Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultural and linguistic problems in GSD: a simulator to train engineers in these issues

This paper tackles the need for universities and practitioners to train their students and engineers in the new challenges that global software development entails, which are principally related to communication, collaboration and cultural differences. Teaching the necessary skills requires practical experience. However, training in educational environments is difficult, and some challenging issues must still be confronted. We have focused our work on the development of a virtual training environment that can simulate global software development scenarios involving virtual agents (VAs) from different cultures. The VAs interact with learners, who use typical communication tools to solve predefined problems. This environment considers common problems caused by distance and cultural differences when using English as a means of communication. It allows learners to train at any time, because the VAs are always available, and it also permits them to play different roles in the various stages of the project. In this paper, we depict the design and development of the tool, as well as an initial evaluation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization–based Overmodulation Strategies for Harmonic Distortion Reduction in VSIs

This article presents the mathematical formulations of two Overmodulation Strategies (OSs) for two-level inverters. The OSs aim to minimize the Equivalent Total Harmonic Distortion (THDe) or the Equivalent Weighted THD (WTHDe) of the αβ reference modulation indexes accomplishing the desired fundamental frequency magnitude. Straightforward analytical forms using just the first π/6 radians were built to approximate the solutions given by numerical optimization. The proposed OSs were compared to the state-of-the-art OSs, verifying their optimal performance in the whole overmodulation range. Experiments with an RL load allow observing the inverter commutation’s effect when implementing the proposed OSs for different switching frequencies.
Compiler‐assisted dynamic scratch‐pad memory management with space overlapping for embedded systems

Scratch‐pad memory (SPM), a small, fast, software‐managed on‐chip SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is widely used in embedded systems. With the ever‐widening performance gap between processors and main memory, it is very important to reduce the serious off‐chip memory access overheads caused by transferring data between SPM and off‐chip memory. In this paper, we propose a novel compiler‐assisted technique, ISOS (Iteration‐access‐pattern‐based Space Overlapping SPM management), for dynamic SPM management with DMA (Direct Memory Access). In ISOS, we combine both SPM and DMA for performance optimization by exploiting the chance to overlap SPM space so as to further utilize the limited SPM space and reduce the number of DMA operations. We implement our technique based on IMPACT and conduct experiments using a set of benchmarks from DSPstone and Mediabench on the cycle‐accurate VLIW simulator of Trimaran. The experimental results show that our technique achieves run‐time performance improvement compared with the previous work. The average improvements are 13.15, 19.05, and 25.52% when the SPM sizes are 1KB, 512 bytes, and 256 bytes, respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Load regulation cancellation based on adaptive body bias for STC-LDOs

A technique of load regulation cancellation based on adaptive body bias (ABB) for single-transistor-control low-dropout regulators (STC-LDOs) is presented. The proposed technique is easy to implement and can effectively improve the dc accuracy by 87% for an output current range of 1 to 100 mA, without having to use a high-gain error amplifier. Simulations using a standard 0.18-μm process show that the load regulation is as small as 7 μV/mA The current efficiency drop due to the proposed technique is below 0.0077% and the whole circuit remains a current efficiency of over 99.985% Stability and transient response are not sacrificed.
Agile methods for open source safety‐critical software

The introduction of software technology in a life‐dependent environment requires the development team to execute a process that ensures a high level of software reliability and correctness. Despite their popularity, agile methods are generally assumed to be inappropriate as a process family in these environments due to their lack of emphasis on documentation, traceability, and other formal techniques. Agile methods, notably Scrum, favor empirical process control, or small constant adjustments in a tight feedback loop. This paper challenges the assumption that agile methods are inappropriate for safety‐critical software development. Agile methods are flexible enough to encourage the right amount of ceremony; therefore if safety‐critical systems require greater emphasis on activities, such as formal specification and requirements management, then an agile process will include these as necessary activities. Furthermore, agile methods focus more on continuous process management and code‐level quality than classic software engineering process models. We present our experiences on the image‐guided surgical toolkit (IGSTK) project as a backdrop. IGSTK is an open source software project employing agile practices since 2004. We started with the assumption that a lighter process is better, focused on evolving code, and only adding process elements as the need arose. IGSTK has been adopted by teaching hospitals and research labs, and used for clinical trials. Agile methods have matured since the academic community suggested almost a decade ago that they were not suitable for safety‐critical systems; we present our experiences as a case study for renewing the discussion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
JiTS: just-in-time scheduling for real-time sensor data dissemination

Most existing real-time protocols for sensor data dissemination use packet scheduling schemes to prioritize packets according to their deadlines. However, packet prioritization by itself cannot completely support real-time data dissemination requirements. In this paper, we propose new just-in-time scheduling (JiTS) algorithms that take advantage of the available slack, if any, to reduce contentions and improve real-time performance by judiciously delaying packets as long as their deadlines are not missed. Specifically, we explore several policies for allocating the slack among multiple hops, including a non-linear policy where packets are non-uniformly delayed at intermediate nodes to account for expected higher contentions as packets get closer to the sink(s). Notably, our JiTS policies require neither lower layer support nor synchronization among sensor nodes making for an easy deployment. In our simulation study, JiTS significantly improves the deadline miss ratio and packet drop ratio compared to existing approaches in various situations. It is also shown that the geographic forwarding often used for real-time data dissemination substantially underperforms the shortest path routing especially when the load is high
A system for debugging via online tracing and dynamic slicing

Dynamic slicing is a promising trace based technique that helps programmers in the process of debugging. In order to debug a failed run, dynamic slicing requires the dynamic dependence graph (DDG) information for that particular run. The two major challenges involved in utilizing dynamic slicing as a debugging technique are the efficient computation of the DDG and the efficient computation of the dynamic slice, given the DDG. In this paper, we present an efficient debugger, which first computes the DDG efficiently while the program is executing; dynamic slicing is later performed efficiently on the computed DDG, on demand. To minimize program slowdown during the online computation of DDG, we make the design decision of not outputting the computed dependencies to a file, instead, storing them in memory in a specially allocated fixed size circular buffer. The size of the buffer limits the length of the execution history that can be stored. To maximize the execution history that can be maintained, we introduce optimizations to eliminate the storage of most of the generated dependencies, at the same time ensuring that those that are stored are sufficient to capture the bug. Experiments conducted on CPU‐intensive programs show that our optimizations are able to reduce the trace rate from 16 to 0.8 bytes per executed instruction. This enables us to store the dependence trace history for a window of 20 million executed instructions in a 16‐MB buffer. Our debugger is also very efficient, yielding slicing times of around a second, and only slowing down the execution of the program by a factor of 19 during the online tracing step. Using recently proposed architectural support for monitoring, we are also able to handle multithreaded programs running on multicore processors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Software Testing Model by Measuring the Level of Accuracy Fault Output Using Neural Network Algorithm

The testing stage is essential in software development because it determines the quality level, which is indicated by minimal errors. Meanwhile, the error that is discovered by the tester is called a fault. Therefore, this research aims to create a Model-Based Testing (MBT) using the equivalence partitioning technique in the black-box method. The model is expected to log software errors such as Access, performance, initialization, a data structure or external database, incorrect or missing functions, to identify, categorize, and fix them methodically and appropriately. Based on the discoveries, the errors form a dataset that measures the accuracy of the fault output using a neural network algorithm. The result showed the formation of MBT can be developed using the equivalence partitioning technique by measuring the fault output accuracy level using a neural network algorithm, where the average accuracy rate is 80%.
Relationship between arterial stiffness and variability in systolic blood pressure during a single clinic visit in patients with hypertension

Objective To examine factors affecting systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability during a single clinic visit, in treated hypertensive patients. Methods Hypertensive patients were recruited to this observational study. Blood pressure was measured using an automated blood pressure monitor when each patient arrived at the outpatient clinic and again when they saw the physician. Mean SBP and SBP variability during a single clinic visit were calculated. The cardio–ankle vascular index (CAVI), as a marker of arterial stiffness, was also measured. Results A total of 57 treated hypertensive patients (mean age 71 years) were included in the study. The mean SBP was positively correlated with age (r = 0.457), while SBP variability was positively correlated with age (r = 0.383), CAVI (r = 0.330), and glycosylated haemoglobin (r = 0.345) and triglyceride levels (r = 0.299). Conclusion Variability in SBP during a single clinic visit showed better correlations with arterial stiffness and risk factors for atherosclerosis than did mean SBP. Large SBP variability during a single clinic visit may reflect progression of atherosclerosis, in treated hypertensive patients.
Distribution of Semantic Reasoning on the Edge of Internet of Things

Semantics associates meaning with Internet of Things (IoT) data and facilitates the development of intelligent IoT applications and services. However, the big volume of the data generated by IoT devices and resource limitations of these devices have given rise to challenges for applying semantic technologies. In this article, we present Cloud and edge based IoT architectures for semantic reasoning. We report three experiments that demonstrate how edge computing can facilitate IoT systems in terms of data transfer and semantic reasoning. We also analyze how distributing reasoning tasks between the Cloud and edge devices affects system performance.
Increasing age associated with elevated cardio–ankle vascular index scores in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective The study investigated the relationship between arterial stiffness calculated using the cardio–ankle vascular index (CAVI), diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes-related cardiovascular complications, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) and nondiabetic patients. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-matched nondiabetic patients. CAVI was measured using an automatic vascular screening system. Parameters associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications were also measured. Results A total of 51 patients with type 2 diabetes and 59 nondiabetic patients were enrolled in the study. Significantly higher CAVI scores were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with nondiabetic patients (mean ± SD: 9.55 ± 1.13 versus 8.54 ± 0.94, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that age was the only significant factor influencing the CAVI score, in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion Patients with type 2 diabetes had an increased risk of arterial stiffness, based on the CAVI score, compared with nondiabetic patients; this, in turn, could increase their risk of developing other cardiovascular complications.
Clinical study of the relationship between γ-synuclein and the response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer

Objectives To investigate relationships between several protein biomarkers and clinical responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. Methods Tumour tissue samples from female patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma (stages IIA to IIIC), treated with NAC regimens (including 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide and docetaxel, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) were analysed retrospectively. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to test for protein levels of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2, protein 53 (p53) and γ-synuclein. Relationships between protein biomarkers and responses to NAC were analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Data from 154 patients (median age, 51 years; range 27–75 years) were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that γ-synuclein was an independent predictor of NAC objective response rate, and a statistically significant relationship was observed between NAC regimen, γ-synuclein levels and pathological complete response rate. Conclusions These study findings suggest that γ-synuclein – in combination with other markers such as ER, PR and HER-2 – may serve as a biomarker for response to NAC in breast cancer and warrants further study.
PIM architecture exploration for HMC

Modern processor and memory have significant performance gap that incurs memory-wall phenomenon causing overall system performance degradation. Recently, PIM came out as one of solutions to overcome memory-wall phenomenon as well as increasing system performance. This paper studies how to implement functions within PIM logic for some broadly used applications. Our experiments are based on gem5 simulator. The experimental results show that some of functions are more efficient with PIM and their efficiency depends on the data size.
Layered penumbrae: an effective 3D feedback technique

Shadows serve as effective cues for a user to recognize spatial relations among objects in 3D space. However simple shadows typically used in 3D interfaces are often insufficient for the purpose, and rendering of shadows with real penumbra are not only too costly for interactive interfaces, but also do not enhance their capabilities as spatial cues. Our proposal, layered penumbra is a new interactive feedback technique that overcomes these deficiencies; it positively enhances the user's perception of spatial relations, looks natural to the eye, and furthermore can be rendered fast enough for interactive 3D interfaces. The layered penumbra has three layers (umbra, penumbra, and the middle layer) separated distinctly at their perimeters. A layered penumbra is drawn as a series of simple orthogonal projections of an object locally magnified/shrunken.
Barriers and enablers to implementation of family-based work in alcohol services: A qualitative study of alcohol worker perceptions

Aims: Despite research evidence and clinical guidelines, family work is rarely delivered systematically in community alcohol services in the UK. This study explored clinicians’ perceptions of implementation of family-based approaches in community alcohol services and included the investigation of factors that clinicians perceived to either impede or enable family work. Method: Participants were recruited from seven community alcohol services within the UK. A total of 18 clinicians participated in semi-structured interviews using an adapted version of the theory-based implementation interview which were audio-taped, transcribed and used for analysis. Findings: Analysis of the interviews identified barriers and enablers to family-based work at three different levels: clinician; problem drinker and family; and the organization. Clinician perceptions of family-based work were identified as enabling or impeding depending on the clinician's interpretations of family-based work. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the importance of challenging narrow perceptions of family-based work so that it included more flexible interpretations of it (i.e. brief low intensity family interventions as well as more formal family therapies). This would help to increase family-based work; more accurate measurement, and help reduce resistant attitudes in clinicians towards family work.
Pilot-testing CATCH Early Childhood

Abstract Background: The literature on theoretically-based programs targeting healthy nutrition and physical activity in preschools is scarce. Purpose: To pilot test CATCH Early Childhood (CEC), a preschool-based nutrition and physical activity program among children ages three to five in Head Start. Methods: The study was conducted in two Head Start centers (N=75 children, their parents; 9 teachers). CEC was implemented by trained teachers over six weeks in fall 2008. Qualitative data on feasibility and acceptability was collected using post-intervention parent and teacher focus groups and lesson plan evaluation forms. Pre-to-post intervention changes in children's fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity at school were evaluated. Results: Results showed good feasibility and acceptability for the classroom curriculum, activity box and parent tip-sheets. There was a trend towards an increase in children's fruit, 100% fruit juice and vegetable intake and mean minutes of physical activity at school pre-to-post intervention. However, this increase was not significant. Discussion: The CEC program showed good feasibility and acceptability in the study population. Further evaluation of behavioral outcomes using a larger sample and a prospective design is needed. Translation to Health Education Practice: These results provide information important for developing and implementing evidence-based programs in preschools.
Investigation of the Influence of Full-Pitch and Short-Pitch Windings on Torque and Power Factor of Permanent-Magnet Vernier Machines

In this paper, the influence of full-pitch and short-pitch windings on the torque and power factor of permanent-magnet vernier (PMV) machines is studied. It is well known that the short-pitch (SP) winding has shorter end windings but with a lower winding factor. Thus, to achieve the largest torque, the full-pitch (FP) winding is preferred in PMV machines. However, it is found in this study that the SP winding, rather than the FP winding, is a better choice to achieve higher output torque of PMV machine at a high power factor level under the same PM consumption. The advantages of SP winding are even more obvious at higher electric loading and higher power factor levels. The theoretical analysis indicates that torque and power factor are influenced by the winding factor to varying degrees, providing the possibility of better performance of the SP winding than the FP winding. This is further confirmed by the optimization results after performing the multi-objective optimization considering torque, power factor, and PM consumption. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and tested to validate the analysis.
Performance limits of switched-capacitor DC-DC converters

The theoretical performance limits of two-phase switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC power converters are discussed in this paper. For a given number of capacitors k, the complete set of attainable DC conversion ratios is found. The maximum step-up or step-down ratio is given by the k/sup th/ Fibonacci number, while the bound on the number of switches required in any SC circuit is 3k-2. Practical implications, illustrated by several SC power converter examples, include savings in the number of components required for a given application, and the ability to construct SC power converters that can maintain the output voltage regulation and high conversion efficiency over a wide range of input voltage variations. Limits found for the output resistance and efficiency can be used for selection and comparison of SC power converters. <<ETX>>
Hardware Accelerator Design of Personal Identification with ECG Signal Based on Artificial Neural Network

A hardware accelerator of personal identification with ECG signal based on artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed. ECG signal is used as the training data for machine learning to implement personal identification. The accuracy rate of identification is as high as 98%. Using NIOS to transfer data to SDRAM on FPGA, and design an ANN acceleration circuit to implement identity recognition function. Compared with the CPU for the same operation, the proposed accelerator has the same accuracy and more than 50 times speed improvement.
Simultaneous Radial Force and Torque Control for Switched Reluctance Motors Based on Optimized Quadratic Sharing Function Method

The vibration/noise and torque ripple are two inherent issues for switched reluctance motors (SRMs), one of the effective methods to address these two issues is flattening both the total radial force and total torque. In this paper, an optimized quadratic-sharing-function-based radial force and torque simultaneous flattening method is proposed for SRMs. Firstly, the features of the radial force and torque characteristics are analyzed without considering saturation. Then, with these unique and specific features, four regions are defined to develop the simultaneous radial force and torque control method based on the linear sharing functions. To incorporate the saturation effects in the proposed method, the quadratic sharing functions are adopted. The proper parameters of the quadratic sharing functions and the region definition at different operating conditions are obtained through the genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The switching angles and reference current of the conventional current chopping control (CCC) method are also optimized by GA for fair comparison purpose. Extensive simulation results are presented in this paper, and these results prove the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method regarding the simultaneous radial force and torque control.