Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AS-PW-MAC: An adaptive scheduling predictive wake-up MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks

The problem of idle listening is one of the most significant sources of energy consumption in wireless sensor nodes. Many techniques have been proposed based on duty cycling to reduce this idle listening. This paper presents Adaptive Scheduling Predictive-Wakeup MAC (AS-PW-MAC), a new MAC protocol based on asynchronous duty cycling. AS-PW-MAC introduces RTE and RAS messages for pending data transmission. RTE and RAS are beneficial for varying traffic loads. We evaluate the performance of AS-PW-MAC through detailed ns-2 simulation and compare it to RI-MAC and PW-MAC, two well-known MAC protocols. Our evaluation includes clique, grid and random network scenarios. In all experiments, AS-PW-MAC significantly out performs RI-MAC and PW-MAC protocols. AS-PW-MAC achieves higher packet delivery ratio under a wide range of traffic loads compared to RI-MAC and PW-MAC. Especially, when there are contending flows, such as bursty traffic or transmissions from hidden nodes, AS-PW-MAC significantly improves the packet delivery ratio and delivery latency. The delivery latency for AS-PW-MAC is less than 21% compared to RI-MAC and PW-MAC. In all experiments, AS-PW-MAC maintained approximately 100% packet delivery ratio.
First steps towards an autonomic management system

In this application paper, we investigate the introduction of the autonomic technology into usual centralized management systems. First, we present the global architecture of the proposed hybrid management system. Then, we describe the core entity of this architecture which is the autonomic agent. Finally, we develop a demonstrator and we define a relevant testing scenario in order to assess the feasibility and the effectiveness of our proposals. This work achieves the first steps towards an autonomic management system.
Point-Based Visualization of Metaballs on a GPU

In this chapter we present a technique for rendering metaballs on state-of-the-art graphics processors at interactive rates. Instead of employing the marching cubes algorithm to generate a list of polygons, our method samples the metaballs’ implicit surface by constraining free-moving particles to this surface. Our goal is to visualize the metaballs as a smooth surface by rendering thousands of particles, with each particle covering a tiny surface area. To successfully apply this point-based technique on a GPU, we solve three basic problems. First, we need to evaluate the metaballs’ implicit function and its gradient per rendered particle in order to constrain the particles to the surface. For this purpose, we devised a novel data structure for quickly evaluating the implicit functions in a fragment shader. Second, we need to spread the particles evenly across the surface. We present a fast method for performing a nearest-neighbors search on each particle that takes two rendering passes on a GPU. This method is used for computing the repulsion forces according to the method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics. Third, to further accelerate particle dispersion, we present a method for transferring particles from high-density areas to low-density areas on the surface.
Chemical Composition, Free Radical Scavenging and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil of Vahl

Received: January 01, 2016 Revised: September 29, 2016 Accepted: October 17, 2016 Abstract: Introduction: The study of medicinal plants in different parts of the world has led to major breakthroughs in drug chemistry. The increased interest in discovering drugs from natural source led to our investigation of the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Mariscus alternifolius Vahl, used in the treatment of wounds, bacterial and infectious diseases in ethno medicine.
Plasma of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Quantitative Analysis of Cell-free Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Updated

Using real-time quantitative PCR, cell-free EBV DNA was detectable in the plasma of 96% (55 of 57) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients (median concentration, 21058 copies/ml) and 7% (3 of 43) of controls (median concentration, 0 copies/ml). Advanced-stage NPC patients had higher plasma EBV DNA levels than those with early-stage disease. At 1 month after completion of radiotherapy, plasma EBV DNA was undetectable in 7 of 15 subjects (47%) but remained high in the remaining 8 subjects (53%). Clinical examination revealed that all of the former seven subjects had complete tumor regression, whereas six of the eight latter subjects exhibited evidence of disease persistence or had developed distant metastases. These results suggest that quantitative analysis of plasma EBV DNA may be a useful clinical and research tool in the screening and monitoring of NPC patients.
Multimedia content management support in next generation service platforms

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the architecture for multimedia content management support in new generation service platforms. The outlined architecture is based on the requirements identified by a set of interviews with experts from the media industry. According to the results of the interviews, the architecture has been structured into three main areas: content description, content protection, and content delivery and adaptation. The architecture also reflects emerging topics such as end-user content creation and multi-modal user interaction. Finally, it covers the whole added-value chain from the content provider to the end-user. The architecture presented in this paper aims at covering the needs both from content providers and end-users, integrating them in a heterogeneous environment composed by the execution platform by means of different access networks and terminals. From the media industry perspective, the aim of the architecture is to provide a flexible system, so they can offer their content and added-value services. From the end-user viewpoint the aim is to provide an overlay structure that supports a multimedia personalized experience anytime, anywhere.
The Research of TOPMODEL Based on Subbasin

According to hydrologic similarity, that means the grids of the same topographic index were classified into the same runoff unit, TOPMODEL calculates runoff yield. However, spatial heterogeneity of basin terrain and geomorphology information such as rainfall and topographic index statistics distributed curve etc. is not considered. This paper, trough treating basin DEM, obtains sub-basins based on water system and establishes TOPMODEL based on sub-basins. The model has taken the spatial heterogeneity of rainfall and topographic index distributed curve etc. into account. Comparing simulation results applying TOPMODEL based on sub-basin with TOPMODEL in Jiuzhou basin, it is found that TOPMODEL based on sub-basin well reflect basin actual situation and simulation result is more suitable. Also the flow process at basin outlet under the composition of different sub-basin rainfall can be predicted.
Identifying mild cognitive impairment in older adults

Supervisory Committee Dr. Holly A. Tuokko, Department of Psychology Supervisor Dr. Catherine A. Mateer, Department of Psychology Departmental Member Dr. Andre Smith, Department of Sociology Outside Member Dr. Jens Weber-Jahnke, Department of Computer Science Outside Member The absence of gold standard criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) impedes the comparison of research findings and the development of primary and secondary prevention strategies addressing the possible conversion to dementia. The objective of Study 1 was to compare the predictive ability of different MCI models as markers for incipient dementia in a longitudinal population-based Canadian sample. The utility of well-documented MCI criteria using data from persons who underwent a clinical examination in the second wave of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA) was examined. Demographic characteristics, average neuropsychological test performance, and prevalence and conversion rates were calculated for each classification. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were employed to assess the predictive power of each cognitive classification. The highest prevalence and conversion rates were associated with case definitions of multiple-domain MCI. The only diagnostic criteria to significantly predict dementia five years later was the Cognitive Impairment, No Dementia (CIND) Type 2 case definition. It is estimated that more restrictive MCI case definitions fail to address the varying temporal increases in decline across different iv cognitive domains in the progression from normal cognitive functioning to dementia. Using data from the CSHA, the objective of Study 2 was to elucidate the clinical correlates that best differentiate between cognitive classifications. A machine learning algorithm was used to identify the symptoms that best discriminated between: 1) not cognitively impaired (NCI) and CIND; 2) CIND & demented; and 3) converting and nonconverting CIND participants. Poor retrieval was consistently a significant predictor of greater cognitive impairment across all three questions. While interactions with other predictors were noted when differentiating CIND from NCI and demented from nondemented participants, retrieval was the sole predictor of conversion to dementia over five years. Importantly, the limited specificity and predictive values of the respective algorithms caution against their use as clinical markers of CIND, dementia, or conversion. Rather, it is recommended that the predictors serve as markers for ongoing monitoring and assessment. Overall, the results of both studies suggest that the architecture of pathological cognitive decline to dementia may not be captured by a single set of diagnostic criteria.
Paradoxical Evidence Integration in Rapid Decision Processes

Decisions about noisy stimuli require evidence integration over time. Traditionally, evidence integration and decision making are described as a one-stage process: a decision is made when evidence for the presence of a stimulus crosses a threshold. Here, we show that one-stage models cannot explain psychophysical experiments on feature fusion, where two visual stimuli are presented in rapid succession. Paradoxically, the second stimulus biases decisions more strongly than the first one, contrary to predictions of one-stage models and intuition. We present a two-stage model where sensory information is integrated and buffered before it is fed into a drift diffusion process. The model is tested in a series of psychophysical experiments and explains both accuracy and reaction time distributions.
A high resolution fundamental frequency determination based on phase changes of the Fourier transform

The constant Q transform described recently [J. C. Brown and M. S. Puckette, ‘‘An efficient algorithm for the calculation of a constant Q transform,’’ J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 92, 2698–2701 (1992)] has been adapted so that it is suitable for tracking the fundamental frequency of extremely rapid musical passages. For this purpose the calculation described previously has been modified so that it is constant frequency resolution rather than constant Q for lower frequency bins. This modified calculation serves as the input for a fundamental frequency tracker similar to that described by Brown [J. C. Brown, ‘‘Musical fundamental frequency tracking using a pattern recognition method,’’ J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 92, 1394–1402 (1992)]. Once the fast Fourier transform (FFT) bin corresponding to the fundamental frequency is chosen by the frequency tracker, an approximation is used for the phase change in the FFT for a time advance of one sample to obtain an extremely precise value for this frequency. Graphical examples are gi.
A Robotic Surveillance Platform Based on an On-board Computer Vision Approach

Surveillance and monitoring systems are considered to be one of the most reliable and commonly used type of security systems. These systems rely heavily on human interaction for optimal operation. In an environment where a high level of security is needed, problems caused by human errors are not acceptable. By eliminating human interaction from automatic surveillance systems, a more reliable security system can be created for a better rate of crime detection and prevention. This can only be achieved by introducing computer vision capabilities to these systems. These autonomous systems should be able to gather and collect information from the frames captured by the Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and use them for different applications such as vehicle number plate recognition, face recognition, etc. This paper will discuss building a basic on-board computer vision system to detectcars and pedestrians. The system will be mounted on a roaming robot to replace multiple fixed cameras with a single one that cover the same distance to reduce system cost.
Key technology network model for the industrialization of research output: A university patent perspective

In recent years, university patents have been substantially developed mainly because topics on the industrialization of university research outputs have received considerable attention. Previous studies on university patents have mostly focused on factors influencing the production of those patents, but have not yet distinguished between industrialized university patents and unindustrialized university patents. In addition, previous studies have not clearly recognized university patents with commercial value, technological networks, or key technologies that promoted industrialization. Moreover, a few studies have focused on the national dimension attached to university patent technological networks. In this study we incorporate several countries into our model and identify the technological niche positions of those countries. Here, Japan and the United States are playing critical roles in the worldwide technology network of university patents. The results of our study can serve as a reference point for universities worldwide in their allocation of resources and promotion of novel technologies.
Quantifying correlation between Financial News and stocks

Financial news and stocks appear linked to the point where the use of online news to forecast the markets has become a major selling point for some traders. The correlation between news content and stock returns is clearly of interest, but has been mostly centred on news meta-data, such as volume and popularity. We address this question here by measuring the correlation between the returns of 27 publicly traded companies and news about them as collected from Yahoo Financial News for the period 1 Oct 2014 to 30 Apr 2015. In all reported experiments, two metrics are defined, one to measure the distance between two time series, the other to quantify the difference between two collections of news items. Two 27 × 27 distance matrices are thus produced, and their correlation measured with the Mantel test. This allows us to estimate the correlation of stock market data (returns, change, volume and close price) with the content of published news in a given period of time. A number of representations for the news are tested, as well as different distance metrics between time series. Clear, statistically significant, moderate level correlations are detected in most cases. Lastly, the impact of the length of the period studied on the observed correlation is also investigated.
A Novel Approach to Feature Selection for Clustering

Feature selection has received considerable attentions in various areas as a way to select informative features and to simplify the statistical model through dimensional reduction. In this work, we introduce a novel concept, membership probability of a feature, and propose a novel approach to feature selection for clustering which can find the most optimal candidate features effectively among the original feature space. The efficiency and effectiveness of our approach is demonstrated through extensive comparisons with other methods using real-world data of high dimensionality.
INVESTIGATING HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION ISSUES IN DESIGNING EFFICIENT VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Today, when an enormous number of computer-based systems exist, the human activities are being computer mediated. Usually, in designing the interface to those systems, the human-computer interaction is left behind without consideration. In this paper, a literature in human-computer interaction is to be reviewed and the technology aspect of human computer interaction is to be analyzed. Also, general design principles are to be reviewed. According to all these issues, recommendations to designing a good human-computer interface for e-learning programming environment are going to be analyzed and proposed.
Numerical Investigation of Temperature Distribution in an Eroded Bend Pipe and Prediction of Erosion Reduced Thickness

Accurate prediction of erosion thickness is essential for pipe engineering. The objective of the present paper is to study the temperature distribution in an eroded bend pipe and find a new method to predict the erosion reduced thickness. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations with FLUENT software are carried out to investigate the temperature field. And effects of oil inlet rate, oil inlet temperature, and erosion reduced thickness are examined. The presence of erosion pit brings about the obvious fluctuation of temperature drop along the extrados of bend. And the minimum temperature drop presents at the most severe erosion point. Small inlet temperature or large inlet velocity can lead to small temperature drop, while shallow erosion pit causes great temperature drop. The dimensionless minimum temperature drop is analyzed and the fitting formula is obtained. Using the formula we can calculate the erosion reduced thickness, which is only needed to monitor the outer surface temperature of bend pipe. This new method can provide useful guidance for pipeline monitoring and replacement.
Private Goods, Public Goods and Common Pools with Homo Reciprocans

Familiar inefficiencies arise with competing interests over private goods in Stackelberg and investment games. Private good experiments reveal whether reciprocity enhances cooperative outcomes. Familiar social dilemmas arise with voluntary provision of public goods and voluntary appropriation from common pools. Experiments with pairs of payoff-equivalent provision and appropriation games reveal whether reciprocity is more or less effective in ameliorating under-provision or over-appropriation. Experiments with asymmetric provision and appropriation games also yield insight into the effects of the Indian caste system on inefficiency from social dilemmas. Experiments with three types of games, with a private good, public good or common pool, provide diagnostic tests of the homo reciprocans model.
High - Quality image interpolation based on multiplicative skeleton - Texture separation

This paper presents a high-quality interpolation approach that can adjust edge sharpness and texture intensity to reconstruct an image according to user's taste in picture quality. Our interpolation approach first resolves an input image I into its skeleton image U and its texture generator V and its residual image D such that I = U·V + D, and then interpolates each of the three components independently with a proper interpolation method suitable to each. The skeleton image is a bounded-variation function meaning a cartoon approximation of I, and interpolated with a super-resolution deblurring-oversampling method that interpolates sharp edges without producing ringing artifacts. The texture generator is an oscillatory function representing regular distinct textures, and interpolated with a standard linear interpolation algorithm. The residual image is a function representing irregular weak textures and reconstruction errors, and interpolated with a statistical re-sampling interpolation algorithm.
MicroRNA dysregulation in cancer: diagnostics, monitoring and therapeutics. A comprehensive review

Early studies have shown how aberrantly expressed microRNAs are a hallmark of several diseases like cancer. MicroRNA expression profiling was shown to be associated with tumour development, progression and response to therapy, suggesting their possible use as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Moreover, based on the increasing number of studies demonstrating that microRNAs can function as potential oncogenes or oncosuppressor genes, with the goal to improve disease response and increase cure rates, miRNA‐based anticancer therapies have recently been exploited, either alone or in combination with current targeted therapies. The advantage of using microRNA approaches is based on its ability to concurrently target multiple effectors of pathways involved in cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Here, we review our current knowledge about the involvement of microRNAs in cancer, and their potential as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools.
Document Representation Using Nonnegative Matrix Factorization

Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is an emerging technique of latent semantic analysis from the given document corpus. The existing NMF algorithms don not use the intrinsic structure information of original document corpus. In order to preserve intrinsic structure information in latent semantic space extracted by NMF, a NMF algorithm with intrinsic structure information properties is presented. The primary ideal is to extend the original NMF through incorporating the intrinsic structure information constraints inside the NMF decomposition. Our experimental results performed on the RCV1 and SECTOR data sets show that the proposed method is superior to NMF for document latent semantic analysis.
Relating counterexamples to test cases in CTL model checking specifications

Counterexamples produced by model checkers are frequently exploited for the purpose of testing. Counterexamples and test cases are generally treated as essentially the same thing, while in fact they can differ significantly. For example, it might take more than one test case to "cover" a given counterexample, because not all property violations can be illustrated with linear counterexamples. This paper presents a formal relationship between counterexamples and test cases in the context of the Computation Tree Logic (CTL), the logic of the popular model checker SMV. Given a test requirement as a CTL formula, we define what it means for a set of test cases to cover a counterexample associated with that requirement. This result can not only be used in the generation of a test set that satisfies a given test coverage criterion, but also in the determination of whether an extant test set satisfies the criterion. Our results can guide the production of counterexamples in model checkers explicitly intended to support testing.
The Hochschild cohomology of a Poincar\'e algebra

In this note, we define the notion of a cactus set, and show that its geometric realization is naturally an algebra over Voronov's cactus operad, which is equivalent to the framed 2-dimensional little disks operad $\mathcal{D}_2$. Using this, we show that the Hochschild cohomology of a Poincar\'e algebra A is an algebra over (the chain complexes of) $\mathcal{D}_2$.