Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Transceiver Design for MISO Interference Channel with Energy Harvesting

In this paper, we consider the power splitting technique for multiple-input single-output (MISO) interference channel where the received signal is divided into two parts for information decoding and energy harvesting (EH) respectively. Specifically, assuming norm-bounded errors (NBE) in the channel state information (CSI), we study the robust joint beamforming and power splitting (JBPS) design problem, where the total transmission power is minimized subject to both signal-to-interference- plus-noise ratio (SINR) and EH constraints. We first propose an efficient approximation method based on semidefinite relaxation (SDR) for solving the highly non-convex JBPS problem, where the latter can be formulated as a semidefinite programming (SDP) problem. Then, a low complexity algorithm is proposed using EH relaxation and cutting-set philosophy, which partitions the original problem into an alternating sequence of optimization and worst-case analysis subproblems with guaranteed convergence. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
3D spatial data mining on document sets for the discovery of failure causes in complex technical devices

The retrospective fault analysis of complex technical devices based on documents emerging in the advanced steps of the product life cycle can reveal error sources and problems, which have not been discovered by simulations or other test methods in the early stages of the product life cycle. This paper presents a novel approach to support the failure analysis through (i) a semi-automatic analysis of databases containing productrelated documents in natural language (e. g., problem and error descriptions, repair and maintenance protocols, service bills) using information retrieval and text mining techniques and (ii) an interactive exploration of the data mining results. Our system supports visual data mining by mapping the results of analyzing failure-related documents onto corresponding 3D models. Thus, visualization of statistics about failure sources can reveal problem sources resulting from problematic spatial configurations.
Benchmarking Big Data Technologies for Energy Procurement Efficiency

The electrical power industry is undergoing radical change due to the push for renewable energy that makes energy supply less predictable. Smart meters along with analytics software can grant insights into customerspecific consumption and thereby enable a better match between the demand and supply side for an electric utility. However, the vast amount of allocatable smart metering data and complexity of analytics pose challenges to database system. We address the implementation of an analytics approach to optimize customer portfolios, eventually preventing excess energy procurement. Using real-world and simulated data, we test the suitability of big data approaches as well as traditional relational database technology. Furthermore, we present solutions based on big data platforms and demonstrate their cost effectiveness and performance. Our findings suggest economic feasibility of big data solutions for large utilities. Small and medium-sized utilities are advised to invest in more cost-effective solutions such as cluster-based systems.
Analysis of Capacitive Impedance Matching Networks for Simultaneous Wireless Power Transfer to Multiple Devices

This paper presents wireless power transfer (WPT) characteristics according to load variation in multidevice WPT systems using capacitive impedance matching networks (IMNs). Two basis IMNs of using series-parallel (SP) capacitors and parallel-series (PS) capacitors are used. Four combinations of capacitive IMNs are considered, i.e., SP in a transmitting side and SP in a receiving (Rx) side (SP-SP), SP-PS, PS-SP, and PS-PS. The optimum capacitance values for each IMN are also derived by circuit analysis. For verification, three cases based on the number of Rx coils are considered, and the calculated results are compared with the simulated and measured results for each case. A WPT system for only a single device has identical power transfer efficiency for four combinations of the IMNs. Multidevice WPT systems with the PS IMN in Rx sides are found to transfer more power toward the Rx coil with lower load impedance according to the load variation. On the other hand, using the SP IMN in Rx sides is less sensitive to load variation than using the PS IMN. In addition, a WPT system using the PS-PS IMN combination is less responsive to the cross coupling between Rx coils than that using the SP-SP IMN combination.
Data-Driven Visualization of Functional Brain Regions from Resting State fMRI Data

Functional parcellation of the human cortex plays an important role in the understanding of brain functions. Traditionally, functional areas are defined according to anatomical landmarks. Recently, new techniques were proposed that do not require a priori segmentation of the cortex. Such methods allow functional parcellation by functional information alone. We propose here a data-driven approach for the exploration of functional connectivity of the cortex. The method extends a known parcellation method, used in multichannel EEG analysis, to define and extract functional units (FUs), i.e., spatially connected brain regions that record highly correlated fMRI signals. We apply the method to the study of fMRI data and provide a visualization, inspired by the EEG case, that uses linked views to facilitate the understanding of both the location and the functional similarity of brain regions. Initial feedback on our approach was received from four domain experts, researchers in the field of neuroscience.
Thermal-aware floorplanning for partially-reconfigurable FPGA-based systems

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) systems are being more and more frequent in high performance applications. Temperature affects both reliability and performance, therefore its optimization has become challenging for system designers. In this work we present a novel thermal aware floorplanner based on both Simulated Annealing (SA) and Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The proposed method takes into account an accurate description of heterogeneous resources and partially reconfigurable constraints of recent FPGAs. Our major contribution is to provide a high level formulation for the problem, without resorting to low level consideration about FPGAs resources. Within our approach we combine the benefits of SA and MILP to handle both linear and non-linear optimization metrics while providing an effective exploration of the solution space. Experimental results show that, for several designs, it is possible to reduce the peak temperature by taking into account power consumption during the floorplanning stage.
Classify vehicles: Classification or clusterization?

Vehicle classification has crop up as an important field of study due of its importance in variety of applications like surveillance, security framework, traffic congestion prevention and accidents avoidance. The image sequences for traffic scenes are recorded by a stationary NI smart camera. The video clip is processed in LabVIEW to detect vehicle and measure characteristics like width, length, area, perimeter using image process feature extraction techniques. Data mining is the use of automated data analysis techniques to uncover previously undetected relationships among data items. Two of the major data mining techniques are classification and clustering. To classify a vehicle as big or small needs to classify vehicles into classes. Among many, two techniques in WEKA are feed-forward neural network (NN) classification technique and k-means clustering techniques. To choose between the two techniques is a challenging task. We carry experiments using the extracted features of vehicles from traffic video with both techniques and found that classification model out-performed cluster model by a small degree.
Linear Time Probabilistic Algorithms for the Singular Haplotype Reconstruction Problem from SNP Fragments

In this paper, we develop a probabilistic model to approach two realistic scenarios regarding the singular haplotype reconstruction problem--the incompleteness and inconsistency that occurred in the DNA sequencing process to generate the input haplotype fragments, and the common practice used to generate synthetic data in experimental algorithm studies. We design three algorithms in the model that can reconstruct the two unknown haplotypes from the given matrix of haplotype fragments with provable high probability and in linear time in the size of the input matrix. We also present experimental results that conform with the theoretical efficient performance of those algorithms. The software of our algorithms is available for public access and for real-time on-line demonstration.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Do farmers reduce genetic diversity when they domesticate tropical trees? A case study from Amazonia

Agroforestry ecosystems may be an important resource for conservation and sustainable use of tropical trees, but little is known of the genetic diversity they contain. Inga edulis, a widespread indigenous fruit tree in South America, is used as a model to assess the maintenance of genetic diversity in five planted vs. five natural stands in the Peruvian Amazon. Analysis of five SSR (simple sequence repeat) loci indicated lower allelic variation in planted stands [mean corrected allelic richness 31.3 (planted) and 39.3 (natural), P = 0.009]. Concerns regarding genetic erosion in planted Amazonian tree stands appear valid, although allelic variation on‐farm is still relatively high.
Ieee Transactions on Information Forensics and Security 1 Role-based Cryptosystem: a New Cryptographic Rbac System Based on Role-key Hierarchy

—Even though role-based access control (RBAC) can tremendously help us minimize the complexity in administering users, it still needs to realize the notion of roles at the resource level. In this paper, we propose a practical cryptographic RBAC model, called role-key hierarchy model, to support various security features including signature, identification and encryption on role-key hierarchy. In addition, several advanced features, such as role or user revocation, tracing, and anonymity, are implemented as well. With the help of rich algebraic structure of elliptic curves, we introduce a unified and complete construction of role-based cryptosystem to verify the rationality and validity of our proposed model. Also, a proof-of-concept prototype implementation and performance evaluation are discussed to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of our mechanisms.
Preterm Birth and Future Maternal Blood Pressure, Inflammation, and Intimal-medial Thickness: The CARDIA Study

Preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks) may be a marker of endothelial dysfunction and a proinflammatory phenotype; both are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We studied 916 women (46% black) with 1181 live births between enrollment in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (age 18–30 years) and 20 years later. C-reactive protein was measured at years 7, 15, and 20. Interleukin-6 and carotid intima-media thickness, which incorporated the common carotid arteries, bifurcations, and internal carotid arteries, were measured at year 20. Blood pressure, lipids, anthropometrics, and pregnancy events were assessed at all visits. Change in risk factors and differences in inflammatory markers and intima-media thickness according to PTB were evaluated. Women with PTBs (n=226) had higher mean systolic blood pressures before pregnancy (106 versus 105 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.03). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased more rapidly over 20 years compared with women with term births (P<0.01 time interaction), even after removing women with self-reported hypertension in pregnancy. Women with PTB versus term births had similar mean intima-media thickness adjusted for age, body mass index, race, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors. C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 did not differ according to PTB. Women with PTB, regardless of hypertension during pregnancy, had higher blood pressure after pregnancy compared with women with term births. In the United States, where rates of PTB are high and race disparities persist, PTB may identify women with higher blood pressure in the years after pregnancy.
The eco-epidemiology of Triatoma infestans in the temperate Monte Desert ecoregion of mid-western Argentina

BACKGROUND The eco-epidemiological status of Chagas disease in the Monte Desert ecoregion of western Argentina is largely unknown. We investigated the environmental and socio-demographic determinants of house infestation with Triatoma infestans, bug abundance, vector infection with Trypanosoma cruzi and host-feeding sources in a well-defined rural area of Lavalle Department in the Mendoza province. METHODS Technical personnel inspected 198 houses for evidence of infestation with T. infestans, and the 76 houses included in the current study were re-inspected. In parallel with the vector survey, an environmental and socio-demographic survey was also conducted. Univariate risk factor analysis for domiciliary infestation was carried out using Firth penalised logistic regression. We fitted generalised linear models for house infestation and bug abundance. Blood meals were tested with a direct ELISA assay, and T. cruzi infection was determined using a hot-start polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the kinetoplast minicircle (kDNA-PCR). FINDINGS The households studied included an aged population living in precarious houses whose main economic activities included goat husbandry. T. infestans was found in 21.2% of 198 houses and in 55.3% of the 76 re-inspected houses. Peridomestic habitats exhibited higher infestation rates and bug abundances than did domiciles, and goat corrals showed high levels of infestation. The main host-feeding sources were goats. Vector infection was present in 10.2% of domiciles and 3.2% of peridomiciles. Generalised linear models showed that peridomestic infestation was positively and significantly associated with the presence of mud walls and the abundance of chickens and goats, and bug abundance increased with the number of all hosts except rabbits. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We highlight the relative importance of specific peridomestic structures (i.e., goat corrals and chicken coops) associated with construction materials and host abundance as sources of persistent bug infestation driving domestic colonisation. Environmental management strategies framed in a community-based programme combined with improved insecticide spraying and sustained vector surveillance are needed to effectively suppress local T. infestans populations.
On the effect of localization errors on geographic face routing in sensor networks

In the absence of localization errors, geographic routing - using a combination of greedy forwarding and face routing - has been shown to work correctly and efficiently. The effects of location errors on geographic routing have not been studied before. In this work we provide a detailed analysis of the effects of location errors on the correctness and performance of geographic routing in static sensor networks. First, we perform a micro-level behavioural analysis to identify the possible protocol error scenarios and their conditions and bounds. Then, we present results from an extensive simulation study of GPRS and GHT to quantify the performance degradation due to location errors (of 10% of the radio range or less) can in fact lead to incorrect (non-recoverable) geographic routing with noticeable performance degradation. We then introduce a simple modification for face routing that eliminates probable errors and leads to near perfect performance.
Where Are the Principal Candidates? Perceptions of Superintendents

This article reports the findings of a study on superintendent perceptions of the quantity and quality of candidates for the principalship. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 superintendents of variously sized school districts. Of the respondents, 90 percent indicated a moderate to extreme shortage of principal candidates, with the problem more severe at the high school level. Superintendents offered suggestions for ways to increase the candidate pool for principalships.
Demyelinating Disease following Anti-TNFa Treatment: A Causal or Coincidental Association? Report of Four Cases and Review of the Literature

Tumor necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNFa) are an established therapeutic option for several autoimmune and inflammatory bowel diseases. Despite their clinical effectiveness, neurological adverse events have been reported and literature data suggest a potential role of anti-TNFa in the induction of demyelination of the CNS. We present four patients treated with anti-TNFa who developed symptoms suggestive of CNS demyelination. The first patient, a 17-year-old male who received etanercept for psoriatic arthritis for eight months, presented with dysesthesias up to T4 level. The second patient, a 30-year-old male treated with adalimumab for three years due to ankylosing spondylitis, presented with right unilateral tinnitus. The third case, a 47-year-old female, received etanercept for four years because of psoriatic arthritis and developed persistent headache and left-sided face and head numbness. Finally, the fourth patient, a 57-years-old female treated with etanercept for six years due to ankylosing spondylitis, presented with difficulty in speech, swallowing, and ptosis of the right corner of the mouth. In all cases, brain MRI showed lesions suggestive of demyelination, while positive oligoclonal bands were detected in the CSF. Anti-TNFa treatments were discontinued and patients showed clinical improvement with pulsed intravenous corticosteroid therapy. CNS demyelination following anti-TNFa treatment represents a relatively rare but potential serious complication. Close follow-up and MRI monitoring of these patients is mandatory to elucidate whether the clinical manifestations represent adverse events occurring during anti-TNFa therapy or a first demyelinating episode.
Detecting Unstable Fixed Points Using Kalman Filters With Constraints

We introduce a novel application of the extended Kalman filter for detecting unstable periodic orbits of dynamical systems from experimental time series. The unknown dynamics are approximated using local polynomial functions, and the fixed-point constraint conditions are regarded as additional observation functions in the filter framework. Candidate fixed-point values are considered as parameters to be estimated. We demonstrate the application of this method to test systems and use surrogate time series data to test the statistical significance of the results
Calcium responsiveness in regional myocardial short-term hibernation and stunning in the in situ porcine heart. Inotropic responses to postextrasystolic potentiation and intracoronary calcium.

BACKGROUND We tested the hypothesis that decreased calcium responsiveness is responsible for the reduction in contractile function in regional hibernating and stunned myocardium in situ. METHODS AND RESULTS In 19 anesthetized swine, the left anterior descending coronary artery flow was reduced to decrease anterior myocardial work index (sonomicrometry) by approximately 60%. During 90 minutes of hypoperfusion, creatine phosphate recovered (as determined by biopsy specimens and bioluminescence) and no necrosis developed (as determined by staining with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride). In 10 swine, changes in the intracellular calcium concentration were induced by systematic variation of the postextrasystolic time interval at a constant prematurity. In 9 additional swine, a graded IC calcium infusion was performed. Under control conditions, anterior myocardial work increased with a fully compensated postextrasystolic time interval from 380+/-93 (mean+/-SD) to 523+/-98 mm Hg . mm. IC calcium infusion increased anterior myocardial work under control conditions from 356+/-85 to a maximum of 428+/-93 mm Hg . mm. Although the maximal responses were decreased during postextrasystolic potentiation (222+/-68 versus 523+/-98 mm Hg . mm) and calcium infusion (176+/-32 versus 428+/-93 mm Hg . mm) after 90 minutes of ischemia, the relationships between increases in anterior myocardial work and, respectively, postextrasystolic time interval and IC calcium were not different. The same was true after 30 minutes of reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS Both regional hibernating myocardium and stunned myocardium in situ are characterized by a decrease in overall myocardial calcium responsiveness; however, there appears to be no significant myocardial desensitization to calcium.
Rapid Feedforward Computation by Temporal Encoding and Learning With Spiking Neurons

Primates perform remarkably well in cognitive tasks such as pattern recognition. Motivated by recent findings in biological systems, a unified and consistent feedforward system network with a proper encoding scheme and supervised temporal rules is built for solving the pattern recognition task. The temporal rules used for processing precise spiking patterns have recently emerged as ways of emulating the brain's computation from its anatomy and physiology. Most of these rules could be used for recognizing different spatiotemporal patterns. However, there arises the question of whether these temporal rules could be used to recognize real-world stimuli such as images. Furthermore, how the information is represented in the brain still remains unclear. To tackle these problems, a proper encoding method and a unified computational model with consistent and efficient learning rule are proposed. Through encoding, external stimuli are converted into sparse representations, which also have properties of invariance. These temporal patterns are then learned through biologically derived algorithms in the learning layer, followed by the final decision presented through the readout layer. The performance of the model with images of digits from the MNIST database is presented. The results show that the proposed model is capable of recognizing images correctly with a performance comparable to that of current benchmark algorithms. The results also suggest a plausibility proof for a class of feedforward models of rapid and robust recognition in the brain.
Model applicants: The effect of facial appearance on recruitment decisions

The fact that attractiveness is associated with goodness has dominated the literature on first impressions over the last few decades. However, one situation that has been largely ignored is the recruitment setting. While evidence suggests that attractiveness is an asset, little research has addressed the possible disadvantage of having a disfigured face. In this study, perceptions of personal qualities and job skills were obtained from both students and recruitment personnel in response to a mock job applicant who had either no disfigurement, a facial disfigurement, a physical disability or both. The results indicated a marked negative perception of the applicant with the facial disfigurement but no main effect of a physical disability, for both personal qualities and job skills. In addition, analysis of the recruitment decisions of the students suggested that while the possession of a physical disability significantly reduced the chances of being selected, the possession of a facial disfigurement had a far greater negative impact. Comparison across students and recruiters suggested that recruitment experience did offset this bias somewhat, and the results are discussed in terms of both a theoretical understanding of the reactions to disability and the possibilities for re-education in the workplace.