Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Character Segmentation-by-Recognition Using Log-Gabor Filters

Natural scene images coming usually from low-resolution sensors in embedded context suffer from low text recognition results. Due to several types of degradations, existing algorithms are not robust enough. In order to improve recognition, we present in this paper a character segmentation using log-Gabor filters to take advantage simultaneously of gray-level variation and spatial location. The recognition step is used to determine dynamically some of the parameters needed for the filter. Finally, several quantified results are presented to highlight the efficiency of this method against several issues
MÉTODOS DE DESHIDRATACIÓN DE GAS NATURAL

Resumen Usualmente, el gas natural contiene cantidades significativas de vapor de agua. Este debe ser removido con el fin de proteger el sistema de corrosion y formacion de hidratos. Ademas, el vapor de agua en el sistema debe reducirse a niveles aceptables en la industria. Tipicamente, el valor permisible de contenido de agua en tuberias esta entre 4-7 lb H2O/MMPCS. Por lo anterior, la deshidratacion es un paso basico en el tratamiento del gas. Los factores mas importantes en el adecuado diseno de un sistema de deshidratacion de gas son la temperatura del gas de entrada y las presiones de operacion. Sin esta informacion basica, es imposible disenar apropiadamente una deshidratadora. Hay muchos otros datos importantes requeridos para dimensionar con precision un sistema de deshidratacion. Estas incluyen presiones, tasas de flujo y volumenes. El proposito de este articulo es revisar los diferentes procesos de deshidratacion de gas natural utilizados en la industria de los hidrocarburos, asi como los avances tecnologicos que han impactado la instalacion y operacion de estas facilidades. Palabras claves: Contenido de agua, hidrato, sistema de deshidratacion de gas. Abstract Natural Gas usually contains significant quantities of water vapor. This water must be removed in order to protect the system from corrosion and hydrate formation. Also, the water vapor moved through the system must be reduced to acceptable levels required by gas industry. Typically, the allowable water content in gas transmission lines ranges from 4-7 lb H2O/MMPCS. The most important factors in the accurate design of a gas dehydration system are the wet inlet gas temperature and operation pressure. Without this basic information, the sizing of an adequate dehydrator is impossible. There are many other important data required to accurately size a dehydration system. These include pressures, flow rates and volumes. The purpose of this paper is to review the different natural gas dehydration processes used in the hydrocarbon industry and technological advances that have impacted the installation and operation of these facilities. Key words: Water content, hydrate, gas dehydration system.
"Timing closure by design," a high frequency microprocessor design methodology

This paper presents a design methodology emphasizing early and quick timing closure for high frequency microprocessor designs. This methodology was used to design a Gigahertz class PowerPC microprocessor with 19 million transistors. Characteristics of “Timing Closure by Design are 1) logic partitioned on timing boundaries, 2) predictable control structures (PLAs), 3) static interfaces for dynamic circuits, 4) low skew clock distribution, 5) deterministic method of macro placement, 6) simplified timing analysis, and 7) refinement method of chip integration with early timing analysis.
Optimal kernel choice for large-scale two-sample tests

Given samples from distributions p and q, a two-sample test determines whether to reject the null hypothesis that p = q, based on the value of a test statistic measuring the distance between the samples. One choice of test statistic is the maximum mean discrepancy (MMD), which is a distance between embeddings of the probability distributions in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. The kernel used in obtaining these embeddings is critical in ensuring the test has high power, and correctly distinguishes unlike distributions with high probability. A means of parameter selection for the two-sample test based on the MMD is proposed. For a given test level (an upper bound on the probability of making a Type I error), the kernel is chosen so as to maximize the test power, and minimize the probability of making a Type II error. The test statistic, test threshold, and optimization over the kernel parameters are obtained with cost linear in the sample size. These properties make the kernel selection and test procedures suited to data streams, where the observations cannot all be stored in memory. In experiments, the new kernel selection approach yields a more powerful test than earlier kernel selection heuristics.
An Evolutionary Algorithm for Error-Driven Learning via Reinforcement

Although different learning systems are coordinated to afford complex behavior, little is known about how this occurs. This article describes a theoretical framework that specifies how complex behaviors that might be thought to require error-driven learning might instead be acquired through simple reinforcement. This framework includes specific assumptions about the mechanisms that contribute to the evolution of (artificial) neural networks to generate topologies that allow the networks to learn large-scale complex problems using only information about the quality of their performance. The practical and theoretical implications of the framework are discussed, as are possible biological analogs of the approach.
Amy as a reporter gene for promoter activity in Nocardia lactamdurans: comparison of promoters of the cephamycin cluster

Promoter probe vectors containing the pA origin of replication and the Streptomyces griseus promoterless amy gene (encoding alpha-amylase) as reporter have been constructed to study transcription initiation regions in Nocardia lactamdurans. In some of the promoter probe vectors the phage fd terminator has been introduced to avoid readthrough expression from upstream sequences. By using these vectors, four different transcription initiation regions of the cephamycin gene cluster have been studied in N. lactamdurans. The bla gene encoding a beta-lactamase has a relatively strong promoter. Two other separate promoters corresponding to the lat and cefD genes (encoding, respectively, lysine-6-aminotransferase and isopenicillin N-epimerase) showed weak transcription initiation ability. These two promoters are arranged in a bidirectional transcription initiation region located in the center of the cephamycin gene cluster. The cmcH gene (encoding 3-hydroxymethylcephem carbamoyltransferase) upstream region did not contain a functional promoter, suggesting that cmcH is transcribed as a part of a polycistronic mRNA. The native amy promoter is used very efficiently in N. lactamdurans, resulting in secretion of high levels of extracellular alpha-amylase.
Family-Based Benchmarking of Copy Number Variation Detection Software

The analysis of structural variants, in particular of copy-number variations (CNVs), has proven valuable in unraveling the genetic basis of human diseases. Hence, a large number of algorithms have been developed for the detection of CNVs in SNP array signal intensity data. Using the European and African HapMap trio data, we undertook a comparative evaluation of six commonly used CNV detection software tools, namely Affymetrix Power Tools (APT), QuantiSNP, PennCNV, GLAD, R-gada and VEGA, and assessed their level of pair-wise prediction concordance. The tool-specific CNV prediction accuracy was assessed in silico by way of intra-familial validation. Software tools differed greatly in terms of the number and length of the CNVs predicted as well as the number of markers included in a CNV. All software tools predicted substantially more deletions than duplications. Intra-familial validation revealed consistently low levels of prediction accuracy as measured by the proportion of validated CNVs (34-60%). Moreover, up to 20% of apparent family-based validations were found to be due to chance alone. Software using Hidden Markov models (HMM) showed a trend to predict fewer CNVs than segmentation-based algorithms albeit with greater validity. PennCNV yielded the highest prediction accuracy (60.9%). Finally, the pairwise concordance of CNV prediction was found to vary widely with the software tools involved. We recommend HMM-based software, in particular PennCNV, rather than segmentation-based algorithms when validity is the primary concern of CNV detection. QuantiSNP may be used as an additional tool to detect sets of CNVs not detectable by the other tools. Our study also reemphasizes the need for laboratory-based validation, such as qPCR, of CNVs predicted in silico.
Detailed cache simulation for detecting bottleneck, miss reason and optimization potentialities

Cache locality optimization is an efficient way for reducing the idle time of modern processors in waiting for needed data. This kind of optimization can be achieved either on the side of programmers or compilers with code level optimization or at system level through appropriate schemes, like reconfigurable cache organization and adequate prefetching or replacement strategies. For the former users need to know the problem, the reason, and the solution, while for the latter a platform is required for evaluating proposed and novel approaches.As existing simulation systems do not provide such information and platforms, we implemented a cache simulator that models the complete cache hierarchy and associated techniques. More specifically, it analyzes the feature of cache miss and provides information about the runtime accesses to data structures and the cache access behavior. Together with a visualization tool, this information enables the user to detect access hotspots and optimization strategies for tackling them. For supporting the study of different techniques with respect to cache configuration and management, this simulator models a variety of cache line replacement and prefetching policies, and allows the user to specify any cache organization, including cache size, cache set size, block size, and associativity. The simulator hence forms a research platform for investigating the influence of these techniques on the execution behavior of applications.
Digital controlled bidirectional DC/DC converter for electrical and hybrid vehicles

In this paper, a bidirectional converter for hybrid electrical vehicles addressing high efficiency and digital control is proposed. It is based on two switching converters linked through a high frequency transformer and exploits soft-switching technique and an active-clamp circuit. Operating principle, theoretical analysis and design guidelines are provided, as well as simulation and experimental tests performed on a 1.5kW lab prototype
Implementation of Energy Detection Method for Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Based Embedded Wireless Sensor Network Node

Spectrum scarcity is one of the biggest challenges that the current wireless sensor network is facing. With the exciting progress of wireless sensor network (WSN) within 5 to 10 years, the world will be full of low power wireless sensor devices. Due to the independent design and development, together with the unexpected dynamics during deployment of co-existing networks and devices, the limited frequency spectrum will be extremely crowded. To address this challenge, cognitive radio has emerged as the key technology, which enables opportunistic access to the spectrum. In this paper one of the spectrum sensing method Energy detection is implemented in MATLAB to determine the availability of vacant spectrum of licensed band. The straight forward method for detecting unknown signals is energy detection. When primary user is assumed to be unknown to the secondary receiver's detector, it will become an energy detector, also referred to as radiometers. The energy of a received wave form can be measured by squaring the output of band pass filter with a bandwidth W, and then integrating the received power over a time interval T. The output of the integrator is compared with a predefined threshold to determine presence or absence of primary user.
Seletracetam (ucb 44212) inhibits high‐voltage–activated Ca2+ currents and intracellular Ca2+ increase in rat cortical neurons in vitro

Purpose: We analyzed the effects of seletracetam (ucb 44212; SEL), a new antiepileptic drug candidate, in an in vitro model of epileptic activity. The activity of SEL was compared to the effects of levetiracetam (LEV; Keppra), in the same assays.
The coverage of China in Belgian television news: a case study on the impact of foreign correspondents on news content

This study examines the difference that stationing a foreign correspondent can make for news coverage. We focus on the particular case of the news coverage of China on Belgian television. In Belgium, the public broadcaster decided to station a correspondent in China for an extended period of time, while the private commercial competitor did not do so. Drawing on a database of news coverage of China before and after the deployment of the correspondent in China (2005–2009), this study compares the news content for the quantity and issue diversity of the coverage of China, actors in the news, actor coverage, tone, nuance, and focus on everyday life. We conclude that, while foreign correspondents deliver the expected quality of news coverage on many fronts at the same time, generally they are not able to make a significant difference in the news to the overall picture of that faraway country.
How do Emotional Stimuli Influence the Learner's Brain Activity? - Tracking the Brainwave Frequecy Bands Amplitudes

In this paper we discuss how learner’s electrical brain activity can be influenced by emotional stimuli. We conducted an experimentation in which we exposed a group of 17 learners to a series of pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) while their electrical brain activity was recorded. We got 33.106 recordings. In an exploratory study we examined the influence of 24 picture categories from the IAPS on the amplitude variations of the 4 brainwaves frequency bands: δ, φ, α and β. We used machine learning techniques to track the amplitudes in order to predict the dominant frequency band which inform about the learner mental and emotional states. Correlation and regression analyses show a significant impact of the emotional stimuli on the amplitudes of the brainwave frequency bands. Standard classification techniques were used to assess the reliability of the automatic prediction of the dominant frequency band. The reached accuracy was 90%. We discuss the prospects of extending our actual Brainwave-Sensing Multi Agent System to be integrated to an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in the future.
Improved turbo-equalization, with application to bit interleaved modulations

Turbo-equalization has been proposed as a powerful means for recovering unknown symbols sent through frequency selective channels. Most algorithms proposed so far were designed in the framework of a binary symbol alphabet, and then extended to modulations with a larger number of states. Moreover symbol interleaving was mainly considered. This paper improves existing algorithms in that our algorithm (i) exhibits better performance when used with large constellations, and (ii) can be used in conjunction with bit interleaving and thus applies to bit interleaved coded modulations (BICM), which are now frequently used in wireless transmissions. Two variants of the algorithms are presented, namely a turbo-equalizer and a turbo-canceler.
Binary adaptive coded pilot symbol assisted modulation over Rayleigh fading channels without feedback

Pilot symbol assisted modulation (PSAM) is a standard approach for transceiver design for time-varying channels, with channel estimates obtained from pilot symbols being employed for coherent demodulation of the data symbols. In this paper, we show that PSAM schemes can be improved by adapting the coded modulation strategy at the sender to the quality of the channel measurement at the receiver, without requiring any channel feedback from the receiver. We consider performance in terms of achievable rate for binary signaling schemes. The transmitter employs interleaved codes, with data symbols coded according to their distance from the nearest pilot symbols. Symbols far away from pilot symbols encounter poorer channel measurements at the receiver and are therefore coded with lower rate codes, while symbols close to pilot symbols benefit from recent channel measurements and are coded with higher rate codes. The performance benefits from this approach are quantified in the context of binary signaling over time-varying Rayleigh fading channels described by a Gauss-Markov model. The spacing of the pilot symbols is optimized to maximize the mutual information between input and output in this setting. Causal and noncausal channel estimators of varying complexity and delay are considered. It is shown that, by appropriate optimization for the spacing between consecutive pilot symbols, the adaptive coding techniques proposed can improve achievable rate, without any feedback from the receiver to the sender. Moreover, channel estimation based on the two closest pilot symbols is generally close to optimal.
Largest ASD device closure

Transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is now a widely recognized alternative to surgical closure for suitable secundum ASDs. We report closure of a large ostium secundum ASD (OS‐ASD) which measured 40 mm on trans‐esophageal echo (TEE) and was closed with a 46 mm device(Lifetech Scientific Inc., China). To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest size of the device used for closure of ASD till date.
Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Swedish Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer: A National Survey

Background/Objective:This study attempted a national inventory of all bilateral prophylactic mastectomies performed in Sweden between 1995 and 2005 in high-risk women without a previous breast malignancy. The primary aim was to investigate the breast cancer incidence after surgery. Secondary aims were to describe the preoperative risk assessment, operation techniques, complications, histopathological findings, and regional differences. Methods:Geneticists, oncologists and surgeons performing prophylactic breast surgery were asked to identify all women eligible for inclusion in their region. The medical records were reviewed in each region and the data were analyzed centrally. The BOADICEA risk assessment model was used to calculate the number of expected/prevented breast cancers during the follow-up period. Results:A total of 223 women operated on in 8 hospitals were identified. During a mean follow-up of 6.6 years, no primary breast cancer was observed compared with 12 expected cases. However, 1 woman succumbed 9 years post mastectomy to widespread adenocarcinoma of uncertain origin. Median age at operation was 40 years. A total of 58% were BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. All but 3 women underwent breast reconstruction, 208 with implants and 12 with autologous tissue. Four small, unifocal, invasive cancers and 4 ductal carcinoma in situ were found in the mastectomy specimens. The incidence of nonbreast related complications was low (3%). Implant loss due to infection/necrosis occurred in 21 women (10%) but a majority received a new implant later. In total, 64% of the women underwent at least 1unanticipated secondary operation. Conclusions:Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is safe and efficacious in reducing future breast cancer in asymptomatic women at high risk. Unanticipated reoperations are common. Given the small number of patients centralization seems justified.
A Topic Modeling Based Solution for Confirming Software Documentation Quality

this paper presents an approach for evaluating and confirming the quality of the external software documentation using topic modeling. Typically, the quality of the external documentation has to mirror precisely the organization of the source code. Therefore, the elements of such documentation should be strongly written, associated, and presented. In this paper, we use Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and HELLINGER DISTANCE to compute the similarities between the fragments of source code and the external documentation topics. These similarities are used in this paper to improve and advance the existing external documentation. Furthermore, these similarities can also be used for evaluating the new documenting process during the evolution phase of the software. The results show that the new approach yields state-of-the-art performance in evaluating and confirming the existing external documentations quality and superiority.
Dexamethasone Suppression Test before and after Partial Sleep Deprivation in Depressed Schizophrenic and Schizoaffective Patients

Reeent investigations (Holsboer et al., 1980; Berger et al., 1982) about the diagnostie validity of an abnormal dexamethasone suppression test (DST) suggest a eorrelation between hypothalamie-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) overaetivity and depressive syndrome. They are at varianee with reports of Carol/ and associates interpretating an abnormal DST as a speeifie biological marker of endogenous depression (Carol/, 1976; Carol/ et al., 1976 and 1981). Total (TSD) and Partial sleep Deprivation (PSD) have been shown to exert a favourable effeet in endogenous depressed patients (Rudoll et al., 1977; Schi/gen, Toel/e, 1980). Fähndrich (I 982) demonstrated an antidepressive effeet of TSD in depressed schizophrenie patients. Several reports eonfirmed a positive relationship between dexamethasone nonsuppression and antidepressant response to sleep deprivation (Kasper et al., 1983; King et al., 1983; King et al., 1982; Nashral/ah, Coryel/, 1982). The present study was eondueted to explore the relationship between DST and PSD in depressed schizophrenie and schizoaffeetive patients.
Miles Copeland: Three Decades of Scientific Excellence and Industrial Relevance

We know Miles Copeland well as an academic, having attended his graduate-level courses and then having the pleasure of working alongside him at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, delivering courses on selected topics in IC technology to graduate students. We know him better through a series of intensive collaborations in the industrial setting of Bell-Northern Research (BNR) and Northern Telecom (NT, later just Nortel) that began in the early 1970s. Miles, from the perspective of local industry, was not just seen an international leader in the field of analog/mixed-signal/RF IC design; rather, we were mentored by him personally as a technical expert. We also watched him mentor generations of graduate students as a professor, teacher, and advisor at Carleton. He and his research teams have consistently produced innovative results of the highest quality that have been extensively published and recognized by peers, his academic institution, and industry as an extraordinary body of work.
A Hierarchical Analysis of Propositional Temporal Logic based on Intervals

This Output is a bridge between Outputs 1 and 4. It significantly extends Output 1 by demonstrating how to hierarchically analyse various aspects of propositional linear-time temporal logic (PTL) within the interval-oriented temporal logic PITL. These include small models, implemented BDD-based symbolic decision procedures and past time. The presentation now introduces the key novel interval-oriented aspects of the analysis earlier than in Output 1. The paper convincingly shows PITL’s role in PTL’s foundations. Together with Output 2’s complementary material, it will strengthen the awareness and understanding of theoretical and practical links between PTL and its interval-oriented generalizations, including tool support.