Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Death of Distance Revisited: Cyber‐Place, Physical and Relational Proximities

This discussion paper resulted in an article in the Journal of Regional Science (2013). Volume 53, Issue 5(SI), pages 855-873. This paper studies the impact of physical distance and different relational proximity types on the formation of the Internet infrastructure. Although there is some anecdotal evidence on the 'end of geography' effect of the Internet, the relationship between physical space and the Internet has not been yet scrutinized. In addition, owing to the network nature of the Internet, the structure of the Internet infrastructure (the cyber-place) cannot be approached in a unidimensional way. Our paper builds upon recent studies in economic geography and relational proximities, and aims to study whether physical distance survives in virtual geography even after controlling for relational proximities. In order to do so, a unique and extensive database with geo-coded IP links is utilized. Based on this, a spatial interaction model with panel data specifications is constructed to study the impact of different types of proximity on the formation of cyber-place. The above analysis is framed by a complex network analysis exercise, which enhances our understanding of the complexity of the Internet infrastructure from a spatial network perspective. Our results indicate that physical distance, but also different relational proximities, have a significant impact on the intensity of the Internet infrastructure, highlighting the spatiality of the Internet.
Requirements Engineering Changes for COTS-Intensive Systems

COTS products (hardware, software, components, subsystems, and so on) are becoming part of the solution for evermore-complex systems. This means you must make changes in any overall system development lifecycle model as well as in the processes and methods you use to define, design, construct, and validate these systems. In particular, requirements engineering and management must undergo process changes.
Ancient Document Images Enhancement Using Phase Based Binarization

In this paper, we present a phase-based binarization model for degraded document images, also a post processing method that can improve any binarization method and a ground truth generation tool. Usually, many binarization techniques are implemented in the literature for different types of binarization problems. It include an adaptive image contrast based document image binarization technique that is tolerant to different type of document degradation such as uneven illumination document smear involving smudging of text, seeping of ink to the back side of page, degradation of paper ink because of aging and so on similar reasons. An objective evaluation based methodology for handwritten document image binarization techniques that aims to reduce the human involvement in the ground truth construction and consecutive testing Image binarization is the method of separation of pixel values into dual collections, foreground for black and background for white. In images the grayscale and color images into black and white images. Ancient and degraded document improvement using image processing is attracting many researchers in the recent period. Binarization is very popular cleaning the document for further processing. Index Terms – Phase-based binarization model, degraded document images, grayscale images, binarization method, ground truth construction tool.
Fundamental physics with LISA

LISA has the potential to make observations that probe deeply into fundamental physics. Not only will it test to exquisite precision the general relativity model for gravitational radiation, but will also test strong-field gravity and in particular the proposition that all black holes are described by the Kerr metric. More research is needed, however, on how to quantify the theoretical meaning of any deviations that might be seen from general relativity. LISA can also make important contributions where cosmology and fundamental physics join. LISA's observations of black-hole coalescences, out to redshifts of 20 or more, provide a completely new distance measure, one that needs no calibration and is independent of the standard cosmological ‘distance ladder’. Using this measure, LISA may even begin to measure or limit the time dependence of the dark energy equation of state. Beyond these expected results from LISA is the mission's discovery space: LISA's high sensitivity raises real possibilities that it will discover sources in the dark part of the universe that were completely unexpected.
Tapered Through-Silicon-Via Interconnects for Wafer-Level Packaging of Sensor Devices

Through-silicon-via (TSV) interconnects using the “via-last” approach are successfully applied for wafer-level packaging of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. Standard materials and processes are applied for redistribution on the backside of the devices, which is enabled by the use of plasma etched vias with tapered sidewalls. With this, high reliability for the packaged devices are achieved on component and board level. Based on the high uniformity for the via geometry in respect to the dimension of top opening, bottom opening, and sidewall angle, we discuss the coverage of those redistribution polymers and photo resists as the bases for high performance and high yield of the mature wafer-level packaging process for optical and M(O)EMS devices.
Self-Management Capacities in Future Internet Wireless Systems

Thanks to exponential growth rates, the Internet has doubled in size many times since its inception, nearly five decades ago. However, this tremendous growth has brought on an accumulating complexity in management tasks, thus undercutting the Internet's manageability and proving detrimental to further development. To address this predicament, the concept of a capacity for autonomic operation was proposed and later extended with artificial intelligence features to thus converge on the vision of a self-managed Future Internet. The capacity for self-management builds on specific technological enablers, including a network monitoring infrastructure, mechanisms for decision making and decision appraisal as well as advanced artificial intelligence features (e.g., machine learning). This paper establishes the role of these capacities in realizing a self-managed mode of operation for wireless Internet systems. We present a case study where self-management features resulting from the combined application of device and network monitoring and decision making are employed in a solution of a well-known planning and management problem in wireless networking.
Comparative analysis of bag-of-words models for ECG-based biometrics

The performances of the bag-of-words approach in biometric applications using electrocardiography (ECG) signals have been analysed according to the influence of specific design parameters. Optimal setup scenarios have been identified combining five encoding procedures, two pooling methods, and three classification strategies. The method does not require waveform segmentation nor fiducial points detection. Comparative results based on extensive experiments conducted on real ECG recordings collected on chest, finger, and hand palm are presented. Sparse representations yield best results, exceeding 99% correct classification rate for a number of 100 subjects, while additionally exhibiting robustness against modifications of the experimental setup.
Papaya glutamine cyclotransferase shows a singular five-fold β-propeller architecture that suggests a novel reaction mechanism

Abstract Cyclisation of N-terminal glutamine and/or glutamate to yield pyroglutamate is an essential posttranslational event affecting a plethora of bioactive peptides and proteins. It is directly linked with pathologies ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to inflammation and several types of cancers. The reaction is catalysed by ubiquitous glutaminyl cyclotransferases (QCs), which present two distinct prototypes. Mammalian QCs are zinc-dependent enzymes with an α/β-hydrolase fold. Here we present the 1.6-Å-resolution structure of the other prototype, the plant analogue from Carica papaya (PQC). The hatbox-shaped molecule consists of an unusual five-fold β-propeller traversed by a central channel, a topology that has hitherto been described only for some sugar-binding proteins and an extracellular nucleotidase. The high resistance of the enzyme to denaturation and proteolytic degradation is explained by its architecture, which is uniquely stabilised by a series of tethering elements that confer rigidity. Strikingly, the N-terminus of PQC specifically interacts with residues around the entrance to the central channel of a symmetry-related molecule, suggesting that this location is the putative active site. Cyclisation would follow a novel general-acid/base working mechanism, pivoting around a strictly conserved glutamate. This study provides a lead structure not only for plant QC orthologues, but also for bacteria, including potential human pathogens causing diphtheria, plague and malaria.
Immunohistochemical studies on endothelial cell phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma

To examine the phenotype of the sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) surrounding tumor cells and the process of capillarization in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 51 primary HCCs, 4 adrenal metastases, and 3 portal tumor thrombi were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for CD4, CD14 (lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein complex receptors), and CD32 (Fc gamma receptor II), which are specifically found on the SECs in normal liver, but not on ordinary vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Immunostaining was also performed for CD36 (thrombospondin receptors), EN4 antigen (Ag) (a pan‐vascular endothelial cell Ag), PAL‐E Ag (a venous and capillary EC Ag), factor VIII‐related Ag (FVIIIRAg), and laminin. MAb 25F9, which identifies macrophages, was simultaneously used with the other MAbs to distinguish macrophages from SECs in HCCs (HCC SECs). CD4, CD14, and/or CD32 were found on HCC SECs only in 12 well‐differentiated primary HCCs showing a thin trabecular or pseudoglandular tumor cell arrangement. These 12 tumors were smaller than those without CD4‐, CD14‐, and/or CD32‐positive SECs (P < .05). Among them, 7, 5, and 11 tumors were negative or only partially positive for laminin, PAL‐E Ag, and FVIIIRAg, respectively. Staining for laminin and PAL‐E Ag showed an inverse relationship to the expression of CD4, CD14, and CD32 on HCC SECs and the tumor differentiation. In conclusion, the phenotypes of the SECs in early and well‐differentiated HCC are thought to be similar to those of the SECs in normal liver. With progressing tumor dedifferentiation the HCC SECs lose the phenotypes peculiar to liver SECs and acquire the characteristics of capillary ECs, though both types of phenotypical change occur independently of each other.
A programmable baseband processor for massive MIMO uplink multi-user detection

Massive MIMO is a promising technology for the coming 5G wireless systems. In this paper, a programmable baseband processor specifically designed for uplink symbol detection targeting massive MIMO is presented with a novel matrix inversion method proposed to obtain more precise and efficient computation. Including a microcode controlled channel preprocessing unit and a pipelined detection unit, the detector is flexible enough to adaptively support both linear and nonlinear detection algorithms.
Healing Dramas and Clinical Plots: the Narrative Structure of Experience

[][1] Cheryl Mattingly Cambridge University Press, £14.95, pp 192 ISBN 0 521 63004 5 Rating: ! [Graphic][2] ! [Graphic][3] In this book anthropologist Cheryl Mattingly analyses communication by occupational therapists treating life altering illnesses such as spinal cord injuries. Her opening statement admits that the book gave her trouble as her thoughts developed over a decade. She also wondered how much of her personal opinions and feelings should be openly expressed, and her analysis ultimately reflects the interaction between patients, therapists, and observer. The book, which … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif
Isolation and Characterization of Collagen from Chicken Feet

Collagen was isolated from chicken feet by using papain and pepsin enzymes in acetic acid solution at 4°C for 24h with a yield of 18.16% and 22.94% by dry weight, respectively. Chemical composition and characteristics of chicken feet collagen such as amino acid composition, SDS-PAGE patterns, FTIR spectra and thermal properties were evaluated. The chicken feet collagen is rich in the amino acids glycine, glutamic acid, proline and hydroxyproline. Electrophoresis pattern demonstrated two distinct α-chains (α1 and α2) and β chain, indicating that type I collagen is a major component of chicken feet collagen. The thermal stability of collagen isolated by papain and pepsin revealed stable denaturation temperatures of 48.40 and 53.35°C, respectively. The FTIR spectra of both collagens were similar with amide regions in A, B, I, II and III. The study demonstrated that chicken feet collagen using papain isolation method is possible as commercial alternative ingredient.
Effect of ASTRA-BEN 20 ® on Broiler Chicks Exposed to Aflatoxin B1 or T2 Toxin

The objectives of this study were: 1) to examine effects of a dietary sodium bentonite, ASTRABEN–20 (AB20) [Prince Agri Products, Inc., Quincy, Ill. ], on in vitro binding of T2 toxin and aflatoxin B (AFB1); ® 1 and 2) to examine the effects of AB20 in broiler chicks fed 6 ppm dietary T2 toxin (T2) or 4 ppm aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to 21 d. Day-old male broiler chicks were randomly placed in batteries and assigned to one of nine dietary treatments (7 replicates of 5 chicks): control (C); 1% AB20; 2% AB20; T2; T2+ 1% AB20; T2+2% AB20; AFB1; AFB1+1% AB20; and AFB1+2% AB20. Individual BW, feed consumption by pen, period and cumulative feed conversions (PFC and CFC, respectively), and BW gains (BWG) were determined weekly. Liver weight (LW), relative liver weight (RLW), and liver lipid (%, PLL) were determined at d21 for AFB1 chicks. Oral lesions were scored on d21 for T2 chicks. One and 2% AB20 reduced BW during wk 1 and 2 compared to controls. AFB1 reduced BW during wk 2 and 3 and increased PLL at d21. Both 1 and 2% AB20 returned BW, BWG, and PLL to control levels. T2 reduced BW and BWG at wk 1, 2, and 3. T2 + 1% AB20 and T2 + 2% AB20 improved BW at wk 1 and 2 and BWG at wk 1 while T2 + 1% AB20 improved BW at wk 3 when compared to T2. T2 + 2% AB20 also decreased oral lesion severity compared to T2 at d21. PFC and CFC were increased by T2 and T2 + 1% AB20. CFC tended to improve when chicks were fed T2 + 2% AB20 (P<0.06). AB20 protected broiler chicks from dietary AFB and provided some protection against dietary T2. 1
Stereological estimation of tubular length

Very efficient and unbiased principles exist for estimating the total three‐dimensional (3D), two‐dimensional and zero‐dimensional amounts of arbitrary structure in 3D space. The total one‐dimensional length of real structure, in the ordinary sense, is an abstraction from the point of view of integral geometry. All stereological estimators of ‘tubular length’ are thus approximations. In addition, they are riddled by biases due to several types of artificial edges and other practical problems. This paper discusses several of these and proposes practical solutions of minimal biases.
Model derivation, attitude control and Kalman filter estimation of a quadcopter

Recently unmanned aerial vehicles have become one of the most interesting research topics among scientists. Although researchers are very concerned in this area, they generally use the same dynamical plant equations. Simulations using that ready-to-use plant equations are common methods in order to apply control or optimization theories. But, beyond simulations, in real time control of these systems may yield some unknown results that drives the plant from optimum state and/or stability. Starting from this point of view, we first prepare basic test bench for our quadcopter. Then, take some observation data includes motor parameters and predefined attitude angles. By help of measurement phase, we derived differential equations for our quadcopter. Finally, a continuous time steady-space model is obtained from these equations. In Matlab, a linearization procedure is done under some constraints such as maximum allowable angle rates along hover position. Then, a PD type classical controller is designed for both altitude and attitude control of the quadcopter. A Gaussian distributed noise is added over the controlled states of the quadcopter as disturbance of physical phenomena. Finally, a Kalman filter is designed and implemented in order to estimate the states of the noisy signals to achieve a reliable control of the quadcopter.
Mitigation of multiple impulse noise sources through selective attenuation

On modern military platforms, there are many electronic systems that can cause interference to other. In order to mitigate the performance degradation this cosite interference might cause, attenuation of the received power from the interference sources is needed. In this work, we propose simple methods to select appropriate attenuation values for multiple impulse noise sources. The methods are based on approximations of the total bit error probability (BEP), in order to determine the impact from each individual source on the total system performance. Different methods for approximating the resulting BEP, and thereafter selecting the appropriate attenuations, are proposed based on different levels of knowledge of the individual interference signals. Either the BEP as a function of receive SIR or the impulsiveness correction factors (ICFs) and average powers are assumed to be known for each individual interference signal. The proposed methods are evaluated numerically and perform well in different scenarios.
A NOVEL METHOD OF IMAGE RETRIEVAL USING COLOR TEXTURE AND SIFT FEATURES

Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) system is rising as a crucial analysis space wherever the users will search and retrieve pictures supported by the properties like shape, color and texture from the image information. Typically texture-based image retrieval is taken into account as a clever image of coarseness, dissimilarity and roughness however there's a lot of texture data within the edge image. This paper projected a unique approach to retrieve pictures by texture, color and SIFT. Moreover, the digital image is employed to represent the native characteristics of the image for increasing the accuracy of the retrieval system. Because the experimental results indicated, the projected technique so outperforms different schemes in terms of retrieval accuracy and class retrieval ability. Keywords—content-based image retrieval (CBIR), HSV color house, GLCM, LBP, SIFT. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dynamic Clutter Suppression and Multitarget Detection in a DVB-T-Based Passive Radar

This paper examines the problem of suppressing the dynamic clutter and multitarget detection in a digital video broadcasting-terrestrial (DVB-T)-based passive bistatic radar (PBR). A two-step low-complexity clutter suppression method is presented to attenuate the nonstationary multipath/clutter in a multiple-frequency network. In the first step, we estimate the multipath signals, as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing channel coefficients, in a symbolwise approach. The variation of the clutter signal is tracked, using the complex exponential basis expansion model, in the second step. Then, the estimated multipath/clutter signals are subtracted from the received signals. An iterative algorithm is also proposed for detecting targets sequentially in a multitarget scenario. The performance of the proposed method is derived analytically, and a criterion is suggested for comparing different clutter cancellation schemes. The resulting solution is shown to be more efficient than other methods in terms of time and memory complexities.
Electrochemical Detection in Microfluidic Devices

Screen-printing was used to incorporate electrodes into a channel of a microfluidic device. These enabled, through the electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen peroxide, the determination of glucose which had been added to milk pre-treated by ultrafiltration. Screen-printing is a relatively simple, inexpensive technique and its use to add electrochemical detection to microfluidic devices is a step towards convenient chemical analysis at point of need.
Safety-aware routing for motorised tourists based on open data and VGI

Abstract In this work, we present a routing approach avoiding relatively dangerous areas within a city. The information of how dangerous some urban areas are is derived using volunteered geographic information (VGI), governmental open data for detecting properties and functionalities of the urban infrastructure and historical crime data from police departments for detecting crime hot spots. Therefore, we present the basics of crime mapping and analysis with GIS, the practical use of VGI for routing and describe our contribution within the field of routing solutions. Afterwards, we explore our test data in detail. For the practical use, we simplify all the urban infrastructure information and propose a safety index, which represents the relative safety in the investigation area. Additionally, historical crime hot spots are detected and used as routing obstacles. The arcs in the road network are weighted by our safety index and the historical crime hot spots are introduced as obstacle polygons. We test our safety-aware routing design on Los Angeles (LA) and assume its use during night times. In this regard, from two relatively far away situated origin and destination points, we calculate the least dangerous path and compare it with the calculated shortest path. Vehicle drivers without knowledge about the dangerous areas in the city may use the least dangerous path, which is based on our calculated safety index. Finally, we discuss the effectiveness of our method and consider further extensions using freely available geodata.
Efficient Scalable Accurate Regression Queries in In-DBMS Analytics

Recent trends aim to incorporate advanced data analytics capabilities within DBMSs. Linear regression queries are fundamental to exploratory analytics and predictive modeling. However, computing their exact answers leaves a lot to be desired in terms of efficiency and scalability. We contribute a novel predictive analytics model and associated regression query processing algorithms, which are efficient, scalable and accurate. We focus on predicting the answers to two key query types that reveal dependencies between the values of different attributes: (i) mean-value queries and (ii) multivariate linear regression queries, both within specific data subspaces defined based on the values of other attributes. Our algorithms achieve many orders of magnitude improvement in query processing efficiency and nearperfect approximations of the underlying relationships among data attributes.