Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Area-Efficient FPGA Overlay using DSP Block based Time-multiplexed Functional Units

Coarse grained overlay architectures improve FPGA design productivity by providing fast compilation and software-like programmability. Throughput oriented spatially configurable overlays typically suffer from area overheads due to the requirement of one functional unit for each compute kernel operation. Hence, these overlays have often been of limited size, supporting only relatively small compute kernels while consuming considerable FPGA resources. This paper examines the possibility of sharing the functional units among kernel operations for reducing area overheads. We propose a linear interconnected array of time-multiplexed FUs as an overlay architecture with reduced instruction storage and interconnect resource requirements, which uses a fully-pipelined, architecture-aware FU design supporting a fast context switching time. The results presented show a reduction of up to 85% in FPGA resource requirements compared to existing throughput oriented overlay architectures, with an operating frequency which approaches the theoretical limit for the FPGA device.
Exploring student adaptation to new learning environments: some unexpected outcomes

The emerging knowledge-based society is transforming pedagogical practices in the post-compulsory education sector. One feature of this transformation is the substantial investment in new learning environments (NLEs), characterised by decreasing use of face-to-face teaching and a corresponding increase in use of information and communication technologies. While the rapid evolution of NLEs has been driven by economic/commercial forces and technological advances, and advocates claim enhanced learning outcomes, there is little critical understanding of' how this is achieved or manifested. This paper reports empirically-based research that is seeking to develop a grounded understanding, from the learners' perspective, of the effects of participation in NLEs. The research site is an Australian purpose-built flexible learning mode university campus where web-based resources augment on-campus face-to-face activities. The research design involves a three-year longitudinal study of students, tracking their developmental patterns in perceptions, attitudes and beliefs. Data collection involves annual measures of learning approaches, perceptions of learning environments and epistemological reflections, along with biannual group interviews. Outcomes of aspects of the first year data are reported. highlighting patterns in students' reactions not evident in previous literature and which have potentially significant pedagogical implications.
Configuration space impedance control for continuum manipulators

Despite their intrinsic structural compliance, a safe interaction of continuum robots with their environment requires a control strategy that is able to manage the compliant motion properly. This paper presents a peculiar strategy of application of the impedance control based on kinematic and dynamic models of the manipulator's sections. The control approach is able to deal with unpredicted contacts which can occur in unknown locations along the whole manipulator while the resulting contact forces don't need to be measured or estimated. The control concept is applied to a single section of the Bionic Handling Assistant, but its application can be extended to all the continuum robots modeled with the piecewise constant curvature approach.
Design and Evaluation of Ethyl Cellulose Based Matrix Tablets of Ibuprofen with pH Modulated Release Kinetics

Controlled release preparations have been reported to reduce the gastro irritant and ulcerogenic effects of non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In the present study, an attempt was made to develop matrix tablet-based controlled release formulations of ibuprofen, using ethyl cellulose as the rate-controlling polymer. In order to prevent initial release of the drug in the acidic environment of the stomach, cellulose acetate phthalate was incorporated in the matrix in varying amounts. It was found that with increasing the proportion of ethyl cellulose in the matrix, the drug release was extended for 14-16 h. Incorporation of cellulose acetate phthalate in ethyl cellulose matrix provided very low initial release of the drug in the first 2-3 h followed by enhanced release rate in alkaline medium owing to the high solubility of cellulose acetate phthalate at basic pH which led to creation of a porous matrix. It was concluded that combination of cellulose acetate phthalate with ethyl cellulose in the matrix base can be an effective means of developing a controlled release formulation of ibuprofen with very low initial release followed with controlled release up to 14-16 h.
Signal coding and reconstruction using deterministic spiking neurons

The problem of deterministieally coding a continuous time signal using an ensemble of spike trains is addressed. Coding is defined with an eye toward “efficiency”, defined as a trade-off between the number of spikes in the code and the quality of the code operationalized using the notion of reconstruction error. It is shown that inverting the coding model leads to a reconstruction procedure that amounts to a constrained optimization problem. A class of coding models is considered that makes the coding procedure biologically plausible while at the same time making the reconstruction problem tractable. It is demonstrated that the reconstruction error depends acutely on the coding model. This tight coupling is then used to describe a procedure that learns a coding model of improved efficiency. Experiments on a corpus of voice data validate the strength of our approach.
System identification of locomotive diesel engines with autoregressive neural network

As a complex nonlinear system, modeling analysis is an important method to the research of the static and dynamic characters of the locomotive diesel engines. Also the model facing the control behavior verification can be used in the electronic control unit's HIL(hardware-in-the-loop) simulation which can lessen the cost and uncertain factors in the later platform experiments. With the mode of system identification, this paper builds the dynamic model of the diesel with neural network. Aiming at the nonlinear character of the diesel with large inertia, the paper uses NARMAX(Nonlinear Auto-Regressive Moving Average with eXogenous inputs) as the main structure and uses LM(Levenberg-Marquardt) algorithm to train the network. In order to overcome the redundancy of the network structure caused by the artificial experience, this paper puts forward the Time Cycle Comparison method to determine the ranks of the input signals and uses the Optimal Brain Surgeon strategy to optimize the network structure. The simulation results proves that this method can eliminate the redundancy and improve the generalization capability of the network commendably under the same output error scopes. Comparison between the train results and the measured results shows that the dynamic model has the good real-time performances and little output error. So the model can meet the need of the system character analysis and technology application.
An Account for Implementing Just-in-time: A Case Study of the Automotive Industry in China

Just-in-time (JIT) has been a popular operation strategy partly because of its success in the japanese automobile industry. Various benefits such as inventory reduction, improved operations efficiency, and faster response, have been studied widely in previous studies. Therefore, successful implementation of JIT is vital to many companies. This research makes use of a case study to explore five key research themes, which are information system, production planning, inventory management, quality management, and suppliers management, and the success factors surrounding implementation of JIT for an automotive company. This case study also provides evidences for supporting the benefits of employing JIT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect relevant data. The research finding indicates that JIT system is crucial for the success of automobile companies, and operates JIT system can lead to many advantages to the case company. The major contribution of this paper lies in the discussions of the successful factors as a practical guide to implement JIT systems.
Genetics of Opioid Dependence: A Review of the Genetic Contribution to Opioid Dependence

This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the impact of opioid dependence and the contribution of genetics to opioid dependence. Epidemiological data demonstrate that opioid dependence is a global trend with far-reaching effects on the social, economic, and health care systems. A review of classical genetic studies of opioid use suggests significant heritability of drug use behavior, however the evidence from molecular genetic studies is inconclusive. Nonetheless, certain genetic variants are important to consider given their role in the pathophysiology of addictive behavior. We undertook a literature review to identify the current state of knowledge regarding the role of genes in opioid dependence. Determining the association of genetic markers could change the current understanding of the various factors contributing to opioid dependence and therefore may improve recognition of individuals at risk for the disorder and prevention and treatment strategies.
Ranolazine as Antiarrhythmic Agent

Ranolazine which has been approved for use an anti-anginal agent has been shown to have anti-arrhythmic properties both in experimental and clinical studies. Several case studies have shown the use of ranolazine in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, some even as a ‘pill in the pocket’ approach. MERLIN-TIMI 36, a randomized study of acute coronary syndrome, showed lower incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in the ranolazine arm. The most important anti-arrhythmic mechanism of of ranolazine is thought to be mediated by atrial-selective inhibition of peak sodium current (INaL) and inhibition of late INa in both atria and ventricles. The recent reclassification of anti-arrhythmic agents has designated drugs with this action in Class Id. There is clinical and experimental evidence for the potential use of ranolazine in congenital long QT syndrome 3. The recent RAID trial, a randomized evaluation of ranolazine in high risk patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator and either ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy showed a marginally significant reduction of recurrent ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The potential risk of ranolazine-induced torsade de pointes in view of mild prolongation of QT interval has not been well confirmed, with only a single case report suggesting possible association. But the patient had other confounding factors including treatment with fluoxetine, amiodarone and diuretics causing hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia which are well known to cause torsade de pointes.
Soy Oligosaccharides and Soluble Non-starch Polysaccharides: A Review of Digestion, Nutritive and Anti-nutritive Effects in Pigs and Poultry

Soybean contains a high concentration of carbohydrates that consist mainly of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and oligosaccharides. The NSP can be divided into insoluble NSP (mainly cellulose) and soluble NSP (composed mainly of pectic polymers, which are partially soluble in water). Monogastric animals do not have the enzymes to hydrolyze these carbohydrates, and thus their digestion occurs by means of bacterial fermentation. The fermentation of soybean carbohydrates produces short chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by animals. The utilization efficiency of the carbohydrates is related to the chemical structure, the level of inclusion in the diet, species and age of the animal. In poultry, soluble NSP can increase digesta viscosity, reduce the digestibility of nutrients and depress growth performance. In growing pigs, these effects, in particular the effect on gut viscosity, are often not so obvious. However, in weaning piglets, it is reported that soy oligosaccharides and soluble NSP can cause detrimental effects on intestinal health. In monogastrics, consideration must be given to the anti-nutritive effect of the NSP on nutrient digestion and absorption on one hand, as well as the potential benefits or detriments of intestinal fermentation products to the host. This mirrors the needs for i) increasing efficiency of utilization of fibrous materials in monogastrics, and ii) the maintenance and improvement of animal health in antibiotic-free production systems, on the other hand. For example, ethanol/water extraction removes the low molecular weight carbohydrate fractions, such as the oligosaccharides and part of the soluble pectins, leaving behind the insoluble fraction of the NSP, which is devoid of anti-nutritive activities. The resultant product is a high quality soy protein concentrate. This paper presents the composition and chemical structures of carbohydrates present in soybeans and discusses their nutritive and anti-nutritive effects on digestion and absorption of nutrients in pigs and poultry.
Himalayan honey loaded iron oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and study of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Background: Himalayan honey, a natural product of wild honey bees found in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal, has been used in medicine for many years. The successful development of nanotechnology and beneficial effects of honey would bring a new opportunity to synthesize hybrid nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Thus, the purpose of this study was to load Himalayan honey onto iron oxide nanoparticles (IO-NPs) and study their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Methods: Himalayan honey loaded iron oxide nanoparticles (HHLIO-NPs) were synthesized and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed for characterization. UV-VIS spectra confirmed the loading of honey onto nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity of these nanoparticles was studied against 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical system. We also tested antimicrobial activity of HHLIO-NPs using well diffusion method towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains of Staphylococus aureus & Escherichia coli. Results: From XRD analysis, the average particle size was found to be 33–40 nm. The SEM images show needle shape porous structures of HHLIO-NPs compared to free IO-NPs indicating the surfactant-like behaviour of honey. In DPPH radical system, the scavenging activities of Himalayan honey (HH), free IO-NPs and HHLIO-NPs ranged 7.93-35.99%, 11.02-52.02% and 16.10-80.52% respectively, with corresponding IC50 values of 1.36 mg/mL, 1.09 mg/mL and 0.52 mg/mL. The antimicrobial property of all test samples showed a noteworthy inhibition on both bacterial strains. However, the HH and HHLIO-NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli. Conclusion: This work reveals that the biological activity of HH is enhanced significantly after loading into IO-NPs. Thus, the HHLIO-NPs would be a promising alternative for antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.
Surface EMG Signal Amplification and Filtering

Electromyographic (EMG) signals have been widely employed as a control signal in rehabilitation and a means of diagnosis in health care. Signal amplification and filtering is the first step in surface EMG signal processing and application systems. The characteristics of the amplifiers and filters determine the quality of EMG signals. Up until now, searching for better amplification and filtering circuit design that is able to accurately capture the features of surface EMG signals for the intended applications is still a challenging. With the fast development in computer sciences and technologies, EMG signals are expected to be used and integrated within small or even tiny intelligent, automatic, robotic, and mechatronics systems. This research focused on small size amplification and filtering circuit design for processing surface EMG signals from an upper limb and aimed to fix the amplifiers and filters inside a robotic hand with limited space to command and control the robot hand movement. The research made a study on the commonly used methodologies for EMG signal processing and circuitry design and proposed a circuit design for EMG signal amplification and filtering. High-pass filters including secondorder and fourth-order with the suppression to low frequency noises are studied. The analysis, verification and experiment showed that a second-order high-pass filter can adequately suppress the low frequency noises. The proposed amplification and filtering circuit design is able to effectively clean the noises and collect the useful surface EMG signals from an upper limb. The experiment also clearly revealed that power line interference needs to be carefully handled for higher signalnoise-ratio (SNR) as a notch-filter might cause the loss of useful signal components. Commercial computer software such as LabView and Matlab were used for data acquisition software development and data analysis. General Terms EMG data acquisition, Bio-signal processing, Bio-informatics
High Cell Density Upregulates Calcium Oscillation by Increasing Calcium Store Content via Basal Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activity

Calcium releases of non-excitable cells are generally a combination of oscillatory and non-oscillatory patterns, and factors affecting the calcium dynamics are still to be determined. Here we report the influence of cell density on calcium increase patterns of clonal cell lines. The majority of HeLa cells seeded at 1.5 x 104/cm2 showed calcium oscillations in response to histamine and ATP, whereas cells seeded at 0.5 x 104/cm2 largely showed transient and sustained calcium increases. Cell density also affected the response of HEK293 cells to ATP in a similar manner. High cell density increased the basal activity of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and calcium store content, and both calcium oscillation and calcium store content were down-regulated by a MAP kinase inhibitor, U0126. Thus, MAP kinase-mediated regulation of calcium store likely underlie the effect of cell density on calcium oscillation. Calcium increase patterns of HeLa cells were conserved at any histamine concentrations tested, whereas the overexpression of histamine H1 receptor, which robustly increased histamine-induced inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, converted calcium oscillations to sustained calcium increases only at high histamine concentrations. Thus, the consequence of modulating inositol phospholipid metabolism was distinct from that of changing cell density, suggesting the effect of cell density is not attributed to inositol phospholipid metabolism. Collectively, our results propose that calcium increase patterns of non-excitable cells reflect calcium store, which is regulated by the basal MAP kinase activity under the influence of cell density.
A global decentralized control strategy for urban vehicle platooning relying solely on monocular vision

Automated electric vehicles available in free access constitute a promising very efficient and environment-friendly “urban transportation system”. An additional functionali ty that could enhance this transportation service is vehicle platoning. In order to avoid oscillations within the platoon when completing this task, a global control strategy, supportedby inter-vehicle communications, is investigated. Vehicle a bsolute localization is then needed and is here derived from monocul ar vision. These data are however expressed in a virtual vision world, slightly distorted with respect to the actual metric one. It is shown that such a distortion can accurately be correcte d by designing a nonlinear observer relying on odometric data . A global decentralized control strategy, relying on exact li nearization techniques, can then be designed to achieve accurate ve hicle platooning. Simulations and full-scale experiments demon strate the performance of the proposed approach.
A Novel Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Hyperchaotic System and Shuffling Scheme

We propose an improved image encryption algorithm based on hyper chaotic system and permutation-diffusion structure. In the permutation process, the algorithm introduces plain-text feedback mechanism that makes the permutation effect not only associated with the chaotic sequences, but also related to plain-text. And in the diffusion process, the algorithm introduces both cipher-text and plain-text feedback mechanisms to diffuse the permuted image. All of these methods make the mapping-relationship between cipher-text and plain-text as well as secret keys more complex. At last, the security analysis such as key space analysis, histograms, correlation coefficients, information entropy, key sensitivity analysis, plaintext sensitivity, speed analysis. We also perform series evaluation experiments, experimental results show that the proposed image encryption scheme is of very good performance on security and reliability, with high potential to be adopted for the secure image communication applications.
Fingerprinting for Copyright Protection in P2P Context

Despite the immense potential of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks in facilitating collaborative applications, they are generally considered to be free havens for pirated multimedia content. Ensuring the proper distribution and usage of multimedia content in P2P networks has become increasingly critical. Encryption can provide multimedia contents with the desired security during transmission, which disappears after they are decrypted. Digital fingerprinting is an emerging technology to protect multimedia data from illegal redistribution, where each distributed copy is labeled with unique identification information. In this paper, we propose a fingerprinting scheme for copyright protection of P2P systems, where each user gets a slightly different version of the same content.
PENGARUH PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT (POS) TERHADAP ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR (OCB) DENGAN ORGANIZATIONAL TRUST SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING DI HYPERMART ROYAL PLAZA SURABAYA

Organizational citizenship cehavior yang tinggi merupakan harapan semua organisasi agar dapat bersaing dengan organisasi lainnya, tidak terkecuali Hypermart Royal Plaza. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh perceived organizational oupport (POS) terhadap organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) melalui organizational trust sebagai variabel intervening di Hypermart Royal Plaza Surabaya. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif dan pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik kuesioner yang disebar pada 94 karyawan Hypermart Royal Plaza Surabaya. Teknik analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Path Analysis . Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa perceived organizational support (POS) memiliki pengaruh terhadap organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) melalui organizational trust sebagai variabel intervening.