Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fitting geometric programming models to data

Motivated by practical applications in engineering, this article considers the problem of approximating a set of data with a model that is compatible with geometric programming (GP). Starting with well-established methods for fitting max-affine functions, it is shown that improved fits can be obtained using an extended function class based on the softmax of a set of affine functions. The softmax is generalized in two steps, with the most expressive function class using an implicit representation that allows fitting algorithms to locally tune softness. Each of the proposed function classes is directly compatible with the posynomial constraint forms in geometric programming. Through a limit analysis, max-monomial fitting and posynomial fitting are shown to correspond to fitting special cases of the proposed implicit softmax function class. The fitting problem is formulated as a nonlinear least squares regression, solved locally using a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Practical implementation considerations are discussed. The article concludes with several numerical examples from aerospace engineering and electrical engineering.
BUILDING A CONTEXT-AWARE MOBILE TOURIST GUIDE SYSTEM BASE ON A SERVICE ORIENTED ARCHITECTURE

The term of context in mobile computing area especially in the spatio-temporal applications introduces a rich source of information, yet it has less been regarded and modelled in the related fields. Since a tourist may be considered as a moving object in an environment with variable contexts, therefore tourist guide applications and services is taken into account as an application area for the context-aware systems. To implement such a dynamic service-based applications, in this paper, we propose a framework for personal tourist guide (PTG) system based on service oriented architecture (SOA). In our proposed framework, PTG send a request based on the context of user to a catalogue. Service brokers collaborate to find the right services and then, PTG and service provider negotiate as to format of the request and some other protocol issues. At the last step, tourist may utilize the provided services. To evaluate this framework, a simple case study was developed. The results show its superiority over the traditional architectures. * Corresponding author
A Unified Modulo Sc heduling and Register Allocation Technique f or Clustered Pr ocessor s

This work presentsa modulo schedulingframework for clusteredILP processorsthat integratestheclusterassignment,instructionschedulingandregisterallocationstepsin asinglephase.Thisunifiedapproachis moreeffectivethan traditional approachesbasedon sequentiallyperforming some(or all) of the threesteps,sinceit allows optimizing theglobalcodegenerationprobleminsteadof searchingfor optimalsolutionsto eachindividualstep.Besides,it avoids theiterativenatureof traditionalapproaches, whichrequire repeatedapplicationsof the threestepsuntil a valid solution is found.Theproposedframework includesa mechanism to insert spill code on-the-fly and heuristics to evaluatethequalityof partialschedulesconsideringsimultaneouslyinter-clustercommunications, memorypressure and register pressure.Transformationsthat allow trading pressureonatypeof resourcefor anotherresourcearealso included. We show that the proposedtechniqueoutperforms previously proposedtechniques.For instance,the averagespeed-upfor theSPECfp95is 36%for a 4-cluster configuration.
Similarity learning in nearest neighbor and application to information retrieval

Many people have tried to learn Mahanalobis distance metric in kNN classification by considering the geometry of the space containing examples. However, similarity may have an edge specially while dealing with text e.g. Information Retrieval. We have proposed an online algorithm, SiLA (Similarity learning algorithm) where the aim is to learn a similarity metric (e.g. cosine measure, Dice and Jaccard coefficients) and its variation eSiLA where we project the matrix learnt onto the cone of positive, semidefinite matrices. Two incremental algorithms have been developed; one based on standard kNN rule while the other one is its symmetric version. SiLA can be used in Information Retrievalwhere the performance can be improved by using user feedback.
An Improved Character Recognition Algorithm for License Plate Based on BP Neural Network

License plate character recognition is the basis of automatic license plate recognition (LPR) and it plays an im- portant role in LPR. In this paper, we considered the advantages and disadvantages of the neural network method and pro- posed an improved approach of character recognition for license plates. In our approach, firstly, license plates were seg- mented into character pictures by using the algorithm which combines the projection and morphology. Secondly, with a focus on each character picture, recognition results determined by the calculation of the new recognition algorithm were as a reflection of the different features of every kind of character image. Then, character image samples were classified according to different light environment and character type itself. Finally, we used extracted features vectors to train the BP (error back propagation) neural network with adding noise relatively. Due to the influence of environmental factors or character images themselves will bring font discrepancy, font slant, stroke connection and so on, compared with template matching recognition method, neural network method has relatively great space to enhance the recognition effect. In the experiment, we used 1000 license plates images that had been successfully located. Of which, 11800 character images have been successfully identified, and the identification rate of our new algorithm is 91.2%. The experiment results prove that the improved character recognition method is accurate and highly consistent.
Statistical Signi cance of Probabilistic Sequence Alignment and Related Local Hidden Markov Models

The score statistics of probabilistic gapped local alignment of random sequences is investigated both analytically and numerically. The full probabilistic algorithm (e.g., the “local” version of maximum-likelihood or hidden Markov model method) is found to have anomalous statistics. A modi ed “semi-probabilistic” alignment consisting of a hybrid of Smith– Waterman and probabilistic alignment is then proposed and studied in detail. It is predicted that the score statistics of the hybrid algorithm is of the Gumbel universal form, with the key Gumbel parameter l taking on a  xed asymptotic value for a wide variety of scoring systems and parameters. A simple recipe for the computation of the “relative entropy,” and from it the  nite size correction to l, is also given. These predictions compare well with direct numerical simulations for sequences of lengths between 100 and 1,000 examined using various PAM substitution scores and af ne gap functions. The sensitivity of the hybrid method in the detection of sequence homology is also studied using correlated sequences generated from toy mutation models. It is found to be comparable to that of the Smith– Waterman alignment and signi cantly better than the Viterbi version of the probabilistic alignment.
Semi-Toeplitz Preconditioning for Linearized Boundary Layer Problems

We have defined and analyzed a semi-Toeplitz preconditioner for timedependent and steady-state convection-diffusion problems. Analytic expressions for the eigenvalues of the preconditioned systems are obtained. An asymptotic analysis shows that the eigenvalue spectrum of the timedependent problem is reduced to two eigenvalues when the number of grid points go to infinity. The numerical experiments sustain the results of the theoretical analysis, and the preconditioner exhibits a robust behavior for stretched grids. A semi-Toeplitz preconditioner for the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for compressible flow is proposed and tested. The preconditioner is applied to the linear system of equations to be solved in each time step of an implicit method. The equations are solved with flat plate boundary conditions and are linearized around the Blasius solution. The grids are stretched in the normal direction to the plate and the quotient between the time step and the space step is varied. The preconditioner works well in all tested cases and outperforms the method without preconditioning both in number of iterations and execution time.
Fast saliency map extraction from video: A hardware approach

Saliency map is a central part of many visual attention systems, particularly during learning and control of bottom-up attention. In this research we developed a hardware tool to extract saliency map from a video sequence. Saliency map is obtained by aggregating primary features of each frame, such as intensity, color, and lines orientation, along with temporal difference. The system is designed to provide both high speed and acceptable accuracy for real-time applications, such as machine vision and robotics. A versatile Verilog model for realization of the video processing system is developed, which can easily be mapped and synthesized on various FPGA or ASIC platforms. The proposed parallel hardware can process over 50 million pixels in a second, which is about 2x faster than the state-of-the-art designs. Experimental results on sample images justify the applicability and efficiency of the developed system in real-time applications.
Microtubules Regulate Migratory Polarity through Rho/ROCK Signaling in T Cells

Background Migrating leukocytes normally have a polarized morphology with an actin-rich lamellipodium at the front and a uropod at the rear. Microtubules (MTs) are required for persistent migration and chemotaxis, but how they affect cell polarity is not known. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we report that T cells treated with nocodazole to disrupt MTs are unable to form a stable uropod or lamellipodium, and instead often move by membrane blebbing with reduced migratory persistence. However, uropod-localized receptors and ezrin/radixin/moesin proteins still cluster in nocodazole-treated cells, indicating that MTs are required specifically for uropod stability. Nocodazole stimulates RhoA activity, and inhibition of the RhoA target ROCK allows nocodazole-treated cells to re-establish lamellipodia and uropods and persistent migratory polarity. ROCK inhibition decreases nocodazole-induced membrane blebbing and stabilizes MTs. The myosin inhibitor blebbistatin also stabilizes MTs, indicating that RhoA/ROCK act through myosin II to destabilize MTs. Conclusions/Significance Our results indicate that RhoA/ROCK signaling normally contributes to migration by affecting both actomyosin contractility and MT stability. We propose that regulation of MT stability and RhoA/ROCK activity is a mechanism to alter T-cell migratory behavior from lamellipodium-based persistent migration to bleb-based migration with frequent turning.
Towards Mapping Large Scale Ontologies Based on RFCA with Attribute Reduction

Ontology mapping is one of the most fundamental issues to address the interoperability between heterogeneous and distributed ontologies. So far, many efforts have been conducted to suggest ontology mapping models. The RFCA mapping model is one of potential them. However, how to construct relationship among the large scale ontologies is also one of challenges concerning the semantic web world. This paper addresses the problem of the reduction of formal context in the mapping process of the RFCA model to adapt the large scale ontologies. Based on this issue, a method using attribute reduction to enhance the RFCA ontology mapping method is proposed. Using attribute reduction technology, the RFCA method can be adaptable to the large scale of ontology mapping. A prototype has implemented based on this method. The results of experiments show that this method is potential method to adaptable to the large scale of ontology engineering.
Automating the design flow for distributed embedded automotive applications: Keeping your time promises, and optimizing costs, too

We address the complete design flow from specification models of new automotive functions captured in Matlab-Simulink to their distributed execution on hierarchical bus-based electronic architectures hosting the release of already deployed automotive functions. We propose an automated design space exploration process resulting in a cost-optimized extension of the existing target hardware and an allocation of balanced task structures automatically derived from the specification model on this modified target hardware which is sufficient to guarantee both system-level timing requirements and deadlines extracted from the Matlab-Simulink specification model.
Emotional cues, emotional signals, and their contrasting effects on listener valence

Smith and Harper[17] documented a considerable amount of animal sounds, and they found that the signals that had intentions to communicate (e.g. courtship display or defensive threatening posturing) were most often multimodal signals. This results as these signals are meant to be reliable and of benefit to both the sender and the receiver of the signal, otherwise they would cease to have the intended effect of communication. In contrast with signals, animal cues are much more commonly unimodal as they are unintentional by the sender. In my research, I investigate whether subjects exhibit different magnitudes of emotional valence responses between multimodal haptic and audio sources to unimodal audio sources, and whether there are divergences between the different types of emotions presented. Some emotions are more strongly intentional signals (e.g. happiness, fear or grief) while others are more emotional cues (e.g. sadness or calmness). My hypothesis is that musical and sound stimuli that are mimetic of emotional signals should combine to elicit a stronger response when presented as a multimodal stimulus as opposed to as a unimodal stimulus, whereas musical or sound stimuli that are mimetic of emotional cues interact in less clear and less cohesive manners with their corresponding haptic signals. For my investigations, subjects listen to samples from the International Affective Digital Sounds Library[2] and selected musical works on speakers in combination with a tactile transducer attached to their chair. The listening sessions are recorded on EEG supported by SCR, respiratory rate, heart rate and subject feedback responses.
INTRODUCING NEW PARAMETERS TO COMPARE THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF MEAN -SHIFT BASED TRACKING ALGORITHMS

Mean shift algorithms are among the most functional tracking methods which are accurate and have almost simple computation. Different versions of this algorithm are developed which are differ in template updating and their window sizes. To measure the reliability and accuracy of these methods one should normally rely on visual results or number of iteration. In this paper we introduce two new parameters which can be used to compare the algorithms especially when their results are close to each other.
Physical Unclonable Functions for IoT Security

Devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) introduce unique security challenges due to their operating conditions and device limitations. Existing security solutions based on classical cryptography have signiﬁcant drawbacks in IoT devices, primarily due to the possibility of physical and side channel attacks. As an alternative approach, this position paper advocates the use of physical unclonable functions (PUFs) as a security primitive for developing security solutions for IoT devices. Preliminary work on developing a PUF based mutual authentication protocol is also presented.
The Value Relevance of Announcements of Transformational Information Technology Investments

In this paper, we examine the influence of IT strategic role to extend the findings of Im et al. (2001), Chatterjee et al. (2002) and Dos Santos et al. (1993). Specifically, we demonstrate that IT strategic role can explain how IT investments in each of the IT strategic roles might affect the firm's competitive position and ultimately firm value. We find positive, abnormal returns to announcements of IT investments by firms making transformative IT investments, and with membership in industries with transform IT strategic roles. The results of previous research are not found to be significant when IT strategic role is included as an explanatory variable. These results provide support for the value of capturing the IT strategic role of a firm's IT-related competitive maneuvering in studies striving to understand the conditions under which IT investments are likely to produce out-of-the-ordinary, positive returns.
Comparison of collagen proportionate areas in liver fibrosis quantification between chronic hepatitis B and C

AbstractFew studies have compared the distinct hepatic collagen morphometrics of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). This study compared the discrepancies between CHB and CHC in liver fibrosis (F) quantification by using the collagen proportionate area (CPA) and liver stiffness (LS) measured with shear wave velocity (SWV). This study enrolled 274 eligible consecutive patients diagnosed with CHB (n = 137) or CHC (n = 137). Their ages ranged from 20 to 80 years (median = 50). In total, 154 patients (56.2%) were male. Participant LS was measured by using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography preceding an immediate percutaneous liver biopsy. The total proportion of the collagen stained with picrosirius red to the total tissue area was expressed as the CPA percentage, which was stratified into portal–bridging (PB) and perisinusoidal (PS) proportionate areas (PAs). Based on the METAVIR F staging system, 36 (26.3%), 36 (26.3%), 28 (20.4%), and 37 (27.0%) participants in the CHB group and 34 (24.8%), 45 (32.9%), 34 (24.8%), and 24 (17.5%) participants in the CHC group were staged as F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively. Both the total CPAs and PBPAs were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the CHC group than in the CHB group within all F-stratified subgroups. The SWVs were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the CHC group than in the CHB group only within the F2, F3, and F4 subgroups. However, the PSPAs did not differ significantly between the CHC and CHB groups within all subgroups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that viral hepatitis etiology (P < 0.001), METAVIR F stages (P < 0.001), and platelet count (P = 0.007) were independent factors correlated with the CPA (R2 = 0.543, P < 0.001). In conclusion, both the F stage-stratified CPAs and SWVs tended to be higher in cases of CHC than in those of CHB. The type of viral hepatitis significantly affected both the CPA and SWV values. The PBPAs were more closely correlated with F stages and SWV than were the PSPAs.
MODELING THE PERCEPTUAL MAGNET EFFECT AND CATEGORICAL PERCEPTION USING SELF-ORGANIZING NEURAL NETWORKS

Purpose: A neural model of speech production based on self-organizing neural networks and comprising motor and sensory modules for feedback and feed-forward control is introduced. The model is capable of describing speech acquisition stages as well as speech perception effects. Method: 20 instances of the neural model were trained as in early stages of speech acquisition (babbling and imitation) in order to create 20 different virtual toddlers. Perceptual experiments were performed using these virtual listeners. Results: Typical effects of speech perception occur during identification experiments on vocalic and consonantal acoustic stimulus continua. Consonantal categorical perception directly occurs during babbling while the vocalic perceptual magnet effect occurs later on during language specific imitation training. Conclusion: The introduced neural model of speech production using self-organizing neural networks is capable (a) of illustrating the close relationship between production and perception of speech and (b) of elucidating the formation of speech perception during speech acquisition.
A Longitudinal Study of the Illinois High School Class of 2002: A Six-Year Analysis of Postsecondary Enrollment and Completion. Policy Research: IERC 2010-3.

In 2003, the Illinois Education Research Council (IERC) began to follow the members of the Illinois public high school class of 2002 (the Class of 2002) on their journeys through postsecondary education. There is a wealth of higher education information on these students, including enrollment and the completion of certificates and degrees. Also, a suffi cient amount of time has passed to adequately explore bachelor’s degree completion patterns, as the study period runs from the fall semester of 2002 to the end of the spring semester of 2008.
Plane and oblique shocks in shallow granular flows

Although the Savage-Hutter theory for shallow granular flows has certain similarities with the shallow water equations of hydrodynamics, shock waves have not been observed until relatively recently. In this paper laboratory experiments are presented, in which plane travelling shock waves and station- ary oblique shocks develop. The experiments also show the formation of expansion waves and granu- lar vacua. A simple travelling wave solution to the Savage-Hutter equations is derived for flow on non- accelerative slopes and it is used to test a series of sim- ple one-dimensional shock capturing numerical meth- ods. Finally it is shown that plane shocks play an im- portant role in the formation of stratification patterns in heaps and partially filled slowly rotating drums.
The natural history of hereditary pancreatitis: a national series

Background and aims: The prevalence and natural history of hereditary pancreatitis (HP) remain poorly documented. The aims of this study were to assess genetic, epidemiological, clinical and morphological characteristics of HP in an extensive national survey. Methods: A cohort comprising all HP patients was constituted by contacting all gastroenterologists and paediatricians (response rate 84%) and genetics laboratories (response rate 100%) in France (60 200 000 inhabitants). Inclusion criteria were the presence of mutation in the cationic trypsingen gene (PRSS1 gene), or chronic pancreatitis in at least two first-degree relatives, or three second-degree relatives, in the absence of precipitating factors for pancreatitis. Results: 78 families and 200 patients were included (181 alive, 6673 person-years, males 53%, alcoholism 5%, smoking 34%). The prevalence was 0.3/100 000 inhabitants. PRSS1 mutations were detected in 68% (R122H 78%, N29I 12%, others 10%). Penetrance was 93%. Median age at first symptom, diagnosis and date of last news, were 10 (range 1–73), 19 (1–80) and 30 (1–84) years, respectively. HP was responsible for pancreatic pain (83%), acute pancreatitis (69%), pseudocysts (23%), cholestasis (3%), pancreatic calcifications (61%), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (34%, median age of occurrence 29 years), diabetes mellitus (26%, median age of occurrence 38 years) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (5%, median age 55 years). No differences in clinical and morphological data according to genetic status were observed. 19 patients died, including 10 directly from HP (8 from pancreatic adenocarcinoma). Conclusion: The prevalence of HP in France is at least 0.3/100 000. PRSS1 gene mutations are found in 2/3 with a 93% penetrance. Mutation type is not correlated with clinical/morphological expression. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the cause of nearly half the deaths.