Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Synchronization in Cache Coherent Manycore Systems: A Case Study with Xeon Phi

Intel Xeon Phi is a many-core architecture, featuring more than 50 cores and 200 hardware threads. Given this scale and its other distinctive architectural features, highly-concurrent applications on Xeon Phi may behave differently than on tradi- tional multi-core systems. Yet, concurrency issues especially for synchronization intensive applications on this platform have not been thoroughly analyzed. In this paper, we conduct an extensive analysis at multiple layers, from the underlying hardware cache- coherence protocol up to the user-level applications, aiming to present the most exhaustive study of synchronization on Xeon Phi. Through a range of benchmarks, we testify the feasibility and advantage of accelerating concurrent applications with Xeon Phi. Meanwhile, we identify severe scalability issues relevant to synchronization, and solutions to these issues are discussed. We believe this work can be used as guidelines both for designing better synchronization mechanisms and in optimizing concurrent applications in order to fully exploit the capability of Xeon Phi.
Low-cost and high-performance 1.3-/spl mu/m AlGaInAs-InP uncooled laser diodes

In this letter, we utilize a self-terminated oxide polish (STOP) planarization technique to fabricate high-yield, high-performance, low-cost, and uncooled 1.3-mum ridge-waveguide AlGaInAs-InP laser diodes (LDs). The STOP technique is superior to the polyimide planarization, which suffers from high-temperature sustainability. The LDs fabricated by the STOP technique exhibit threshold currents of 8.5 and 30.5 mA, and light output powers of 25.9 and 4.8 mW at 100 mA for 20degC and 110degC, respectively. The characteristic temperatures (T 0) are 82.6 K from -30degC to 80degC and 55.9 K from 80degC to 110degC. Since the metal pad lies on a thick SiO2 layer, the parasitic capacitance can be effectively lowered to 2 pF. The 3-dB modulation bandwidths of the LDs at 50 mA are 12.1 and 9.44 GHz at 20degC and 90degC, respectively
Speech Processing Algorithm For Detection Of Parkinson’s Disease

The brief survey on detection of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) by speech impairment gives an overview of the major technological perspective and appreciated the fundamental progress of PD detection . Here we compute the dysphonia measures from sustained vowels and the feature selection algorithms are used to select the features and then classify the PD by Back-Propagation learning algorithm based on Levenberg-Marquardt Back-propagation algorithm and have used an existing database consisting of 195 samples computing 132 dysphonia measures and these measures can perform and give out the best-art results, reaching the maximum of overall classification accuracy using only 22 features, where the selected measures represent the PD in male and
Sex Differentiation of Yellow-legged Gull ( Larus michahellis lusitanius ) : the Use of Biometrics , Bill Morphometrics and Wing Tip Coloration

—We used feathers and skeletal measurements, white and black areas at the wing tip and bill morphometrics of Yellow-legged Gulls ( Larus michahellis lusitanius ) in order to test for possible sex-differences. Overall, 157 individuals from the eastern Bay of Biscay (N Spain) were measured, and the sex determined in 155 individuals, by means of DNA-analyses. All feathers and skeletal-associated measurements, except the distance between each primary (P1 to P5) feather and the wing tip in a folded wing varied between the sexes, with males being larger than females. Sexual selection is discussed to be the major cause explaining these differences. A discriminant function is provided to separate sexes. By contrast, both wing tip patterns of coloration and bill morphology did not vary between sex classes. Received 17 May 2007, accepted 26 November 2007 .
A vehicle image tracking method robust to size reduction and partial color change

In recent years, vehicles have a driving support device which recognizes a forward vehicle for auto cruise or collision avoidance. Since these devices are related to human safety, they are required sufficient evaluation in their development process, but evaluation data preparing cost is too high because it needs to prepare manually on human recognition. Therefore, we propose an image tracking method useful to reduce human's annotation work. This method has robustness to size reduction and partial color change, which are apparent changes often occurring in a forward vehicle. Experiments showed that this method enables to generate accurate position annotations of many frames from the position annotation of 1 frame.
Bayesian parameter estimation in spectral quantitative photoacoustic tomography

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an imaging technique combining strong contrast of optical imaging to high spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. These strengths are achieved via photoacoustic effect, where a spatial absorption of light pulse is converted into a measurable propagating ultrasound wave. The method is seen as a potential tool for small animal imaging, pre-clinical investigations, study of blood vessels and vasculature, as well as for cancer imaging. The goal in PAT is to form an image of the absorbed optical energy density field via acoustic inverse problem approaches from the measured ultrasound data. Quantitative PAT (QPAT) proceeds from these images and forms quantitative estimates of the optical properties of the target. This optical inverse problem of QPAT is illposed. To alleviate the issue, spectral QPAT (SQPAT) utilizes PAT data formed at multiple optical wavelengths simultaneously with optical parameter models of tissue to form quantitative estimates of the parameters of interest. In this work, the inverse problem of SQPAT is investigated. Light propagation is modelled using the diffusion equation. Optical absorption is described with chromophore concentration weighted sum of known chromophore absorption spectra. Scattering is described by Mie scattering theory with an exponential power law. In the inverse problem, the spatially varying unknown parameters of interest are the chromophore concentrations, the Mie scattering parameters (power law factor and the exponent), and Gruneisen parameter. The inverse problem is approached with a Bayesian method. It is numerically demonstrated, that estimation of all parameters of interest is possible with the approach.
An Efficient Deterministic Approach to Optimal Design of Reliable Networks

Reliability and cost are two most important issues in network design optimization that is extensively applied into various optimization problems such as supply chain network design, telecommunication network design, and transportation engineering. This paper proposes an efficient deterministic optimization approach for solving the problem of designing a reliable network. The problem discussed in this paper considers the minimization of the total cost subject to demand, flow balance, and capacity constraints while simultaneously employing mitigation resources to reduce the risk of network failures. Such a problem is typically formulated as a nonconvex mixed-integer program that cannot be easily solved to obtain a global optimum. The proposed optimization method transforms the original nonconvex program into a mixed-integer linear program by linearization techniques and is thus guaranteed to reach a global optimum. In addition, an extended model of minimizing the total weighted loss subject to resource constraints is discussed and globally solved by the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed approach effectively solves the reliable network design problem with the minimal total cost or the minimal total weighted loss under an appropriate allocation of mitigation resources.
Invariance and Stability of Deep Convolutional Representations

In this paper, we study deep signal representations that are near-invariant to groups of transformations and stable to the action of diffeomorphisms without losing signal information. This is achieved by generalizing the multilayer kernel introduced in the context of convolutional kernel networks and by studying the geometry of the corresponding reproducing kernel Hilbert space. We show that the signal representation is stable, and that models from this functional space, such as a large class of convolutional neural networks, may enjoy the same stability.
Facile synthesis of a interleaved expanded graphite-embedded sulphur nanocomposite as cathode of Li–S batteries with excellent lithium storage performance

This paper reports the facile synthesis of a unique interleaved expanded graphite-embedded sulphur nanocomposite (S-EG) by melt-diffusion strategy. The SEM images of the S-EG materials indicate the nanocomposites consist of nanosheets with a layer-by-layer structure. Electrochemical tests reveal that the nanocomposite with a sulphur content of 60% (0.6S-EG) can deliver the highest discharge capacity of 1210.4 mAh g−1 at a charge–discharge rate of 280 mA g−1 in the first cycle, the discharge capacity of the 0.6S-EG remains as high as 957.9 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles of charge–discharge. Furthermore, at a much higher charge–discharge rate of 28 A g−1, the 0.6S-EG cathode can still deliver a high reversible capacity of 337.5 mAh g−1. The high sulphur utilization, excellent rate capability and reduced over-discharge phenomenon of the 0.6S-EG material are exclusively attributed to the particular microstructure and composition of the cathode.
A New CMOS Posicast Pre‐shaper for Vibration Reduction of CMOS Op‐Amps

Posicast‐based control is a widely used method in vibration reduction of lightly damped oscillatory systems especially in mechanical fields. The target systems to apply Posicast method are the systems which are excited by pulse inputs. Using the Posicast idea, the input pulse is reshaped into a new pulse, which is called Posicast pulse. Applying the generated Posicast pulse reduces the undesired oscillatory manner of under‐test systems. In this paper, a fully CMOS Pulse pre‐shaper circuit for realization of Posicast command is proposed. Our design is based on delay‐and‐add approach for the incoming pulses. The delay is done via a modified Schmitt Trigger‐like circuit. The adder circuit is implemented by a simple non‐binary analog adder terminated by a passive element. Our proposed design has a reasonable flexibility in configuration of time delay and amplitude of the desired pulse‐like shapes. The delay is controlled via the delay unit and the pre‐shaped pulse’s amplitudes are controlled by an analog adde.
Pre-natal stress and post-natal pain affect testis development in young pigs.

This study assessed the effect of pre-natal social stress and post-natal pain on the reproductive development of young (approximately day 40) pigs. Male pigs carried by sows that were stressed by mixing with unfamiliar older sows for two 1-week periods during mid-pregnancy had lower plasma testosterone (0.54 vs 0.86 ng/ml, S.E.D.Z0.11; PZ0.014) and oestradiol (E2; 22.9 vs 38.7 pg/ml, S.E.D.Z7.80; PZ0.021) concentrations compared with males carried by unstressed control sows. Although there was no effect of pre-natal stress on female E2 concentrations, female pigs carried by stressed sows had fewer primordial ovarian follicles (logK4.32/mm 2 vs K4.00/mm, S.E.D.Z0.136; PZ0.027). Tail amputation on day 3 after birth reduced E2 concentrations in female (4.78 vs 6.84 pg/ml, S.E.D.Z0.86; PZ0.03) and in male (25.6 vs 34.9 pg/ml, S.E.D.Z3.56; PZ0.021) pigs and reduced both testis weight (0.09% of body weight vs 0.10% of body weight, S.E.D.Z0.003; PZ0.01) and the percentage of proliferating Leydig cells (1.97 vs 2.12, S.E.D.Z0.114; PZ0.036) compared with sham-amputated littermate controls. There was a significant (PZ0.036) interaction between the effects of pre-natal stress and post-natal pain on testicular expression of the steroidogenic enzyme 17a-hydroxylase, such that amputation increased expression in pigs born to control sows, but reduced expression in animals born to stressed sows. This study shows that stressful procedures associated with routine animal husbandry can disrupt the developing reproductive axis. Reproduction (2011) 142 907–914
Blockchain for government services — Use cases, security benefits and challenges

Public sector and governments have been actively exploring new technologies to enable the smart services transformation and to achieve strategic objectives such as citizens satisfaction and happiness, services efficiency and cost optimization. The Blockchain technology is a good example of an emerging technology that is attracting government attention. Many government entities such as United Kingdom, Estonia, Honduras, Denmark, Australia, Singapore and others have taken steps to unleash the potential of Blockchain technology. Dubai Government is aiming to become paperless by adopting the Blockchain technology for all transactions by 2021. The Blockchain is a disruptive technology that is playing a vital role in many sectors. It's a revolutionary technology transforming the way we think about trust as it enables transacting data in a decentralized structure without the need to have trusted central authorities. Blockchain technology promises to overcome security challenges in IoT enabled services such as enabling secure data sharing and data integrity. However, it also introduces new security challenges that should be investigated and tackled. In this paper, we review the literature to identify the potential use cases and application of Blockchain to enable government services. We also synthesized literature related to the security of Blockchain implementations to identify the security benefits, challenges and the proposed solutions. The analysis shows that is huge potential for Blockchain technology to be used in to enable smart government services. This paper also highlights future research in the areas of concerns that required further investigation.
Touch the 3 rd Dimension ! Understanding Stereoscopic 3 D Touchscreen Interaction

The penetration of stereoscopic 3D (S3D) output devices is becoming widespread. S3D screens range in size from large cinema screens, to tabletop displays, TVs in living rooms, and even mobile devices are nowadays equipped with autostereoscopic 3D screens. As a consequence, the requirement for interacting with 3D content is also increasing, with “touch” being one of the dominant input methods. However, the design requirements and best practices for interaction with S3D touch screen user interfaces are only now evolving. To understand the challenges and limitations S3D technology brings to interaction design, and in particular the additional demands they place on the users of such interfaces, we present our research that considers stereoscopic touch screens of different sizes in static and mobile usage contexts. We report on perceptual, cognitive and behavioral aspects revealed by user studies and present interaction design requirements based on the findings.
Reinsurance and the Cost of Equity in the United Kingdom’s Non-Life Insurance Market

The link between the cost of equity and reinsurance purchased by insurers is examined in this study. This work extends the research on the economic value implications of corporate risk management practices. Utilising a framework based on the theory of optimal capital structure, this study puts forward two hypotheses to test empirically the cost of equity – reinsurance relation in the United Kingdom’s non-life insurance market. The first hypothesis tests the effect of the decision to reinsure on the insurers’ cost of equity, whereas the second hypothesis focuses on the link between the extent of reinsurance purchased and the cost of equity. Panel data samples drawn from 469 non-life insurance companies conducting business in the UK insurance market between 1985 and 2010 are used to test these hypotheses. The study employs a modified version of the Rubinstein-Leland (R-L) model to estimate the cost of equity. Both the hypotheses put forward are supported by the empirical evidence obtained through regression analysis. The empirical results suggest that, on average, users of reinsurance have a lower cost of equity than their counterparts who do not reinsure. The results also suggest that the relationship between the cost of equity and the level of reinsurance purchased is non-linear. It is inferred from this result that reinsurance can lower the cost of equity for primary insurers provided the cost of reinsuring is lower than the reduction in frictional costs achieved through reinsurance. This finding validates the use of the theory of optimal capital structure as the appropriate framework to guide this research. Robustness and sensitivity tests confirm that the influence of multicollinearity and endogeneity on the estimates is negligible. This study thus provides new and important insights on the impact of reinsurance (risk management) on firm value through its influence on the cost of equity. These findings are deemed useful to various stakeholders in insurance companies, including investors, managers, regulators, credit rating agencies and policyholder-customers.
When to Re-explore Recipients in LRLT

Re-exploration is one of the surgical complications of living donor liver transplantations. Re-explorations are of two types planned and unplanned. Unplanned re-exploration does always mean poor prognosis to the patient outcome? Was the aim of our study? We analysed retrospectively prospectively maintained data from Jan 2011 to August 2013. Total number of transplants done was 793. Total number of re-explorations was 80 in 66 patients. Reexploration rate was 10.08%. Total mortality in our series was 10.5%. Mortality in Re-exploration group was 45.45%. Of the group of patients re-explored patients re-explored for early haemorrhage had better outcomes compared to patients explored for other reasons. Re-explored patients are at higher risk of fungal infections. Patients with multiple bile ducts are at higher risk of re-explorations. Patients re-explored in the immediate post-operative period had better outcomes compared to patients re-explored late. Overall it is a poor prognostic indicator of surgical outcome in living donor liver transplantation.
CMU CS Event TAC-KBP2016 Event Argument Extraction System

In this paper, we describe the CMU CS Event team’s participation in the Event Argument Linking Task. We expand upon our cross-lingual extraction system from last year’s evaluation, in particular focusing on increased integration of our existing pipeline with other high quality NLP systems from CMU. We ﬁnd that making such improvements to earlier steps in the pipeline can result in substantial gains on event argument extraction performance.
Growth of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Germanium Nanocrystals Formed by Implantation

This paper presents a complementary metal oxide semiconductor compatible method for the chemical vapor deposition of singlewalled carbon nanotubes. The method uses Ge implantation into a SiO2 layer to create Ge nanocrystals, which are then used to produce SWNTs. The results of atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicate that Ge implantation provides good control of particle size and delivers a well-controlled SWNT growth process. The SWNT area density of 4.1 +- 1.2 um in length/um2 obtained from the Ge nanocrystals is comparable to that obtained from metal-catalyst-based methods used to fabricate SWNT field-effect transistors. A carbon implantation after Ge nanocrystal formation significantly enhances the process operating window for the growth of the SWNTs and increases the area density.
Arterial Spin Labeling: a One-stop-shop for Measurement of Brain Perfusion in the Clinical Settings

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) has opened a unique window into the human brain function and perfusion physiology. Altogether fast and of intrinsic high spatial resolution, ASL is a technique very appealing not only for the diagnosis of vascular diseases, but also in basic neuroscience for the follow-up of small perfusion changes occurring during brain activation. However, due to limited signal-to-noise ratio and complex flow kinetics, ASL is one of the more challenging disciplines within magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper, the theoretical background and main implementations of ASL are revisited. In particular, the different uses of ASL, the pitfalls and possibilities are described and illustrated using clinical cases.
Practitioner Perspectives on the Use of Predictive Analytics in Targeted Advising for College Students

This study examines the perspectives of college personnel engaged in the consideration, launch, and use of predictive analytics tools for targeted advising. Based on interview data from college staff members at nine public twoand four-year institutions at different stages of implementation of predictive analytics software, we provide a broad look at the positive and negative reactions to this potentially influential educational innovation. Our findings indicate that, overall, advisors and other end users of predictive analytics tools were more critical of them than either administrators or college personnel who helped develop their use as part of a campus-wide advising reform. Our findings also show that, compared with personnel at colleges in the early stages of planning and implementing predictive analytics tools, personnel at colleges that had been actively using the tools for some time reported more concerns. While the use of predictive analytics holds substantial promise in helping to target student services, results of the study suggest that a greater examination of concerns about validity, interpretation, and ethics is warranted.
Disentangling the influence of climatic and geological changes on species radiations

Our aim was to seek explanations for the differences in the diversity among the austral continents by comparing the diversification rates and patterns in the grass subfamily Danthonioideae. We asked specifically whether diversification is density dependent, whether it is different for each continent, and whether immigration rates impact on diversification rates. We attempted to account for intercontinental differences by comparing the Pleistocene climatic and Neogene geomorphological histories with the inferred diversification rates.
CMU-LTI at KBP 2015 Event Track

We describe CMU LTI’s participation in the KBP 2015 Event Track. We officially participated in Task 1: Event Nugget Detection track and Task 3: Event Coreference track. Our system rank high in both tracks. We found that our combined system is competitive but have room to improve. In addition, we have conducted follow up experiments by creating a simple piplined system, and We found it competitive comparing to the official submissions.