances to other nodes are used as fingerprints. The algorithm proceeds in rounds, such that the most likely pairs are mapped first; these pairs subsequently generate additional features in the fingerprints of other nodes. We evaluate our method over real social networks and show that it achieves a very low matching error provided the two graphs are sufficiently similar. We also evaluate our method on random graph models to characterize its behavior under various levels of node clustering.
A fast path planning by path graph optimization

A fast path planning method by optimization of a path graph for both efficiency and accuracy is proposed. A conventional quadtree-based path planning approach is simple, robust, and efficient. However, it has two limitations. We propose a path graph optimization technique employing a compact mesh representation. A world space is triangulated into a base mesh and the base mesh is simplified to a compact mesh. The compact mesh representation is object-dependent; the positions of vertexes of the mesh are optimized according to the curvatures of the obstacles. The compact mesh represents the obstacles as accurately as the quadtree even though using much fewer vertexes than the quadtree. The compact mesh distributes vertexes in a free space in a balanced way by ensuring that the lengths of edges are below an edge length threshold. An optimized path graph is extracted from the compact mesh. An iterative vertex pushing method is proposed to include important obstacle boundary edges in the path graph. Dijkstra's shortest path searching algorithm is used to search the shortest path in the path graph. Experimental results show that the path planning using the optimized path graph is an order of magnitude faster than the quadtree approach while the length of the path generated by the proposed method is almost the same as that of the path generated by the quadtree.
Authorship attribution of SMS messages using an N-grams approach

—The pervasive use of SMS is increasing the amount of digital evidence available on cellular phones. Consequently it has become important to detect SMS authors, as a post-hoc analysis technique deemed useful in criminal persecution cases. This paper investigates an N-grams based approach for determining the authorship of SMS messages. Despite the scarcity of words in SMS messages and the differences between SMS language and natural language characteristics, the chosen method shows encouraging results in identification of authors. In this paper the effects of the gram size and the similarity scoring technique on the prediction of SMS message authors are also examined
An Ada interface to DIANA for inter-tool communication

A Programming Support Environment (PSE) consists of software tools and data that collectively support constructing, validating, testing, and maintaining software. Editors, compilers, and test-case generators are examples of software tools. The data that are used in a PSE include program source code and data derived from the source code. Complexity metrics, graphs of subprogram calls, and cross-reference tables are examples of data that are derived from source code. In addition, a PSE may contain data that are not derived from source code. Requirements statements, test plans, and configuration management status are examples of data that may be associated with source code but are not derived from it. It is desirable for a PSE to provide consistent interfaces among the tools and data, since this facilitates the exchange of data among the tools and reduces the duplication of effort required to develop tools that manipulate PSE data.
Overview of Topic Map Construction Approaches

Topic Maps standard (ISO-13250) has been gradually recognized as an emerging standard for information exploration and knowledge organization. One advantage of topic maps is that they enable a user to navigate and access the documents he wants in an organized manner, rather than browsing through hyperlinks that are generally unstructured and often misleading. Nowadays, the topic maps are generally manually constructed by domain experts or users since the functionality and feasibility of automatically generated topic maps still in progress. In this paper, we give an overview of Topic Map building approaches. These approaches take as input different data types: structured documents, structured knowledge, unstructured documents and semi- structured data, and propose different techniques to build a Topic Map such as merging, mapping from RDF to TM and learning techniques. Some other research works are dedicated to cooperative Topic Map building and another research area deals with automatic generation of TM from XML documents.
Phonetic and prosodic analysis of speech

In order to cope with the problems of spontaneous speech (including, for example, hesitations and non-words) it is necessary to extract from the speech signal all information it contains. Modeling of words by segmental units should be supported by suprasegmental units since valuable information is represented in the prosody of an utterance. We present an approach to flexible and efficient modeling of speech by segmental units and describe extraction and use of suprasegmental information.
Case Study of Efficient Parallel Memory Access Programming for the Embedded Heterogeneous Multicore DSP Architecture ePUMA

We consider the challenges in writing efficient code for ePUMA, a novel domain-specific heterogeneous multicore architecture with SIMD DSP slave cores, multi-banked on-chip vector register files for parallel access and configurable permutation hardware that decouples memory access from computation. Suitable data layout in memory and in vector registers, combined with using ePUMA's powerful addressing modes, is key to exploiting SIMD units efficiently and achieving the throughput required for prospective applications in 4G mobile telecommunication and multimedia.
Multipath location aided routing in 2d and 3d

There are several ad hoc routing algorithms that utilize position information in two dimensional (2D) coordinates to make routing decisions at each node. The well known 2D position based routing algorithm, greedy perimeter stateless routing (GPSR) does not function correctly in three dimensions (3D). We designed MLAR (multipath location aided routing), a multipath variant of LAR (location aided routing). MLAR is position based, works efficiently in both 2D and 3D and uses alternate path routing. We have implemented and validated MLAR through simulations using ns-2 and studied its efficiency, scalability and other properties. We evaluated and compared the relative performance and benefits of our MLAR approach versus LAR, AODV and AOMDV in both 2D and 3D for a range of traffic and mobility scenarios. We present a direct comparison of a multipath position based algorithm with a multipath non-position based algorithm, as well as with both their single path versions. We also extended ns-2 to support 3D mobility models and routing protocols
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Cc by Encrypting Multiple Images Using Visual Secret Sharing Scheme

Visual Cryptography is an encryption technique where a secret image is cryptographically encoded into n meaningless share images. A basic model for visual cryptography for natural images was proposed by Naor and Shamir. Security has gained a lot of importance as information technology is widely used. Cryptography refers to the study of mathematical techniques and related aspects of Information Security like data confidentiality, data Integrity, and of data authentication. Visual cryptography is a process where a secret image is encrypted into shares which refuse to divulge information about the original secret image. Its strength is a fact that the decryption of the secret image is through human visual system without computation. This paper provides a formulation of encryption for multiple secret images, which is a generalization of the existing ones, and also a general method of constructing visual secret sharing schemes encrypting multiple secret images.
Effects of a Meal on the Hemorheologic Responses to Exercise in Young Males

Aim. This study investigates the changes in hemorheologic parameters resulting from exercise followed by a standard meal. Methods. In twelve moderately active men a period of exercise on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min at 60% VO2max was followed by a test meal or by 30 min rest. Venous blood was sampled for further analysis at baseline, after exercise, and after the meal/rest period. Results. The elongation index (EI) was reduced and a marked rise in plasma viscosity was observed after exercise. A significant decrease in half time of total aggregation (T 1/2) and a rise in aggregation index (AI) after exercise were observed; however, after the postexercise period these changes were reversed. Conclusion. The present study demonstrates that physical exercise causes several changes in blood rheology parameters, such as an increase of blood viscosity, a decrease in EI and an increase in AI, and a fall in the T 1/2 values. The meal eaten in the postexercise period caused a further reduction in EI values indicating higher red cell rigidity, but not in plasma viscosity or aggregations indices. Such alterations in hemorheologic parameters should not impair the function of the cardiovascular system in fit and healthy people but it could constitute a serious risk under various pathophysiological conditions.
Explanted Diseased Livers – A Possible Source of Metabolic Competent Primary Human Hepatocytes

Being an integral part of basic, translational and clinical research, the demand for primary human hepatocytes (PHH) is continuously growing while the availability of tissue resection material for the isolation of metabolically competent PHH remains limited. To overcome current shortcomings, this study evaluated the use of explanted diseased organs from liver transplantation patients as a potential source of PHH. Therefore, PHH were isolated from resected surgical specimens (Rx-group; n = 60) and explanted diseased livers obtained from graft recipients with low labMELD-score (Ex-group; n = 5). Using established protocols PHH were subsequently cultured for a period of 7 days. The viability and metabolic competence of cultured PHH was assessed by the following parameters: morphology and cell count (CyQuant assay), albumin synthesis, urea production, AST-leakage, and phase I and II metabolism. Both groups were compared in terms of cell yield and metabolic function, and results were correlated with clinical parameters of tissue donors. Notably, cellular yields and viabilities were comparable between the Rx- and Ex-group and were 5.3±0.5 and 2.9±0.7×106 cells/g liver tissue with 84.3±1.3 and 76.0±8.6% viability, respectively. Moreover, PHH isolated from the Rx- or Ex-group did not differ in regards to loss of cell number in culture, albumin synthesis, urea production, AST-leakage, and phase I and II metabolism (measured by the 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase and uracil-5′-diphosphate-glucuronyltransferase activity). Likewise, basal transcript expressions of the CYP monooxygenases 1A1, 2C8 and 3A4 were comparable as was their induction when treated with a cocktail that consisted of 3-methylcholantren, rifampicin and phenobarbital, with increased expression of CYP 1A1 and 3A4 mRNA while transcript expression of CYP 2C8 was only marginally changed. In conclusion, the use of explanted diseased livers obtained from recipients with low labMELD-score might represent a valuable source of metabolically competent PHH which are comparable in viability and function to cells obtained from specimens following partial liver resection.
A Method for Testing the Independence of Two Time Series That Accounts for a Potential Pattern in the Cross-Correlation Function

Abstract The Haugh (1976) test for independence employs the univariate residual cross-correlation function. However, it ignores information about a possible pattern in successive cross-correlation coefficients. An asymptotic test is developed that incorporates this information and includes the Haugh test as a special case. A Monte Carlo study indicates that the proposed test is more powerful than the Haugh s and regression F tests for certain models. Two empirical examples are presented showing the simplicity of applying this test and its ability to recognize relationships that the Haugh test may fail to detect.
Recombination and clonal groupings within Helicobacter pylori from different geographical regions

A collection of 20 strains of Helicobacter pylori from several regions of the world was studied to better understand the population genetic structure and diversity of this species. Sequences of fragments from seven housekeeping genes (atpA, efp, mutY, ppa, trpC, ureI, yphC ) and two virulence‐associated genes (cagA, vacA) showed high levels of synonymous sequence variation (mean percentage Ks of 10–27%) and lower levels of non‐synonymous variation (mean percentage Ka of 0.2–5.6%). Cluster analysis of pairwise differences between alleles revealed the existence of two weakly clonal groupings, which included half of the strains investigated. All six strains isolated from Japanese and coastal Chinese were assigned to the ‘Asian’ clonal grouping, probably reflecting descent from a distinct common ancestor. The clonal groupings were not totally uniform; recombination, as measured by the homoplasy test and compatibility matrices, was extremely common within all genes tested, except cagA. The fact that clonal descent could still be discerned despite such frequent recombination possibly reflects founder effects and geographical separation and/or selection for particular alleles of these genes.
A Dissection of Experiential Learning Theory: Alternative Approaches to Reflection

The concept of reflection is central to theories of experiential learning common in the field of adult education. In this article, we expand upon the work of Michelson on the dualistic split between experience and knowing inherent in the field’s most common conceptualizations of reflection. We develop alternative approaches to reflection drawing from feminist standpoint theory and theories of embodied knowing. We identify and discuss how each alternative approach points to different positioning of the concept of reflection in experiential learning. We highlight how the alternative positioning of reflection in experiential learning relates to adult education practice through narrative building and the recognition of prior learning. We also identify what we believe are implications of our reconceptualization of reflection for theories of adult learning.
A systematic look at the Very High and Low/Hard state of GX 339-4: Constraining the black hole spin with a new reflection model

We present a systematic study of GX 339−4 in both its very high and low hard states from simultaneous observations made with XMM‐Newton and RXTE in 2002 and 2004. The X-ray spectra of both these extreme states exhibit strong reflection signatures, with a broad, skewed Fe Kα line clearly visible above the continuum. Using a newly developed, self-consistent reflection model which implicitly includes the blackbody radiation of the disc as well as the effect of Comptonization, blurred with a relativistic line function, we were able to infer the spin parameter of GX 339−4 to be 0.935 ± 0.01 (statistical) ±0.01 (systematic) at 90 per cent confidence. We find that both states are consistent with an ionized thin accretion disc extending to the innermost stable circular orbit around the rapidly spinning black hole.
Complete genome sequence of a clinical Bordetella pertussis isolate from Brazil

There has been a resurgence in the number of pertussis cases in Brazil and around the world. Here, the genome of a clinical Bordetella pertussis strain (Bz181) that was recently isolated in Brazil is reported. Analysis of the virulence-associated genes defining the pre- and post-vaccination lineages revealed the presence of the prn2-ptxS1A-fim3B-ptxP3 allelic profile in Bz181, which is characteristic of the current pandemic lineage. A putative metallo-β-lactamase gene presenting all of the conserved zinc-binding motifs that characterise the catalytic site was identified, in addition to a multidrug efflux pump of the RND family that could confer resistance to erythromycin, which is the antibiotic of choice for treating pertussis disease.
An exploratory study of m-commerce key benefits and barriers among actual users, intentional users and non-intentional users

Abstract The purpose of the study is to explore users’ intention to adopt mobile commerce (m-commerce) and to identify users’ perceived benefits and perceived barriers that promote or inhibit m-commerce adoption in Kuwait. The study employs a quantitative approach that is based on a sample of 1000 students. Results indicate that user adoption decisions of m-commerce are positively influenced by key benefits more than the key barriers. Key benefits of m-commerce reveal that it is faster, it saves time and it is convenient, useful and handy in all locations. While key barriers of m-commerce range within poor network coverage, slow connection and data transfer, in addition to security risks and privacy of invasion. Theoretical implications show that the technology acceptance model can be applied successfully to examine m-commerce in the context of Kuwait. Practical implications show the benefits and barriers that promote and inhibit m-commerce that, if taken into consideration, can add a competitive advantage to online sellers and small to medium-sized enterprises.
On the liquidity effect in Algeria and Morocco: An empirical investigation

The objective of this paper is to test for the liquidity effect in Algeria and Morocco using multivariate threshold autoregressive model (MVTAR) as proposed by Tsay (1998). Our empirical results have several important implications. First, results do not support threshold behaviour in the case of Algeria. Moreover, when using M1 as a proxy of monetary policy, the liquidity effect hypothesis is rejected in this country. When using bank deposit assets (BDA), results show that there is a negative relationship between monetary shocks and interest rate, and accordingly accepting the liquidity effect. Secondly, in the case of Morocco, however, results show an asymmetric response of interest rate to positive and negative shock of monetary policy. Moreover, these results strongly support a threshold behavior when BDA is employed, while weakly supporting the same behavior using M1. Furthermore, and using the proxy of bank deposit assets, the liquidity effect is accepted in the low inflation regime, whereas it is rejected in the high inflation regime. Hence, the threshold behavior offers an interesting alternative for explaining the relationship between interest rates and monetary policy shocks. The results presented herein may give more insights on the transmission mechanism of monetary policy in different inflationary environments. Accordingly, a good inflation targeting policy would yield better results in this context. Indeed, the liquidity effect breaks down for the high inflation regime, as inflationary expectations are immediately responsive to money growth. In a lowinflation regime, however, money is not considered to be neutral, as it could affect output through the liquidity effect.
Investigating the Bag-of-Words Method for 3D Shape Retrieval

This paper investigates the capabilities of the Bag-of-Words (BWs) method in the 3D shape retrieval field. The contributions of this paper are (1) the 3D shape retrieval task is categorized from different points of view: specific versus generic, partial-to-global retrieval (PGR) versus global-to-global retrieval (GGR), and articulated versus nonarticulated (2) the spatial information, represented as concentric spheres, is integrated into the framework to improve the discriminative ability (3) the analysis of the experimental results on Purdue Engineering Benchmark (PEB) reveals that some properties of the BW approach make it perform better on the PGR task than the GGR task (4) the BW approach is evaluated on nonarticulated database PEB and articulated database McGill Shape Benchmark (MSB) and compared to other methods.
Real-time quadruped robot control system based on Xenomai

The quadruped robots walk or run in a dynamic balance state, and this hold up high requirements to system real-time capability. This paper describes the design of a real-time control system for a quadruped robot and presents the detail of control system hardware and software. The control system includes a real-time controller based on Xenomai, an EtherCAT fieldbus system, hydraulic actuators and sensors. And to accomplish the leg movement control, this paper also solve the inverse kinematic of the legs' parallel mechanism.
Compilation of a Mexican Spanish text corpora

-Collections of texts with syntactic annotation are nowadays useful resources. They are employed for diverse tasks in theoretical research and natural language applications. The most important collections are dedicated to English. But huge efforts have being realized to develop the corresponding to other languages. In this work we present the initial steps for the compilation of a Mexican Spanish text corpora with syntactic annotation. Key-Words: text collection, annotated corpus, corpus compilation
An agent based system for distributed information management: A case study

Securely managing shared information in distributed environments across multiple organizations is a challenge. Distributed information management systems designed to this purpose, must be able to support individual organizationspsila information policies whilst ensuring global consistency and completeness of information. This paper describes a multi-agent based prototype implementation of a distributed information management system, for distributed digital criminal dossiers. The prototype implementation runs on the multi-agent platform AgentScape.