Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Procedural Audio in Computer Games Using Motion Controllers: An Evaluation on the Effect and Perception

A study has been conducted into whether the use of procedural audio affects players in computer games using motion controllers. It was investigated whether or not (1) players perceive a difference between detailed and interactive procedural audio and prerecorded audio, (2) the use of procedural audio affects their motor-behavior, and (3) procedural audio affects their perception of control. Three experimental surveys were devised, two consisting of game sessions and the third consisting of watching videos of gameplay. A skiing game controlled by a Nintendo Wii balance board and a sword-fighting game controlled by a Wii remote were implemented with two versions of sound, one sample based and the other procedural based. The procedural models were designed using a perceptual approach and by alternative combinations of well-known synthesis techniques. The experimental results showed that, when being actively involved in playing or purely observing a video recording of a game, the majority of participants did not notice any difference in sound. Additionally, it was not possible to show that the use of procedural audio caused any consistent change in the motor behavior. In the skiing experiment, a portion of players perceived the control of the procedural version as being more sensitive.
A simulation-based approach for IT and business strategy alignment and evaluation

The use of IT solutions and services has drastically changed the effectiveness of business strategies. Although IT seems to create competitive advantage, modern enterprises often fail to gain the expected business value from it. This paper aims to cope with this problem. It first discusses the two key factors in creating IT-enabled business value, the strategic alignment of business and IT strategies and the mapping and evaluation of them by using the balanced scorecard method. It then proposes a simulation-based approach for an effective formulation, alignment and evaluation of business and IT strategies in conjunction. An extended simulation model for a computer manufacturer supply chain depicts the high applicability of the proposed integrated approach.
Dynamic voltage scaling for real-time systems under fault tolerance constraints

In this paper, a tradeoff between dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) techniques and faults tolerance is considered. With this purpose we realized and presented in the paper one heuristic-based DVS algorithm. The algorithm is realized for fault tolerant real-time systems where the fault tolerance is achieved running the task affected by a transient fault again using time redundancy. The goal of the presented algorithm is to find the voltage at which each task should be executed such that the energy consumed by the set of task is minimized. Beside energy minimization heuristic algorithm have to meet all fault tolerance constraint and all real-time requirements.
Stability Simulation Of Wind Turbine Systems

A simulation and digital computer modeling effort is described in which a wind turbine- generator system is adapted for stability evaluation using a large scale transient stability computer program. Component models of the MOD-2 wind generator system are described and their digital model equations are provided. A versatile wind velocity model is described, which provides the capability of simulating a wide variety of wind variations, in addition to the usual network disturbances. Computed results obtained from runs of the enhanced stability program are provided that illustrate the wind turbine-generator system dynamic performance for changes in wind velocity.
Explaining multi-threaded task scheduling using tangible user interfaces in higher educational contexts

Endorsing the advantages of computer-based interaction within the educational domain, this study analysis the potential for tangible interactive technology to mitigate the challenges faced by higher educational institutes in explaining abstracted technical concepts. Implemented within a novel within the educational domain, this paper evaluates the efficacy of adopting a tangible user interface (TUI) to aid in the conceptual understanding of multi-threaded task scheduling and programming by undergraduate IT students. Making use of physical object representations, a description is provided for the distinctive development of a collaborative system that allows students to interact with and visualize the scheduling of multiple software threads onto a computer processes. The paper quantitatively studies the usefulness of the proposed TUI system with respect to traditional lectures by deploying the system within a university computing degree. Evaluation analysis of the obtained results highlight a significant improvement in the students' abilities to grasp the abstract and complex notions of multi-threading, thus validating the potential of the proposed study.
A broadened concept of the characteristics of Streptomyces hygroscopicus.

A method is presented for the evaluation of aerial disinfectants. This method, properly applied, is capable of yielding reproducible results expressed in a manner which can be applied universally. The equipment required is relatively inexpensive and is fabricated from generally available materials. The modifying effect of relative humidity on the activity of aerial disinfectants is taken into consideration in this system, and compounds are offered as standards of reference in light of this effect. Methods are given for the production of a standard bacterial aerosol, as are the details of equipment for diluting this aerosol, mixing it with chemical vapors, and sampling the resultant mixture.
A multiple seed linear feedback shift register

The authors describe the design of an LSSD-(level-sensitive-scan-design) based LFSR (linear feedback shift register) which is capable of changing seeds by applying a pair of clock pulses at the time of the change. This LFSR is controlled by two separate clocks, one for the normal LFSR operation and one for the change-of-seeds option. The newly generated seeds are uniformly distributed over the entire pattern space. The change of seeds is fast, since it is accomplished by a pair of clock pulses rather than by long scan operations. <<ETX>>
Developing Mature Internet StrategiesInsights from the Banking Sector

Although the banking industry plays a central role in the world economy and has traditionally been an innovative user of information technology, banks are struggling to develop mature Internet strategies. A model used to analyze the type of Internet activities among a sample of banks as well as their level of sophistication and customization is useful not only for revealing unexploited opportunities in the banking sector but also for guiding the strategy-building process of organizations in other industries.
Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein cannot independently predict type 2 diabetes mellitus: A nested case‐control study

Cross‐sectional studies have reported a close association between serum lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) and many metabolic disorders. However, no longitudinal study has explored the relationship between LBP and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum LBP levels and the risk of developing T2DM.
Silicon-on-insulator slot-waveguide design trade-offs

Silicon-on-insulator slot-waveguide structures are designed and analysed numerically. We present our theoretical investigation of field confinement factors and effective nonlinear areas for different waveguide structures in order to find optimized geometrical dimensions. It is shown that a slot-waveguide with a height of 220 nm, a slot width of 180 nm and a silicon rail width of 180 nm provides a five times higher field confinement in the cladding region compared to conventional strip-waveguides which explains the high sensitivity of slot-waveguide based label-free bio-sensors.
Light and Temperature Cycles as Zeitgebers of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Circadian Activity Rhythms

Light and temperature cycles are the most important synchronizers of biological rhythms in nature. However, the relative importance of each, especially when they are not in phase, has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the entrainment of daily locomotor activity to light and/or temperature cycles in zebrafish. Under two constant temperatures (20°C and 26°C) and 12:12 light-dark (LD) cycles, zebrafish were most active during the day (light) time and showed higher total activity at the warmer temperature, while diurnalism was higher at 20°C than at 26°C (87% and 77%, respectively). Under thermocycles (12:12 LD, 26:20°C thermophase:chryophase or TC), zebrafish daily activity synchronized to the light phase, both when the thermophase and light phase were in phase (LD/TC) or in antiphase (LD/CT). Under constant dim light (3 lux), nearly all zebrafish synchronized to thermocycles (τ=24 h), although activity rhythms (60% to 67% of activity occurred during the thermophase) were not as marked as those observed under the LD cycle. Under constant dim light of 3 lux and constant temperature (22.5°C), 4 of 6 groups of zebrafish previously entrained to thermocycles displayed free‐running rhythms (τ=22.9 to 23.6 h). These results indicate that temperature cycles alone can also entrain zebrafish locomotor activity.
Nanofiber anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACAs) for ultra fine pitch chip-on-film (COF) packaging

Nanofiber ACFs composed of adhesive resins, conductive particles, and nanofibers were demonstrated for ultra fine pitch COF packages. PAN nanofibers and PAN nanofiber containing conductive particles inside the fibers were successfully produced using electrospinning methods. The effects of nanofiber thickness and structure on electrical properties of nanofiber ACFs were investigated.
Electromagnetic and thermal analysis for lipid bilayer membranes exposed to RF fields

Experiments with pulsed radio frequency fields have shown influence on the low-frequency behavior of lipid bilayer membranes. Here, the authors present an electromagnetic and thermal analysis of the used exposure device to clarify whether the observed effects have a thermal cause and to determine the fields at the lipid bilayer. In order to model the very thin lipid bilayer (about 5 nm) accurately, the electromagnetic analysis is broken into several steps employing the finite difference time domain technique and a finite element/boundary element hybrid approach. Based on the obtained power loss due to the electromagnetic fields, the temperature change is calculated using the finite element method for the solution of the heat conduction equation. Both, the electromagnetic and the thermal analysis are performed for a variety of material parameters of the exposure device. The electromagnetic analysis shows that the exposure device is capable of producing voltages on the order of 1 mV across the lipid bilayer. The combined electromagnetic and thermal calculations reveal that the temperature oscillations due to the pulsed radio frequency fields are too small to directly influence the low-frequency behavior of the lipid bilayer.
Development and Clinical Evaluation of A PCR Assay Targeting the Metalloprotease Gene (mprA) of B. pseudomallei

A PCR assay targeting the metalloprotease gene (mprA) of Burkholderia pseudomallei was developed for the specific detection of this organism in pure cultures and clinical samples. All other closely related organisms including B. mallei the causative agent of glanders, and B. thailandensis tested negative. Burkholderia pseudomallei DNA was successfully amplified from paraffin‐embedded lung tissue of a camel with a generalized B. pseudomallei infection. The developed PCR assay can be used as a simple tool for the specific and sensitive detection of B. pseudomallei.
Effects of platelet‐rich plasma on the quality of repair of mechanically induced core lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons: A placebo‐controlled experimental study

Tendon injuries are notorious for their slow and functionally inferior healing. Intratendinous application of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been reported to stimulate the repair process of tendon injuries, but there is little conclusive evidence for its effectiveness. A placebo‐controlled experimental trial was performed to test the hypothesis that a single intratendinous PRP treatment enhances the quality of tendon repair, as evidenced by improved biochemical, biomechanical, and histological tissue properties. In six horses, tendon lesions were created surgically in the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendons (SDFT) of both front limbs, one of which was treated with PRP and the other with saline. After 24 weeks, the tendons were harvested for biochemical, biomechanical, and histological evaluations. Collagen, glycosaminoglycan, and DNA content (cellularity) was higher in PRP‐treated tendons (p = 0.039, 0.038, and 0.034, respectively). The repair tissue in the PRP group showed a higher strength at failure (p = 0.021) and Elastic Modulus (p = 0.019). Histologically, PRP‐treated tendons featured better organization of the collagen network (p = 0.031) and signs of increased metabolic activity (p = 0.031). It was concluded that PRP increases metabolic activity and seems to advance maturation of repair tissue over nontreated experimentally induced tendon lesions, which suggests that PRP might be beneficial in the treatment of clinical tendon injuries. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:211–217, 2010
Efficient indoor proximity and separation detection for location fingerprinting

Detecting proximity and separation among mobile targets is a basic mechanism for many location-based services (LBSs) and requires continuous positioning and tracking. However, realizing both mechanisms for indoor usage is still a major challenge. Positioning methods like GPS cannot be applied there, and for distance calculations the particular building topology has to be taken into account. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel approach for indoor proximity and separation detection, which uses location fingerprinting for indoor positioning of targets and walking distances for modeling the respective building topology. The approach applies efficient strategies to reduce the number of messages transmitted between the mobile targets and a central location server, thus saving the targets' battery power, bandwidth, and other resources. The strategies are evaluated in terms of efficiency and application-level accuracy based on numerous emulations on experimental data.
Implicit and Explicit Knowledge Mining of Crowdsourced Communities: Architectural and Technology Verdicts

The use of social media especially community Q&A Sites by software development community has been increased significantly in past few years. The ever mounting data on these Q&A Sites has open up new horizons for research in multiple dimensions. Stackoverflow is repository of large amount of data related to software engineering. Software architecture and technology selection verdicts in SE have enormous and ultimate influence on overall properties and performance of software system, and pose risks to change if once implemented. Most of the risks in Software Engineering projects are directly or indirectly coupled with Architectural and Technology decisions (ATD). Advance Architectural knowledge availability and its utilization are crucial for decision making. Existing architecture and technology knowledge management approaches using software repositories give a rich insight to support architects by offering a wide spectrum of architecture and technology verdicts. However, they are mostly insourced and still depend on manual generation and maintenance of the architectural knowledge. This paper compares various software development approaches and suggests crowdsourcing as knowledge ripped approach and brings into use the most popular online software development community/Crowdsourced (StackOverflow) as a rich source of knowledge for technology decisions to support architecture knowledge management with a more reliable method of data mining for knowledge capturing. This is an exploratory study that follows a qualitative and qualitative e-content analysis approach. Our proposed framework finds relationships among technology and architecture related posts in this community to identify architecture-relevant and technology-related knowledge through explicit and implicit knowledge mining, and performs classification and clustering for the purpose of knowledge structuring for future work.
PURR - A method for prosody evaluation and investigation

Abstract Since intelligibility of synthetic speech is no longer the main criterion on which to base quality judgements, reliable methods for prosody evaluation become more important. We propose a method called PURR (Prosody Unveiling through Restricted Representation) to evaluate the prosodic component of a synthesis system without the interference of other system components. In PURR, the stimuli are reduced to their prosodic content. The method has proven to be suitable for test designs with naive listeners. It can be used for comparative studies as well as for diagnostic analyses and is, therefore, a useful tool for basic research on the perception of prosodic phenomena. In this paper we first describe how the best signal manipulation method was determined using perception tests. The appropriateness of the resulting signal is further assessed in a recognition test of syntactic structure. We then report on further validations of the proposed method: different ways of synthetic prosody modelling are evaluated, both in comparison with human prosody and amongst different synthesis systems.
Interaction of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) with Estrogen Receptor (ER) α and Activator Protein 1 (AP1) in Dexamethasone-mediated Interference of ERα Activity*

Background: How glucocorticoids affect ER-positive breast cancer cell proliferation is unclear. Results: GR occupies ERα-binding regions (EBRs) via tethering to AP1 and ERα. Conclusion: Interaction of GR with EBRs via ERα and AP1 inhibits E2-ERα activity. Significance: Breast tumors with ERα and AP1 expression will be responsive to glucocorticoid therapy; the study establishes a foundation for personalized medicine for BC. The role of glucocorticoids in the inhibition of estrogen (17-β-estradiol (E2))-regulated estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cell proliferation is well established. We and others have seen that synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) antagonizes E2-stimulated endogenous ERα target gene expression. However, how glucocorticoids negatively regulate the ERα signaling pathway is still poorly understood. ChIP studies using ERα- and glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-positive MCF-7 cells revealed that GR occupies several ERα-binding regions (EBRs) in cells treated with E2 and Dex simultaneously. Interestingly, there was little or no GR loading to these regions when cells were treated with E2 or Dex alone. The E2+Dex-dependent GR recruitment is associated with the displacement of ERα and steroid receptor coactivator-3 from the target EBRs leading to the repression of ERα-mediated transcriptional activation. The recruitment of GR to EBRs requires assistance from ERα and FOXA1 and is facilitated by AP1 binding within the EBRs. The GR binding to EBRs is mediated via direct protein-protein interaction between the GR DNA-binding domain and ERα. Limited mutational analyses indicate that arginine 488 located within the C-terminal zinc finger domain of the GR DNA-binding domain plays a critical role in stabilizing this interaction. Together, the results of this study unravel a novel mechanism involved in glucocorticoid inhibition of ERα transcriptional activity and E2-mediated cell proliferation and thus establish a foundation for future exploitation of the GR signaling pathway in the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer.
Can simple models explain Zipf's law for all exponents?

H. Simon proposed a simple stochastic process for explaining Zipf’s law for word frequencies. Here we introduce two similar generalizations of Simon’s model that cover the same range of exponents as the standard Simon model. The mathematical approach followed minimizes the amount of mathematical background needed for deriving the exponent, compared to previous approaches to the standard Simon’s model. Reviewing what is known from other simple explanations of Zipf’s law, we conclude there is no single radically simple explanation covering the whole range of variation of the exponent of Zipf’s law in humans. The meaningfulness of Zipf’s law for word frequencies remains an open question.
Simulation of electric vehicle inductive charging systems

With the development of the electric vehicle, the demand for fast, reliable, safe and fully automated charging is increasing. Inductive charging is regarded an alternative to plugin charging. One problem with inductive charging is that the system is high frequency but only operates around the resonance frequency, at which point the voltage coupling and current coupling are relatively high. However the power factor is still low. The series-series compensation circuit is analyzed. This paper proposed a cascaded multilevel inverter for an inductive charging system which could reduce the voltage and current requirement for individual converter components. Simulation results will be shown for the proposed transfer system.
A P300-Based Threshold-Free Brain Switch and Its Application in Wheelchair Control

The key issue of electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain switches is to detect the control and idle states in an asynchronous manner. Most existing methods rely on a threshold. However, it is often time consuming to select a satisfactory threshold, and the chosen threshold might be inappropriate over a long period of time due to the variability of the EEG signals. This paper presents a new P300-based threshold-free brain switch. Specifically, one target button and three pseudo buttons, which are intensified in a random order to produce P300 potential, are set in the graphical user interface. The user can issue a switch command by focusing on the target button. Two support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, namely, SVM1 and SVM2, are used in the detection algorithm. During detection, we first obtained four SVM scores, corresponding to the four flashing buttons, by applying SVM1 to the ongoing EEG. If the SVM score corresponding to the target button was negative or not at the maximum, then an idle state was determined. Moreover, if the target button had a maximum and positive score, then we fed the four SVM scores as features into SVM2 to further discriminate the control and idle states. As an application, this brain switch was used to produce a start/stop command for an intelligent wheelchair, of which the left, right, forward, backward functions were carried out by an autonomous navigation system. Several experiments were conducted with eight healthy subjects and five patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The experimental results not only demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach but also illustrated the potential application for patients with SCIs.