Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient function call tracing with link-time binary rewriting for CE devices

As the scale and complexity of software components in consumer electronics increase, the importance of performance optimization is rapidly growing. Consequently, the demand for performance optimization tools tailored for the consumer electronics environment is stronger than ever. A function call tracer is a vital tool for investigating relationships between functions, invocation counts of a function, and elapsed time in a function. Despite its importance in performance optimization, the limited capability of embedded hardware prohibits use of existing dynamic binary instrumentation tools. Moreover, the use of closed proprietary components excludes source-level analysis tools out of viable options. In this paper, LITIFUT, a function call tracer designed for consumer electronics, is proposed. This tool rewrites an executable file or a library file to inject profiling code during the linking stage. This approach achieves as little performance overhead as source-level instrumentation and as minor developer-intervention as binary-level instrumentation. The prototype implementation supports the two most popular embedded processor architectures. The evaluation with a real-world embedded software application showed that LITIFUT successfully profiles program activities with insignificant overhead.
Modeling and simulation of hybrid systems using a special class of timed Petri net

Dynamic systems with a mix of continuous and discrete components called hybrid systems frequently arise in engineering applications. By modeling these different components using differential equations and discrete events, it is possible to represent a wide range of phenomena present in physical and technological systems. Since many of these applications are safety critical, it is important to use reliable methods to simulate hybrid systems. This paper deals with modeling and simulation of hybrid systems using an extended form of timed Petri net. The proposed method is used for modeling of an illustrative hybrid system example. The simulation results are obtained by a modified Petri net toolbox.
UNI3 - efficient algorithm for mining unordered induced subtrees using TMG candidate generation

Semi-structured data sources are increasingly in use today because of their capability of representing information through more complex structures where semantics and relationships of data objects are more easily expressed. Extraction of frequent sub-structures from such data has found important applications in areas such as Bioinformatics, XML mining, Web mining, scientific data management etc. This paper is concerned with the task of mining frequent unordered induced subtrees from a database of rooted ordered labeled subtrees. Our previous work in the area of frequent subtree mining is characterized by the efficient tree model guided (TMG) candidate enumeration, where candidate subtrees conform to the data's underlying tree structure. We apply the same approach to the unordered case, motivated by the fact that in many applications of frequent subtree mining the order among siblings is not considered important. The proposed UNI3 algorithm considers both transaction based and occurrence match support. Synthetic and real world data are used to evaluate the time performance of our approach in comparison to the well known algorithms developed for the same problem
How actors change institutions: Towards a theory of institutional entrepreneurship

As well as review the literature on the notion of institutional entrepreneurship introduced by Paul DiMaggio in 1988, we propose a model of the process of institutional entrepreneurship. We first present theoretical and definitional issues associated with the concept and propose a conceptual account of institutional entrepreneurship that helps to accommodate them. We then present the different phases of the process of institutional entrepreneurship from the emergence of institutional entrepreneurs to their implementation of change. Finally, we highlight future directions for research on institutional entrepreneurship, and conclude with a discussion of its role in strengthening institutional theory as well as, more broadly, the field of organization studies.
A Unified Scaling Law in Spiral Galaxies

We investigate the origin of a unified scaling relation in spiral galaxies. Observed spiral galaxies are spread on a plane in the three-dimensional logarithmic space of luminosity L, radius R, and rotation velocity V. The plane is expressed as L ∝ (VR)α in the I passband, where α is a constant. On the plane, observed galaxies are distributed in an elongated region which looks like the shape of a surfboard. The well-known scaling relations L-V (Tully-Fisher [TF] relation), V-R (also the TF relation), and R-L (Freeman's law) can be understood as oblique projections of the surfboard-like plane into two-dimensional spaces. This unified interpretation of the known scaling relations should be a clue to understand the physical origin of all the relations consistently. Furthermore, this interpretation can also explain why previous studies could not find any correlation between TF residuals and radius. In order to clarify the origin of this plane, we simulate formation and evolution of spiral galaxies with the N-body/smoothed particle hydrodynamics method, including cooling, star formation, and stellar feedback. Initial conditions are set to 14 isolated spheres with two free parameters, such as mass and angular momentum. The cold dark matter (h = 0.5, Ω0 = 1) cosmology is considered as a test case. The simulations provide the following two conclusions: (1) The slope of the plane is well reproduced but the zero point is not. This zero-point discrepancy could be solved in a low-density (Ω0 < 1) and high-expansion (h > 0.5) cosmology. (2) The surfboard-shaped plane can be explained by the control of galactic mass and angular momentum.
The Face of the Enemy: The Effect of Press-Reported Visual Information Regarding the Facial Features of Opponent Politicians on Support for Peace

Research in political communication devotes growing attention to the role of visual information relayed through different mediums, including the news media, in forming political impressions, attitudes, and opinions. An increasing body of research indicates that exposure to visual information on the facial appearance of politicians from one's own state or country affects the favorability of attitudes towards these politicians as well as affecting voting intentions. However, the impact of visual information regarding politicians from the opponent side in a conflict has not been systematically examined. The current study addresses this gap by examining the effect of visual news coverage—regarding the facial features of political leaders from the opponent side in a conflict—on support for peace. In an experiment conducted in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Jewish-Israeli respondents received a news item containing a proposal for peace agreement accompanied by a photograph described as portraying the Palestinian political leader offering the proposal. The photograph included a digitized facial image that was manipulated to appear as baby-faced or mature by altering the size of the eyes and lips. In line with my expectations, the baby-faced Palestinian politician was judged as more trustworthy than the mature-faced version of the same photograph and the press-reported peace proposal received higher support when offered by the baby-faced Palestinian politician. Also in line with my expectations, the Palestinian politician's perceived trustworthiness was a significant mediator of the effect of the politician's facial features on support for peace.
Verification of Complex Analog Integrated Circuits

Functional complexity in analog, mixed-signal, and RF (A/RF) designs is increasing dramatically. Today's simple A/RF functional block such as an RF receiver or power management unit can have hundreds to thousands of control bits. A/RF designs implement many modes of operation for different standards, power saving modes, and calibration. Increasingly, catastrophic failures in chips are due to functional bugs, and not due to missed performance specifications. Functionally verifying A/RF designs is a daunting task requiring a rigorous and systematic verification methodology. As occurred in digital design, analog verification is becoming a critical task that is distinct from design. This paper describes a verification methodology to address these challenges
Statistical Significance of MUC-6 Results

The results of the MUC-6 evaluation must be analyzed to determine whether close scores significantly distinguish systems or whether the differences in those scores are a matter of chance. In order to do such an analysis, a method of computer intensive hypothesis testing was developed by SAIC for the MUC-3 results and has been used for distinguishing MUC scores since that time. The implementation of this method for the MUC evaluations was first described in [1] and later the concepts behind the statistical model were explained in a more understandable manner in [2]. This paper gives the results of the statistical testing for the three MUC-6 tasks where a single metric could be associated with a system's performance.
On Implementing Graph Cuts on CUDA

The Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) has enabled graphics processors to be explicitly programmed as general-purpose shared-memory multi-core processors with a high level of parallelism. In this paper, we present our preliminary results of implementing the Graph Cuts algorithm on CUDA. Our primary focus is on implementing Graph Cuts on grid graphs, which are extensively used in imaging applications. We first explain our implementation of breadth first search (BFS) graph traversal on CUDA, which is extensively used in our Graph Cuts implementation. We then present a basic implementation of Graph Cuts that succeeds to achieve absolute and relative speedups when used for foreground-background segmentation on synthesized images. Finally, we introduce two optimizations that utilize the special structure of grid graphs. The first one is lockstep BFS, which is used to reduce the overhead of BFS traversals. The second is cache emulation, which is a general technique to regularize memory access patterns and hence enhance memory access throughput. We experimentally show how each of the two optimizations can enhance the performance of the basic implementation on the image segmentation application.
Lymphocyte CD 64 increased in patients with chronic HBV infection

CD64 was up-regulated in infection diseases, but there was no report about the change of CD64 in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a dynamic change of CD 64 index and to judge the value to antiviral treatment. 96 CHB patients were enrolled and selected 33 healthy adults as control. We detected the level of CD64, found the level of CD64 were significantly increased in chronic HBV infection patients, especially the lymphocyte CD64 (8.12 ± 0.23 vs. 6.25 ± 0.27; P < 0.001). Further, we proved CD64 index was increased in various stages of chronic HBV infection. ROC curve analysis showed the level of lymphocyte CD64 had higher AUC value than neutrophil or monocyte. Then we monitor longitudinally the impact of the treatment with interferon-α and found that the suppression of viral replication induced by interferon-α resulted in a decrease in CD64 index. In conclusion, this study showed that CD64 index was increased in chronic HBV infection patients and changed with the course of disease, the therapy of interferon-α would correct it, and analysis prompted that the level of lymphocyte CD64 would be more suitable for as a biomarker to judge the condition of chronic HBV infection and the curative effect of interferon-α treatment.
Standardization of medium for culturing Lyme disease spirochetes

To standardize the procedure for isolating and culturing Lyme disease spirochetes, we modified the composition of the medium generally used for this purpose (BSK-II) and developed a system for its distribution. This medium contains no gelatin or agarose, and various components are used in proportions that differ from those in BSK-II. Each of the major proteinacious components was screened by substitution in samples of the complete product. The final medium was evaluated for the capacity to grow related spirochetes including Borrelia burgdorferi N40, Guilford, and JD-1 as well as strains of Borrelia hermsii (HS-1) and of Borrelia coriaceae (CO53). Each isolate developed from inocula containing as few as one to five organisms. Doubling time of B. burgdorferi during log-phase growth at 37 degrees C was 10 to 12 h. Lyme disease spirochetes were isolated in this medium from ear punch biopsies and dermal aspirates from naturally infected mice and rabbits, from dermal biopsies from a human patient, and by sampling field-collected deer ticks (Ixodes dammini). Cultured spirochetes remained infective to mice and to ticks. The medium can be stored at -20 degrees C or lower temperatures for at least 8 months without effect on its ability to support growth of small inocula to densities exceeding 10(8) spirochetes per ml. Lyme disease spirochetes remained infective to mice after being stored at -80 degrees C in this medium for at least 8 months. We anticipate that the availability of this standardized medium (Sigma Chemical Co.), supplemented with prescreened rabbit serum, will facilitate comparison of research results between laboratories and may eventually permit definitive clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease based on demonstration of the pathogen. The standardized medium is designated BSK-H.
Internalising and externalising children's behaviour problems in Britain and the US: relationships to family resources

A large sample of British children (n=994) of varying ages (7–18 years) and a large sample of American children (n=886) of varying ages (7–16 years) were rated by their mothers using respectively the Rutter Child Scale A and the Behaviour Problems Index both of which cover a variety of behavioural problems. Factor analysis of the behavioural scales distinguished externalising and internalising dimensions of behaviour in both countries. We examined whether children's experiences of family change, cognitive ability and family adversity including economic deprivation were associated with differences in the prevalence of the behavioural dimensions. Mean cognitive scores decreased significantly with increasing level of externalising behavioural problems in British and American children but showed no significant relationship to levels of internalising behaviour problems in either sample. Among American children internalising and externalising behavioural problems were related to experience of non-intact family structures and measures of family adversity. Externalising behavioural problems were related to measures of family adversity among British boys and girls but were only related to experience of non-intact family structures in the sample of British girls. Among British girls, internalising behavioural problems were also related to non-intact family structures. The associations between non-intact family structures and behavioural problems were independent of measures of economic deprivation in both samples of children. This study documents some of the background factors which affect children's behavioural and cognitive outcomes. Unlike children's family structure economic deprivation can be influenced through policy intervention, and the analysis supports the view that relieving economic deprivation would help improve children's behavioural outcomes. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fibrinogen‐binding and platelet‐aggregation activities of a Lactobacillus salivarius septicaemia isolate are mediated by a novel fibrinogen‐binding protein

The marketplace for probiotic foods is burgeoning, measured in billions of euro per annum. It is imperative, however, that all bacterial strains are fully assessed for human safety. The ability to bind fibrinogen is considered a potential pathogenicity trait that can lead to platelet aggregation, serious medical complications, and in some instances, death. Here we examined strains from species frequently used as probiotics for their ability to bind human fibrinogen. Only one strain (CCUG 47825), a Lactobacillus salivarius isolate from a case of septicaemia, was found to strongly adhere to fibrinogen. Furthermore, this strain was found to aggregate human platelets at a level comparable to the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. By sequencing the genome of CCUG 47825, we were able to identify candidate genes responsible for fibrinogen binding. Complementing the genetic analysis with traditional molecular microbiological techniques enabled the identification of the novel fibrinogen receptor, CCUG_2371. Although only strain CCUG 47825 bound fibrinogen under laboratory conditions, homologues of the novel fibrinogen binding gene CCUG_2371 are widespread among L. salivarius strains, maintaining their potential to bind fibrinogen if expressed. We highlight the fact that without a full genetic analysis of strains for human consumption, potential pathogenicity traits may go undetected.
Sleepiness and sleep disorders in shift workers: a study on a group of italian police officers.

STUDY OBJECTIVES evaluation of shift-work effect on sleepiness, sleep disorders, and sleep-related accidents in a population of police officers. DESIGN Aquestionnaire-based survey was used to gather information on age and physical characteristics, working conditions, sleep problems, and accidents. Sleepiness was measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) while the presence of sleep disorders was evaluated by a score (SDS) drawn from indicators of insomnia, breathing disorders, periodic limb movements and restless legs syndrome, and hypersomnia. The effects of age, gender, body mass index, working conditions, and seniority on ESS, SD score, and accidents were analyzed by linear and logistic regression. SETTING The self-administered questionnaires were filled in by police officers in the district of Genoa (Italy). PARTICIPANTS 1,280 police officers: 611 shift workers (SW) and 669 non-shift workers (NSW). INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS The ESS score was not higher in SW than in NSW, while the SDS was significantly influenced by shift-work conditions and seniority in shift work. The occurrence of sleep-ascribed accidents was significantly increased in the SW group and related to the presence of indicators of sleep disorders. There was evidence for sleep disorders in 35.7% of SW and in 26.3% of NSW. CONCLUSIONS Shift-work conditions and seniority may enhance sleep disorders and may favor sleep-related accidents, but they do not influence ESS score. Stressful conditions could cause sleepiness to be underestimated, or else they might overcome sleepiness. However, our data should alert occupational health physicians for the diagnosis and prevention of possible undetected intrinsic sleep disorders, which could possibly worsen shift workers' health and increase the risk of accidents.
Error modeling in stereo navigation

In stereo navigation, a mobile robot estimates its position by tracking landmarks with on-board cameras. Previous systems for stereo navigation have suffered from poor accuracy, in part because they relied on scalar models of measurement error in triangulation. Using three-dimensional (3D) Gaussian distributions to model triangulation error is shown to lead to much better performance. How to compute the error model from image correspondences, estimate robot motion between frames, and update the global positions of the robot and the landmarks over time are discussed. Simulations show that, compared to scalar error models, the 3D Gaussian reduces the variance in robot position estimates and better distinguishes rotational from translational motion. A short indoor run with real images supported these conclusions and computed the final robot position to within two percent of distance and one degree of orientation. These results illustrate the importance of error modeling in stereo vision for this and other applications.
The Grounded Theory and the Analysis of Audio-Visual Texts

The aim of this article is to propose a methodological basis for the analysis of audio-visual, media-produced data. Based on the difference between the use of audio-visual material as a ‘lens’ through which a certain phenomenon is studied and the study of audio-visual data as a phenomenon in itself, ways are suggested to make use of the grounded theory research method for the study of this specific kind of data, while at the same time still respecting its nature. After discussing the difference between these two possible uses of audio-visual data for research purposes (as a ‘lens’ or as the phenomenon itself), a research procedure based on the grounded theory and Herbert Blumer’s ‘analytical elements’ is proposed for the study of audio-visual media data as a phenomenon in itself.
Back to the Black Belt: Racial Environment and White Racial Attitudes in the South

In this study, I look at the relationship of black population and white racial attitudes in the contemporary South. Merging county-level census data with individual-level N.E. S. data from the 1980s to create a variable tapping "racial environment," I also use this study to test the validity of a group conflict theory of racial-political attitudes. I find that racial environment has a strong and consistent effect on racial-political attitudes, but little-to-no effect on measures of prejudice. Moreover, this racial environment effect is pronounced among those most affected by black political progress (southern Democrats evaluating Jesse Jackson). Contrary to a symbolic racism approach to the study of racial-political attitudes, these three findings support the contention that threat, in the form of group conflict, influences political positions on racial issues.
Resource Allocation for Multi Access MIMO Systems

In this paper, the authors discuss the emergence of new technologies related to the topic of the high-speed packet data access in wireless networks. The authors propose an algorithm for MIMO systems that optimizes the number of the transmit antennas according to the user's QoS. Scheduling performance under two types of traffic modes is also discussed: one is voice or web-browsing and the other is for data transfer and streaming data.
Perfectionism and relationship adjustment in pain patients and their spouses.

The authors assessed whether social facets of perfectionism were associated with indexes of dyadic and family adjustment. A sample of 83 pain patients and their spouses completed the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Family Assessment Device, Beck Depression Inventory, and Multiaxial Pain Inventory. After controlling for depression, the authors found that pain patients' relationship adjustments were associated with their spouses' other-oriented perfectionism. Also, pain patients rated their other-oriented perfectionistic spouses as less supportive. Spouses' reports of poor dyadic and family adjustment were associated with their own socially prescribed perfectionism. The findings suggest that social aspects of perfectionism contribute to poor family adjustment.
The bilateral wavelet pyramid (BWP): A novel image representation

In this paper, we study the properties of the bilateral pyramid, based on which a novel image representation-the bilateral wavelet pyramid (BWP) is proposed. The BWP provides a multi-resolution technique to manipulate image variances simultaneously in radiometric, spatial and frequency domains. Application to texture retrieval is discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the BWP.