Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Waveform for a Joint Radar-Communication System With High-Speed Transmission

Joint radar-communication systems based on integrated waveforms can simultaneously realize high-speed data transmission and target detection in one device, providing information sharing networks and information sources for decision-making of intelligent transportation systems. In this letter, based on a combination of linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals and continuous phase modulation (CPM) signals with an adjustment of communication symbols of length <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, an integrated waveform <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${k}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-LFM-CPM and a complete system framework cascaded with low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes is carried out. With a limited bandwidth, this system achieves a better bit-error rate than original LFM-CPM-LDPC systems, benefiting from an almost non-broadening power spectrum and additional information used in the cascaded decoding process. Finally, through the optimization of the mismatched filter, it is verified that the detection performance of the integrated waveform with accumulation is almost the same as that of the LFM signal.
Belief Networks as Complex Systems

There has been extensive work on understanding belief, from a psychological, philosophical and neurobiological perspective. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence has produced compelling developments that can enrich and update the brain-as-a-computer metaphor and has tried to better represent beliefs as cognitive probabilistic processes. In parallel, there has been a surge of research in Complexity Sciences, with applications ranging from Medicine to Finance. Some authors have already linked the connected nature of belief to the behaviour of complex networks. We would like to expand this approach to understand belief as a complex system with the main functions of providing a model of the world –including the individual and her surroundings- and producing guidelines for action. The complex-system perspective allows us to understand some of the properties of belief systems in a comprehensive manner, which many authors have begun to study in isolation. Notably, this provides a framework to study the important phenomena of belief formation and change as processes of emergence and adaptation.
Efficient non-segregated routing for reconfigurable demand-aware networks

More and more networks are becoming reconfigurable: not just the routing can be programmed, but the physical layer itself as well. Various technologies enable this programmability, ranging from optical circuit switches to beamformed wireless connections and free-space optical interconnects. Existing reconfigurable network topologies are typically hybrid in nature, consisting of static and a reconfigurable links. However, even though the static and reconfigurable links form a joint structure, routing policies are artificially segregated and hence do not fully exploit the network resources: the state of the art is to route large elephant flows on direct reconfigurable links, whereas the remaining traffic is left to the static network topology. Recent work showed that such artificial segregation is inefficient, but did not provide the tools to actually leverage the benefits on non-segregated routing. In this paper, we provide several algorithms which take advantage of non-segregated routing, by jointly optimizing topology and routing. We compare our algorithms to segregated routing policies and also evaluate their performance in workloaddriven simulations, based on real-world traffic traces. We find that our algorithms do not only outperform segregated routing policies, in various settings, but also come close to the optimal solution, computed by a mixed integer program formulation, also presented in this paper. Finally, we also provide insights into the complexity of the underlying combinatorial optimization problem, by deriving approximation hardness results.
Comparative study of scintillators for PET/CT detectors

A growing interest in the development of dual modality PET/CT scanners prompts the comparative study of numerous scintillators to select the best one, which could be used simultaneously in PET detectors working in the pulsing mode and in the CT detectors working in the current mode. In the comparative measurements, done in the same experimental conditions, various samples of BGO, GSO, GSO:Ce,Zr, LGSO, LSO, LYSO, MLS, LaCl3, LaBr3 and CWO scintillators were tested. The measurements covered a determination of the light output, energy resolution, non-proportionality of the light yield, decay times of the light pulses and for the selected crystals their time resolution for 511 keV annihilation quanta. Moreover, a comparative study of afterglow, induced by 60 keV gamma-rays from a strong 241Am source (13.9 GBq), was done in the second range
Effects of Prior Information and Reward on Oculomotor and Perceptual Choices

Expectations about the environment influence motor behavior. In simple tasks, for example, prior knowledge about which stimulus event will likely occur or which response will likely be rewarded induces a tendency to take the favored action (i.e., a motor or response bias), especially when sensory information is sparse or ambiguous. Models of choice behavior account for this bias by weighting decision alternatives unequally, either at an early sensory-input stage or at a downstream motor-output stage. These two alternatives can be distinguished empirically; the former predicts an altered percept that correlates with motor bias, the latter predicts no perceptual effect. By varying the prior probability of target or reward location, we induced biased oculomotor responses in a brightness selection task with human subjects. We found that the induced motor bias was correlated with an amplification of both the sensory signals and internal noise underlying brightness perception, without a systematic change in perceived overall brightness. We also found that the magnitude of the sensory amplification was correlated with the amount of noise in the brightness percept, consistent with a multiplicative weighting factor located downstream from the limiting internal sensory noise. Our data demonstrate that prior knowledge (about target location or reward) shapes visual signals for perception and action in parallel but does not improve the quality (i.e., signal-to-noise ratio) of sensory processing.
Multiple-Throw Millimeter-Wave FET Switches for Frequencies from 60 up to 120 GHz

This paper presents the design and performance of various millimeter-wave FET switches realized in a metamorphic HEMT technology. The single-pole multi-throw switch configurations are targeting wireless communication frontends and imaging radiometers at 60, 94 and 120 GHz. In SPDT switches, state-of-the-art insertion loss of 1.4 and 1.8 dB is achieved at 60 and 94 GHz, respectively. Rivalled only by PIN diode swithces, an insertion loss of Lt2 dB is demonstrated up to 120 GHz. Shorted stubs are used to compensate for parasitic FET capacitance and allow for matching. Linearity data is presented for 60 and 94 GHz SPDT switches. A comprehensive comparison with state-of-the-art planar SPDT switches is included. A 2:6 switch network for multi-antenna transceivers achieves Lt4 dB insertion loss at 60 GHz.
An interactive pattern recognition laboratory (IPRL)

This paper describes an interactive pattern recognition laboratory. The laboratory was designed for both research and teaching. For the researcher, it provides standard pattern recognition functions, a hierarchically organized pattern recognition data base, and a multidimensional graphic display capability. For the student it provides, in addition to the above capabilities, a vehicle for developing new pattern recognition algorithms. In addition to not having to develop support software, the student may compare the performance of his algorithms in the same environment as the existing ones.
A password-based key establishment protocol with symmetric key cryptography

In 2005, Laih, Ding and Huang proposed a password-based key establishment protocol such that a user and a server can authenticate each other and generate a strong session key by their shared weak password within a symmetric cipher in an insecure channel. They claim that the proposed protocol is secure against offline dictionary attacks that are major threats for most of the weak password-based protocols and other some well known attacks. However Tang and Mitchell shows that the protocol suffers from an offline dictionary attack requiring a machine-based search of size 223 which takes only about 2.3 hours. So designing such a protocol with providing practical security against offline attack is still an open problem. In this study, we introduce two password-based authenticated key establishment protocols that provide practical security against offline dictionary attacks by only using symmetric cryptography.
How many clusters exist? Answer via maximum clustering similarity implemented in R

Finding the number of clusters in a data set is considered as one of the fundamental problems in cluster analysis. This paper integrates maximum clustering similarity (MCS), for finding the optimal number of clusters, into R statistical software through the package MCSim. The similarity between the two clustering methods is calculated at the same number of clusters, using Rand [Objective criteria for the evaluation of clustering methods. J Am Stat Assoc. 1971;66:846–850. ] and Jaccard [The distribution of the flora of the alpine zone. New Phytologist. 1912;11:37–50. ] indices, corrected for chance agreement. The number of clusters at which the index attains its maximum with most frequency is a candidate for the optimal number of clusters. Unlike other criteria, MCS can be used with circular data. Seven clustering algorithms, existing in R, are implemented in MCSim. A graph of the number of clusters vs. clusters similarity using corrected similarity indices is produced. Values of the similarity indices and a clustering tree (dendrogram) are produced. Several examples including simulated, real, and circular data sets are presented to show how MCSim successfully works in practice.
Improving Predictive Modeling for At-Risk Student Identification: A Multistage Approach

Performance prediction is a leading topic in learning analytics research due to its potential to impact all tiers of education. This study proposes a novel predictive modeling method to address the research gaps in existing performance prediction research. The gaps addressed include: the lack of existing research focus on performance prediction rather than identifying key performance factors; the lack of common predictors identified for both K-12 and higher education environments; and the misplaced focus on absolute engagement levels rather than relative engagement levels. Two datasets, one from higher education and the other from a K-12 online school with 13 368 students in more than 300 courses, were applied using the predictive modeling technique. The results showed the newly suggested approach had higher overall accuracy and sensitivity rates than the traditional approach. In addition, two generalizable predictors were identified from instruction-intensive and discussion-intensive courses.
Circuit Analysis of Matrix-Like Resistor Networks for Eliminating Crosstalk in Pressure Sensitive Mats

Recent advances in piezoresistive materials have opened the possibility of developing pressure sensitive flexible mats that cover large areas. They are composed of arrays of sensitive cells. However, in many configurations proposed in the literature, the measurement of a single cell does not recover the cell resistance itself but the equivalent resistance between the row and column conductive strips that select it. If this effect is not corrected, unloaded regions can appear with non negligible pressure, as a kind of ghost object. Diodes can be placed to overcome the problem, but this makes the fabrication more complex, especially for prototypes. In this paper, we propose a novel software solution based on a circuit analysis of the mat. The set of cell resistances is obtained from the set of equivalent resistances between row and columns. Several algorithms are compared. For simulated values of the array, the true cell resistance can be recovered with a great accuracy. A good compromise between execution speed and error is achieved by a Newton-Krylov nonlinear solver. Nevertheless, this algorithm presents convergence problems when facing values of a real mat. In this case a fixed-point formulation is more appropriate. For $16 \times 16$ arrays, it can achieve relative errors with a mean value of 0.0258 in less than 0.1 s running on a regular PC. The removal of ghost objects is also shown visually.
Arabic-text Extraction from Video Images

Automatic extraction of meaningful objects in video is extremely useful in many practical applications. Text objects embedded in video contain much semantic information related to the multimedia content. In this paper, we proposed an algorithm to detect/localize and segment Arabic static artificial texts embedded in video. Firstly, the edge map of a predetermined region of interest is detected in a single video frame. Projection profiles are adopted to localize the candidate text regions followed by some filtering rules which are used to filter out non-text regions. Secondly, since artificial text lasts for a certain time on screen for reasons related to human vision, therefore the temporal information are exploited in order to reinforce the recall and precision rates. Finally, a thresholding-based method is used for separating text pixels from background pixels and produce a binary text image. To improve high recognition rate, robust enhancement methods are adopted pre/post text segmentation. Experimental results show that our algorithm is robust.
Using Sacrificial Cell Spheroids for the Bioprinting of Perfusable 3D Tissue and Organ Constructs: A Computational Study

A long-standing problem in tissue engineering is the biofabrication of perfusable tissue constructs that can be readily connected to the patient's vasculature. It was partially solved by three-dimensional (3D) printing of sacrificial material (e.g., hydrogel) strands: upon incorporation in another cell-laden hydrogel, the strands were removed, leaving behind perfusable channels. Their complexity, however, did not match that of the native vasculature. Here, we propose to use multicellular spheroids as a sacrificial material and investigate their potential benefits in the context of 3D bioprinting of cell aggregates and/or cell-laden hydrogels. Our study is based on computer simulations of postprinting cellular rearrangements. The computational model of the biological system is built on a cubic lattice, whereas its evolution is simulated using the Metropolis Monte Carlo algorithm. The simulations describe structural changes in three types of tissue constructs: a tube made of a single cell type, a tube made of two cell types, and a cell-laden hydrogel slab that incorporates a branching tube. In all three constructs, the lumen is obtained after the elimination of the sacrificial cell population. Our study suggests that sacrificial cell spheroids (sacrospheres) enable one to print tissue constructs outfitted with a finer and more complex network of channels than the ones obtained so far. Moreover, cellular interactions might give rise to a tissue microarchitecture that lies beyond the bioprinter's resolution. Although more expensive than inert materials, sacrificial cells have the potential to bring further progress towards the biofabrication of fully vascularized tissue substitutes.
Opportunistic Beamforming with Limited Feedback

Transmit-side channel state information (CSI) can improve the quality of communication over fading channels. One way this information can be exploited is via (opportunistic) multi-user diversity. Also, in a multi-antenna scenario, CSI allows the transmitter to propagate along the eigendirections of the channel, thus achieving beamforming gain or array gain. In the face of these possibilities, the question we raise is this: if we can have only limited (reliable) feedback for channel state information, what form should this information take, and how should it be used. In a previous work, we have shown that most of the gain of a single-antenna multi-user diversity system can be captured by feedback of only one bit. In this paper, we extend that system to a multi-antenna transmitter. We propose and analyze a compound strategy that uses one bit for multi-user diversity and any further information for beamforming. We show that this method not only enjoys good throughput, but also has desirable fairness properties. Simulations confirm our assertions
Self-Compensating Networks for Four-Terminal-Pair Impedance Definition in Current Comparator Bridges

The four-terminal-pair (4TP) definition of impedance standards allows reaching ultimate accuracy in impedance metrology. In general, the 4TP definition requires dedicated circuitry to be included in the bridge network and the attainment of auxiliary bridge balances during the measurement. A careful choice of the network topology allows the bridge to be self-compensating: the 4TP definition is in large part achieved by the behavior of the network itself without any adjustment. The additional circuitry required for impedance definition can therefore be simpler, the balancing procedure becomes easier, and a more robust 4TP can be achieved. This paper analyzes a current comparator bridge network with a topology featuring self-compensation. A digitally assisted test bridge has been implemented; test measurements on ac resistance comparison in the 25-100-Ω range at kilohertz frequencies are reported.
Technology Scaling And Low Power Design Techniques

—S caling the feature size of transistor made a remarkable advancement in silicon industry. The demand for power-sensitive design has grown significantly in recent years due to growth in portable applications. The need for power-efficient design techniques is increasing. Various efficient design techniques have been proposed to reduce both dynamic as well as static power in state-of-the-art VLSI applications. In this paper, different circuit design techniques both static and dynamic are discussed that reduce the power consumption
Investigation into breast cancer and partial breast reconstruction: A review

Growing increasingly in South America, Africa and Asia, breast cancer is known as the dominant type of cancer in women. Different treatments are available for breast cancer, among which surgery is the most widely used, but researchers are trying to develop new strategies. One of the most prominent surgical methods is referred to as oncoplastic surgery, that helps to remove segments of malignant breast tissue. This type of surgery aims to obtain vast surgical margins, while the remaining tissue is rearranged so that the better cosmetic outcome is obtained. This review will investigate the breast cancer and then discuss partial breast reconstruction. Before outlining the procedures, the different types of partial breast reconstruction will be discussed. Finally, advantages and disadvantages will be outlined. MEDLINE database was used to conduct the search. The main terms used were ‘Conservation Breast Surgery Reconstruction’ AND ‘Oncoplastic Surgery’, ‘Partial Mastectomy Reconstruction’ AND ‘Conservative Breast Surgery Reconstruction’, ‘oncoplastic’ [All Fields], ‘breast’ AND ‘surgery’ OR ‘surgery’ operative’, ‘oncoplastic’ (‘breast’)’. The bibliographies of relevant papers were manually searched up to October 2018, but more recent voices are also included.
Analysis, Design and Implementation of an Active Clamp Forward Converter with Synchronous Rectifier

This paper presents the system analysis, circuit design and implementation of an active clamp forward converter with synchronous rectifier. Compared with the conventional forward converter, there is one auxiliary switch in the active clamp forward converter to recycle the energy stored in the transformer leakage in order to minimize the spike voltage at the transformer primary side. Therefore the voltage stress of main switch can be reduced. The resonant circuit based on the output capacitance and leakage inductance of the transformer will achieve zero voltage switching turn-on for both main and auxiliary switches to increase the circuit efficiency. The synchronous rectifier is used at the secondary side to further reduce the conduction losses. The operation principles of the active clamp forward converter are analyzed in detail and the circuit performance is compared with the conventional forward converter. The design procedure and example of active clamp forward converter are presented. Finally experimental results are presented for a converter with an ac input voltage of 90~130Vrms, an output voltage of 5 V/20 A and operating at switching frequency of 150 kHz are provided to verify the zero voltage switching at turn-on.
A Decade of Sporadic Meteoroid Mass Distribution Indices in the Southern Hemisphere Derived from SAAMER’s Meteor Observations

We present determinations of the meteoroid differential mass index, s, using over a decade of meteor observations from the Southern Argentina Agile MEteor Radar (SAAMER). For this, we employ an autonomous statistical technique to determine this parameter from the measured radar echo amplitudes. Unlike previous studies, we examine the role of the system noise in the determination of this parameter and found that if not taken into account appropriately, the results can yield significant over estimations of the mass index. In general we found that a value of s = 2.0 represents SAAMER’s results in general agreement with recent studies performed in the northern hemisphere. We explore both the index interannual and seasonal variability and, unlike previous studies, we found them to be constant, except during the presence of the Southern δ Aquariids meteor shower which is so strong that it dominates the meteor counts when present. Our study suggests that using the maximum echo amplitude for these studies is not ideal as it can be biased by many factors which make the inaccuracies larger than the precision estimated by the fitting routine. A method that results in a more direct estimate of the electron line density would be required which takes into account range, gain pattern, system noise, etc.
SNS Josephson Junction Series Arrays for the Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer

The Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer (JAWS) allows AC voltages to be generated with fundamental accuracy. Lumped arrays of superconductor/normal conductor/superconductor (SNS) Josephson junctions were developed and investigated for this application. Combining electron-beam lithography and chemical-mechanical polishing, series arrays of sub-micrometer SNS junctions consisting of Nb/HfTi/Nb were fabricated. The junction size varied from 0.04 mum2 to 4 mum2 in series arrays up to 2560 junctions in different microwave designs. Stable Shapiro steps are generated in a frequency range from 5 GHz to 20 GHz using continuous microwave irradiation. Using a simple pulse pattern at different pulse repetition frequencies, the arrays show current-voltage characteristics with flat Shapiro steps. Sinusoidal AC voltages were synthesized using a commercial pulse pattern generator. Peak-to-zero voltages of some mV for frequencies below 1 kHz were achieved. Higher harmonics were measured to be more than 80 dB below the fundamental tone. The behavior of the arrays was investigated in more detail by measuring the amplitude-frequency spectra.