Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the StarT-Voyager bus interface units

The StarT-Voyager parallel computer is intended to be an experimental machine which will support the use of multiple communications protocols on a single parallel machine. StarT-Voyager provides hardware support for several different types of messages, cache-coherent shared memory and configurable protection domains. This flexibility allows programmers to select the communication method which is most efficient for the task at hand, which is not possible in machines which offer a single messagepassing mechanism; it is also useful from an experimental viewpoint, as it will allow exploration into the usefulness of various subsets of these parallel computing support mechanisms. The Bus Interface Units are an integral part of the StarT-Voyager hardware design. These units respond directly to processor bus transactions, implementing the basic message-passing and shared memory functionality directly to reduce latency while supporting flexible responses through configurable internal state and communication with other components, notably a secondary processor used to control communications protocols. This thesis describes the functionality and implementation of these units. Thesis Supervisor: G. Andrew Boughton Title: Principal Research Scientist
Comparative evaluation of algorithms for GPS data imputation

GPS data collection has been increasingly considered as an alternate means of data collection, replacing the traditional travel survey methods. Several algorithms which vary from informal ad-hoc approaches to advanced machine learning methods have been reported in the literature to extract activity and travel information from GPS traces. However, the differences in the performance of different algorithms are scarcely addressed. In this paper we evaluate the relative performance of different imputation algorithms for GPS data imputation by incorporating the naive Bayesian, Bayesian network, logistic regression, multilayer perception, support vector machine, decision table and C4.5. The accuracy of imputation results of various methods are compared using the GPS data collected in The Netherlands. Results show that the Bayesian network has a better performance than other algorithms according to the correctly identified instances and Kappa values for both training data and test data. Especially, the Bayesian network shows a stronger capability than other methods in the aspect of prediction generalisation.
A Novel Multivariate Denoising Method for Improved Index Tracking Based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and Principle Components Analysis

Index tracking is a valuable low-cost alternative to active portfolio management which aims at replicating the performance of an index or benchmark by investing in a smaller number of constituent stocks or assets. In real financial market, the fluctuation of stock prices is inevitably contaminated with various noises [3]. However, most of the current arithmetic for index tracking, such as the clustering-selection strategy [6, 8], require very clean data and are extremely sensitive to noise. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel multivariate noise removal method called PCA-EMD, which integrates Principle Components Analysis (PCA) and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), to filter the original data and recover hidden useful information from the multichannel noisy stock prices, on a scale-by-scale basis. We further investigate whether the noise eliminated data obtained through PCA-EMD can help to improve the tracking performance of the conventional clustering-selection strategy. The computational results on 5 benchmark instances from OR-library demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
FACILITATING CREATIVE PROBLEM- SOLVING GROUPS

If you were asked to name the inventors of the telephone, airplane or lightbulb, you would probably experience little difficulty in recalling the names of Bell, the Wright brothers or Edison. In contrast, many people experience difficulty in naming the "inventor" of the 747 jumbo jet, the 800 inward watts number or the silicon chip. Aside from the major differences in level of inventiveness and how much more current the latter three products are, a major difference between these two categories is that the more recent products have been the result of group creativity.
Shared Wideband Transmit Antenna Arrays: Optimal Pattern Synthesis and Spatio-Temporal Delta-Sigma Modulation

Title of Dissertation: Shared Wideband Transmit Antenna Arrays: Optimal Pattern Synthesis and Spatio-Temporal Delta-Sigma Modulation Dan P. Scholnik, Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 Dissertation directed by: Dr. Tulay Adali, Professor Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Dr. Jeffrey O. Coleman Naval Research Laboratory The use of a single transmit array to simultaneously performmultiple independent functions requires an architecture with an elusive combination of high power, linearity, and wide bandwidth. A promising approach is delta-sigma modulation, which achieves high linearity by spectrally shaping the errors from a low-resolution quantizer away from the signal band. Delta-sigma modulation can potentially provide high power as well when combined with appropriate power driver electronics, but the bandwidth requirements can only be met with extreme clock rates. The clock rate can be reduced by jointly shaping quantization noise in temporal and spatial frequency. The spatio-temporal delta-sigma modulator introduced here reduces required clock rates by taking advantage of spatial oversampling, either by adding array elements or by taking advantage of the inherent spatial oversampling at the lower operating frequencies of wideband arrays. The loop filter in the spatio-temporal delta-sigma modulator is the key to the design, and it is shown how second-order cone programming (SOCP, an efficient form of convex optimization) can be used to optimize the resulting signal-to-noise ratio subject to stability and computability constraints. The choice of computability constraint is shown to have a strong effect on both the resulting system performance and on the ease of parallel implementation. Once a linear architecture is assumed, then custom optimization of transmit array patterns offers a great deal of flexibility. Although narrowband pattern synthesis is wellstudied, wide-bandwidth arrays pose a more challenging design problem. In a conventional wideband array beam steering is done using time delays, resulting in a beamwidth that is proportional to frequency, and a mainlobe frequency response that shows undesired angledependent effects. It is shown that placing an FIR filter at each element of an array allows the direct control of such metrics as directivity, efficiency, gain, peak and mean-square sidelobe levels, polarization, and mainlobe frequency-response flatness. These metrics are formulated for wideband arrays and optimized using SOCP. The system model and the derivations are general enough to admit almost any array architecture, including arbitrary element locations, nonuniform element responses, and multiple polarizations.
SUPPORTING VIRTIO IN BARE-METAL VIRTUAL MACHINE MONITOR

Paravirtualization in Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) is a virtualization technique which allows a Virtual Machine (VM) to run at a near native speed. It is considered to be faster alternative than full virtualization. But paravirtualization does not come cheap as it requires modifications (front-end drivers) in the guest Operating System (OS) as well. If a VMM decides to support multiple OSs, it means that the developers need to write front-end drivers for each OS. It is a difficult task to achieve. Fortunately, there is a standardized I/O virtualization framework called Virtio. A lot of Virtio front-end drivers are already available in multiple OSs. Those drivers can be used by any other VMMs as long as it has a standardized Virtio back-end driver. By having Virtio back-end driver, a VMM can support multiple kinds of I/O device in many flavors of OS for their guest VMs. Typical virtio implementation utilizes QEMU to provide device emulation. For a VMM, especially bare-metal VMM, integrating QEMU into its solution can introduce unnecessary complexity. In this paper, we designed and implemented Virtio backend in bare-metal VMM without QEMU. We also evaluated the performance of our implementation and compare it to the native speed.
XFS File System and File Recovery Tools

XFS file system is a designed to suppot very large system and parallelism efficiently. This is feature attracks different organizations which handle big data. Even there consumers electronic devices which use XFS file systems. But there are very few file explorer and recover tools that can work on XFS file system. In this paper we discuss major features of XFS file system and two file explore and recovey tools.
ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF USEARCH AND DNACLUST SOFTWARE PACKAGES

Over the past several years, new DNA sequencing technologies have led to a great increase in the quantity of biological sequence data that can be generated. Typically there may be millions or even billions of short reads sequences of a few hundred base pairs that are to some degree redundant: the data fall naturally into clusters of sequences that are highly similar to each other. In order to reduce the time required for analysis of the data, it therefore becomes of interest to compute representatives of these clusters, based on some definition of similarity. In this thesis we examine two clustering software packages, USEARCH and DNACLUST, that seek to perform this clustering task efficiently. We provide an overview of the techniques used by these two packages; we compare and evaluate them both from a methodological and experimental perspective, and draw conclusions about their effectiveness and utility.
Categorization and Modeling of Sound Sources for Sound Analysis/Synthesis

In this thesis, various sound analysis/re-synthesis schemes are investigated in a source/filter model framework, with emphasis on the source component. This research provides improved methods and tools for sound designers, composers and musicians to flexibly analyze and synthesize sounds used for gaming, film or computer music, ranging from abstract, complex sounds to those of real musical instruments. First, an analysis-synthesis scheme for the reproduction of a rolling ball sound is presented. The proposed scheme is based on the assumption that the rolling sound is generated by a concatenation of micro-contacts between a ball and a surface, each having associated resonances. Contact timing information is extracted from the rolling sound using an onset detection process, allowing for segmentation of a rolling sound. Segmented sound snippets are presumed to correspond to micro-contacts between a ball and a surface; thus, subbandbased linear predictions (LP) are performed to model time-varying resonances and anti-resonances. The segments are then resynthesized and overlap-added to form a complete rolling sound. A “granular” analysis/synthesis approach is also applied to various kinds of environmental sounds (rain, fireworks, walking, clapping) as an additional investigation into how the source type influences the strategic choices for the analysis/synthesis of sounds. The proposed granular analysis/synthesis system allows for flexible analysis of complex sounds and re-synthesis with temporal modification. Lastly, a novel approach to extract a pluck excitation from a recorded plucked string sound is proposed within a source / filter context using physical models. A time domain windowing method and an inverse filtering-based method are devised based on the behavior of wave propagation on the string. In addition, a parametric model of the
A Case Study of Development of a Java Bytecode Analyzer Framework Using AspectJ

Aspect-orientation is a new programming paradigm that can localize a cross-cutting concern in a single module. This paper proposes a new type of Java bytecode analyzer framework based on aspect-orientation. It includes several new design and implementation techniques that are general or specific to the domain of language systems. We also observe that aspect-orientation improves extensibility, type safety, execution efficiency, and simplicity of the API, when compared with existing analyzer frameworks based on object-orientation such as Soot. This paper reports the following: structural extension of elementary objects maintaining type safety and execution efficiency; separation of a bytecode parser and concrete instruction sets; a visitor based on the stack-machine model; binary operations that are simple, extensive, and easy to maintain; and separation of nonfunctional concerns such as verification. We also observe that AspectJ currently has two limitations: it is not sufficiently expressive to structure aspects strongly depending on the inner structure; and it does not provide a general approach to write advice that cannot be described with information of its pointcut only.
Robotic Construction Kits as Computational Manipulatives for Learning in the STEM Disciplines

Abstract This article presents a systematic review of research related to the use of robotics construction kits (RCKs) in P–12 learning in the STEM disciplines for typically developing children. The purpose of this review is to configure primarily qualitative and mixed methods findings from studies meeting our selection and quality criterion to answer the review question: How do robotic construction kits function as computational manipulatives in P–12 STEM education? Our synthesis of the literature has resulted in four key insights that are new to the field. First, RCKs have a unique double application: They may be used for direct instruction in robotics (first-order uses) or as analogical tools for learning in other domains (second-order uses). Second, RCKs make possible additional routes to learning through the provision of immediate feedback and the dual modes of representation unique to RCKs. Third, RCKs support a computational thinking learning progression beginning with a lower anchor of sequencing and finishing with a high anchor of systems thinking. And fourth, RCKs support evolving problem-solving abilities along a continuum, ranging from trial and error to heuristic methods associated with robotics study. Furthermore, our synthesis provides insight into the second-order (analogical) uses of RCKs as computational manipulatives in the disciplines of physics and biology. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed. (Keywords: computational manipulatives, constructionism, computational thinking, problem solving, robotics, STEM)
A Comparison with Measuring Factors among Classification Algorithms for Experiential Awareness

In this paper, we compare and analyze the accuracy of three classification algorithms with several measuring factors by using the real-value data. C4.5 Decision Tree algorithm, Naive Bayes algorithm and MLP classifier algorithm are applied to find a correlation between the score of courses. In our hypothesis, students who took the basic prerequisite courses like C, C++, Data Structure and Compiler might have better understanding on their major knowledge, probably gain higher level of the score in Database Design course. To verify our hypothesis, we apply three classification algorithms. Furthermore, by analyzing the correlation of data, our research could figure out the best performing algorithm among three so it could be used at improving accuracy of experiential awareness.
Associations Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Insulin Sensitivity, Insulin Secretion, and β-Cell Function According to Glucose Tolerance Status.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine whether glucose tolerance status influences the associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and β-cell function. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 112 French Canadian postmenopausal women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 65) or abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT; n = 47). Estimates of insulin sensitivity [homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA %S) and glucose disposal rate (GDR)], insulin secretion [area under the curve of C-peptide (AUC C-peptide)], and β-cell function (GDR × AUC C-peptide) were derived from a 2-hr euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and a 75-gram 3-hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Measures of adiposity were taken (waist circumference, body mass index, fat mass by the hydrostatic weighting technique, and computed tomography (CT)-derived total and visceral adiposity), questionnaires on physical activity, dietary calcium, and vitamin D intake were administered, and blood was sampled for measurement of parathyroid hormone, interleukin-6, and adiponectin. RESULTS AGT status was significantly associated with lower insulin sensitivity and β-cell function (P ≤ 0.01 for all) but not with insulin secretion. Lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with lower insulin sensitivity and secretion (P ≤ 0.01 for all) but not with β-cell function. The interaction between glucose tolerance status and serum 25(OH)D concentration was not significant for either insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, or β-cell function, even after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Vitamin D and glucose tolerance status are both independently associated with measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and β-cell function. However, the association between serum 25(OH)D and these surrogate markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk is not influenced by glucose tolerance status.
Characterizing Serial Order Processing in Working Memory and in the Language Domain

The present project aimed to characterize the role of serial order within the working memory and language domains by first addressing a) whether serial order processing is domain-general and then b) whether serial order processing underlies vocabulary acquisition. Experiment 1 revealed that order memory in the visuo-spatial domain is qualitatively similar to order memory for verbal memoranda by reporting visuo-spatial equivalents of two well-known effects in verbal STM for serial order, repetition inhibition (e.g., Crowder, 1968) and repetition facilitation (Crowder, 1968). The effects were, however, accompanied by critical differences that may be due to modality-specific processes. Experiment 2 directly investigated whether verbal and visuo-spatial STM rely on common ordering mechanisms using a delayed recall dual-task design that contrasted two types of visuospatial interference tasks during a concurrent verbal serial order memory task (digit sequence memory). The visuo-spatial tasks probed either serial order STM or nonserial order (item) STM. Serial-order specific interference effects with the concurrent verbal serial order STM task were found. In experiment 3, we replicated the investigations of Experiment 2 using a word-learning paradigm as a concurrent task in place of the verbal serial order STM task that was previously used. Again interference by a visuo-spatial STM task was found only when it required memory for serial order. In sum, the results suggest that verbal and visuo-spatial STM subsystems rely on common mechanisms for serial order processing. These in turn appear to Doctoral Thesis | Mathangi Selvamenan | McMaster University | Neuroscience
Bariatric surgery in an aging population: what is an appropriate preoperative workup?

1988-1994 to 38% in 2010-2011 [2]. With the positive outcomes of bariatric surgery, we should expect to see more patients over the age of 65 seeking bariatric surgery. There have been multiple studies [3-9] that have shown that bariatric surgery is safe above the age of 65 and even 70 years old. Our question is what is the appropriate work up for an aging population to ensure the best outcomes in this population?
Electrocutaneous Display with Receptor Selective Stimulations

A tactile display of skin touch sensations to transcutaneous electric current stimulation is proposed. Since top-down design methods expressing various sensations (e.g., pressure sensation, vibration sensation, tactile sensation) expressed by language feedback have been used in many of the past skin touch sensation displays and since these sensations are the results of combining the activities of various kinds of sensory receptors, the displays thus designed have been limited in that they displayed only certain limited sensations. In contrast, the authors' device is based on stimulating sensory nerves differently by kind. It is considered that if stimulations can be performed to suit different kinds of sensory nerves, all sensations can be generated by combining them. These stimulations are called “tactile primary colors” from their similarity to the visual sense. Electrical stimulation from the skin surface is used as the stimulating means. Although the history of electrical stimulation itself is old, many studies regarding electrical stimulation have ended up generating ad hoc simple sensations without attempting to construct the above primary colors. In this paper, two methods for selectively stimulating the receptors are proposed. One is a method of changing the depth of stimulation by changing the weight of each electrode, using electrodes in an array form. The other is a method of selectively stimulating in the direction of a nerve axon by using an anodic electric current, in contrast to the cathodic current used in the transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the past methods. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 85(6): 40–49, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.10056
Exploring the Relationship Among User Satisfaction , Compliance , and Clinical Outcomes of Telemedicine Services for Glucose Control

Background: Although research has shown that telemedicine services for blood glucose control can be useful in managing diabetes, the relationships among user satisfaction, compliance, and clinical outcomes have not been well studied. A positive assessment of telemedicine services can improve user satisfaction, which can increase compliance and improve clinical outcomes. These relationships are validated with actual telemedicine projects for diabetes management. Materials and Methods: The assessment of user satisfaction for telemedicine services is composed of the following six variables: usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, facilitating conditions, accessibility, and intimacy. The relationship between user satisfaction and compliance or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) improvement was analyzed. Data were collected from 81 type 2 diabetic patients who used telemedicine services. We used multiple regression analysis, logistic regression analysis, simple linear regression, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze the data. Results: The user assessments of the telemedicine services were very high, ranging from 5.8 to 6 points. Of the six variables, compatibility, ease of use, intimacy, and usefulness had a positive effect on overall satisfaction (p < 0.05). Overall satisfaction and compliance were positively correlated with HbA1c improvement. In addition, income level was also an important variable for overall satisfaction. Conclusions: Our results indicate that patient assessments of telemedicine services are important factors for clinical outcome improvement. In addition, higher satisfaction and more frequent self-assessments can improve clinical outcomes.