Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fully-Integrated 71 nW CMOS Temperature Sensor for Low Power Wireless Sensor Nodes

We propose a fully-integrated temperature sensor for battery-operated, ultra-low power microsystems. Sensor operation is based on temperature independent/dependent current sources that are used with oscillators and counters to generate a digital temperature code. A conventional approach to generate these currents is to drop a temperature sensitive voltage across a resistor. Since a large resistance is required to achieve nWs of power consumption with typical voltage levels (100 s of mV to 1 V), we introduce a new sensing element that outputs only 75 mV to save both power and area. The sensor is implemented in 0.18 μm CMOS and occupies 0.09 mm 2 while consuming 71 nW. After 2-point calibration, an inaccuracy of + 1.5°C/-1.4°C is achieved across 0 °C to 100 °C. With a conversion time of 30 ms, 0.3 °C (rms) resolution is achieved. The sensor does not require any external references and consumes 2.2 nJ per conversion. The sensor is integrated into a wireless sensor node to demonstrate its operation at a system level.
Moving object detection by a mounted moving camera

Accurate moving object detection is one of the most important topic for surveillance systems. Background subtraction works well for videos acquired by stationary mounted camera. However, it does not work for mounted moving cameras since the background objects also move in two consecutive frames. In this paper, we propose an optical flow based moving object detection algorithm for video sequences obtained by a mounted moving camera. Our algorithm first finds the interest points in the consecutive video frames and then tracks them with pyramidal Lucas-Kanade method. After matching interest points in two frames, it generates optical flow vectors. We assume that the majority of the optical flow vectors are based on camera motion. Our algorithm determines the camera motion vector by averaging these vectors. It then crops frames for removing camera motion to determine overlapping areas of two frames. Finally, we calculate the frame differences to detect moving objects. We tested our algorithm on several video frames and observed that our algorithm determines moving objects with a very high accuracy.
Assessment of the Impact of a New Curriculum on Systemic Change.

The National Science Foundation is sponsoring twenty-six Statewide Systemic Initiative Projects. A plan for evaluating and assessing systemic change has been designed and implemented at one of them. The perspective used to guide this paper is based on the principles which constitute the vision for this particular project. The relationship between the students' socio-economic background and (1) their scores on pre and post tests of attitudes, Science, and Mathematics; (2) final course grades was investigated as well as the relationship between their final course grades and scores on the post tests. The degree of teacher empowerment of participating teachers was examined. A strong relationship was found between final course grades and post-test scores. No relationship was found between the students' socio-economic background and the remaining variables. A high level of teacher empowerment was also found. Clear evidence was found that the implementation of a new curriculum can drive systemic reform.
An integrated DWT-wiener and marker controlled watershed driven active contours for nuclear segmentation in Histopathological Images

Nuclear segmentation is one of the challenging issues in the field of Medical Image segmentation for Histopathological Images. Various edge based and region based approaches have been proposed in the literature. Both the approaches suffer from deficiencies such as poor edge information and over/under segmentation respectively. In the recent past, Active contours have emerged as a powerful techniques for effective image segmentation. Many of the techniques proposed have posed the problem of contour initialization, computation of gradient information and extraction of overlap resolutions as the major challenge. To address these issues, a novel strategy of driving the contour evolution based on integrated discrete wavelet transform based wiener filter and marker controlled watershed approach has been proposed. The experimentation was conducted on few BC tissue images and the efficacy of the approach has been studied based on measures of object detection accuracy and overlap resolution in comparison with the ground truth obtained from the pathologist in the Department of Pathology, JSS Hospital.
The Influence of Neighboring Base Composition on Substitutions in Plant Chloroplast Coding Sequences

The bias of nucleotide substitutions in noncoding sequences of the plant chloroplast genome is strongly dependent on the composition of the two flanking bases. Substitutions in G+C-rich environments have a strong bias toward transitions, while in A+T-rich environments, transversions outnumber transitions. In this study, the correlation between the composition of neighboring bases and nucleotide substitution bias is examined in a variety of coding sequences in the plant chloroplast genome. The analyses include both multiple sequence alignments, for the rbcL and n&F genes, and a pairwise comparison of rice and maize for 22 chloroplast genes. Substitution bias, measured in terms of transversion proportion, is found to be significantly correlated with the composition of the two neighboring bases, as in noncoding sequences. However, the influence of the two neighboring bases on substitutions in the &CL gene is different than what is observed in n&F and other coding sequences, where context dependency is the same as in noncoding sequences. This difference is examined and appears to be the result of an influence of nucleotides other than the two immediate neighbors on substitution bias in conjunction with a lower overall A+T content in the &CL gene. The results indicate that the synonymous substitution process in the chloroplast genome is strongly context dependent in a complex manner.
Methods for Detection of Enteroviruses Multicenter Quality Assessment of PCR

We conducted a multicenter evaluation of commercial and in-house PCR methods for the detection ofenteroviruses. Three coded panels of test and control RNA samples, artiﬁcial clinical specimens, and repre-sentative enterovirus serotypes were used to assess ampliﬁcation methods, RNA extraction methods, andreactivities with different enterovirus serotypes. Despite several differences between PCR methods, there wasgood agreement, although some variation in sensitivity was observed. Most PCR methods were able to detectenterovirus RNA derived from 0.01 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID
A web application for distributed computing: Solving a typical statistical problem in industry

A web application of scientific computing over the Internet is presented, for distributed computing, parallel programming in MPI, using the resolution of a typical statistical problem in packaging. This problem is found in many industries, and is solved empirically. As no analytical solution seems viable, a Monte Carlo approach was adopted. After briefly describing a previous series programming solution of the problem, its parallel programming version is detailed. From the authors' experience, the web environment is clearly recommended for scientific computing, for academic and industrial purposes.
The Dynamic Structural Patterns of Social Networks Based on Triad Transitions

In modern social networks built from the data collected in various computer systems we observe constant changes corresponding to external events or the evolution of underlying organizations. In this work we present a new approach to the description and quantifying evolutionary patterns of social networks illustrated with the data from the Enron email dataset. We propose the discovery of local network connection patterns (in this case: triads of nodes), measuring their transitions during network evolution and present the preliminary results of this approach. We define the Triad Transition Matrix (TTM) containing the probabilities of transitions between triads, then we show how it can help to discover the dynamic patterns of network evolution. Also, we analyse the roles performed by different triads in the network evolution by the creation of triad transition graph built from the TTM, which allows us to characterize the tendencies of structural changes in the investigated network. The future applications of our approach are also proposed and discussed.
The Deliberation-Without-Attention Effect

Proponents of unconscious-thought theory assert that letting the unconscious “mull it over” can enhance decisions. In a series of recent studies, researchers demonstrated that participants whose attention was focused on solving a complex problem (i.e., those using conscious thought) made poorer choices, decisions, and judgments than participants whose attention was distracted from the problem (i.e., those purportedly using unconscious thought). We argue that this finding, rather than establishing the existence of a deliberation-without-attention effect, is explained more compellingly in terms of the well-established distinction between on-line and memory-based judgments. In Experiment 1, we reversed the recent finding by simply changing participants' on-line processing goal from impression formation to memorization. Experiment 2 provided a replication and further established that some cognitive effort appears necessary to produce both the original pattern of results and its reversal, suggesting that such judgments are ultimately a product of conscious, rather than unconscious, thinking.
Quantizing sl(n) solitons and the Hecke algebra

The problem of quantizing a class of two-dimensional integrable quantum field theories is considered. The classical equations of the theory are the complex sl(n) affine Toda equations which admit soliton solutions with real masses. The classical scattering theory of the solitons is developed using Hirota’s solution techniques. A form for the soliton S matrix is proposed based on the constraints of S matrix theory, integrability and the requirement that the semiclassical limit is consistent with the semiclassical WKB quantization of the classical scattering theory. The proposed S matrix is an intertwiner of the quantum group associated to sl(n), where the deformation parameter is a function of the coupling constant. It is further shown that the S matrix describes a nonunitary theory, which reflects the fact that the classical Hamiltonian is complex. The spectrum of the theory is found to consist of the basic solitons, excited (or ‘breathing’) solitons, scalar states (or breathers) and solitons transforming in nonfundamental representations. For some region of coupling constant space only the original solitons are in the spectrum and so the S matrix is complete, in addition arguments are presented which indicate that in a more restricted region the theory is actually unitary. It is also noted that the construction of the S matrix is valid for any representation of the Hecke algebra, allowing the definition of restricted S matrices, which lie in the unitary and complete region.
Dalton-Improving Indirect Tax Reform

A tax reform is 'Dalton-improving' if it improves social welfare for all possible social-welfare functions that conform to Hugh Dalton's principle of transfers. According to this principle, there exists a prior social ranking of households and a transfer is approved if it it distributes from high-ranking ('rich') to low-ranking ('poor') households, without altering the ranking itself. In this paper, the authors develop a procedure for identifying marginal Dalton-improving reforms in the context of indirect taxation. The methodology is illustrated using data on excise taxes in the United Kingdom. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.
Has the Inclusion of Forward-Looking Statements in Monetary Policy Communications Made the Bank of Canada More Transparent?

To investigate the extent to which the transparency of the Bank of Canada's monetary policy has improved, the authors examine empirically – over the period 30 October 2000 to 31 May 2007 – the reaction of Canadian financial markets to official Bank communications, and in particular their reaction to the recent inclusion of forward-looking policy-rate guidance in these communications.
Age and Cardiovascular Risk Attributable to Apolipoprotein B, Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol or Non‐High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Background Higher concentrations of the apolipoprotein B (apoB) lipoproteins increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, whether the risk associated with apoB lipoproteins varies with age has not been well examined. Methods and Results We determined the associations for total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), non‐high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (non‐HDL‐C), apoB, apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I), and HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) with myocardial infarction at different ages in 11 760 controls and 8998 myocardial infarction cases of the INTERHEART Study. Logistic regression was used to compute the odds ratio of myocardial infarction for 1 SD change in each lipid marker by decade from <40 to >70 years of age. Except for those >70, plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and non‐HDL‐C and apoB were greater in cases than controls. However, the average levels of these markers decreased significantly as age increased. By contrast, levels of apoA‐I and HDL‐C were significantly greater in controls than cases but increased significantly as age increased. The cardiovascular risk associated with the atherogenic lipid markers differed at different ages. Most notably, there was a significant decline in the odds ratio for total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and non‐HDL‐C, and apoB with increases in age whereas the odds ratios associated with apoA‐I and HDL‐C were consistent across the age groups. Conclusions These data indicate that the risk of cardiovascular events associated with apoB particles is greater in younger compared to older individuals. This finding is consistent with greater relative benefit from LDL‐lowering therapy in younger compared to older individuals and so argues for therapy in younger individuals with elevated lipids.
How Well Does the Market Allocate Entrepreneurs

This paper offers a synthesis of two Schumpeterian views: that growth is driven by innovation, and that the level of financial market development affects the growth process. We adopt an endogenous growth model where growth is driven by R&D activities of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs must borrow to fund R&D, but heterogeneity and unobservability of entrepreneurial ability creates credit restriction. The extent of financial market development is defined as the number of high ability agents in the financial market. Having a more developed financial market facilitates the allocatin of resources to the innovation sector, at the same time reduces the number of entrepreneurs available to the innovation sector. We characterize equilibrium in the financial market, and find that market allocation of entrepreneurs only coincides with the growth maximising allocation when all value created by innovation are divided by entrepreneurs, otherwise the market allocation is typically not growth maximising, and low grow trap may exist.
An Overview of the Scratch Resistance of Automotive Coatings: Exterior Clearcoats and Polycarbonate Hardcoats

The scratch resistance of coatings used on two highly visible automotive applications (automotive bodies and window glazings) were examined and reviewed. Types of damage (scratch vs. mar), the impact on customers, and the causes of scratch events were investigated. Different exterior clearcoat technologies, including UV curable and self-healing formulations were reviewed, including results from nano- and macro-scratch tests. Polycarbonate hardcoat glazings were tested vs. annealed glass samples using a Taber abraser, with the resulting damage analyzed using transmitted haze measurements and optical profilometry. A correlation between the damage seen in glass samples (many smooth, shallow mars) and the best hardcoat samples (fewer, deeper scratches) and the haze measurements was discussed. Nano-scratch results showed similar fracture forces, but measurably improved mar resistance for the hardcoats/glass system compared to exterior clearcoats.
Does mobility matter? The neighborhood conditions of housing voucher holders by race and ethnicity

Abstract Mobility is one mechanism used to address the federal goals of deconcen‐trating poverty and minorities. The Housing Choice Voucher Program relies on participants to make residential location decisions consistent with these goals. Our research investigates the level and impact of mobility on the neighborhood quality of voucher holders, their neighborhood conditions by race and ethnicity, and perceived obstacles to mobility within the jurisdiction of a Southern California housing authority. About one‐third of the sample moved during the study, and moving resulted in improved neighborhoods for only one subset of movers. Minorities live in more impoverished, overcrowded neighborhoods than nonminorities, even when controlling for mobility status, contract rent, and other factors. Further, most voucher holders see the lack of rental units as a major obstacle to mobility. These findings suggest that current policy is not uniformly achieving deconcentration and that real and perceived barriers to mobility exist, especially for minorities.
Towards an Efficient Use of R&D –Accounting for Heterogeneity in the OECD

Expenditures devoted to research and development (R&D) are scarce and thus need to be used as efficiently as possible given the financial constraints countries are facing. This paper assesses the relative efficiency of R&D expenditures for 26 OECD member countries and 2 non-member countries. As countries differ in their national innovation systems and states of economic development and industrialization, e.g. transition economies in Eastern Europe vs. Asian countries vs. Anglo-Saxon countries, the measurement of R&D efficiency needs to consider differences in the technology of knowledge production. The existing empirical literature on R&D efficiency mainly builds on a homogeneous technology frontier neglecting the importance to account for country-specific heterogeneity. This paper models technological differences in knowledge production among countries using a stochastic frontier model for panel data. Applying a latent class model for SFA, we find empirical evidence for two technological classes, a `capital-intensive' and a `labor-intensive' one. Assuming a common knowledge production technology, as has been done so far in the empirical literature, thus results in biased efficiency estimates.
Substituting Color for Haptic Attributes in Conceptual Metaphors for Tangible Interaction Design

Studies in tangible interaction have investigated how physical object attributes can stand for abstract content (e.g. IMPORTANT IS HEAVY). A less expensive and more practical alternative to dynamically change, for example, the size, weight or temperature of tangibles, could be using color-to-abstract mappings. Grounded in embodied cognition theory, a number of color-for-haptic substitutions are derived (e.g. DARK COLORS ARE HEAVY). These substitutions are then tested for their effectiveness with 15 conceptual metaphors (e.g. IMPORTANT IS DARK COLOR). In four conditions (haptic, color, haptic-color congruence, haptic-color incongruence) 48 participants matched objects of different colors, sizes, weights or temperatures with abstract words. The results indicate that color can replace haptic attributes in metaphoric mappings and that designers need to explicitly design for color, because metaphor-incongruent colors can hamper the effectiveness of metaphorical mappings. The results also indicate that an embodied experiential view can circumvent arguing about specific colors with high-level symbolic meanings.
Two pore types in the inner-wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal.

PURPOSE It has been reported that fixation conditions significantly influence the apparent pore density in the inner-wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal. In the present study, the manner in which fixation conditions affect the two subtypes of inner-wall pores, intracellular pores and intercellular (or border) pores, was investigated. METHODS Outflow facility was measured in enucleated human eyes. Eyes were fixed under constant flow" or constant pressure conditions, microdissected to expose the inner wall of Schlemm's canal, and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. The density and diameter of the two subtypes of pores in the inner wall were measured. RESULTS Intracellular pore density decreased with increasing postmortem time (P < 0.001) and increased with increasing volume of fixative passed through the outflow pathway (P < 0.001), whereas border pore density showed no dependence on these parameters (P > 0.25 and P > 0.15, respectively). Border pore density increased with increasing fixation pressure (P < 0.005), even though intracellular pore density showed no such dependence (P > 0.4). No correlation was found between outflow facility and the predictions of Poiseuille's law, Sampson's law, or the funneling theory for the hydraulic conductivity of the intracellular pores (P > 0.35) or the border pores (P > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS The intracellular and border pores form two morphologically and functionally distinct populations in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. The dependence of intracellular pore density on postmortem time and on volume of fixative passed through the outflow pathway suggests that these pores are artifacts of tissue fixation or processing conditions. That border pores do not depend on such conditions and that their presence is correlative with perfusion pressure suggests that this population may be nonartifactual. New histologic techniques for examining the inner wall of Schlemm's canal are necessary to determine the in vivo state of inner-wall pores and how they influence outflow facility.
Establishing Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Community through Trust, Self-efficacy and IS Success Model

Evaluation of the success of professional virtual communities (VCs) has been the focus of many organizations. However, there are still few empirical studies conducted to examine online knowledge sharing behavior that has been thought as the most important element for VC success. In this study, by integrating two schools of thoughts (trust theory and self-efficacy expectation) with IS Success Model, this study proposed a successful model of professional VC from both the environmental influences and personal cognitive factors. Eleven research hypotheses derived from this integrated model are then evaluated by structural equation modeling using a field survey of 274 complete questionnaires of nine types of VCs. The results indicated that knowledge sharing behavior is influenced by intention to share knowledge, knowledge sharing self-efficacy, and affective-based trust.
Path planning for underwater gliders using iterative optimization

Underwater gliders constitute a technology in active development, which has proven very promising in Ocean Research because of its relative low cost and long mission range. Due to their low surge speed, however, gliders are strongly affected by ocean currents, making path planning a crucial tool for this type of vehicles. In this work, we present a novel path planning algorithm for gliders based on iterative optimization that shows promising results in realistic simulations. This method reflects accurately the vehicle operation pattern and exhibits a better performance when compared with alternative approaches that are compared in this paper.