Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studying energy trade offs in offloading computation/compilation in Java-enabled mobile devices

Java-enabled wireless devices are preferred for various reasons. For example, users can dynamically download Java applications on demand. The dynamic download capability supports extensibility of the mobile client features and centralizes application maintenance at the server. Also, it enables service providers to customize features for the clients. In this work, we extend this client-server collaboration further by offloading some of the computations (i.e., method execution and dynamic compilation) normally performed by the mobile client to the resource-rich server in order to conserve energy consumed by the client in a wireless Java environment. In the proposed framework, the object serialization feature of Java is used to allow offloading of both method execution and bytecode-to-native code compilation to the server when executing a Java application. Our framework takes into account communication, computation, and compilation energies to decide where to compile and execute a method (locally or remotely), and how to execute it (using interpretation or just-in-time compilation with different levels of optimizations). As both computation and communication energies vary based on external conditions (such as the wireless channel state and user supplied inputs), our decision must be done dynamically when a method is invoked. Our experiments, using a set of Java applications executed on a simulation framework, reveal that the proposed techniques are very effective in conserving the energy of the mobile client.
Essays on Term Structure,Forward Premium Anomaly andGlobalization

Term structure models have attracted tremendous amount of attention in the last two decades. My first paper specifies the dynamic and cross-sectional behavior of bonds in the framework of the Linear or general affine term structure model (ATSM). After revisiting the basic theory of ATSM under the physical probability measure, a linear version, LTSM is proposed. We find theoretical loads of ATSM and LTSM by solving Riccati equations, with parameters chosen for the solution to match that from the principal two-component models. This paper is the first which provides an empirical model, and numerically studies the state spaces that guarantee the Black-Scholes equation is uniquely solvable and that the yields are always positive, so it clarifies the condition of Duffie and Kan (1996). The second paper utilizes the LTSM to study the forward premium anomaly. This allows me to model the behavior of the risk premium theoretically and empirically. I test my model using data on the Canadian-U.S. exchange rate. The dynamic factors are captured by Composite Principal Component Analysis (CPCA) which supplies adifferent way to set up the global factors for both currencies. Different from previous work in this area, the LTSM and ATSM can account for the anomaly, and the theoretical interest rates are guaranteed to be positive. Freund and Weinhold (2000, 2002 & 2004) stated that the Internet stimulates international trade. However, the data provided by World Bank is certainly not an ideal measure. My third paper presents a new way to measure the diffusion ofthe Internet, downloaded from Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis(CAIDA). The major findings are that a significant and positive relationship existsbetween Internet distance and the bilateral international trade volumes across tencountries. Furthermore, the magnitude of elasticity is discussed and further supportthe conclusion of Freund and Weinhold.
An implementation approach for an inter-domain routing protocol for DWDM

Jing Wu, whose comments and support have been a great help during the preparation of this work. I learned many things from them, even though, mainly implicitly rather than explicitly. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Optical Research Group for their cooperation and friendship. I think I should specially mention Abdel Maach for his valuable comments. I would also like to express my gratitude to my family especially my parents, my twin brother and my sister, without whose help and support, this work would have been impossible. " Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Abstract Today's Internet applications are in need of additional bandwidth. Consequently, a large number of high capacity fiber optical networks have been deployed. The rapid increase in this need has resulted in more than one optical Autonomous Systems (AS) per geographical area. In order to make optimal use of these widely spread optical networks, an intelligent approach is needed to manage the resources of the networks. The ultimate goal is to establish an end-to-end light path connection across multiple Autonomous Systems (ASs). The initiation of such a connection should be based on routing information that reflects the most recent topology of the network resources such as the available wavelengths, thus guaranteeing a lightpath setup. In this thesis, we propose a new routing protocol, called Optical Routing Border Gateway Protocol (ORBGP). ORBGP exploits most functionalities of the BGP routing protocol with some modifications to support the exchange of optical routing information. Furthermore, ORBGP introduces two new advertising policies to allow the edge nodes to advertise routing changes based on their needs. The performance of this protocol for different network 5 architectures has been investigated through simulation studies, and the results show promise.
DoE Approach: A Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Methylparaben, Mometasone furoate and Eberconazole nitrate in Topical Formulations

A rapid and sensitive stability indicating RP-HPLC method is developed for the simultaneous estimation of Methylparaben, Mometasone Furoate and Eberconazole Nitrate in topical formulations. Chromatographic separation was achieved on Waters Xterra C18 (150 × 4.6 mm, 5µm) using a mobile phase constituted of water and methanol (35:65, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.50 mL/min and column temperature of 30˚C. All three components were measured with uv detection at 235 nm. Force degradation study was conducted to determine Methylparaben, Mometasone Furoate and Eberconazole Nitrate in the presence of degradants and excipients peaks. Developed method was validated for method precision, specificity, linearity, accuracy, robustness and solution stability as per ICH guidelines. Method is showing linearity in the range of 0.25-188, 0.50-75 and 2.0-750 µg/mL for Methylparaben, Mometasone Furoate and Eberconazole Nitrate respectively. The method was proved to be robust by conducting DOE study. The method is suitable for stability studies, routine analysis and quality control of topical formulations containing these components, either alone or in combination.
CrashFuzzer: Detecting input processing related crash bugs in android applications

Android has become the largest-selling operating system for smartphones, and thousands of new Android applications are developed and published everyday. However, quality, not quantity, is the real mobile application problem. The robustness of Android applications are worrisome as many of them always have crash bugs. It's unrealistic to rely on developers' experience to eliminate them all. There are so many input sources and we cannot assume developers will check all data from them properly. And some Android system services suffer denial-of-service attacks because of crash bugs due to their poor input validation. Crash bugs not only degrade user experience but also may raise security issues. In this paper, we propose a heuristic approach which combines static analysis and semi-random input generation to detect crash bugs related to input data processing in Android applications. We present techniques for automatic generating input data, injecting them to an application, producing structured trace information. We perform experiments on 100 Android applications and find 28 of them have crash bugs due to their poor input validation. We believe our study and techniques also have the potential to release developers from boring testing tasks to a certain extent and help developers improve quality of their Android applications.
Mutual localization in multi-robot systems using anonymous relative measurements

We propose a decentralized method to perform mutual localization in multi-robot systems using anonymous relative measurements, i.e. measurements that do not include the identity of the measured robot. This is a challenging and practically relevant operating scenario that has received little attention in the literature. Our mutual localization algorithm includes two main components: a probabilistic multiple registration stage, which provides all data associations that are consistent with the relative robot measurements and the current belief, and a dynamic filtering stage, which incorporates odometric data into the estimation process. The design of the proposed method proceeds from a detailed formal analysis of the implications of anonymity on the mutual localization problem. Experimental results on a team of differential-drive robots illustrate the effectiveness of the approach, and in particular its robustness against false positives and negatives that may affect the robot measurement process. We also provide an experimental comparison that shows how the proposed method outperforms more classical approaches that may be designed building on existing techniques. The source code of the proposed method is available within the MLAM ROS stack.
The ϕ6 Cystovirus Protein P7 Becomes Accessible to Antibodies in the Transcribing Nucleocapsid: A Probe for Viral Structural Elements

Protein P7 is a component of the cystovirus viral polymerase complex. In the unpackaged procapsid, the protein is situated in close proximity to the viral directed RNA polymerase, P2. Cryo-electron microscopy difference maps from the species ϕ6 procapsid have demonstrated that P7 and P2 likely interact prior to viral RNA packaging. The location of P7 in the post-packaged nucleocapsid (NC) remains unknown. P7 may translocate closer to the five-fold axis of a filled procapsid but this has not been directly visualized. We propose that monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) can be selected that serve as probe- reagents for viral assembly and structure. A set of Mabs have been isolated that recognize and bind to the ϕ6 P7. The antibody set contains five unique Mabs, four of which recognize a linear epitope and one which recognizes a conformational epitope. The four unique Mabs that recognize a linear epitope display restricted utilization of Vκ and VH genes. The restricted genetic range among 4 of the 5 antibodies implies that the antibody repertoire is limited. The limitation could be the consequence of a paucity of exposed antigenic sites on the ϕ6 P7 surface. It is further demonstrated that within ϕ6 nucleocapsids that are primed for early-phase transcription, P7 is partially accessible to the Mabs, indicating that the nucleocapsid shell (protein P8) has undergone partial disassembly exposing the protein’s antigenic sites.
A GPU-based algorithm for astronomical image subtraction photometry

Astronomical image subtraction photometry is an essential method in the discovery of new celestial or astronomical phenomena. However, the original algorithm for astronomical image subtraction photometry costs long time when dealing with large scale images. So in order to match the trend of large data volume in the field of astronomy and the requirement of real-time processing, an algorithm based on CUDA GPU is proposed to accelerate astronomical image subtraction photometry. This paper analyzes the overall performance of the original algorithm and migrates the template image convolution part which is the most time consuming into GPU. The implementation and experiment of the proposed algorithm is based on HOTPANTS package, which is an open-source tool for astronomical image subtraction photometry. The experiment shows that the proposed algorithm is almost 9 times faster than the original one in the template image convolution part. The overall performance is improved by 50% to 60% in comparison with the original algorithm with acceptable accuracy.
Reliability and judging fatigue reduction in 3D perceptual quality estimation

Many factors, such as the number of vertices and the resolution of texture, can affect the display quality of 3D objects. When the resources of a graphics system are not sufficient to render the ideal image, degradation is inevitable. It is therefore important to study how individual factors will affect the overall quality, and how the degradation can be controlled given limited resources. In this paper, the essential factors determining the display quality are reviewed. We provide more details on our earlier presentation [Y. Pan et al., (2003)] on integrating two important ones, resolution of texture and resolution of mesh, to model a perceptual metric. We then present a preliminary study of the reliability of the perceptual experiments. Experiments demonstrate that the reliability of our user evaluations to be quite high. Finally, we also propose an approach for reducing user fatigue while performing perceptual quality evaluations.
DWA1 and DWA2, Two Arabidopsis DWD Protein Components of CUL4-Based E3 Ligases, Act Together as Negative Regulators in ABA Signal Transduction[C][W]

This article reports that DWA1 and DWA2 may be the substrate receptors for a CULLIN E3 ligase and that they interact with themselves and each other. Heterodimeric cooperation between DWAs is a previously unknown regulatory mechanism for the action of CULLIN E3 ligases. To elucidate potential roles of CUL4-DDB1-DWD (for Cullin 4-Damaged DNA Binding1-DDB1 binding WD40) E3 ligases in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, we examined ABA sensitivities of T-DNA mutants of a number of Arabidopsis thaliana DWD genes, which encode substrate receptors for CUL4 E3 ligases. Mutants in two DWD genes, DWA1 and DWA2 (DWD hypersensitive to ABA1 and 2), had ABA-hypersensitive phenotypes. Both proteins interacted with DDB1 in yeast two-hybrid assays and associated with DDB1 and CUL4 in vivo, implying they could form CUL4-based complexes. Several ABA-responsive genes were hyperinduced in both mutants, and the ABA-responsive transcription factors ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) and MYC2 accumulated to high levels in the mutants after ABA treatment. Moreover, ABI5 interacted with DWA1 and DWA2 in vivo. Cell-free degradation assays showed ABI5 was degraded more slowly in dwa1 and dwa2 than in wild-type cell extracts. Therefore, DWA1 and/or DWA2 may be the substrate receptors for a CUL4 E3 ligase that targets ABI5 for degradation. Our data indicate that DWA1 and DWA2 can directly interact with each other, and their double mutants exhibited enhanced ABA and NaCl hypersensitivities, implying they can act together. This report thus describes a previously unknown heterodimeric cooperation between two independent substrate receptors for CUL4-based E3 ligases.
Preliminary Study on the Performance of Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms with MNK-Landscapes

A tintable abrasion-resistant coating is formed on a substrate such as a lens or other optical article by applying a radiation-curable coating to the surface of the substrate and partially curing the applied coating by exposure to radiation so as to produce from about 20% to about 80% cross-linking in the coating. The exposure to radiation is terminated when the coating is partially cured to provide a coated article which is tintable but capable of being handled for shipping to a retail finisher or the like for tinting and then completion of the cure by exposure to radiation. Preferably, a radiation-curable coating comprising a triacrylate or tetracrylate monomer and a monomer containing an N-vinyl imido group is applied to a substrate comprising polycarbonate, polyallyldiglycolcarbonate, or acrylic polymer.
Methods of Sensitivity Calculation Applied to a Multi-Axial Test Rig for Elastomer Bushings

This paper presents methods of sensitivity calculation applied to a multi-axial test rig for elastomer bushings. In this context, the effect of parameter variations on system variables is analysed by using different tools. Aspects like modelling, modelling effort, computing time and accuracy are discussed. This paper is based on results, which were developed in the Fraunhofer collaborative project “Computer Aided Robust Design (CAROD)”.
Threshold Cryptosystems Based on Factoring

We consider threshold cryptosystems over a composite modulus N where the factors of N are shared among the participants as the secret key. This is a new paradigm for threshold cryptosystems based on a composite modulus, differing from the typical treatment of RSA-based systems where a decryption exponent" is shared among the participants. Our approach yields solutions to some open problems in threshold cryptography; in particular, we obtain the following: 1. Threshold homomorphism encryption. A number of applications (e.g., electronic voting or e_cient multi-party computation) require threshold homomorphic encryption schemes. We present a protocol for threshold decryption of the homomorphic Goldwasser-Micali encryption scheme [36], answering an open question of [23]. 2. Threshold cryptosystems as secure as factoring. We describe a threshold version of a variant of the signature standards ISO 9796-2 and PKCS#1 v1.5 (cf. [41,Section 11.3.4]), thus giving the _first threshold signature scheme whose security (in the random oracle model) is equivalent to the hardness of factoring [12]. Our techniques may be adapted to distribute the Rabin encryption scheme [46] whose semantic security may be reduced to the hardness of factoring. 3. E_cient threshold schemes without a trusted dealer. Because our schemes only require sharing of N | which furthermore need not be a product of strong primes |. Our schemes are very e_cient (compared to previous schemes) when a trusted dealer is not assumed and key generation is done in a distributed manner. Extensions to achieve robustness and proactivation are also possible with our schemes.
Using haptics technology to deliver motivational therapies in stroke patients: concepts and initial pilot studies

Attention and motivation are two factors, which are important for motor relearning following stroke. In this paper we introduce and present the novel concepts for the use of haptics technology to deliver therapy to patients with arm impairments following stroke. The results of the ongoing initial pilot studies have shown the feasibility of the system presented here. The new approach will potentially improve the patient’s attention and motivation and hence enhance therapy effectiveness.
Learning from the construction of programme theory Cognitive mapping in the evaluation of the Regional Centre Development Programme in Finland

Often evaluators face evaluation tasks where the principal endeavour turns out to be figuring out what the programme really is that should be evaluated. The programme logic or programme theory needs to be clarified first, only after which the programme can be sensibly evaluated. In fact, the programme intervention logic often has to be constructed, since it has not been explicitly expressed by anyone. The question explored in this paper is to which extent can the theory construction process, when carried out participatorily, become a vehicle for learning. What can programme staff learn from their activities if they are involved with deliberating and constructing their programme’s logic with an evaluator? This question will be illustrated with experiences from the evaluation of The Regional Centre Development Programme in Finland. The initiative aims at improving the vitality of Finnish city regions. It builds on the idea of activating cooperation between municipalities in city regions to find out promising practices and procedures for networking and partnership. The programme philosophy stresses the importance of autonomous priority-setting in the regions instead of top-down steering by national policy guidelines. The first phase of the evaluation has involved constructing working theories for each of the 35 regional centres in collaboration with programme managers and partners. The aim of this paper is to explore different facets of learning in participatory evaluation workshops in the initial phase of a regional development programme.
The effect of dictionary learning algorithms on super-resolution hyperspectral reconstruction

The spatial resolutions of hyperspectral images are generally lower due to imaging hardware limitations. Super-resolution algorithms can be applied to obtain higher resolutions. Many algorithms exist to achieve super-resolution hyperspectral images from low resolution images acquired in different wavelengths. One of the popular algorithms is sparse representation-based algorithms that employ dictionary learning methods. In this study, a comparative framework is developed to investigate which dictionary learning algorithm leads to better super-resolution images. In order to achieve that, K-SVD and ODL dictionary learning algorithms are employed for comparison. A sparse representation-based algorithm G-SOMP+ is used for hyperspectral super-resolution reconstruction. The experimental results show that ODL algorithm outperforms K-SVD in terms of both reconstruction quality and processing times.
The Near-Infrared Surface Brightness Distribution of NGC 4696

Abstract We present H-band observations of the elliptical galaxy NGC 4696, the brightest member of the Centaurus cluster of galaxies. We have measured its light profile, using a two-dimensional fitting algorithm, out to a radius of 180 arcsec (37 h 70 −1 kpc). The profile is well described by a de Vaucouleurs law, with an effective radius of 35.3 ± 1.0 h 70 −1 kpc. There is no need for the extra free parameter allowed by a Sérsic law. Allowing for a variation of 0.3% in the sky level, the profile obtained is compatible with data from the Two-Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). The profile shows no sign of either a truncation or an extended halo.
On the role of the additive and converted noise in the generation of phase noise in nonlinear oscillators

In a conventional approach, the oscillator phase noise due to noise sources near carrier is defined as additive phase noise by assuming that the oscillator operates in a near linear fashion. Nevertheless, fundamentally, an oscillator circuit is inherently nonlinear. In this paper, we show that the phase noise generated by noise sources around the fundamental frequency of oscillation is due to two simultaneous and correlated phenomena of the same order of magnitude: additive phase noise and converted phase noise due to conversion from one sideband to another. An analytical calculation applied to a simple purely theoretical circuit allows evaluation of the respective influence of the two above-mentioned phenomena. Numerical simulations performed on a realistic transistor oscillator circuit then confirms the importance of the conversion phenomenon already shown by the analytical evaluation. The converted noise results to be of the order of 6 dB higher than the additive noise. The term of additive phase noise must be intended to characterize the phase noise generated in linear components located out of the nonlinear oscillation loop and, for example, in buffer amplifiers following the oscillator itself.
Agrafo: a visual interface for grouping and browsing digital photos

With the growing popularity of digital cameras, the organization, browsing, management and grouping of photos become a problem of every photograph (professional or amateur), because their collections easily achieve the order of thousands. Here, we present a system to automate these processes, which relies on photo information, such as, semantic features (extracted from content), meta-information and low level.