Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Navigating on handheld displays: Dynamic versus static peephole navigation

Handheld displays leave little space for the visualization and navigation of spatial layouts representing rich information spaces. The most common navigation method for handheld displays is static peephole navigation: The peephole is static and we move the spatial layout behind it (scrolling). A more natural method is dynamic peephole navigation: here, the spatial layout is static and we move the peephole across it. In the experiment reported here, we compared dynamic and static peephole navigation in otherwise similar conditions. Subjects viewed a spatial layout containing two lines on a static display screen. Only a part of the screen---the peephole---was visible. Subjects had to discriminate line length by either moving a dynamic peephole across a static layout of the lines or by moving a dynamic layout behind a static peephole. In both conditions, they used mouse-cursor control to move either the peephole or the lines.Results show significant differences in discrimination performance between conditions when lines are larger than the size of the peephole. Discrimination thresholds for static peephole navigation were 50--75% higher than for dynamic peephole navigation. Furthermore, static peephole navigation took 24% more time than dynamic peephole navigation.
Supporting software reuse by the individual programmer

Despite its long history and its benefits, software reuse has yet to become a common practise among software programmers. While there is much ongoing research, it focuses on large-scale organisation-level techniques and methodologies. There is very little research that considers reuse at the personal level as an important factor. The lack of focus and tool support has limited the potential for developers to reuse their past efforts. This paper introduces ICRT (Individual Code Reuse Tool), which provides support for an individual to efficiently reuse code fragments written in the past. ICRT uses the CBR methodology to manage the code fragments, and is integrated with the Eclipse IDE.
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance pattern of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Glasgow, Scotland.

OBJECTIVES To establish the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance pattern of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae harbouring bla(CTX-M) in Glasgow, Scotland. METHODS During a 12 week period, Enterobacteriaceae isolates obtained from urine samples were collected and susceptibility testing performed. Isolates were screened for the presence of bla(CTX-M) by multiplex PCR and selected Escherichia coli genes were subsequently sequenced. PFGE analysis was performed on selected E. coli isolates in order to identify clonal relationships. RESULTS There were 155 phenotypically confirmed non-duplicate Enterobacteriaceae isolates obtained from urine samples. bla(CTX-M) was identified in 131/155 (84.5%) of the ESBL-producing isolates, with CTX-M group 1 enzymes accounting for 103/131 (78.6%) of these. The remaining 24 isolates carried other bla(CTX-M) types, including CTX-M group 2, CTX-M group 9 and an unidentifiable combination designated CTX-M group G2/Gx. A sample of 46/97 (47.4%) CTX-M-positive E. coli isolates was chosen for PFGE and demographic information regarding the source of the isolates was collated. Eight E. coli clusters were identified by PFGE; however, they did not achieve the 85% cut-off to demonstrate clonality. Nitrofurantoin resistance was significantly greater in the E. coli isolates expressing a non-CTX-M group 1 ESBL when compared with the E. coli isolates expressing a CTX-M group 1 ESBL. CONCLUSIONS As seen in other British studies, bla(CTX-M) has become the predominant ESBL type in Glasgow, Scotland. The PFGE results show that four different CTX-M groups appear to be circulating in the community and within all four hospitals in the locality. There is little correlation between strain genotype and CTX-M group, thus it is unlikely that cross-infection alone is the driver. It is possible that plasmid migration of CTX-M genes within the E. coli population is occurring.
Spatial smoothing of canonical correlation analysis for steady state visual evoked potential based brain computer interfaces

Brain computer interface (BCI) is a system for communication between people and computers via brain activity. Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs), a brain response observed in EEG, are evoked by flickering stimuli. SSVEP is one of the promising paradigms for BCI. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is widely used for EEG signal processing in SSVEP-based BCIs. However, the classification accuracy of CCA with short signal length is low. In order to solve the problem, we propose a regularization which works in such a way that the CCA spatial filter becomes spatially smooth to give robustness in short signal length condition. The spatial filter is designed in a parameter space spanned by a spatially smooth basis which are given by a graph Fourier transform of three dimensional electrode coordinates. We compared the classification accuracy of the proposed regularized CCA with the standard CCA. The result shows that the proposed CCA outperforms the standard CCA in short signal length condition.
Linguistic integration information in the AABATAS Arabic text analysis system

An Arabic text analysis system called AABATAS (affixal approach-based Arabic text analysis system) is proposed. AABATAS recognizes and categorizes the words while identifying their morphological and grammatical characteristics. It is based on a new approach for Arabic word recognition called affixal approach. This affixal approach is guided by the structural properties of language. A dynamic decomposition-recognition mechanism is used in our system and leads to generate a set of reliable solutions for each word. This mechanism attempts to identify, the word basic morphemes: the prefix, the infix, the suffix and the root contrary to the existing approaches that are usually based on the recognition of the whole word or the pseudo-word or the letter. In this paper, we briefly present the general characteristics of Arabic texts as well as a succinct survey of the existing approaches used for their recognition. We then describe the structural properties of the Arabic language and the two systems based on these last properties. The first one concerns a word recognition process and the second is devoted to text analysis. We finally show two experimental results; one on a data set of 545 words and another on a text example.
Hybrid digital-analog coding with bandwidth compression for gaussian source-channel pairs

Three hybrid digital-analog (HDA) systems, denoted by HDA-I, HDA* and HDA-II, for the coding of a memoryless discrete-time Gaussian source over a discrete-time additive memoryless Gaussian channel under bandwidth compression are studied. The systems employ simple linear coding in their analog component and superimpose their analog and digital signals before channel transmission. Information-theoretic upper bounds on the asymptotically optimal mean squared error distortion of the systems are obtained under both matched and mismatched channel conditions. Allocation schemes for distributing the channel input power between the analog and the digital signals are also examined. It is shown that systems HDA* and HDA-II can asymptotically achieve the optimal Shannon-limit performance under matched channel conditions. Low-complexity and low-delay versions of systems HDA-I and HDA-II are next designed and implemented without the use of error correcting codes. The parameters of these HDA systems, which employ vector quantization in conjunction with binary phase-shift keying modulation in their digital part, are optimized via an iterative algorithm similar to the design algorithm for channel-optimized vector quantizers. Both systems have low complexity and low delay, and guarantee graceful performance improvements for high CSNRs. For memoryless Gaussian sources the designed HDA-II system is shown to be superior to the HDA-I designed system. When applied to a Gauss-Markov source under Karhunen-Loeve processing, the HDA-I system is shown to provide considerably better performance.
Lacinilene C 7-methyl ether

The title compound, C16H20O3 [systematic name: 1-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,6-dimethyl-4-(propan-2-yl)naphthalen-2(1H)-one], is a sesquiterpene isolated from foliar tissues of the cotton plant and is of interest with respect to its antibacterial properties. Its phenyl ring is ideally planar, and the maximum of deviation in the second ring is 0.386 (3) Å. The hydroxy group and the methyl group are oriented in an equatorial fashion and axial, respectively, to the second ring. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed through pairs of O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the dimers into columns along the c axis. These columns form a crystal structure with a crystal packing factor of 0.66.
An EEMD-PCA approach to extract heart rate, respiratory rate and respiratory activity from PPG signal

The pulse oximeter's photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals, measure the local variations of blood volume in tissues, reflecting the peripheral pulse modulated by cardiac activity, respiration and other physiological effects. Therefore, PPG can be used to extract the vital cardiorespiratory signals like heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and respiratory activity (RA) and this will reduce the number of sensors connected to the patient's body for recording vital signs. In this paper, we propose an algorithm based on ensemble empirical mode decomposition with principal component analysis (EEMD-PCA) as a novel approach to estimate HR, RR and RA simultaneously from PPG signal. To examine the performance of the proposed algorithm, we used 45 epochs of PPG, electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory signal extracted from the MIMIC database (Physionet ATM data bank). The ECG and capnograph based respiratory signal were used as the ground truth and several metrics such as magnitude squared coherence (MSC), correlation coefficients (CC) and root mean square (RMS) error were used to compare the performance of EEMD-PCA algorithm with most of the existing methods in the literature. Results of EEMD-PCA based extraction of HR, RR and RA from PPG signal showed that the median RMS error (quartiles) obtained for RR was 0 (0, 0.89) breaths/min, for HR was 0.62 (0.56, 0.66) beats/min and for RA the average value of MSC and CC was 0.95 and 0.89 respectively. These results illustrated that the proposed EEMD-PCA approach is more accurate in estimating HR, RR and RA than other existing methods.
Grounding Abstractions in Predictive State Representations

This paper proposes a systematic approach of representing abstract features in terms of low-level, subjective state representations. We demonstrate that a mapping between the agent's predictive state representation and abstract features can be derived automatically from high-level training data supplied by the designer. Our empirical evaluation demonstrates that an experience-oriented state representation built around a single-bit sensor can represent useful abstract features such as "back against a wall", "in a corner", or "in a room". As a result, the agent gains virtual sensors that could be used by its control policy.
The electrical resistivity and percolation threshold of MWCNTs/polymer composites filled with a few aligned carbonyl iron particles

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) consist of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a few carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are fabricated under a moderate magnetic field. The alignment of CIPs will change the structure of MWCNT network, and consequently the electrical properties of CPCs. The volume fraction of CIPs is fixed at 0.08 vol% at which CIPs will not directly participate in electric conduction. The electrical resistivity of CPCs and the changes of resistance versus strain are evaluated at various MWCNT volume fractions. The testing results show that a percolation threshold as low as 0.19 vol% is obtained due to the effect of aligned CIPs, comparing with 0.39 vol% of isotropic MWCNT/CIP/PDMS (prepared without magnetic field). Meanwhile, the anisotropic structure reduces the electrical resistivity by more than 80% when the MWCNT volume fractions is over the percolation threshold.
Some optimal inapproximability results

We prove optimal, up to an arbitrary ε > 0, inapproximability results for Max-E k-Sat for k ≥ 3, maximizing the number of satisfied linear equations in an over-determined system of linear equations modulo a prime p and Set Splitting. As a consequence of these results we get improved lower bounds for the efficient approximability of many optimization problems studied previously. In particular, for Max-E2-Sat, Max-Cut, Max-di-Cut, and Vertex cover.
RETROSPECTIVE: BugNet: continuously recording program execution for deterministic replay debugging

BugNet was published in ISCA 2005. When we started this line of research in early to mid-2000, processor industry was at an inflection point. Performance was no longer the only consideration in processor design. Dennard scaling was breaking down, ushering in an era of multi-cores. The increasing complexity of software (e.g., Windows XP had 40-50 million lines of code) was already significantly straining programmer productivity. With the advent of multi-core processors, there arose an even more daunting challenge for most programmers: learning parallel programming, a task that was typically left to specialists. Consequently, there was a need within the computer science community to improve debugging as we transitioned to multi-core processors, given the programming challenges they presented. In this context, we asked ourselves: what can processors do to help improve programmer productivity? Processors had performance counters to analyze performance issues, but lacked sufficient support for program correctness reasoning and debugging, except for a limited number of watchpoint and breakpoint registers. Given that a significant fraction of a developer’s time is spent on debugging, we then asked: what if we could reserve a small memory space, and log some useful information during a program’s execution that could later help programmers debug in the event of a program failure? These questions led to further investigation that resulted in BugNet.
Expressivity and Control in Limited Reasoning

Real agents (natural or artificial) are limited in their reasoning capabilities. In this paper, we present a general framework for modeling limited reasoning based on approximate reasoning and discuss its properties. We start from Cadoli and Schaerf's approximate entailment. We first extend their system to deal with the full language of propositional logic. A tableau inference system is proposed for the extended system together with a sub-classical semantics; it is shown that this new approximate reasoning system is sound and complete with respect to this semantics. We show how this system can be incrementally used to move from one approximation to the next until the reasoning limitation is reached. We note that although the extension is more expressive than the original system, it offers less control over the approximation process. We then suggest how we can recover control while keeping the increased expressivity.
Simulation and Control of Sensory-Mode Interaction in Haptic Systems

Haptics, the sensation of physical touch to the virtual objects, is the most recent enhancement to virtual environment. With haptic simulation, virtual objects with different properties could be created to touch using haptic device. In current medical practice, haptics technology is being used to aid surgeons to perform surgical procedures such as needle insertion. It is vital that the penetration of the needle does not cause injury to the patients. However, the available technology does not address issues such as tissue texture and the depth of penetration. This project is about the simulation of sensory mode interaction of virtual objects of different stiffness and friction using PHANToM Haptic device. The penetration depth and force exerted into the objects should be within limit to avoid any deformity to the objects. PID controller is incorporated into the system to eliminate steady state errors as well as to ensure better transient response. To conduct the specified work, MATLAB software was used. Experimental results on the sensory mode interaction have proven the ability of the system to touch the objects within specified object limits. S imulated results on the system response have also shown the capability of the controller to provide fast and accurate response of the haptic device. Index Term— Control, haptic, PHANToM, sensory mode interaction
Konvergenzanalyse für die Partikelschwarmoptimierung

Partikelschwarmoptimierung (PSO) ist eine in der Praxis immer wieder sehr erfolgreich eingesetzte Metaheuristik zum Lösen von Black-Box-Optimierungsproblemen und wird speziell im Fall eines kontinuierlichen Suchraums verwendet. Dazu wird das in der Natur häufig auftretende Schwarmverhalten von miteinander kooperierenden Individuen imitiert. Die Dissertation liefert einen Beitrag zum besseren Verständnis des PSO-Algorithmus, basierend auf einer formalen mathematischen Analyse. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der Untersuchung des Phänomens der Konvergenz. Es ist bekannt, dass die Individuen langfristig gegen einen Punkt im Suchraum streben. In der Dissertation wird detailliert untersucht, welche Eigenschaften dieser Punkt hat. Das Hauptergebnis bildet der formale Beweis, dass die Partikel unter relativ moderaten Voraussetzungen an die zu optimierende Funktion ein lokales Optimum finden, wobei der PSO-Algorithmus im Mehrdimensionalen dafür geringfügig modifiziert werden muss. Im Eindimensionalen wird zusätzlich ein allgemeines Laufzeitresultat bewiesen, nach dem bei der Bearbeitung einer beliebigen unimodalen Funktion die erwartete Laufzeit zur Ermittlung des Optimums mit einem Fehler von höchstens 2−k linear in k ist.
Optimisation of automatic variable graphic layout and imposition

Original scientific paper The benefit of automation in graphic prepress lies primarily in an increase of efficiency in the production of layout and imposition of repetitive tasks by shortening lead time. Another benefit is cost reduction, since more work can be done with fewer staff members. One way of automating is by using scripts. Scripts can be written to execute just one task, complex scripts can perform multiple tasks and some scripts automate the entire publishing process. With scripts that execute complex tasks execution period can be time consuming. This paper describes the script that was made to automate variable data layout, imposition and to number digital printing. Quantitative research was carried out in this paper to determine achieved automation and time reduction by using automated processes. This paper also deals with written script optimization in order to shorten the time of its execution and to identify factors that affect the script execution time.
DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING AND TESTING OF CFRP ALUMINUM HYBRID STRUCTURES FOR AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS

Due to the request for lower weight and lower costs for future space applications, MT Aerospace (MT) is developing forward-looking manufacturing processes for a new generation of composite pressure vessels and structural launcher components. Together with the Chair of Carbon Composites (LCC) MT developed a manufacturing process for the in situ connection of aluminum profiles with carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP). At the end of the project a cylindrical demonstrator was manufactured at LCC and tested afterwards at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The process is based on a Thermoplastic Automated Fiber Placement (TP-AFP) process where carbon fiber reinforced tape materials are directly joined with the aluminum substrates. Joining with the metal and consolidation of the laminate is realized in one process step, process cost and time consuming joining steps like bonding or riveting processes are avoided. Before joining, the interface areas of the aluminum profiles need to be pretreated to reach an optimal adhesion between the thermoplastic matrix and the aluminum alloy. During a study phase different surface treatments have been assessed concerning the joint strength and the influence of the surface treatment on the material properties of the aluminum. In the end of the study the best suited surface treatment was chosen for manufacturing of the test hardware. To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the joining technology on demonstrator level, a reinforced cylinder with integrated aluminum stringers and a skin made out of CFRTP has been designed and manufactured. The pre-dimensioning was performed using the MT software ODIN. Additionally non-linear buckling analyses have been performed. The cylinder has a diameter of 800 mm and a length of 1200 mm with a laminate thickness of one millimeter. At the inner surface 18 aluminum stringers are attached using the developed process. To increase the circumferential stiffness, three CFRTP stiffeners are wound on the outer surface. After an ultrasonic testing and an inspection of geometrical surface imperfections by photogrammetry the demonstrator was tested under axial compression. During the test the deformations were recorded using the digital image correlation system ARAMIS. At the maximum load of 325 kN global buckling occurred. The failure load was in the predicted range and the buckling pattern correlates well to the prediction of the non-linear simulation. The evaluation showed that both before and after occurrence of the global buckling the axial strains in the skin and in the joining area are homogeneous. After unloading the buckling pattern was remaining in the demonstrator which is caused by the plastic deformation of the stringers. No separating of the stringers from the skin could be detected which indicates an excellent bonding quality between stringer and skin. Based on the results of this study MT and TUM will continue working on the in situ joining of metals and CFRTP.
Prediction of residual clamping force for Coulomb type and Johnsen–Rahbek type of bipolar electrostatic chucks

As a key component in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, electrostatic chuck is conventionally divided into Coulomb type and J–R type depending on the generating mechanism of clamping force. After supply voltage is cut off, residual clamping force usually remains and becomes a serious issue for production efficiency and process reliability. Hence, it is significant to propose a general prediction model and reveal changing laws of residual force with time for both types. This paper establishes an equivalent circuit model for a bipolar electrostatic chuck containing distributed embosses on dielectric layer surface, and deduces a unified form of mathematical expression describing decaying force, which can cover the two types. The obtained equations can also predict steady force in working state. Furthermore, an experimental method for measuring clamping force and de-clamping time is presented. The results indicate relative deviations tend to decrease as voltages rise. It is found that prediction precision for J–R type is lower than that for Coulomb type. Main reasons are explained and relevant mechanisms are discussed. Overall, the calculations coincide with the measurements within an acceptable error range. The comparisons suggest the theoretical model is effective for simulating the characteristics of residual clamping force for both types of electrostatic chucks.