Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the impact of YouTube delivery policies on user experience

This paper presents an in-depth study of YouTube video service delivery. We have designed a tool that crawls YouTube videos in order to precisely evaluate the quality of experience (QoE) as perceived by the user. We enrich the main QoE metric, the number of video stalls, with many network measurements and use multiple DNS servers to understand the main factors that impact QoS and QoE. This tool has been used in multiple configurations: first, to understand the main delivery policies of YouTube videos, then to understand the impact of the ISP on these policies and finally, to compare the US and Europe YouTube policies. Our main results are that: (i) geographical proximity does not matter inside Europe or the US, but link cost and ISP-dependent policies do; (ii) usual QoS metrics (RTT) have no impact on QoE (video stall); (iii) QoE is not impacted nowadays (with good access networks) by access capacity but by peering agreements between ISPs and CDNs, and by server load. We also indicate a network monitoring metric that can be used by ISPs to roughly evaluate the QoE of HTTP video streaming of a large set of clients at a reduced computational cost.
RECOG: A Sensing-Based Cognitive Radio System with Real-Time Application Support

While conventional cognitive radio (CR) system is striving at providing best possible protections for the usage of primary users (PU), little attention has been given to ensure the quality of service (QoS) of applications of secondary users (SU). When loading real-time applications over such a CR system, we have found that existing spectrum sensing schemes create a major hurdle for real-time traffic delivery of SU. For example, energy detection based sensing, a widely used technique, requires possibly more than 100 ms to detect a PU with weak signals. The delay is intolerable for real-time applications with stringent QoS requirements, such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP) or live video chat. This delay, along with other delays caused by backup channel searching, channel switching, and possible buffer overflow due to the insertion of sensing periods, makes supporting real-time applications over CR system very difficult if not impossible. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a sensing-based CR system - RECOG, which is able to support realtime communications among SUs. We first redesign the conventional sensing scheme. Without increasing the complexity or trading off the detection performance, we break down a long sensing period into a series of shorter blocks, turning a disruptive long delay into negligible short delays. To enhance the sensing capability as well as better protect the QoS of SU traffic, we also incorporate an on-demand sensing scheme based on MAC layer information. In addition, to ensure a fast and reliable switching when PU returns, we integrate an efficient backup channel scanning and searching component in our system. Finally, to overcome a potential buffer overflow, we propose a CR-aware QoS manager. Our extensive experimental evaluations validate that RECOG can not only support realtime traffic among SUs with high quality, but also improve protections for PUs.
Robust reconstruction of motion vectors using frame expansion

Transmitting video streams on channels impaired with transmission errors is a very demanding task, mainly when images are predicted from previous ones. In this case, errors on motion vectors can be very harmful. In order to overcome this problem, this paper presents a modified H263+ scheme without motion vector transmission. This is obtained by reestimating these motion vectors at the receiver, based on properties of frame expansions. This procedure is obtained at the cost of an increased bit rate, but shows that robust (and efficient) transmission can indeed be obtained in conjunction with image prediction.
Gamma-Ray Emission Properties from Mature Pulsars in the Galaxy and in the Gould Belt

We study the γ-ray emission properties of pulsars by using a new self-consistent outer gap model. The outer gap can exist in pulsars older than 1 million yr if the effect of magnetic inclination angle, as well as the average properties of the outer gap, are considered. The mature γ-ray pulsars, whose ages are between 0.3 and 3 million yr, are able to move up to high Galactic latitude. Moreover, their γ-ray luminosities are weaker, and their spectra are significantly softer than those of younger γ-ray pulsars in the Galactic plane. We use a Monte Carlo method to simulate the statistical properties of γ-ray pulsars in the Galaxy as well as in the Gould Belt. We find that γ-ray pulsars located at ∣ b ∣ < 5° and ∣ b ∣ > 5° have very different properties. High Galactic latitude γ-ray pulsars are dominated by mature pulsars with longer periods, weaker fluxes, and softer spectra. If the pulsar birth rates in the Galaxy and the Gould Belt are ~10-2 and ~2 × 10-5 yr-1, respectively, there are 42 and 35 radio-quiet γ-ray pulsars for ∣ b ∣ < 5° and ∣ b ∣ > 5°, respectively. The number of radio-quiet γ-ray pulsars from the Gould Belt are 2 and 13 for ∣ b ∣ < 5° and ∣ b ∣ > 5°, respectively. We suggest that a good fraction of unidentified EGRET γ-ray sources may be these radio-quiet γ-ray pulsars. Furthermore, γ-ray pulsars located at ∣ b ∣ > 5° satisfy Lγ ∝ L, whereas Lγ ∝ L for γ-ray pulsars in the Galactic plane, where β ~ 0.6 and δ ~ 0.3, respectively.
Based on the Forwarding Free Riding's Design and Analysis of theLocation Management Method in Wireless Sensor Networks

The paper designs a forwarding Free-Riding-based location management scheme for wireless sensor networks, combining the features of the multi-points routing and the gossip-based broadcast to design the mobile data transmission methods of the objects so that the communication cost can be reduced. The mathematical model to the random Petri net- work is developed to analyze the behavior of the location management scheme in the WSN so that the method is more so- phisticated. The experiments show that the forwarding Free-Riding-based location management scheme can reduce the communication cost of the WSN.
Characterization of Histone H2A Derived Antimicrobial Peptides, Harriottins, from Sicklefin Chimaera Neoharriotta pinnata (Schnakenbeck, 1931) and Its Evolutionary Divergence with respect to CO1 and Histone H2A

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are humoral innate immune components of fishes that provide protection against pathogenic infections. Histone derived antimicrobial peptides are reported to actively participate in the immune defenses of fishes. Present study deals with identification of putative antimicrobial sequences from the histone H2A of sicklefin chimaera, Neoharriotta pinnata. A 52 amino acid residue termed Harriottin-1, a 40 amino acid Harriottin-2, and a 21 mer Harriottin-3 were identified to possess antimicrobial sequence motif. Physicochemical properties and molecular structure of Harriottins are in agreement with the characteristic features of antimicrobial peptides, indicating its potential role in innate immunity of sicklefin chimaera. The histone H2A sequence of sicklefin chimera was found to differ from previously reported histone H2A sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on histone H2A and cytochrome oxidase subunit-1 (CO1) gene revealed N. pinnata to occupy an intermediate position with respect to invertebrates and vertebrates.
Differences in Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity Development in Paired Twins: A Chinese Population Study

Purpose. To determine the differences in risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in paired twins. Methods. A retrospective medical record review was performed for all paired twins screened for ROP between 2007 and 2012. Screening was offered to very low birth weight (≤1500 grams) and preterm (≤32 weeks) neonates. Twins 1 and 2 were categorized based on the order of delivery. Maternal and neonatal covariates were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses for both ROP and Type 1 ROP. Results. In 34 pairs of Chinese twins, the mean gestational age (GA) was 30.2 ± 2.0 weeks. In Twin 1, smaller GA (OR = 0.44, P = 0.02), higher mean oxygen concentration (OR = 1.34, P = 0.03), presence of thrombocytopenia (OR = 1429.60, P < 0.0001), and intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 18.67, P = 0.03) were significant risk factors for ROP. For Twin 2, a smaller GA (OR = 0.45, P = 0.03) was the only risk factor. There were no significant risk factors for ROP in Twin 1 or Twin 2 on multivariate analysis. Conclusion. In Chinese twin pairs, smaller GA was the only common risk factor for ROP while Twin 1 was more susceptible to the postnatal risks for ROP.
Massive z 1.3 evolved galaxies revealed

We present the results of TNG near-IR low resolution spectroscopy of two (S7F5 254 and S7F5 45) sources belonging to a complete sample of 15 EROs with K' 5 selected from the MUNICS Survey. Both the spectra show a sharp drop in the continuum which can be ascribed only to the Balmer break. This places them at 1.2< z < 1.5. Their rest-frame z = 1.2 K-band absolute magnitude is MK ≃ −26.6 (L∼ 7L ∗ ). The comparison of the spectra and the photometric data with a grid of synthetic template spectra provides a redshift z ≃ 1.22 −0.07 +0.2 for S7F5 254 and z ≃ 1.46 ± 0.02 for S7F5 45. The resulting lower limits to their stellar mass are M min = 6 × 10 11 M⊙ and M min = 4 × 10 11 M⊙. The minimum age of the last burst of star formation in S7F5 254 is 3.5 Gyr while it is 0.5 Gyr in S7F5 45 implying a minimum formation redshift zf ∼3.5 and zf ∼2 for the two EROs respectively.
Perceptual Content, Not Physiological Signals, Determines Perceived Duration When Viewing Dynamic, Natural Scenes

The neural basis of time perception remains unknown. A prominent account is the pacemaker-accumulator model, wherein regular ticks of some physiological or neural pacemaker are read out as time. Putative candidates for the pacemaker have been suggested in physiological processes (heartbeat), or dopaminergic mid-brain neurons, whose activity has been associated with spontaneous blinking. However, such proposals have difficulty accounting for observations that time perception varies systematically with perceptual content. We examined physiological influences on human duration estimates for naturalistic videos between 1–64 seconds using cardiac and eye recordings. Duration estimates were biased by the amount of change in scene content. Contrary to previous claims, heart rate, and blinking were not related to duration estimates. Our results support a recent proposal that tracking change in perceptual classification networks provides a basis for human time perception, and suggest that previous assertions of the importance of physiological factors should be tempered.
A FREQUENCY SELECTIVE ABSORBING GROUND PLANE FOR LOW-RCS MICROSTRIP ANTENNA ARRAYS

An e-cient strategy for reducing the signature of an antenna is to substitute the conventional solid ground plane with a patterned ground plane thus letting the incoming energy to pass through the structure except over the operating band of the antenna. However, in a real environment, the energy ∞owing through the FSS (Frequency Selective Surface) can be intercepted by eventual scatterers located behind the antenna, so to nullify the RCS (Radar Cross Section) reduction. To overcome this drawback, a novel composite structure is proposed which is able to dissipate such energy by placing a thin absorbing layer below the FSS ground. It is shown that a careful analysis has to be performed to accomplish this goal since the transparent antenna array and the backing absorber strongly interact and thus they cannot be separately designed. The optimal value of the foam spacer thickness between the FSS ground and the absorbing layer is investigated by an e-cient equivalent transmission line approach. Criteria for enlarging the low-RCS band with respect to the free space design are also provided. An antenna array prototype backed by the thin multilayer structure is flnally manufactured and tested.
Comedy as a Route to Social Change: The Effects of Satire and News on Persuasion about Syrian Refugees

Using a pretest–posttest and delayed recontact experimental design with a national sample, this study examines shifts in U.S. public attitudes about Syrian refugees after watching a topical satirical news segment on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, compared with a CNN news segment. To investigate synergistic effects between satire and news, the design varied whether the news and comedy segments were viewed alone or in sequence (news before comedy or comedy before news). The results show that all four treatments (news only, comedy only, news-comedy, comedy-news) significantly increased support for refugees from pretest to posttest, and these effects were maintained after a 2-week delay. However, the effects were significantly greater in the three comedy conditions relative to news only. Finally, a serial mediation analysis demonstrated that perceived entertainment value is a positive mediator of comedy’s persuasive effects and serves as a buffer against negative indirect effects through message discounting and argument quality.
Multistimulator backchannel communication link implemented for safety information and closed-loop power management

This paper describes the importance of having a backchannel communication link between a microstimulator ASIC and an external control unit for complete safety closure and closed-loop power management. An example of the overall microstimulation system with backchannel communication link for an epiretinal implant is provided. Additionally, the backchannel operation and protocol between the implant chip and the external control unit are given. The flexible multichannel stimulator was implemented and successfully tested in a 0.35 μm AMS HVCMOS technology. A test measurement setup is developed to test the functionality of bidirectional communication between the fabricated stimulator ASIC and the external control unit. Conducted measurement results on erroneous data packet, non-accomplished charge balancing and supply voltage adaptation validate the functionality of the bidirectional communication system.
The Effect of Pregnancy on Intertemporal Choice and Its Mechanism

Pregnancy has been considered a special period with cognitive defect and unstable emotion. However, physiological and psychological changes jointly reshape the brain of pregnant women, which makes them more patient and prefer future outcomes. Specifically, they become more future-orientated, self-controlled and more positive to the future. These phenomena can be accounted for evolution perspective and construal level theory. Furthermore, we recommend that future researches pay attention to the effect of pregnancy on intertemporal choice in different domains and the relevant influence of expectant fathers on delay discounting.
A Confidence-Based Approach to Multi-Robot Learning from Demonstration

This paper presents an overview of a series of projects exploring multi-robot learning from demonstration. We present flexMLfD, a robot independent and task independent demonstration learning system that supports a variable number of robot learners. This learning system has been fully implemented and tested, and we present three example domains, utilizing different robotic platforms, to which it has been applied. Additionally, we present scalability analysis, using up to seven real robots, examining how the number of robots being taught by the teacher at the same time affects the number of demonstrations required to learn the task, the time and attention demands on the teacher, and the delay each robot experiences in obtaining a demonstration.
A new multi-path selection scheme for video streaming on overlay networks

This paper presents a new multi-path selection scheme for video streaming on overlay networks. Our scheme uses an overlay network architecture that makes minimal assumptions about the knowledge of the underlying network. We first propose a new QoS metric link correlation and a path correlation model for multi-path selection problem. After discussing the tractability of minimal correlation multi-path selection problem, we present an efficient algorithm called correlation cost routing to select multi-path in overlay networks. The simulation results show that the average peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the transmitted multiple descriptions coding (MDC) video using our multi-path selection algorithm improves by up to 3.2 dB over maximally link-disjoint multi-path selection method. Furthermore our new algorithm is more efficient than previous methods since it shares the same complexity with Dijsktra algorithm.
Sub-lexical language models for German LVCSR

One of the major difficulties related to German LVCSR is the rich morphology nature of German, leading to high out-of-vocabulary (OOV) rates, and high language model (LM) perplexities. Normally, compound words make up an essential fraction of the German vocabulary. Most compound OOVs are composed of frequent in-vocabulary words. Here, we investigate the use of sub-lexical LMs based on different approaches for word decomposition, namely supervised and unsupervised decomposition, as well as decomposition derived from grapheme-to-phoneme (G2P) conversion. In the later approach, we augment a normal word model with a set of grapheme-phoneme pairs called graphones used to model the OOV words. A novel approach is proposed to select the representative graphone sequences for OOVs based on unsupervised decomposition and word-pronunciation alignment. We obtain relative reductions in word error rate (WER) from 4.2% to 6.5% with respect to a comparable full-words system.
Robust Fringe Projection Profilometry via Sparse Representation

In this paper, a robust fringe projection profilometry (FPP) algorithm using the sparse dictionary learning and sparse coding techniques is proposed. When reconstructing the 3D model of objects, traditional FPP systems often fail to perform if the captured fringe images have a complex scene, such as having multiple and occluded objects. It introduces great difficulty to the phase unwrapping process of an FPP system that can result in serious distortion in the final reconstructed 3D model. For the proposed algorithm, it encodes the period order information, which is essential to phase unwrapping, into some texture patterns and embeds them to the projected fringe patterns. When the encoded fringe image is captured, a modified morphological component analysis and a sparse classification procedure are performed to decode and identify the embedded period order information. It is then used to assist the phase unwrapping process to deal with the different artifacts in the fringe images. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the robustness of an FPP system. It performs equally well no matter the fringe images have a simple or complex scene, or are affected due to the ambient lighting of the working environment.
Detecting Modular ACU Structural Symmetries

We present an ecient encoding of order-sorted modular ACU terms into colored directed graphs. Then, by computing the automorphism groups of the encoded graphs, we are able to extract modular ACU structural symmetries both inside a term and across a set of terms. Finally, we show how the computed symmetries can be applied to the optimization of the equational generalization algorithms for modular ACU theories.
Exemplar-based processing for speech recognition

Solving real-world classification and recognition problems requires a principled way of modeling the physical phenomena generating the observed data and the uncertainty in it. The uncertainty originates from the fact that many data generation aspects are influenced by non-directly measurable variables or are too complex to model and hence are treated as random fluctuations. For example, in speech production, uncertainty could from arise from vocal tract variations amongst different people or corruption by noise. The goal of modeling is to establish a generalization from the set of observed data such that accurate inference (classification, decision, recognition) can be made about the data yet to be observed, which we refer to as unseen data. Whether or not the test sample informs the construction of the model leads to two broad categories of approaches for modeling the observed data. The first category comprises those approaches which use all the available training data to build a model before the test sample is seen. The second category comprises those approaches which judiciously select a subset of exemplars from the training data to build a local model specifically for every test sample. In the machine learning community, these two broad categories of modeling are referred to as eager (off-line) learning and lazy (instancebased or memory-based) learning [1]. In the speech and vision communities, the second category has been referred to exemplar-based modeling since the model is built from a few relevant training examples for each test sample. Analogously, we will refer to the first category as global-data modeling because the model is built from all training examples for each test sample. For the last 30 years, Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) has been dominated by techniques based on global-data modeling in the form of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to model the time-varying aspect of the acoustics. Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) are typically used to model the observation densities in the HMM. Combined with BaumWelch algorithms, they allow for fast, scalable and reliable estimation of the modeling parameters involved. This has been the main reason for wide adoption in the ASR community,
Hybrid Kaczmarz and coordinate‐descent iterations for signal detection in massive MIMO systems

A hybrid Kaczmarz and coordinate-descent (H-KCD) iterative algorithm is proposed for signal detection in massive MIMO systems. Together with the specially-designed orthogonal projection and decision operation during iterations, this approach outperforms the standalone usage of either the Kaczmarz or coordinate-descent iteration, and gives better error-rate performance than the linear minimum mean-squared error detection. Essentially, since the Gram matrix is not required for the proposed H-KCD scheme, it owns lower total computational complexity than some state-of-the-art iterative methods.
Characterization of an Intron 12 Splice Donor Conductance guPator (CF tation in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane

Cystic fibrosis, the most common lethal genetic disease in the white population, is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Analysis of DNA from a pancreatic insuffkient patient by chemical mismatch cleavage and subsequent DNA sequencing led to the identification of a potential splice mutation in the CFTR gene. A transition of the invariant guanosine to adenosine (1898 + lG>A) was found at the splice donor site of intron 12. To determine the effect of this mutation on the patient’s CFTR transcripts, RNA from the nasal epithelium was reverse transcribed and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Direct sequencing of the PCR products revealed that the transcript from the chromosome with the 1898 + 1G> A mutation had skipped exon 12 entirely, resulting in a joining of exons 11 and 13. Deletion of exon 12 results in the removal of a highly conserved region which encodes the Walker B consensus sequence of the first nucleotide-binding fold of CFTR. o 1992 Wiley-Liss, I~C.