Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Large Is Your Graph?

We consider the problem of estimating the graph size, where one is given only local access to the graph. We formally define a query model in which one starts with a seed node and is allowed to make queries about neighbours of nodes that have already been seen. In the case of undirected graphs, an estimator of Katzir et al. (2014) based on a sample from the stationary distribution pi uses O(1/||pi||_2 + d_avg) queries; we prove that this is tight. In addition, we establish this as a lower bound even when the algorithm is allowed to crawl the graph arbitrarily; the results of Katzir et al. give an upper bound that is worse by a multiplicative factor t_mix(1/n^4). The picture becomes significantly different in the case of directed graphs. We show that without strong assumptions on the graph structure, the number of nodes cannot be predicted to within a constant multiplicative factor without using a number of queries that are at least linear in the number of nodes; in particular, rapid mixing and small diameter, properties that most real-world networks exhibit, do not suffice. The question of interest is whether any algorithm can beat breadth-first search. We introduce a new parameter, generalising the well-studied conductance, such that if a suitable bound on it exists and is known to the algorithm, the number of queries required is sublinear in the number of edges; we show that this is tight.
Empowering users in a task-based approach to design

This paper presents an approach to interactive system design known as task-based design. The approach advocates a design process that is centred on descriptions of the work tasks which users currently perform and will perform in the future. It encompasses a design method, design representations and design support tools. We discuss the motivations for the work and examine its relation to other design paradigms such as model-based and scenario-based design. The paper concludes with a discussion of current research involving the application of participatory design techniques to the task-based design paradigm. This is seen as a natural extension to the original work in which users will participate in formulating descriptions of their work contexts and in deriving artifact designs that will have consequences for those contexts.
NBTI-Aware Nanoscaled Circuit Delay Assessment and Mitigation

As semiconductor manufacturing entered into nanoscale era, performance degradation due to Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) became one of the major threats to circuits reliability. In this paper, we present a model and analysis of NBTI impact on circuit delays. First, we model NBTI impact on gate intrinsic delay and output transition delay. The insights of our models reveal that NBTI causes additional 6.7% intrinsic and 3% output transition delays to a gate. Second, we analyze delays in the gates at the inputs and outputs of a circuit. Simulation results from several benchmark circuits show that under a given condition identical gates at the circuit outputs suffer from 3.33% additional delays as compared to gates at the circuit inputs. Third, we analyze different techniques at transistor and circuit levels to mitigate NBTI. From the analysis of mobility increment, gate oversizing, temperature reduction, and supply voltage increment techniques, we conclude that temperature reduction is the most effective to mitigate NBTI.
Boosting the performance of LZW compression through block sorting for universal lossless data compression

In this paper a new data compression technique has been proposed based on Lampel Ziv Welch (LZW) coding and block sorting. At first block sorting is performed on input data to produce permuted data. LZW coding is then applied on that permuted data to produce more compressed output. Though block sorting takes some extra time (the amount is very negligible), it increases the performance of LWZ compression much. The proposed model is compared with respect to LZW compression.
An integrated analysis of radial velocities in planet searches

We discuss a Bayesian approach to the analysis of radial velocities in planet searches. We use a combination of exact and approximate analytic and numerical techniques to efficiently evaluate χ 2 for multiple values of orbital parameters, and to carry out the marginalization integrals for a single planet including the possibility of a long-term trend. The result is a robust algorithm that is rapid enough for use in real-time analysis that outputs constraints on orbital parameters and false-alarm probabilities for the planet and long-term trend. The constraints on parameters and odds ratio that we derive compare well with previous calculations based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, and we compare our results with other techniques for estimating false-alarm probabilities and errors in derived orbital parameters. False-alarm probabilities from the Bayesian analysis are systematically higher than frequentist false-alarm probabilities, due to the different accounting of the number of trials. We show that upper limits on the velocity amplitude derived for circular orbits are a good estimate of the upper limit on the amplitude of eccentric orbits for e ≲ 0.5.
Performance evaluation of a ZigBee-based medical sensor network

Low power consumption and small footprint make 802.15. 4/ZigBee based devices well suited for personal healthcare applications, representing a promising alternative to patient monitoring under important scenarios such as emergency, postop, continuous care, and chronic diseases. However, their use in a healthcare facility to monitor several mobile patients poses several difficulties, mainly because this protocol was primarily designed to operate in low data rate scenarios. This paper presents simulation results used to evaluate important quality of service (QoS) markers and, ultimately, estimate the maximum number of sensors that could integrate a wireless vital signs monitoring system. Results show that the system is able to carry the signals from 30 ECG sensors with delivery ratio higher than 99% in the considered scenario, provided that an adequate number of retransmissions are allowed.
Pseudo-Random Modulation of a Laser Diode for Generating Ultrasonic Longitudinal Waves

Laser generated ultrasound systems have historically been more complicated and expensive than conventional piezoelectric based systems, and this fact has relegated the acceptance of laser based systems to niche applications for which piezoelectric based systems are less suitable. Lowering system costs, while improving throughput, increasing ultrasound signal levels, and improving signal-to-noise are goals which will help increase the general acceptance of laser based ultrasound. One current limitation with conventional laser generated ultrasound is a material''s damage threshold limit. Increasing the optical power to generate more signal eventually damages the material being tested due to rapid, high heating. Generation limitations for laser based ultrasound suggests the use of pulse modulation techniques as an alternate generation method. Pulse modulation techniques can spread the laser energy over time or space, thus reducing laser power densities and minimizing damage. Previous experiments by various organizations using spatial or temporal pulse modulation have been shown to generate detectable surface, plate, and bulk ultrasonic waves with narrow frequency bandwidths. Using narrow frequency bandwidths improved signal detectability, but required the use of expensive and powerful lasers and opto-electronic systems. The use of a laser diode to generate ultrasound is attractive because of its low cost, small size, light weight, simple optics and modulation capabillity. The use of pulse compression techniques should allow certain types of laser diodes to produce usable ultrasonic signals. The method also does not need to be limited to narrow frequency bandwiths. The method demonstrated here uses a low power laser diode (~150 mW) that is modulated by controlling the diode''s drive current and the resulting signal is recovered by cross correlation. A potential application for this system which is briefly demonstrated is in detecting signals in thick composite materials where attenuation is high and signal amplitude and bandwidth are at a premium.
Wavelet Domain Scrambling for Image-Based Authentication

A simple image scrambling method for image-based authentication (IBA) is proposed and evaluated. The devised scheme may be embedded into any wavelet-based IBA framework to provide mutual authentication with challenge-response architecture. The severe constraints on security, data transmission capability and user friendliness are addressed by the complete system, especially in the wireless environment. Data and application scalability is provided through the JPEG2000 standard and JPIP framework
Place relationships in a wilderness setting: an analysis of two mountaineering camps in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

ABSTRACT This paper presents two mountaineering camps in the Canadian Rockies as relevant sites for consideration of concepts of place meaning, place attachment and motivational theories associated with participants attending these camps in the summer of 2013. Of particular interest is why people select these mountaineering camps as a holiday experience and what is it about the camps that keeps them coming back? Analysis of survey results of camp participants provide insight into participant motivations and the place meaning attached to the sites where these mountaineering activities take place. Findings build upon current research and support the hypothesis that natural settings are imbued with place meaning within outdoor recreational contexts.
Global comparative public administration

Within the past two decades, globalization has led to increased literature on comparative public administration (CPA) research, and it has enhanced analyses of administrative systems in various societies. Our paper examines CPA education among Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs in the United States. The findings highlight select topics of interest from these courses, as well as emphasizing an immediate need for programs to internationalize their curricula, in order to prepare the next generation of public administrators and policy analysts.
Emotional temperature

Automatic emotional state recognition from the speech signal represents a remarkable improvement in human-machine interfaces and it opens up a wide range of new applications. This turns out to be no trivial task due to the degree of difficulty inherent in the study of emotions. Traditional methods of emotional discrimination use prosodic and paralinguistic features, which are determined by a linguistic segmentation of the locution. This type of segmentation results in almost real scenarios impossible to estimate. In this paper a simple and effective method of automatic discrimination between positive and negative emotional intensity speech is presented. This work proposes a new strategy based on a few features set obtained from a temporal segmentation of the speech signal. This strategy is robust, offers low computational cost and improves the performance of a segmentation based on linguistic aspects.
Culture, language, and the doctor-patient relationship.

BACKGROUND This review's goal was to determine how differences between physicians and patients in race, ethnicity and language influence the quality of the physician-patient relationship. METHODS We performed a literature review to assess existing evidence for ethnic and racial disparities in the quality of doctor-patient communication and the doctor-patient relationship. RESULTS We found consistent evidence that race, ethnicity; and language have substantial influence on the quality of the doctor-patient relationship. Minority patients, especially those not proficient in English, are less likely to engender empathic response from physicians, establish rapport with physicians, receive sufficient information, and be encouraged to participate in medical decision making. CONCLUSIONS The literature calls for a more diverse physician work force since minority patients are more likely to choose minority physicians, to be more satisfied by language-concordant relationships, and to feel more connected and involved in decision making with racially concordant physicians. The literature upholds the recommendation for professional interpreters to bridge the gaps in access experienced by non-English speaking physicians. Further evidence supports the admonition that "majority" physicians need to be more effective in developing relationships and in their communication with ethnic and racial minority patients.
Working memory demand of a task modulates bilingual advantage in executive functions

Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of task demand in working memory on bilingual cognitive advantage (interference suppression and response inhibition) in young bilinguals. Methodology: Experiment 1 was performed with the flanker, Go/No-go, and modified flanker tasks, in which the first two tasks were involved in lower storage demand of working memory and the last task was involved in higher storage demand of working memory. Experiment 2 was performed with the Conditional-Go/No-go task, with a higher processing demand of working memory. Data and analysis: Reaction time and accuracy data were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings/Conclusions: In Experiment 1, results showed that compared to monolinguals, the bilingual advantage in interference suppression occurred in the task with high storage demand (i.e., modified flanker task) and not in the low demand task (i.e., flanker task); however, this advantage effect was not observed in response inhibition. In Experiment 2, with the increasing working memory processing demand of tasks, the bilingual advantage in response inhibition was observed. Originality: The current study firstly examined the effect of task working memory demand on the bilingual advantage and provided some restrictive conditions for the advantage. Significance/Implications: Our results provide new evidence to support the effect of bilingual cognitive advantage.
Dynamic positioning system with vectorial backstepping controller

The problem of synthesis a dynamic positioning system for low frequency model of surface vessel was considered in this paper. The recursive vectorial backstepping control design was used to keep a fixed position and heading in presence of wave disturbances. The passive observer was introduced to smooth the measurements and to estimate the velocities needed for the control algorithm. Some parameters of observer were optimized off-line using GA. The computer simulation results were given to demonstrate the effectiveness of that combination of controller-observer system to compensate environmental disturbances. The simulation results were compared with PID controller.
Constructive Description Logics : what , why and how

This note discusses possible conceptions of constructive description logics. We discuss why different communities should be interested in constructive description logics, why so little work has been done on this before and why we think it is important. Our goal is a system of constructive contexteddescription logic, whose contexts are inspired by Guha-McCarthy’s ideas along the lines of the system described in [BCC+05]. In this note we only lay down the fundamentals of constructive description logics. We describe three systems, produce semantics for them and prove some basic results.
On the cryptocomplexity of knapsack systems

A recent trend in cryptographic systems is to base their encryption/decryption functions on NP-complete problems, and in particular on the knapsack problem. To analyze the security of these systems, we need a complexity theory which is less worst-case oriented and which takes into account the extra conditions imposed on the problems to make them cryptographically useful. In this paper we consider the two classes of one-to-one and onto knapsack systems, analyze the complexity of recognizing them and of solving their instances, introduce a new complexity measure (median complexity), and show that this complexity is inversely proportional to the density of the knapsack system. The tradeoff result is based on a fast probabilistic knapsack solving algorithm which is applicable only to one-to-one systems, and it indicates that knapsack-based cryptographic systems in which one can both encrypt and sign messages are relatively insecure. We end the paper with new results about the security of some specific knapsack systems.
Automatic guidance of an aircraft using predictive control in a visual servoing scheme

Abstract In this paper we have designed and implemented a predictive automatic flight controller for an airplane that takes as input the estimated pose obtained from the visual data and provides control outputs for an inner-loop augmented aircraft. In order to make the predictive controller suitable for flight control, it had to be modified. The most important modification was the introduction of the short term reference trajectories, linking the time-based and the position-based control strategy. Furthermore a controller switching mechanism was introduced to enable the aircraft to fly at different flight conditions. The parameters of the controller have been derived by experimental optimization. The tests have shown good overall tracking and disturbance rejection properties; the aircraft is able to perform various maneuvers and the touchdown in all the tested weather (wind, turbulence) conditions.
Focusing ability of a microsize graphene-based cylindrical reflector in the THz range illuminated by electromagnetic plane wave

The scattering of the H-polarized plane wave by a two-dimensional (2-D) parabolic reflector made of graphene placed in the free space is simulated by using the Method of Analytical Regularization (MAR) technique. The total scattering cross-section and absorption cross-section are computed, together with the field magnitude in the geometrical focus of reflector. The surface plasmon resonances are observed. Besides, the focusing ability of the reflector is studied in dependence of the chemical potential of the graphene.
Large scale chromosomal mapping of human microRNA structural clusters

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can group together along the human genome to form stable secondary structures made of several hairpins hosting miRNAs in their stems. The few known examples of such structures are all involved in cancer development. A large scale computational analysis of human chromosomes crossing sequence analysis and deep sequencing data revealed the presence of >400 structural clusters of miRNAs in the human genome. An a posteriori analysis validates predictions as bona fide miRNAs. A functional analysis of structural clusters position along the chromosomes co-localizes them with genes involved in several key cellular processes like immune systems, sensory systems, signal transduction and development. Immune systems diseases, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by genes that are especially well organized around structural clusters of miRNAs. Target genes functional analysis strongly supports a regulatory role of most predicted miRNAs and, notably, a strong involvement of predicted miRNAs in the regulation of cancer pathways. This analysis provides new fundamental insights on the genomic organization of miRNAs in human chromosomes.
SLOMS: A Privacy Preserving Data Publishing Method for Multiple Sensitive Attributes Microdata

Multi-dimension bucketization is a typical method to anonymize multiple sensitive attributes. However, the method leads to low data utility when microdata have more sensitive attributes. In addition, the methods do not generalize quasi-identifiers, which make the anonymous data vulnerable to suffer from linked attacks. To address the problems, the paper proposes a SLOMS method. The method vertically partitions the multiple sensitive attributes into several tables and bucketizes each sensitive attribute table to implement l-diversity. At the same time, it generalizes the quasi-identifiers to implement k-anonymity. The paper also proposes a MSB-KACA algorithm to anonymize microdata with multiple sensitive attributes by SLOMS. Experiments show that SLOMS can generate anonymous tables with less suppression ratio and less distortion compared with generalization and MSB.
Body-conductive acoustic sensors in human-robot communication

In this study, the use of alternative acoustic sensors in human-robot communication is investigated. In particular, a Non-Audible Murmur (NAM) microphone was applied in teleoperating Geminoid HI-1 robot in noisy environments. The current study introduces the methodology and the results of speech intelligibility subjective tests when a NAM microphone was used in comparison with using a standard microphone. The results show the advantage of using NAM microphone when the operation takes place in adverse environmental conditions. In addition, the effect of Geminoid's lip movements on speech intelligibility is also investigated. Subjective speech intelligibility tests show that the operator's speech can be perceived with higher intelligibility scores when operator's audio speech is perceived along with the lip movements of robots.
Adaptation on Motor Unit Behavior: a Simulation Study 6 7 Authors

29 Motor neurons are often assumed to generate spikes in proportion to the 30 excitatory synaptic input received. There are, however, many intrinsic properties of 31 motor neurons that might affect this relationship, such as persistent inward currents 32 (PICs), spike-threshold accommodation, or spike-frequency adaptation. These nonlinear 33 properties have been investigated in reduced animal preparation but have not been well 34 studied during natural motor behaviors because of the difficulty in characterizing 35 synaptic input in intact animals. Therefore, we studied the influence of each of these 36 intrinsic properties on spiking responses and muscle force using a population model of 37 motor units that simulates voluntary contractions in human subjects. In particular, we 38 focused on the difference in firing rate of low threshold motor units when higher 39 threshold motor units were recruited and subsequently derecruited, referred to as ΔF. 40 Others have used ΔF to evaluate the extent of PIC activation during voluntary behavior. 41 Our results showed that positive ΔF values could arise when any one of these nonlinear 42 properties were included in the simulations. Therefore, a positive ΔF should not be 43 considered as exclusive evidence for PIC activation. Furthermore, by systematically 44 varying contraction duration and speed in our simulations, we identified a means that 45 might be used experimentally to distinguish among PICs, accommodation, and adaptation 46 as contributors to ΔF. 47