Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Area and energy efficient VLSI architectures for low-density parity-check decoders using an on-the-fly computation

Area and Energy Efficient VLSI Architectures for Low -Density Parity-Check Decoders Using an On-the-Fly Computation. (December 2006) Kiran Kumar Gunnam, M.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Gwan Choi Dr. Scott Miller The VLSI implementation complexity of a low density parity check (LDPC) decoder is largely influenced by the interconnect and the storage requirements. This dissertation presents the decoder architectures for regular and irregular LDPC codes that provide substantial gains over existing academic and commercial implementations. Several structured properties of LDPC codes and decoding algorithms are observed and are used to construct hardware implementation with reduced processing complexity. The proposed architectures utilize an on-the-fly computation paradigm which permits scheduling of the computations in a way that the memory requirements and re-computations are reduced. Using this paradigm, the run-time configurable and multi-rate VLSI architectures for the rate compatible array LDPC codes and irregular block LDPC codes are designed. Rate compatible array codes are considered for DSL applications. Irregular block LDPC codes are proposed for IEEE 802.16e, IEEE 802.11n, and IEEE 802.20. When compared with a recent implementation of an 802.11n LDPC decoder, the proposed decoder reduces the logic complexity by 6.45x and memory complexity by 2x for a given data throughput. When compared to the latest reported multi-rate decoders, this decoder design has an area
Polarity Shifting: Corpus Construction and Analysis

Polarity shifting has been a challenge to automatic sentiment classification. In this paper, we create a corpus which consists of polarity-shifted sentences in various kinds of product reviews. In the corpus, both the sentimental words and shifting trigger words are annotated. Furthermore, we analyze all the polarity shifted sentences and categorize them into five categories: opinion-itself, holder, target, time and hypothesis. Experimental study shows the agreement of annotation and the distribution of the five categories of polarity shifting.
The hippocampus is not a geometric module: processing environment geometry during reorientation

The hippocampus has long been known to play a role in allocentric spatial coding, but its specific involvement in reorientation, or the recalibration of a disrupted egocentric spatial representation using allocentric spatial information, has received less attention. Initially, the cognitive literature on reorientation focused on a “geometric module” sensitive to the shape formed by extended surfaces in the environment, and the neuroscience literature followed with proposals that particular MTL regions might be the seat of such a module. However, with behavioral evidence mounting that a modular cognitive architecture is unlikely, recent work has begun to directly address the issue of the neural underpinnings of reorientation. In this review, we describe the reorientation paradigm, initial proposals for the role of the MTL when people reorient, our recent work on the neural bases of reorientation, and finally, how this new information regarding neural mechanism helps to re-interpret and clarify the original behavioral reorientation data.
Australian applied linguistics in relation to international trends

Applied Linguistics is a diverse field, comprising a substantial number of sub-fields, sub-specialisations and related fields. To see that this is the case one need only examine the various hand- books and encyclopaedic references that have been published in the last ten years to see the wide range of topics that have been covered. As with many professional areas in academia, Applied Linguistics is organised around national organisations, with its international structure being a loose confederation known as the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA). Given these diverse academic and structural arrangements, it should not be surprising if academics within different national associations were to cluster around different interests within the field. This study explores the question of what emphases are found in various parts of the world in Applied Linguistics, and in particular, the relationship of Australian Applied Linguistics to international trends using a structural text analysis of abstracts related to Applied Linguistics as well as an historical review of the trends involved.
Integrated Visual Saliency Based Local Feature Selection for Image Retrieval

nowadays, local features are widely used for content-based image retrieval. Effective feature selection is very important for the improvement of retrieval performance. Among various local feature extraction methods, Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) has been proven to be the most robust local invariant feature descriptor. However, the algorithm often generates hundreds of thousands of features per image, which has seriously affected the application of SIFT in content-based image retrieval. Therefore, this paper addresses this problem and proposes a novel method to select salient and distinctive local features using integrated visual saliency analysis. Based on our method, all of the SIFT features in an image are ranked with their integrated visual saliency, and only the most distinctive features will be reserved. The experiments demonstrate that the integrated visual saliency analysis based feature selection algorithm provides significant benefits both in retrieval accuracy and speed.
Eye Care Guidelines for Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults under age 65 in the United States. Risk is related to the stage of retinopathy. With new treatments available, it is imperative that diabetics be properly screened. Those with retinopathy of more than five years duration should be referred to an ophthalmologist. Since photocoagulation has been shown effective for treatment of macular edema and proliferative retinopathy, it is imperative that these patients be referred for timely evaluation.
"Scarcely Disfigured": Beckett's Surrealist Translations

Samuel Beckett was in his mid-twenties when he translated a great many texts (prose, poems, essays, articles) by the French Surrealists. His translations were made in a formative period when the “young Irish poet,” as he was called by Parisian expatriates, was the author of only a few poems, critical essays, and reviews, and when, working in the wake of James Joyce, he was straining to find a voice of his own for his first novel, Dream of Fair to Middling Women. Between 1929 and 1932, Beckett translated professionally from French for several journals and anthologies. He rendered a great many Surrealist texts into English for Transition, the literary review edited by Eugene Jolas that was critical in linking British, American, and Continental avant-gardes.1 He also translated works for Nancy Cunard’s Negro Anthology (1934), including texts by André Breton, Benjamin Péret, René Crevel, and the Belgian poet and film-maker Ernest Moerman.2 Most important, however, were his translations for the “Surrealist Number” of This Quarter, a special issue co-edited by Edward Titus and André Breton in September, 1932 (vol. 5, no. 1). 3 It contains the greatest concentration of Surrealist texts translated by Beckett, especially literary texts; more than fifty out of the volume’s two hundred pages are assigned to him via the lapidary phrase: “rendered into English by Samuel Beckett” (TQ, 76, 98, 128, 165). 4 Introducing the special issue, Titus underscored its historical significance for Anglophone readers: modernism / modernity volume eighteen, number four, pp 739–753 © 2012
The Effects of State Alcohol and Pregnancy Policies on Women’s Health and Healthy Pregnancies

US states have enacted a wide range of laws to address health challenges associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Some have taken punitive approaches that restrain women’s behavior, and some have taken supportive approaches aimed at improving women’s health and supporting healthy pregnancies. In this article we report on a study of implementation of supportive and punitive policies when both types of policies operate simultaneously in the same jurisdiction. Effects of mixed use laws on multiple stakeholder groups, especially pregnant and postpartum women, are studied. We conclude by identifying how our findings can be extended for future comparative state research.
Functional organization of speech across the life span: A critique of generative phonology

Abstract Generative (Chomskyan) linguistics has a number of conceptual problems impeding its acceptance into modern cognitive science. A major issue centers on Uniformitarianism, the assumption that the supposed innate core of language – Universal Grammar – has remained the same since its instantaneous origin and remains basically the same (exhibits “continuity”) throughout ontogeny. Other problems, noted by George Miller, are emphasis on structure rather than function, on competence rather than performance, as well as the tendency to regard simplifications as explanations. We illustrate these problems in the domain of speech acquisition, which, rather than exhibiting continuity, involves a progression from a syllable reduplication mode to an opposite syllable variegation mode. We present an alternative Neodarwinian conceptualization – the Frame/Content theory – in which the time domain is central for both phylogeny and ontogeny. According to this theory the reduplication-to-variegation progression in the ontogeny of speech (from syllabic Frames to segmental Content) is considered to recapitulate its phylogeny.
Blood Mercury Levels of Zebra Finches Are Heritable: Implications for the Evolution of Mercury Resistance

Mercury is a ubiquitous metal contaminant that negatively impacts reproduction of wildlife and has many other sub-lethal effects. Songbirds are sensitive bioindicators of mercury toxicity and may suffer population declines as a result of mercury pollution. Current predictions of mercury accumulation and biomagnification often overlook possible genetic variation in mercury uptake and elimination within species and the potential for evolution in affected populations. We conducted a study of dietary mercury exposure in a model songbird species, maintaining a breeding population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) on standardized diets ranging from 0.0–2.4 μg/g methylmercury. We applied a quantitative genetics approach to examine patterns of variation and heritability of mercury accumulation within dietary treatments using a method of mixed effects modeling known as the 'animal model'. Significant variation in blood mercury accumulation existed within each treatment for birds exposed at the same dietary level; moreover, this variation was highly repeatable for individuals. We observed substantial genetic variation in blood mercury accumulation for birds exposed at intermediate dietary concentrations. Taken together, this is evidence that genetic variation for factors affecting blood mercury accumulation could be acted on by selection. If similar heritability for mercury accumulation exists in wild populations, selection could result in genetic differentiation for populations in contaminated locations, with possible consequences for mercury biomagnification in food webs.
Codon usage comparison of novel genes in clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae

A similarity statistic for codon usage was developed and used to compare novel gene sequences found in clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae with a reference set of 80 prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral genomes. These analyses were performed to obtain an indication as to whether individual genes were Haemophilus-like in nature, or if they probably had more recently entered the H.influenzae gene pool via horizontal gene transfer from other species. The average and SD values were calculated for the similarity statistics from a study of the set of all genes in the H.influenzae Rd reference genome that encoded proteins of 100 amino acids or longer. Approximately 80% of Rd genes gave a statistic indicating that they were most like other Rd genes. Genes displaying codon usage statistics >1 SD above this range were either considered part of the highly expressed group of H.influenzae genes, or were considered of foreign origin. An alternative determinant for identifying genes of foreign origin was when the similarity statistics produced a value that was much closer to a non-H.influenzae reference organism than to any of the Haemophilus species contained in the reference set. Approximately 65% of the novel sequences identified in the H.influenzae clinical isolates displayed codon usages most similar to Haemophilus sp. The remaining novel sequences produced similarity statistics closer to one of the other reference genomes thereby suggesting that these sequences may have entered the H.influenzae gene pool more recently via horizontal transfer.
Pedestrian crossing: The long and winding road toward fair cross-comparison of ICN quality

While numerous Information Centric Networking (ICN) architectures have been proposed over the last years, the community has so far only timidly attempted at a quantitative assessment of the relative quality of service level that users are expected to enjoy in each of them. This paper starts a journey toward the cross comparison of ICN alternatives, making several contributions along this road. Specifically, a census of 20 ICN software tools reveals that about 10 are dedicated to a specific architecture, about half of which are simulators. Second, we survey ICN research papers using simulation to gather information concerning the used simulator, finding that a large fraction either uses custom proprietary and unavailable software, or even plainly fails to mention any information on this regard, which is deceiving. Third, we cross-compare some of the available simulators, finding that they achieve consistent results, which is instead encouraging. Fourth, we propose a methodology to increase and promote cross-comparison, which is within reach but requires community-wide agreement, promotion and enforcement.
Antimicrobial activity of rosemary extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) against different species of Listeria

Reduction or elimination of chemically synthesized additives from foods is a current demand in food industry. A new approach to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms or protect food from oxidation is the use of essential oils or plant extracts as natural additives in foods. We have studied antimicrobial activity of rosemary extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) against different species of Listeria and against different strains of L. monocytogenes. We used two extracts of rosemary, VivOX 20 and VivOX 40 (Vitiva d.d., Slovenia) containing different levels of carnosic acid. We wanted to proof an antimicrobial activity of selected rosemary extracts with two most commonly used methods: disc diffusion method and broth dilution method. With the disc diffusion method we have obtained the inhibition zone and at the lowest concentrations, where no visible bacterial growth was recorded, were assumed as minimal inhibitory concentration values (MIC). We determined MIC values in the ranges from 625 g extract/ml EtOH to 5000 g extract/ml EtOH for VivOX 20 and from 312.5 g extract/ml EtOH do 2500 g extract/ml EtOH for VivOX 40 in the medium. We have established that the resistance of Listeria species against rosemary extracts depends on: selected extract, selected concentration, various species and strain of Listeria. With broth dilution method we have determined minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), as the concentration giving 0.1 % bacterial survival. With this method we have tested two strains of L. monocytogenes and in determinate MBC values in the range from 15.63 ? g/ml TSB to 98.5 ? g/ml TSB for both tested extracts. Results have confirmed our assumption that resistance of Listeria against rosemary extracts depended on the selected strain.
Basic research – Significance of detection and clinical impact of Candida albicans in non-immunosuppressed patients

Background: The clinical significance of the detection of Candida albicans on mucous membranes of the respiratory or intestinal tract from patients in intensive care units is still not finally clarified. Many patients reveal colonization, although, despite increased risk, there are only a few invasive infections detectable. Therefore, antimycotic therapy in this setting is strongly discouraged. In reality, however, many patients receive antimycotics as a pre-emptive therapy. To elucidate this point, a literature research was performed. Results: In the light of new results on the pathogenicity of C.albicans, the recommendation not to treat should be discussed anew. Without becoming invasive, C.albicans influences the immune system negatively in an anti-inflammatory sense (Th2) by means of at least two distinct mechanisms [action on toll like receptors (TLR), production of farnesol], which will be discussed. Conclusion: It is believed that patients in the phase of CARS or MARS can be further endangered by concomitant colonization of mucous membranes by C.albicans, i.e., in the sense of an anti-inflammatory immune response. Treatment with azole preparations, like fluconazole, which interacts with ergosterol synthesis in this phase of the disease, may trigger an additional effect on the patient, through increase of farnesol concentration by way of a negative feedback. Results of animal experiments on the immune system and concomitant therapeutic consequences indicate the need for verification through clinical trials.
Darwin Among the machines: The evolution of global intelligence

(technical evolutionism) does not necessarily result in more social morality (social evolutionism). But I do not suggest that we can blame Shurkin for not exploring this differing interpretation. After all, merging the technical and the social history of computing was not very typical for the first generation of the historiography of computing-Shurkin's generation. The title of this work comes from an essay by Samuel Butler published in 1863, which illustrates the reach of this work and the scholarship on which it is based. George Dyson collects, relates, and extends what he sees as evidence that biology and technology reveal " parallel tendencies toward collective, hierarchical processes based on information exchange " (p. 7)-an evolutionary process, hence the reference to Charles Darwin. The biological evidence collected comes from Smee and is packaged in a fairly traditional reading. This evidence is, however , melded and contrasted with materials from the writings of from the computing area, especially relating to concerns in the cognitive sciences. The objective is to illustrate that development in information processing can be explained in a Darwinian fashion similar to explanations in biology. Dyson states: As information is distributed, it tends to be represented (encoded) in increasingly economical (meaningful) forms. This evolutionary process, whereby the most economical or meaningful representation wins, leads to a hierarchy of languages , encoding meaning on levels that transcend comprehension by the system's individual components-whether genes, insects, microprocessors, or human minds (p. 8). Whether the reader concludes this is profound or bunkum depends on one's attitude toward the presupposition behind this extended essay. That presupposition is the placement of machines on a par with organic life. Acceptance of this presupposition sidesteps any need to justify areas like artificial intelligence and questioning about when machines with artificial intelligence equal or exceed human capability. Dyson is not talking about computer programs and the existence of qualities in these programs (unknown to the developers) that exhibit evolutionary steps when they are revealed, a point I have also heard argued by the late Allen Newell. His analysis is much deeper than that. He is looking to see if a principle akin to natural selection in biology is operating in the machine domain, and many of his justifications come from computing. We may be asking too much of the Darwinian principle of natural selection when we apply it to machines and nebulae. In-asmuch as Dyson includes examples from the …
Parity is associated with increased thyroid volume solely among smokers in an area with moderate to mild iodine deficiency.

OBJECTIVE Pregnancy has been suggested as part of the explanation of the gender difference in the prevalence of goitre, but opposing results have been reported on the association between pregnancy and goitre. We investigated the association between parity and thyroid volume and a possible impact of iodine deficiency and tobacco smoking on this association. DESIGN A comparative, cross-sectional study of 3712 women randomly sampled from the general population in two geographical areas with moderate and mild iodine deficiency. METHODS The participants answered questionnaires with an obstetric anamnesis, and ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed. Data were analysed in linear models and logistic regression analysis to adjust for age, iodine status, use of oral contraceptives and smoking habits. Women with present or recent pregnancies were excluded from the analyses. RESULTS A higher thyroid volume was found among parous than among nulliparous women (P=0.007). The association between parity and thyroid volume was strongest in the youngest age groups, in the region with the most severe iodine deficiency, and among smokers. No association was found between parity and the prevalence of solitary or multiple thyroid nodules. Number of births, age at menarche or menopause, the number of fertile years, and age at first childbirth were not associated with thyroid volume. CONCLUSION Pregnancy increases thyroid volume, particularly when combined with tobacco smoking and iodine deficiency. The effect is probably reversible seen over a spectrum of several years.
Examensarbete MEE 04-74 Real-Time Implementation of a Combined PCA-ICA Algorithm for Blind Source Separation

In this thesis we introduce and investigate a method combining Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) for Blind Source Separation (BSS). A recursive method for the PCA is applied to meet the demands of a real-time application, and for the ICA algorithm, the Information maximization principle is used. In an effort to address convolutive BSS, the separation is performed in the frequency domain. By doing so, the problem reduces to the simple instantaneous case, and existing instantaneous BSS model can be used. However, frequency domain BSS is subject to both permutation and scaling ambiguities. This thesis examines several methods to solve these problems, like Direction Of Arrival (DOA) and the Kurtosis. Furthermore, results are presented based on Matlab simulations as well as from a real-time implementation. Evaluations show that the combined PCA-ICA algorithm outperforms both the PCA and ICA alone. The algorithm was also successfully implemented in real-time with comparable noise suppression capability compared to Matlab implementation. Future work which include ways to improve efficiency of the algorithms is also discussed.