Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scheduling algorithms for linear workflow optimization

Pipelined workflows are a popular programming paradigm for parallel applications. In these workflows, the computation is divided into several stages, and these stages are connected to each other through first-in first-out channels. In order to execute these workflows on a parallel machine, we must first determine the mapping of the stages onto the various processors on the machine. After finding the mapping, we must compute the schedule, i.e., the order in which the various stages execute on their assigned processors. In this paper, we assume that the mapping is given and explore the latter problem of scheduling, particularly for linear workflows. Linear workflows are those in which dependencies between stages can be represented by a linear graph. The objective of the scheduling algorithm is either to minimize the period (the inverse of the throughput), or to minimize the latency (response time), or both. We consider two realistic execution models: the one-port model (all operations are serialized) and the multi-port model (bounded communication capacities and communication/computation overlap). In both models, finding a schedule to minimize the latency is easy. However, computing the schedule to minimize the period is NP-hard in the one-port model, but can be done in polynomial time in the multi-port model. We also present an approximation algorithm to minimize the period in the one-port model. Finally, the bi-criteria problem, which consists in finding a schedule respecting a given period and a given latency, is NP-hard in both models.
Outsourcing as a Fad - The Rational Agent versus Structural Imposition

Over recent years there has been a worldwide trend towards smaller government government departments being under increased pressure to privatise or outsource parts of their operation and to move towards a more independent corporatised model. The corporatised model is seen to involve the organisation moving away from being a direct arm of the government, acting more as a business entity in their own right. In many cases this operation has been preceded by an examination of business processes and subsequent reengineering. This paper examines the change process and presents some of the issues faced by the IT Department of a local governmental organisation as it moves through this difficult and complex process. The paper suggests that consideration of both internal and external social structures needs to play an important part in the examination of the change process.
Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy

This study investigated the reliability and convergent validity of the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy (RSCSE) in a Spanish sample of 180 caregivers of relatives with dementia. The self-efficacy scales were examined in relation to help-seeking behaviors, behavioral problems of the relative, dysfunctional thoughts about caregiving, and depressive symptoms. Good internal consistency indices were found for the RSCSE subscales. Those caregivers with higher scores on the RSCSE reported more help-seeking behaviors, a higher frequency of behavioral problems of their relative, fewer dysfunctional thoughts about caregiving, and less depression. The clinical implications of these results are discussed.
Probation Training: Evidence from Newly Qualified Officers

The Diploma in Probation Studies replaced the Diploma in Social Work as the qualification for probation officers in England and Wales in 1997. It had a controversial beginning, coming as it did after a lengthy struggle involving practitioners, employers and academics, who united in their opposition to the removal of probation from social work training. The fear was that the proposed new training would be too rigid, too functionalist, and too narrow in its focus to produce critical thinkers who would engage in thoughtful and anti‐oppressive probation practice. This paper reports a small qualitative study into the views of a group of 15 newly qualified probation officers from the first three cohorts to qualify about their experiences of this form of training. It finds that they felt they had a very heavy workload, with pressure points at certain times, and would have welcomed the work being more evenly spread. Some respondents struggled with what they saw as the very different requirements of academic work and the NVQ, but most felt that on this programme the NVQ had helped them to become reflective about their practice. They are positive about being well equipped for their jobs in today's probation service, but would welcome more support in their first period of practice after qualifying, to facilitate the continued development of their learning.
Building an Enhanced Syntax-Directed Processing Environment for XML Documents by Combining StAX and CUP

Building on our previous work on the combination of JavaCC and SAX, we developed a new syntax-directed processing environment for XML documents. In this new environment, we use CUP as the parser-generation tool and StAX as the interface with the underlying XML parsing framework. The new environment supports a richer set of processing-specific context-free grammars (i.e., the grammars used for representing the processing-oriented structure of the processed documents) and enables the construction of more efficient and complex processors. In particular, the environment makes possible an event-driven computation style that enables processes that require multiple passes on the document tree, although such a tree is never explicitly built. This paper describes the environment and illustrates its use in the development of , an XML-driven courseware system.
Robust Neural Network Motion Tracking Control of Piezoelectric Actuation Systems for Micro/Nanomanipulation

This paper presents a robust neural network motion tracking control methodology for piezoelectric actuation systems employed in micro/nanomanipulation. This control methodology is proposed for tracking of desired motion trajectories in the presence of unknown system parameters, nonlinearities including the hysteresis effect and external disturbances in the control systems. In this paper, the related control issues are investigated, and a control methodology is established including the neural networks and a sliding control scheme. In particular, the radial basis function (RBF) neural networks are chosen for function approximations. The stability of the closed-loop system, as well as the convergence of the position and velocity tracking errors to zero, is assured by the control methodology in the presence of the aforementioned conditions. An offline learning procedure is also proposed for the improvement of the motion tracking performance. Precise tracking results of the proposed control methodology for a desired motion trajectory are demonstrated in the experimental study. With such a motion tracking capability, the proposed control methodology promises the realization of high-performance piezoelectric actuated micro/nanomanipulation systems.
REAL TIME SPECTRAL EXPANSION FOR CREATIVE AND REMEDIAL SOUND TRANSFORMATION

In this paper we describe the implementation, use and applications of WaveThresh, a real time Fourier\wavelet spectral expander. Expansion and reverse-expansion of spectral components is offered. In order that analysis methods can be better adapted to the signal we offer a combined wavelet\Fourier mode. This mode separates sinusoids from the rest of the signal (residual) and applies Fourier analysis to the sinusoids and wavelet analysis to the residual.
Dangers and pleasures: Drug attitudes and experiences among young people

This is a study of young people’s conceptions of illegal drug use as dangerous and/or pleasurable and an analysis of the relationship between attitudes to drugs, drinking, friends’ reported drug use and own experience with drug use and drinking. The article applies a mixed methods approach using both survey data and focus group interviews. The main statistical method is Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), which constructs a social space of young people’s attitudes to drugs and drug experiences relationally. We identify four interrelated positions on illegal drug use among 17 to 19-year-old Danes: the anti-drug position, usually held by youths who do not use illegal drugs and do not have drug-using friends; the ambivalent position, occupied by non-users who report that they have drug-using friends; the transitory position, held by cannabis users, some of whom express positive attitudes to ‘hard’ illegal drugs; and, finally, the pro-drug position, characteristic of drug users with low risk perceptions and high pleasure-orientation. We use the focus group interviews to demonstrate how youths occupying these differing positions argue for and against drugs and which risks and pleasures they associate with drug use.
The impact of speed of processing training on cognitive and everyday performance

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the impact of speed of processing training on the cognitive and everyday abilities of older adults with initial processing speed or processing difficulty. Participants were randomized to either a speed of processing intervention or a social- and computer-contact control group. Results indicate that speed of processing training not only improves processing speed, as indicated by performance on the Useful Field of View test (UFOV®), but also transfers to certain everyday functions, as indicated by improved performance on Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (Timed IADL). Transfer of speed of processing training to other cognitive domains was not evident. This study provides additional evidence that speed of processing training has the potential to enhance everyday functions that maintain independence and quality of life, particularly when the training is targeted toward individuals who most need it. Further study is needed to learn about the long-term effects of such training in relation to everyday abilities.
Time-compressed speech test in Brazilian Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION The time-compressed speech test has existed since the 1970s. It is sensitive for evaluating auditory closure. However, it is not used in Brazil because until recently, it had not been developed in Portuguese. PURPOSE To develop a compressed speech test in Portuguese, to apply it to normal-hearing adults, and to verify which of the compressed lists (50%, 60%, or 70%) is the most appropriate to be part of a set of auditory processing tests. METHODS 144 normal-hearing adults, distributed homogeneously between both genders, were assessed. The compressed speech tests were applied using monosyllables and disyllables according to 8 previously established sequences, and the results were compared with respect to the initial ear, to the order of presentation, and to the kind of test. RESULTS There were no significant differences between ears. The 50%, 60% and 70% presentation order produced a better average of correct responses than the 70%, 60% and 50% one. There was a significant difference (P <.001) between the results of the tests comprising lists of monosyllables compared to those comprising disyllables. In both tests (with monosyllables and disyllables) the average of correct responses decreased as the compression increased. CONCLUSION The monosyllabic and disyllabic lists with 60% compression appeared to be more stable than the others, with the average of correct responses around 90%.
Tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP) ortholog from Suberites domuncula and comparative analysis of TPPP/p25 gene family

Sponges are one of the oldest metazoan phyla that are, due to their highly conservative nature, often referred to as the living fossils of multicellular animals. As such, they are a very important model for evolutionary, developmental and functional studies of Metazoa. Tubulin polymerization promoting proteins (TPPPs) are defined by the presence of p25-alpha domain (Pfam05517). Their functional characteristics resemble those of microtubule-associated proteins. Presence of TPPP homologous genes has been postulated in all eukaryotes with ciliated cells and their primary function has been proposed as some basic cilia-connected function. We present here the genomic structure and the corresponding cDNA sequence of one poriferan TPPP homolog (SdTPPP) isolated from the marine sponge Suberites domuncula; and a comparative analysis of TPPP homolog sequences and genomic structures from other Eukaryotes. Our results confirm the radiation of one TPPP homolog into three distinct genes in the Vertebrate lineage, but the origin of different sequences and their phylogenetic relationships show to be influenced by alternative protein isoforms, independent gene duplications, modularity of the p25-alpha domain and possible adaptational requirements to environmental conditions.
Diabetic retinopathy: the unmet needs for screening and a review of potential solutions

Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in the developed world, in spite of recognized ocular treatments that are successful at reducing the rate of vision impairment. Retinal photography appears a promising method to perform screening in such a setting utilizing new 45°+ retinal cameras that do not require pupil dilation and can be operated by a trained, nonophthalmic technician. Certain developments may make the photography more successful including the conversion to electronic chip camera sensors that allow each picture as it is taken to be immediately projected onto a monitor for evaluation and assessment. Utilizing a nonmydriatic camera, studies of single-field photography through a dilated pupil have demonstrated superior or equal sensitivity to fundus examination by an ophthalmologist in a number of studies. However, photography without pupil dilation, especially in the older age group may result in poor-quality photographs owing to intense bilateral pupil constriction after the first images and also due to the presence of cataracts. Computer analysis of the retinal images allows extraction of quantitative data, not only of the diabetic lesions but also of vascular changes that, up until now, have been impossible by human grading and potentially allows a much more detailed and quantitative evaluation of the progression of retinopathy over time. When success of image processing algorithms is demonstrated for a large number of images taken under screening conditions, the benefits of retinal photography and image processing to provide timely, reliable, quantitative and cost-effective results, will make this the preferred method over physician examination or human grader evaluation of the images.
Melatonin Therapy in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major health problem and a growing recognition exists that efforts to prevent it must be undertaken by both governmental and non-governmental organizations. In this context, the pineal product, melatonin, has a promising significance because of its chronobiotic/cytoprotective properties potentially useful for a number of aspects of AD. One of the features of advancing age is the gradual decrease in circulating melatonin levels. A limited number of therapeutic trials have indicated that melatonin has a therapeutic value as a neuroprotective drug in the treatment of AD and minimal cognitive impairment (which may evolve to AD). Both in vitro and in vivo, melatonin prevented the neurodegeneration seen in experimental models of AD. For these effects to occur, doses of melatonin about two orders of magnitude higher than those required to affect sleep and circadian rhythmicity are needed. More recently, attention has been focused on the development of potent melatonin analogs with prolonged effects, which were employed in clinical trials in sleep-disturbed or depressed patients in doses considerably higher than those employed for melatonin. In view that the relative potencies of the analogs are higher than that of the natural compound, clinical trials employing melatonin in the range of 50–100 mg/day are urgently needed to assess its therapeutic validity in neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.
Buck-Boost Converter for Sensorless Power Optimization of Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

This paper presents a comprehensive model for miniature vibration-powered piezoelectric generators and analyses modes of operation and control of a buck-boost converter for the purpose of tracking the generators optimal working points. The model describes the generator's power dependence with the mechanical acceleration and frequency, and helps in the definition of the load behaviour for power optimization. Electrical behaviour of the input of buck-boost converter in discontinuous current mode turns out to be in perfect agreement with the considered optimization criteria with a very simple, sensorless control. Experimental results show that the converter controlled by a very low consumption circuit effectively maximizes the power flow into a 4.8 V rechargeable battery connected to the converter output. The converter's efficiency is above 84% for input voltages between 1.6 and 5.5 V, and for output powers between 200 muW and 1.5 mW. The presented circuit and control can be used as well for power optimization of electromagnetic energy harvesting devices.
An Effective Approach to Content-Based 3D Model Retrieval and Classification

The Development of effective content-based 3D model retrieval and classification is still an important research issue due to the growing amount of digital information, this paper present a novel 3D model retrieval and classification algorithm. In feature representation, a method combining distance histogram and moment invariants is proposed to improve the retrieval performance. A major advantage of the distance histogram is its invariance to the transforms of scaling, translation and rotation. Based on the premise that two similar images should have high mutual information, or equivalently, the querying image should convey high information about those similar to it, this paper proposed a mutual information distance measure to perform the similarity comparison. Multi-class support vector machine performs the classification for it has a very good generalization performance. This paper tested the algorithm with a 3D model retrieval and classification prototype, the experimental evaluation demonstrates the satisfactory retrieval results and good classification accuracy.
Crowdfunding in a Prosocial Microlending Environment: Examining the Role of Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Cues

Microloans garnered from crowdfunding provide an important source of financial capital for nascent entrepreneurs. Drawing on cognitive evaluation theory, we assess how linguistic cues known to affect underlying motivation can frame entrepreneurial narratives either as a business opportunity or as an opportunity to help others. We examine how this framing affects fundraising outcomes in the context of prosocial lending and conduct our analysis on a sample of microloans made to over 36,000 entrepreneurs in 51 countries via an online crowdfunding platform. We find that lenders respond positively to narratives highlighting the venture as an opportunity to help others, and less positively when the narrative is framed as a business opportunity.
Vision-based relative pose estimation for autonomous rendezvous and docking

Autonomous rendezvous and docking is necessary for planned space programs such as DARPA ASTRO, NASA MSR, ISS assembly and servicing, and other rendezvous and proximity operations. Estimation of the relative pose between the host platform and a resident space object is a critical ability. We present a model-based pose refinement algorithm, part of a suite of algorithms for vision-based relative pose estimation and tracking. Algorithms were tested in high-fidelity simulation and stereo-vision hardware test bed environments. Testing indicated that in most cases, the model-based pose refinement algorithm can handle initial attitude errors up to about 20 degrees, range errors exceeding 10% of range, and transverse errors up to about 2% of range. Preliminary point tests with real camera sequences of a 1/24 scale Magellan satellite model using a simple fixed-gain tracking filter showed potential tracking performance with mean errors of < 3 degrees and < 2% of range
Cross-Domain Multicue Fusion for Concept-Based Video Indexing

The success of query-by-concept, proposed recently to cater to video retrieval needs, depends greatly on the accuracy of concept-based video indexing. Unfortunately, it remains a challenge to recognize the presence of concepts in a video segment or to extract an objective linguistic description from it because of the semantic gap, that is, the lack of correspondence between machine-extracted low-level features and human high-level conceptual interpretation. This paper studies three issues with the aim to reduce such a gap: 1) how to explore cues beyond low-level features, 2) how to combine diverse cues to improve performance, and 3) how to utilize the learned knowledge when applying it to a new domain. To solve these problems, we propose a framework that jointly exploits multiple cues across multiple video domains. First, recursive algorithms are proposed to learn both interconcept and intershot relationships from annotations. Second, all concept labels for all shots are simultaneously refined in a single fusion model. Additionally, unseen shots are assigned pseudolabels according to their initial prediction scores so that contextual and temporal relationships can be learned, thus requiring no additional human effort. Integration of cues embedded within training and testing video sets accommodates domain change. Experiments on popular benchmarks show that our framework is effective, achieving significant improvements over popular baselines.
Transcriptome Analysis of Maize Immature Embryos Reveals the Roles of Cysteine in Improving Agrobacterium Infection Efficiency

Maize Agrobacterium-mediated transformation efficiency has been greatly improved in recent years. Antioxidants, such as, cysteine, can significantly improve maize transformation frequency through improving the Agrobacterium infection efficiency. However, the mechanism underlying the transformation improvement after cysteine exposure has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that the addition of cysteine to the co-cultivation medium significantly increased the Agrobacterium infection efficiency of hybrid HiII and inbred line Z31 maize embryos. Reactive oxygen species contents were higher in embryos treated with cysteine than that without cysteine. We further investigated the mechanism behind cysteine-related infection efficiency increase using transcriptome analysis. The results showed that the cysteine treatment up-regulated 939 genes and down-regulated 549 genes in both Z31 and HiII. Additionally, more differentially expressed genes were found in HiII embryos than those in Z31 embryos, suggesting that HiII was more sensitive to the cysteine treatment than Z31. GO analysis showed that the up-regulated genes were mainly involved in the oxidation reduction process. The up-regulation of these genes could help maize embryos to cope with the oxidative stress stimulated by Agrobacterium infection. The down-regulated genes were mainly involved in the cell wall and membrane metabolism, such as, aquaporin and expansin genes. Decreased expression of these cell wall integrity genes could loosen the cell wall, thereby improving the entry of Agrobacterium into plant cells. This study offers insight into the role of cysteine in improving Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of maize immature embryos.