Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emergency Medical System Networked Simulation

Abstract I propose to demostrate the Emergency Medical System Networked Simulation configured as a mass casualty incident. The Simulation will feature 10 to 30 victims, all pre-hospital care units and emergency medical care facilities within the state of Maryland, and an array of realistic game variables, including weather and road conditions and patient status. The demonstration will allow 6 players to participate and will take approximately one-and-a-half hours. The demonstration time includes pre-game introduction and post game evaluation. The pre-game introduction consists of software instruction, playing strategies, and station duties. The post-game evaluation includes a computer generated performance evaluation, a brief question and answer period, and an evaluation of the demonstration by the participants.
Influência de aspectos humanos e tecnológicos na intenção de uso do Internet Banking: proposta de um modelo baseado nas teorias de aceitação de tecnologia

In Brazil, a populous and geographically wide country, there is a quite competitive and concentrated bank sector. This way, banks have been investing in self-service channels in order to improve relationship with a large and diffuse base of clients. The Internet Banking (IB), in particular, is an essential technology because it represents low costs for banking transactions and delivers convenience to people, representing, in 2010, 23% of all bank transactions. Furthermore, the population has been gaining Internet access, creating more opportunities of making banking products and services more widely available through Internet Banking use. However, the adoption of this relationship channel, despite of advancements, is still below its potential. Therefore, this research’s general objective is to develop, based on technology acceptance theories, a model for the Internet Banking, considering the influences of human and technological aspects on the intention of using this technology. Thus, 400 banking clients over eighteen years old from Lavras/MG were interviewed in November 2011, having the final sample 396 cases. The model was analyzed using Structural Equations Modeling. The use intention of IB had 39% explained variance by usefulness, ease of use and security perceptions, the last with the strongest impact. The use intention predicted 67% of actual technology use. These results evidence and recommend that banking institutions invest in effective communication strategies, spreading functionalities, operationalization, security and reimbursement policy in case of fraud in Internet Banking. In addition to the general model, multi-groups analyses were executed in order to verify moderations in the dependence relations with Use Intention construct. For the non-followers of technologies, it is suggested to make technology more personal, friendly and customized. It was observed that the social influence didn’t moderate any relation, but it was important in motivating the first contact with IB. Adequate support demonstrated to reinforce ease of use influence on use intention, implying more actual technology use. Therefore, banks should invest and diversify support channels. The lack of experience with technology drastically reduced the actual use, showing the importance to familiarize the client with the IB. Finally, it would be interesting to replicate the study in other Brazilian regions and with bigger samples in each group, allowing better assess the discrepancies. The main limitation of the study is that each moderation was measured separately.
A purposive strategy for visual-based navigation of a mobile robot

We address the problem of visual-based navigation of a mobile robot along corridors in indoor environments. The corridor lines are detected, and their vanishing point is calculated. Its deviation from the central column of the image, the corridor line slopes and the standard deviation of the vanishing point are used to control the angular velocity in order to keep the robot in the middle of the corridor. Such strategy exploits the structure of the environment to solve a specific navigation problem in a very robust manner.
Towards a real-time high-definition depth sensor with hardware-efficient stereo matching

In this paper, we present a hardware design of stereo matching for depth extraction. It is capable of matching high-definition images at real-time speed, producing high-quality disparity maps. The stereo algorithm comprises three major components, i.e. census transform, dynamic programming and local-adaptive voting. The census transform makes our method robust to radiometric differences. The dynamic programming method propagates information along scanlines by imposing a smoothness criterion. The local-adaptive voting further improves the matching quality, utilizing the correlation between intensity images and disparity maps. The whole algorithm is prototyped on a FPGA platform, effectively harnessing the power of parallel computing. With a working frequency of 65MHz, our design can produce high-quality 1024×768 disparity maps at 60fps.
The barriers of Facebook's terms of service agreement: hardships placed on fiduciaries access to digital assets

The Stored Communications Act (SCA), as it stands now, creates an issue for fiduciaries accessing digital assets from cloud-based servers of deceased clients. The simple request of a decedent's Facebook information implicates several historical legal issues of privacy, ownership of content, and fiduciary rights, which all seem to muddy the already murky water created by the SCA. While much of this tangled area of the law is due to a failure to evolve the laws regulating an advancing market, some blame can be placed on service providers. Facebook and other service providers should update their terms of service (ToS) to put fiduciaries out of harm's way of criminal penalties, allow Facebook to voluntarily distribute materials to fiduciaries and give notice to account holders. The ToS agreements entered into are at the focus of this issue and are the easiest and fastest way to achieve clarity.
Agent software comprehension: explaining agent behavior

It is important for designers, developers, and end-users to comprehend (or explain) why a software agent acts in a particular way when situated in its operating environment. Comprehending agent behaviors in an agent-based system is a challenging task due to environmental uncertainty and the dynamics and multitude of agent interactions, which must be captured, processed, and analyzed by the human user. While traditional software comprehension answers "what is happening in the implementation? ", this research takes a step further to facilitate comprehension by answering "why is the behavior happening in the implementation? ". To explain agent behaviors in the implemented system, this research takes the model-checking approach for representing abstracted software behavior and the reverse engineering approach for verifying the expected behavior model against the implementation's actual behavior, while assimilating the terminology and framework from abductive reasoning. This research empirically shows that maintaining accurate background knowledge of how the implementation is expected to behave is crucial in generating accurate explanations of agent behavior. The resulting Tracing Method and accompanying Tracer Tool build on ideas from existing approaches and extend the state-of-the-art to better assist human users (of various skill levels) in comprehending agent-based software by automating many reasoning tasks. The Tracing Method is applied to two domains to demonstrate the capabilities of the Tracer Tool in (1) suggesting background knowledge updates, (2) interpreting actual behaviors from implementation executions, and (3) explaining observed agent behaviors. This research aims to help designers who want to improve agent behavior; developers who need to debug and verify agent behavior; and end-users who want to comprehend agent behaviors.
The acoustic-modeling problem in automatic speech recognition

Abstract : This thesis examines the acoustic-modeling problem in automatic speech recognition from an information-theoretic point of view. This problem is to design a speech-recognition system which can extract from the speech waveform as much information as possible about the corresponding word sequence. The information extraction process is broken down into two steps: a signal processing step which converts a speech waveform into a sequence of information bearing acoustic feature vectors, and a step which models such a sequence. This thesis is primarily concerned with the use of hidden Markov models to model sequences of feature vectors which lie in a continuous space such as R sub N. It explores the trade-off between packing a lot of information into such sequences and being able to model them accurately. The difficulty of developing accurate models of continuous parameter sequences is addressed by investigating a method of parameter estimation which is specifically designed to cope with inaccurate modeling assumptions.
Improvement of slotted Aloha for land-mobile satellite communications, using channel state information

A slotted Aloha based modified channel access strategy for highly unreliable channels is proposed and investigated. It requires all mobile stations to estimate the link quality before starting a transmission. Transmissions are postponed when the link quality is poor. The performance of this modification is evaluated using a hybrid simulation tool. Measured channel data are included. The most important result is that slotted Aloha can be significantly improved when the users make use of information about the link quality. Then, slotted-Aloha outperforms collision-free multiple-access protocols.
A user-friendly research tool for image processing with fuzzy rules

A dedicated software support tool is presented. Its principal aim is to facilitate the process of experimenting with fuzzy techniques for image processing before their final implementation. Key aspects of the proposed tool are user-friendliness and interactivity, which allow the user to insert and quickly to modify the fuzzy knowledge base by means of a graphical interface. After fuzzy strategies have been successfully tested, the tool also produces a C language source code which allows portability on different platforms. To illustrate the performance of the tool for image processing, two examples are given. <<ETX>>
Study on face robot for active human interface-mechanisms of face robot and expression of 6 basic facial expressions

In order to develop an active human interface (AHI) that realizes heart-to-heart communication between intelligent machine and human being, we have been undertaking the investigation of the method for improving the sensitivity of "KANSEI" communication between intelligent machine and human being. This paper deals with the mechanical aspects of "Face Robot" that produces facial expressions in order to express the artificial emotions as in human being. We select the flexible microactuator (FMA) driven by air pressure for the sake of moving the control points of face robot corresponding to action units (AUs), and then we design and construct a 3 dimensional human-face-like robot. Then we undertake recognition test by showing the face images of 6 basic facial expressions expressed on the face robot, and the results show us that the correct recognition ratio accomplishes 83.3% for 6 basic facial expressions. This high ratio indicates the possibility of the face robot as a "KANSEI" communication media between intelligent machine and human being. <<ETX>>
Improving the Performance of Overlay Routing and P2P File Sharing using Selfish Neighbor Selection

National Science Foundation (CISE/CSR 070604, ENG/EFRI 0735974, CISE/CNS 0524477, CNS/NeTS 0520166, CNS/ITR 0205294, CISE/EIA RI 0202067, CAREER 0446522); European Commission (RIDS-011923)
Novel DC-DC Converter for PV System with High Voltage Gain

The future renewable electric energy delivery and management system provides an alternative for DC energy sources. The integration of large scale PV systems to the grid is a growing trend in modern power systems. This paper introduces a new family of dc–dc converters based on the three-state switching cell and voltage multiplier cells. The analysis and design procedure includes the addition of a variable DC-DC Converter placed between the array and the load. It is suitable in cases where dc voltage step-up is demanded, such as electrical fork-lift, audio amplifiers, and many other applications The PV source with MPPT has been developed and the complete Simulink model of the proposed scheme has been built using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Compiling scala for the Java virtual machine

Scala is a new programming language developed at EPFL and incorporating the most important concepts of object-oriented and functional languages. It aims at integrating well with the Java and . NET platforms: their respective libraries are accessible without glue code, and the compiler can produce programs for both virtual machines. This thesis focuses on the compilation of two important concepts of Scala : mixin inheritance and run time types. The compilation techniques are presented in the context of the Java virtual machine, but could be adapted easily to other similar environments. Mixin inheritance is a relatively recent form of inheritance, offering new capabilities compared to single inheritance, without the complexity of multiple inheritance. We propose two implementation techniques for mixin inheritance: code copying and delegation. The implementation used in the Scala compiler is then presented and justified. Run time types make it possible for a program to examine the type of its values during execution. This possibility is interesting in itself, offering new capabilities to the programmer. Furthermore, run time types are also required to implement other high level concepts, like pattern matching, type-safe serialisation and reflection. We propose an implementation technique based on the representation of types as values, and show how to use the run time types of the underlying virtual machine to implement those of Scala. The techniques presented in this thesis have been implemented in our Scala compiler, scalac. This enabled us to evaluate these techniques, in particular their impact on the performances of programs. This evaluation was performed on several real, non-trivial programs.
The Book of Traces

The theory of traces belongs to both formal language theory and the theory of concurrent systems. In both these disciplines it is a well-recognized and dynamic research area. Within formal language theory it yields the theory of partially commutative monoids, and provides an important connection between languages and graphs. Within the theory of concurrent systems it provides an important formal framework for the analysis and synthesis of concurrent systems. This monograph covers all important research lines of the theory of traces - each chapter of the book is devoted to one research line and is written by leading experts. It is organized in such a way that each chapter can be read independently - and hence is suitable for advanced courses/seminars on formal language theory and the theory of concurrent systems.
MSGKA: an efficient clustering algorithm for large databases

This investigation presents an efficient clustering algorithm for large databases. We present a novel multiple-searching genetic algorithm (MSGA) that finds a globally optimal partition of a given data into a specified number of clusters. We hybridize MSGA with a multiple-searching approach utilized in clustering namely, K-means algorithm. Hence, the name multiple-searching genetic K-means algorithm (MSGKA). Our simulation results reveal that the proposed novel clustering approach performs better than the Fast SOM combines K-means approach (FSOM+K-means) and Genetic K-Means Algorithm (GKA). Moreover, in all the cases we studied, our approach produces much smaller errors than both the FSOM+K-means and GKA.
Robust Edge Detection and GPU-Based Smoothing for Extracting Surface Primitives from Range Images

AbstractIt is important to construct 3D virtual models of man-made fields in which people work and live. Recent mid-range and long-range laser scanners can be used to acquire 3D shapes of cities, buildings, factories, heavy goods, transportation infrastructure, and so on. However, they tend to produce outliers and very noisy points near silhouettes and sharp edges of objects. This problem makes it difficult to reconstruct bounded faces. In addition, since enormous volumes of point-clouds are captured from a broad range of scenes, efficient processing methods are required. In this paper, we propose a robust edge detection method and an efficient GPU-based smoothing method for reconstructing primitive surfaces. We first calculate straight edge lines and silhouette lines from raw scanned data, and then eliminate noises and outliers by our GPU-based smoothing method for calculating surface equations. Then primitive surfaces are extracted using sharp edges, silhouette lines and surface equations. Our method is.
High-level testability evaluation of TASS synthesized systems

In this paper, a new synthesis system, called TASS (TAbu search Synthesis System), is presented. It enables a Register-Transfer Level (RTL) implementation from a functional VHDL description. Furthermore, an emphasis on how testability evaluation is incorporated in the synthesis process in order to generate not only optimized designs, with regard to area and delay, but also fully and easily testable architectures. Such testability evaluation is performed at the RTL using developed testability measures. These measures are benchmarked on high-level synthesized examples and the testability analysis of the generated designs is performed using the test compiler tool of Synopsys.
You and Me Against the World

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! You and Me Against the World is the fifth album from Norwegian electronic rock music band Apoptygma Berzerk. The album was released in 2005, and gave way to a very different sound in the band, whereas previous records had a more traditional electric synthpop/EBM sound, You and Me Against the World features a more mainstream, rock-oriented sound. It''s the band''s most successful album to date. The first single was "In This Together" followed by "Shine On" , "Love To Blame" & "Cambodia" a video for every single was made. Apoptygma Berzerk (commonly abbreviated to APB or Apop) is a Norwegian musical group. They have achieved success with a brand of synthpop, and ballads backed with electronic rhythms, commonly known within the scene and referring to themselves as "futurepop". Apop has won awards and top-10 spots in Germany and Scandinavia. Apoptygma Berzerk has toured Europe, North America, Australia and Israel with bands such as VNV Nation, Beborn Beton and Icon of Coil.
GPU computing gems

GPU Computing Gems, Jade Edition describes successful application experiences in GPU computing and the techniques that contributed to that success. Divided into five sections, the book explains how GPU execution is achieved with algorithm implementation techniques and approaches to data structure layout. More specifically, it considers three general requirements: high level of parallelism, coherent memory access by threads within warps, and coherent control flow within warps. This book begins with an overview of parallel algorithms and data structures. The first few chapters focus on accelerating database searches, how to leverage the Fermi GPU architecture to further accelerate prefix operations, and GPU implementation of hash tables. The reader is then systematically walked through the fundamental optimization steps when implementing a bandwidth-limited algorithm, GPU-based libraries of numerical algorithms and software products for numerical analysis with dedicated GPU support, and the adoption of GPU computing techniques in production engineering simulation codes. The next chapters discuss the state of GPU computing in interactive physics and artificial intelligence, programming tools and techniques for GPU computing, and the edge and node parallelism approach for computing graph centrality metrics. The book also proposes an alternative approach that balances computation regardless of node degree variance. This book will be useful to application developers in a wide range of application areas. * This second volume of GPU Computing Gems offers 100% new material of interest across industry, including finance, medicine, imaging, engineering, gaming, environmental science, green computing, and more * Covers new tools and frameworks for productive GPU computing application development and offers immediate benefit to researchers developing improved programming environments for GPUs* Even more hands-on, proven techniques demonstrating how general purpose GPU computing is changing scientific research * Distills the best practices of the community of CUDA programmers; each chapter provides insights and ideas as well as 'hands on' skills applicable to a variety of fields
The rcl 2000 language for specifying role-based authorization constraints

Authorization constraints (also simply called constraints) are an important aspect of role-based access control (RBAC), since they can be argued to be one of the principal motivations behind RBAC. Although the importance of constraints in RBAC has been recognized for a long time, they have not received much attention in research literature, while role hierarchies have been practiced and discussed at considerable length. Most prior work has focused on separation of duty (SOD) constraints enumerating many variations. In this dissertation, we describe a framework for specifying authorization constraints in role-based systems. To specify these constraints, we need an appropriate language as well as some system functions. We propose a simple and intuitive language, RCL 2000 (Role-based Constraints Language 2000), to specify constraints in an intuitive and useful way in role-based systems. The formal semantics for this language is based on its translation to a restricted form of first order predicate logic. With this language we show how we can express the previous SOD constraints discovering newly identified properties, such as permission-centric constraints. We also define new forms of SOD, especially with role hierarchies. To illustrate the power of RCL 2000 we specify constraints which have been identified in simulations of Lattice-based access control, Chinese Wall, and Discretionary access control policy in RBAC. Moreover, we separate role-based constraints into two major classes: Prohibition Constraints and Obligation Constraints. We characterize a subset of these classes from our specification of role-based constraints. Our work also shows that it is futile to try to enumerate all constraints because there are too many possibilities and variations; instead, we should pursue an intuitively simple yet rigorous language, such as RCL 2000 , for specifying constraints.
Accelerating Live Graph-Cut-Based Object Tracking Using CUDA

Object tracking consists in estimation of trajectory of moving objects in the sequence of images. Automation of the computer object tracking is a difficult task. Dynamics of multiple parameters changes representing features and motion of the objects, and temporary partial or full occlusion of the tracked objects have to be considered. This monograph presents the development of object tracking algorithms, methods and systems. Both, state of the art of object tracking methods and also the new trends in research are described in this book. Fourteen chapters are split into two sections. Section 1 presents new theoretical ideas whereas Section 2 presents real-life applications. Despite the variety of topics contained in this monograph it constitutes a consisted knowledge in the field of computer object tracking. The intention of editor was to follow up the very quick progress in the developing of methods as well as extension of the application.