Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Operating System Contribution to Composable Timing Behaviour in High-Integrity Real-Time Systems

The development of High-Integrity Real-Time Systems has a high footprint in terms of human, material and schedule costs. Factoring functional, reusable logic in the application favors incremental development and contains costs. Yet, achieving incrementality in the timing behavior is a much harder problem. Complex features at all levels of the execution stack, aimed to boost average-case performance, exhibit timing behavior highly dependent on execution history, which wrecks time composability and incrementaility with it. Our goal here is to restitute time composability to the execution stack, working bottom up across it. We first characterize time composability without making assumptions on the system architecture or the software deployment to it. Later, we focus on the role played by the real-time operating system in our pursuit. Initially we consider single-core processors and, becoming less permissive on the admissible hardware features, we devise solutions that restore a convincing degree of time composability. To show what can be done for real, we developed TiCOS, an ARINC-compliant kernel, and re-designed ORK+, a kernel for Ada Ravenscar runtimes. In that work, we added support for limited-preemption to ORK+, an absolute premiere in the landscape of real-word kernels. Our implementation allows resource sharing to co-exist with limited-preemptive scheduling, which extends state of the art. We then turn our attention to multicore architectures, first considering partitioned systems, for which we achieve results close to those obtained for single-core processors. Subsequently, we shy away from the over-provision of those systems and consider less restrictive uses of homogeneous multiprocessors, where the scheduling algorithm is key to high schedulable utilization. To that end we single out RUN, a promising baseline, and extend it to SPRINT, which supports sporadic task sets, hence matches real-world industrial needs better. To corroborate our results we present findings from real-world case studies from avionic industry.
Demystifying Marking: reflections on developing and using grade descriptors: Case Study

Marking is a necessarily contentious activity. It is not always possible to arrive at bull’s-eye conclusions about the merit of an individual piece of work, particularly in the arts, social sciences and humanities where studies of culture, society and history do not yield principles or general rules that can be tested for accuracy. If it were possible, double marking would be unnecessary and regulations allowing students to appeal their marks would become more or less redundant. But I use the words ‘necessarily contentious’ because marking should compel tutors to engage with one another about this difficulty, to keep on asking what it is that they are looking for in student work.
Sampling Hyrule: Sampling Probabilistic Machine Learning for Level Generation

Procedural Content Generation (PCG) using machine learning is a fast growing area of research. Action Role Playing Game (ARPG) levels represent an interesting challenge for PCG due to their multi-tiered structure and nonlinearity. Previous work has used Bayes Nets (BN) to learn properties of the topological structure of levels from The Legend of Zelda. In this paper we describe a method for sampling these learned distributions to generate valid, playable level topologies. We carry this deeper and learn a sampleable representation of the individual rooms using Principal Component Analysis . We combine the two techniques and present a multiscale machine learned technique for procedurally generating ARPG levels from a corpus of levels from The Legend of Zelda.
An Instructional Unit for Teaching Project Management Tools Aligned with PMBOK

Project Management (PM) tools are necessary to manage contemporary software projects. Computer professionals need to know how to use these tools, and higher-education computer courses teach their usage. Therefore, educators often adopt general usage tools, such as MS Project. However, as such tools lack didactic features, educational PM tools have been developed. Yet, previous studies have shown that even instructional units (IU) based on such educational PM tools do not cover the entire PM process as defined by PMBOK. This article presents an instructional unit based on an open-source educational PM tool, dotProject+, using the tool to support learning a large part of the PM process. We describe the instructional design process used to develop the IU, as well as the evaluation of the IU in a series of case studies. The results indicate that this IU contributes to student learning and assists teachers.
Target-Acquisition-Performance-Model-Based Quality Metric for Multisensor Image Fusion

For applications concerning target detection and tracking, an image fusion quality metric that considers only the information preservation from the source images is not enough. A new quality metric for image fusion that combines the structural information preservation from the source images and the influence of the fusion process on the detection probability is proposed. Thus, the results of the proposed measure are more consistent with subject evaluations.
X-Ray Microtomography of an Astm C109 Mortar Exposed to Sulfate Attack

X-ray microtomography can be used to generate three-dimensional 512 3 images of random materials at a resolution of a few micrometers per voxel. This technique has been used to obtain an image of an ASTM C109 mortar sample that had been exposed to a sodium sulfate solution. The three-dimensional image clearly shows sand grains, cement paste, air voids, cracks, and needle-like crystals growing in the air voids. Volume fractions of sand and cement paste determined from the image agree well with the known quantities. Implications for the study of microstructure and proposed uses of X-ray microtomography on cement-based composites are discussed.
Structural Design of a CMOS Voltage Regulator for an Implanted Device

There is a great interest in the development of equipment and devices that can accurately and efficiently monitor biological signals such as blood pressure, heart beat and body temperature, among others. It is highly desirable to have those devices operating in an environment free of wires, where the information can be accessed remotely and processed in real time by external equipments. When the equipments are connected to communication network they form a telemedicine system by which the patients can be monitored remotely (biotelemetry), even over the internet, thus indicating the portability of these instruments (Miyazaki, 2003; Puers, 2005; Scanlon et al, 1996). Microelectronics has become a powerful tool when used in this scenario. In recent years, integrated circuits are being fabricated with large densities and endowed with intelligence. The reliability of those systems has been increasing and the costs are lowering. The interaction between medicine and technology, as it is the case of microelectronics and biosensor materials, allows the development of diagnosing devices capable of monitoring pathogens and deceases. The design of sensors, signal conditioners and processing units aims to find solutions in which the whole system can be placed directly in the patient or, more desirable, implanted. It becomes a Lab-on-Chip and Point-of-Care device (ColomerFarrarons, 2009). Since the implanted device becomes part of a biological data acquisition system it must meet few requirements such as reduced size, low power consumption and the possibility of being powered by an RF link, then it operates as a passive RFID tag (Landt, 2005). The low power restriction is extremely important for the patient safety, by avoiding heating due to the increase of current density in the tissues surrounding the implant that could cause tissue damage. The power restrictions mean also limited power of RF transmitter that can, as well, to induce dangerous electromagnetic fields – EMF. The focus in this chapter is to discuss the implementation of a Linear Voltage Regulator – LVR by considering the use of a low cost CMOS process, low-power, low silicon area and simple circuit topology.
A articulação entre a avaliação somativa e a formativa, na prática pedagógica: uma impossibilidade ou um desafio?

In many countries, summative assessment of students’ achievement is imperative. Formative assessment, although recommended by the curricular documents and research, only takes place in the classroom sporadically. The relationship between these two types of assessment is sparse studied until the present. The purpose of this article is to discuss and confront answers that will lead to a possible articulation. I will use the mathematics education to illustrate certain practice situations. Based on these situations and the reflection about the theoretical framework, I will propose a set of principles that will guide the relationship between summative and formative assessment, here understood as a process in complementarity, in relation, rather than simultaneity.
Fabricating Parylene-C Shadow Masks for Applications in Short-Channel Top-Contact Carbon Nanotube Flexible Transistors

Flexible transistors with semiconducting carbon nanotubes offer better mobility and stability than current organic material transistors for applications in flexible display and sensor devices. With carbon nanotubes as the semiconducting material, the transistors offer a higher performance due to the extraordinary electrical properties of singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). However, conventional metal shadow masks can only create flexible device transistors with a channel length of 50 μm or greater. Parylene-C shadow masks can be used instead of metal masks because of their flexibility, adaptability for patterning, and their ability to fabricate transistors with much smaller channel lengths. Previously it has been shown that Parylene-C masks allow for a fine resolution with a smallest feature size of 4 μm. We fabricated masks with features as small as 2 μm wide, and additionally used our masks to create short-channel transistors. We successfully constructed short-channel top-contact SWNT network inflexible and flexible transistors on silicon (Si) and polyamide substrates with a mobility of 0.1 to 2 cm2/V-s and on/off ratios on the magnitude of 102 to 103.
An analysis of the generalised Max-Min d-cluster formation heuristic

The aims of this article are to find bounds to the cluster formation heuristic presented in [1]. This heuristic is a generalisation of the one presented in [2] by Amis et al. This generalisation lets use any criterion to set clusters. Lower and upper bounds are proposed in this paper. The mathematical framework previously developed is used jointly with Palm theory to find these bounds.
Revealed by Progressions of Frequency Sensitivity Tonotopic Organization in Human Auditory Cortex

[PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , October 1, 2005; 15 (10): 1497-1509. Cereb Cortex H. Ojima, M. Takayanagi, D. Potapov and R. Homma Signals in the Cat Primary Auditory Cortex Isofrequency Band-like Zones of Activation Revealed by Optical Imaging of Intrinsic [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , November 1, 2005; 94 (5): 3181-3191. J Neurophysiol D. A. Hall, D. J. K. Barrett, M. A. Akeroyd and A. Q. Summerfield Cortical Representations of Temporal Structure in Sound [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , December 26, 2006; 0 (2006): bhl150v1-13. Cereb Cortex Kim J. Upadhyay, M. Ducros, T. A. Knaus, K. A. Lindgren, A. Silver, H. Tager-Flusberg and D. -S. DTI Study at 3 Tesla Function and Connectivity in Human Primary Auditory Cortex: A Combined fMRI and [PDF] [Full Text] [Abstract] , February 21, 2007; 27 (8): 1824-1835. J. Neurosci. C. Kayser, C. I. Petkov, M. Augath and N. K. Logothetis Functional Imaging Reveals Visual Modulation of Specific Fields in Auditory Cortex
Energy and wireless link aware greedy packet forwarding for wireless sensor networks

We study a new geographical routing protocol for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Greedy packet forwarding (GPF) algorithm is an attractive localized routing scheme for wireless sensor networks because of its directional routing property and scalability. In pure GPF, we add a load balancing mechanism, which is also called an energy-aware algorithm. Based on the energy-aware GPF this paper considers lossy wireless link condition because the choice of high quality link reduces transmission errors. We call our algorithm energy and wireless link aware GPF (EWG). We use simulations to verify our algorithm and compare the performance with other methods. Our results show low transmission errors and extension of the network lifetime.
Multiobjective Optimization of Switched Reluctance Motors Based on Design of Experiments and Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for multiobjective design optimization of switched reluctance motors (SRMs) based on a combination of the design of experiments and particle swarm optimization (PSO) approaches. First, the definitive screening design was employed to perform sensitivity analyses to identify significant design variables without bias of interaction effects between design variables. Next, optimal third-order response surface (RS) models were constructed based on the Audze-Eglais Latin hypercube design using the selected significant design variables. The constructed optimal RS models consist of only significant regression terms, which were selected by using PSO. Then, a PSO-based multiobjective optimization coupled with the constructed RS models, instead of the finite-element analysis, was performed to generate the Pareto front with a significantly reduced computational cost. A sample SRM design with multiple optimization objectives, i.e., maximizing torque per active mass, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing torque ripple, was conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimal design framework.
Determination of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain on the numeric rating scale: a cut-off point analysis applying four different methods.

BACKGROUND Cut-off points (CPs) of the numeric rating scale (NRS 0-10) are regularly used in postoperative pain treatment. However, there is insufficient evidence to identify the optimal CP between mild and moderate pain. METHODS A total of 435 patients undergoing general, trauma, or oral and maxillofacial surgery were studied. To determine the optimal CP for pain treatment, four approaches were used: first, patients estimated their tolerable postoperative pain intensity before operation; secondly, 24 h after surgery, they indicated if they would have preferred to receive more analgesics; thirdly, satisfaction with pain treatment was analysed, and fourthly, multivariate analysis was used to calculate the optimal CP for pain intensities in relation to pain-related interference with movement, breathing, sleep, and mood. RESULTS The estimated tolerable postoperative pain before operation was median (range) NRS 4.0 (0-10). Patients who would have liked more analgesics reported significantly higher average pain since surgery [median NRS 5.0 (0-9)] compared with those without this request [NRS 3.0 (0-8)]. Patients satisfied with pain treatment reported an average pain intensity of median NRS 3.0 (0-8) compared with less satisfied patients with NRS 5.0 (2-9). Analysis of average postoperative pain in relation to pain-related interference with mood and activity indicated pain categories of NRS 0-2, mild; 3-4, moderate; and 5-10, severe pain. CONCLUSIONS Three of the four methods identified a treatment threshold of average pain of NRS≥4. This was considered to identify patients with pain of moderate-to-severe intensity. This cut-off was indentified as the tolerable pain threshold.
Voltage-island driven floorplanning considering level-shifter positions

Power optimization has become a significant issue when the CMOS technology entered the nanometer era. Multiple-Supply Voltage (MSV) is a popular and effective method for power reduction. Level shifters may cause area and Interconnect Length Overhead(ILO), and should be considered during floorplanning and post-floorplanning stages. In this paper, we propose a two phases framework VLSAF to solve voltage and level shifter assignment problem. At floorplanning phase, we use: a convex cost network flow algorithm to assign voltage; a minimum cost flow algorithm to assign level shifter. At post-floorplanning phase, a heuristic method is adopted to redistribute white spaces and calculate the positions and shapes of level shifters. Experimental results show VLSAF is effective.
Effective Health Care Promoting the initiation of breastfeeding

s Breastfeeding is a key public health measure which offers benefits to both mother and infant. Yet the number of women initiating breastfeeding in the UK remains low at around 40% to 60%, with women in social class V having the lowest uptake rates. s Cultural factors, including media representation of artificial feeding as 'normal' are likely to influence the choice and ability of mothers to breastfeed, as are the facilities provided in public places for mothers to feed their infants. s Consideration needs to be given to the revision of local and national policy to reflect an evidence-based approach to the promotion of breastfeeding with particular emphasis on the reduction of inequalities in health in accordance with The NHS Plan. s There is some evidence to suggest that small, informal discussion classes led by health professionals that emphasise the benefits of breastfeeding, and provide practical advice, can increase initiation rates. The use of literature alone appears to have limited impact and cannot be recommended. s Most breastfeeding training courses for health professionals have not been formally evaluated. Where training courses are provided, their effectiveness needs to be evaluated. s Peer support programmes offered by experienced and trained peers may increase the numbers of women breastfeeding. Such programmes could be further developed and breastfeeding rates monitored. This bulletin reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to increase the initiation of breastfeeding.
The ESTEST System-Combining Data Integration and Information Extraction

We describe an approach which combines techniques from Data Integr ation and Information Extraction in order to make better use of the unstructured data found in applications built over databases containing both structured data and text. We contrast this approach to similar work and then give details of the implemen tation of our ESTEST system. ESTEST integrates available data sources into a globa l schema which is used to partially configure an Information Extraction process. The resulting extracted information is merged into this virtual global database and is s ubsequently available for query processing.
Uncertainty Averse Bank Runners

In the framework of a Diamond-Dybvig-Peck-Shell banking model, in which a broad class of feasible contractual arrangements is allowed and which admits a run equilibrium, we stress the assumption that depositors are uncertain of their position in the queue when expecting a run. The formalization of the depositor's attitude towards this form of uncertainty is inspired by the multiple prior maxmin expected utility (MEU) theory axiomatized by Gilboa and Schmeidler (1989). We prove that there exists a positive measure set of subjective prior beliefs, obtained from the minimization over the set of admissible priors, for which the bank run equilibrium disappears. The implication is that `suspension schemes' are valuable since, in addition to the improvement in risk-sharing among agents (Wallace (1990)), they may undermine panic-driven bank runs.
A Brain Computer Interface Based on Neural Network with Efficient Pre-Processing

Brain computer interface (BCI) is one of hopeful interface technologies between human and machine. However, brain waves are very weak and there exist many kinds of noises. Therefore, what kinds of features are useful, how to extract the useful features, how to suppress noises, and so on are very important. On the other hand, neural networks are very useful technology for pattern classification. Especially, multilayer neural networks trained through the error back-propagation algorithm have been widely used in a wide variety of field. In this paper, the neural network is applied to the BCI. Amplitude of the FFT of the brain waves are used for the input data. Several kinds of techniques are introduced in this paper. Segmentation along the time axis for fast response, nonlinear normalization for emphasizing important information with small magnitude, averaging samples of the brain waves for suppressing noise effects and reduction in the number of the samples for achieving a small size network, and so on are newly introduced. Simulation was carried out by using the brain waves, which are available from the Web site of Colorado State University. The number of mental tasks is five. Ten data sets for each mental task are prepared. Among them, 9 data sets are used for training, and the rest one data set is used for testing. Selection of the one data set for testing is changed and accuracy of the correct classifications are averaged over the possible selections. Approximately, 80 % of correct classification of the brain waves is obtained, which is higher than the conventional
Transgressing Motherhood: Media Reports on Infanticide

ABSTRACT This article seeks to understand the discourses on motherhood elicited by media in news articles dealing with infanticide. Applying thematic analysis, we studied news and online comments of a Portuguese newspaper. The analysis of infanticidal mothers reports two different images of these mothers both constructed and profiled by the media and the readers. Women are more penalized based on their perversity, living in better economic conditions, being employed and married, whether by the media or by the readers. They are absolved in accordance with their mental illnesses or poor social and economic backgrounds.
Detection of l , Ar 6-Propanodeoxyadenosine in Acrolein-modified Polydeoxyadenylic Acid and DNA by 32 P Postlabeling 1

The interaction of acrolein, an Â«,/Junsatimiteil aldehyde, with polydeoxyadenylic acid and DNA has been investigated using 32P-postlabeling analysis. In preliminary experiments, polydeoxyadenylic acid was incu bated with excess acrolein and then digested to 3' monophosphates prior to transfer of 32P from [7-32P|ATP with T4 polynucleotide kinase. The 3',5'-bisphosphates were 3'-dephosphorylated prior to two-dimensional thin layer chromatography on polyethyleneimine-cellulose layers. Autoradiography provided evidence for the formation of one extra spot of radioactivity, compared to the control. To determine the adduct structure, deoxyadenosine-S'-monophosphate was incubated with a 3-fold excess of acrolein. This material was mixed with a ''1' labeled digest of acroleinpolydeoxyadenylic acid, and the sample was analyzed by ion-pair high performance liquid chromatography. The spot of 32P observed by thin layer chromatography co-eluted with the major product of the acrolein nucleotide reaction mixture, which was purified by ion-pair high perform ance liquid chromatography. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic reso nance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry showed the adduct to be 3-(2'deoxyribosyl-5'-monophosphatyl)-7,8,9-trihydro-9-hydroxy-pyrimido[2,3-/|purine(l,/V6-propanodeoxyadenosine-5'-monophosphate). High performance liquid chromatography was used to fractionate digests of acrolein-modified DNA prior to detection of this exocyclic adduct by 32P-