Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FUN3D Manual: 12.8

This manual describes the installation and execution of FUN3D version 12.8, including optional dependent packages. FUN3D is a suite of computational fluid dynamics simulation and design tools that uses mixed-element unstructured grids in a large number of formats, including structured multiblock and overset grid systems. A discretely-exact adjoint solver enables efficient gradient-based design and grid adaptation to reduce estimated discretization error. FUN3D is available with and without a reacting, real-gas capability. This generic gas option is available only for those persons that qualify for its beta release status.
A study of factors that influence the accuracy of content-based geospatial ranking systems

Visual patterns found in geospatial images are complex, dynamic and difficult to be articulated by human analysts; let alone building a computational model to understand the intertwining semantics in the images. Advancements in image collection and pre-processing have led to a need for identifying the factors that affect content-based geospatial retrieval systems. In this article, we study the factors that influence the semantic assignment precision when varying semantic space complexity and training set size. We test their influence using different data mining algorithms. Our findings provide some new insights for future research in training image retrieval systems under various conditions related to semantic mixture, feature space overlapping and size of training data set.
Approach to automatic video motion segmentation

A novel, fast automatic motion segmentation approach is presented. It differs from conventional pixel or edge based motion segmentation approaches in that the proposed method uses labelled regions (facets) to segment various video objects from the background. Facets are clustered into objects based on their motion and proximity details using Bayesian logic. Because the number of facets is usually much lower than the number of edges and points, using facets can greatly reduce the computational complexity of motion segmentation. The proposed method can tackle efficiently the complexity of video object motion tracking, and offers potential for real-time content-based video annotation.
Throughput performance of a CDMA cellular packet radio network

A model for a code division multiple access (CDMA) packet radio network in which users are organized, by geography or some other criteria, into multiple clusters or cells, is presented. Each cell contains a base station through which all user communications occur. Inter-cell connectivity is provided by a backbone network of the base stations. In this network, downlink (base station-to-user) transmissions suffer from head-of-line blocking. Taking this into account, the maximum system throughput is found. Tight upper bounds for the maximum system throughput are also found using a much simpler analysis. <<ETX>>
Text Wrapping Approach to natural Language Information retrieval using significant Indicator

This paper continues the advancement of models proposed for Information Retrieval by understanding that, the Information Retrieval task continues to draw attention as the information repositories increase. Knowing that Natural Language presentation of user’s information need help to reduce the complexity of the search process, we propose the use of a well defined Significant Indicator, which uses the relevance index of terms derived from the position of the text, to perform retrieval. This is achieved by initiating a text wrapping process such that document representation in space could algebraically be measured and assigned appropriate function as similarity ratio for Query and Document. Benchmark tools for Information Retrieval were followed and experiment performed using TREC classified data implemented with TRECEVAL shows better performance against some baseline models. The paper suggests further research in the direction of the Significant Indicator as a method for large search space reduction DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/ij-ai.v2i3. 2202 Full Text: PDF
Purdue e-Pubs Purdue e-Pubs

—Multi-rooted tree topologies are commonly used to construct high-bandwidth data center network fabrics. In these networks, switches typically rely on equal-cost multipath (ECMP) routing techniques to split trafﬁc across multiple paths, where each ﬂow is routed through one of the available paths, but packets within a ﬂow traverse the same end-to-end path. Unfortunately, since ECMP splits trafﬁc based on ﬂow-granularity, it can cause load imbalance across multiple paths resulting in poor utilization of network resources. More ﬁne-grained trafﬁc splitting techniques are typically not preferred because they can cause packet reordering that can, according to conventional wisdom, lead to severe TCP throughput degradation. In this paper, we revisit this fact in the context of regular data center topologies such as fat-tree architectures. We argue that packet-level trafﬁc splitting, where packets belong to a given ﬂow are sprayed through all available paths, would lead to a better load-balanced network, which in turn leads to signiﬁcantly more balanced queues and much higher throughput compared to ECMP. We conduct extensive simulations to corroborate this claim.
Template-based synchronized multimedia integration language authoring tool

Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL) is a recommendation developed by the W3C Synchronized Multimedia Working Group. SMIL is a declarative authoring language to specify multimedia synchronized presentation using a time line. We present the design and implementation of a domain specific SMIL Authoring Tool (SAT). The output generate from SAT adheres to the standard as the presentation is specified in a human-readable and machine-friendly XML-tagged file. SAT can be use din conjunction with any SMIL-compliant players. It provides a high-level point-and-click tool, which can create and update the logics of SMIL presentations. It is also designed to provide template-based authoring, which is deemed to be easy-to-create for domain- specific presentations.
Two Novel Norlignans from Gymnotheca chinensis

Two novel norlignans, gymnothedelignans A and B were isolated from the whole plants of Gymnotheca chinensis. These norlignans possess a rare 2/5 epoxy benzocycloheptanone skeleton. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis, and the absolute stereochemistry of gymnothedelignans A and B was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Median-based offset cancellation circuit technique

A simple technique to compensate for DC offsets in many analog circuits is presented. An offset-free, infinite DC gain integrator is established in a feedback loop about the uncompensated circuit, resulting in a high-pass system output response. The ideal integrator is realized via the use of a counter resulting in the cancellation of the signal's median rather than the usual case of the signal's mean. <<ETX>>
Desymmetrization of Prochiral Diesters via Transition Metal Catalyzed Reactions

The development of asymmetric induction in palladium catalyzed allylic alkylation has led to the notion of creating a chiral pocket. Two platforms for ligand design that may generate such “chiral space” evolve from derivatizing chiral diols or diamines with 2-diphenylphosphinobenzoic acid or chiral diacids with 2-diphenylphosphinoaniline. Palladium complexes derived from such ligands effect excellent enantiodiscrimination in the desymmetrization of esters of meso-cycloalk-2-en-1,4-diols and gem dicarboxylates of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. These methods prove useful for asymmetric syntheses of carbanucleosides, nucleosides, and the antitumor alkaloid (+)-pancratistatin.
Optimal power allocation based on QoS balance for a multi-rate packet CDMA system with multimedia traffic

Usually, when combining two or more services (each having their own QoS requirements), it is difficult to achieve a common operation point for all the services. When we satisfy the highest QoS requirement, the other services will be operating at "unnecessary high quality". In this case, a lot of bandwidth is wasted due to a low traffic load. To solve this problem and to achieve higher spectral efficiency, a "QoS balance" method is developed to optimise the allocation of transmission power and evaluated in a wideband DS-CDMA environment integrated with video and voice services. Our simulation results demonstrate that the capacity of the network or spectral efficiency is improved significantly, by this optimal power allocation scheme.
Strategies for Sensitive Association Rule Hiding

Data mining technologies are used widely while the side effects it incurred are concerned so seriously. Privacy preserving data mining is so important for data and knowledge security during data mining applications. Association rule extracted from data mining is one kind of the most popular knowledge. It is challenging to hide sensitive association rules extracted by data mining process and make less affection on non-sensitive rules and the original database. In this work, we focus on specific association rule automatic hiding. Novel strategies are proposed which are based on increasing the support of the left hand and decreasing the support of the right hand. Quality measurements for sensitive association rules hiding are presented.
Fundamental Class Patterns in Java

Classes are fundamental to object-oriented design and programming. In this paper, we take a look at five fundamental patterns of designing and using classes. We use a story, the evolution of a seemingly simple class, to illustrate the Simple Class, Design by Primitives, Abstract Superclass, Narrow Inheritance Interface and Interface patterns. This story and the ensuing discussion provide us with some insight on what makes up a pattern and a good description thereof.
Validation of Fuzzy-Based Routing Algorithm for DTN

In the research of Delay Tolerant Network (DTN), DTN routing algorithm is a key research issue. The performance of a non-flooding routing algorithm is verified in our paper. The verified algorithm is an Adaptive Priority Routing Algorithm (APRA) which is based on fuzzy strategies. Firstly, we introduce the principle of APRA, then using Opportunistic Network Environment (ONE) -simulation software to compare the performance of Epidemic algorithm, Spray and Wait algorithm, PRoPHET algorithm and APRA. By comparing overhead of netword, rate of messages delivered and average dealy, it finds that the APRA performs better. At last, the weaknesses of this paper and further improvement are also discussed.
Computational Model for Calculating urvatures

Although there were in-depth discussions in the 1970s on the question of whether the human visual system contains ’curvature detectors’ or contour detectors, which respond to the tangents of curves [Blakemore 74], they yielded no definite conclusions. Until now, the end-stopped cell model of curve detection has been the predominant one [Dobbins 87]. However, this model detects curvature with a low degree of accuracy, so a better model is required. Long ago, people discovered that the human brain is a network of numerous neurons. The hypothesis of achieving a highly accurate calculation of curvature through a network composed of biological elements (simple cells) is readily accepted. However, neither Blakemore et al. nor Dobbins et al. explain the function of simple cells in the calculation of curvature. This article illustrates the function of simple cells in calculating curvature. Moreover, in this article we attempt to construct a computational model for describing the mechanism for calculating curvatures along suggestions of Blakemore and Over. This model gives a key for answering to a question why the Helmholtz irradiation disappears when two squares are replaced by two circles.
Design of Active Integrated Antenna for Dual Frequency Image Rejection

This paper is discusses a new configuration of integrated antenna for dual frequency operations and image frequency rejection. Microstrip patch antenna is design in such away to operate in dual frequencies band. The RF 90° hybrid, LNA's, mixers, LO and IF coupler are integrated to a dual frequency microstrip patch antenna to produce a single module of integrated antenna system that can perform for in dual-band frequencies. The design technique and simulation result for active integrated antenna (AIA) with image rejection is presented.
A hardware neural network for target tracking

The Zero Instruction Set Computer (ZISC) is an integrated circuit devised by IBM to realize a restricted Coulomb energy neural network. In our application, it functions as a parallel computer that calculates the correlation coefficients between an input pattern and patterns stored in its neurons. We explored the possibility of using the ZISC in a target tracking system by devising algorithms to take advantage of the ZISC's parallelism and testing them on real video sequences. Our experiments indicate that the ZISC does improve appreciably the computing time compared to a sequential version of the algorithm.
Consensusabilization for Continuous-Time High-Order Multiagent Systems with Time-Varying Delays

For the consensus problems of high-order linear multiagent systems with time-varying delays in directed topologies, the LMI based-consensus criterion and NLMI-based consensusabilization (protocol parameters design that makes the multiagent systems achieve consensus) are investigated. Improved Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is used for establishing the consensus convergence criteria and deriving the corresponding consensus protocol. In order to reduce the conservativeness, some proper free-weighting matrices are added into the derivative of Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and that only keeps one necessary zoom. The numerical and simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Compared with existing literatures, the convergence criterion and protocol design proposed have lower conservativeness.
Business Education and Change in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Abstract Russia and Eastern Europe are undergoing tumultuous changes. The educational system plays a vital role in social changes; it can support or undermine change. To better understand the role of education in the transition from communism to capitalism and democracy, we surveyed business and economics students in Russia, Poland, Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslavia. For purposes of comparison, we surveyed students in France and the United States, as well. Our results provide valuable insight on the adequacy of business and economic education in the formerly communist countries from the perspective of current business students.
Loop Closing in a Drift-Aware Monocular SLAM

Abstract This paper presents a real-time Consistent Monocular EKF-SLAM process. We introduce the notion of bias which allows to model the natural drift of the SLAM process. Thanks to it, the consistency of the filter is guaranteed. By connecting the bias to the different landmarks and to the vehicle pose, the estimates become tightly bound to the SLAM drift. It means that a loop closure, for instance, will naturally estimate the bias and so correct the vehicle pose and landmark positions without any special processing. We developed a dedicated architecture in order to integrate the bias. It uses an Extended Kalman Filter and has the advantage to be totally decorrelated from the classical SLAM process. Thanks to it, any algorithm, with any kind of sensors or methods, can be used instead of the monocular SLAM employed in this paper, as long as it produces landmark estimates and their uncertainty. This approach was validated with a real experiment composed of a long loop.
Crystal structure of nonabarium bis(tetranitridoniobate) nitride azide, Ba9[NbN4]2N[N3]

Source of material: Synthesis was carried out from a mixture of Ba (Aldrich 99%), Al (Aldrich 99.99%), Na (Aldrich 99%) and NaN3 (Aldrich 99%) sealed in a clean Nb (Noble Met 99%) tube. Ratio Na:N:Ba:Al was 7:7:2:1. The mixture was heated to 1023 Κ and then cooled to room temperature over 8 days. Some red transparent crystals of Ba9[NbN4]2N(N3) were isolated by washing away the Na with anhydrous liquid ammonia. They were characterised by energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (Ba:Nb = 4:1) and by single crystal X-ray diffraction. No Al was detected in the crystals, although it may assist in dissolution of the Nb which derives from the tube. When a reaction was attempted under similar conditions, but using Nb powder, and no Al, no crystals of the title compound were produced.
Optical character recognition of handwritten Arabic using hidden Markov models

The problem of optical character recognition (OCR) of handwritten Arabic has not received a satisfactory solution yet. In this paper, an Arabic OCR algorithm is developed based on Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) combined with the Viterbi algorithm, which results in an improved and more robust recognition of characters at the sub-word level. Integrating the HMMs represents another step of the overall OCR trends being currently researched in the literature. The proposed approach exploits the structure of characters in the Arabic language in addition to their extracted features to achieve improved recognition rates. Useful statistical information of the Arabic language is initially extracted and then used to estimate the probabilistic parameters of the mathematical HMM. A new custom implementation of the HMM is developed in this study, where the transition matrix is built based on the collected large corpus, and the emission matrix is built based on the results obtained via the extracted character features. The recognition process is triggered using the Viterbi algorithm which employs the most probable sequence of sub-words. The model was implemented to recognize the sub-word unit of Arabic text raising the recognition rate from being linked to the worst recognition rate for any character to the overall structure of the Arabic language. Numerical results show that there is a potentially large recognition improvement by using the proposed algorithms.
Low-Area Symbol Timing Offset Synchronization Structure for WLAN Modem

In this paper, a low-area symbol timing offset synchronization structure for WLAN Modem is proposed. Using CSD(Canonic Signed Digit) coefficients and CSS(Common Sub-expression Sharing) technique for the filter implementation, efficient structure for multiplication block can be obtained. Function simulation for proposed structure is done by using the preamble with timing offset. Through Verilog-HDL coding and synthesis, it is shown that the proposed symbol timing offset synchronization structure can be implemented with low-area semiconductor.
Secure software download for programmable mobile user equipment

At present, both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography have been proposed to provide secure software download. However, these approaches individually have some advantages and disadvantages. Asymmetric approaches are less efficient and more complex and require long key lengths to achieve the same level of security as the symmetric approach. On the other hand, the symmetric approach requires secret keys to be stored within the terminal and does not provide non-repudiation or anonymous software download. Our innovative approach combines the two (symmetric and asymmetric) to provide secure software download for reconfigurable mobile equipment by using public key infrastructure (PKI) technology to transport a symmetric session key. Our approach provides the following advantages: the ability to broadcast to multiple mobile terminals and provide anonymous software download. Also, new anonymous software download techniques, based on this solution, enable secure software download for each terminal/client request such as downloading free software, tickets or coupons. X.509 and WPKI (WAP PKI) techniques combined with a symmetric solution could be one of the best ways to enable both secure software download as well as secure M-commerce on mobile user equipment.
Pedestrian cue detection: colour inverse maximum likelihood ratio

This paper presents an adaptable method for identifying pedestrian cues. Cue detection is investigated for adults in isolation and groups. The aim is to detect a single cue for each pedestrian. Colour Inverse Maximum Likelihood Ratio (IMLR) criteria are employed to distinguish object and background regions using a mask designed to accommodate a wide range of appearances. The adaptability and specificity of the method is demonstrated using images containing trees and street furniture; structures that are often confused with pedestrians by computer vision systems. Test images of low contrast are also included to assess the sensitivity of the cue detection process. Evaluation with over 250 images gives a false positive error rate of 10% and a false negative error rate of 1.5% % under exacting detection criteria with a complexity of where n is the number of image points considered. The speed of execution is 8 mS per frame for images of 640 by 480 pixels on an Intel core i3-2310MTM CPU running at 2.10GHz with 4.00GB RAM.
Fostering social inclusion through open educational resources (OER)

This special issue explores open educational resources (OER) and the ways in which they can be used to support social inclusion, one of the key challenges that need to be addressed in today’s technologically rich digital environment (Conole, 2011). This call is timely as we are at a point in OER research where we need to move beyond the creation of OER repositories to consideration of how they can be used effectively. The OPAL project (http://oer-quality.org/) is a good example, as it focuses on exploration of the practices around the creation, use, and management of OER. There are now many repositories of good practice; however, despite this research suggests that learners and teachers are not using and repurposing OER extensively (McAndrew et al., 2009). New social and participatory media that have emerged in recent years seem to have immense potential for use in learning and teaching, in particular to support new forms of communication, cooperation, and collaboration (Conole & Alevizou, 2010). The key characteristics of these new technologies, such as peer critiquing, collective aggregation, personalization, networking, and more open practices, generally sit well alongside what constitutes good pedagogy and more learningand learner-centered approaches such as inquiry-based learning, scenario-based learning, dialogic and reflective learning, and more constructivist and situated pedagogies generally (Mayes & de Freitas, 2004). The vision behind the OER movement (promoted through organizations such as the Hewlett Foundation and UNESCO) is that making educational resources freely available to all is a fundamental right. The hypothesis is that making OER freely available will lead to their being used more by learners and teachers, as well as being repurposed, hence promulgating good practice. In particular, new social and participatory media provides a range of mechanisms for sharing and discussing OER. OER are of particular importance in addressing the challenges faced in developing countries, where it is evident that conventional approaches to education are not going to meet the needs of learners and teachers there (Daniel, 2010). However, despite the rhetoric about new social and participatory media generally and OER specifically, the reality is that their uptake and reuse in formal educational contexts has been disappointing. Furthermore, the ever increasing technologically rich learning environment in which today’s learners and teachers are immersed is raising issues in terms of social exclusion; the technological divide might be narrower but it is deeper—those not connected or not using these new technologies are being left behind at an alarming rate. Distance Education Vol. 33, No. 2, August 2012, 131–134