Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Provision of Electronic Healthcare Services via DVB-RCS Satellite Communication Technology

The advent of broadband communications technologies has paved the way to the wide application of innovative, yet resource-demanding electronic healthcare services like real time telemedicine or high bandwidth store and forward transmission of medical data from underserved locations. Satellite broadband communications technologies, such as the Digital Video Broadcasting with Return Channel via Satellite (DVB-RCS) technology, attempt to offer wide-area broadband connectivity comparable to the terrestrial broadband technologies, when the available data rates and costs are considered, even in geographically remote areas where the terrestrial technologies really suffer. This paper describes a wide-area tele-medicine platform, specially suited for homecare services, based on the DVB-RCS and Wi-Fi communications technologies. The presented platform combines remote medical data collection and transmission, patient monitoring and tele-conference services. Possible operational scenarios involving the aforementioned system and test results regarding tele-monitoring and medical data transfer are also presented.
On the Geometry of W_n gravity

We report work done with T. Jayaraman (hep-th/9405146) in this talk. In a recent paper, Hitchin introduced generalisations of the Teichmuller space of Riemann surfaces. We relate these spaces to the Teichmuller spaces of W-gravity. We show how this provides a covariant description of W-gravity and naturally leads to a Polyakov path integral prescription for W-strings. (Talk presented at the International Colloquium on Modern Quantum Field Theory II at the Tata Institute, Bombay during Jan. 5-11, 1994, to appear in the proceedings)
Prevalence of human enteroviruses among apparently healthy nursery school children in Accra

Introduction Human enteroviruses are common in children causing asymptomatic infections ranging from mild to severe illnesses. In Ghana, information on the prevalence of non-polio enterovirus causing acute flaccid paralysis is available but data on surveillance of these viruses in school children is scanty. Here, the prevalence of human enteroviruses among apparently healthy children in selected school in Accra was studied. Methods Stool samples from 273 apparently healthy children less than eight years of age in 9 selected nursery schools were collected between December 2010 and March 2011and processed for human enteroviruses on L20B, RD and Hep-2 cell lines. Positive Isolates were characterized by microneutralisation assay with antisera pools from RIVM, the Netherlands according to standard methods recommended by WHO. Results Of the 273 samples processed, 66 (24.2%) non-polio enteroviruses were isolated. More growth was seen on Hep-2C (46%) only than RD (18%) only and on both cell lines (34%). No growth was seen on L20B even after blind passage. Excretion of non-polio enteroviruses was found in all the schools with majority in BD school. Serotyping of the isolates yielded predominantly Coxsackie B viruses followed by echoviruses 13 and 7. More than half of the isolates could not be typed by the antisera pools. Conclusion The study detected 13 different serotypes of non-polio enteroviruses in circulation but no poliovirus was found. BD school was found to have the highest prevalence of NPEV. Complete identification through molecular methods is essential to establish the full range of NPEVs in circulation in these schools.
Profile detection in multiuser digital subscriber line systems

Multiuser transmission methods for digital subscriber line (DSL) systems have become of interest with the potential for increased data rate and loop reach. These methods often assume that the set of crosstalk interferers, called the crosstalk profile, and their associated channel responses are known. For DSL systems, the interferers are often uncoordinated, so that in a dynamic environment where DSL transmitters can energize and deenergize, the crosstalk profile cannot be transmitted to the user of interest. While the crosstalk channel estimation problem in a dynamic environment can be intractable for general transmission systems, channel and crosstalk analysis can make use of the specific DSL environment. Namely, the physical channels in a DSL system do not change rapidly, and hence estimates of the crosstalk channel can be saved for future reference. For this reason, we introduce the concept of a channel profile. We develop several algorithms to detect the crosstalk profile and investigate the asymptotic behavior of the new algorithms. Simulations show that for typical crosstalk interference scenarios, the observation time to determine the correct crosstalk profile at probability of error less than 10/sup -3/ can be less than 2 ms.
Interest Aware Recommendations Based on Adaptive User Profiling

Although the World Wide Web has evolved to be an enormous resource over the last decade, sifting through all the information available poses a significant challenge to users as there is simply too much information available. Therefore, systems that support users by performing personalized information filtering or search are becoming increasingly important. This paper presents a mechanism which provides recommendations based on a user profile that adapts to the changing user interests. Taking the multiple and diverse information needs of the user into consideration, the proposed mechanism constructs a user profile that adapts according to the changing user requirements.
Optimality of Received Energy in Decision Fusion Over Rayleigh Fading Diversity MAC With Non-Identical Sensors

Received-energy test for non-coherent decision fusion over a Rayleigh fading multiple access channel (MAC) without diversity was recently shown to be optimum in the case of conditionally mutually independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) sensor decisions under specific conditions [C. R. Berger, M. Guerriero, S. Zhou, and P. Willett, “PAC vs. MAC for Decentralized Detection Using Noncoherent Modulation,” IEEE Trans. Signal Process. , vol. 57, no. 9, pp. 3562-2575, Sep. 2009], [F. Li, J. S. Evans, and S. Dey, “Decision Fusion Over Noncoherent Fading Multiaccess Channels,” IEEE Trans. Signal Process. , vol. 59, no. 9, pp. 4367-4380, Sep. 2011]. Here, we provide a twofold generalization, allowing sensors to be non identical on one hand and introducing diversity on the other hand. Along with the derivation, we provide also a general tool to verify optimality of the received energy test in scenarios with correlated sensor decisions. Finally, we derive an analytical expression of the effect of the diversity on the large-system performances, under both individual and total power constraints.
Design of an FPGA Based Controller for Delta Modulated Single-Phase Matrix Converters

A FPGA based delta modulated single phase matrix converter has been developed that may be used in both cyclo-converters and cyclo-inverters. This converter is ideal for variable speed electrical drives, induction heating, fluorescent lighting, ballasts and high frequency power supplies. The peripheral input-output and FPGA interfacing have been developed through Xilinx 9.2i, to generate delta modulated trigger pulses for the converter. The controller has been relieved of the time consuming computational task of PWM signal generation by implementing the method of trigger pulse generation in a FPGA by using Hardware Description Language VHDL in Xilinx. The trigger circuit has been tested qualitatively by observing various waveforms on an oscilloscope. The operation of the proposed system has been found to be satisfactory.
Segmentation Rectification for Video Cutout via One-Class Structured Learning

Recent works on interactive video object cutout mainly focus on designing dynamic foreground-background (FB) classifiers for segmentation propagation. However, the research on optimally removing errors from the FB classification is sparse, and the errors often accumulate rapidly, causing significant errors in the propagated frames. In this work, we take the initial steps to addressing this problem, and we call this new task \emph{segmentation rectification}. Our key observation is that the possibly asymmetrically distributed false positive and false negative errors were handled equally in the conventional methods. We, alternatively, propose to optimally remove these two types of errors. To this effect, we propose a novel bilayer Markov Random Field (MRF) model for this new task. We also adopt the well-established structured learning framework to learn the optimal model from data. Additionally, we propose a novel one-class structured SVM (OSSVM) which greatly speeds up the structured learning process. Our method naturally extends to RGB-D videos as well. Comprehensive experiments on both RGB and RGB-D data demonstrate that our simple and effective method significantly outperforms the segmentation propagation methods adopted in the state-of-the-art video cutout systems, and the results also suggest the potential usefulness of our method in image cutout system.
Adaptation and fatigue of a mechanosensory neuron in wild-type Drosophila and in memory mutants

The mechanosensory neuron that innervates the anteronotopleural bristle of Drosophila melanogaster responds with a burst of action potentials to deflection of the bristle towards the body wall. The decay of the firing rate upon sustained deflection is typical of a slowly adapting mechanosensory neuron. Upon repeated monotonous stimulation, the response decreases and the kinetics of adaptation change; the response recovers after rest. This sensory fatigue depends on the duration of the stimuli and the rate of stimulation. Two mutants, rutabaga (rut) and dunce (dnc), which are defective in learning and in the activity of the cAMP cascade, show altered kinetics of sensory fatigue. In rut, which has a reduced cAMP synthesis, the mechanosensory neuron fatigues less rapidly, whereas in dnc, characterized by a reduced cAMP hydrolysis, the neuron fatigues more rapidly than in wild-type flies. The data suggest that the cAMP cascade plays a role in the mechanism of sensory fatigue. Our study shows, for the first time, the effect of memory mutations on functional properties of an identified neuron which subserves a modifiable behavior. The experimental system described here could also be useful for neurogenetic dissection of mechanosensory transduction.
Deserts of Disadvantage: The Diffuse Effects of Structural Disadvantage on Violence in Urban Communities

We advance discussion of structural inequality by operationalizing “concentrated” disadvantage in terms of highly disadvantaged communities located at the spatial core of contiguous areas of high disadvantage, and by testing the extent to which such location achieves an independent effect on violence. Using exploratory spatial data analysis and count modeling, we show that highly disadvantaged communities located at the center of a contiguous ghetto have significantly higher rates of violence than other highly disadvantaged communities, but that this relationship is moderated by structural disadvantage. In addition to finding a significant interaction between these “deserts” of disadvantage and structural disadvantage, as they relate to violent crime, we also observe that in desert communities, disadvantage has a diminishing effect on violence.
Elastase-2, a Tissue Alternative Pathway for Angiotensin II Generation, Plays a Role in Circulatory Sympathovagal Balance in Mice

In vitro and ex vivo experiments indicate that elastase-2 (ELA-2), a chymotrypsin-serine protease elastase family member 2A, is an alternative pathway for angiotensin II (Ang II) generation. However, the role played by ELA-2 in vivo is unclear. We examined ELA-2 knockout (ELA-2KO) mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice and determined whether ELA-2 played a role in hemodynamics [arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR)], cardiocirculatory sympathovagal balance and baroreflex sensitivity. The variability of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and pulse interval (PI) for evaluating autonomic modulation was examined for time and frequency domains (spectral analysis), whereas a symbolic analysis was also used to evaluate PI variability. In addition, baroreflex sensitivity was examined using the sequence method. Cardiac function was evaluated echocardiographically under anesthesia. The AP was normal whereas the HR was reduced in ELA-2KO mice (425 ± 17 vs. 512 ± 13 bpm from WT). SAP variability and baroreflex sensitivity were similar in both strains. The LF power from the PI spectrum (33.6 ± 5 vs. 51.8 ± 4.8 nu from WT) and the LF/HF ratio (0.60 ± 0.1 vs. 1.45 ± 0.3 from WT) were reduced, whereas the HF power was increased (66.4 ± 5 vs. 48.2 ± 4.8 nu from WT) in ELA-2KO mice, indicating a shift toward parasympathetic modulation of HR. Echocardiographic examination showed normal fractional shortening and an ejection fraction in ELA-2KO mice; however, the cardiac output, stroke volume, and ventricular size were reduced. These findings provide the first evidence that ELA-2 acts on the sympathovagal balance of the heart, as expressed by the reduced sympathetic modulation of HR in ELA-2KO mice.
Dark Matter annihilation in Draco: new considerations of the expected gamma flux

A new estimation of the γ‐ray flux that we expect to detect from SUSY dark matter annihilation from the Draco dSph is presented using the DM density profiles compatible with the latest observations. This calculation takes also into account the important effect of the Point Spread Function (PSF) of the telescope. We show that this effect is crucial in the way we will observe and interpret a possible signal detection. Finally, we discuss the prospects to detect a possible gamma signal from Draco for MAGIC and GLAST.
17 Maintenance of Large Computer Systems — The Engineer ' s

SUMMARY This paper describes some of the difficulties in maintaining large computer systems and considers how machine perception techniques can be applied to the problem. A program called the 'engineer's assistant' is described as a step in the right direction. Elaborations are made on the meaning of 'the right direction', and an experimental implementation of some of these ideas is described.
Real-time voice conversion using artificial neural networks with rectified linear units

This paper presents an approach to parametric voice conversion that can be used in real-time entertainment applications. The approach is based on spectral mapping using an artificial neural network (ANN) with rectified linear units (ReLU). To overcome the oversmoothing problem a special network configuration is proposed that utilizes temporal states of the speaker. The speech is represented using the harmonic plus noise model. The parameters of the model are estimated using instantaneous harmonic parameters. Using objective and subjective measures the proposed voice conversion technique is compared to the main alternative approaches.
Modal equivalent-circuit representation of inhomogeneous transmission lines with arbitrary terminations for efficient broadband simulation

A passive and inherently stable Foster equivalent-circuit multiport representation for non-uniform, lossy transmission lines is presented. The method is based on an eigenfunction expansion, where the eigenfunctions are determined numerically by the finite difference method (FD). An efficient model order reduction is achieved by appropriate inductances that are extracted with the same FD operator. The order number of the truncated modal circuit is simply estimated, according to the required signal bandwidth. The accuracy and versatility of the suggested SPICE-compatible equivalent-circuit is demonstrated by an example in the time-domain, including non-linear terminations.
The 2012 Madeira Dengue Outbreak: Epidemiological Determinants and Future Epidemic Potential

Dengue, a vector-borne viral disease of increasing global importance, is classically associated with tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. Urbanisation, globalisation and climate trends, however, are facilitating the geographic spread of its mosquito vectors, thereby increasing the risk of the virus establishing itself in previously unaffected areas and causing large-scale epidemics. On 3 October 2012, two autochthonous dengue infections were reported within the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. During the following seven months, this first ‘European’ dengue outbreak caused more than 2000 local cases and 81 exported cases to mainland Europe. Here, using an ento-epidemiological mathematical framework, we estimate that the introduction of dengue to Madeira occurred around a month before the first official cases, during the period of maximum influx of airline travel, and that the naturally declining temperatures of autumn were the determining factor for the outbreak's demise in early December 2012. Using key estimates, together with local climate data, we further propose that there is little support for dengue endemicity on this island, but a high potential for future epidemic outbreaks when seeded between May and August—a period when detection of imported cases is crucial for Madeira's public health planning.
The Internet and the "learning by doing" strategy in the educational processes: a case of study

The Internet represents a wonderful opportunity to modify the teaching methods, and to redefine our notions of education. The aim of the paper is to present our teaching project, named Web Learning Environment (WLE), which studies the use of the "Net" and its resources to develop a learning environment. We have involved a classroom (sixteen students, aged 16-17) of a technical institute in Italy (specialisation in information technologies). The work describes some educational and cognitive aspects in the realization of a cooperative hypertext (e.g., the educational and social targets, the modification of the role of the teacher inside the student's learning process). In this approach, the role of the students is active inside their learning process.
Diversity and role of plasmids in adaptation of bacteria inhabiting the Lubin copper mine in Poland, an environment rich in heavy metals

The Lubin underground mine, is one of three mining divisions in the Lubin-Glogow Copper District in Lower Silesia province (Poland). It is the source of polymetallic ore that is rich in copper, silver and several heavy metals. Black shale is also significantly enriched in fossil organic matter in the form of long-chain hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organic acids, esters, thiophenes and metalloporphyrins. Biological analyses have revealed that this environment is inhabited by extremophilic bacteria and fungi. Kupfershiefer black shale and samples of water, bottom and mineral sediments from the underground (below 600 m) Lubin mine were taken and 20 bacterial strains were isolated and characterized. All exhibited multi-resistant and hypertolerant phenotypes to heavy metals. We analyzed the plasmidome of these strains in order to evaluate the diversity and role of mobile DNA in adaptation to the harsh conditions of the mine environment. Experimental and bioinformatic analyses of 11 extrachromosomal replicons were performed. Three plasmids, including a broad-host-range replicon containing a Tn3 family transposon, carried genes conferring resistance to arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, mercury and zinc. Functional analysis revealed that the resistance modules exhibit host specificity, i.e., they may increase or decrease tolerance to toxic ions depending on the host strain. The other identified replicons showed diverse features. Among them we identified a catabolic plasmid encoding enzymes involved in the utilization of histidine and vanillate, a putative plasmid-like prophage carrying genes responsible for NAD biosynthesis, and two repABC-type plasmids containing virulence-associated genes. These findings provide an unique molecular insight into the pool of extrachromosomal replicons and highlight their role in the biology and adaptation of extremophilic bacteria inhabiting terrestrial deep subsurface.
Introducing multi-level communication in the IEEE 802.15.4e protocol: The MultiChannel-LLDN

The Low Latency Deterministic Network (LLDN) protocol is defined in the IEEE 802.15. 4e, which is an amendment to the IEEE 802.15. 4 standard specifically devised to support the requirements of industrial applications. The LLDN provides a TDMA-based medium access mechanism in which the network cycle time grows linearly with the number of nodes. As a result, to offer low cycle times to applications requiring a high number of nodes, the LLDN specifications suggest to create multiple networks operating on different channels by embedding multiple transceivers in the coordinator. However, such an approach entails high costs and increases the design complexity. Moreover, the LLDN protocol foresees a star topology that limits the network area coverage. This paper proposes a novel approach, called a MultiChannel LLDN, based on a hierarchical network structure in which nodes communicate on different channels at the same time. The approach supports a high number of network nodes while maintaining short cycle times without the need for multiple transceivers in the coordinator and also provides backward compatibility with the standard LLDN. The paper presents the MultiChannel LLDN and comparative performance assessments.
Privacy context model for dynamic privacy adaptation in ubiquitous computing

Ubiquitous computing is characterized by the merger of physical and virtual worlds as physical artifacts gain digital sensing, processing, and communication capabilities. Maintaining an appropriate level of privacy in the face of such complex and often highly dynamic systems is challenging. We argue that context awareness not only enables novel UbiComp applications but can also support dynamic regulation and configuration of privacy mechanisms. We propose a higher level context model that abstracts from low level details and contains only privacy relevant context features. Context changes in our model can trigger reconfiguration of privacy mechanisms or facilitate context-specific privacy recommendations to the user. Based on our model, we analyze potential privacy implications of context changes and discuss how these results could inform actual reconfiguration of privacy mechanisms.
Exact Polynomial-time Algorithm for the Clique Problem and P = NP for Clique Problem

In this paper, the Minimum Nil Sweeper Algorithm, applicable to Clique problem has been considered. It has been found that the Minimum Nil Sweeper Algorithm is not applicable to Clique problem for all undirected graphs which was previously claimed. A new algorithm has been developed to study the all clique problems for arbitrary undirected graph and its complexity is analysed. An experimental result is cited. Finally, the P = NP has been proved for Clique problem. A theorem related to intersection graph is developed. General Terms P=NP for Clique
Investigations of the Ligand Electronic Effects on α-Diimine Nickel(II) Catalyzed Ethylene Polymerization

The synthesis and characterization of a series of dibenzhydryl-based α-diimine Ni(II) complexes bearing a range of electron-donating or -withdrawing groups are described. Polymerization with ethylene is investigated in detail, involving the activator effect, influence of polymerization conditions on catalyst activity, thermal stability, polymer molecular weight and melting point. All of these Ni(II) complexes show great activity (up to 6 × 106 g of PE (mol of Ni)−1·h−1), exceptional thermal stability (stable at up to 100 °C) and generate polyethylene with very high molecular weight (Mn up to 1.6 × 106) and very narrow molecular weight distribution. In the dibromo Ni(II) system, the electronic perturbations exhibit little variation on the ethylene polymerization. In the Ni(acac) system, dramatic ligand electronic effects are observed in terms of catalytic activity and polyethylene molecular weight.