Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High speed 1-D FIR digital filtering architectures using polynomial convolution

Two sets of 1-D FIR digital filtering architectures are proposed to reduce computational complexity and to increase throughput rate. Each architecture is regular in structure with a high degree of parallelism and pipelining. Consequently, they are suitable for VLSI or multiprocessor implementation. In the paper, infinite linear convolution is first converted into finite length linear or cyclic convolution in polynomial ring. Certain algorithms that are used to reduce computational complexity in finite length linear or cyclic convolution can then be applied here to reduce computational complexity of polynomial convolution and give the resulting filter structure.
et Statistique ) n ° 2010-17 Markups , Quality and Transport Costs

This paper investigates the impact of transport costs on firm pricing policy. The empirical part provides new evidence on trade prices based on firm level data from France. We find that for a given product, a typical exporting firm sets higher (net of transport costs) prices toward more distant countries. This empirical regularity suggests that firms charge higher markups and/or sell more expensive quality up-graded versions of their product when facing higher transport costs. None of these two mechanisms is present in models of international trade. Even models with firm heterogeneity in terms of quality fail in explaining the firm pricing policy observed in the data. We demonstrate that, in existing models of trade, for firms to set higher markups or to upgrade the quality of their product toward more distant countries it is necessary to relax the mill pricing assumption and to use per unit rather than iceberg transport costs. This finding is critical since, in trade models, the structure of transport costs affects the microeconomic behavior of exporting firms but also the composition of export flows and the size of gains from trade.
Spatial arrangement of block copolymer nanopatterns using a photoactive homopolymer substrate

Photo-directed orientation control of block copolymer (BCP) domains is a powerful method for generating distinct regions of perpendicular and parallel-aligned lamella in a single film layer. In this study we demonstrate the versatility of Poly(aryl methacrylate) films for controlling the wetting behaviour of PS-b-PMMA films after UV irradiation. Upon exposure to UV light (254 nm), the surface polarity of Poly(aryl methacrylate) films changed due to the photo-Fries rearrangement of the aromatic ester groups. The switch of PS-b-PMMA alignment from parallel to perpendicular lamellar structures was demonstrated after UV exposure to appropriate doses of poly(aryl methacrylate) films. The UV dose required to switch alignment and orientation in a wide range of BCP films can be tailored by rational structural design of the poly(aryl methacrylate). This simple, rapid, cost-effective and flexible approach to controlling BCP orientation makes this photo-directing chemoepitaxy approach promising for block copolymer self-assembly applications.
CHAPTER 3 Heat Transfer Enhancement of a Gas Turbine Blade-Tip

The blade-tip region encounters high thermal loads because of the hot gas leakage fl ows. A common way to cool blade tips is to design serpentine passages with 180° turn with the blade-tip walls inside the turbine blades. Improved internal convective cooling is therefore required to increase blade-tip lifetime. This chapter summarizes the heat transfer enhancement of an internal blade-tip wall having pins, dimples and protrusions, and the infl uence of guide ribs and pins material. It is found that the pinned tip exhibits best performance to improve the blade-tip cooling. However, when considering the added mechanical stress, making dimples is a more suitable way especially at low Reynolds numbers. Properly designed guide ribs might reduce the pressure loss.
Understanding the Role of Dynamic Capabilities within Rural Microenterprises : The Case for the Development of a Research Agenda

The concept of dynamic capabilities has become a significant area of research interest over the past two decades. Much of this interest is inspired by the potential performance improvements that dynamic capabilities may provide to enterprises. In this paper we highlight, however, that dynamic capabilities research has rarely ventured into the context of the rural micro-enterprise. This, we argue, is problematic since dynamic capabilities are context specific, and therefore, understanding generated from extant dynamic capabilities research in other contexts may not be applicable to rural microenterprises. In this paper we argue, therefore, for the development of a research agenda into dynamic capabilities in rural micro-enterprises. Such a research agenda could provide new theoretical insights into dynamic capabilities whilst also informing policy and practice to enable rural micro-enterprises to reap the potential benefits of dynamic capabilities for both themselves and the wider rural economy.
THEORETICAL SIMULATIONS OF NANOELECTRONIC DEVICES : QUANTUM DOTS , NANOWIRES AND CARBON NANOTUBES

The miniaturization of electronic devices, the high integration level and increase of the operation frequencies and power density require the use of adequate materials and innovative chip interconnects and vias, to avoid a bottleneck in the existing technologies. Fundamental efforts are directed on the special kinds of nanosystems such as quantum dots, quantum nanowires and nanotubes. Quantum dots, also known as nanocrystals, are a non-traditional type of semiconductor with limitless applications as an enabling material across many industries. They are unique class of semiconductor, because they are so small, ranging from 2-10 nm. (10-50 atoms) in diameter (Figure 1). Basic attention is paid to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), including their contacts with other conducting elements of a nanocircuit. Due to the unique physical properties, CNTs attract permanently growing technological interest, for example as promising candidates for nanointerconnects in a future high-speed electronics (Figures 2,3).
Towards a Peer-to-Peer Trace Archive

Real-world measurements play a key role in studying the characteristics and improving the design of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems. Although many P2P measurements have been carried out in the last decade, few traces are publicly accessible, and the available traces are available online in different formats. This situation hampers researchers in exchanging, studying, and reusing existing traces. As a result, many P2P studies have been based on unrealistic assumptions about the characteristics of P2P systems, and many P2P algorithms and methods still lack a realistic evaluation. To address this problem, in this work we introduce the P2P Trace Archive, which we design as a virtual meeting place for the community to exchange P2P traces. First, we design the Trace Archive, including a single, flexible data format for storing anonymized P2P traces. Using the tools we have developed as part of the Archive, we add to the Archive more than 20 traces collected from 12 P2P communities; the traces capture the characteristics of millions of user sessions between 2003 and 2010. Second, we make a comparative analysis of traces in the Archive that focuses on content characteristics, peer arrivals and departures, and peer sharing behavior. We find that the characteristics and usage patterns differ significantly among systems and among communities, and that they change significantly over multi-year intervals.
ANÁLISE DA ESTABILIDADE DE SISTEMAS FUZZY TAKAGI-SUGENO UTILIZANDO FUNÇÕES DE LYAPUNOV FUZZY

This paper addresses stability analysis of continuous-time Takagi-Sugeno (TS) fuzzy systems via Fuzzy Lyapunov Functions (FLF). New sufficient and more relaxed stability conditions using FLF, for the asymptotic stability of these systems in the sense of Lyapunov are proposed. These new procedures are based on LMIs (Linear Matrix Inequalities). Keywords— Linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), fuzzy Lyapunov function, Lyapunov stability. Resumo— Este artigo analisa a estabilidade de sistemas fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno (TS) cont́ınuos no tempo, através de Funções de Lyapunov Fuzzy (FLF). São propostas novas condições suficientes mais relaxadas para sistemas fuzzy TS que asseguram a estabilidade assintótica no sentido de Lyapunov. Os resultados apresentados são baseados em desigualdades matriciais lineares (LMIs, do inglês Linear Matrix Inequalities). Keywords— Desigualdades matriciais lineares (LMIs), Funções de Lyapunov Fuzzy, Estabilidade segundo Lyapunov.
Advanced localization methods for ground robots using WiFi signals

This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the design, implementation and experimental evaluation of a localization system for mobile robotic platform, developed as part of the TRADR project (http://www.tradr-project.eu/), with rich sensory equipment: LIDAR, IMU, odometer and WiFi receiver. The localization system primarily uses the WiFi signal available in the environment, processed by machine learning techniques (Gaussian processes), since high WiFi coverage provides a way to localize even low-cost robots that do not need to be equipped with excessive computational power to run visual-based SLAM algorithms or expensive exteroceptive sensors. Trajectory is considered in 3D, a 6-DOF, and to its estimation, it uses Gaussian processes followed by Monte Carlo Localization. The proposed application is to use one SLAM robot to map WiFi signal strength in the working area and provide it to a low-cost robot to correct drift of its 6-DOF gyro-odometry localization system. Implementation of this localization system is realized using MATLAB.
A computer architecture for the dynamic optimization of high-level language programs

One of the disadvantages of high-level languages has been the necessity of using expensive optimizing compilers to generate efficient object code. This thesis describes and analyzes TM, a computer architecture that dynamically performs many optimizations commonly seen in such compilers, including common subexpression elimination, code motion, and register allocation. The architecture is based on an efficient, stack-oriented instruction set and is augmented with a special cache that holds the values of expressions and their dependencies. Experiments comparing the performance of TM and the a traditional register architecture on a set of test programs show that a simple, nonoptimizing compiler can generate object code for TM that is smaller and faster than the code produced by an optimizing compiler for the register architecture. A cost analysis shows that TM's hardware mechanisms need not be expensive in comparison with traditional architectures and that the savings in compiler development costs are significant. Additional experiments investigate cache behavior and analyze alternative implementations.
ORIEB, A LINGUISTIC CRS FOR SUPPORTING DECISION MAKING IN ACADEMIC ORIENTATION

Collaborative Recommender Systems (CRS) are very useful tools that help people to select items in a huge search space, based on the idea that people with similar taste of preferences in an area make similar decisions concerning to that area. There are many commercial applications that show the utility of these systems. However, there exist areas in which these systems have not applied yet. In this contribution we want to introduce OrieB, a CRS working in the Academic Orientation domain in order to support advisors helping students of secondary school to make decisions about their academic future. OrieB will use students’ marks as input data in order to suggest their academic possibilities by providing several recommendations using the fuzzy linguistic approach.
Realistic channel model considerations in UMTS downlink capacity with space-time block coding

Space-time block coding-based transmit diversity (STTD) has been adopted by 3GPP as the open loop transmit diversity scheme aiming at improving the FDD downlink capacity. Although the assumption of independent channels corresponding to different transmitting antennas is commonly made when assessing theoretically the resulting improvement, in a practical system the actual correlation between antennas is highly dependent on the antenna separation, the angular spread and the multipath environment. A realistic spatio-temporal channel model is employed in order to quantify the impact of these factors on the actual STTD performance and compare it against the ideal case of independent channels.
Nonparametric penalized likelihood for density estimation Stima della densità non-parametrica basata su verosimiglianza penalizzata

In this work we consider a nonparametric likelihood approach to multivariate density estimation with a regularization based on the Laplace operator. The complexity of the estimation problem is tackled by means of a finite element formulation, that allows great flexibility and computational tractability. The model is suitable for any type of bounded planar domain and can be generalized to the nonEuclidean settings. Within this framework, we as well discuss a new approach to clustering based on the concept of diffusion in a potential field, and a permutationbased procedure for one and two samples hypothesis testing. Abstract In questo lavoro viene considerato un metodo di stima della densità tramite verosimiglianza non parametrica con un termine di regolarizzazione basato sull’operatore di Laplace. Il problema di stima è risolto attraverso l’uso di una formulazione ad elementi finiti, che assicura elevata flessibilità e trattabilità computazionale. Il modello è adatto per qualsivoglia tipo di dominio planare chiuso e può essere generalizzato al caso non Euclideo. Si propone un approccio al clustering basato sul concetto di diffusione, insieme ad una procedura di test di ipotesi per uno e due campioni basata su permutazione.
THE PROGNOSTIC SIMULATION OF A MOMENTARY DOSE OF LI QUID APPLIED BY FIELD SPRAYER WITHOUT AN AUTOMATIC PRESSURE CONTROL

The article presents the results of prognostic simu lation which refers to the momentary dose of liquid applied by the field sprayer without the automatic pressure control. The data registered at frequency of 1 Hz, related to t he speed, the direction of movement and the position coordinates of the spr ayer during the process of desiccation of the winte r rape were used in the simulation. Based on the results, it was found that during application of chemical protection trea tment using a field sprayer without automatic pressure control it is pr oblematic to maintain a constant operating speed an the direction of movement, and as a consequenceentails the coverag e of only 25% of the field surface.
A Self-Stabilizing Quickest Path Routing Algorithm

This paper presents a self-stabilized algorithm for the quickest path problem. This algorithm will guarantee that an asynchronous distributed system will in finite t ime have an all-pairs quickest path routing table at each node i n finite t ime. Also, the system can handle node additions/deletions/perturbations without permanent eflects on the system.
Barriers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Use in Educational Environments Scale

Integration of technology into teaching-learning process is crucial for effective and permanent learning. This importance has been increasing through the development and extension of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and has become obligatory. However, it cannot be said that technology has reached the desirable level in integration into teaching-learning environments. Although there are numberless factors which affect this case, the literature has highlighted educators’ attitudes, self efficacy perceptions, insufficientincentives, lack of hardware and so on. There have been validity and reliability studies in the literature that aimed at integration of instructional technologies into classrooms in Turkey and at exploration of barriers to use of technology, but no Turkish scale has been found. This is the main reason for the research which aims at validity and reliability analyses of the “Difficulties in ICT Use in Educational Environments Scale”. As a result of the study, a measurement tool is developed. The tool is called “Difficulties in ICT Use in Educational Environments Scale”, which consists of a total of 13 items grouped under the following headings: “Poor Infrastructure/Hardware”, “Insufficient Information Resources” and “Personal Incapability”.
A LINEAR DIFFUSION-BASED IMAGE RESTORATION APPROACH

A robust linear PDE-based image restoration technique is proposed in this paper. The PDE model provided here is based on a linear second-order diffusion equation. Some nonlinear PDE schemes that can be derived from it are also mentioned. A robust and consistent fast-converging finite-difference based numerical approximation algorithm is then developed for the continuous differential model. Some image denoising experiments method comparisons are also described.
Automated generation of attack trees by unfolding graph transformation systems

Analysis of an organization's security and the threats it faces is nowadays often done using attack trees that describe all possible threats facing a system or organization. A big challenge lies in obtaining these attack trees. Manually constructing them is tedious and error-prone work. Therefore, this project focuses on generating attack trees automatically from a given model that describes a system or organization. It improves upon previous efforts by providing an approach to identify all possible attacks from a given model in a more scalable manner, compared to the previous approach of constructing an attack graph, while remaining (security-)domain independent. This work demonstrates that this new approach, based on partial-order reduction, can have significant scalability benefits compared to the existing generic approach. In addition, it is shown that the graph transformations modeling paradigm can be used as a generic input language for describing systems and organizations, and using graph transformations gives the benefit of reusing existing efforts and implementations. Specifically, a partial-order technique called the unfolding of a graph transformation system is used as the basis of the approach, and GROOVE, a tool for constructing and analyzing graph transformation systems, is used as the basis of the implementation.
Applying data mining to detect fraud behavior in customs declaration

This paper introduces a data mining approach to detect fraud behaviors in customs declaration data. Some of the data mining technologies used in this project, such as an easy-to-expand multidimensional criterion data model and a hybrid fraud-detection strategy, are considered. Due to the characteristics of the data distribution in fraud detection applications, it is more difficult to predict the fraud behaviors. However, the easy-to-expand data model with multidimensional-criterion introduced in this paper improves both the accuracy of the model and performance of the algorithm. Since this model has a strong ability of popularization, it can be used as a reference to other similar complex applications.
Characteristics extraction of paper currency using symmetrical masks optimized by GA and neuro-recognition of multi-national paper currency

We have researched a neural network (NN) recognition method and developed a hardware for paper currency. We have proposed a mask concept to extract characteristics of the paper currency. Furthermore, we have adapted a genetic algorithm (GA) to a mask optimization. We propose a unique mask which has a symmetrical masked area against an axis which divides a long side of the currency, equally. We can obtain the same value from both an upright image and an inverse one of the currency through the mask processor using the axis-symmetrical mask. This means these values are invariant to upright and inverse of the currency conveyance. First we show the geometrical meaning of the axis-symmetrical mask and show the procedure of the their optimization by the GA using Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and French currency. Then we show realization of multi-national currency recognition. Finally, we implement this mask on a neuro-banking machine and discuss the effectiveness using a large quantity of the currency.
A Preliminary Examination of Variability Due to Build Location and Powder Feedstock in Additive Manufacture of Inconel 718 using Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion

The production of metallic parts by additive manufacturing (AM) is of significant interest to industry, but in the absence of standards, practical design considerations for manufacturing engineers are not widely known. Within the context of powder bed fusion (PBF), many unknowns persist regarding variations in part quality due to part location on the build plate, process consistency, feedstock supplier, and machine manufacturer. In this paper, we investigate the mechanical property variance across the build platform and document the successful use of feedstock powders obtained from several suppliers for the manufacture of Inconel 718 tensile and Charpy specimens, built on an EOS M280 laser-based powder bed fusion system. Particular emphasis is placed on describing the manufacturing process design challenges encountered even for simple geometries. While many advocate that complexity is free when using AM, we find that AM can lead to expensive build failures given the current state of manufacturing process knowledge and that design for additive manufacture is required for successful application of AM techniques.
A retrospective study of canine cervical disk herniation and the beneficial effects of rehabilitation therapy after ventral slot decompression

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of ventral slot decompression and rehabilitation therapy in dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). Surgical decompression was performed in dogs with IVDH using the ventral slot procedure. After surgery, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation consisted of a combination of electrotherapy, infrared therapy and mechanical massage; treadmill exercise was started when the animal could stand up. A total of 58 dogs were selected from the hospital and included in two groups: rehabilitated group (RG, n = 34) and non-rehabilitated group (NRG, n = 24). Dogs of each group were subdivided into five groups based on a pre-operative clinical grading system. Grade 1 designated spinal pain only, grade 2 designated ambulatory paraparesis, grade 3 designated non-ambulatory paraparesis, grade 4 designated paraplegia with deep-pain perception intact and grade 5 designated paraplegia without deep-pain perception. Post-operative changes of both groups were evaluated and compared, including time until unassisted standing and walking after surgery and the success rate. Overall, 79.41% (27/34) of dogs had a successful neurologic outcome in the RG group, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the NRG group 62.50% (15/24). Interestingly, the success rate differed when the preoperative grading system was considered. The success rates of grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 100% (9/9), 100% (7/7), 75% (3/4), 53.85% (7/13) and 100% (1/1), respectively, in the rehabilitated groups, whereas in the non-rehabilitated groups success rates were 100% (5/5), 83.33% (5/6), 60.00% (3/5), 28.57% (2/7) and 0% (0/1), respectively. The differences in success rates between the two groups according to grading were 0, 16.67, 15, 25.57 and 100%, respectively. The proposed rehabilitation therapy after surgical decompression of cervical IVDH can improve the success rate when the preoperative pathological condition is severe.