Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Randomized multivalued consensus

The consensus problem is a fundamental problem one has to solve to implement reliable services or applications on top of asynchronous distributed systems prone to failures. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be solved in those systems as soon as one process crashes (Fischer-Lynch-Paterson's impossibility result). Two approaches have been investigated to circumvent this impossibility result. Both consist in enriching the underlying system with appropriate "oracles". The unreliable failure detector concept proposed by Chandra and Toueg (1996) constitutes one family of such oracles. Since it has been proposed the failure detector based approach has given rise to several failure detector-based consensus protocols. The other family of oracles consists in allowing each process to use a random number generator. In that case, protocol termination is only probabilistic. A few randomized consensus protocols for message-passing asynchronous distributed systems have been proposed. Moreover, they consider that processes can only propose values from a binary set. This paper proposes a new randomized consensus protocol that allows processes to propose arbitrary values. Contrary to other randomized consensus protocols, the proposed protocol does not require the a priori knowledge of the set of values that can be proposed by processes. It relies on a relatively simple combination of randomization and reliable broadcast.
Using XML to implement abstraction for Model Checking

Model Checking has become one of the most powerful methods for automatic verification of software systems. However it is widely accepted that this technique is only usable when the behavior of the system to be analyzed is given by small models, in order to avoid the state explosion problem. The paper presents αSPIN, an XML-based tool for obtaining abstract versions from a given model written in PROMELA, which can be verified with the model checker SPIN. This tool follows the theoretical basis presented in [9].
Modal filtering for nulling interferometry - First single-mode conductive waveguides in the mid-infrared

We have investigated the manufacturing and characterization of first single-mode conductive waveguides to be used as modal filters for nulling interferometry in the mid-infrared range [4−20 µm]. As a very high dynamic range is mandatory for the detection of Earth-like planets, modal filtering is a crucial instrumental aspect. The hollow metallic waveguides (HMW) presented here are manufactured using micro-machining techniques. Single-mode behavior has been investigated in the laboratory through polarization analysis and transmission features have been measured using relative flux comparison. Single-mode behavior was assessed at λ = 10.6 µm for rectangular waveguides with dimensions a = 10 µ ma ndb ≤ 5.3 µm with an accuracy of ∼2.5%. The tests showed that a single-polarization state can be maintained in the waveguide. A comparison with results on multi-mode HMW is given. Excess losses of 2.4 dB (∼58% transmission) have been measured for a singlemode waveguide. In particular, the importance of coupling conditions in the waveguide is emphasized here. The goal of manufacturing and characterizing the first single-mode HMW for the mid-infrared has been achieved. This opens the road to the use of integrated optics for interferometry in this spectral range.
The Feature Subspace Method for SMT System Combination

Recently system combination has been shown to be an effective way to improve translation quality over single machine translation systems. In this paper, we present a simple and effective method to systematically derive an ensemble of SMT systems from one baseline linear SMT model for use in system combination. Each system in the resulting ensemble is based on a feature set derived from the features of the baseline model (typically a subset of it). We will discuss the principles to determine the feature sets for derived systems, and present in detail the system combination model used in our work. Evaluation is performed on the data sets for NIST 2004 and NIST 2005 Chinese-to-English machine translation tasks. Experimental results show that our method can bring significant improvements to baseline systems with state-of-the-art performance.
Salvage Plasmapheresis for Post-hepatectomy Liver Failure

In the latest decades, an important change has been registered in liver surgery related to the progress of surgical techniques, critical care, and postoperative treatment, allowing a sharp decrease in mortality and morbidity. However, management of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) still remains a challenge and no supportive treatment has been found to be generally effective. The present study is a reappraisal of plasmapheresis as a potential supportive measure in patients with PHLF following major liver resection.
A Semantic Similarity Measure between Web Services Based on Google Distance

In order to get a better semantic matching degree for web services, in this paper, we try to deal with the problems of web services matching through calculating the Normalized Google Distance (NGD) between concepts, based on the semantic description of web service's name, input and output parameters. This measure method takes advantage of the Google massive terms and open Google search engine to compute the NGD between concepts, and calculates the similarity between web services. Compared with the existing algorithm, we adopt Google terms which present merits of more abundance and updating in a relatively faster speed. This method is simpler and greatly decreases the complexity of calculation because there is no ontology and taxonomy tree, no need to judge the foliatory order, path length, depth and local density. The preliminary results have shown that our algorithm can highly improve the recall and precision of the web service.
Adaptive Emotional Expression in Robot-Child Interaction

Expressive behaviour is a vital aspect of human interaction. A model for adaptive emotion expression was developed for the Nao robot. The robot has an internal arousal and valence value, which are influenced by the emotional state of its interaction partner and emotional occurrences such as winning a game. It expresses these emotions through its voice, posture, whole body poses, eye colour and gestures. An experiment with 18 children (mean age 9) and two Nao robots was conducted to study the influence of adaptive emotion expression on the interaction behaviour and opinions of children. In a within-subjects design the children played a quiz with both an affective robot using the model for adaptive emotion expression and a non-affective robot without this model. The affective robot reacted to the emotions of the child using the implementation of the model, the emotions of the child were interpreted by a Wizard of Oz. The dependent variables, namely the behaviour and opinions of the children, were measured through video analysis and questionnaires. The results show that children react more expressively and more positively to a robot which adaptively expresses itself than to a robot which does not. The feedback of the children in the questionnaires further suggests that showing emotion through movement is considered a very positive trait for a robot. From their positive reactions we can conclude that children enjoy interacting with a robot which adaptively expresses itself through emotion and gesture more than with a robot which does not do this. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.1 [Information Systems Models and Principles]: User / Machine Systems
Chemical composition of UV-bright star ZNG 4 in the globular cluster M 13

We present a detailed model-atmosphere analysis of ZNG 4, a UV-bright star in the globular cluster M 13. From the analysis of a high resolution (R ≈ 45 000) spectrum of the object, we derive the atmospheric parameters to be Teff = 8500 ± 250 K, log g = 2.5 ± 0. 5a nd (Fe/H) = −1.5. Except for magnesium, chromium and strontium, all other even Z elements are enhanced with titanium and calcium being overabundant by a factor of 0.8 dex. Sodium is enhanced by a factor of 0.2 dex. The luminosity of ZNG 4 and its position in the color-magnitude diagram of the cluster indicate that it is a Supra Horizontal Branch (SHB) (post-HB) star. The underabundance of He and overabundances of Ca, Ti, Sc and Ba in the photosphere of ZNG 4 indicate that diffusion and radiative levitation of elements may be in operation in M 13 post-HB stars even at Teff of 8500 K. Detailed and more accurate abundance analysis of post-HB stars in several globular clusters is needed to further understand their abundance anomalies.
A table of upper bounds for binary codes

Let A(n, d) denote the maximum possible number of codewords in an (n, d) binary code. We establish four new bounds on A(n, d), namely, A(21, 4)/spl les/43689, A(22, 4)/spl les/87378, A(22, 6)/spl les/6941, and A(23, 4)/spl les/173491. Furthermore, using previous upper bounds on the size of constant-weight binary codes, we reapply known methods to generate a table of bounds on A(n, d) for all n/spl les/28. This table extends the range of parameters compared with previously known tables.
Scalar tensor theories and Hadamard state condition

The Hadamard state condition is used to analyze the local constraints on the two-point function of a quantum field conformally coupled to a background geometry. Using these constraints we develop a scalar tensor theory which controls the coupling of the stress-tensor induced by the two-point function of the quantum field to the conformal class of the background metric. It is then argued that the determination of the state-dependent part of the two-point function is connected with the determination of a conformal frame. We comment on a particular way to relate the theory to a specific conformal frame (different from the background frame) in which the large-scale properties are brought into focus.
Confronting the Question of Market Demand for Urban Residential Development

This article considers new methods for determining the market demand for urban residential development. Traditional supply/demand analysis often underestimates demand because it ignores the potentially significant impact of newly introduced housing supply in urban areas on settlement patterns, particularly when that supply is specifically targeted to match the housing preferences and economic capabilities of draw area households. By using methods such as target marketing, the demand for different types of residential development can be estimated for neighborhoods that currently feature no such housing. Although demand for urban housing cannot be quantified, the characteristics of the various types of households that represent the potential market for urban housing can be determined. An understanding of these household characteristics can guide the public and private sectors toward adopting strategies for developing and sustaining urban neighborhoods. The most difficult challenge is to marshal economic forces through proper positioning, timing, and phasing to exert a positive influence on urban settlement patterns.
Profile of Australian preschool children with speech sound disorders at risk for literacy difficulties

Abstract Speech sound disorders are a common communication difficulty in preschool children. Teachers indicate difficulty identifying and supporting these children. The aim of this research was to describe speech and language characteristics of children identified by their parents and/or teachers as having possible communication concerns. 275 Australian 4- to 5-year-old children from 45 preschools whose parents and teachers were concerned about their talking participated in speech-language pathology assessments to examine speech, language, literacy, non-verbal intelligence, oromotor skills and hearing. The majority (71.3%) of children demonstrated lower consonant accuracy than expected for their age, 63.9% did not pass the language-screening task, 65.5% had not been assessed and 72.4% had not received intervention from a speech-language pathologist. The 132 children who were identified with speech sound disorder (phonological impairment) were more likely to be male (62.9%) who were unintelligible to unfamiliar listeners, and had poor emergent literacy and phonological processing skills, despite having typical hearing, oral structures, and intelligence. Children identified by parents and teachers with concerns may have a range of speech, language and communication needs requiring professional support.
Identification of Prebiotic Fructooligosaccharide Metabolism in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 through Microarrays

ABSTRACT Short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) and other prebiotics are used to selectively stimulate the growth and activity of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the colon. However, there is little information on the mechanisms whereby prebiotics exert their specific effects upon such microorganisms. To study the genomic basis of scFOS metabolism in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, two-color microarrays were used to screen for differentially expressed genes when grown on scFOS compared to glucose (control). A significant up-regulation (8- to 60-fold) was observed with a set of only five genes located in a single locus and predicted to encode a sucrose phosphoenolpyruvate transport system (PTS), a β-fructofuranosidase, a fructokinase, an α-glucosidase, and a sucrose operon repressor. Several other genes were slightly overexpressed, including pyruvate dehydrogenase. For the latter, no detectable activity in L. plantarum under various growth conditions has been previously reported. A mannose-PTS likely to encode glucose uptake was 50-fold down-regulated as well as, to a lower extent, other PTSs. Chemical analysis of the different moieties of scFOS that were depleted in the growth medium revealed that the trisaccharide 1-kestose present in scFOS was preferentially utilized, in comparison with the tetrasaccharide nystose and the pentasaccharide fructofuranosylnystose. The main end products of scFOS fermentation were lactate and acetate. This is the first example in lactobacilli of the association of a sucrose PTS and a β-fructofuranosidase that could be used for scFOS degradation.
Scalability and Portability of a Belief Network-based Dialog Model for Different Application Domains

This paper describes the scalability and portability of a Belief Network (BN)-based mixed initiative dialog model across application domains. The Belief Networks (BNs) are used to automatically govern the transitions between a system-initiative and a user-initiative dialog model, in order to produce mixed-initiative interactions. We have migrated our dialog model from a simpler domain of foreign exchange to a more complex domain of air travel information service. The adapted processes include: (i) automatic selection of specified concepts in the user's query, for the purpose of informational goal inference; (ii) automatic detection of missing / spurious concepts based on backward inference using the BN. We have also enhanced our dialog model with the capability of discourse context inheritance. To ease portability across domains, which often implies the lack of training data for the new domain, we have developed a set of principles for hand-assigning BN probabilities, based on the "degree of belief" in the relationships between concepts and goals. Application of our model to the ATIS data gave promising results.
An Incremental View Materialization Approach in ORDBMS

Materialized view is like a cache that resembles like tables or partitioned tables and behaves like indexes and it is used for improving query performance. All of the views cannot be materialized since for any changes to the base tables it incurs huge maintenance cost but materialized views need to be updated periodically with minimum cost for efficient maintenance in a large database or data warehouse environment. So it is necessary to determine the circumstances in which a view is beneficial to be materialized for improving query performance considering the incremental materialized view maintenance cost. In this paper, we have developed a methodology that determines the circumstances a view is beneficial for selecting to be materialized considering the incremental materialized view maintenance cost in object-relational database management system (ORDBMS).
Design procedure for settling time minimization in three-stage RNMC amplifiers

This paper presents a new method in time domain for optimizing the settling time in three stage amplifiers with reversed nested Miller compensation (RNMC). This procedure allows the compensation capacitors to be sized to achieve the best settling behavior of the closed-loop op-amp. To show the effectiveness of the method, a typical amplifier in 1V, 90nm CMOS technology is designed. Simulation results show that using this method, settling time of three-stage RNMC amplifiers significantly improved compared to conventional design method. Also, the figure of merit of this amplifier shows the ratio settling-time/power-consumption of amplifier is greater than the other NMC amplifiers.
Clustering in the Presence of Bridge-Nodes

In this paper, we study the ill-effects of bridgenodes, which causes many dissimilar objects to be placed together in the same cluster by existing clustering algorithms. We offer two new metrics for measuring how well a clustering algorithm handles the presence of bridge-nodes. We also illustrate how algorithms that produce overlapping clusters help to alleviate the effect of bridge-nodes and form more meaningful clusters. However, if there is too much overlap, the clusters become less informative. To address this problem, we present a novel clustering algorithm called MIN-CUT. Our experimental results with real data sets show that the MIN-CUT algorithm leads to purer clusters that have very little overlap.
INVENTORY CONTROL IN A BUILD-TO-ORDER ENVIRONMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all I would like to thank my advisor Professor John Vande Vate for all his guidance and support during my graduate studies. His knowledge, experience and insights have been very influential in my studies. He has been a great mentor and tremendous source of motivation. I would also like to express my special thanks to Professor Jim Dai, my co-advisor, without his guidance the accomplishment of this thesis would not be possible. am grateful to Betsy R. Thompson for her friendship and guidance, as well as Sylvia Wrobel and Robert P. Nicholls. They have made my life in Atlanta feel more like home. Finally, I would like to thank my parents, Lale and Cankut Ormeci, and my sister Ceyda Ormeci for their love, support, guidance, and encouragement. I would like to thank my husband Erdem Matoglu for his love, friendship and support. Thanks for being there for me! iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Figure 3 " How much delay are you experiencing in delivering your products due to West Coast backup? " SUMMARY This dissertation addresses inventory control in a build-to-order environment. It consists of three independent sections: challenges of managing supply in the auto industry from a build-to-order (BTO) perspective and some solution approaches, a stochastic control problem dealing with managing supply, and exploring Lagrangian methods in stochastic models. In the first part, focusing on the auto industry we look at the challenges and solution strategies of employing BTO with global supply. We consider some familiar tools for managing domestic supply and exploit them for managing international supply, and propose some alternative new methods. We study frequency of supply, a tool widely used in local supply, as a way to improve performance in global supply operations. We study the impact of forecast accuracy, and conclude that improvements there alone may not be sufficient to obtain desired savings. In fact, our analysis strongly suggests that reducing the level of demand detail communicated to distant suppliers can simultaneously improve their quality of service and reduce their cost in providing it. Within this perspective we look at a new shipping policy, " Ship-to-Average " , which prescribes sending a fixed quantity, based on the long term average forecast, with each shipment and making adjustments only if the inventory strays outside a prescribed range. In the second part we look at a stochastic control problem, which also provides theoretical evidence in …
3D object recognition based on the reference point ensemble

In the present paper, we have proposed a high-performance 3D recognition method based on the reference point ensemble, which is a natural extension of the generalized Hough transform. The reference point ensemble consists of several reference points, each of which is color-coded by green or red, where the red reference points are used to verify the hypothesis, and the green reference points are used for Hough voting. The configuration of the reference points in the reference point ensemble is designed depending on the model shape. In the proposed method, a set of reference point ensembles is generated by the local features of a given 3D scene. Each generated reference point ensemble is a hypothetical 3D pose of a given object in the scene. Hypotheses passing through the verification by the red reference points are used for Hough voting. Hough voting is performed independently in each green point space, which reduces the voting space to three dimensions. Although a six-dimensional voting space is generally needed for 3D recognition, in the proposed method, the six-dimensional voting space is decomposed into a few three-dimensional spaces. This decomposition and the verification using green or red reference points have been demonstrated experimentally to be effective for 3D recognition. In other words, the effective recognition has been achieved by skillfully switching the following two different modes. (A) Individual mode: Voting of the hypothesis independently in each green Hough space and verifying of hypothesis with red reference points are done in this mode. (B) Ensemble mode : Verifying of registration into PHL(promising hypothesis list) and aggregating of total votes are done in this mode. This mode switching mechanism is the most significant characteristic of the proposed method.
XMODEL : An XML-based Morphological Analyzer for Arabic Language

Morphological analysis is an essential stage in language engineering applications. For the Arabic language, this stage is not easy to develop because the Arabic language has some particularities such as the phenomena of agglutination and a lot of morphological ambiguity phenomenon. These reasons make the design of the morphological analyzer for Arabic somewhat difficult and require lots of other tools and treatments. The volume of the lexicon is another big problem of the morphological analysis of the Arabic Language which affects directly the process of the analyzing. In this paper we present a Morphological Analyzer for Modern Standard Arabic based on Arabic Morphological Automaton technique and using a new and innovative language (XMODEL) to represent the Arabic morphological knowledge in an optimal way. Both the Arabic Morphological Analyzer and Arabic Morphological Automaton are implemented in Java language and used XML technology. Buckwalter Arabic Morphological Analyzer and Xerox Arabic Finite State Morphology are two of the best known morphological analyzers for Modern Standard Arabic and they are also available and documented. Our Morphological Analyzer can be exploited by Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications such as machine translation, orthographical correction, information retrieval and both syntactic and semantic analyzers. At the end, an evaluation of Xerox and our system is done.