Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural network classification of gunshots using spectral characteristics

The paper describes neural network classification of specific audio sources into given categories. Audio sources are represented by various gunshots, from handguns or big bore guns. This article is a follow-up to an existing system for localization of audio sources from security and military areas. The question of successful classification lies in the convenient discrimination of the feature vector in the feature vector space. A set of feature vectors based on power spectral density is evaluated a tested for the best classification of gunshots.
A -to-CL Translation for Strong Normalization

We introduce a simple translation from -calculus to combinatory logic (cl) such that: A is an sn -term i the translation result of A is an sn term of cl (the reductions are -reduction in -calculus and weak reduction in cl). None of the conventional translations from -calculus to cl satisfy the above property. Our translation provides a simpler sn proof of Godel's -calculus by the ordinal number assignment method. By using our translation, we construct a homomorphism from a conditionally partial combinatory algebra which arises over sn -terms to a partial combinatory algebra which arises over sn cl-terms.
Microwave ablation technique (MWA) for cancer treatment: Simulation of single Slot MCA for different slot position

One of the effective options to kill cancer cell is Microwave ablation (MWA). In this process radiation is focused on the desired areas, ensuring appropriate temperature distribution without damaging the surrounding tissues. To effectively treat cancer, Slot coaxial antennas can be used for producing a heat absorption and temperature distribution model. In this work, it is has been demonstrated that when the antenna slot position is at 50% of the tumor higher SAR value (about 5.78 kW/kg peak SAR) and larger heat ablation area is achieved; while changing the slot position more good cells get destroyed but changing slot position also decreases temperature (The maximum temperature within the breast tissue is 203°C for 50% slot position for t = 2 min and for the same duration of time 156°C and 185°C were found for 25% and 75% slot position respectively). Lastly the results reveals that for the presented Slot Coaxial Antenna at 2.45GHz and 10W power; for optimized and efficient impact, the microwave heating should be continued for 2 min at 50% slot position; less time would not cover all the tumor cell and changing the slot position will result in damaging more good cells.
Towards a tool for implementing delay-free ECC in embedded memories

The reliability of modern Integrated Circuits is affected by nanometric scaling. In many modern designs embedded memories occupy the largest part of the die and are designed as tight as allowed by the process. So they are more prone to failures than other circuits. Error correcting codes (ECC) are a convenient mean for protecting memories against failures. A major drawback of ECC is the speed penalty induced by the encoding and decoding circuits. In [5], we propose an architecture eliminating ECC delays in both read and write paths. However, this previous work does not describe a generic set of rules enabling inserting the delay-free ECC in any design. In this paper, we present the key points of an algorithm and a related tool automating its implementation.
Non-invasive endothelial function testing and the risk of adverse outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the role of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery (BA) and peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) in predicting adverse events, including cardiovascular (CV) events and all-cause mortality. BACKGROUND FMD of the BA and PAT are non-invasive measures of endothelial function. Impairment of endothelial function is associated with increased CV events. While FMD is the more widely used and studied technique, PAT offers several advantages. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether brachial FMD and PAT are independent risk factors for future CV events and mortality. METHODS Multiple electronic databases were searched for articles relating FMD or PAT to CV events. Data were extracted on study characteristics, study quality, and study outcomes. Relative risks (RRs) from individual studies were combined and a pooled multivariate RR was calculated. RESULTS Thirty-six studies for FMD were included in the systematic review, of which 32 studies consisting of 15, 191 individuals were meta-analysed. The pooled RR of CV events and all-cause mortality per 1% increase in brachial FMD, adjusting for potential confounders, was 0.90 (0.88-0.92). In contrast, only three studies evaluated the prognostic value of PAT for CV events, and the pooled RR per 0.1 increase in reactive hyperaemia index was 0.85 (0.78-0.93). CONCLUSION Brachial FMD and PAT are independent predictors of CV events and all-cause mortality. Further research to evaluate the prognostic utility of PAT is necessary to compare it with FMD as a non-invasive endothelial function test in clinical practice.
Control of avermectin biosynthesis in Streptomyces avermitilis for the selective production of a useful component.

I. Biosynthesis of Avermectins A. Incorporation of Labeled Precursors B. Biosynthetically Blocked Mutants and Characteristics of Each Step in Avermectin Biosynthetic Pathway 1. aveA {aveAI and aveAIh step for polyketide synthase) 2. aveB (step for glycosylation) 3. aveC (step for C22~23-dehydration) 4. aveD (step for C5 O-methylation) 5. aveE (step for furan ring formation at C6 to C8a) 6. aveF (step for C5 keto reduction) 7. aveR (step for regulation of biosynthesis) 8. X (step concerning selective incorporation of branched-chain fatty acid into avermectin aglycones) C. Genetic Background of Avermectin Biosynthesis II. Application to the Selective Production of Useful Components(s) A. Production of Specific Component(s) 1. Selective Production of Avermectins Bla and B2a 2. Selective Production of 5-Oxoavermectins Bla and B2a 3. Selective Production of Avermectin B2a 4. Suppression of the Accumulation of Useless Toxic Compound, Oligomycin III. Conclusion
The role of alternate caregivers in the management of pediatric asthma.

OBJECTIVE The current study examined the role of alternate caregivers (i.e., caregivers living outside of the home who spend at least 6 hr per week caring for the child) in a sample of Latino and non-Latino White (NLW) families with a child with asthma. METHODS Participants included 665 families of children with asthma from NLW, Puerto Rican, and Dominican backgrounds from Rhode Island and Puerto Rico. All caregivers completed a validated semistructured family interview assessing asthma management strategies in the family context. RESULTS 22 percent of families identified an alternate caregiver. Alternate caregiver involvement was highest among Island Puerto Rican families. Island Puerto Rican families who reported alternate caregiver involvement were rated as having higher medication adherence and more balanced adaptation to the demands of asthma management. CONCLUSIONS Alternate caregivers may play an important role in family asthma management, especially among some Latino subgroups.
Brain rCBF and performance in visual imagery tasks: Common and distinct processes

The present study was designed to discover whether variations in normalised regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in different brain areas predict variations in performance of different imagery tasks. Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to assess brain activity as 16 participants performed four imagery tasks. These tasks were designed so that performance was particularly sensitive to the participant's ability to form images with high resolution, to generate images from distinct segments, to parse imaged forms into parts while inspecting them, or to transform (rotate) images. Response times and error rates were recorded. Multiple regression analyses revealed that variations in most brain areas predicted variations in performance of only one task, thus demonstrating that the four tasks tap largely independent imagery processes. However, we also found that some underlying processes were recruited by more than one task, particularly those implemented in the occipito‐parietal sulcus, the medial frontal cortex, and Area 18.
Exact Sampling with Integer Linear Programs and Random Perturbations

We consider the problem of sampling from a discrete probability distribution specified by a graphical model. Exact samples can, in principle, be obtained by computing the mode of the original model perturbed with an exponentially many i.i. d. random variables. We propose a novel algorithm that views this as a combinatorial optimization problem and searches for the extreme state using a standard integer linear programming (ILP) solver, appropriately extended to account for the random perturbation. Our technique, GumbelMIP, leverages linear programming (LP) relaxations to evaluate the qualityof samples and prune large portions of the search space, and can thus scale to large tree-width models beyond the reach of current exact inference methods. Further, when the optimization problem is not solved to optimality, our method yields a novel approximate sampling technique. We empirically demonstrate that our approach parallelizes well, our exact sampler scales better than alternative approaches, and our approximate sampler yields better quality samples than a Gibbs sampler and a low-dimensional perturbation method.
Pattern Recognition Comparative Analysis Applied to Fingerprint Indoor Mobile Sensors Localization

Location Fingerprinting methods are an alternative to accurate localization of mobile sensors and actuators in indoor environments, which learn a radio map for a given scenario and use this information for recognizing the position of a given node at a particular moment. In fact, when using other conventional methods in complex scenarios that may present irregular geometries and materials, fingerprinting techniques can be a very good alternative. Moreover, although they need a previous training of a knowledge database for each scenario, once this is done the method runs in a quite stable and accurate manner without needing any sophisticated hardware. In this paper we present a comparation between the CC2431 Texas Instruments \textit{Location Engine} and two pattern recognition methods applied to fingerprinting localization in several indoor scenarios in our university. Results show that this kind of technique is very interesting for known environments such as warehouses, universities and so on.
Implementing secure data access control for multi-authority cloud storage system using Ciphertext Policy-Attribute based encryption

Data access control is an effective way to ensure the data security in the cloud. However, due to data outsourcing and untrusted cloud servers, the data access control becomes a challenging issue in cloud storage systems. In a multi-authority Attribute Based Encryption scheme, multiple attribute-authorities monitor different sets of attributes and issue corresponding decryption keys to users, and encryptors can require that a user obtain keys for appropriate attributes from each authority before decrypting a message. Ciphertext-Policy Attribute Based Encryption (CP-ABE) is a promising cryptographic primitive for fine-grained access control of shared data. In CP-ABE, each user is associated with a set of attributes and data are encrypted with access structures on attributes. A user is able to decrypt a ciphertext if and only if his attributes satisfy the ciphertext access structure. An important issue of attribute revocation is cumbersome for CP-ABE schemes. This challenging issue is considering by more practical scenarios in which semi-trustable on-line proxy servers are available. The proposed solution enables the multi-authority to revoke user attributes with minimal effort. This is achieve by uniquely integrating the technique of proxy re-encryption with CP-ABE, and enable the authority to delegate most of laborious tasks to proxy servers. The proposed scheme is provably secure against chosen ciphertext attacks.
Relationship between Immunological Abnormalities in Rat Models of Diabetes Mellitus and the Amplification Circuits for Diabetes

A better understanding of pathogenic mechanisms is required in order to treat diseases. However, the mechanisms of diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications are extremely complex. Immune reactions are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, while diabetes influences immune reactions. Furthermore, both diabetes and immune reactions are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. To address these issues, animal models are useful tools. So far, various animal models of diabetes have been developed in rats, which have advantages over mice models in terms of the larger volume of tissue samples and the variety of type 2 diabetes models. In this review, we introduce rat models of diabetes and summarize the immune reactions in diabetic rat models. Finally, we speculate on the relationship between immune reactions and diabetic episodes. For example, diabetes-prone Biobreeding rats, type 1 diabetes model rats, exhibit increased autoreactive cellular and inflammatory immune reactions, while Goto-Kakizaki rats, type 2 diabetes model rats, exhibit increased Th2 reactions and attenuation of phagocytic activity. Investigation of immunological abnormalities in various diabetic rat models is useful for elucidating complicated mechanisms in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Studying immunological alterations, such as predominance of Th1/17 or Th2 cells, humoral immunity, and innate immune reactions, may improve understanding the structure of amplification circuits for diabetes in future studies.
Social Media in Higher Education: A literature review and research directions.

Regina Deil-Amen is an Associate Professor at the Center for the Study of Higher Education in the Education Policy Studies and Practice Department at the University of Arizona. Her current research focuses on college planning strategies and trajectories of socio-economically and racial/ethnically diverse community college and broad access university students, with particular attention to low-income student challenges and Latino students’ social networks and major/post-graduate/career decision-making. She is the author of After Admission: From College Access to College Success, with Rosenbaum and Person, as well as a number scholarly articles published journals such as in the Review of Higher Education, Sociology of Education , Teachers College Record, Journal of Latinos and Education, Journal of Hispanics in Higher Education, and Journal of Higher Education.
Crafting R&D Project Portfolios

OVERVIEW: Uncertain, but promising, R&D projects should be treated as one of three types of real options, depending on their degree of technical and market uncertainty. Positioning options are designed to preserve a company's future right to compete in a highly uncertain technological arena. Scouting options are used to create information about customer needs and market conditions. Stepping-stone options provide a technological path forward for an organization's long-run technology strategy, while containing cost and risk as new knowledge is created. Corporations rarely distinguish between such options and product launches or line extensions, with the result that they are managed and valued inappropriately. The guidelines provided here can not only help determine the right category for individual R&D projects, but also enable designing a portfolio of projects that is consistent with a firm's technology strategy.
Visual Interface Design Tool for Educational Courseware

This paper describes a research study that focuses on analysis of different approaches used in the development of educational multimedia products. Within the study, the inherent need for the “client-centered” design approach, in the development of educational software, was noted. A new approach to user interface development, that utilizes a visual interface design tool, is discussed. The tool is used to help development teams quickly produce the first draft of the “look and feel” user interface design and discuss it with the client. This tool could potentially save time and money, which is currently being spent by educational courseware development companies on the preliminary interface design.
Design and Research of Fault Diagnosis Based on ANN for the Short-Wave Radio

Artificial neural networks (ANN) are an information-processing method of a simulation of the structure for biological neurons. This paper makes a research on the approach of the artificial neural network for fault diagnosis of short-wave radios and constructs a fault diagnosis system of short-wave radios with ANN. And the system can analyze fault phenomena and detect radios fault. It will greatly improve the response to the radio fault diagnosis and maintenance efficiency.
Achieving efficiency and flexibility with differentiated random access in smart home and building area networks

This paper presents an analytic characterization of a random access strategy in low data-rate networking with the provision for service differentiation. Its utility lies in the context of certain emerging network types, such as those enabling smart homes and buildings, where a set of conflicting requirements makes efficient medium access control (MAC) a challenging task. A substantive portion of the traffic from the associated applications are event-driven, which necessitates random access, while the number of sensing and actuator nodes comprising the networks can be fairly large. This challenge to provide scalable random access exacerbate further by the need to facilitate service differentiation for the higher priority critical traffic. In this context, an analysis of near-optimal channel access efficiency is laid out keeping level of service differentiation flexible with consideration of a carrier sense multiple access based MAC scheme used in low data-rate networking. Numerical results with extensive simulations that correspond to quantitative analyses are produced.
Performance evaluation of road detection and following algorithms

We describe a methodology for evaluating algorithms to provide quantitative information about how well road detection and road following algorithms perform. The approach relies on generating a set of standard data sets annotated with ground truth. We evaluate the algorithms used to detect roads by comparing the output of the algorithms with ground truth, which we obtain by having humans annotate the data sets used to test the algorithms. Ground truth annotations are acquired from more than one person to reduce systematic errors. Results are quantified by looking at false positive and false negative regions of the image sequences when compared with the ground truth. We describe the evaluation of a number of variants of a road detection system based on neural networks.
South African Reserve Bank Working Paper Series WP / 1 4 / 0 1 Monetary Policy and Heterogeneous Inflation Expectations in South Africa

This paper examines the relationship between ination and ination expectations of analysts, business, and trade unions in South Africa during the ination targeting (IT) regime. We consider ination expectations based on the Bureau of Economic Research (BER) quarterly survey observed from 2000Q1 to 2013Q1. We estimate ination expectations of individual agents as the weighted average of lagged ination and the ination target. The results indicate that expectations are heterogeneous across agents. Expectations of price setters (business and unions) are closely related to each other and are higher than the upper bound of the of cial target band, while expectations of analysts are within the target band. In addition, expectations of price setters are somewhat related to lagged ination and the opposite is true for analysts. The results reveal that the SARB has succesfully anchored expectations of analysts but that price setters have not su¢ ciently used the focal point implicit in the ination targeting regime. The implication is that the SARB may be pushed to accommodate private agentsexpectations. JEL Classi cation Numbers: C51, E52, E58.
From Postsynaptic Potentials to Spikes in the Genesis of Auditory Spatial Receptive Fields

Space-specific neurons in the owl's inferior colliculus respond only to a sound coming from a particular direction, which is equivalent to a specific combination of interaural time difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD). Comparison of subthreshold postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) and spike output for the same neurons showed that receptive fields measured in PSPs were much larger than those measured in spikes in both ITD and ILD dimensions. Space-specific neurons fire more spikes for a particular ITD than for its phase equivalents (ITD ± 1/F, where F is best frequency). This differential response was much less pronounced in PSPs. The two sides of pyramid-shaped ILD curves were more symmetrical in spikes than in PSPs. Furthermore, monaural stimuli that were ineffective in eliciting spikes induced subthreshold PSPs. The main cause of these changes between PSPs and spikes is thresholding. The spiking threshold did not vary with the kind of acoustic stimuli presented. However, the thresholds of sound-induced first spikes were lower than those of later sound-induced and spontaneous spikes. This change in threshold may account for the sharpening of ITD selectivity during the stimulus. Large changes in receptive fields across single neurons are not unique to the owl's space-specific neurons but occur in mammalian visual and somatosensory cortices, suggesting the existence of general principles in the formation of receptive fields in high-order neurons.
Positive Attitude Location Towards Enviroment

Este estudio forma parte de una investigación más amplia que articula los resultados de cada una de sus líneas para potenciarlas. El propósito de esa investigación consiste en cambiar el comportamiento y las actitudes de la población con respecto al manejo de sus desechos domésticos, mediante el despliegue de estrategias de influencia y persuasión social. Parte de la premisa que la solución al problema de la basura consiste en no generarla, lo cual se concreta cuando los ciudadanos participan en la separación de sus desechos, para que estos sean reincorporados al proceso de producción.
Examining Privacy Concern in Social-Driven Location Sharing: An Empirical Study on Chinese Popular SNSs

Sharing location in SNSs has witnessed rapid development in recent years. Privacy is undoubtedly a barrier to the adoption of such location sharing services. In this paper, we investigate what factors affect users' privacy concerns and how privacy concerns may in turn affect users' location sharing behaviors. We conducted one quantitative survey and 8 interviews on Chinese popular SNSs. We identified 1) the factors that users care more about their privacy when posting location information on social networks, 2) what types of privacy information do they think might be exposed through location sharing, and 3) users' behavior patterns in cope with privacy concerns. We also discuss the theoretical and practical implication on the improvement of location sharing services.