Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient hash tables on the gpu

Advances in GPU architecture have made efficient implementations of hash tables possible, allowing fast parallel constructions and retrievals despite the uncoalesced memory accesses naturally incurred by hashing algorithms. The key is to mitigate the penalty of these accesses by minimizing the number that occur and utilizing the cache (when one is available). Most work done on parallel hashing is ill-equipped for this objective and relies on the theoretical PRAM model, which abstracts away the difficulties of programming on actual hardware. We examine hashing schemes from a practical perspective using NVIDIA's CUDA architecture. Our main contribution is a set of parallel implementations for open addressing, chaining, and cuckoo hashing. We analyze each method and identify when applications should use one over another. Because each makes different performance trade-offs, we compare them using three metrics: memory usage, construction time, and retrieval efficiency. Retrieval efficiency considers both the average time and deviation from it, since answering some queries can be several orders of magnitude more difficult than others. Our quadratic probing implementation shows this as the hash table becomes more compact: on a GTX 470, using datasets containing 10M random key-value pairs, it has respective rates of [369M, 723M, 539M] pairs per second (pps) for insertion, retrieving every input item, and retrieving 10M keys absent from the table when using 2N space. For 1.05N space, these rates significantly drop to [162M, 208M, 46M] pps, reflecting the difficulty of terminating both insertions and queries. Applications requiring more robust retrieval could benefit from our chaining implementation, which eschews linked lists and uses radix sort for an efficient parallel construction. When using 2N space, the rates are [344M, 436M, 624M] pps, while for 1.05N the rates are [449M, 211M, 126M] pps. For compact tables, its construction rate is almost 3x faster than quadratic probing with a smaller drop in retrieval efficiency for failed queries. However, the number of probes required to answer queries grows drastically for compact tables, leading to poorer retrieval rates. Cuckoo hashing is better suited for these cases, trading a more complicated construction for guaranteed constant time retrievals. It has rates of [366M, 670M, 501M] pps using 2 N space and [133M, 386M, 258M] pps for 1.05N. Our method is also adaptable and can be specialized for situations where multiple values are stored per key.
Car license plate recognition with neural networks and fuzzy logic

A car license plate recognition system (CLPR-system) has been developed to identify vehicles by the contents of their license plate for speed-limit enforcement. This type of application puts high demands on the reliability of the CLPR-system. A combination of neural and fuzzy techniques is used to guarantee a very low error rate at an acceptable recognition rate. First experiments along highways in the Netherlands show that the system has an error rate, of 0.02% at a recognition rate of 98.51%. These results are also compared with other published CLPR-systems.
Prolonged Low-Level Exposure to the Aroma of Peppermint Essential Oil Enhances Aspects of Cognition and Mood in Healthy Adults

The possible positive impact of aromas of plant essential oils is an area with a long history and one that is receiving increasing interest from modern science. Previous research has demonstrated beneficial effects of acute exposure on a range of variables. The current study set out to investigate for the first time whether extended exposure to the aroma of peppermint essential oil could provide benefits to healthy young adults. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to either wear a peppermint infused non-transdermal skin patch or a blank patch, for a period of six hours during which time they went about their normal daily routine. Cognitive and mood assessments were completed and a multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant difference to exist between the two groups when all variables were analysed together. Further analyses on the individual variables revealed small to medium positive effects of peppermint aroma on aspects of memory and attention and feelings of subjective alertness. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests aroma of peppermint essential oil may act as a positive and easy intervention delivering beneficial objective and subjective outcomes. The findings are discussed in terms of putative mechanisms that might underpin the effects with a focus on possible pharmacological influences.
Multi-level logic optimization by redundancy addition and removal

A multilevel logic optimization technique is presented that is a generalization of redundancy removal and Boolean resubstitution. The network is optimized through iterative addition and deletion of redundant connections. With the use of the connection fault model, the problem of identifying connections that can be made without affecting the network's functionality is converted into the problem of identifying redundant connection faults. Efficient test generation algorithms can thus be applied directly. Techniques that can efficiently locate redundant wires and/or nodes after adding a redundant wire are also proposed. Experiment results on MCNC benchmark circuits show that, on average, a 16% reduction in gate count and a 20% reduction in connection count can be achieved at a low computational cost. The suggested technique can also be applied for timing optimization. <<ETX>>
Being safe around the robot

This paper is about cost based approaches for motion planning in HRI setups. A general approach (TRRT) developed at LAAS is presented as well as some previous cost based work on human aware motion generation. We also introduce a way to handle dangerous object using this approach: sharp edges and other dangerous object parts should never be directly exposed to the human. A cost function is computed to tackle this issue. Finally we are presenting first results about a new extension of TRRT which is used in HRI motion generation.
Interval debulking surgery is not worth the wait: a National Cancer Database study comparing primary cytoreductive surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Objective In previous studies, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery was not inferior to primary cytoreductive surgery as initial treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Our study aimed to compare surgical and survival outcomes between the two treatments in a large national database. Methods Data were extracted from the National Cancer Database from January 2004 to December 2015. Patients with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians) stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer and known sequence of treatment were included: primary cytoreductive (surgery=26 717 and neoadjuvant chemotherapy=9885). Tubal and primary peritoneal cancer diagnostic codes were not included. Residual disease after treatment was defined based on recorded data: R0 defined as microscopic or no residual disease; R1 defined as macroscopic residual disease. Multivariate Cox proportional HR was used for survival analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to compare mortality between groups. Outcomes were adjusted for significant covariates. Validation was performed using propensity score matching of significant covariates. Results A total of 36 602 patients were included in the analysis. Patients who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery had better survival than those treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval surgery, after adjusting for age, co-morbidities, stage, and residual disease (p<0.001). Primary cytoreductive surgery patients with R0 disease had best median survival (62.6 months, 95% CI 60.5–64.5). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients with R1 disease had worst median survival (29.5 months, 95% CI 28.4–31.9). There were small survival differences between primary cytoreductive surgery with R1 (38.9 months) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy with R0 (41.8 months) (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.0), after adjusting for age, co-morbidities, grade, histology, and stage. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy had 3.5 times higher 30-day mortality after surgery than primary cytoreductive surgery (95% CI 2.46 to 5.64). The 90-day mortality was higher for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in multivariate analysis (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.61) but similar to primary cytoreductive surgery after excluding high-risk patients. Conclusions Most patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer may benefit from primary cytoreductive surgery. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be those with co-morbidities unfit for surgery.
DHTML and CSS for the World Wide Web : Visual QuickStart Guide

From the Publisher: Add dynamic interactivity to your Web site with DHTML and Cascading Style Sheets! Targeted to designers and content creators, not just programmers.Visual, task-based format the ideal way to get up and running with DHTML. This revised and expanded second edition is up-to-date on the current Web standards and browsers, and includes all new coverage of using DHTML to get information about the browser environment and adding multimedia to a site, as well as new basic and advanced dynamic techniques, such as making objects appear and disappear, moving objects in 3D, and adding dynamic content. This edition offers full cross-platform and cross-browser coverage. This book does not focus on the more complex aspects of DHTML, but focuses on practical examples of what really works with DHTML and CSS, making it useful for beginners just starting out with DHTML, as well as professional developers looking for a quick reference.
Effect of the material form, storage and cooking methods on the quality of brussels sprouts

The paper presents the effect of different cooking methods of Brussels sprouts on sensory quality as well as vitamin C, nitrate and nitrite content. The best cooking method for Brussels sprouts was cooking in pot starting with boiling water. Three material forms (fresh, frozen and canned) were investigated during a 3.5 - month storage, from September to January, to reach the best dish quality, nutritive value, health safety and low cost. At the beginning of storage (in autumn), the best form is fresh Brussels but in the end of the storage period (January/ February) frozen form should be adviced because of a good sensory quality, nutritive value, and the cost similar to the fresh form. Canned Brussels is the worst form during whole storage period with regard to vitamin C content and sensory quality.
Evaluation of frequency compression and high‐frequency directionality

Testing for hearing loss among farmers augusT 2010 • Vol. 63 • no. 8 Although the concept of frequency lowering has been around for at least four decades,1 it has recently seen a resurgence as a “hot topic” in amplification. In the past 2 years, it has been implemented in products from major hearing aid manufacturers, including Phonak. The goal of frequency lowering is to shift highfrequency sounds that cannot be adequately amplified by a hearing aid or used by the corresponding region of the cochlea to lower frequencies where the information can be better amplified or used. In particular, the feature is expected to assist in making available such important information as high-frequency speech sounds (e.g., /s/, /f/, /θ/) and frequencies between 2000 and 5000 Hz that are uniquely shaped by the pinna, depending on their angle of origin, to assist with front-back (F-B) discrimination. The frequency-lowering technique implemented in Phonak’s Naida product range (non-linear frequency compression, hereafter called frequency compression) affects only the frequency range above the frequencycompression threshold and is permanent. The compressed input range is consistently mapped to the output range, so wearers may be better able to adapt to the change in auditory stimulation than if the frequency lowering were transient. Extensive research was performed in developing Naida’s frequency compression and post-release using predominantly speech in quiet.2-6 However, its effect on horizontal localization and possible synergy with high-frequency directionality, a feature that has been demonstrated to improve F-B discrimination in users of behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids,7 has not been investigated. The study reported here was designed to explore the effect of frequency compression, high-frequency directionality, and the combination of the two on horizontal localization and speech recognition in noise.
Effects of Duration and Midpoint of Sleep on Corticolimbic Circuitry in Youth

Introduction Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive and emotion-related functioning, and 9 to 12 hr of sleep is recommended for children ages 6 to 12 years and 8 to 10 hr for children ages 13 to 18 years. However, national survey data indicate that older youth sleep for fewer hours and fall asleep later than younger youth. This shift in sleep duration and timing corresponds with a sharp increase in onset of emotion-related problems (e.g., anxiety, depression) during adolescence. Given that both sleep duration and timing have been linked to emotion-related outcomes, the present study tests the effects of sleep duration and timing, and their interaction, on resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) of corticolimbic emotion-related neural circuitry in children and adolescents. Methods A total of 63 children and adolescents (6–17 years, 34 females) completed a weekend overnight sleep journal and a 10-min resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan the next day (Sunday). Whole-brain RS-FC of the amygdala was computed, and the effects of sleep duration, timing (i.e., midpoint of sleep), and their interaction were explored using regression analyses. Results Overall, we found that older youth tended to sleep later and for fewer hours than younger youth. Controlling for age, shorter sleep duration was associated with lower RS-FC between the amygdala and regions implicated in emotion regulation, including ventral anterior cingulate cortex, precentral gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus. Interestingly, midpoint of sleep was associated with altered connectivity in a distinct set of brain regions involved in interoception and sensory processing, including insula, supramarginal gyrus, and postcentral gyrus. Our data also indicate widespread interactive effects of sleep duration and midpoint on brain regions implicated in emotion regulation, sensory processing, and motor control. Conclusion These results suggest that both sleep duration and midpoint of sleep are associated with next-day RS-FC within corticolimbic emotion-related neural circuitry in children and adolescents. The observed interactive effects of sleep duration and timing on RS-FC may reflect how homeostatic and circadian process interact in the brain and explain the complex patterns observed with respect to emotional health when considering sleep duration and timing. Sleep-related changes in corticolimbic circuitry may contribute to the onset of emotion-related problems during adolescence.
RANDOM FOREST ANALYSIS ON DIABETES COMPLICATION DATA

This paper discusses how Random Forests, ensembles of weak decision trees, can be improved by excluding less important features from the model. Gain Ratio Feature Selection was used as the basis for tuning the algorithm parameters. Backwards elimination of the features to obtain the minimum subset with the highest accuracy was the key methodology of this experiment. The results of the proposed model were better in terms of accuracy and number of features used. The objective of this paper was to create a base-line, which will be useful for the classification on diabetes complications data. We recommend using the Random Forest with Feature Selection technique for other type of classification problems. Future work also includes an extension study of the different types of learning settings to improve the feature construction process.
A Survey of Fundamental Theories, Models and Perspectives on Computer- Mediated Communication

In this paper I explore some fundamental theories, models and perspectives used by scholars in communication studies as frameworks to understand and discuss the field of computer-mediated communication, which is an offshoot of mediated communication aspect of the communication studies. In my approach, I discuss the academic landscape of communication technology, with a view of locating the concept, nature and scope of CMC. Specifically, I present some of the notable perspectives, models and theories with which scholars in new (digital) media studies have used in explaining trends of adoption, uses and social implications of communication technology against the backdrop of some media constraints and affordances as discussed in select journal publications, while I use schemas to explain the concept where necessary. It is no doubt that this approach will not only introduce the fundamental theories of computer mediated communication within the purview of communication studies, but also advance scholarship in the field of CMC, which has been ongoing as far back as 1970s (Herring, 1994), but which has not been significantly studied in Nigeria and by extension Africa beyond the narrow confines of an oft-quoted theory of media effects.
Resident-entity based simulation of batch chamber tools in 300 mm semiconductor manufacturing

We describe a resident-entity based pilot simulation study of a class of tools used in 300 mm semiconductor manufacturing known as the wets tools or the wet benches. These are batch chamber tools - they have several chambers or tanks, each of which can accommodate a batch of wafers, usually more than one lot size. We develop a simulation model for the wets processing area that is based on the resident-entity paradigm, but makes use of transient-entity-type modeling when more information needs to be tracked. Resident-entity models tend to be much faster than transient-entity simulation models that are common in semiconductor manufacturing. The model developed captures most of the internal workings of a wets tool and at the same time, models different types of tools. We used the model to evaluate the effects of scheduling policies and batching parameters on the performance of the wets process area.
Cytosinium 3,5-Dinitrosalicylate

Interviews with Australian university students returning from study in France indicate that problems in accessing crucial information are common experiences, and frequently lead to students reproducing stereotypes of French administrative inefficiency. Our paper argues that the issue is not one of information per se but of cultural differences in the dissemination of information. It analyses the ways in which students interpret their information-gathering difficulties, and the appropriateness of the strategies they devise for overcoming them. It then examines the pedagogical implications for preparing students for study abroad, suggesting means of both equipping students with alternative ways of understanding 'information skills' and intervening in the perpetuation of stereotypes.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation for Carding

The purpose of this work is to increase the understanding of carding system dynamics based on mathematical tools that will ultimately lead to the development of on-line real-time controllers for carding. The work comprises both modeling the process and comparing simulated results with experimental data. A mathematical model for one worker-stripper group is described and subsequently expanded to model a carding engine with six carding (worker-stripper) groups. The process variable in this work is restricted to fiber areal density on the main cylinder; the expanded model predicts output (web) fiber areal density in time. Both simulated and experimental results are presented.
Secure Sockets Layer Health Assessment

Tilburg University needs a tool which can assess their SSL services automatically. The research conducted in this paper is performed to determine a health value for an SSL service, which can be implemented in an SSL assessment tool. To determine this value various research has been done. First, it has been determined what a “good” SSL implementation should look like. A good implementation has for example a valid certificate and has implemented the full chain of trust, but also prohibits the use of SSLv2. After determining what a good SSL service requires, the findings have been compared to common services. Amongst common services are online banking environments, social networks, etc. As it turns out, lots of common services do not implement SSL as it should be. The findings of this research have been used to develop a series of SSL “tests”. Each of these tests is given a weight based upon the research or it is called required. A required test should never fail. If a weighed test fails, the eventual SSL “health” will simply become less. Combining these tests with a proof of concept implementation, based upon existing software, makes it possible to assess an SSL service in a way that covers the demands of Tilburg University. This is giving a single grade to a service which relates to the health status of the service.
Fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection.

PURPOSE Randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) are reviewed, and practical issues for pharmacists to consider are discussed. SUMMARY Eight randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of FMT for recurrent CDI were analyzed. The trials varied in the type of sample (fresh, frozen, lyophilized), route of administration (nasogastric tube, colonoscopy, enema, oral), and comparator agent (different type of FMT, vancomycin). Efficacy rates ranged from 43.8% to 96.2% with FMT, and safety data were relatively similar. With these favorable data, pharmacists are likely to be involved at multiple steps in the delivery of FMT to patients with recurrent CDI, including the procurement, documentation, and administration of various products and patient education. CONCLUSION FMT is an option for recurrent CDI that is supported by findings of randomized controlled trials, although a preferred method for the delivery remains to be defined. Pharmacists can play an important role in the successful management of patients with recurrent CDI who may benefit from FMT.
Electrical machines and drives with Matlab

Knjiga je namijenjena pretežito studentima visih semestara, ali i inženjerima u praksi koji su studij zavrsili ranije, i koji nakon svladavanja uvoda u Matlab i Simulink teže znanjima primjenljivim u modeliranju i simulaciji elektricnih strojeva i pogona. Podijeljena je na devet poglavlja koja se daju svrstati u dvije cjeline. U prvu spadaju uvodi u modeliranje, u Matlab i u Simulink, a u drugu spadaju detaljnije primjene Simulinka i njegovog alata naziva SimPowerSystems.
Semantics: From meaning to text. Volume 1

This book presents an innovative and novel approach to linguistic semantics, beginning with the idea that language can be described as a system for the expression of linguistic Meanings as particular surface forms or Texts. Semantics is specifically that system of rules that ensures a correct transition from a Semantic Representation of the Meaning of a family of synonymous sentences to the Deep Syntactic Representation of a particular sentence. Framed in the terms of Meaning-Text linguistics, this volume discusses in detail the problems of Semantic Representation including the semantic structure of utterances, the semantics of Causation in English, and communicative, or information, structure. Based on the authors life-long dedication to the study of the semantics and syntax of natural language, this book is a paradigm-shifting contribution to the language sciences whose originality and daring will make it essential reading for linguists, anthropologists, semioticians, and computational linguists.