Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selected Problems of Designing and Using Deterministic and Stochastic Simulators for Military Trainings

The paper deals with some aspects of designing and using deterministic and stochastic simulators for military trainings. These aspects are divided into three groups: (1) connected with experiences of authors concerning the usage of deterministic and stochastic models in simulators for military trainings; (2) connected with designing simulators for military trainings using simulation design patterns, (3) connected with a set of tools, which enables fast preparation of a game scenario, calibration of simulation models and evaluation of simulation results.
Virtual Constraint Control of a Powered Prosthetic Leg: From Simulation to Experiments With Transfemoral Amputees

Recent powered (or robotic) prosthetic legs independently control different joints and time periods of the gait cycle, resulting in control parameters and switching rules that can be difficult to tune by clinicians. This challenge might be addressed by a unifying control model used by recent bipedal robots, in which virtual constraints define joint patterns as functions of a monotonic variable that continuously represents the gait cycle phase. In the first application of virtual constraints to amputee locomotion, this paper derives exact and approximate control laws for a partial feedback linearization to enforce virtual constraints on a prosthetic leg. We then encode a human-inspired invariance property called effective shape into virtual constraints for the stance period. After simulating the robustness of the partial feedback linearization to clinically meaningful conditions, we experimentally implement this control strategy on a powered transfemoral leg. We report the results of three amputee subjects walking overground and at variable cadences on a treadmill, demonstrating the clinical viability of this novel control approach.
Human Neuroscience

It has been hypothesized that DMN activity represents a functional baseline for human brain activity (Raichle et al., 2001). More specifically, it has been suggested that the DMN supports spontaneous stimulus-independent thoughts or " mind wandering " (Mason et al., 2007). Several studies suggest that these thoughts consist of memories and past experiences that are used to solve problems, plan for future actions, or create general self-relevant mental simulations Medial prefrontal regions in particular have been implicated in supporting self-referential mental activity and integrating ongoing emotional processes into decision-making (Gusnard and Raichle, 2001; Gusnard et al., 2001). The DMN has also been hypothesized to automatically monitor the external environment for salient events, such as novel or unexpected movement patterns or socially relevant stimuli (Gusnard and Raichle, 2001). The precise functions of the DMN are still an active topic of investigation, with recent evidence demonstrating DMN activation during unconscious states, such as sleep or anesthesia (Gusnard and Raichle, 2001; Fox and Raichle, 2007). The hypothesized functions of the DMN are necessary for typical cognition, and some DMN regions are compromised by neurologi-cal and psychiatric disease (Buckner et al., 2008; Broyd et al., 2009). Several studies have shown decreased activity in and connectivity between DMN structures in patients with Alzheimer's disease and
Adaptation strategies for self-management of tree overlay networks

Self-management of tree overlay networks for distributed applications is the challenge this paper addresses. Eight local adaptation strategies are introduced based on which autonomous self-organized agents establish connections that build and maintain a tree topology. Quantitative and qualitative experimental evaluation illustrates and compares the effects of adaptation strategies in the resulting tree topologies according to a defined self-organization goal and four metrics: connectedness, connectivity, instability and robustness. This paper concludes that further applicability of adaptation strategies in other self-organization goals and topologies is promising.
Slow wave and dielectric quasi-TEM modes of Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) structure Through Silicon Via (TSV) in signal propagation and power delivery in 3D chip package

The effects of slow wave and dielectric quasi-TEM modes due to MIS (Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor) structure TSV (Through-Silicon-Via) are analyzed by using the proposed MIS TSV model and the measured results. Since MIS TSV has larger surface, longer length, and smaller insulator thickness than those of conventional on-chip metal lines, the stronger effects of slow wave and dielectric quasi-TEM modes of MIS structure on electrical performance appear. After obtaining the MIS structure TSV model with the dimension variables based on the measurement and 3D full wave simulation, two slow wave and dielectric quasi-TEM modes effects on MIS TSV electrical characteristics are analyzed in the aspects of signal propagation and power delivery.
GABAagent: a system for integrating data on GABA receptors

MOTIVATION Scientific data pertaining to GABA receptors, which are of medical importance, are widely scattered throughout numerous heterogeneous Internet resources. This situation has made the integrated acquisition of such data difficult and substantially time consuming even for researchers who are Internet aficionados. Thus, there exists a genuine need for the development of Internet applications, such as GABAagent, which provide efficient and timely access to concise and integrated information. RESULTS We report here the establishment of a novel server (GABAagent) which has been written in Perl script, and which is freely accessible through the Internet. GABAagent is designed to assist researchers in retrieving focused and integrated information related to GABA receptors from various public domain databases. GABAagent relies on server-side flat-file databases that have been created through data mining from Internet sources such as the PubMed, DDBJ, SWISS-PROT and TrEMBL, in addition to the many World Wide Web (Web) sites which are accessible through Excite (E-Web). These warehouse databases are regularly updated and contain among other things, information concerning: (i) GABA receptor publications, (ii) DNA and protein sequences and (iii) the contents of related E-Web sites along with their addresses. Our system also provides hard links to the above-mentioned Web sites and E-Web sites; the feature which adds to it the character of virtual federation type of database. The current version of GABAagent provides two user-friendly services. The first is a search engine possessing intelligent query reformulation support (GABAengine), the second an elaborate email alert service was designed into the system (GABAalert). The GABAengine allows the user to search server-side databases exclusively for GABA receptor-related queries. Whereas, GABAalert allows the user, by means of subscription, to receive immediate and/or monthly updates automatically. AVAILABILITY GABAagent is freely accessible at the following Web address http://www.ust. hk/gaba.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Human Finger Extensor Mechanism during Isometric Pressing

This study investigated the effects of the finger extensor mechanism on the bone-to-bone contact forces at the interphalangeal and metacarpal joints and also on the forces in the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles during finger pressing. This was done with finger postures ranging from very flexed to fully extended. The role of the finger extensor mechanism was investigated by using two alternative finger models, one which omitted the extensor mechanism and another which included it. A six-camera three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to capture the finger posture during maximum voluntary isometric pressing. The fingertip loads were recorded simultaneously using a force plate system. Two three-dimensional biomechanical finger models, a minimal model without extensor mechanism and a full model with extensor mechanism (tendon network), were used to calculate the joint bone-to-bone contact forces and the extrinsic and intrinsic muscle forces. If the full model is assumed to be realistic, then the results suggest some useful biomechanical advantages provided by the tendon network of the extensor mechanism. It was found that the forces in the intrinsic muscles (interosseus group and lumbrical) are significantly reduced by 22% to 61% due to the action of the extensor mechanism, with the greatest reductions in more flexed postures. The bone-to-bone contact force at the MCP joint is reduced by 10% to 41%. This suggests that the extensor mechanism may help to reduce the risk of injury at the finger joints and also to moderate the forces in intrinsic muscles. These apparent biomechanical advantages may be a result of the extensor mechanism's distinctive interconnected fibrous structure, through which the contraction of the intrinsic muscles as flexors of the MCP joint can generate extensions at the DIP and PIP joints.
Nepenthes Pitcher Inspired Anti‐Wetting Silicone Nanofilaments Coatings: Preparation, Unique Anti‐Wetting and Self‐Cleaning Behaviors

Nepenthes pitcher inspired anti‐wetting coatings, fluoro‐SNs/Krytox, are successfully fabricated by the combination of fluoro‐silicone nanofilaments (fluoro‐SNs) and Krytox liquids, perfluoropolyethers. Fluoro‐SNs with different microstructure are grown onto glass slides using trichloromethylsilane by simply repeating the coating step, and then modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane. Subsequently, the Krytox liquid is spread on the fluoro‐SNs coatings via capillary effect. The fluoro‐SNs/Krytox coatings feature ultra‐low sliding angle for various liquids, excellent stability, and transparency. The sliding speed of liquid drops on the fluoro‐SNs/Krytox coating is obviously slower than on the lotus inspired superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings, and is controlled by composition of the coating (e.g., morphology of the fluoro‐SNs, type of Krytox and its thickness) and properties of the liquid drops (e.g., density and surface tension). In addition, the self‐cleaning property of the fluoro‐SNs/Krytox coating is closely related to properties of liquid drops and dirt.
Electric field effects on multiple quantum wells slow light device

This paper investigates the effect of applied electric field on frequency center, bandwidth and slow down factor of an slow light device. In this way, we consider the shift of exciton energy levels in quantum wells. Analysis and simulation of a basic GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells optical slow light device shows that applied electric field can tune the frequency and time domain properties of an optical slow light device. Simulation shows that electric field could shift the limited gigahertz bandwidth of this device up to 1 THz. These achievements are useful in optical nonlinearity enhancement and all-optical signal processing applications.
Multiresolution GPU Mesh Painting

Mesh painting is a well accepted and very intuitive metaphor for adding high-resolution detail to a given 3D model: Using a brush interface, the designer simply paints fine-scale texture or geometry information onto the surface. In this paper we propose a fully GPU-accelerated mesh painting technique, which provides real-time feedback even for highly complex meshes. Our method can handle arbitrary input meshes, which are considered as base meshes for Catmull-Clark subdivision. Representing the surface by an atlas of geometry images and exploiting programmable vertex and fragment shaders allows for highly efficient LoD rendering and surface manipulation. Our painting metaphor supports real-time texturing, sculpting, smoothing, and multiresolution surface deformations.
Computing the Voronoi Diagram on a Coarse-Grained Multicomputer

In this report, the implementation of an algorithm for computing the 2D Voronoi diagram on a coarse-grained multicomputer (CGM) is presented. The used metric is Euclidean. In the coarsegrained model, each processor has O  p ≫O 1 local memory, where n is the size of the data and p the number of processors. In one communication round, each processor can exchange data with any other processor, but it must not send or receive more than h=O  p  data. With this definition, the computation of the Voronoi diagram can be accomplished in O log p communication rounds, using O  n log 2 n p  local computation per processor with high probability. To achieve this complexity p = p data must be given. This corresponds to a scalability of =1 according to the CGM model.
A high-speed 2×VDD output buffer with PVTL detection using 40-nm CMOS technology

Not only PVT detection techniques but also a leakage compensation design are proposed to carry out 650/500 MHz 2×VDD output buffer in this paper. The proposed 2×VDD output buffer contains a novel PVTL (Process, Voltage, Temperature, Leakage) compensation circuit to resolve the problems in output buffers of nano-scale CMOS technologies. Particularly, the leakage compensation design is realized by an asynchronous control method to control current paths such that the switching loss and the slew rate in the output buffer can be reduced and increased, respectively. The proposed design has been realized and implemented by using a typical 40 nm CMOS process. The data rate is 650/500 MHz given 0.9/1.8 V supply voltage with a 20 pF load. The maximum slew rate is 3.5 (V/ns), and the core area is 0.052 × 0.213 mm2.
Unconstrained Video Monitoring of Breathing Behavior and Application to Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

This paper presents a new real-time automated infrared video monitoring technique for detection of breathing anomalies, and its application in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. We introduce a novel motion model to detect subtle, cyclical breathing signals from video, a new 3-D unsupervised self-adaptive breathing template to learn individuals' normal breathing patterns online, and a robust action classification method to recognize abnormal breathing activities and limb movements. This technique avoids imposing positional constraints on the patient, allowing patients to sleep on their back or side, with or without facing the camera, fully or partially occluded by the bed clothes. Moreover, shallow and abdominal breathing patterns do not adversely affect the performance of the method, and it is insensitive to environmental settings such as infrared lighting levels and camera view angles. The experimental results show that the technique achieves high accuracy (94% for the clinical data) in recognizing apnea episodes and body movements and is robust to various occlusion levels, body poses, body movements (i.e., minor head movement, limb movement, body rotation, and slight torso movement), and breathing behavior (e.g., shallow versus heavy breathing, mouth breathing, chest breathing, and abdominal breathing).
Bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in a great horned owl.

CASE DESCRIPTION A great horned owl of estimated age < 1 year that was captured by wildlife rehabilitators was evaluated because of suspected cataracts. CLINICAL FINDINGS Nuclear and incomplete cortical cataracts were evident in both eyes. Ocular ultrasonography revealed no evidence of retinal detachment, and electroretinography revealed normal retinal function. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME For visual rehabilitation, cataract surgery was planned and intraocular lens design was determined on the basis of values obtained from the schematic eye, which is a mathematical model representing a normal eye for a species. Cataract surgery and intraocular lens placement were performed in both eyes. After surgery, refraction was within -0.75 diopters in the right eye and -0.25 diopters in the left eye. Visual rehabilitation was evident on the basis of improved tracking and feeding behavior, and the owl was eventually released into the wild. CLINICAL RELEVANCE In raptors with substantial visual compromise, euthanasia or placement in a teaching facility is a typical outcome because release of such a bird is unacceptable. Successful intraocular lens implantation for visual rehabilitation and successful release into the wild are achievable.
A Theory of Object Recognition: Computations and Circuits in the Feedforward Path of the Ventral Stream in Primate Visual Cortex

Abstract : We describe a quantitative theory to account for the computations performed by the feedforward path of the ventral stream of visual cortex and the local circuits implementing them. We show that a model instantiating the theory is capable of performing recognition on datasets of complex images at the level of human observers in rapid categorization tasks. We also show that the theory is consistent with (and in some case has predicted) several properties of neurons in V1, V4, IT and PFC. The theory seems sufficiently comprehensive, detailed and satisfactory to represent an interesting challenge for physiologists and modelers: either disprove its basic features or propose alternative theories of equivalent scope. The theory suggests a number of open questions for visual physiology and psychophysics.
Effective concept detection using Second order Co-occurence Flickr context similarity measure SOCFCS

Automatic photo annotation task aims to describe the semantic content by detecting high level concepts. Most existing approaches are performed by training independent concept detectors omitting the interdependencies between concepts. The obtained annotations are often not so satisfactory. Therefore, a process of annotation refinement is mondatory to improve the imprecise annotation results. Recently, harnessing the contextual correlation between concepts is shown to be an important resource to improve concept detection. In this paper, we propose a new context based concept detection process. For this purpose, we define a new semantic measure called Second order Co-occurence Flickr context similarity (SOCFCS), which aggregates the FCS values of common Flickr related-tags of two target concepts in order to calculate their relative semantic context relatedness (SCR). Our proposed measure is applied to build a concept network as the context space. A Random Walk with Restart process is performed over this network to refine the annotation results by exploring the contextual correlation among concepts. Experimental studies are conducted on ImageCLEF 2011 Collection containing 99 concepts. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Fusion of visual cues is not mandatory in children

Human adults can go beyond the limits of individual sensory systems’ resolutions by integrating multiple estimates (e.g., vision and touch) to reduce uncertainty. Little is known about how this ability develops. Although some multisensory abilities are present from early infancy, it is not until age ≥8 y that children use multiple modalities to reduce sensory uncertainty. Here we show that uncertainty reduction by sensory integration does not emerge until 12 y even within the single modality of vision, in judgments of surface slant based on stereoscopic and texture information. However, adults’ integration of sensory information comes at a cost of losing access to the individual estimates that feed into the integrated percept (“sensory fusion”). By contrast, 6-y-olds do not experience fusion, but are able to keep stereo and texture information separate. This ability enables them to outperform adults when discriminating stimuli in which these information sources conflict. Further, unlike adults, 6-y-olds show speed gains consistent with following the fastest-available single cue. Therefore, whereas the mature visual system is optimized for reducing sensory uncertainty, the developing visual system may be optimized for speed and for detecting sensory conflicts. Such conflicts could provide the error signals needed to learn the relationships between sensory information sources and to recalibrate them while the body is growing.
A Fast Algorithm for Computing the Truncated Resultant

Let P and Q be two polynomials in K[x,y] with degree at most d, where K is a field. Denoting by R ∈ K[x] the resultant of P and Q with respect to y, we present an algorithm to compute R mod xk in O~(kd) arithmetic operations in K, where the ~O notation indicates that we omit polylogarithmic factors. This is an improvement over state-of-the-art algorithms that require to compute R in O~(d3) operations before computing its first k coefficients.
Assessment of Welders Exposure to Carcinogen Metals from Manual Metal Arc Welding in Gas Transmission Pipelines, Iran

Background: Welding can produce dangerous fumes containing various metals especially carcinogenic ones. Occupational exposure to welding fumes is associated with lung cancer. Therefore, welders in Gas Transmission Pipelines are known as a high-risk group. This study was designed to determinate the amounts of metals Cr, Ni, and Cd in breathing zone and urine of welders and to assess the possibility of introducing urinary metals as a biomarker due to occupational exposure. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 94 individuals from Gas Transmission Pipelines welders, Iran, Borujen in 2011 were selected and classified into 3 groups including Welders, Back Welders and Assistances. The sampling procedures were performed according to NIOSH 7300 for total chromium, nickel, and cadmium and NIOSH 7600 for Cr+6. For all participants urine samples were collected during the entire work shift and metals in urine were determined according to NIOSH 8310. Results: Back Welders and Assistances groups had maximum and minimum exposure to total fume and its elements, respectively. In addition, results showed that there are significant differences (P<0.05) between Welders and Back Welders with Assistances group in exposure with total fume and elements except Ni. Urinary concentrations of three metals including Cr, Cd and Ni among all welders were about 4.5, 12 and 14-fold greater than those detected in controls, respectively. Weak correlations were found between airborne and urinary metals concentrations (R2: Cr=0.45, Cd=0.298, Ni=0.362). Conclusion: Urinary metals concentrations could not be considerate as a biomarker for welders’ exposure assessment.
Unified Semantic Role Labeling for Verbal and Nominal Predicates in the Chinese Language

This article explores unified semantic role labeling (SRL) for both verbal and nominal predicates in the Chinese language. This is done by considering SRL for both verbal and nominal predicates in a unified framework. First, we systematically examine various kinds of features for verbal SRL and nominal SRL, respectively, besides those widely used ones. Then we further improve the performance of nominal SRL with various kinds of verbal evidence, that is, merging the training instances from verbal predicates and integrating various kinds of features derived from SRL for verbal predicates. Finally, we address the issue of automatic predicate recognition, which is essential for nominal SRL. Evaluation on Chinese PropBank and Chinese NomBank shows that our unified approach significantly improves the performance, in particular that of nominal SRL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported work of unified verbal and nominal SRL on Chinese PropBank and NomBank.