Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on DFT Domain Digital Audio Watermarking Algorithm Based on Quantization

Quantization index modulation is one of the popular digital audio watermarking algorithms. The principle of the algorithm is analyzed firstly, and then embedding and extracting formulas of less computational complexity are given. The performances of algorithm based on DFT (discrete Fourier transform) coefficients quantization are mainly researched, and its disadvantages are pointed out. Firstly, the embedding distortion (defined as mean square error) is educed. The conclusions that transparency is in proportion to the square of quantization step and small DFT coefficient leads to bad transparency are reached. Secondly, according to the extracting formula, the BER (bit error rate) expressions under AWGN (additive white Gaussian noise) and amplitude scale assaults are deduced. Meanwhile, the influence of resampling perturbation is investigated. As a conclusion, the robustness to AWGN only relates to the quantization step and the algorithm is susceptible to amplitude scale and resampling attacks.
Pipeline Labeling Algorithm with Parallel Calculation of Gravity Center on FPGA

Hardware acceleration is one of the techniques to improve processing speed and it is often used in the field of image processing. Because each processing such as image processing filters and feature extractions are usually independent. In this work, the hardware acceleration for the object tracking system was simulated and compared to software processing. Hardware-based labeling and calculation of gravity center shows the high performance than the software-based design. Additionally, these hardware-based modules were implemented on FPGA. In this paper, we shows the detail of the architecture.
Multi-party Computation with Social Rational Parties

In traditional rational multi-party computation, parties are assumed to have utility functions and they act according to the utility assumptions. In economics and political scenarios, parties in multi-party computation may have some other properties such as reputation which plays an important role on boosting mutual cooperation in multiparty computation. In this paper we put forward a new kind of parties satisfying reputation assumption and utility assumptions. Meanwhile we construct a social rational multiparty computation protocol under incomplete information and incomplete network to facilitate the implementation of the protocol within constant rounds.
Colour harmony revisited

A plethora of theories and studies exist that focus on the relationship between colour and esthetic response as well as the construction of colour harmony. However, consensus regarding colour harmony is lacking in the literature leaving designers and architects with col- our harmony information that is contradictory and ambig- uous. This article examines both early and more recent theories and definitions of colour harmony. The diverse theoretical paradigms and disparate assumptions embed- ded within these theories are discussed in some depth, and the validity and veracity of predictive colour harmony theories are discussed from a current theoretical perspec- tive. An updated definition of colour harmony is provided along with a conceptual model that represents an attempt to revise colour harmony in line with current theoretical paradigms. This conceptual model acknowl- edges that the interface between colour and esthetic response is less deterministic and predictable, and more idiographic than previous theories allow. In addition, the conceptual model suggests that colour harmony is contin- gent on factors that may influence the relationship between colour and esthetic response such as individual and cultural differences as well as perceptual, contextual, and temporal factors. 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res
The Superthreaded Processor Architecture

The common single-threaded execution model limits processors to exploiting only the relatively small amount of instruction-level parallelism that is available in application programs. The superthreaded processor, on the other hand, is a concurrent multithreaded architecture (CMA) that can exploit the multiple granularities of parallelism that are available in general-purpose application programs. Unlike other CMAs that rely primarily on hardware for run-time dependence detection and speculation, the superthreaded processor combines compiler-directed thread-level speculation of control and data dependences with run-time data dependence verification hardware. This hybrid of a superscalar processor and a multiprocessor-on-a-chip can utilize many of the existing compiler techniques used in traditional parallelizing compilers developed for multiprocessors. Additional unique compiler techniques, such as the conversion of data speculation into control speculation, are also introduced to generate the superthreaded code and to enhance the parallelism between threads. A detailed execution-driven simulator is used to evaluate the performance potential of this new architecture. It is found that a superthreaded processor can achieve good performance on complex application programs through this close coupling of compile-time and run-time information.
Using frequency response coherent structures for model-order reduction in microwave applications

An effective practical technique for model-order reduction of large-scale linear time-invariant problems in microwave applications is presented. The reduction is performed as the Galerkin projection onto a subspace of frequency response coherent structures that contain the spectrum of the system multiinput impulse response. The subspace basis is created by the proper orthogonal decomposition of the system transfer characteristics sampled at discrete frequency points. A reduced-order modeling of an integrated planar spiral transformer is used for practical verification and comparison to the standard moment matching subspace approach.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Test Generation for Binary and Ternary Quantum Circuits

It is believed that quantum computing will begin to have an impact around year 2010. Much work is done on physical realization and synthesis of quantum circuits, but nothing so far on the problem of generating tests and localization of faults for such circuits. Even fault models for quantum circuits have been not formulated yet. We propose an approach to test generation for a wide category of fault models of single and multiple faults. It uses deterministic and probabilistic tests to detect faults. A Fault Table is created that includes probabilistic information. If possible, deterministic tests are first selected, while covering faults with tests, in order to shorten the total length of the test sequence. The method is applicable to both binary and ternary quantum circuits. The system generates test sequences and adaptive trees for fault localization for small binary and ternary quantum circuits.
Effectiveness of TeV gamma-ray observations at large zenith angles with a stereoscopic system of imaging atmospheric Cerenkov telescopes

The sensitivity of imaging atmospheric Cerenkov telescopes (IACTs) in TeV -ray observations reaches its maximum at small zenith angles (SZAs) ( 30o) which provides the minimum attainable energy threshold of an instrument. However, for a specific telescope site a number of -ray sources, or source candidates, can only be observed at much larger zenith angles (LZAs) ( 60o). Moreover, the observations at LZAs allow us to extend the observation time window for any object seen at SZAs, as well as to enlarge the dynamic energy range of an instrument towards the highest observable energies of -rays. Based on Monte Carlo simulations we present the results on the sensitivity of a stereoscopic system of five IACTs in observations at LZAs. We point out some important parameters of the telescope design which could substantially improve the efficiency of such observations with forthcoming IACT arrays like CANGAROO III, HESS and VERITAS.
A framework for pipeline infrastructure monitoring using wireless sensor networks

Ad hoc and sensor networks is a new area of research which is rapidly growing due to the development of new technologies in inexpensive sensors. These electronic devices have increased capabilities in processing speed, memory, communication and networking [21][22]. Such sensor networks have a vast amount of applications including environmental monitoring, military, ecology, agriculture, inventory control, robotics and health care. This paper discusses the issues and challenges in the use of this new and very promising technology in the protection and monitoring of the critical and essential infrastructures of pipelines carrying oil, gas, water, and other important resources. The paper presents an architectural model that can be used to provide this monitoring and control functions. The model includes an overview of networking and routing protocols that can be used to provide the necessary communications. In addition, the paper provides discussions and recommendations concerning network reliability and the use of different wireless sensor technologies and protocols.
Cellular oscillations and the regulation of growth: the pollen tube paradigm

The occurrence of oscillatory behaviours in living cells can be viewed as a visible consequence of stable, regulatory homeostatic cycles. Therefore, they may be used as experimental windows on the underlying physiological mechanisms. Recent studies show that growing pollen tubes are an excellent biological model for these purposes. They unite experimental simplicity with clear oscillatory patterns of both structural and temporal features, most being measurable during real‐time in live cells. There is evidence that these cellular oscillators involve an integrated input of plasma membrane ion fluxes, and a cytosolic choreography of protons, calcium and, most likely, potassium and chloride. In turn, these can create positive feedback regulation loops that are able to generate and self‐sustain a number of spatial and temporal patterns. Other features, including cell wall assembly and rheology, turgor, and the cytoskeleton, play important roles and are targets or modulators of ion dynamics. Many of these features have similarities with other cell types, notably with apical‐growing cells. Pollen tubes may thus serve as a powerful model for exploring the basis of cell growth and morphogenesis. BioEssays 23:86–94, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Performance comparison review of Radix-based multiplier designs

This is a study of the relative performance comparison of Radix-based Booth Encoding multiplier. Multipliers included in the comparison are Radix-2 Booth Encoding multiplier, Radix-4 Booth Encoding multiplier, Radix-8 Booth Encoding multiplier, Radix-16 Booth Encoding multiplier and Radix-32 Booth Encoding multiplier. All these multiplier designs were modeled in Verilog HDL and synthesized based on TSMC 0.35-micron ASIC Design Kit standard cell library. The performance data was extracted after logic synthesis has been done by using Leonardo Spectrum for Area, Speed and Auto-Optimization modes. From the findings obtained, it is known that the gate level and delay synthesis performances of the Radix-4 Booth Encoding multiplier are reduced if it is compared to Radix-2 Booth Encoding multiplier design. Then, as the higher the number of Radix-based multiplier, both the gate level and the delay performances will increase due to the complexity of the partial products encoded. However, the largest area and longest timing delay can still be seen in Radix-2 Booth Encoding multiplier. The comparison of the 32-bit Radix-based Booth Encoding variants indicates that the Radix-4 Booth Encoding multiplier is the best multiplier in terms of high-speed applications and low area constraint.
'And' or 'or': General use coordination in ASL

In American Sign Language (ASL), conjunction (‘and’) and disjunction (‘or’) are often conveyed by the same general use coordinator (transcribed as “COORD”). So the sequence of signs MARY WANT TEA COORD COFFEE can be interpreted as ‘Mary wants tea or coffee’ or ‘Mary wants tea and coffee’ depending on contextual, prosodic, or other lexical cues. This paper takes the first steps in describing the syntax and semantics of two general use coordinators in ASL, finding that they have a similar syntactic distribution to English coordinators and and or . Semantically, arguments are made against an ambiguity approach to account for the conjunctive and disjunctive readings; instead, I propose a Hamblin-style alternative semantics where the disjunctive and conjunctive force comes from external quantification over a set of alternatives. The pragmatic consequences of using only a prosodic distinction between disjunction from conjunction is examined via a felicity judgement study of scalar implicatures. Results indicate decreased scalar implicatures when COORD is used as disjunction, supporting the semantic analysis and suggesting that the contrast of lexical items in the scale plays an important role in its pragmatics. Extensions to other languages with potential general use coordination are discussed. http://dx.doi. org/10.3765/sp.6. 4 BibTeX info
Stability of binary exponential backoff

Binary exponential backoff is a randomized protocol for regulating transmissions on a multiple-access broadcast channel. Ethernet, a local-area network, is built upon this protocol. The fundamental theoretical issue is stability: Does the backlog of packets awaiting transmission remain bounded in time, provided the rates of new packet arrivals are small enough? It is assumed n ≥ 2 stations share the channel, each having an infinite buffer where packets accumulate while the station attempts to transmit the first from the buffer. Here, it is established that binary exponential backoff is stable if the sum of the arrival rates is sufficiently small. Detailed results are obtained on which rates lead to stability when n = 2 stations share the channel. In passing, several other results are derived bearing on the efficiency of the conflict resolution process. Simulation results are reported that, in particular, indicate alternative retransmission protocols can significantly improve performance.
Voltage- and ABB-island optimization in high level synthesis

Using our framework supporting simultaneous behavioral to RTL synthesis, component-wise floorplanning, as well as ABB (adaptive body biasing) and VDD aware power and delay prediction, we present a performance neutral methodology for optimal VDD-island generation and multiple ABB application. We show that tuning supply and body voltage for the entire design reduces the total energy dissipation by 4.6-38.1% without any performance loss. By allowing more than one body voltage and without optimizing the floorplan, the savings do not rise any further. Carefully floorplanning the design, we can additionally use VDD-islands reducing the power by 8.7-49.2%. In addition to the power savings, the power and delay variability due to PTV (process, temperature, voltage) variation can be reduced with all proposed ABB approaches, assuming that only the chip structure has to be fixed at design time, but the voltage levels can be adapted after the system manufacturing.
Video access and interaction based on emotions

Films are by excellence the form of art that exploits our affective, perceptual and intellectual activity. Technological developments and the trends for media convergence are turning video into a dominant and pervasive medium and online video is becoming a growing entertainment activity on the web and iTV. Alongside, Human Computer Interaction research community has been using physiologic, brain and behavior measures to study possible ways to identify and use emotions in human-machine interactions. In our work we explore emotional recognition and classification mechanisms in order to provide video classification based on emotions, and to identify each user’s emotional states so as to provide different access mechanisms. We also focus on emotional movie access and exploration mechanisms to explore ways to access and visualize videos based on their emotional properties and users’ emotions and profiles.
Effective e-learning approach for Students with Learning Disabilities

- This paper describes an approach to create accessible contents for e-learning objectives dedicated to people with Learning Disabilities. In the present century, the differences between normal and people with Learning Disabilities become more obvious due to rapid growth of digital information technologies. Contrary to what some people think, this difference is not about their body deformity or disability to hear or talk. The difference is just in their accessibility level to digital information through computers and networks. Information and communication technology (ICT) provides great opportunities to improve the quality of learning process of people with Learning Disabilities. In this paper, we discuss a technique to facilitate human and computer interactions. Using the proposed technique, e-learning contents will be more accessible for people suffering from arm muscle disorders, Parkinsonism also. Parkinsonism is a disease. The people who are suffering from this disease will have neurological problems. This disease is also known as Parkinson’s disease.
Integrated Analysis of Computer and Physical Experiments

Scientific investigations frequently involve data from computer experiment(s) as well as related physical experimental data on the same factors and related response variable(s). There may also be one or more expert opinions regarding the response of interest. Traditional statistical approaches consider each of these datasets separately with corresponding separate analyses and fitted statistical models. A compelling argument can be made that better, more precise statistical models can be obtained if the combined data are analyzed simultaneously using a hierarchical Bayesian integrated modeling approach. However, such an integrated approach must recognize important differences, such as possible biases, in these experiments and expert opinions. We illustrate our proposed integrated methodology by using it to model the thermodynamic operation point of a top-spray fluidized bed microencapsulation processing unit. Such units are used in the food industry to tune the effect of functional ingredients and additives. An important thermodynamic response variable of interest, Y, is the steady-state outlet air temperature. In addition to a set of physical experimental observations involving six factors used to predictY, similar results from three different computer models are also available. The integrated data from the physical experiment and the three computer models are used to fit an appropriate response surface (regression) model for predicting Y.
A Comprehensive Measurement Study of Domain Generating Malware

Recent years have seen extensive adoption of domain generation algorithms (DGA) by modern botnets. The main goal is to generate a large number of domain names and then use a small subset for actual C&C communication. This makes DGAs very compelling for botmasters to harden the infrastructure of their botnets and make it resilient to blacklisting and attacks such as takedown efforts. While early DGAs were used as a backup communication mechanism, several new botnets use them as their primary communication method, making it extremely important to study DGAs in detail. In this paper, we perform a comprehensive measurement study of the DGA landscape by analyzing 43 DGA-based malware families and variants. We also present a taxonomy for DGAs and use it to characterize and compare the properties of the studied families. By reimplementing the algorithms, we pre-compute all possible domains they generate, covering the majority of known and active DGAs. Then, we study the registration status of over 18 million DGA domains and show that corresponding malware families and related campaigns can be reliably identified by pre-computing future DGA domains. We also give insights into botmasters' strategies regarding domain registration and identify several pitfalls in previous takedown efforts of DGA-based botnets. We will share the dataset for future research and will also provide a web service to check domains for potential DGA identity.
Cannabinoid receptor 1 blockade protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative injury

Background Because oxidative stress is assumed to be a key mechanism in the pathological process of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), increasing numbers of studies have focused on discovering new pathways and treatments for reducing oxidative damage. Our work investigates the potential role of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in oxidative stress of primary human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, a cellular model of AMD. Methods Primary human RPE cells were cultured and exposed to hydrogen peroxide for 24 h to induce oxidative damage. The expression of and changes in the CB1 receptor were determined with western blot assay and confocal imaging. The CB1 receptor in the RPE cells was inhibited with small interfering RNA (siRNA) or rimonabant (SR141716). Cell viability, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production were measured by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and sulforhodamine B assay, annexin V and propidium iodide staining, and the dichlorofluorescein fluorescence assay, respectively. Intracellular superoxide dismutase activity was assayed with a commercially available assay kit. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) protein expression and activation of signaling molecules were assessed with western blot analysis. Results We showed that human RPE cells express the CB1 receptor. In addition, oxidative stress upregulates the expression of the CB1 receptor. Deleting the CB1 receptor or treating with the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (SR141716) rescued RPE cells from hydrogen peroxide–induced oxidative damage. Rimonabant pretreatment effectively reduced the apoptosis of RPE cells, inhibited the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and elevated the activity of superoxide dismutase. In addition, rimonabant significantly strengthened the oxidative stress-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions The results demonstrate the expression and regulation of CB1 receptors in human RPE cells. Inhibiting the CB1 receptor may be an effective therapeutic strategy for AMD by downregulating oxidative stress signaling and facilitating PI3K/Akt activation.
A study on the innovation contest based on grey degree of solvers' knowledge

This paper investigate the effects of grey degree of solvers' knowledge on the optimal number of solvers in an innovation contest. It is indicated that the number of the participants should be restricted when the grey degree of solvers' knowledge is lower, but the potential solvers should be encouraged to join the innovation contest with the higher grey degree of solvers' knowledge. Additionally, the impacts of the fixed entry cost and the nonpecuniary prize on the levels of the solver's efforts are discussed, and the relationship between grey degree of solvers' knowledge and entry threshold of knowledge's matching degree are analyzed.