Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BeBeC-2018-D 06 OPTIMIZATION METHODOLOGY OF MICROPHONE ARRAYS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCE LOCALIZATION USING THE GENERALIZED CROSS-CORRELATION

Microphone array design is a discipline of great interest for the scientific community and end-users because its properties have a big impact on source localization performance. This publication addresses the design methodology and geometry optimization of spherical microphone arrays for environmental source localization using time-domain beamforming algorithm, more precisely the Generalized Cross-Correlation (GCC). In the proposed methodology, a set of conceptual decisions such as array design, frequency range and number of microphones take the form of non-linear constraints in a single or multi-objective genetic algorithm for the optimization of the microphones positioning. The fitness criteria are based on the maximization of the sum of all available differences of distances, or spatial orientations, or both, between pairs of microphones. These criteria are empirically supported by the geometric intrinsic nature of the Spatial Likelihood Functions (SLFs), the constitutional functions of the GCC: indeed, under certain conditions, the geometric properties of a SLF hyperbola can be controlled by the distance and the relative spatial orientation between the associated pair of microphones. These properties can be used to improve rejection of side-lobes in the noise source map. The experiments are based on numerical simulations: first, a statistical analysis of the optimization is performed to demonstrate its repeatability. It was proved that the single-objective criteria are effective to induce sidelobe rejection and similar in the design space (they converge to a same region in the Pareto front). Latter, a scenario with distributed broadband sources is investigated. Compared to a regular microphone arrangement, the results show that an optimized array generates a smoother cartography and better source localization. ∗GAUS, Department of Mechanical Eng., Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke QC J1K2R1 Canada, lucas.carneiro@usherbrooke.ca †GAUS, Department of Mechanical Eng, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke QC J1K2R1 Canada ‡École de technologie supérieure, Montreal, QC H3C1K3 Canada
MODELLING OF TRACER TESTS IN A GEOTHERMAL RESERVOIR IN TIANJIN , CHINA

The Wumishan (Jxw) geothermal reservoir in the Dongli Lake area is an extensive, low-temperature geothermal system hosted mainly by Mesoproterozoic dolomitic limestone. In order to study the flow paths and predict the cooling due to long term injection, tracer tests were performed on the 17th of December, 2015. 700 kg of Ammonium Molybdate (Mo) were injected into well DL-48B. No obvious tracer recovery was detected in the water samples collected during the 90 days of tracer test. In order to interpret the tracer testing quantitatively, both an analytical method developed by ISOR (Iceland GeoSurvey) and a numerical method using Visual MODFLOW flex software were applied. For the analytical model, it was assumed that the recovery is very slow and would appear after 90 days. In the three cases of longitudinal dispersivity, 77, 230 and 384 m, the tracer concentration began to increase after 150 days. When the dispersivity was 77 m, thermal breakthrough would occur in 80 years for a narrow flow channel scenario and 27 years for a wide flow channel scenario with an average annual production and injection rate of 10 kg/s. Using an automatic parameter estimation tool along with the numerical model, errors were minimized between the observed and the simulated data to estimate the distribution of the reservoir parameters. There is reasonable agreement between the simulated and observed water levels and therefore the numerical model was used to predict the tracer concentration in the production well. For the most pessimistic case (longitudinal dispersivity of 384 m), the tracer will take more than a year to arrive at the production well with concentration values outside of the detection limit, according to the model. Results show that there is no direct connection between production and injection wells and neither of the models predicts cooling in the next 24 years.
WEB BASED SUPERVISOR

The current demand for quality and reliability in the manufacturing processes has a direct impact on the process automation level. Besides, the faster is the detection of n targets; the lower is the impact on the part production costs. Considering that the grinding operation is in most of the cases the last step in the manufacturing chain, the statement above become even more PC-based open-architecture numeric control in machine tools enabled the easier implementation of end application and also the acquisition of machine information with minimum requirement of external sensors. Information such as: actual axis position, feed rate, and spindle RPM, among others, is available to be gathered from the numeric control using standard interfaces. By intranet or Ethernet, information can be disseminated among all enterprise levels. The current scenario allows the implementation of monitoring and supervisory systems for data acquisition of the machining processes. The aim of this paper is the development of a web based supervisory system for plunge grinding operation. The MTConnect standard was used t adding further machines to the system, regardless the using Ethernet can be divided in three main categories: machine, process and production. The parameters to be monitored were selected. Particular combinations of those parameters were determined to define current machine status. For measuring the start diameter acoustic emission and capture of the machine coordinates when a skip signal is detected was used. The proposed web based system interface allowed local and remote client stations (Ethernet/Internet). Finally, the key features of the system were presented.
Innovativeness of open source software projects

The paper addresses an ongoing debate about the innovativeness of open source projects and critically evaluates the innovative potential of 500 most active projects registered by SourceForge.net. The analysis is based on a proposed framework, distinguishing between radical inventions, technology / platform modifications, and marketing innovations. Research findings include relatively low levels of technical newness in the studies sample, alongside high interest of developers and users in the innovative projects. The article discusses the underlying mechanisms, restricting innovativeness of community-driven open source efforts, and postulates the establishment of an institution of “idea brokers”, playing roles corresponding to venture capitalists in the commercial software domain.
SBP Working Paper Series Sticky Wages in a Developing Country : Lessons from Structured Interviews in Pakistan

We contribute to the growing literature on the empirical evidence for wage rigidity using structured interviews for Pakistan. The novelty of the study consists of using data from a developing country which provides the basis for a comparison with studies performed in the developed countries. Our sample of 1189 managers finds widespread support for downward nominal wage rigidity while real wage rigidity is less pronounced although still present. Concerns about the adverse effects of wage reductions on effort, morale, the most productive workers leaving (adverse selection) and the minimum-wage largely explain the presence of nominal wage rigidity. All sectors, irrespective of time, take minimum-wage changes into account when setting wages so that the law very much sets wage expectations.
Effects of a Detached Plate on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Linear Shear Flows over a Circular Cylinder

The present research investigates the effects of a thin detached plate on the aerodynamic characteristics of linear shear flows over a circular cylinder. The vortex shedding and distribution of aerodynamic forces acting on the circular cylinder, with and without the application of the plate, are studied numerically with considerations of the system parameters such as shear parameter, velocity gradient, upstream mean velocity and cylinder-plate system geometry and separating gap. It is found in the research that a thin plate separated from the cylinder plays an important role on the flow phenomenon in the vicinities of the cylinder and the exertions applying on the cylinder subjected to linear shear flows.
Model-Based Blind Image Quality Assessment Using Natural DCT Statistics

We propose an efficient, general-purpose, nondistortion specific, blind/no-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA) algorithm based on a natural scene statistics model of discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients. The algorithm is computationally appealing, given the availability of platforms optimized for DCT computation. We propose a generalized parametric model of the extracted DCT coefficients. The parameters of the model are utilized to predict image quality scores. The resulting algorithm, which we name BLIINDS-II, requires minimal training and adopts a simple probabilistic model for score prediction. When tested on the LIVE IQA database, BLIINDS-II is shown to correlate highly with human visual perception of quality, at a level that is even competitive with the popular SSIM index. (EDICS category: SMR-REP, SMRHPM)
Ultra Wideband CPW Antenna With Single Frequency Notch For EMI Reduction

An ultra wideband slot antenna using coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed is proposed in this letter. Presented antenna consists of a conventional rectangular shaped ground slot and a 50Ω feed line. A rectangular notch of 4.9 mm × 1.6 mm is embedded in the feed line which increases the electrical size of the antenna. This improves input impedance matching, thereby resulting in ultra wideband nature. An L-shaped grounded metallic strip is protruded into the rectangular slot for introducing a frequency rejection band from 4.5 GHz 5.7 GHz, thereby reducing the interference between unlicensed ISM band and the downlink satellite communication spectrum.
Histone H 3 S 10 phosphorylation by the JIL-1 kinase in pericentric heterochromatin and on the fourth chromosome creates a composite H 3 S 10 phK 9 me 2 epigenetic mark

The JIL-1 kinase mainly localizes to euchromatic interband regions of polytene chromosomes and is the kinase responsible for histone H3S10 phosphorylation at interphase in Drosophila. However, recent findings raised the possibility that the binding of some H3S10ph antibodies may be occluded by the H3K9me2 mark obscuring some H3S10 phosphorylation sites. Therefore, we have characterized an antibody to the epigenetic H3S10phK9me2 double mark as well as three commercially available H3S10ph antibodies. The results showed that for some H3S10ph antibodies their labeling indeed can be occluded by the concomitant presence of the H3K9me2 mark. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the double H3S10phK9me2 mark is present in pericentric heterochromatin as well as on the fourth chromosome of wild-type polytene chromosomes but not in preparations from JIL-1 or Su(var)3-9 null larvae. Su(var)3-9 is a methyltransferase mediating H3K9 dimethylation. Furthermore, the H3S10phK9me2 labeling overlapped with that of the non-occluded H3S10ph antibodies as well as with H3K9me2 antibody labeling. Interestingly, when a Lac-I-Su(var)3-9 transgene is overexpressed, it upregulates H3K9me2 dimethylation on the chromosome arms creating extensive ectopic H3S10phK9me2 marks suggesting that the H3K9 dimethylation occurred at euchromatic H3S10ph sites. This is further supported by the finding that under these conditions euchromatic H3S10ph labeling by the occluded antibodies was abolished. Thus, our findings indicate a novel role for the JIL-1 kinase in epigenetic regulation of heterochromatin in the context of the chromocenter and fourth chromosome by creating a composite H3S10phK9me2 mark together with the Su(var)3-9 methyltransferase.
odeling amphibian energetics , habitat suitability , and movements of western oads , Anaxyrus ( = Bufo ) boreas , across present and future landscapes aul

Effective conservation of amphibian populations requires the prediction of how amphibians use and move through a landscape. Amphibians are closely coupled to their physical environment. Thus an approach that uses the physiological attributes of amphibians, together with knowledge of their natural history, should be helpful. We used Niche MapperTM to model the known movements and habitat use patterns of a population of Western toads (Anaxyrus (=Bufo) boreas) occupying forested habitats in southeastern Idaho. Niche Mapper uses first principles of environmental biophysics to combine features of topography, climate, land cover, and animal features to model microclimates and animal physiology and behavior across landscapes. Niche Mapper reproduced core body temperatures (Tc) and evaporation rates of live toads with average errors of 1.6 ± 0.4 ◦C and 0.8 ± 0.2 g/h, respectively. For four different habitat types, it reproduced similar mid-summer daily temperature patterns as those measured in the field and calculated evaporation rates (g/h) with an average error rate of 7.2 ± 5.5%. Sensitivity analyses indicate these errors do not significantly affect estimates of food consumption or activity. Using Niche Mapper we predicted limate warming the daily habitats used by free-ranging toads; our accuracy for female toads was greater than for male toads (74.2 ± 6.8% and 53.6 ± 15.8%, respectively), reflecting the stronger patterns of habitat selection among females. Using these changing to construct a cost surface, we also reconstructed movement paths that were consistent with field observations. The effect of climate warming on toads depends on the interaction of temperature and atmospheric moisture. If climate change occurs as predicted, results from at cl ads i Niche Mapper suggests th limiting the activity for to
Researchers Develop Method for Embedding RFID in Paper

Feb. 27, 2013—Researchers at North Dakota State University (NDSU) have developed a method for embedding ultrathin passive radio frequency identification chips on paper or other flexible substrates. This method, the team reports, could enable the production of RFID-enabled paper at a cost lower than that pertaining to traditional RFID tags. The group is now seeking manufacturing partners to help commercialize the technology.
Analysis of cochlear implant vocoder simulation including the current spread effect in the presence of background noise

Kauê Werner, Rafael Chiea, Júlio A. Cordioli, Stephan Paul 1 Laboratório de Vibrações e Acústica, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brasil, Email: kaue.werner@lva.ufsc.br 2 Laboratório de Processamento Digital de Sinais, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brasil, Email: rafaelchiea@gmail.com 3 Laboratório de Vibrações e Acústica, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brasil, Email: julio.cordioli@ufsc.br 4 Laboratório de Vibrações e Acústica, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brasil, Email: stephan.paul@ufsc.br
Automated processing of retinal images

The problem of automated processing of retinal images for semiautomatic diagnosis of retinal diseases is considered in this paper. The main aspects of retinal image processing are discussed. Methods for non-uniform illumination correction, blood vessel detection and macula and optic disc segmentation, finding dark and light spots in the macula area are suggested.
Scalable and Efficient Forwarding Table Design for Multi-Link Failover in OpenFlow-Enabled Networks

ABSTRACT One of the key technical challenges in 5G is to ensure a high level of end-to-end service availability and reliability. Software-defined networking leveraging on a centralized network-forwarding control and management paradigm is expected to fulfil such requirements and even enhance their capabilities, compared to the traditional reliability mechanisms in the legacy network. This paper presents an enhanced forwarding table design for scalable and efficient failover support on multi-link failures in OpenFlow networks. The proposed forwarding table is designed with flow grouping and flow aggregation methods to achieve faster link failover and compress the flow rules for alternate paths against multi-link failures. To validate the proposed forwarding table design, we evaluate the performance in the following points: (1) how much resilience can be provided, (2) how many forwarding rules can be reduced to configure the alternate paths against multi-link failures and (3) how rapidly the failover can be achieved. Emulation results confirm that the proposed design reduces the number of disrupted flows and required forwarding rules to configure the alternate paths. We could also identify that it can achieve the recovery in 2–3 ms.
ExpeER Distributed Infrastructure for EXPErimentation in Ecosystem Research Grant Agreement Number : 262060 SEVENTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME Capacities Integrating activities : Networks of Research Infrastructures ( RIs ) Theme : Environment and Earth Sciences

The adoption of a set of core parameters and standardised measurement protocols for ecosystem research is a prerequisite for harmonized measurements in every discipline. Here we describe the process by which ExpeER selected which protocols should be used for the project’s training and dissemination programme. Due date of deliverable: Month 32 Actual submission date: M32 Start date of the project: December 1, 2010 Duration: 48 months Organisation name of lead contractor: UFZ Contributors: Mark Frenzel, Les Firbank, Amélie Joseph, Elli Groner, Cristina Menta, Jutta Stadler, Carsten W. Müller, Gemini Delle Vedove, Carlo Grignani, Chiara Bertora, Giorgio Matteucci, Miklos Kertesz Revision N°: Final Dissemination level: PU Public (must be available on the website) x PP Restricted to other programme participants (including the Commission Services) RE Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including the Commission Services) (precise to whom it should be addressed) CO Confidential, only for members of the consortium (including the Commission Services) ExpeER FP7 262060/ D 2.1
Extending Web Technologies to Enable Ad Hoc Cross-Device Interaction

When we look around us today, we see digital devices everywhere: The smartphone in our pocket, tablets and desktop computers on our office table, the laptop in our bag, or the smartwatch on our wrist. And still, while all these devices are interconnected and even share data, for example through cloud services, they are still, in a sense, isolated. Devices today are mostly unaware of all the devices that surround them – and although there is great potential in combining devices to use them in concert, this kind of interaction is rarely seen outside of research labs. Subject of this work is the definition of current obstacles in ad hoc cross-device interaction and to evaluate novel ways of solving them. This is attained through the development of a web-based prototype cross-device framework that includes concepts for a) creating multi-device web applications and b) enabling ad hoc combination of off-the-shelf devices in everyday scenarios. These concepts are evaluated, and the results will aid us in proposing new web standards that can help to proliferate cross-device interaction in everyday life.
Health Awareness Advertising and Consumer Guilt : A Moderating Role of Culture

Abstract The current research examines the moderating effect of cultural background on the relationship between negative emotion appeals (fear, guilt and shame) and attitude towards public health advertisements. To this end, individuals from Turkey and the US participated in the survey. Results indicated that high (vs. low) fear, guilt and shame appeals induce a more positive attitude for Turkish and for American respondents. However, the results were only significant for Turkish respondents.
ESTIMATING A YACHT’S HULL-SAILPLAN BALANCE AND SAILING PERFORMANCE USING EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND VPP METHODS

This paper describes an approach to calculate the longitudinal position of the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic force centres on a sailing yacht, and the resulting rudder angle required to hold a steady course across a complete range of sailing conditions. The paper discusses the effect on performance, in terms of boat speed, by means of experimental tank testing to derive the hydrodynamic data; wind tunnel testing to derive the aerodynamic data; and the use of a 4 plus degree of freedom (DOF) velocity prediction program (VPP). It highlights the data required to carry out such analysis and is summarised in a worked example.
A MARTINGALE APPROACH APPLIED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF LIFE INSURANCES

In this work we determine the optimal asset allocation of pure endowments insurance contracts, maximizing the expected utility of a terminal surplus under a budget constraint. The market resulting from the combination of insurance and financial products, is incomplete owing to the unhedgeable mortality of the insured population, modelled by a Poisson process. For a given equivalent measure, the optimal wealth process is obtained by the method of Lagrange multipliers and the investment strategy replicating at best this process is obtained either by martingale decomposition or either by dynamic programming. Next, we illustrate this method for CARA and CRRA utility functions.
Title : Experimental Tests of Water Quality Trading Markets Running Title : Tests of Water Quality Trading Markets

Many watersheds in the U.S. have established water quality trading progra ms in hopes of achieving cost-effective reductions in water pollution; however, the success of these programs has been limited. This study highlights some of the unique features of water-base d credit trading markets that may explain the lack of success, and uses laboratory experiments to isolate their effects. In particular, we compare two forms of a baseline-and-credit i nstitution, a Pigouvian tax/subsidy regulation, and – characteristic of air quality programs – a te xtbook cap-and-trade regulation. Across these institutions we examine the effects of abatement t ch ology adoption. We find that a baseline-and-credit program, when it requires firms to make upfront investments to generate tradable credits, is less efficient than cap-and-trade and ta x/subsidy institutions. Furthermore, we find that when efficient trading requires costly technology a doption, institutions that involve inter-firm trading, including cap-and-trade, are less efficie nt than the tax/subsidy.