Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of algorithm-based fault tolerance to high-level synthesis of signal flow graphs

Algorithm based fault tolerance techniques have been used for systolic processors and general purpose multiprocessors. In this paper, we have applied an algorithm based fault tolerance technique to high-level synthesis of signal flow graphs. The technique incorporates reliability into synthesized DSP filters. Given a Signal Flow Graph representation for these filters, our schemes synthesize a reliable schedule for the operations in them and allocate functional units to the operations subject to hardware and reliability constraints. We impose reliability constraints to avoid compensating errors in fault detection. Our first scheme uses the well known duplicate and compare approach, while the second uses a novel linearity based checking approach used in algorithm based fault tolerance methods for matrix computations. The schemes have been implemented and results obtained by using them on sample signal flow graphs are presented. These results show the linearity based scheme to have a low time overhead. For example, this scheme takes about 10% extra time for the reliable synthesis of a 10th order IIR filter. Our proposed work extends previous work in the area in three directions: (1) use of linearity based checks, over duplication based checks, (2) handling cyclic flow graphs, over previous proposals for acyclic graphs, and (3) reliability constrained hardware mapping. Extensions of the schemes to nonlinear flow graphs is also proposed.
Trends in high performance data conversion

A/D and D/A converters with ever higher performance in terms of conversion rate and dynamic range are required in digital signal processing and communications systems. This paper reviews the architectures and circuit techniques underlying monolithic Nyquist rate CMOS and bipolar data converters, with emphasis on considerations of high-speed, wide dynamic range, and low power dissipation. <<ETX>>
Design and Implementation of Web Crawler Wrappers to Collect User Reviews on Shopping Mall with Various Hierarchical Tree Structure

In this study, the wrapper database description language and model is suggested to collect product reviews from Korean shopping malls with multi-layer structures and are built in a variety of web languages. Above all, the wrapper based web crawlers have the website structure information to bring the exact desired data. The previously suggested wrapper based web crawler can collect HTML documents and the hierarchical structure of the target documents were only 2-3 layers. However, the Korean shopping malls in the study consist of not only HTML documents but also of various web language (JavaScript, Flash, and AJAX), and have a 5-layer hierarchical structure. A web crawler should have information about the review pages in order to visit the pages without visiting any non-review pages. The proposed wrapper contains the location information of review pages. We also propose a language grammar used in describing the location information.
Simulating distributed elements with asymptotic waveform evaluation

A novel method for simulating distributed elements is described. The asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE) technique is used to compute a low-order approximation to the admittance matrix for a system of coupled lossy lines. The Y-matrix can serve as a macromodel for the lines, so that they can be simulated together with arbitrary (nonlinear) terminations. A major advantage of the proposed method is that it allows general distributed elements to be simulated in the time domain without using computationally expensive lumped models or numerical inverse transform techniques. In addition, a novel frequency-shifting technique is introduced which can lead to more accurate AWE approximations. <<ETX>>
Control of a rigid robot using an uncalibrated stereo vision system

A supervisor of the estimator-based type together with a certainty equivalence control is proposed for controlling the position of a rigid robot in a prescribed workspace using data observed by two uncalibrated video cameras. By exploiting a well known algebraic relationship from the computer vision field (the epipolar constraint), the supervisor is able to falsify or eliminate over time, unpromising candidate camera models.
Investigation on Handoff Performance of Mobility Support Protocols

Handoff is an important research topic of mobility support protocols. It has great effects on the performance and quality-of-service of mobile networks. Based on appropriate network model and handoff model, the handoff performance of various mobility support protocols is deeply studied and compared through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The comparisons are made between mobile IP and micro-mobility protocol, and between different micro-mobility protocols. The results show that wireless network parameters and route update algorithms of mobility support protocols affect the handoff performance. The handoff performance when applying micro-mobility protocols is better than when only using Mobile IP. In all micro-mobility protocols, the route update
Aeronautical Channel Characterization

This paper is concerned with characterizing the link between an airplane and a satellite. Attention is focused on the effect of indirect paths scattered from the surface of the earth. Applicable propagation-theoretic and system function-theoretic work is reviewed and integrated. Some new and some known expressions for channel correlation functions are presented for the "steepest descent" channel model.
A Clustering Algorithm Based on Variance-Similarity

Clustering algorithms, like K-means Algorithm, use distances in attribute space to cluster data. However the computation of distances in attribute space influences the accuracy. So innovatively, Variance-Similarity clustering algorithm defines similarity as a function of the attribute variance, and clusters data by the comparison of similarities. In computer simulation, the comparison of Variance-Similarity Algorithm and K-means Algorithm on UCI data sets presents that Variance-Similarity Algorithm has a better clustering accuracy than K-means Algorithm.
An Efficient PAB‐Based Query Indexing for Processing Continuous Queries on Moving Objects

Existing methods to process continuous range queries are not scalable. In particular, as the number of continuous range queries on a large number of moving objects becomes larger, their performance degrades significantly. We propose a novel query indexing method called the projected attribute bit (PAB)‐based query index. We project a two‐dimensional continuous range query on each axis to get two one‐dimensional bit lists. Since the queries are transformed to bit lists and query evaluation is performed by bit operations, the storage cost of indexing and query evaluation time are reduced significantly. Through various experiments, we show that our method outperforms the containment‐encoded squares‐based indexing method, which is one of the most recently proposed methods.
Randomized Clinical Stroke Trials In 2008

Problem statement: Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability; estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke for 2009 was $68.9 billion. Approach: The objective of this review was to examine the effectiveness of emerging pharmacotherapies in patients with acute (≤2 weeks), sub-acute (2-12 weeks) and chronic (≥12 weeks) stroke studied in Randomized Control Trials (RCT's) published in 2008. Medline search was performed to identify all RCT’s in acute, sub-acute and chronic stroke treatment in the year 2008. The search strategy used for PubMed included key words such as Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), Stroke OR cerebrovascular disorders OR CVA, Ischemic stroke OR ischemia, Hemorrhage OR intraparenchymal hemorrhage OR subarachnoid hemorrhage, Thrombolytics OR tissue plasminogen activator OR alteplase OR t-PA, Diabetes mellitus OR hyperglycaemia, Hypertension OR raised blood pressure, Aspirin OR anti-platelets, Warfarin OR anticoagulant, Antidepressants, Neuroprotectants and Coiling OR stents OR endovascular. Search limits included Human, Adult (age >19 years), English language and Publication date: 1/1/2008 to 12/31/2008. Results: Eleven categories of 21 RCT’s were found and analyzed. Conclusion/Recommendations: There is sufficient evidence to suggest that: (1) extending the time-window for administration of alteplase from 3-4.5 h after stroke onset does improve clinical outcome; (2) treatment of hypertension in the elderly does reduce rate of stroke, cardiac failure and death from stroke and (3) at present there are no neuroprotectants on the horizon.
Sympathetic skin responses in hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy and familial amyloid neuropathy are different

We compared the clinical and electrophysiological findings in seven patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) and six with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type I (HSAN). Both groups had progressive loss of pain and temperature appreciation, beginning distally in the feet. In HSAN, the median sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) were lost early, but the sympathetic skin responses (SSR) were always preserved. In FAP, the SSR were lost at an early stage. The SSR may thus help to distinguish between these two causes of small‐fiber neuropathy early in the course of the disorder. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 22: 1283–1286, 1999
Scheduling multi-rate sessions in TDM wavelength-routing networks

Wavelength utilization in WDM wavelength routing networks can be improved by time division multiplexing sessions on each wavelength, and switching time slots and wavelengths. In this paper, we consider the problem of assigning time slots and wavelengths to a given set of multi-rate sessions in bus and ring topologies. Given a set of sessions and their time slot requirements, our objective is to maximize the network throughput. Bounds on frame length, and hence network throughput, under two different scheduling constraints are presented. Simulation results using a simple assignment algorithm that achieves near-optimal frame lengths in rings are also presented.
Information Systems: Foundation of E-Business

From the Publisher: Information Systems, 4/E, emphasizes the essential role of information systems in the works systems through which today's businesses operate. Understanding information systems from a business perspective is essential for understanding e-commerce and e-business. Chapter topics include information and databases; types of information systems; customer, product, and e-commerce; human and ethical issues; computers in a networked world; software, programming and artificial intelligence; networks and telecommunications; information systems planning; building and maintaining information systems; and e-business security and control. For professionals in the field of information systems.
Improved Extension Neural Network and Its Applications

Extension neural network (ENN) is a new neural network that is a combination of extension theory and artificial neural network (ANN). The learning algorithm of ENN is based on supervised learning algorithm. One of important issues in the field of classification and recognition of ENN is how to achieve the best possible classifier with a small number of labeled training data. Training data selection is an effective approach to solve this issue. In this work, in order to improve the supervised learning performance and expand the engineering application range of ENN, we use a novel data selection method based on shadowed sets to refine the training data set of ENN. Firstly, we use clustering algorithm to label the data and induce shadowed sets. Then, in the framework of shadowed sets, the samples located around each cluster centers (core data) and the borders between clusters (boundary data) are selected as training data. Lastly, we use selected data to train ENN. Compared with traditional ENN, the proposed improved ENN (IENN) has a better performance. Moreover, IENN is independent of the supervised learning algorithms and initial labeled data. Experimental results verify the effectiveness and applicability of our proposed work.
Narcy’s learning stages as the base for creating multimedia modules for L2 acquisition

Authoring systems can be a great advantage for teachers concerned with tools created specifically for their learners. They allow the designer to conceive modules for a precise public. The designer, often the teacher himself, can model his work on existing CD-ROMs marketed for the general public, inserting information that is more specific to his own public. For L2 acquisition, this solution can be satisfactory if the teacher’s main preoccupation is to have learners work on the language at their own rhythm and in their own time. However, there are a few oversights to this type of conception which need to be resolved: (1) teacher access to the finished product, (2) student access to the different parts of the finished product, and (3) pedagogical and didactic criteria. This paper concerned with all three oversights, notably the last, concentrates on developing the characteristics of all four learning stages described by Narcy (1997), while illustrating the different theoretical and practical possibilities of incorporating these stages into modules created by teachers.
Library usage and demographic characteristics of undergraduate students in a UK university

Purpose – This paper builds upon existing research into library usage by exploring whether demographic characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity and country of origin have an effect upon undergraduate library usage at the University of Huddersfield.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses demographic and library usage data for a graduating year of full‐time undergraduate students at the University of Huddersfield, and uses statistical tests to explore the significance of the relationship between demographics and usage.Findings – The study finds that there is a statistically significant relationship between demographic characteristics and library usage on some, though not all, dimensions. But in many cases the effect size is small.Research limitations/implications – The study uses data from a single UK university, and the findings may not therefore be generalizable. Furthermore, the study is able to identify statistical relationships but is not able to fully explain why they exist.Practical implic.
Quantificação das grandezas dosimétricas em exames de tomografia computadorizada pediátricos do abdome

Objective: Aiming at contributing to the knowledge on doses in computed tomography (CT), this study has the objective of determining dosimetric quantities associated with pediatric abdominal CT scans, comparing the data with diagnostic reference levels (DRL). Materials and methods: The study was developed with a Toshiba Asteion single-slice CT scanner and a GE BrightSpeed multi-slice CT unit in two hospitals. Measurements were performed with a pencil-type ionization chamber and a 16 cm-diameter polymethylmethacrylate trunk phantom. Results: No significant difference was observed in the values for weighted air kerma index (CW), but the differences were relevant in values for volumetric air kerma index (CVOL), air kerma-length product (PKL,CT) and effective dose. Conclusion: Only the CW values were lower than the DRL, suggesting that dose optimization might not be necessary. However, PKL,CT and effective dose values stressed that there still is room for reducing pediatric radiation doses. The present study emphasizes the importance of determining all dosimetric quantities associated with CT scans.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Outcomes: Implications for Social Work Practice

Teen pregnancy rates have begun to decline after a 25-year period of stability; nevertheless, more than 1 million adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant each year. Teen pregnancy prevention programs have emerged to postpone unwanted pregnancies to the benefit of the children involved and the public fiscally. This three-year federally funded Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention program was designed as a 9-week (18 classroom hours) primary prevention intervention for young adolescents. Three facets of adolescents' experience were targeted in the intervention design: attitudes, dating behaviors, and knowledge. Results of the intervention suggest that the treatment group, on average, showed more positive attitudes associated with adolescent sexuality than those in the control group. Knowledge inventory results were not found to be statistically significant. Significant change in dating behavior was also not found in this study. Implications of short-term interventions for adolescents are discussed.
Gaussian Process Metamodels for Sensitivity Analysis of Traffic Simulation Models

This study adopted a metamodel-based technique for model sensitivity analysis and applied it to the AIMSUN mesoscopic model. The application of sensitivity analysis is crucial for the true comprehension and correct use of the traffic simulation model, although the main obstacle to an extensive use of the most sophisticated techniques is the high number of model runs such techniques usually require. For this reason, the possibility of performing a sensitivity analysis was tested not on a model but on its metamodel approximation. Important issues concerning metamodel estimation were investigated and commented on in the specific application to the AIMSUN model. Among these issues are the importance of selecting a proper sampling strategy based on low-discrepancy random number sequences and the importance of selecting a class of metamodels able to reproduce the inputs–outputs relationship in a robust and reliable way. Sobol sequences and Gaussian process metamodels were recognized as the appropriate choices. The proposed methodology was assessed by comparing the results of the application of variance-based sensitivity analysis techniques with the simulation model and with a metamodel estimated with 512 model runs for a variety of traffic scenarios and model outputs. Results confirmed the power of the proposed methodology and also made a more extensive application of sensitivity analysis techniques available for complex traffic simulation models.
The English Profile Programme – the first three years

The English Profile Programme is a major inter-disciplinary, research-based collaborative project to develop detailed reference level descriptions (RLDs) of the English of L2 language learners, linked to the general principles and approaches of the Council of Europe. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides language proficiency bands against which the profile is categorised. Large samples of writing and speech are required for the Programme, with the Cambridge Learner Corpus providing data for the initial phase.
Challenges in model‐based clustering

Model‐based clustering is an increasingly popular area of cluster analysis that relies on probabilistic description of data by means of finite mixture models. Mixture distributions prove to be a powerful technique for modeling heterogeneity in data. In model‐based clustering, each data group is seen as a sample from one or several mixture components. Despite attractive interpretation, model‐based clustering poses many challenges. This paper discusses some of the most important problems a researcher might encounter while applying the model‐based cluster analysis. WIREs Comput Stat 2013, 5:135–148. doi: 10.1002/wics.1248
Probability Estimation in Arithmetic Coding and Its Application

Arithmetic coding is an indispensable part of high performance data compression, which theoretically could encode data close to Shannon entropy. In arithmetic coding, probability estimation is an important step, because it determines coding efficiency directly. The paper discusses the probability estimation of non-stationary sources—a broad class of sources in practical application, such as images and videos. Especially, the paper deeply analyzes the characteristics of encoded bit stream in wavelet image compression. Then an efficient strategy is proposed, which utilizes the correlations between subbands of wavelet coefficients efficiently. Experimental results show that this method could improve image compression efficiency.
Dynamic quality-of-service framework for video in broadband networks

A dynamic framework for quality-of-service (QoS) control of video in distributed multimedia applications is presented The framework allows flexible and efficient video delivery with application-level QoS support. Key components of the framework are: client QoS renegotiation, server source rate control and dynamic bandwidth allocation. The soft-QoS requirements of the application are communicated among the framework components using distributed software objects, called service contracts. A proof-of-concept prototype of a video browser with user-level control of soft-QoS is implemented within the proposed framework. Experiences with the prototype and its performance are discussed. Results suggest that the framework is particularly suitable for the mobile multimedia scenario allowing mobile applications to maintain soft-QoS while roaming without compromising network utilization.
Schulform, soziales Kapital und subjektive Gesundheit in der Adoleszenz

Soziales Kapital kann als eine der zentralen Determinanten von Gesundheit betrachtet werden. Wahrend fur Erwachsene in verschiedenen Studien gezeigt werden konnte, dass sozialem Kapital auch in der Erklarung gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten ein groser Stellenwert zukommt, sind vergleichbare Untersuchungen fur das Jugendalter selten. Hier setzt der vorliegende Beitrag an und untersucht die Frage, inwieweit die Ausstattung mit sozialem Kapital in verschiedenen sozialen Kontexten das Ausmas gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten im Jugendalter erklaren kann. Datenbasis ist die Studie „Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC)“ fur Nordrhein-Westfalen aus dem Jahr 2006. In der Stichprobe sind die Angaben von 4323 Schulerinnen und Schulern im Alter von 11–15 Jahren enthalten. Um die Bedeutung sozialen Kapitals in den Kontexten Familie, Schule, Freunde und Nachbarschaft fur gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten in der Selbsteinschatzung der Gesundheit und psychosomatischen Beschwerden zu bestimmen, wurden logistische Regressionsmodelle berechnet. Die soziale Stellung der Jugendlichen wurde uber den Schultyp gemessen. Hauptschulerinnen und -schuler schatzen ihre Gesundheit haufiger negativ ein und leiden haufiger unter wiederholten psychosomatischen Beschwerden als Gymnasiasten. Soziales Kapital aus allen 4 sozialen Kontexten (Familie, Schule, Freunde und Nachbarschaft) ist unabhangig vom Geschlecht signifikant mit den beiden Indikatoren der Gesundheit assoziiert. In der separaten Analyse zeigen die Kapitalvariablen einen vergleichbaren Beitrag und reduzieren bei der Selbsteinschatzung der Gesundheit die Odds Ratios um etwa 6–9%. Bei psychosomatischen Beschwerden liegt der Erklarungsbeitrag mit 10–15% etwas hoher. Einzige Ausnahme ist soziales Kapital bei Freunden, das bei beiden Indikatoren keinen erklarenden Effekt hat. In der gemeinsamen Analyse konnen die Kapitalvariablen 15–30% der schulformspezifischen Unterschiede erklaren. Ungleichheiten in der subjektiven Gesundheit konnen bereits bei Heranwachsenden teilweise durch das verfugbare soziale Kapital erklart werden. Die Settings Familie, Nachbarschaft und Schule bieten ideale Kontexte fur praventive Masnahmen und ermoglichen es, besonders die Risikogruppen der Hauptschulerinnen und -schuler zielgerichtet anzusprechen.