Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
System-level performance evaluation of the SVD based codebooks in 3GPP LTE HetNet

This paper presents the singular value decomposition (SVD) based codebook design criteria to accurately recover the channel of the users. Therefore, these codebooks make possible to utilize the interference reduction aided preprocessing techniques for practical purpose as in the HetNet environment. The system-level simulations verify that the proposed SVD based codebooks recover more accurate channel state information (CSI) because the performance of non-linear Tomlinson-Harashima (TH) precoding is better than zero forcing (ZF) precoding for the same number of feedback bits.
Dedicated breast CT: radiation dose and image quality evaluation.

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of breast computed tomography (CT) in terms of radiation dose and image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS Validated Monte Carlo simulation techniques were used to estimate the average glandular dose (AGD). The calculated photon fluence at the detector for high-quality abdominal CT (120 kVp, 300 mAs, 5-mm section thickness) was the benchmark for assessing the milliampere seconds and corresponding radiation dose necessary for breast CT. Image noise was measured by using a 10-cm-diameter cylinder imaged with a clinical CT scanner at 10-300 mAs for 80, 100, and 120 kVp. A cadaveric breast was imaged in the coronal plane to approximate the acquisition geometry of a proposed breast CT scanner. RESULTS The AGD for 80-kVp breast CT was comparable to that for two-view mammography of 5-cm breasts (compressed breast thickness). For thicker breasts, the breast CT dose was about one-third less than that for two-view mammography. The maximum dose at mammography assessed in 1-mm(3) voxels was far higher (20.0 mGy) than that at breast CT (5.4 mGy) for a typical 5-cm 50% glandular breast. CT images of an 8-cm cadaveric breast (AGD, 6.3 mGy) were subjectively superior to digital mammograms (AGD, 10.1 mGy) of the same specimen. CONCLUSION The potential of high signal-to-noise ratio images with low anatomic noise, which are obtainable at dose levels comparable to those for mammography, suggests that dedicated breast CT should be studied further for its potential in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
A hybrid constraint integer programming approach to solve nurse scheduling problems

The Nurse Scheduling Problem can be simply defined as assigning a series of shift sequences (schedules) to several nurses over a planning horizon according to some constraints and preferences. The inherent benefits of having higher-quality and more flexible schedules are a reduction in outsourcing costs and an increase of job satisfaction in health organizations. In this paper, we present a novel systematic hybrid algorithm, which combines Integer Programming (IP) and Constraint Programming (CP) to efficiently solve highly-constrained Nurse Scheduling Problems. Our focus is to exploit the problem-specific information to improve the performance of the algorithm, and therefore obtain high-quality solutions as well as strong lower bounds. We test our algorithm based on some real-world benchmark instances. Very competitive results are reported compared to the state-of-the-art algorithms from the recent literature, showing that the proposed algorithm is able to solve a wide variety of real-world instances with different complex structures.
Combination of NN and CRF models for joint detection of punctuation and disfluencies

Inserting proper punctuation marks and deleting speech disfluencies are two of the most essential tasks in spoken language processing. This challenging task has prompted extensive research using various techniques, such as conditional random fields. Neural networks, however, are relatively under-explored for this task. Combining different modeling techniques with different advantages has the potential to lead to improvements. In this work, we first establish the performance of joint modeling of punctuation prediction and disfluency detection using neural networks. We then combine a conditional random fields based model and a neural networks based model log-linearly, and show that the combined approach outperforms both individual models, by 2.7% and 3.5% in F-score for speech disfluency and punctuation detection, respectively. When used as a preprocessing step to machine translation this also results in an improved translation quality of 2.5 BLEU points compared to the baseline and of 0.6 BLEU points compared to the non-combined model. Index Terms: speech disfluency detection, punctuation insertion, speech translation
A Framework for Dynamic Semantic Web Services Management

The use of Web services as a means of dynamically discovering, negotiating, composing, executing and managing services to materialize enterprise-scale workflow is an active research topic. Existing approaches involve many disparate concepts, frameworks and technologies. What is needed is a comprehensive and overarching framework that handles the processing and workflow requirements of Virtual Organizations, maps them to a collection of service-oriented tasks, dynamically configures these tasks from available services, and manages the choreography and execution of these services. The goal is to add semantics to Web services to endow them with capabilities needed for their successful deployment in enterprise-scale systems for Virtual Organizations. This paper introduces such a framework, the Knowledge-based Dynamic Semantic Web Services (KDSWS) Framework that addresses in an integrated end-to-end manner, the life-cycle of activities involved in preparing, publishing, requesting, discovering, selecting, configuring, deploying, and delivering Semantic Web Services. In particular, the following issues are addressed with an emphasis on adaptability to rapidly changing environments and standards: (1) semantic specification of both service's and requestor's capabilities, constraints and preferences including quality of service, trust, and security; (2) transaction control and workflow management; and (3) resource management, interoperation and evolution of the Virtual Organization.
Analysis of Percussion Grip for Physically Based Character Animation

This paper presents the analysis of percussion technique for the simulation of virtual timpani playing situations. The analysis has been processed for two subjects performing with two types of grips (French and German), yielding to the extraction of percussion technique parameters from a motion capture database. These parameters are shown to be necessary for specifying the control and extending the expressivity of the simulation process.
Robust source number enumeration for r-dimensional arrays in case of brief sensor failures

There has been much activity on model selection for multi-dimensional data in recent years under the assumption of a Gaussian noise distribution. However, methods which are optimal for Gaussian noise are very sensitive against brief sensor failures. We suggest two robust model order selection schemes for multi-dimensional data based on the MM-estimator of the covariance of the r-mode unfoldings of the complex valued data tensor. Simulation results are given for 2-D and 3-D uniform rectangular arrays based source enumeration, both for Gaussian noise and a brief sensor failure.
Photovoltaic array emulation using a three-phase DC-DC converter with galvanic isolation

This paper deals with an application of a three-phase isolated DC-DC converter in a low cost and alternative building photovoltaic array emulator. This photovoltaic emulator has smooth current circulation over a wide output voltage range and fast response for changes in it. The reference for the emulator output current is computed with a DSP in a real-time process. The equation that models a photovoltaic cell is numerically solved by Newton's method. This approach provides accurate approximation of a commercial solar cell I-V behavior. The performance of the proposed power supply application is evaluated with the emulation of a 2kW photovoltaic array. Theoretical analysis and experimental results are shown.
Patient characteristics as predictors of image quality and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT compared with conventional coronary angiography for detecting coronary artery stenoses: CORE-64 Multicenter International Trial.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to investigate patient characteristics associated with image quality and their impact on the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for the detection of coronary artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two hundred ninety-one patients with a coronary artery calcification (CAC) score of <or=600 Agatston units (214 men and 77 women; mean age, 59.3+/-10.0 years [SD]) were analyzed. An overall image quality score was derived using an ordinal scale. The accuracy of quantitative MDCT to detect significant (>or=50%) stenoses was assessed using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) per patient and per vessel using a modified 19-segment model. The effect of CAC, obesity, heart rate, and heart rate variability on image quality and accuracy were evaluated by multiple logistic regression. Image quality and accuracy were further analyzed in subgroups of significant predictor variables. Diagnostic analysis was determined for image quality strata using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Increasing body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR]=0.89, p<0.001), increasing heart rate (OR=0.90, p<0.001), and the presence of breathing artifact (OR=4.97, p<or=0.001) were associated with poorer image quality whereas sex, CAC score, and heart rate variability were not. Compared with examinations of white patients, studies of black patients had significantly poorer image quality (OR=0.58, p=0.04). At a vessel level, CAC score (10 Agatston units) (OR=1.03, p=0.012) and patient age (OR=1.02, p=0.04) were significantly associated with the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative MDCT compared with QCA. A trend was observed in differences in the areas under the ROC curves across image quality strata at the vessel level (p=0.08). CONCLUSION Image quality is significantly associated with patient ethnicity, BMI, mean scan heart rate, and the presence of breathing artifact but not with CAC score at a patient level. At a vessel level, CAC score and age were associated with reduced diagnostic accuracy.
Computing Aggregation Function Minimum/Maximum using Homomorphic Encryption Schemes in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)

Data aggregation in wireless sensor networks (WSN) helps eliminate information redundancy and increase the lifetime of the network. When homomorphic encryption is used for data aggregation, end-to-end encryption is achieved and aggregation function like average or minimum/maximum can be computed on the encrypted data. Aggregation functions like minimum/maximum rely on comparison operation. But, it has been shown that any homomorphic encryption is insecure against ciphertext only attacks if they support comparison operation. The order preserving encryption scheme (OPES) has been suggested for WSNs, for secure comparison of encrypted data at the aggregator node in WSNs. But, the computational cost at the sensor nodes in WSNs by using OPES is huge. This paper provides an alternative for OPES when used to calculate aggregation function minimum/maximum. In this paper we briefly describe some homomorphic encryption schemes and show how the sensed data is encrypted by using these homomorphic encryption schemes. we show how aggregation function minimum/maximum can be computed at the aggregator node in WSNs by performing addition operation and not comparison operation on the data encrypted with homomorphic encryption schemes. We also show how our scheme helps eliminate the encryption cost at the sensor node in WSNs.
Multi-master Replication of Enhanced Learning Assistant System in IoT Cluster

In this paper, we discuss the multi-master replication of a Learning Assistance System (LAS). An LAS is an enhanced Learning Management System (LMS) developed in the lab of Wakkanai Hokusei Gakuen University. We consider an LAS cluster where availability of the service is inevitable. Data replication can be used to improve availability. However, the replication process can present several problems, such as consistency, availability, and partition tolerance. There are several ways to address these issues. For example, by developing a consistency-aware protocol, we can increase the data consistency of the application. However, we took a lazy approach to address this issue, in which we utilized a Galera cluster with an isolated sequential replication process. Our experiments show reliable results. The approach taken in our experiment is a combination of active and passive replication, to propagate changes in the background, log every transaction, calculate differentiation of content, and provide a comprehensive solution for replication with an eventually consistent approach. Furthermore, our experiments demonstrate that a multi-master replication system is effective for LAS in an Internet of Things (IoT) cluster. In this paper, we discuss the relevant results that we obtained from the evaluation.
A 3D Interactive Model and Atlas of the Jaw Musculature of Alligator mississippiensis

Modern imaging and dissemination methods enable morphologists to share complex, three-dimensional (3D) data in ways not previously possible. Here we present a 3D interactive model of the jaw musculature of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Alligator and crocodylian jaw musculature is notoriously challenging to inspect and interpret because of the derived nature of the feeding apparatus. Using Iodine-contrast enhanced microCT imaging, a segmented model of jaw muscles, trigeminal nerve, brain and skull are presented as a cross-sectional atlas and 3D, interactive pdf of the rendered model. Modern 3D dissemination methods like this 3D Alligator hold great potential for morphologists to share anatomical information to scientists, educators, and the public in an easily downloadable format.
An automation of the course design based on mathematical modeling and genetic algorithms

This work in progress describes a technique of course design in the form of learning objects (LO) sequences. We defined the distance between LOs (metric of learning objects space based on revised Blooms Taxonomy) and used it to design an objective function. This function is a sum of distances between LOs in the given sequence learning prerequisites of a course and its learning outcomes. In addition, the function contains penalties for the violations of the learning sequence, when, for example, one or more learning prerequisites for the given LO are absent in learning outcomes of previous LOs and course's prerequisites. A genetic algorithm was used to find LOs sequences complied with the given requirements of the course. To provide the series of experiments, this algorithm was realized as a computer-aided application in the development environment Microsoft Visual Studio 12. These series showed that the suggested technique is suitable for automated course design based on big amount LOs. Several suggestions to develop the technique are given at the end of this paper.
Examining National Culture Of Qatar

Purpose – This paper aims to examine Hofstede’s (1980, 2001) theory on national culture dimensions (Power Distance, Individualism-Collectivism, Uncertainty Avoidance, MasculinityFemininity, and Long-Term Orientation) in order to investigate the national values of Qatar and whether it differ from the Arabic Countries score as described by (Hofstede 1980-2001). Design/methodology/approach – No empirical research on culture dimensions based on Hofstede’s dataset of culture conducted in Qatar. Univariate statistics procedures used to test the hypotheses. Findings – The results of this investigation suggest that the score of Qatar national culture would different from the score of Arabic Countries which measured by Hofstede 1980. Research limitations/implications – The findings offer valuable insights on the cultural values of Qatar society. Practical implications – The results of this study will aid leaders, policy makers, organizations; will get benefit from this finding which give insight into national values of this society, as well as managers at international corporations can benefit from the findings of this research study if they have business with this country. Originality/value – The research considered as the first attempt to investigate the issue of national cultural values in Qatar.
Extended state observer with phase compensation to estimate and suppress high-frequency disturbances

The extended state observer (ESO), as a special case of high-gain observers, can estimate not only the state variables but also unknown disturbances. ESO works well for slowly time-varying/low-frequency disturbances. To extend its performance to high-frequency disturbances, this paper proposes a phase compensator to recover the inherent phase loss in the traditional ESO. Furthermore, the ESO gains are designed as nonlinear functions to reduce the `peak phenomenon' in linear high-gain observers. Based on the proposed ESO, a frequency-shaped sliding mode control algorithm is designed to further suppress high-frequency disturbances. Simulations are performed on a hard disk drive to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Truth Commissions for Chile and El Salvador: A Report and Assessment

In the Americas, Chile and El Salvador have provided the most recent experiments with truth commissions. The Chilean Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Salvadoran Commission on the Truth were formed in dissimilar political circumstances as means to recover the truth about decades of political violence, and to recommend reforms aimed to prevent its recurrence. A review of the work of the truth commissions is warranted because the human rights calamities in these two countries nearly came to symbolize the human rights situation in the Americas. More pertinently, the Chilean and Salvadoran experiences commend the concept of the truth commission to perform what should now be regarded as a critical human rights task in transitional situations: the internationally supervised recovery of the truth in the cause of justice and the protection and promotion of human rights. In this article I argue for the customary utilization of truth commissions, perhaps as part of the work of the recently established United Nations office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, by way of an assessment of the Chilean and Salvadoran experiences. ' First, I examine the mandates of the two commissions and indicate how the different political environments in which the Chilean Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Salvadoran Commission on the Truth were created account for important differences between the two commissions-indeed, they constitute distinct,
Dynamic Analysis of Gene Expression in Rice Superior and Inferior Grains by RNA-Seq

Poor grain filling of inferior grains located on lower secondary panicle branch causes great drop in rice yield and quality. Dynamic gene expression patterns between superior and inferior grains were examined from the view of the whole transcriptome by using RNA-Seq method. In total, 19,442 genes were detected during rice grain development. Genes involved in starch synthesis, grain storage and grain development were interrogated in particular in superior and inferior grains. Of the genes involved in sucrose to starch transformation process, most were expressed at lower level in inferior grains at early filling stage compared to that of superior grains. But at late filling stage, the expression of those genes was higher in inferior grains and lower in superior grains. The same trends were observed in the expression of grain storage protein genes. While, evidence that genes involved in cell cycle showed higher expression in inferior grains during whole period of grain filling indicated that cell proliferation was active till the late filling stage. In conclusion, delayed expression of most starch synthesis genes in inferior grains and low capacity of sink organ might be two important factors causing low filling rate of inferior grain at early filling stage, and shortage of carbohydrate supply was a limiting factor at late filling stage.
Osmostress‐induced transcription by Hot1 depends on a Hog1‐mediated recruitment of the RNA Pol II

In budding yeast, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) Hog1 coordinates the transcriptional program required for cell survival upon osmostress. The Hot1 transcription factor acts downstream of the MAPK and regulates a subset of Hog1‐responsive genes. In response to high osmolarity, Hot1 targets Hog1 to specific osmostress‐responsive promoters. Here, we show that assembly of the general transcription machinery at Hot1‐dependent promoters depends on the presence of Hot1 and active Hog1 MAPK. Unexpectedly, recruitment of RNA polymerase (Pol) II complex to target promoters does not depend on the phosphorylation of the Hot1 activator by the MAPK. Hog1 interacts with the RNA Pol II and with general components of the transcription machinery. More over, when tethered to a promoter as a LexA fusion protein, Hog1 activates transcription in a stress‐ regulated manner. Thus, anchoring of active Hog1 to promoters by the Hot1 activator is essential for recruitment and activation of RNA Pol II. The mammalian p38 also interacts with the RNA Pol II, which might suggest a conserved mechanism for regulation of gene expression by SAPKs among eukaryotic cells.
Behavioral Investigation on the Frames of Reference Involved in Visuomotor Transformations during Peripheral Arm Reaching

Background Several psychophysical experiments found evidence for the involvement of gaze-centered and/or body-centered coordinates in arm-movement planning and execution. Here we aimed at investigating the frames of reference involved in the visuomotor transformations for reaching towards visual targets in space by taking target eccentricity and performing hand into account. Methodology/Principal Findings We examined several performance measures while subjects reached, in complete darkness, memorized targets situated at different locations relative to the gaze and/or to the body, thus distinguishing between an eye-centered and a body-centered frame of reference involved in the computation of the movement vector. The errors seem to be mainly affected by the visual hemifield of the target, independently from its location relative to the body, with an overestimation error in the horizontal reaching dimension (retinal exaggeration effect). The use of several target locations within the perifoveal visual field allowed us to reveal a novel finding, that is, a positive linear correlation between horizontal overestimation errors and target retinal eccentricity. In addition, we found an independent influence of the performing hand on the visuomotor transformation process, with each hand misreaching towards the ipsilateral side. Conclusions While supporting the existence of an internal mechanism of target-effector integration in multiple frames of reference, the present data, especially the linear overshoot at small target eccentricities, clearly indicate the primary role of gaze-centered coding of target location in the visuomotor transformation for reaching.