Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Hardware-Efficient Architecture for Accurate Real-Time Disparity Map Estimation

Emerging embedded vision systems utilize disparity estimation as a means to perceive depth information to intelligently interact with their host environment and take appropriate actions. Such systems demand high processing performance and accurate depth perception while requiring low energy consumption, especially when dealing with mobile and embedded applications, such as robotics, navigation, and security. The majority of real-time dedicated hardware implementations of disparity estimation systems have adopted local algorithms relying on simple cost aggregation strategies with fixed and rectangular correlation windows. However, such algorithms generally suffer from significant ambiguity along depth borders and areas with low texture. To this end, this article presents the hardware architecture of a disparity estimation system that enables good performance in both accuracy and speed. The architecture implements an adaptive support weight stereo correspondence algorithm that integrates image segmentation information in an attempt to increase the robustness of the matching process. The article also presents hardware-oriented algorithmic modifications/optimization techniques that make the algorithm hardware-friendly and suitable for efficient dedicated hardware implementation. A comparison to the literature asserts that an FPGA implementation of the proposed architecture is among the fastest implementations in terms of million disparity estimations per second (MDE/s), and with an overall accuracy of 90.21%, it presents an effective processing speed/disparity map accuracy trade-off.
Change impact analysis for the software development phase: State-of-the-art

Impact analysis predicts the parts of the software system that can be affected by changes in the system. Selecting the approach to perform impact analysis in the software development phase requires consideration of the class artifact status. Static analysis approaches do not require class artifacts to be fully developed. However, the analysis tends to overestimate the number of affected classes. So it is of little practical use. On the other hand, dynamic analysis approaches expect all the class artifacts to be fully developed. So the analysis tends to be imprecise when not all class artifacts are fully developed. This paper reviews current impact analysis techniques’ capability from the perspective of supporting the software development phase implementation. Based on this review, the needs of a new impact analysis technique for the software development phase are then constructed.
Realization of low-voltage ride through requirements for PMSGs in wind turbines systems using generator-rotor inertia

Recently, the electric power generation by wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) has increased significantly. Therefore, wind power generation systems are required to achieve the grid codes (GCs) requirements stated by the power system operators. In case of grid voltage dips, a mismatch between the generated active power from the generator and the active power delivered to the grid is produced. The traditional solution is using a braking chopper (BC) in the DC-link to dissipate this surplus active power. This paper proposes a low-voltage ride through (LVRT) strategy for variable-speed WECSs based on permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs). The proposed method uses the PMSG-rotor inertia to store the surplus active power during the grid voltage dips. Therefore, no additionally hardware components is required. Moreover, a finite control set-model predictive control (FCS-MPC) system for the PMSG is proposed in order to improve the transient performance of the system. The performance of the proposed LVRT strategy is compared with the traditional BC solution for all the operation conditions via simulation results.
JU_NLP@DPIL-FIRE2016: Paraphrase Detection in Indian Languages - A Machine Learning Approach

This paper presents our system report on our participation in the shared task on “Detecting Paraphrases in Indian Languages (DPIL)” organized in the “Forum for Information Retrieval Evaluation (FIRE)”2016, in both the tasks (Task1 and Task2) defined in this shared task in four Indian languages (Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Punjabi). We made use of different similarity measures and machine translation evaluation metrics as features and used machine learning framework to take paraphrase decision between a pair of text snippets. We obtained the accuracies of 97.08%, 94.2%, 97.32% and 98.29% in Task1 and 86.68%, 77.37%, 84% and 98.77% in Task2 for Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and Punjabi respectively on the respective training sets using a 10-fold cross validation framework.
Ultra-High-Speed Multichannel Data Transmission Using Hybrid Substrate Integrated Waveguides

Hybrid substrate integrated waveguides (SIWs) are proposed as an alternative low-cost interconnect solution to enable ultra-high-speed signal transmission. The SIW serves as a bandpass data transmission channel providing 15-GHz bandwidth. The hybrid structure utilizes the available low-pass frequency region below the cutoff frequency by adding striplines inside the waveguide. This technique of substrate reuse allows several independent data channels to be transmitted simultaneously through the hybrid structure. Hence, the channel capacity is increased without changing the overall waveguide footprint. Transition structures for routing striplines in the waveguide are designed and optimized through full-wave simulations. A number of test structures are fabricated to investigate data transmission using single and hybrid SIW interconnects. Experiments, as well as system simulations, demonstrate the capability of these interconnects for achieving ultra-high-speed data transmission. The hybrid waveguide system yields 15-Gb/s aggregate data transmission with excellent signal integrity characteristics. The proposed hybrid structure suggests an alternative solution for implementation of parallel data transmission systems with significant increase in the total channel throughput.
Viscoelasticityof crystal-andbubble-bearingrhyolite melts

The effect of non-deformable inclusions on the frequency-dependent rheology of a rhyolite melt plus crystals has been investigated using a sinusoidal torsion deformation device for measurements of shear viscosity and modulus in the frequency range of 5 mHz to 20 Hz at temperatures of 750—1050°C.The relaxed shear viscosity and unrelaxed shear modulus of rhyolite magma (rhyolite melt plus crystals plus bubbles) decreases with increasing bubble content and increases with the addition of crystals. At a crystal concentration of about 45% a relaxed value of the shear viscosity is not attainable. The presence of rigid inclusions results in an imaginary component of the shear modulus that becomes more symmetrical and shifted to the low-frequency—high-temperature range with respect to that for a crystal-free melt. The slope of log(Q 1) (internal friction) as a function of the dimensionless variable log(o T), is unaffected in the low-temperature—high-frequency range of crystals, with ~ 1 1/(wr)°5(the same as for bubbleand crystal-free rhyolite). For the present type of suspension, the internal friction is practically constant and independent of log(wr) in the high-temperature—low-frequency limit (WT << 1). The shape of the Cole—Cole diagram becomes symmetrical and can be described as a Caputo body with parameter y 0.45, whereas for bubble-bearing and inclusion-free rhyolite melts the shape of diagram relates to the /3-relaxation exponent with /3 0.5. The present work demonstrates that magma may or may not follow a power-law rheology depending on the relative volume proportion between crystals and bubbles.
Estimating Energy Expenditure Using Body-Worn Accelerometers: A Comparison of Methods, Sensors Number and Positioning

Several methods to estimate energy expenditure (EE) using body-worn sensors exist; however, quantifications of the differences in estimation error are missing. In this paper, we compare three prevalent EE estimation methods and five body locations to provide a basis for selecting among methods, sensors number, and positioning. We considered 1) counts-based estimation methods, 2) activity-specific estimation methods using METs lookup, and 3) activity-specific estimation methods using accelerometer features. The latter two estimation methods utilize subsequent activity classification and EE estimation steps. Furthermore, we analyzed accelerometer sensors number and on-body positioning to derive optimal EE estimation results during various daily activities. To evaluate our approach, we implemented a study with 15 participants that wore five accelerometer sensors while performing a wide range of sedentary, household, lifestyle, and gym activities at different intensities. Indirect calorimetry was used in parallel to obtain EE reference data. Results show that activity-specific estimation methods using accelerometer features can outperform counts-based methods by 88% and activity-specific methods using METs lookup for active clusters by 23%. No differences were found between activity-specific methods using METs lookup and using accelerometer features for sedentary clusters. For activity-specific estimation methods using accelerometer features, differences in EE estimation error between the best combinations of each number of sensors (1 to 5), analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA, were not significant. Thus, we conclude that choosing the best performing single sensor does not reduce EE estimation accuracy compared to a five sensors system and can reliably be used. However, EE estimation errors can increase up to 80% if a nonoptimal sensor location is chosen.
XMM-Newton observations of two transient millisecond X-ray pulsars in quiescence

received, accepted Abstract. We report on XMM-Newton observations of two X-ray transient millisecond pulsars (XRTMSPs). We detected XTE J0929-314 with an unabsorbed luminosity of∼ 7× 10 31 erg s −1 (0.5-10 keV) at a fiducial distance of 10 kpc. The quiescent spectrum is consistent with a simple power law spectrum. The upper limit on the flux from a cooling neutron star atmosphere is about 20% of the total flux. XTE J1807-294 inste ad was not detected. We can put an upper limit on the source quiescent 0.5-10 keV unabsorbed luminosity < ∼ 4×10 31 erg s −1 at 8 kpc. These observations strenghten the idea that XRTMSPs
The relationship among psychological factors, neglect-like symptoms and postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty

Neglect-like symptoms have been defined as a loss of perception of a limb, with pain and excessive effort necessary to move the limb. This phenomenon has been studied in patients with complex regional pain syndrome, but has not been assessed in patients who have undergone orthopedic procedures such as total knee arthroplasty. The authors of this study assessed neglect-like symptoms in a group of 90 patients three and six weeks after total knee arthroplasty.
On a construction of stream-cipher-based hash functions

Hash functions using stream ciphers as components perform fast on a variety of platforms. However, the security and the design policy of stream-cipher-based hash functions (SCHs) have not yet been studied sufficiently. In this paper, we analyze its design criteria based on a ideal function of SCHs. First, we show that attacks against a stream cipher can also be threats against SCHs. Then we discuss the security on each phase of SCH; message injection, blank rounds, and hash generation with this function. Finally we derive the necessary conditions on the stream cipher function for an SCH to be secure.
Chitosan-Recombinamer Layer-by-Layer Coatings for Multifunctional Implants

The main clinical problems for dental implants are (1) formation of biofilm around the implant—a condition known as peri-implantitis and (2) inadequate bone formation around the implant—lack of osseointegration. Therefore, developing an implant to overcome these problems is of significant interest to the dental community. Chitosan has been reported to have good biocompatibility and anti-bacterial activity. An osseo-inductive recombinant elastin-like biopolymer (P-HAP), that contains a peptide derived from the protein statherin, has been reported to induce biomineralization and osteoblast differentiation. In this study, chitosan/P-HAP bi-layers were built on a titanium surface using a layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. The difference in the water contact angle between consecutive layers, the representative peaks in diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the changes in the topography between surfaces with a different number of bi-layers observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), all indicated the successful establishment of chitosan/P-HAP LbL assembly on the titanium surface. The LbL-modified surfaces showed increased biomineralization, an appropriate mouse pre-osteoblastic cell response, and significant anti-bacterial activity against Streptococcus gordonii, a primary colonizer of tissues in the oral environment.
That Was then, this is Now: Skills and Routinization in the 2000s.

We analyze changes in the skill content of occupations in US four-digit manufacturing industries between 1999 and 2010. Following a ‘task-based’ approach, we elaborate a measure of Non-Routine skill intensity that captures the effects of industry exposure to both technology and international trade. The paper adds to previous literature by focusing on both the determinants of demand for Non-Routine skills and their effects on industry productivity and wages. The key finding is that import competition from low-wage countries has been a strong driver of demand for Non-Routine skills during the 2000s. Both technology and imports from low-wage countries are associated with mild cross-industry convergence in skill intensity while imports from high and medium wage countries are at root of persistent heterogeneity across occupational groups. We also find that higher Non-Routine skill intensity has had at best a modest effect on productivity and wages, except for high-skill occupations.
Sending Farmers Back to School: The Impact of Farmer Field Schools in Indonesia

This paper evaluates the impact of farmer field schools, an intensive participatory training program emphasizing integrated pest management. The evaluation focuses on whether program participation has improved yields and reduced pesticide use among graduates and their neighbors who may have gained knowledge from graduates through informal communications. The study utilizes panel data covering 1991-99 in Indonesia. The analysis, employing a modified "difference-in-differences" model, indicates that the program did not have significant impacts on the performance of graduates and their neighbors. Several plausible explanations for this outcome are discussed, and recommendations for improvements are suggested. Agricultural extension and farmer-education programs are key policy instruments for governments seeking to improve the productivity of agriculture while protecting the environment. Correspondingly, there is great interest in the impact of such public investments and in their financial viability. The experience of extension systems over the past few decades has been mixed. Some studies estimate high rates of return to the investment in extension (Birkhaeuser, Evenson, and Feder), or to farmer education (Jamison and Lau; Lockheed, Jamison, and Lau). Yet, many observers document poor performance in the operation of extension and informal education systems, due to bureaucratic inefficiency, deficient program design, and some generic weaknesses inherent in publicly operated, staff-intensive, information delivery systems (Feder, Willett, and Zijp). One deficiency highlighted by researchers and practitioners is the tendency of many public officers dealing with the transmission of knowledge to conduct their assignment in a "top-down" manner. Often, the information conveyed is presented 0 Gershon Feder is a research manager in the Development Research Group of the World Bank.
VIRTUALIZATION IN THE CLASSROOM

This paper briefly describes the growth of computer virtualization and some of the reasons for that growth. The paper takes a quick look at Microsoft Virtual PC as one example of virtualization software and then examines how the benefits of virtualization apply to the classroom and computer lab. The paper describes how virtualization can help reduce the cost of classroom computing while offering students and staff a wider range of options than may currently be possible. The paper also describes how virtualization can help with classroom support functions, compatibility issues and safe and secure computing.
The Maximization Inventory

We present the Maximization Inventory, which consists of three separate scales: decision difficulty, alternative search, and satisficing. We show that the items of the Maximization Inventory have much better psychometric properties when compared to the original Maximization Scale (Schwartz et al., 2002). The satisficing scale is a new addition to the study of maximization behavior, and we demonstrate that this scale is positively correlated with positive adaptation, whereas the decision difficulty and alternative search scales are positively correlated with nonproductive decisional behavior. The Maximization Inventory was then compared to previous maximization scales and, while the decision difficulty and alternative search scales are positively correlated with similar previous constructs, the satisficing scale offers a dimension entirely different from maximization.
HyperDealer: Reference-Pattern-Aware Instant Memory Balancing for Consolidated Virtual Machines

Memory contention among consolidated virtual machines (VMs) creates the need for a memory balancing operation. In an attempt to provide a prompt memory balancing mechanism, we found problems with the retardation of memory transfer by the reclamation delay. The scheduling of the VMs generates the delay, and a conflicts of two reclamation policies between the guest OS and the hypervisor deteriorates it. As a remedy to these problems, we propose HyperDealer, which selects the victim page by applying reference patterns, reclaims the pages with hypervisor-level paging, and transfers those pages with ballooning of the guest OS. Our scheme eliminates the involvement of the victim VM in memory balancing and extends the dwell time of reclaimed pages in the reclaimed state. Consequently, HyperDealer significantly reduces the time taken to transfer memory with a low overhead and enhances the value of additional memory for the recipient VM. The experimental results of our scheme show that the application performance in the recipient VM is 11% more time-efficient and has a penalty which is 50% less than previous approaches.
Peak to Average Power Ratio Performance of a 16-QAM/OFDM System with Partial Transmit Sequence

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing is a spectral efficient transmission format. But it suffers from the problem of high Peak to Average Power Ratio. This high Peak to Average Power Ratio leads the power amplifier into saturation and results in non-linear distortion at the output of power amplifier. Different peak to average power ratio reduction techniques are available in literature. This paper computes the performance of partial transmit scheme, which is one of the important peak to average power ratio reduction technique
Learning SVM in Kreĭn Spaces

This paper presents a theoretical foundation for an SVM solver in Kreĭn spaces. Up to now, all methods are based either on the matrix correction, or on non-convex minimization, or on feature-space embedding. Here we justify and evaluate a solution that uses the original (indefinite) similarity measure, in the original Kreĭn space. This solution is the result of a stabilization procedure. We establish the correspondence between the stabilization problem (which has to be solved) and a classical SVM based on minimization (which is easy to solve). We provide simple equations to go from one to the other (in both directions). This link between stabilization and minimization problems is the key to obtain a solution in the original Kreĭn space. Using KSVM, one can solve SVM with usually troublesome kernels (large negative eigenvalues or large numbers of negative eigenvalues). We show experiments showing that our algorithm KSVM outperforms all previously proposed approaches to deal with indefinite matrices in SVM-like kernel methods.
Effect of PITX2 knockdown on transcriptome of primary human trabecular meshwork cell cultures

Purpose To identify genes whose expressions in primary human trabecular meshwork (TM) cell cultures are affected by the transcription factor pituitary homeobox 2 (PITX2) and to identify genes that may have roles in glaucoma. Known glaucoma causing genes account for disease in a small fraction of patients, and we aimed at identification of other genes that may have subtle and accumulative effects not easily identifiable by a genetic approach. Methods Expression profiles derived using microarrays were compared between TM control cells and cells treated with PITX2 siRNAs using three protocols so as to minimize false positive and negative results. The first protocol was based on the commonly used B statistic. The second and third protocols were based on fold change in expression. The second protocol used a threshold of at least 2 fold change in expression, whereas the third protocol used ranking in fold change without setting a threshold. The likelihood of a selected gene being a true positive was considered to correlate with the number of protocols by which it was selected. By considering all genes that were selected by at least one protocol, the likelihood of false negatives was expected to decrease. Effects on a subset of selected genes were verified by real time PCR, western blots, and immunocytochemistry. Effects on ALDH1A1, were further pursued because its protein product, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1, has roles in oxidative stress and because oxidative stress is known to be relevant to the etiology of glaucoma. Results The expression level of 41 genes was assessed by to be possibly affected by PITX2 knockdown. Twenty one genes were down-regulated and twenty were upregulated. The expression of five genes was assessed to be altered by all three analysis protocols. The five genes were DIRAS3 (DIRAS family, GTP-binding RAS-like 3), CXCL6 (chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 6), SAMD5 (sterile alpha motif domain containing 5), CBFB (core-binding factor, beta subunit), and MEIS2 (meis homeobox 2). Real time PCR experiments verified results on a subset of genes tested. Notably, the results were also confirmed in two independent TMs. Effects on CXCL6 and ALDH1A1 were also confirmed by western blots, and effects on ALDH1A1 were further shown by immunocytochemistry. Data consistent with PITX2 involvement in ALDH1A1 mediated response to oxidative stress were presented. Conclusions Bioinformatics tools revealed that the genes identified affect functions and pathways relevant to glaucoma. Involvement of PITX2 in expression of some of the genes and in some of the pathways is being reported here for the first time. As many of the genes identified have not been studied vis-à-vis glaucoma, we feel they introduce new candidates for understanding this devastating disease.