Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mobile location-based Services

This thesis explores consumer perceptions of and standpoints towards location sharing on mobile devices. The model used in this study is based upon the widely used unified UTAUT model for User Acceptance. The model is adjusted to analyze usage intention of information technology within a mobile context. A survey is held containing questions regarding each of the model constructs and in-depth questions to investigate specific reasoning behind consumer standpoints towards location sharing. The validity of the constructs is tested, and the results are analyzed using different statistical methods. We found that important predictors in the adoption of location sharing are the expected effort and the perceived enjoyment of the services. Besides that, differences in usage intention were found based on consumers’ experience in mobile internet and type of mobile device.
Multivariable state-space CGPC application to induction motor control

This paper presents an application of modern control theory to the control of an induction motor system. A multivariable continuous-time generalized predictive control, using a state space approach, is developed in which the Kalman filter is tuned for high robustness by a method of Doyle and Stein. The design is carried out for the system, and simulation results are included.
Wireless Lans: Implementing Interoperable Networks

From the Publisher: Wireless LANs: covers how and why to migrate from proprietary solutions to the 802.11 standard; explains how to realize significant cost savings through wireless LAN implementation for data collection systems; covers how to counteract common problems such as radio frequency interference; and discusses the details of upgrading from existing 902 MHz to 2.4 GHz network.
Rule extraction from structured neural network for pattern classification

Artificial neural networks are now widely used for various pattern classification problems and possess better accuracy rates than traditional statistical classifiers. But they are often regarded as black boxes as the interpretation of their inner working is quite difficult. Researchers have been developing algorithms that extract rules from neural network models and can allow one to explain the decision process of the network. Sparse architectures and structured models are easy to analyse. In this work an algorithm for extraction of rules from an artificial neural model for solving pattern classification problems, capable of handling real life vague information expressed by linguistic variables, has been devised. A sparse structured architecture of fractally connected feedforward multilayered neural networks has been used and its efficiency in rule extraction compared to the fully connected network has been studied. The ease of rule extraction by the proposed sparse fractal network compared to full connection network has been proved by simulation with two data sets.
Driving With Single Deformable Polyline Tentacle and Velocity Obstacles

Intelligent transportation systems are emerging as the approach to dramatically improve efficiency while at the same time leading to the goal of zero accidents. Autonomous driving is now possible but still greatly limited to low speed driving. This is mainly due to computational load in detecting the road and objects, path planning and limited controller cycles. The focus of this work is to develop faster trajectory planning scheme given the sensed environment map (occupancy grid). This work utilizes interaction of single projected trajectory from the non-holonomic vehicle kinematic model with the objects in the road. Furthermore, the planned trajectory is made sensitive to car speed. Simulation results with non-linear vehicle kinematic model shows that the proposed combination of single trajectory and velocity objects gives faster satisfactory trajectory with safe obstacle avoidance while following prescribed way points. Key words : Deformable poly-line tentacle, Velocity objects, trajectory planning and non-holonomic constraints.
An Evolutionary Perspective of Software Engineering Research Through Co-Word Analysis

Abstract : This study applies various tools, techniques, and methods that the Software Engineering Institute is evaluating for analyzing information being produced at a very rapid rate in the discipline--both in practice and in research. The focus here is on mapping the evolution of the research literature as a means to characterize software engineering and distinguish it from other disciplines. Software engineering is a term often used to describe programming-in-the-large activities. Yet, any precise empirical characterization of its conceptual contours and their evolution is lacking. In this study, a large number of publications from 1982-1994 are analyzed to determine themes and trends in software engineering. The method used to analyze the publications was co-word analysis. This methodology identifies associations among publication descriptors (indexing terms) from the Computing Classification System and produces networks of terms that reveal patterns of associations. The results suggest that certain research themes in software engineering remain constant, but with changing thrusts. Other themes mature and then diminish as major research topics, while still others seem transient or immature. Certain themes are emerging as predominate for the most recent time period covered (1991-1994): object-oriented methods and user interfaces are identifiable as central themes.
A framework for multi-user distributed virtual environments: a telerobotics application

A framework for multi-user distributed virtual environments (VEs) is proposed. The proposed framework, incorporating the functional and the interconnection models, attempts to represent common functionality communication issues, and requirements found in distributed multi-user VEs. The functional model concentrates in the distributed VE functionality, while the interconnection model concentrates in how the components are interconnected to realize the required functionality. The models have been specified using the unified modeling language. A telerobotics application case study, implemented based on distributed simulation and virtual reality standards, demonstrates the applicability and generality of this approach.
Dynamic Programming Algorithms for Discovery of Antibiotic Resistance in Microbial Genomes

The translation of comparative genomics into clinical decision support tools depends on the quality of sequence alignments. However, currently used methods of multiple sequence alignments suffer from significant biases and inability to align diverged sequences. The objective of this study was to test and develop a new MSA algorithm suitable for the high-throughput comparative analysis of different microbial genomes. We have used the clinically relevant task of identifying regions that determine resistance to antibiotics to test the new MSA algorithm and to compare its performance with existing methods.
Anytime computation algorithms for approach-evasion differential games

This paper studies a class of approach-evasion differential games, in which one player aims to steer the state of a dynamic system to the given target set in minimum time, while avoiding some set of disallowed states, and the other player desires to achieve the opposite. We propose a class of novel anytime computation algorithms, analyze their convergence properties and verify their performance via a number of numerical simulations. Our algorithms significantly outperform the multi-grid method for the approach-evasion differential games both theoretically and numerically. Our technical approach leverages incremental sampling in robotic motion planning and viability theory.
SRAM test using on-chip dynamic power supply current sensor

We present an overview of power supply current testing of SRAMs and propose a test method to improve the CMOS SRAM test efficiency by using on-chip dynamic power supply current sensors. It is shown that the test method provides full observability of cell switching and allows for a significant reduction in test time. The test length is O(n) including coupling faults.
Use of fuzzy logic for networks selection in heterogeneous wireless environment

Two proposals are presented in this study in an attempt to solve the problem of network selection, which are based on fuzzy logic techniques and methods of decision making. The first proposal uses a combination of the fuzzy method with two MADM (Multiple Attribute Decision Making) methods, the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and the GRA (Grey Relational Analysis), whereas the latter uses only the fuzzy logic technique. The two are compared with each other and with a third proposal, which uses a combination of AHP method along with a cost function. The results show that the two proposals presented in this paper are more efficient to sort and select the best access network compared to the third one.
Development of nD Control System Toolbox for use with MATLAB

The purpose of this paper is to describe some main aspects on the development of an integrated CAD Toolbox for nD system theory, named nD Control System Toolbox, for use with the software product MATLAB and the associated Extended Symbolic Math Toolbox. The developed toolbox consists of several functional packages which provide various basic tools and facilities for both numerical and symbolic manipulations required in analysis and synthesis of 2D control systems such as stability test, factor coprime factorizations and solution of various linear matrix equations, etc. that usually involve very complicated procedures.
Queueing priority channel assignment strategies for PCS hand-off and initial access

The forced termination probability (the probability that a hand-off call is blocked) is an important criterion in the performance evaluation of personal communication service (PCS) networks. The forced termination of an ongoing call is considered less desirable than blocking the initial access of a new call. The paper proposes analytic and simulation models to study the performance of different channel assignment strategies for hand-off and initial access. The authors observe that giving priority to hand-off attempts over initial access attempts would dramatically improve the forced termination probability of the system without seriously degrading the number of failed initial access attempts. Some of the results are different from previously published results because the present models capture features not considered in those studies. >
Visual tracking method based on target feature dynamic extracting

The main problem of now visual tracking algorithm is that the algorithm is lack of robustness, precision and speed. This paper gives a visual tracking method based on dynamic object features extracting. First extract object features according to the value of current frame image and build feature base. Then evaluate the recognition ability of every feature in feature base using fisher criteria and select high-recognition features to generate object feature set. Dynamic adjust the feature vectors of feature set according to the changes of environment object lie in. finally process visual tracking adopting particle filter method using feature vectors of feature set. Experiments have proved that this method can improve the tracking speed while assure tracking accuracy when lighting environment that moving objects lie in changes.
Last-hop preemptive scheme based on the number of hops for optical burst switching networks

We propose a preemptive scheme based on the hop number of a burst for optical burst switching (OBS) networks. In the proposed scheme, when a burst fails in reserving a wavelength at its last hop, the burst can preempt another burst transmission. We consider a tandem network with four OBS nodes and analyze the burst loss probability for the proposed scheme with a continuous-time Markov chain. We also evaluate by simulation the performance of our proposed scheme for a unidirectional ring network. Numerical examples show that our proposed method effectively decreases the loss probability of the burst with a large number of hops.
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Pathology, a Historical Overview, and Proposal for Unified Nomenclature and Updated Grading

Abstract Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a clinically distinctive form of malignancy that typically arises from the appendix and is characterized by bulky accumulation of mucinous tumor deposits in the peritoneal cavity. It has defied stable pathologic categorization ever since first being described in the late 19th century. Since the early 20th century, many accounts have emphasized the bland histology of those cases arising from appendiceal precursors that had been considered benign, in contrast to higher-grade cases with more conventionally malignant histology. Beginning in the late 20th century, this was exemplified by divided nomenclature, with “carcinoma” phraseology being reserved for cases with clear-cut high-grade morphology. Such a divided approach is rendered problematic by the spectrum of atypia in many cases, including a significant subset with “intermediate” features. More recently, unified nomenclature has been favored for PMP of appendiceal origin, with an emphasis on tiers of grading. The goal is a clinically relevant and objectively reproducible grading scheme for what appears to be the spectrum of one clinicopathological entity (except perhaps for cases purely composed of signet-ring cells). Currently proposed consensus criteria focus on the distinction of cases of PMP as low grade, high grade, or high grade with signet-ring cells.
Comparison between all zirconia, all PEEK, and zirconia-PEEK telescopic attachments for two implants retained mandibular complete overdentures: In vitro stress analysis study

Aim: This in vitro study was performed to evaluate and compare stresses applied to the implants retaining mandibular complete overdenture with telescopic attachments of different materials. Materials and Methods: Three identical clear acrylic resin models of completely edentulous mandibular arch were selected for this study. One implant was installed in each canine region of each model. The models were scanned to design telescopic attachment using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology. According to material used for telescopic attachments fabrication, models were categorized as follows: All Zirconia (ZrO2) telescopic group (zz): Primary and secondary crowns were made of ZrO2, all polyetheretherketone (PEEK) telescopic group (pp): Primary and secondary crowns were made of PEEK, and Zirconia-PEEK telescopic group (zp): Primary crown was made of ZrO2, and secondary one was made of PEEK. Three identical mandibular complete overdentures were constructed. The secondary telescopic crowns were picked up within the intaglio surface of each overdenture. Four strain gauges were installed parallel to each implant. Bilateral and unilateral loads were applied, and strain values were recorded. Results: Comparison of recorded stresses values revealed a significant difference between groups where the highest stresses were recorded with all-PEEK group, followed by all-zircon group and the lowest stresses were noted with Zirconia-PEEK group for both bilateral and unilateral loading tests. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, it could be concluded that: telescopic attachments that fabricated from ZrO2 primary crown and PEEK secondary crown is a promising attachment regarding reductions of stresses transmitted to the implants retaining mandibular complete overdenture.
Establishment of an early warning system for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fars province, Iran

Objective: To establish an early warning system for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fars province, Iran in 2016. Methods: Time-series data were recorded from 29 201 cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in 25 cities of Fars province from 2010 to 2015 and were used to fit and predict the cases using time-series models. Different models were compared via Akaike information criterion/ Bayesian information criterion statistics, residual analysis, autocorrelation function, and partial autocorrelation function sample/model. To decide on an outbreak, four endemic scores were evaluated including mean, median, mean + 2 standard deviations, and median + interquartile range of the past five years. Patients whose symptoms of cutaneous leishmaniasis began from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015 were included, and there were no exclusion criteria. Results: Regarding four statistically significant endemic values, four different cutaneous leishmaniasis space-time outbreaks were detected in 2016. The accuracy of all four endemic values was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study presents a protocol to set early warning systems regarding time and space features of cutaneous leishmaniasis in four steps: (i) to define endemic values based on which we could verify if there is an outbreak, (ii) to set different time-series models to forecast cutaneous leishmaniasis in future, (iii) to compare the forecasts with endemic values and decide on space-time outbreaks, and (iv) to set an alarm to health managers.
Gene set enrichment analysis of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis

Objective: To identify alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis and analyze gene set enrichment of regulated protein molecules. Methods: The phytoconstituents of Ficus benghalensis were queried for inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase, also identified as aldose reductase inhibitors. Druglikeness score, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity profile, biological spectrum, and gene expression were predicated for each compound. Docking study was performed to predict the binding affinity with alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase and compared with clinically proven molecules. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was performed for the regulated genes to identify the modulated pathways. Results: Apigenin, 3,4’,5,7-tetrahydroxy-3’-methoxyflavone, and kaempferol were identified as inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase. Kaempferol was predicted to possess the highest binding affinity with both targets. The p53 signaling pathway was predicted to modulate the majority of protein molecules in diabetes mellitus. All the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were also predicted as membrane integrity agonist and anti-mutagenic compounds. Conclusions: The current study indicates alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis can act as aldose reductase inhibitors after absorption from the intestinal tract. Furthermore, these phytoconstituents are involved in the regulation of numerous protein molecules and pathways. Hence, the anti-diabetic efficacies of these compounds are due to their action on multiple protein molecules and synergistic effects which should be confirmed by future investigations.
Sleepiness Score-Specific Outcomes of a Novel Tongue Repositioning Procedure for the Treatment of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure-Resistant Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background: The gold standard of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, more than a third of patients have such difficulty with its chronic use such that they seek other options or choose to remain untreated. We evaluated sleepiness score-specific outcomes and the use of CPAP after tongue repositioning surgery for the treatment of OSA. Patients and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was completed pre- and postoperatively by 10 patients who underwent tongue repositioning surgery for the treatment of OSA from October 2010 to December 2012. The questionnaire included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for the assessment of daytime somnolence and questions regarding CPAP use and overall satisfaction. Results: Preoperatively, 6 patients were “very sleepy” (ESS ≥16), 4 patients were “sleepy” (ESS = 10–16), and 0 patients were “not sleepy” (ESS ≤10). 30 days postoperatively, sleepiness scores decreased (10 patients were “not sleepy” (ESS ≤10) with 0 patients “very sleepy” or “sleepy;” P = 0.002). Thus, the median ESS score for the “very sleepy” and “sleepy,” decreased from 20 to 4 and 13 to 5, respectively, and the “nonsleepy” group increased from 0 to 4. After a 180-day review, the improved ESS scores remained unchanged (the median for “very sleepy” decreased to 3.5 that for “sleepy” remained at 5, and the median for “not sleepy” decreased to 3.5). Surgery decreased CPAP use by 100%. The surgery was judged to be worthwhile by all 10 of patients using a questionnaire, and all 10 patients said that they would recommend the treatment to other patients with OSA. Conclusions: These preliminary data indicate that tongue-repositioning surgery for the treatment of OSA may be effective in improving excessive daytime sleepiness. These proof-of-concept data require confirmation in an appropriately powered controlled study.
Design and Optimization of H.264 Encoder Based on the PNX1700 Platform

The Nexperia PNX1700 Media Processor is a complete Audio/Video/Graphics system on a chip that contains a high-performance 32-bit VLIW processor, capable of high quality software video, audio signal processing. Based on Philips Semiconductor's multimedia processing chip Nexperia PNX1700, designs a new H.264 encoder with high performance for real time signal processing. Chooses the rapid integral discrete cosine translation and the advanced Hexagon searching algorithm, accomplishes the intelligent optimization and comprehensive debugging for codes. The results of experiments indicate that the encoder can encode all kinds of video data rapidly, and can realize the real time processing for all kinds of video signals.
An exposure control system of video cameras based on fuzzy logic using color information

Auto exposure (AE) is an important function of video cameras to adjust the image luminance. In this paper, an exposure control system of the AE using color information is discussed. Current AE systems detect special image conditions such as backlighting and excessive frontlighting in which the luminance of a main object deteriorates, and compensate the exposure in order to obtain the appropriate luminance of the main object. The compensation is determined according to the degree of backlighting and excessive frontlighting, regardless of the the background. The exposure control system proposed in this paper uses "hue" and "chroma" of pixels to derive the importance of the background, and determines the amount of compensation required by fuzzy reasoning. Simulations of AE were carried out using both the conventional system and proposed method. Results showed that the proposed system was more efficient for AE than the conventional method.