Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint antenna selection and transceiver design for MU-MIMO mmWave systems

This paper considers the uplink of large-scale multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) millimeter wave (mmWave) systems, where a number of mobile stations (MSs) communicate with a single base station (BS) equipped with a large-scale antenna array, for application to fifth generation (5G) wireless networks. Within this context, the use of hybrid transceivers along with antenna selection can significantly reduce the implementation cost and energy consumption of analog phase shifters and low-noise amplifiers (LNA). We aim to jointly design the MS beamforming vectors, the hybrid receiving matrices (baseband and analog) and the antenna selection matrix at the BS in order to maximize the achievable system sum-rate. By exploiting the special structure of the problem and linear relaxation, we first convert this problem into three subproblems which are solved via an alternating optimization (AO) method. Specifically, the antenna selection matrix is optimized via the concave-convex procedure (CCCP); the weighted mean-square error minimization (WMMSE) approach is used to find the solution for the transmit beamformer; and the hybrid receiver is obtained via manifold optimization (MO). The convergence of the proposed algorithm is analysed and its effectiveness is verified by simulation.
Nonparametric saliency detection using kernel density estimation

This paper proposes a nonparametric saliency model based on kernel density estimation (KDE) mainly aiming at content-based applications such as salient object segmentation. A set of KDE models are constructed on the basis of regions segmented using the mean shift algorithm. For each pixel, a set of color likelihood measures to all KDE models are calculated, and then the color saliency and spatial saliency of each KDE model are evaluated based on its color distinctiveness and spatial distribution. The final saliency map is generated by combining saliency measures of KDE models and color likelihood measures of pixels. Experimental results demonstrate the better saliency detection performance of our saliency model.
Investigation to uncover the electrophysiological correlates of the mediating cognitive factors, responsible for the immediate emotional enhancement of memory

Emotional memories are powerful memories that have markedly different phenomenological characteristics, compared to neutral memories. Emotional memories are adaptive and serve to aid survival of organisms. Evidence suggests that emotional events tend to be remembered with a greater depth of sensory and perceptual detail. The phenomenon around such memories has therefore been coined, emotion-enhanced memory (EEM). Much of the research into EEM has focused on the long-term consolidating affects that emotions can have upon memory; with the modulation hypothesis being the predominant theory in the literature. However, it has been noted in the literature that emotional stimuli can also enhance short-term memories, immediately after test. It is suggested that the immediate EEM is driven by changes in the cognitive attributes of emotional stimuli, which facilitates encoding processes; this is known as the cognitive-mediating account of immediate EEM. This research aims to investigate three of the key cognitive mediating factors, implicated in the behavioural literature; distinctiveness, relatedness and attention. Using electrophysiological recordings and event-related potentials, this work aims to further the behavioural research and develop functional accounts of how these cognitive factors can influence the immediate EEM. The results suggest that distinctiveness plays a significant role in the immediate EEM and a functional two-step model is proposed to outline the mechanisms through which it exerts it influence. This works also suggests overt attentional resources play a key role, as part of distinctiveness processing. The results did however find, contrary to the behavioural literature, relatedness is unable to fully account for the immediate EEM. These results are interpreted as supporting a complimentary model of EEM, which involves both the cognitive-mediating account for the immediate EEM and the modulation hypothesis for long-term EEM. These findings are discussed in terms of the real-world implications that emotional memory research can have.
A probabilistic relational model for the integration of IR and databases

In this paper, a probabilistic relational model is presented which combines relational algebra with probabilistic retrieval. Based on certain independence assumptions, the operators of the relational algebra are redefined such that the probabilistic algebra is a generalization of the standard relational algebra. Furthermore, a special join operator implementing probabilistic retrieval is proposed. When applied to typical document databases, queries can not only ask for documents, but for any kind of object in the database. In addition, an implicit ranking of these objects is provided in case the query relates to probabilistic indexing or uses the probabilistic join operator. The proposed algebra is intended as a standard interface to combined database and IR systems, as a basis for implementing user-friendly interfaces.
PreFail: Programmable and Efficient Failure Testing Framework

As hardware failures are no longer rare in the era of cloud computing, reliability has become a first-class design goal of today’s cloud software systems. To ensure that software’s fault-tolerance “prevails” against hardware failures, cloud systems have to be tested against multiple, diverse failures that are likely to occur in the real-world. Such failure testing poses several challenges including the need to explore a large number of combinations of failures, and also by implication, to debug a large number of test runs that fail during testing. In this paper, we present PREFAIL, a programmable and efficient failure testing framework. With PREFAIL, a tester can express a variety of failure exploration policies, skip redundant fault-injection tests, run failure testing in parallel, and reduce the time to debug failed test runs.
An exploratory study of experiences of parenting among female students at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Advancement in education has ensured that there is parity in terms of enrolment for both females and males at tertiary institutions. However, women students continue to face challenges to advancing in education. Given that South African society remains highly gendered and that universities are historically male-dominated sites that do not necessarily cater for the particular needs of women (or children), one area of challenge may relate to having to balance parenting roles with the demands of being a student. For example, at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), students with children are prohibited from access to the residences, leaving them with no option but to seek alternative accommodation, where they can remain with their babies or look for childcare support from their relatives. While there is a growing body of work on the experiences of school-going pregnant and parenting learners, there is little work in the South African context of the experiences of women who are both parents and students at tertiary institutions. Since the national education system clearly supports and encourages life-long learning, an investigation into the conditions and experiences of learning for parenting students is important. The focus on women students was motivated by existing findings that show how normative gender roles persist and that women continue to be viewed as the primary nurturers with respect to the care of children. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of motherhood among young female students at UWC. The study was situated within a feminist social constructionist framework and a feminist qualitative methodology was employed. Two or more interviews were conducted with a group of eight participants, selected by convenient sampling, and aged between 18 and 30 years, each with a child or children under the age of five years. Interviews were conducted at the participants choice of location and at a time that was convenient to them. All interviews were audio-recorded and the tapes were kept safely in the researchers home. All standard ethical procedures for research with human subjects were followed. Data was transcribed verbatim and a qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. Key themes were elucidated and data presented thematically. The key challenges cited included time management, self motivation and the social demands of being a mother. These tend to have adverse repercussions on academic excellence. The analysis revealed that though the young women are allowed to return to universities after becoming mothers, they face many challenges in trying to balance motherhood and the demands of schooling. Furthermore, the findings highlight the tension and ambivalence experienced by participants as they negotiate the social and cultural expectations of motherhood and their personal reality, in meeting the demands of motherhood as student mothers. In their struggle to meet the social and cultural expectations of motherhood, they placed tremendous emotional and physical stress upon themselves which…
Fast and robust level-set segmentation of deformable structures

Level-sets provide powerful methods for the segmentation of deformable structures. They are able to handle protrusions and specific topological effects. A particle system formulation of level-sets is introduced. It keeps all the advantages of the level-set approach for the segmentation of deformable structures, while it overcomes some of its drawbacks. In this approach the level-sets are controlled by particles, which is of particular interest for interactive control. The particle system records the internal energy of the level-set, while the external force field comes from image data. The energy minimization process is fast, stable and robust. The use of skeleton techniques provide a reliable initialization of the particles, and it is coherent with simple affine motion. The paper is illustrated by examples coming from real image sequences.
Survey on O157:H7 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in cattle in Golestan province, Iran

Background and Objectives A diverse group of Escherichia coli are known as enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) including O157:H7 and non-O157 EHEC. Enterohemorrhagic strains are related to sever clinical conditions in humans including hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, and most of the recorded outbreaks occurred due to O157: H7 E. coli. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of O157:H7 E. coli among healthy cattle in Golestan province. Materials and Methods Fecal samples were collected from 180 clinically healthy cattle in Golestan province. After primary enrichment, samples were streaked on sorbitol MacConkey agar supplemented with cefixime and potassium tellurite (CT-SMAC). Non-sorbitol fermenting (NSF) Escherichia coli isolates were subjected to serotyping using commercial O157 antisera and rfb O157 gene PCR. Isolates were additionally tested for major virulence factors of EHEC including stx1, stx2, eae and ehly by multiplex-PCR. Results Eighteen NSF isolates were recovered from CT-SMAC confirmed as E. coli in biochemical tests. None of the obtained isolates belonged to O157 serogroup. Overall, two isolates harbored the tested virulence genes; one isolate possessed stx2 and ehly, and the other one carried stx2, eae and ehly. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that cattle in Golestan province could be the reservoir for non-O157 EHEC.
Coordinated Beamforming for the Multiuser MIMO Broadcast Channel With Limited Feedforward

Linear transmit beamforming and receive combining is a low complexity approach for communications in the multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel. This paper proposes a full search and two low complexity coordinated algorithms where each receiver uses a quantized combining vector. Since the optimization is performed at the transmitter with channel state information from all the receivers, the receive combining vectors are (either jointly or independently) quantized at the transmitter and sent to the receivers via a low-rate feedforward control channel. Rate bounds are provided to estimate the impact of quantization loss on the achievable rate in Rayleigh channels. Simulations show that the sum rate of the proposed methods using Grassmannian codebooks is close to the sum capacity of the MIMO broadcast channel, especially in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime.
Dynamical Mechanism for Sharp Orientation Tuning in an Integrate-and-Fire Model of a Cortical Hypercolumn

Orientation tuning in a ring of pulse-coupled integrate-and-fire (IF) neurons is analyzed in terms of spontaneous pattern formation. It is shown how the ring bifurcates from a synchronous state to a non-phase-locked state whose spike trains are characterized by clustered but irregular fluctuations of the interspike intervals (ISIs). The separation of these clusters in phase space results in a localized peak of activity as measured by the time-averaged firing rate of the neurons. This generates a sharp orientation tuning curve that can lock to a slowly rotating, weakly tuned external stimulus. Under certain conditions, the peak can slowly rotate even to a fixed external stimulus. The ring also exhibits hysteresis due to the subcritical nature of the bifurcation to sharp orientation tuning. Such behavior is shown to be consistent with a corresponding analog version of the IF model in the limit of slow synaptic interactions. For fast synapses, the deterministic fluctuations of the ISIs associated with the tuning curve can support a coefficient of variation of order unity.
The COCOON object model

The COCOON model was intended to extend the concepts of relational database management systems DBMSs beyond nested relational to object oriented ones Key characteristics of COCOON and its database language COOL are generic set oriented query and update operators similar to relational algebra and SQL updates respectively object preserving seman tics of query operators which allows for the de nition of updatable views update operations that keep model inherent integrity constraints consis tent a separation of the two aspects of programming language classes type vs collection predicative description of collections similar to de ned concepts in KL One like knowledge representation languages automatic classi cation of objects and views positioning in the class hierarchy This report gives a comprehensive introduction to the COCOON model and its language COOL as well as a formal de nition Our formalization uses de notational semantics a popular technique in programming languages We found that standard set theoretic formalizations of data and object models were not equally well suited to express update semantics This however is essential for object oriented as opposed to value based languages This can also be taken as an indication for the convergence of database languages to generell programming languages Along these same lines we emphasized static type checking of COOL Second revised edition January
RRAM variability and its mitigation schemes

Emerging technologies such as RRAMs are attracting significant attention due to their tempting characteristics (such as high scalability, CMOS compatibility and non-volatility) to replace the current conventional memories. However, process variation due to nano-scale structure poses major challenges on both reliability and yield. This has led to the investigation of new robust design strategies at the circuit and system level. This paper first reviews the RRAM variability phenomenon and the state-of-the art variation tolerant techniques at the circuit level. Thereafter, it analyzes the impact of variability on memory reliability, and proposes a variation-monitoring circuit that discerns the reliable memory cells affected by process variability.
Genome Sequences of 12 Bacterial Isolates Obtained from the Urine of Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT The presence of bacteria in urine can pose significant risks during pregnancy. However, there are few reference genome strains for many common urinary bacteria. We isolated 12 urinary strains of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Citrobacter, Gardnerella, and Lactobacillus. These strains and their genomes are now available to the research community.
Balancing agility and discipline: evaluating and integrating agile and plan-driven methods

Rapid change and increasing software criticality drive successful development and acquisition organizations to balance the agility and discipline of their key processes. The emergence of agile methods in the software community is raising the expectations of customers and management, but the methods have shortfalls and their compatibility with traditional plan-driven methods such as those represented by CMMI, ISO-15288, and UK-DefStan-00-55 is largely unexplored. This paper pragmatically examines the aspects of agile and plan-driven methods and provides an approach to balancing through examples and case studies.
The premorbid personality of patients with Parkinson's disease: evidence with the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire

The premorbid personality traits of 102 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 57 age‐matched healthy controls were studied by the recently developed Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. We found significantly fewer (p < 0.05) of a group of traits called “novelty seeking” (NS), but no changes in “harm avoidance” (HA) and “reward dependence” (RD), in PD patients, for the period approximately 5–10 years before the onset of the disease, compared to controls. Individuals who are lower than average in NS and average in HA and RD are described as reflective, rigid, loyal, stoic, slow‐tempered, frugal, orderly, and persistent Since NS is thought to be directly related to central dopaminergic reactivity, the premorbid expression of these behaviors may be the reflection of neurochemical deficits (hypodopaminergic tone) accompanying the presymptomatic phase of PD.
Generalized stepwise optical saturation enables super-resolution fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy

We present a novel super-resolution fluorescence lifetime microscopy technique called generalized stepwise optical saturation (GSOS) that generalizes and extends the concept of the recently demonstrated stepwise optical saturation (SOS) super-resolution microscopy [Biomed. Opt. Express 9, 1613 (2018)29675306]. The theoretical basis of GSOS is developed based on exploring the dynamics of a two-level fluorophore model and using perturbation theory. We show that although both SOS and GSOS utilize the linear combination of M raw images to increase the imaging resolution by a factor of M, SOS is a special and the simplest case of GSOS. The super-resolution capability is demonstrated with theoretical analysis and numerical simulations for GSOS with sinusoidal and pulse-train modulations. Using GSOS with pulse-train modulation, super-resolution and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) images can be obtained simultaneously. The super-resolution FLIM capability is experimentally demonstrated with a cell sample on a custom-built two-photon frequency-domain (FD) FLIM system based on radio frequency analog signal processing. To our knowledge, this is the first implementation of super-resolution imaging in FD-FLIM.
The Uses of Conversational Speech in Measuring Language Performance and Predicting Behavioural and Emotional Problems

Previous research suggests a link between language impairment and psychiatric symptoms in children. There are few studies, however, that examine the relationship between conversational measures of language and the continuum of behavioural and emotional problems, ranging from normal behaviour to clinically significant psychiatric symptoms. The present study utilized spontaneous language sampling and analysis of conversational transcripts, to study the relationship between language and maladaptive behavioural and emotional problems in a non-clinical, and therefore highly variable, sample of preschool children. The utility of using language measures obtained from spontaneous speech in predicting mental health problems as indexed by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL C-TRF) problems scales was also examined and compared to the predictability of the WPPSI-III general language composite scores (GLC). Speech samples were collected from 46 preschoolers from a general daycare population, along with standardized measures of intelligence (WPPSI-III), as well as behavioural and emotional problems (CBCL C-TRF). Results indicated that conversational measures of language significantly improved prediction of CBCL C-TRF DSM-oriented and syndrome scales beyond that accounted for by WPPSI GLC scores. Revisions, specifically, appeared to play a critical role in the prediction of behavioural and emotional problems in preschoolers.
Global approaches for understanding the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease.

While the magnitude of CKD hasbeen better defined in developed countries, increasing evidenceindicates that the burden of CKD is as great or even greater indeveloping countries. Chronic kidney disease and, to a greaterextent end-stage renal disease (ESRD), contribute substantiallyto the disparate burden of illness, disability and prematuredeath across sex, age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, andgeographic boundaries.
Standard and individually determined thermal pain stimuli induce similar brain activations

Several functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies use thermal pain stimuli to determine brain activation patterns during pain. Studies use either a standard temperature condition for all participants or an individualized temperature condition based on the individually determined pain threshold of the participant. The aim of the present study was to compare both conditions in the same participants.
Encoding of analog signals for binary symmetric channels

Various encoding schemes are examined from the point of view of minimizing the mean magnitude error of a signal caused by transmission through a binary symmetric channel. A necessary property is developed for optimal codes for any binary symmetric channel and any set of quantization levels. The class of optimal codes is found for the case where the probability of error is small but realistic. This class of codes includes the natural numbering and some unit distance codes, among which are the Gray codes.
Team IHMC's Lessons Learned from the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials

This article is a summary of the experiences of the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) team during the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Trials. The primary goal of the DRC is to develop robots capable of assisting humans in responding to natural and manmade disasters. The robots are expected to use standard tools and equipment to accomplish the mission. The DRC Trials consisted of eight different challenges that tested robot mobility, manipulation, and control under degraded communications and time constraints. Team IHMC competed using the Atlas humanoid robot made by Boston Dynamics. We competed against 16 international teams and placed second in the competition. This article discusses the challenges we faced in transitioning from simulation to hardware. It also discusses the lessons learned both during the competition and in the months of preparation leading up to it. The lessons address the value of reliable hardware and solid software practices. They also cover effective approaches to bipedal walking and designing for human‐robot teamwork. Lastly, the lessons present a philosophical discussion about choices related to designing robotic systems.