Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Conference Paper‐Reviewer Assignment Problem*

Conference organizers often face the following problem: Given a collection of submitted papers, select a subset to be presented at the conference. The bulk of the work often amounts to assembling a pool of reviewers and then sending each submitted paper to several reviewers. We present in this paper a technique for finding a good assignment of papers to reviewers. An important feature of the solution we find is that each paper is sent to at least one reviewer who is “as expert as possible” for that paper. A major component of the problem is modeled as a bottleneck version of a capacitated transshipment problem.
Technical communication in information systems development: the use of cognitive mapping

Technical communicators can and should play an important role in the development of information systems to improve the usability of the systems. Besides writing user guides and training material, technical communicators can engage in four other tasks to add value to information systems development: acting as user advocate, writing online help, writing system and error messages, and providing advice on interface design. We assert that technical communicators' involvement in systems development should not be tied to a particular development methodology. Instead, they should be associated with four general tasks in systems development: system investigation, analysis, design, and implementation. We then discuss some notable human factors and their impacts on the tasks performed by technical communicators. Three cognitive mapping techniques-causal mapping, semantic mapping, and concept mapping-are introduced as a means to elicit an individual's belief system regarding a problem domain. These cognitive mapping techniques have great potential for overcoming some behavioral and cognitive problems as well as facilitating understanding among stakeholders in the development of information systems. We discuss how technical communicators can apply various cognitive mapping techniques to improve the usability of the resulting information systems. The use of these techniques is illustrated using a case study.
Our Digital Age: Implications for Learning and its (Online) Institutions

Over the past two decades, the way we learn has changed dramatically. We have new sources of information and new ways to exchange and to interact with information. But our schools and the way we teach have remained largely the same for years, even centuries. What happens to traditional educational institutions when learning also takes place on a vast range of Internet sites, from Pokemon Web pages to Wikipedia? This chapter, excerpted from our book, The Future of Thinking, does not promote change for the sake of change. Implicit in its sincere plea for transformation is an awareness that the current situation needs improvement. In advocating change for learning institutions, this chapter makes assumptions about the deep structure of learning, about cognition, about the way youth today learn about their world in informal settings, and about a mismatch between the excitement generated by informal learning and the routinization of learning common to many of our institutions of formal education. It advocates institutional change because our current formal educational institutions are not taking enough advantage of the modes of digital and participatory learning available to students today.
Building trust into cloud

In this paper, a three-layer trust conceptive framework for cloud is introduced, which is including both the validity of the “hard trust” guaranteed by security mechanisms and technical devices, and “soft trust” ensured by social, legal and human factors. In addition, the trust relationship between consumers and cloud venders is considered in our framework. Through the combination and integration of the three layer trust in the framework, the gap between these trust factors can be bridged.
Unmanned aerial system hydra technologies éhecatl wing optimization using a morphing approach

In this paper, we describe a practically efficient methodology of improving the aerodynamic characteristics of an UAS's wing using a morphing approach. We have replaced a part of the original wings' upper and lower surfaces with a flexible, composite material skin whose shape can be modified, according to the variable airflow conditions, using internally placed actuators. The optimal displacements of the actuators, as functions of the external flow characteristics, were determined using a genetic algorithm based optimizer, coupled with a three dimensional numerical extension of the classical lifting line model for estimating the modified wing aerodynamic coefficients. We have used the optimization tool to decrease the overall drag coefficient of the military grade Hydra Technologies S4 UAS wing equipped with the flexible skin. We have obtained good quality solutions for only a fraction of the computational cost needed when performing viscous flow field calculations.
Practical Guidelines for Learning Bayesian Networks from Small Data Sets

Model learning is the process of extracting, analysing and synthesising information from data sets. Graphical models are a suitable framework for probabilistic modelling. A Bayesian Network (BN) is a probabilistic graphical model, which represents joint distributions in an intuitive and efficient way. It encodes the probability density (or mass) function of a set of variables by specifying a number of conditional independence statements in the form of a directed acyclic graph. Specifying the structure of the model is one of the most important design choices in graphical modelling. Notwithstanding their potential, there are several limitations to learning BNs from small data sets. In this paper, we introduce a set of practical guidelines a modeller can use to deal with these limitations. The main goal of the guidelines is to increase awareness of the underlying assumptions and the tacit implications of several learning techniques. Unsurprisingly, one of the authors’ findings is that learning BNs from small data sets is a complex and challenging task, yet potentially very rewarding. The paper also draws attention to the amount of subjective input needed from the modeller and the necessity to tailor solutions on the particularity of the application.
Design and implementation of an authentication protocol for home automation systems

This paper presents an authentication protocol using the SPEKE strong password method to address current information-security deficiencies found in most smart home automation systems. The protocol emphasizes analyzing the operation and security performances limited by practical low-cost micro-controller implementations (e.g. 8051 or 68HC11) of consumer electronic equipment and appliances.
Efficient Software Packet Processing on Heterogeneous and Asymmetric Hardware Architectures

Heterogeneous and asymmetric computing systems are composed by a set of different processing units, each with its own unique performance and energy characteristics. Still, the majority of current network packet processing frameworks targets only a single device (the CPU or some accelerator), leaving the rest processing resources unused and idle. In this paper, we propose an adaptive scheduling approach that supports the heterogeneous and asymmetric hardware, tailored for network packet processing applications. Our scheduler is able to respond quickly to dynamic performance fluctuations that occur at real time, such as traffic bursts, application overloads, and system changes. The experimental results show that our system is able to match the peak throughput of a diverse set of packet processing applications, while consuming up to $3.5\times$ less energy.
Sgraffito simulation through image processing

This paper presents a tool for simulating the traditional Sgraffito technique through digital image processing. The tool is based on a digital image pile and a set of attributes recovered from the image at the bottom of the pile using the Streit and Buchanan multiresolution image pyramid. This technique tries to preserve the principles of artistic composition by means of the attributes of color, luminance and shape recovered from the foundation image. A couple of simulated scratching objects will establish how the recovered attributes have to be painted. Different attributes can be painted by using different scratching primitives. The resulting image will be a colorimetric composition reached from the image on the top of the pile, the color of the images revealed by scratching and the inner characteristics of each scratching primitive. The technique combines elements of image processing, art and computer graphics allowing users to make their own free compositions and providing a means for the development of visual communication skills within the user-observer relationship. The technique enables the application of the given concepts in non artistic fields with specific subject tools.
AN INVESTIGATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS' USE OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

This study investigated the level and frequency of science teachers’ use of computer applications as an instructional tool in the classroom. The manner and frequency of science teachers’ use of computer, their perceptions about integration of computer applications, and other factors contributed to changes in their computer literacy are investigated in this study. 63 primary school science teachers from the Northwestern part of Turkey participated in this study. A survey was administered to teachers. Results demonstrated that improving the computer literacy of science teachers seems to increase science teachers’ computer use and consequently increase their integration of computer applications as an instructional tool. Internet, email, and educational software CDs found to have high percentage in teachers’ use of computer applications in the classrooms. Also, the results indicated gender difference exists between science teachers’ integration of computer applications as an instructional tool.
The Evolution and Planning of Hierarchical Transport Networks

The continuing growth of urban regions coupled with their strong interactions with transportation systems places great emphasis on the coevolution of these systems. In this paper we introduce three developments. First, as a preliminary, the dynamic model of the evolution of retail structure is extended to show how hierarchies emerge. Secondly, these ideas are applied to a model of the evolution in transport networks. Thirdly, it is shown that such a model can be translated into a planning context and the notion of an explicitly hierarchical dynamic model is introduced. An example of the use of such a model of evolution within a network planning context is presented. This explores the planning of network evolution in a case study of Naples arising from a new harbour which is under construction. The model provides a new method for transport system planning through combining the insights from dynamic modelling, particularly with respect to the sequencing of investment, with the practicalities of budget constraints.
Audio Watermarking through Modification of Tonal Maskers

Watermarking has become a technology of choice for a broad range of multimedia copyright protection applications. This paper proposes an audio watermarking scheme that uses the modified tonal masker as an embedding carrier for imperceptible and robust audio watermarking. The method of embedding is to select one of the tonal maskers using a secret key, and to then modify the frequency signals that consist of the tonal masker without changing the sound pressure level. The modified tonal masker can be found using the same secret key without the original sound, and the embedded information can be extracted. The results show that the frequency signals are stable enough to keep embedded watermarks against various common signal processing types, while at the same time the proposed scheme has a robust performance.
Efficient interactive agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm for hyperspectral image processing

Traditional hierarchical clustering algorithms require the calculation of a dissimilarity matrix which is mapped to a binary tree or 'dendogram' based upon some predetermined criterion. Although 'optimally efficient' algorithms requiring O(N2) time and O(N) storage are known for several clustering methods, with few exceptions these algorithms are relatively inefficient in practice as many pairwise distance are measured which are not necessary for generation of the binary tree. We describe here a novel 'almost single link' algorithm which is efficient both theoretically and in practice, and which can be extended to provide fast algorithms for centroid, medium and single link clustering of large data sets. Generalization to other related clustering methods is expected to be straightforward. Our algorithm also suggests a fairly efficient method for generating minimal spanning trees. In performing the segmentation we employ a particular representation of the binary tree which simplifies the task of manual investigation of the hierarchy. A customized graphical user interface including a 2D scatter plot, a visual display of the dendogram, and a false color image with overlayered clusters makes the clustering procedure a highly interactive one. By suggesting, for each of the clustering methods, possible criteria which might be useful for extracting relevant clusters from the tree information, we are able to fully automate the cluster selection procedure and thereby further reduce the effort required to segment an image. The algorithms described have been transcribed into C code and combined into a single package, the 'hierarchical agglomerative clusterer', which has been applied to the analysis of hyperspectral image data of various forest and desert scenes acquired by the HYDICE sensor. The analyses were performed on a 266 Mhz Pentium PC platform running Windows NT 4.0. Typical segmentation times for the fastest algorithm ranged form 17 seconds for a 15232-pixel image to 2833 seconds for a 209840-pixel image, each pixel representing a 210-band spectrum. These initial studies suggest that the HAC package will provide a sound framework for making detailed comparisons of the effects of different clustering algorithms or dissimilarity measures. Its overall speed makes it a promising tool not only for hyperspectral image processing applications but for multivariate data analysis as a whole.
Automatic image analysis of fundus photograph

This paper describes an automatic retinal image analysis system which can be used for the mass screening of diabetic retinopathy patients. Fundus photographs were scanned and processed sequentially to identify the optic disk and the fovea through a Hough transform, to trace the blood vessels by a Gaussian filter and finally to detect the exudates using dynamic thresholding. An objective diagnosis could be provided based on the results of the analysis.
Velocity and acceleration features in speaker recognition

The performance of dynamic features in automatic speaker recognition is examined. Second- and third-order regression analysis examining the performance of the associated feature sets independently, in combination, and in the presence of noise is included. It is shown that each regression order has a clear optimum. These are independent of the analysis order of the static feature from which the dynamic features are derived, and insensitive to low-level noise added to the test speech. It is also demonstrated that while the static feature gives the best individual performance, multiple linear combinations of feature sets based on regression analysis can reduce error rates. <<ETX>>
Algorithm for Target Tracking Using Passive Radar

In the paper the problem of target tracking in passive radar is addressed. Passive radar measures bistatic parameters of a target: bistatic range and bistatic velocity. The aim of the tracking algorithm is to convert the bistatic measurements into Cartesian coordinates. In the paper a two-stage tracking algorithm is presented, using bistatic and Cartesian tracking. In addition, a target localization algorithm is applied to initialize Cartesian tracks from bistatic measurements. The tracking algorithm is tested using simulated and real data. The real data were obtained from an FM-based passive radar called PaRaDe, developed at Warsaw University of Technology. Keywords—Passive coherent location, passive bistatic radar, target tracking.
Distance learning applied to control engineering laboratories

Distance learning is an emerging paradigm where students, teachers, and equipment may be at different geographic locations. At the College of Engineering of Oregon State University, we have developed and demonstrated an innovative real-time remote-access control engineering teaching laboratory. Our remote laboratory uses the Internet to provide complete access to the usual laboratory facilities. In addition, remote power control, network reliability, and safety features are integrated into our experimental hardware and software design. Remotely located students are able to develop, compile, debug, and run controllers in real time on the experiments in our laboratory. Students can watch the experiment in real time from a remote workstation, hear the sounds in the laboratory, and interact with other laboratory users. Students can effectively use the laboratory from anywhere on the Internet.
A study of the environmental information acquisition system based on smart phones

In this paper, it proposed a new environmental information acquisition system based on smart phones (Smartphone / Pocket PC) which combined with Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), wireless communication technology in allusion to the current actual situation of environmental protection information acquisition in city environmental protection department. System architecture and working principle is analyzed, and it designs the main modules of the software and hardware. In addition, transport protocols and application of the implementation method have been discussed. Experiments show that the environmental information acquisition system has high precision, easy to use, information transfer with high efficiency and reliability. Not only have that, the paper also discusses the effective strategies of network transmission of data encryption and the image transmission rate improvement. In brief, it can effectively enhance the work efficiency of the city environmental protection department when they collect relevant information.
Selenium-Containing Heterocycles from Isoselenocyanates: Synthesis of 1,2,3-Selenadiazole Derivatives

The reaction of aroyl chlorides 1 with KSeCN and ethyl diazoacetate (6) in acetone at room temperature yields ethyl 2-aroyl-5-(aroylimino)-2,5-dihydro-1,2,3-selenadiazole-4-carboxylates 7 (Scheme 3). A reaction mechanism via the initial formation of the corresponding aroyl isoselenocyanates 2 followed by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the diazo compound with the C=Se bond to give ethyl 5-(aroylimino)-4,5-dihydro-1,2,3-selenadiazole-4-carboxylates of type D is proposed. Acylation of the latter at N(2) leads to the final products 7. Deacetylation of 7 to give ethyl 5-(aroylimino)-1,2,3-selenadiazole-4-carboxylates 10 is achieved by treatment of 7 with morpholine (Scheme 5). The intermediate isoselenocyanates 2 partially oligomerize to give two different oligomers. The symmetrical one reacts with morpholine to yield selenourea derivatives 12 (Scheme 6).
Corpus-based terminology

The manual acquisition of terminological material from the domain-specific text material is a very time-consuming task. Recent advances in text-processing research provide a basis for automating this task. Computer-assisted term acquisition improves both the quantity and the quality of terminological work. This paper gives a brief overview of this new approach in terminology acquisition. Three subtasks are distinguished: compilation of an electronic text corpus, extraction of terminological data, and management of terminological data. Each of the subtasks will be discussed in some detail by identifying the core problems as well as proposed solutions. As a concrete initiative in this emerging field, we present an ongoing research project at the European Academy Bolzano, which illustrates the importance of computer-assisted terminology acquisition and of the resulting steps that have been taken in recent times. The paper concludes with a summary of five selected papers which have been presented at a workshop on corpus-based terminology in Bolzano. The full papers are published in this volume and in volume 4(2) of this journal.
An Approach to the Construction of the Personalized Knowledge Map in Knowledge Management Systems

This paper proposes a personalized knowledge map construction method to facilitate knowledge map construction in knowledge management systems. Knowledge map is an important tool in knowledge management systems. Considering the classification habits, the providing of the personalized knowledge map can make the knowledge searching more easily. The tagging reflects the user’s classification habits. Moreover, the words in the tags reflect the user’s word using habits. Therefore, we proposed an approach to the personalized knowledge map construction. Firstly, the documents are pre-processed including eliminating the stop words and stemming the word. Secondly, the KNN algorithm is modified, in which both the vector similarity and the tagging similarity are used to calculate the similarity between the documents. Finally, the topic identification methods of the clusters are proposed. Afterwards, we evaluate the personalized knowledge map construction methods. The results show that the personalized knowledge map gets a good satisfaction.
A domain decomposition study of massively parallel computing in compressible gas dynamics

The appropriate utilization of massively parallel computers for solving the Navier-Stokes equations is investigated and determined from an engineering perspective. The issues investigated are: (1) Should strip or patch domain decomposition of the spatial mesh be used to reduce computer time? (2) How many computer nodes should be used for a problem with a given sized mesh to reduce computer time? (3) Is the convergence of the Navier-Stokes solution procedure (LU-SGS) adversely influenced by the domain decomposition approach? The results of the paper show that the present Navier-Stokes solution technique has good performance on a massively parallel computer for transient flow problems. For steady-state problems with a large number of mesh cells, the solution procedure will require significant computer time due to an increased number of iterations to achieve a converged solution. There is an optimum number of computer nodes to use for a problem with a given global mesh size.
FeRAM retention analysis method based on memory cell read signal voltage measurement

A novel retention analysis method for ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) has been developed, in which read signal voltages from memory cells are measured. It employs on-chip sample/hold circuits, an off-chip A/D converter, and memory LSI testing equipment. FeRAM chip reliability is estimated on the basis of FeRAM read signal voltages after retention periods of 1 day and longer. When used as a tool to estimate long-term data retention in FeRAM chips, and when used to analyze fluctuations in FeRAM cell characteristics, this method can be of significant help in improving the reliability of FeRAM chips.