Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Instruction decode mechanism for embedded real-time Java processor JPOR-32

In this paper, taking JPOR-32 as an example, the mechanism of instruction decode (ID) for embedded real-time Java processor is presented. In light of the complex format of Java bytecodes instructions and the predictable requirement, a two-stage ID mechanism which provides effective support for predictability and efficiency of the processor is adopted. In ID stage one, complex instructions are converted to microinstructions through the mechanism of microprogram address mapping, and the reorganization of bytecodes instructions is performed with buffer. ID stage two provides architectural support for operands revision for predictable WCET, assists stage one in instruction recognition and conversion, and generates control signals for the following execution and memory access stage.
A Framework for Semi-Automatic Development of Rule-based Information Extraction Applications

For the successful processing and handling of (large scale) document collections, effective information extraction methods are essential. This paper presents a framework for the semiautomatic development of rule-based information extraction applications based on the TEXTMARKER language utilizing machine learning methods. We describe the approach in detail and present the TEXTRULER system as an implementation of the proposed approach.
Privacy Enhanced Key Exchange for Public Safety Communication Mesh

With dramatic advances in networking, wireless mesh networks are widely used for emergency services to improve the efficiency of public safety communication to prevent or respond to incidents that harm or endanger persons or property. In this paper, we propose a privacy enhanced scheme of key exchange using directed signature for public safety communication in wireless mesh networks. In the result, only both participants can gain the shared secret key, however, any party else can not understand the key exchange process clearly. We analyze the properties of security and efficiency of the scheme in comparison to a practical scheme of key exchange with asymmetric encryption. The results of experiment show that the scheme can provide resistance to the unknown key-share attacks, privacy protection for sensitive information included in signature and better efficiency in terms of computational cost.
Pricing Behavior and Vertical Contracts in Retail Markets

Recent developments in the economic theory of multifirm markets and firm organization have motivated several empirical studies of retail gasoline markets. A growing body of theoretical work suggests that the behavior of firms in markets once viewed as "workably competitive" can diverge significantly from that characteristic of competitive markets. Static models of free-entry markets where firms are horizontally differentiated suggest that the equilibrium price structure will reflect local market power. Dynamic oligopoly models suggest that repeated interaction can sustain (tacitly) collusive outcomes in multifirm industries. Because gasoline stations are strikingly simple firms, and data are available on wholesale and retail gasoline prices, this market has proven to be a useful arena for testing pricing predictions from these models. These tests are discussed in Section I. Another growth area in industrial organization is research on the nature of vertical contracts. This work suggests that the optimal contract between a manufacturer and a retailer will be sensitive to the nature of downstream competition and the available control technology. Imperfect competition downstream can lead to double marginalization, and imperfect monitoring can allow shirking or free riding. The manufacturer can be expected to choose contractual forms that minimize these effects. Section II discusses efforts to assess the effect of competition and monitoring on the refiner's choice of contractual form for retail outlets. While examining contractual form is interesting in itself, policy initiatives provide additional impetus for examining contracts in gasoline retailing. Refiners have long been a favorite target of antitrust enforcement, and complaints regarding restraints imposed on retailers have been viewed sympathetically by the courts. Court decisions have made unlawful exclusive dealing clauses for gasoline and automotive products as well as the various arrangements through which a refiner can control the retail price at franchise outlets. In the last decade, federal and state governments have enacted legislation further restricting the nature of the contract between refiners and the retail outlets for their gasoline. The growth in these restrictions naturally leads to positive questions about the nature and effect of contractual relationships between refiners and dealers.
Assessment of Hemodynamics in a Rat Model of Liver Cirrhosis with Precancerous Lesions Using Multislice Spiral CT Perfusion Imaging

Rationale and Objectives. To develop an optimal scanning protocol for multislice spiral CT perfusion (CTP) imaging to evaluate hemodynamic changes in liver cirrhosis with diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group (n = 80) and the precancerous liver cirrhosis group (n = 40). The control group received saline injection and the liver cirrhosis group received 50 mg/kg DEN i.p. twice a week for 12 weeks. All animals underwent plain CT scanning, CTP, and contrast-enhanced CT scanning. Scanning parameters were optimized by adjusting the diatrizoate concentration, the flow rate, and the delivery time. The hemodynamics of both groups was further compared using optimized multislice spiral CTP imaging. Results. High-quality CTP images were obtained with following parameters: 150 kV; 150 mAs; 5 mm thickness, 5 mm interval; pitch, 1; matrix, 512 × 512; and FOV, 9.6 cm. Compared to the control group, the liver cirrhosis group had a significantly increased value of the hepatic arterial fraction and the hepatic artery perfusion (P < 0.05) but significantly decreased hepatic portal perfusion and mean transit time (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Multislice spiral CTP imaging can be used to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in the rat model of liver cirrhosis with precancerous lesions.
The imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis contributes to degeneration of aortic valves and bioprostheses.

BACKGROUND The pathomechanisms underlying aortic valve degeneration are incompletely understood. Therefore, the aim of our work was to assess the quantitative changes of proliferation and apoptosis accompanied by cellular phenotype alternations and matrix secretionin aortic sclerotic and stenotic valves and degenerative bioprostheses, as well as to detect the expression pattern of the rapamycin receptor FKBP12 across these three valve types. METHODS Mild-to-moderate sclerotic and stenotic valves and degenerative bioprostheses from 30 patients (n = 10 per group) were collected at autopsy or by surgery. Ki67+, FKBP12+, alpha-actin+, HSP47+ and TUNEL+ apoptotic cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The main finding was the reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in stenotic valves (ST) compared to the sclerotic ones (SC) (proliferation: ST: 20.8 ± 2.0% vs. SC: 30.1 ±2.2%, apoptosis: ST: 40.7 ± 5.0% vs. SC: 28.0 ± 5.1%, p < 0.05, respectively). Analogical alternations were found in degenerative bioprostheses (BP) (proliferation: 4.8 ± 2.3%; apoptosis: 13.1 ± 6.8%). Corresponding changes were observed in the valve cellularity (ST: 893 ± 168, SC: 1034 ± 284, BP: 385 ± 179 cells/mm2, p < 0.05, respectively). The FKBP12 signaling was reduced in diseased valves and bioprostheses (ST: 28.1 ± 3.6%, SC: 42.2 ± 3.8%, BP: 5.8 ± 1.9%, p < 0.05, respectively). Further, the augmented alpha-actin expressionwas observed as the degenerative process progressed (ST: 30.3 ± 5.0%, SC: 22.6 ± 2.7%, BP:8.7 ± 4.0%, p < 0.05, respectively), followed by the upregulation of HSP47 (ST: 22.6 ± 2.8%,SC: 15.4 ± 2.1%, BP: 3.4 ± 1.0%, p < 0.05, respectively) and consecutive matrix accumulation. CONCLUSIONS The imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis with cellular phenotypical shift and subsequent matrix secretion may contribute to aortic valve stenosis and bioprosthesis degeneration. The identification of FKBP12 expression may implicate potential therapeutic strategies.
The Relation between Childhood Trauma and Early Adulthood Interpersonal Problem: The Mediating Effects of Early Maladaptive Schemas, Self-Concept and Emotion Regulation Difficulties

본 연구는 아동기 외상이 초기 성인기 대인관계 문제에 미치는 과정에서 초기부적응도식과 자기개념 및 정서조절곤란이 매개하는지 검증함으로써 아동기 외상의 영향에 대한 포괄적인 설명을 하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 대학생 507명을 대상으로 아동기 외상 경험, 초기부적응도식, 자기개념, 정서조절곤란, 대인관계 문제를 포함한 설문 조사를 시행하였으며, 구조방정식 모형 분석을 실시하였다. 그 결과, 아동기 외상과 초기 성인기 대인관계 문제를 초기부적응도식, 부정적인 자기개념, 정서조절곤란이 매개하는 모형이 적합한 것으로 나타났다. 특히, 초기부적응도식은 다른 두 매개변인인 자기개념과 정서조절곤란을 선행하고, 자기개념은 정서조절곤란에 선행하는 경로 모형이 적합하였다. 마지막으로, 본 연구의 임상적 함의와 제한점을 논의하였다.
WAVELETS AND WAVELET PACKETS FOR MAMMOGRAPHY

In this paper, computer-aided detection of microcalcifications by multiresolution is performed. We firstly present methods of enhancement of mammograms. A combination of these methods is proposed and makes more obvious the features of the image. The second part of this paper deals with the multiscale image processing for detection of microcalcifications by wavelet and wavelet packets. For the wavelet transform, the image is first decomposed into subbands by undecimated (redundant) wavelet transform, the low-frequency subband is then set to zero followed by an adaptive thresholding. For the wavelet packet transform, the image is decomoposed into packets. An adaptive thresholding is then performed to extract microcalcifications. The experimental results have shown good results and the processed images may be used to assist in mammographic interpretation with the potential to diagnose breast cancer at an earlier stage.
Laplace Entropy and its Application to Time Delay Estimation for Speech Signals

Time delay estimation (TDE) is a basic technique for numerous applications where there is a need to localize and track a radiating source. It is particularly challenging in the presence of noise and reverberation, and when the source signal is speech which is inherently nonstationary and random. The most important TDE algorithms for two sensors are based on the generalized cross-correlation (GCC) method. These algorithms perform reasonably well when reverberation or noise is not too high. In an earlier study of the authors, a more sophisticated approach was proposed. It employs more sensors and takes advantage of their delay redundancy to improve the precision of the TDOA (time difference of arrival) estimate between the first two sensors. The approach is based on the multichannel cross-correlation coefficient (MCCC) and was found more robust to noise and reverberation. In this paper, we show that this approach can also be developed on a basis of joint entropy. For Gaussian signals, we show that, in the search of the TDOA estimate, maximizing MCCC is equivalent to minimizing joint entropy. But with the generalization of the idea to non-Gaussian speech signals, the joint entropy based new multichannel TDE algorithm manifests a potential to outperform the MCCC-based method. Since there is no rigorous mathematical formula for speech entropy, we use the assumption that speech can be plausibly modeled by a Laplace distribution and develop a practical approximation of Laplace entropy for TDE of speech signals. The performance of the proposed new algorithm is investigated via simulations.
Reduction of dimension of HMM parameters using ICA and PCA in MLLR framework for speaker adaptation

We discuss how to reduce the number of inverse matrix and its dimensions requested in MLLR framework for speaker adaptation. To find a smaller set of variables with less redundancy, we employ PCA(principal component analysis) and ICA(independent component analysis) that would give as good a representation as possible. The amount of additional computation when PCA or ICA is applied is as small as it can be disregarded. The dimension of HMM parameters is reduced to about 1/3 ~ 2/7 dimensions of SI(speaker independent) model parameter with which speech recognition system represents word recognition rate as much as ordinary MLLR framework. If dimension of SI model parameter is n , the amount of computation of inverse matrix in MLLR is proportioned to ) ( 4 n O . So, compared with ordinary MLLR, the amount of total computation requested in speaker adaptation is reduced to about 1/80 ~ 1/150.
Criteria for Empowering Innovation in Higher Education

ABSTRACT Although academic staff have a key role to play in innovation at higher education institutions (hEIs), current innovation adoption among academic staff is disappointing. Most curricula at hEIs are stalled in the traditional pedagogical model of knowledge transmission for teaching and learning with little exploration of technologies for innovative/inventive outputs. This article explores the essential issues of innovation/invention in higher education and provides criteria for empowering innovation. Starting from reflections and perspectives on innovation at South African hEIs and the theories on innovative problem solving, the article provides arguments on multiple issues of innovation/invention that culminate in crucial criteria for innovation. The real dilemma for innovation is caused by external and macro-level factors that require the analysis of existing business models. The management of HEIs have to take into account the underlying barriers, such as knowledge of patenting and academic valorisation, when they create policies that encourage academic staff to explore innovative endeavours.
NTR 44490: Visual odometry using fast stereo matching and clique detection

We describe a visual odometry algorithm for estimating frame-to-frame camera motion from successive stereo image pairs. This algorithm differs from most visual odometry algorithms in two key respects: it makes no prior assumptions about camera motion, and (2) it operates on dense disparity images (computed by a separate stereo algorithm). As a consequence, the algorithm is robust in the presence of large camera motions (where the overlap between successive images is small), and is very fast (since it leverages the results from the dense stereo computation).
Constraints on Voltage Sensor Movement in the Shaker K+ Channel

In nerve and muscle cells, the voltage-gated opening and closing of cation-selective ion channels is accompanied by the translocation of 12–14 elementary charges across the membrane's electric field. Although most of these charges are carried by residues in the S4 helix of the gating module of these channels, the precise nature of their physical movement is currently the topic of spirited debate. Broadly speaking, two classes of models have emerged: those that suggest that small-scale motions can account for the extensive charge displacement, and those that invoke a much larger physical movement. In the most recent incarnation of the latter type of model, which is based on structural and functional data from the archaebacterial K+ channel KvAP, a “voltage-sensor paddle” comprising a helix-turn-helix of S3–S4 translocates ∼20 Å through the bilayer during the gating cycle (Jiang, Y., A. Lee, J. Chen, V. Ruta, M. Cadene, B.T. Chait, and R. MacKinnon. 2003. Nature. 423:33–41; Jiang, Y., V. Ruta, J. Chen, A. Lee, and R. MacKinnon. 2003. Nature. 423:42–48.; Ruta, V., J. Chen, and R. MacKinnon. 2005. Cell. 123:463–475). We used two methods to test for analogous motions in the Shaker K+ channel, each examining the aqueous exposure of residues near S3. In the first, we employed a pore-blocking maleimide reagent (Blaustein, R.O., P.A. Cole, C. Williams, and C. Miller. 2000. Nat. Struct. Biol. 7:309–311) to probe for state-dependent changes in the chemical reactivity of substituted cysteines; in the second, we tested the state-dependent accessibility of a tethered biotin to external streptavidin (Qiu, X.Q., K.S. Jakes, A. Finkelstein, and S.L. Slatin. 1994. J. Biol. Chem. 269:7483–7488; Slatin, S.L., X.Q. Qiu, K.S. Jakes, and A. Finkelstein. 1994. Nature. 371:158–161). In both types of experiments, residues predicted to lie near the top of S3 did not exhibit any change in aqueous exposure during the gating cycle. This lack of state dependence argues against large-scale movements, either axially or radially, of Shaker's S3–S4 voltage-sensor paddle.
Synthesizing speech from electromyography using voice transformation techniques

Surface electromyography (EMG) can be used to record the activation potentials of articulatory muscles while a person speaks. This technique could enable silent speech interfaces, as EMG signals are generated even when people pantomime speech without producing sound. Having effective silent speech interfaces would enable a number of compelling applications, allowing people to communicate in areas where they would not want to be overheard or where the background noise is so prevalent that they could not be heard. In order to use EMG signals in speech interfaces, however, there must be a relatively accurate method to map the signals to speech. Up to this point, it appears that most attempts to use EMG signals for speech interfaces have focused on Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) based on features derived from EMG signals. Following the lead of other researchers who worked with Electro-Magnetic Articulograph (EMA) data and Non-Audible Murmur (NAM) speech, we explore the alternative idea of using Voice Transformation (VT) techniques to synthesize speech from EMG signals. With speech output, both ASR systems and human listeners can directly use EMG-based systems. We report the results of our preliminary studies, noting the difficulties we encountered and suggesting areas for future work. Index Terms: electromyography, silent speech, voice transformation, speech synthesis
Comparing Approaches for the Integration of Stakeholder Perspectives in Environmental Decision Making

Including stakeholder perspectives in environmental decision making is in many countries a legal requirement and is widely seen as beneficial as it can help increase decision legitimacy, likelihood of implementation, and quality of the outcome. Whereas the theoretical literature on stakeholder engagement is large, less attention has been devoted to comparing and discussing different methodological approaches. Here, we compare three approaches—multi-criteria analysis, plural rationality theory, and scenario construction—that include stakeholders’ perspectives in environmental decision making. We find differences between the approaches concerning the assumptions about stakeholder rationality and whether experts and/or stakeholders are in charge of framing the problem. Further differences concern the type of data input from stakeholders and how it is used by the experts, as well as the role of stakeholders and whether they are involved early—already for identifying options—or later in the process, for evaluating or ranking alternatives analyzed by the experts. The choice of approach thus predetermines the type and depth of stakeholder engagement. No approach is “better” than another, but they are suited for different problems and research aims: the choice of the approach, however, has a large impact on the results.
Native or Web? A Preliminary Study on the Energy Consumption of Android Development Models

Energy consumption has become an increasingly important topic in software development, especially due to the ubiquity of mobile devices, and the choice of programming language can directly impact battery life. This paper presents a study on the issue of energy efficiency on the Android platform, comparing the performance and energy consumption of 33 different benchmarks in the two main programming languages employed in Android development: Java and JavaScript. Preliminary results show that Java applications may consume up to 36.27x more energy, with a median of 2.28x, than their JavaScript counterparts, in benchmarks that are mostly CPU-intensive. In some scenarios, though, Java benchmarks exhibited better energy efficiency, with JavaScript consuming up to 2.27x more energy. Based on these results, two Java applications were re-engineered, and through the insertion of JavaScript functions, hybrid applications were produced. In both cases, improvements in energy efficiency were obtained. Considering that Android apps written in Java are the norm, results from this study indicate that using a combination of JavaScript and Java may lead to a non-negligible improvement in energy efficiency.
An affinity propagation algorithm base on self-tuning kernel geodesic distance

For affinity propagation algorithm, traditional Euclidean distance measure cannot fully reflect the complex spatial distribution of the data sets. We propose a self-tuning kernel geodesic distance as the similarity measure which can reflect the inherent manifold structure information effectively. Meanwhile, according to the neighborhood density of the data sets, it identifies and eliminates the influence of boundary noise effectively, the results show that the improved algorithm has higher accuracy and better robustness for data with manifold distribution, multi-scale and noise overlap.
Applying Behavioural Economics to Public Policy in Canada

Behavioral economics incorporates ideas from Psychology, Sociology, and Neuroscience to better predict how individuals make long-term decisions. Often the ideas adopted include present or inattention bias, both potentially leading to sub-optimal outcomes. But these models also point to opportunities for effective, low-cost government policies that can have meaningful positive effects on people’s long-term well-being. The last decade has been marked by a growing interest from governments the world over in using behavioral economics to inform policy decisions. This is true of Canada as well. In this paper we discuss the increasingly important role behavioral economics plays in Canadian public policy. We first contextualize government policies that have incorporated insights from behavioral economics by outlining a collection of models of intertemporal choice. We then present examples of public policy initiatives that are based upon findings in the field, placing particular emphasis on Canadian initiatives. We also document future opportunities, challenges, and limitations.
Approximate Solution of Lane-Emden Type Equations Using Variation of Parameters Method with an Auxiliary Parameter

Lane-Emden type equation is a nonlinear differential equation appears in many fields such as stellar structure, radioactive cooling and modeling of clusters of galaxies. In this work, this equation is investigated using a semi-analytical method called the Variation of parameters method with an auxiliary parameter. In the applied technique, an unknown auxiliary parameter is inserted in Variation of Parameters Method to solve some special cases of these equations. The used algorithm is easy to implement and very effective. The obtained solutions are also fairly accurate.
Online driving style recognition using fuzzy logic

Nowadays more and more driver assistance systems are implemented in cars. By adapting the system to the driving style of the driver, the acceptance of the driver to such a system could be enhanced. In this paper a system for online driving style recognition is designed. It is implemented in Matlab/Simulink and uses fuzzy logic for identifying the current driving style. It is fully parameterisable via a central parameter file and could therefore be adapted to nearly every car. The recognition was tested by using a vehicle dynamics simulation with 68% correct classifications over time.