Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Complexity First-Two-Minimum-Values Generator for Bit-Serial LDPC Decoding

This brief proposes a low-complexity first-two-minimum-values generator for a bit-serial scheme. Since the hardware complexity of generators utilizes a significant portion of the min-sum low-density parity-check decoder, a low-complexity generator is crucially important. To reduce hardware complexity, an existing bit-serial generator that finds only one minimum value instead of two has been proposed; however, it can cause bit error rate (BER) degradation. By contrast, the proposed low-complexity bit-serial generator can find the exact first two minimum values and thus can improve the BER performance. Moreover, the proposed generator does not suffer from any throughput loss since its latency is almost the same as that of the existing generator.
Global patterns of marine nitrogen fixation and denitrification

A new quasi‐conservative tracer N*, defined as a linear combination of nitrate and phosphate, is proposed to investigate the distribution of nitrogen fixation and denitrification in the world oceans. Spatial patterns of N* are determined in the different ocean basins using data from the Geochemical Ocean Sections Study (GEOSECS) cruises (1972–1978) and from eight additional cruises in the Atlantic Ocean. N* is low (< −3 µmol kg−1) in the Arabian Sea and in the eastern tropical North and South Pacific. This distribution is consistent with direct observations of water column denitrification in these oxygen minimum zones. Low N* concentrations in the Bering Sea and near the continental shelves of the east and west coasts of North America also indicate a sink of N* due to benthic denitrification. High concentrations of N* (>2.0 µmol kg−1) indicative of prevailing nitrogen fixation are found in the thermocline of the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic and in the Mediterranean. This suggests that on a global scale these basins are acting as sources of fixed nitrogen, while the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean are acting as sinks. Nitrogen fixation is estimated in the North Atlantic Ocean (10°N–50°N) using the N* distribution along isopycnal surfaces and information about the water age. We calculate a fixation rate of 28 Tg N yr−1 which is about 3 times larger than the most recent global estimate. Our result is in line, however, with some recent suggestions that pelagic nitrogen fixation may be seriously underestimated. The implied flux of 0.072 mol N m−2 yr−1 is sufficient to meet all the nitrogen requirement of the estimated net community production in the mixed layer during summer at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study (BATS) site in the northwestern Sargasso Sea. Extrapolation of our North Atlantic estimate to the global ocean suggests that the present‐day budget of nitrogen in the ocean may be in approximate balance.
Harp seal populations in the northwestern Atlantic: modelling populations with uncertainty

For the past six years, nearly 400,000 harp seals from the Northwest Atlantic population have been hunted annually by Canada and Greenland, the highest number since the 1950s. When such hunting pressure last occurred, the harp seal population declined rapidly by over 50%. With current levels of hunting pressure being so high, it is important to have accurate information about the total harp seal population size and the subsequent effects of differing hunting strategies. Therefore, in this report we evaluate the scientific model used by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans to estimate harp seal population size, set harp seal total allowable catches (TACs) and model the effect of different culling pressure.
The sensory neurone membrane protein SNMP1 contributes to the sensitivity of a pheromone detection system

Male moths detect female‐released sex pheromones with extraordinary sensitivity. The remarkable sensory ability is based on a cooperative interplay of pheromone binding proteins in the lymph of hair‐like sensilla trichodea and pheromone receptors in the dendrites of sensory neurones. Here we examined whether in Heliothis virescens the so‐called ‘sensory neurone membrane protein 1’ (SNMP1) may contribute to responsiveness to the pheromone component, (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal (Z11‐16:Ald). By means of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization we demonstrated that SNMP1 is in fact present in cells expressing the Z11‐16:Ald receptor HR13 and the dendrites of sensory neurones. To assess a possible function of SNMP1 we monitored the responsiveness of cell lines that expressed HR13 alone or the combination SNMP1/HR13 to stimulation with Z11‐16:Ald by calcium imaging. It was found that SNMP1/HR13 cells were 1000‐fold more sensitive to pheromone stimulation compared with HR13 cells. In contrast, cells that expressed HR13 and the non‐neuronal SNMP2‐type showed no change in pheromone sensitivity. Overall, our reconstitution experiments demonstrate that the presence of SNMP1 significantly increases the HR13‐based responsiveness of cells to Z11‐16:Ald, suggesting that SNMP1 also contributes to the response of the antennal neurones and thus to the remarkable sensitivity of the pheromone detection system.
Transportation Facilities Management Under Emergencies

In order to address limitations of static traffic assignment, recent research focused on the development of Dynamic Traffic Assignment (DTA) models that are capable of estimating time-varying network conditions by capturing traffic flow and route choice behavior. Such models compute the spatio-temporal path for every vehicle so that no user can switch path and improve his travel. Moreover, they account for real-time routing behavior in response to congestion due to recurrent and non-recurrent events. In this context, DTA models provide transportation planners and engineers with modern tools to improve the accuracy of traditional transportation planning approaches and enable modeling of Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies that are used to improve transportation system management. This project developed a Dynamic Simulation/Assignment Model for Birmingham, Alabama area to study emergencies in the Birmingham area for preplanning purposes and to evaluate alternative relief strategies. The Visual Interactive System for Transport Algorithms (VISTA) platform was utilized for this purpose. Case studies were constructed to demonstrate the potential use of the software for traffic management and transportation planning under emergencies. More specifically, one incident management case study with six scenarios and one emergency analysis case study with two scenarios were tested on a sub-network of the Birmingham regional network. The study confirmed that a DTA approach could provide transportation agencies with a powerful tool with which to improve their existing management plans through the evaluation of route diversion strategies, information dissemination through variable message signs placement, signal preemption in support of evacuation, and a variety of emergency response actions.
Sedimentological analysis of the subsurface Mulga Downs Group in the central part of the Darling Basin, western New South Wales

Detailed sedimentological analysis, using lithological samples (cores and cuttings) and wireline-log information, has been carried out on the Devonian subsurface strata of the Darling Basin, to aid in the development of a geological model for the Mulga Downs Group in the Blantyre, southern Pondie Range and western Neckarboo Sub-basins. The Mulga Downs Group displays five different lithofacies successions, which are visible in both vertical and horizontal sections. The lower part of the Mulga Downs Group (Snake Cave Interval) is a succession composed mainly of braided fluvial and meandering fluvial lithofacies, with minor fluvial–shallow lacustrine complex lithofacies. The upper part of the Mulga Downs Group (Ravendale Interval) contains braided fluvial and meandering fluvial lithofacies passing upwards into estuarine tidal channel deposits and a nearshore lithofacies complex contemporaneous with a nearshore braided-deltaplain complex lithofacies. The results of this study, which included core and cutting descriptions and geophysical log (mainly gamma-ray logs) correlations, and comparisons with other large sandstone- and siltstone-rich sediment-supply fluvial systems in the subsurface data in the central part of the Darling Basin, suggest that the Mulga Downs Group has excellent reservoir potential and stratigraphic-trap configuration.
Adaptive Fuzzy Controller of the Overhead Cranes With Nonlinear Disturbance

Overhead cranes are common industrial structures that are used in many factories and harbors. They are usually operated manually or by some conventional control methods, such as the optimal and PLC-based methods. The theme of this paper is to provide an effective all-purpose adaptive fuzzy controller for the crane. This proposed method does not need the complex dynamic model of the crane system, but it uses trolley position and swing angle information instead to design the fuzzy controller. An adaptive algorithm is provided to tune the free parameters in the crane control system. The ways to speed the transportation and reduce the computational efforts are also given. Therefore, the designing procedure of the proposed controller will be very easy. External disturbance, such as the wind and the hit, which always deteriorates the control performance, is also discussed in this paper to verify the robustness of the proposed adaptive fuzzy algorithm. At last, several experimental results with different wire length and payload weight compare the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme with conventional methods
D-brane Spectrum and K-theory Constraints of D=4, N=1 Orientifolds

We study the spectrum of stable BPS and non-BPS D-branes in Z_2 x Z_2 orientifolds for all choices of discrete torsion between the orbifold and orientifold generators. We compute the torsion K-theory charges in these D=4, N=1 orientifold models directly from worldsheet conformal field theory, and compare with the K-theory constraints obtained indirectly using D-brane probes. The K-theory torsion charges derived here provide non-trivial constraints on string model building. We also discuss regions of stability for non-BPS D-branes in these examples.
Towards a Maturity Model for E-Collaboration - A Design Science Research Approach

Introducing electronic collaboration (e-collaboration) is not a matter of introducing new software, but it is a matter of introducing new, and if applied correctly, more efficient working processes and methods (i.e., e-collaboration capability). As a first step before introducing a collaboration technology, managers should comprehensively examine their organization's underlying capability. Accordingly, this study draws on literature of maturity models and success factors in the areas of e-collaboration and knowledge management as well as results of case studies of SharePoint introduction projects in order to propose a maturity model for e-collaboration as holistic approach which seeks to detect whether an organization exhibits the capabilities for efficient e-collaboration (i.e., analyze as-is situation) or what should be altered or implemented in order to achieve this (i.e., derive measures). Hence, this paper presents the first iteration of an e-collaboration maturity model instantiated as Excel assessment by using the design science research methodology and it results with the proposition of a situational alignment.
Equitable Partitioning Policies for Mobile Robotic Networks

The most widely applied strategy for workload sharing is to equalize the workload assigned to each resource. In mobile multi-agent systems, this principle directly leads to equitable partitioning policies in which (i) the workspace is divided into subregions of equal measure, (ii) there is a bijective correspondence between agents and subregions, and (iii) each agent is responsible for service requests originating within its own subregion. In this paper, we design provably correct, spatially-distributed and adaptive policies that allow a team of agents to achieve a convex and equitable partition of a convex workspace, where each subregion has the same measure. We also consider the issue of achieving convex and equitable partitions where subregions have shapes similar to those of regular polygons. Our approach is related to the classic Lloyd algorithm, and exploits the unique features of power diagrams. We discuss possible applications to routing of vehicles in stochastic and dynamic environments. Simulation results are presented and discussed.
Effect of Cavity in a Pentroof Piston on the Engine In-cylinder Tumble Flows - An Investigation by Particle Image Velocimetry

This study deals with the investigations on the incylinder tumble flows of a single cylinder two-valve engine under motoring conditions with two pentroof pistons having different cavities at an engine speed of 1000 rev/min., during suction and compression strokes using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The two-dimensional velocity vector fields are analyzed on a vertical plane passing through the axis of the cylinder. To quantify the tumble flows, tumble ratio (TR) and average turbulent kinetic energy (ATKE) are estimated from the ensemble average velocity vectors obtained from PIV measurements. It is found that, the TR and ATKE are higher for pentroof-offset-cavity piston than pentroof-central-cavity piston. The present study will be useful in understanding the effect of piston-cavity and shape on the nature of the in-cylinder tumble flows in real engine conditions. Index Terms —Pentroof, PIV, TKE, Tumble flow, Velocity field.
Knowledge Workers' Attitude Toward Inter-Organizational Knowledge Sharing System In The Education Sector

This study aimed to assess the predictors of knowledge workers’ attitudes toward an interorganisational knowledge sharing system (IOKSS) in horizontally-linked organisations in the education sector. Though IOKSS may encounter several organisational and individual challenges, their deployment in knowledge-intensive sectors can be valuable, if not crucial, to effective social and economic development, especially in developing countries. Knowledge workers’ attitudes toward IOKSS are critical as they are the driving force of such systems; IOKSS can only survive through workers’ commitment and use. However, previous research on inter-organisational systems (IOS) has focused on organisational adoption, particularly on vertically-linked organisations. Based on data collected from schoolteachers in organisations in the education sector, this study’s results indicate that several factors related to the individual, peers, the proposed IOKSS, and the organisation significantly contribute to knowledge workers’ attitudes toward IOKSS. Such results are valuable for researchers and practitioners in their adoption of IOKSS in the education sector.
Non rainfall moisture interception by dwarf succulents and their relative abundance in an inland arid South African ecosystem

Dwarf succulents persist in the arid Succulent Karoo despite the low‐water storage capacities of their contracted leaves and stems that are inadequate for enduring severe and prolonged drought. We examined the contribution of non‐rainfall moisture (fog, dew, water vapour) to the water budgets and relative abundance of two endemic dwarf succulents Agyroderma pearsonii and Cephalophyllum spissum. Non‐rainfall moisture was measured with automated lysimeters containing bare quartz‐gravel soils and introduced A. pearsonii and C. spissum individuals at hourly intervals spanning an 8‐month wet winter to dry summer period. Total non‐rainfall atmospheric moisture intercepted by the bare quartz‐gravel substrate of 137·6 mm, of which water vapour adsorption contributed 56·2 mm, fog 78·2 mm and dew 3·4 mm, was virtually equivalent to the rainfall amount of 142·7 mm. Agyroderma pearsonii intercepted 228·4 mm of non‐rainfall moisture of which water vapour adsorption contributed 117·1 mm, fog 104·4 mm and dew 6·9 mm. This was nearly three times the non‐rainfall amount of 88·7 mm y−1 intercepted by C. spissum, of which water vapour contributed 44·3 mm, fog 41·3 mm and dew 3·1 mm. The greater quantity of non‐rainfall moisture intercepted by A. pearsonii corresponded with its threefold greater leaf abundance and twofold greater canopy cover than that of C. spissum. We conclude that non‐rainfall moisture, especially the absorption of atmospheric water vapour by soils and its uptake by the extensive network of superficial roots of dwarf quartz‐field succulents are vital in sustaining their growth and survival and in determining their distributions and relative abundance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a database of regional satellite information and software for processing of this information in the Institute of Atmospheric Optics SB RAS

This paper presents the general description of the information-software developed in the Institute of Atmospheric Optics (IAO) SB RAS based on the archives of regional digital satellite (MODIS, NOAA) information and the software for primary and thematic processing of this information. The system to be developed is intended for solution of a wide range of problems concerning remote sensing of atmospheric and surface parameters from space, as well as for investigation of the spatial and temporal variability of the environment in Western Siberia. The program block of the system is based on both commonly known and original, developed in the IAO, software for processing of satellite data.
Modeling the impact of topography on seismic amplification at regional scale

Earthquake triggered ground shaking depends not only on the characteristics of earthquake source parameters and medium of seismic waves propagation, but also on the site effects. These site effects are often not included in regional ground shaking models, especially local topography, where hill ridges amplify and hill bases de-amplify seismic waves. Development in satellite and remote sensing technologies have made digital elevation models (DEMs) freely available at high resolution, and with global cover. DEMs derived from ASTER (30m) and SRTM (90m) can therefore be utilized to model the impact of topography on seismic response. In this study, seismic waves propagation generated by 2005 Kashmir earthquake were simulated using a 3D spectral finite element code called SPECFEM3D. The ground shaking simulations and peak ground acceleration maps were generated initially assuming the homogenous ground surface and later by including the topography. Topography derived from ASTER and SRTM DEMs were simulated separately to predict the impact of DEM resolution on computed ground shaking simulations and maps. The result from model simulations shows that seismic waves are dispersed at the topographic discontinuities, leading to intensification of seismic response at some hill ridges. Comparing the simulations with and without topography also verified that the ground shaking was intensified at the hill ridges and steep slopes and has a variation of 70% greater than in the valleys, as consequences of incorporated different resolution of medium DEMs resolution. Therefore, this study demonstrated the significant impact of topography on variation of ground shaking and how seismic response modeling can benefit from the readily available global DEMs in modelling more realistic earthquake.
Optimizing for video storage networking with recommender systems

Driven mainly by its adoption as a new media distribution platform for content providers and its ubiquitous availability for the end user's media production and consumption, the Internet is rapidly reshaping. In particular, the stakeholders in the content distribution market are considering exploiting content delivery networks (CDNs) to play a key enabling role allowing them to become part of related value chains. In this paper we discuss how such CDNs rely on autonomous algorithms to optimally use the storage resources, i.e., reducing bandwidth on feeder links, while providing quality of experience (QoE) to the end user. A model is presented to allow the comparison of algorithms that rely on measuring content popularity versus new recommender based algorithms that base caching decisions on predictions of individual end user behavior. The performance and the dynamics of these algorithmic components are assessed based on a theoretical demand model for a cache deployed at one of the various levels in a tree-based access network, inclusive of a single user cache. This scientific analysis allows to carefully pitch some considerations towards infrastructure network providers that deploy such storage networking. © 2012 Alcatel-Lucent.
Title Automatic detection and classification of nasopharyngealcarcinoma on PET / CT with support vector machine

Purpose Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has established values for imaging of head and neck cancers, including the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), utilizing both morphologic and functional information. In this paper, we introduce a computerized system for automatic detection of NPC, targeting both the primary tumor and regional nodal metastasis, on PET/CT. Methods Candidate lesions were extracted based on the features from both PET and CT images and a priori knowledge of anatomical features and subsequently classified by a support vector machine algorithm. The system was validated with 25 PET/CT examinations from 10 patients suffering from NPC. Lesions manually contoured by experienced radiologists were used as the gold standard. Results Results showed that the system successfully identified all 53 hypermetabolic lesions larger than 1 cm in size and excluded normal physiological uptake in brown fat, muscles, bone marrow, brain, and salivary glands. Conclusion The system combined both imaging features and a priori clinical knowledge for classification between pathological and physiological uptake. Preliminary results showed that the system was highly accurate and promising for adoption in clinical use.
Bacteremic Typhoid Fever in Children in an Urban Slum, Bangladesh

We confirmed a bacteremic typhoid fever incidence of 3.9 episodes/1,000 person-years during fever surveillance in a Dhaka urban slum. The relative risk for preschool children compared with older persons was 8.9. Our regression model showed that these children were clinically ill, which suggests a role for preschool immunization.
A CMOS Direct-Digital BPSK Modulator Using an Active Balun and Common-Gate Switches

A 0.18 mum CMOS binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulator circuit is proposed and demonstrated that can achieve high data rates and strong carrier suppression while having low DC power consumption and a very compact layout. The modulator accepts a single-ended microwave signal (2.4 GHz) and converts it to a balanced signal using an active balun. Complementary common-gate switches are then used to select one of the two balun outputs in correspondence with the digital data to produce BPSK modulation. Excellent performance is obtained with measured phase and amplitude errors of less than 1deg and 0.1 dB, respectively, and data rates up to 200 Mbps with a carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz. The insertion loss for the modulator is approximately 3 dB. Additionally, the active balun provides input matching and obtains an input reflection coefficient of -13 dB. The circuit layout area is 310 mumtimes260 mum and the power consumption is 7.2 mW.
Fire detection in the buildings using image processing

To reduce loss of life and property from fire, an early warning is an imperative. A fire detection system based on light detection and analysis is proposed in the paper. This system uses HSV and YCbCr color models with given conditions to separate orange, yellow, and high brightness light from background and ambient light. Fire growth is analysed and calculated based on frame differences. The overall accuracy from the experiments has been greater than 90%.