Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust low-power reconfigurable computing with a variation-aware preferential design approach

Reconfigurable hardware platforms, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), are being increasingly used in diverse embedded applications. These platforms often use high-density memory array, which suffer from variation-induced parametric failures. Such failures lead to incorrect operation and hence, loss in output quality for many signal processing applications. In this paper, we propose a preferential design approach at both application mapping and circuit level, which can significantly improve output quality as well as energy efficiency for signal processing applications under large parameter variations. The proposed mapping process considers the reliability map of a memory array and maps the important operations with respect to output quality to more reliable memory blocks under performance constraint. At circuit level, we exploit the read-dominant memory access pattern in reconfigurable platforms to skew the memory cells for better read stability leading to improved quality. Such an architecture/circuit co-design approach can also tolerate increased failure rate at low operating voltage, thus facilitating low-power operation.
Low Cost Multimodal Biometric identification System Based on Hand Geometry, Palm and Finger Print Texture

This paper presents a multimodal biometric identification system based on the combination of geometrical, palm and finger print features of the human hand. The right hand images are acquired by a commercial scanner with a 150 dpi resolution. The geometrical features are obtained from the binarized images and consist on 15 measures. A support vector machines is used as verifier. The palm print and finger texture are obtained by means of different 20 Gabor phase encoding schemes. A robust coordinate system is defined to assure the image alignment. A Hamming distance and threshold are used for verifying the identity. A feature, score and decision level fusion results have shown the improvement of the combined scheme.
Linear Programming Approach to Design of Link Mechanisms of Partially Rigid Frames

Various approaches have been developed for design and optimization of link mechanisms. Conventionally link mechanisms are designed using unstable units such as mechanical chains. Recently, some optimization and enumeration approaches have been developed utilizing graph theory, mixed integer programming, and nonlinear programming. However, it is still difficult to obtain an unstable mechanism that has one degree of kinematical indeterminacy and undergoes the desired mode of deformation. Furthermore, most of the recently developed methods can be applied to planar mechanism, or a spatial truss mechanism with universally rotatable joints. The authors have developed a method for finding a retractable structure that deforms from a planar structure to a desired three-dimensional shape [1,2]. The structure consists of beams connected by partially rigid three-dimensional joints; i.e., rotations in specific directions and/or torsion are partially released from a rigidly-jointed frame. In this study, we present a general approach to design of spatial link mechanism with partially rigid joints. An infinitesimal mechanism that undergoes the desired deformation is obtained by solving a linear programming problem to maximize the load factor under constraints on equilibrium and upperand lower-bound constraints on the member-end forces. Large-deformation analysis is then carried out to verify the geometrically nonlinear behavior. It is shown in the numerical examples that various mechanisms can be easily found using the proposed method.
The evolution of two stellar populations in globular clusters I. The dynamical mixing timescale

Aims. We investigate the long-term dynamical evolution of two distinct stellar populations of low-mass stars in globular clu sters in order to study whether the energy equipartition process can explain the high number of stars harbouring abundance anomalies seen in globular clusters. Methods. We analyse N-body models by artificially dividing the low-ma ss stars (m≤ 0.9 M⊙) into two populations: a small number of stars (second generation) consistent with an invariant I MF and with low specific energies initially concentrated tow ards the clustercentre mimic stars with abundance anomalies. These stars form from the slow winds of fast-rotating massive stars. The main part of low-mass (first generation) stars has the pristine composit ion of the cluster. We study in detail how the two populations evolve under the influence of two-body relaxation and the tidal forces due to the host galaxy. Results. Stars with low specific energy initially concentrated towar d the cluster centre need about two relaxation times to achieve a complete homogenisation throughout the cluster. For realistic globular clusters, the number ratio between the two populations increases only by a factor 2.5 due to the preferential evapor ation of the population of outlying first generation stars. W e also find that the loss of information on the stellar orbital angular momentum occurs on the same timescale as spatial homogenisation. Conclusions. To reproduce the high number of chemically anomalous stars in globular clusters by preserving an invariant IMF, more effi cient mechanisms such as primordial gas expulsion are needed to expel the stars in the outer cluster parts on a short times cale.
Cytokine formation within rat glomeruli during experimental endotoxemia.

Increasing evidence supports a role of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 in the development of endotoxin-induced acute renal failure. Several activities of these cytokines require a local rather than a systemic production and function. Thus, this study investigates the chronology of cytokine expression in glomeruli isolated from normal rats or rats given iv lipopolysaccharide injections. Detectable levels of TNF alpha could be found in glomeruli isolated from normal rats as assessed by L-929 fibroblast lytic assay and ELISA. Glomeruli isolated from rats given lipopolysaccharide transiently released increased amounts of TNF alpha in relation to the dose of lipopolysaccharide (10 to 500 micrograms/kg body wt) and the lag period between lipopolysaccharide injection and glomerular isolation (20 to 120 min). TNF alpha was released in similar amounts by glomeruli from normal rats that were exposed in vitro to lipopolysaccharide challenge (0.01 to 10 micrograms/mL), indicating that lipopolysaccharide had direct effects on the release of TNF alpha from glomerular cells. These cells consisted mainly of resident cells because reduction of glomerular infiltration by bone marrow-derived cells after the irradiation of normal rats did not affect TNF alpha release. Glomerular IL-1 and IL-6 production was evaluated by specific bioassays under identical conditions. No IL-1 activity could be detected in the medium or within the glomerular cells at any time within 120 min after lipopolysaccharide injection. By contrast, glomerular IL-6 production was induced after lipopolysaccharide challenge both in vivo and in vitro. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
What Do Small Businesses Do?

We show that most small business owners are very different from the entrepreneurs that economic models and policymakers often have in mind. Using new data that sample entrepreneurs just before they start their businesses, we show that few small businesses intend to bring a new idea to market or to enter an unserved market. Instead, most intend to provide an existing service to an existing market. Further, we find that most small businesses have little desire to grow big or to innovate in any observable way. We show that such behavior is consistent with the industry characteristics of the majority of small businesses, which are concentrated among skilled craftspeople, lawyers, real estate agents, health care providers, small shopkeepers, and restaurateurs. Lastly, we show that nonpecuniary benefits (being one's own boss, having flexibility of hours, and the like) play a first-order role in the business formation decision. Our findings suggest that the importance of entrepreneurial talent, entrepreneurial luck, and financial frictions in explaining the firm size distribution may be overstated. We conclude by discussing the potential policy implications of our findings.
Foreign exchange exposure in emerging markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the impact that unanticipated changes in the exchange rate, specifically the currency crises that took place in Latin America between 1998 and 2004, had on the value of Spanish companies operating in this region. It also studies the strategies, decisions, measures and initiatives that these firms made to improve the effectiveness of their hedging activities. Building upon previous studies in industrialised countries, the study applies a broader perspective as it takes a cross‐functional approach by including finance, strategic planning, marketing and operations management in the analysis.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses qualitative and quantitative analyses to reach its conclusions. The quantitative study involves a time series regression to calculate a foreign exchange exposure (FOREX) coefficient. The qualitative analysis uses a systematic approach to develop categories from the data gathered in the interviews. Finally, the conclusions from b.
Photovoltaic array performance model.

This document summarizes the equations and applications associated with the photovoltaic array performance model developed at Sandia National Laboratories over the last twelve years. Electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics for photovoltaic modules are included in the model, and the model is designed to use hourly solar resource and meteorological data. The versatility and accuracy of the model has been validated for flat-plate modules (all technologies) and for concentrator modules, as well as for large arrays of modules. Applications include system design and sizing, 'translation' of field performance measurements to standard reporting conditions, system performance optimization, and real-time comparison of measured versus expected system performance.
Examining the Role of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour in Information System Departments

IS staff interact with their non-IS colleagues for many reasons, such as investigating their IT needs, confirming system specifications, and during testing and training. These interactions build relationships that are relied upon when non-IS employees face challenges with using IT, manifested in the informal interaction between these two groups of employees. The IS literature has argued for the importance of better linkages between IS and business employees to build shared understanding and cross-domain knowledge, so as to enhance the level of business-IS alignment in an organization. However, most research has focused on improving the quality and frequency of communications. Very few studies have discussed the specific informal activities IS staff carry out to aid their non-IS colleagues. This limited attention on the behaviours of IS employees restricts our understanding of how positive interaction between IS and non-IS employees can be encouraged and how it affects the IS department’s performance. Drawing on the concept of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), we derive a set of IS-specific OCB by reviewing the literature and relate them to characteristics of IS departments and IS employees. Our research questions are: a) when is IS-specific OCB more likely to occur? How does IS-specific OCB affect the performance and reputation of the IS department or unit?
A world turned upside down : social ecological approaches to children in war zones

The contributors have extensive experience working with children in war zones across the world. The descriptions and dialogue are capable of drawing psychologists, policy makers, anthropologists, and peacemakers together. When wars are fought in the midst of civilian activity, as they so often are in poorer countries, the effects on children are devastating. "A World Turned Upside Down" looks at the experiences of children in war from a psychological perspective, specifically from a social ecologist's view, offering thoughtful observations and dispelling myths about what results from growing up in conflict situations. In contrast to individualized approaches, the volume offers a deeper conceptualization that shows the impacts of war as socially mediated. In this view, it is expected that two children exposed to the same traumatic experience (e.g., attack) may have different reactions and needs for psychosocial support. Further, psychosocial assistance to war-affected children often occurs not through the provision of therapy by outsiders but via support from insiders. Each contributor has worked extensively with children in war zones in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. They step back from viewing these children as victims of trauma, soldiers, or refugees, and reveal a holistic understanding of their experiences within their families and communities. Knowing these social connections, they argue, helps pinpoint ways of fostering well-being and even reducing further violence.
Comparison of unitary transforms using Franson interferometry

Unknown unitary transforms may be compared to each other in a way which makes it possible to obtain an unambiguous answer, indicating that the transforms are different, already after a single application of each transform. Quantum comparison strategies may be useful for example if we want to test the performance of individual gates in a quantum information or quantum computing network. It is then possible to check for errors by comparing the elements to a master copy of the gate, instead of performing a complete tomography of the gate. In this paper we propose a versatile linear optical implementation based on the Franson interferometer with short and long arms. A click in the wrong output port unambiguously determines that the tested gate is faulty. This set-up can also be used for a variety of other tasks, such as confirming that the two transforms do not commute or do not anticommute.
Predicting the Probability of Correct Classification ; CU-CS-974-04

We propose a formulation for binary classiﬁcation, called the Probabilistic CDF algorithm, that both makes a classiﬁcation prediction, and estimates the probability that the classiﬁcation is correct. Our model space consists of the widely used basis function models (which includes support vector machines and other kernel classiﬁers). Our formulation is based on using existing algorithms (such as SVM) to build the classi-ﬁers, and therefore achieves state of the art classiﬁcation accuracy, while at the same time giving accurate estimates point speciﬁc probabilities of correct classiﬁcation. We further demonstrate that the Probabilistic CDF algorithm can improve the overall classiﬁcation accuracy of an existing basis function classiﬁer by appropriate local modiﬁcation the decision boundary. Our framework is theoretically justiﬁed and empirical evaluations show promising results.
ZCN8 encodes a potential orthologue of Arabidopsis FT florigen that integrates both endogenous and photoperiod flowering signals in maize

Higher plants use multiple perceptive measures to coordinate flowering time with environmental and endogenous cues. Physiological studies show that florigen is a mobile factor that transmits floral inductive signals from the leaf to the shoot apex. Arabidopsis FT protein is widely regarded as the archetype florigen found in diverse plant species, particularly in plants that use inductive photoperiods to flower. Recently, a large family of FT homologues in maize, the Zea CENTRORADIALIS (ZCN) genes, was described, suggesting that maize also contains FT-related proteins that act as a florigen. The product of one member of this large family, ZCN8, has several attributes that make it a good candidate as a maize florigen. Mechanisms underlying the floral transition in maize are less well understood than those of other species, partly because flowering in temperate maize is dependent largely on endogenous signals. The maize indeterminate1 (id1) gene is an important regulator of maize autonomous flowering that acts in leaves to mediate the transmission or production of florigenic signals. This study finds that id1 acts upstream of ZCN8 to control its expression, suggesting a possible new link to flowering in day-neutral maize. Moreover, in teosinte, a tropical progenitor of maize that requires short-day photoperiods to induce flowering, ZCN8 is highly up-regulated in leaves under inductive photoperiods. Finally, vascular-specific expression of ZCN8 in Arabidopsis complements the ft-1 mutation, demonstrating that leaf-specific expression of ZCN8 can induce flowering. These results suggest that ZCN8 may encode a florigen that integrates both endogenous and environmental signals in maize.
A Clathrin Independent Macropinocytosis-Like Entry Mechanism Used by Bluetongue Virus-1 during Infection of BHK Cells

Acid dependent infection of Hela and Vero cells by BTV-10 occurs from within early-endosomes following virus uptake by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (Forzan et al., 2007: J Virol 81: 4819–4827). Here we report that BTV-1 infection of BHK cells is also dependent on a low endosomal pH; however, virus entry and infection were not inhibited by dominant-negative mutants of Eps15, AP180 or the ‘aa’ splice variant of dynamin-2, which were shown to inhibit clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In addition, infection was not inhibited by depletion of cellular cholesterol, which suggests that virus entry is not mediated by a lipid-raft dependent process such as caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Although virus entry and infection were not inhibited by the dominant-negative dynamin-2 mutant, entry was inhibited by the general dynamin inhibitor, dynasore, indicating that virus entry is dynamin dependent. During entry, BTV-1 co-localised with LAMP-1 but not with transferrin, suggesting that virus is delivered to late-endosomal compartments without first passing through early-endosomes. BTV-1 entry and infection were inhibited by EIPA and cytochalasin-D, known macropinocytosis inhibitors, and during entry virus co-localised with dextran, a known marker for macropinocytosis/fluid-phase uptake. Our results extend earlier observations with BTV-10, and show that BTV-1 can infect BHK cells via an entry mechanism that is clathrin and cholesterol-independent, but requires dynamin, and shares certain characteristics in common with macropinocytosis.
Maternal bereavement in the antenatal period and oral cleft in the offspring.

STUDY QUESTION Is maternal bereavement (emotional stress) due to loss of a close relative in the antenatal period associated with the risk of oral cleft in the offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study suggests prenatal maternal bereavement is associated with an increased risk of oral cleft in the offspring, especially when the bereavement was due to a sudden death or death of a child. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The aetiology of oral cleft is unknown but includes both genetic and environmental causes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION We performed a population-based cohort study based on several national registers in Denmark from 1978 to 2008. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Our final study population consisted of 1 771 663 children. Of these 35 118 (2%) were born to mothers who experienced bereavement in the exposure window from 1 year before pregnancy to the end of the first trimester. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 3043 children were diagnosed with a cleft; 968 with cleft lip, 1206 with cleft lip and palate and 869 with a cleft palate. For overall bereavement the prevalence was 1.7 per 1 000 live born in the unexposed children and 2.2 per 1 000 live born in the exposed children. Overall, maternal bereavement due to the death of a close relative from 1 year before conception to the end of the first trimester was associated with a significantly increased risk of oral cleft [odds ratio (OR): 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01; 1.61). When mothers lost a relative due to a sudden death, the risk of oral cleft in the offspring was higher (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.06; 2.94). Losing a relative in the time period before pregnancy and during the first trimester showed a tendency to an increased risk. The risk increase was 77% when the mother was bereaved due to sudden death and the estimation was robust in different analytical strategies. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It is a limitation that we only studied live born children, but most children with isolated oral cleft would survive their pregnancy and birth. Since oral cleft are rare and despite the large study population, we still had a relatively small number of cases, which results in limited power to detect small differences. We did not have actual measurements of the maternal cortisol concentration, but we believe that bereavement due to death of a close relative produces a strong stress reaction in most people. Also we did not have the opportunity to adjust for intake of folic acid and use of anti-depressant; however, analysis in a subset of the data showed no difference in these intakes between exposed and unexposed mothers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS With this study we add a large-scale human cohort study to the body of literature on stress and birth defects. Our study is in agreement with previously published results and can be generalized to similar populations like the native Danish population. Severe stress may be added to the list of potential causes for oral cleft.
Wanted: Systems Abstractions for SDN

This paper presents a case for applying the principles of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to middleboxes and end hosts. The challenges of configuring networking on network hosts resemble those addressed by SDN - numerous multi-vendor components, each with its own syntax and idiosyncratic corner cases, must be orchestrated smoothly. We have developed a prototype called NativeClick, a novel use of the Click Modular Router language, to orchestrate Linux networking tools. NativeClick demonstrates that, while existing SDN efforts have produced insufficient Abstractions to cover a wide range of networking behavior, SDN-like abstractions can make host configurations modular.
The power of threats in stochastic gamesF

In the theory of limiting average reward innnitely repeated games the Folk-theorem tells us that any feasible and individually rational reward can be achieved as an equilibrium reward. The standard proof of this theorem involves pure strategies that yield this reward and threats to prevent the opponent from deviating his pure strategy. In stochastic games it is not always possible to apply threats in a similar fashion, since a deviation may take play to a diierent state at which punishment is ineeective. Nevertheless, threats allow us to formulate suucient, and quite general, conditions for the existence of limiting average-equilibria.
The developing of Active English Learning System for Local Entrepreneurs

As Thailand is the country of tourism and also a part of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), concurrently, English is one of essential communication tools between Thai people and foreigners, and Thai government encourages their population to improve English language capability to take more opportunities and advantages. The purpose of this project is to study and understand adult learning process, and developing online learning system to support English vocabulary and conversation learning relevant to users daily life from authentic situation for local entrepreneurs who have no experience in English, which is denominate as Active English Learning System for Local Entrepreneurs. To evaluate the effectiveness of the system for vocabulary acquisition with pretest scores, posttest scores, and recall test scores improving after learning, in parallel with estimate satisfactions of users in simulated conversation situations. Learning under learner's interest and relevant experiences will motivate and increase intention of learners.