Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Databases for spectral color science

In color science, spectral representation and analysis of colors have become a common approach to study color-related problems, e.g., accurate industrial color measurement or analysis of color images. In developing algorithms for spectral color science, one often relies on existing databases of reflectance color spectra. Since a number of these databases are easily available, the same databases are commonly used by different research groups. During year 2003 the most popular one of our publicly available spectral reflectance databases was visited over 600 times. In the present article, we describe these color spectra databases and analyze their utility for spectral color science. However, the article does not take the complexity of fluorescent surfaces into account. The aim of this article is to set a solid ground for the comparisons of different methods in the spectral color science. The databases presented here include measured color spectra of natural and man-made objects as well as spectra of some sets of standard colors. In addition to the commonly used data sets, some new data sets, including a set of standard calibrated colors and a set of natural colors, measured with 10 nm spectral resolution are introduced. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 381–390, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20244
Embodiment in first and second language processing

For a long time, the field of cognitive psychology was dominated by amodal theories of cognition, which assume that our mind is organized into different modules that work independently of each other (Fodor, 1983). In line with this account, cognition was assumed to be an independent and abstract information processing system, with perception and motor activity working as input and output modules and the language system as its own independent module. However, in the last few decades, a counterpart to amodal theories of cognitive processing has been developed: theories of embodied cognition. The central assumption of these theories of embodied cognition is the premise that cognition is based in the body and its experience with the environment. One well-known and rather specific account within the embodiment framework is the theory of experiential traces (Zwaan & Madden, 2005). According to this account, language comprehension is based on the reactivation of experiential traces that stem from experiencing the corresponding objects, states, or events. Evidence for this account typically derives from action-related compatibility effects. Although there is ample evidence for this account, some issues remain. A few of these problems are addressed in the present dissertation. For instance, although studies on sentence comprehension have provided support for the experiential traces account, it still remains unclear whether these effects can be ascribed to single word effects within these sentences or to the processing of the complete sentences. Therefore, one aim of this dissertation project was to further investigate single word processing. Similarly, it is still unclear whether embodiment effects differ for different word classes. This issue was addressed in Study 1 with a focus on comparing the processing of nouns and verbs. As a result, the embodiment effect for nouns seemed to be rather automatic and task independent, while the processing of verbs provided embodiment effects only in a task in which active processing of the verbs was required. In Studies 2 and 3, the investigation of embodiment effects in single-word processing was extended to the word class of prepositions. The reactivation of experiential traces was shown for different prepositions, but we also found differences among them. Another field with rather sparse evidence for embodiment is the field of second language processing. As of yet, it remains an open question whether the embodiment account can also be applied to second language processing. Therefore, Study 2 addresses first language (L1) and second language (L2) processing in adults, while Study 3 addresses L1 and L2 processing in schoolchildren. The results provide evidence for the reactivation of experiential traces in L1 and L2 processing. In addition, we found differences between early and late L2 learners,
Technologyu and Paradigms to Support the Learning of Music Performance

This article gives an overview over the support technology for the learning of musical instrument performance developed and assembled for the I-MAESTRO project and describes some of the developed components in further detail. The underlying paradigms related to the process of music teaching and learning as well as to the processing and representation of data captured from musical instrument performers are mentioned.
Bayesian updating as basis for opinion dynamics models

Opinion Dynamics tries to model how different opinions spread in a society. At this point, the existing models lack a common theoretical basis. In this article, I propose to use a decision-theoretic framework, based on the updating of subjective probabilities, as that basis. We will see we get a basic tool for a better understanding of the interaction between the agents in Opinion Dynamics problems and for creating new models. I will review the few existing applications of Bayesian update rules to both discrete and continuous opinion problems, and show that several traditional models can be obtained as special cases or approximations from these Bayesian models. The empirical basis and useful properties of the framework will be discussed, and examples of how the framework can be used to describe different problems given.
Synthesis of MoS/sub 2/ nanostructures from nano-size powder by thermal annealing

It have been shown that the molybdenite could be the first inorganic fullerene-style molecular shell (MoS/sub 2/)n, of perhaps several materials, based on the transition metal chalcogenides, which could be allowed to create nanocages and nanotubes. We first describe in detail the attempt to produce nanostructures from nano-size MoS/sub 2/ powder by thermal annealing in vacuum conditions. We show the chemical synthesis process of nano-size MoS/sub 2/ powder and the technological regimes of thermal treatment of molybdenite nano-size powder. The TEM images of thermal treated molybdenite powder show the appearance of curvature of reflective planes [002], which could be considered as initial seeds for nanostructures.
Systematic methodology of fuzzy-logic modeling and control and application to robotics

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS LlST OF FlGURES LlST OF TABLES NOTATION i i i iv v viii xii xiii CHAPTER 1 : INTRQDUCTW . 1 1.1 : Motivation . 1.2 : Notion of Fuuy-Logic Modeling and Control . 1.2.1 : Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy Logic . 1.2.2 : Fuzzy-Logic Modeling . 1.2.3 : Fuuy-Logic Control 1.3 : Background and Outline of the Thesis . 1.3.1 : Fuzzy-Logic Modeling . 1.3.2 : Fuzzy-Logic Control 1.3.3 : Application of FLC to Robotics . 1.4 : Contributions . CHAPTER 2 : W S O N I N G PmCFSS IN M O D M 2.1 : Introduction . 2.2 : Fuuy Connectives . 2.2.1 : Fuzzy Cornplernent 2.2.2 : Fuzzy Set Intersection and Union . 2.2.3 : Extension of Triangular Nom and Conorm Functions . 2.3 : Implication of Individual Rules . 2.4 : Aggregation of the Rules . 2.5 : lnference of the Rule Set . 2.5.1 : Reasoning Based on Mamdani's Approximation . 2.5.2 : Reasoning Based on Fomal Logical Approach 2.5.3 : Unified Pararneterized Fuzzy Reasoning Method . 2.6 : Defuztification of the Output . 2.7 : A Simplified Parameterized Reasoning Formulation . 2.8 : Conclusion 50 . CHAPTER 3 : C L U S T W G fl F m M W . 51 . 3.1 : Introduction 51 3.2 : A Brief Background . 53 3.3 : Funy c-Means Clustering Algorithm . 54 . 3.4 : Cluster Validity: Specification of the Number of Clusters 56 . 3.5 : Selection of Weighting Exponent (m) in Fuuy Clustering 62 . 3.6 : Initial Guess and Local Optimality in FCM Algorithms 68 . 3.7 : Formation of Membership Functions 71 . 3.8 : Conclusion 74 CHAPTER 4 : ~ L O G I C M R l T T H M . 76 4.1 : Introduction . 4.2 : Input Selection in Fuuy Modeling . 4.2.1 : Background . 4.2.2 : The Proposed Method . 4.3 : Assignment of Input mernberships . 4.4 : Fuuy Parameter Identification . 4.4.1 : FuInference Parameter Optimization . 4.4.2 : Membership Parameter Tuning . 4.5 : Fuzzy Modeling Algorithm 4.6 : Case Study . 4.7 : Conclusion . CHAPTER 5 : SYSTWTIC, DAND A u Y S I S _ Q F T a . **. *. 94 5.1 : Introduction . 94 . 5.2 : Robust Model-Based Fuuy-Logic Control : Design and Analysis 95 5.2.1 : The proposed Fuuy-Logic Control Structure . 95 5.2.2 : F undamental and Theorems . 98 . 5.2.3 : A Generalized Formulation of Sliding Mode Control 102 5.2.4 : Design of the Robust F u u y Control Rules . 110 . 5.3 : Case Study 116 . 5.4 : Conclusion 121 CHAPTER 6 : EPPLIWTION TO ROBOTICS; . * . * . m . 122 . 6.1 : Introduction 122 6.2 : Experimental Setup . 123 6.3 : Simulation . 126 . 6.3.1 : Desirable Configuration for experiments . 6.3.2 : Kinematic and Dynamic Parameter Estimation . 6.3.3 : Dynamics Model of the IRIS A m . 6.4 : Fuuy-Logic Modeling and System Identification . 6.4.1 : Experiment. Data Acquisition and Analysis 6.4.1.1 : Setup Preparation . 6.4.1.2 : Test Plan 6.4.1.3 : Data Selection and Processing . 6.4.2 : System Identification Procedure 6.4.3 : Fuzzy Model Validation . 6.5 : Fuuy-Logic Control . 6.5.1 : Design and Analysis . 6.5.2 : Experimenta! Results 6.5.3 : Comparison Study of the Results . CHAPTER 7 : C O N ~ S l O ~ Aw FUTU-RCY . m. 165 . 7.1 : Conclusions 165 7.2 : Future Research . 167
Using Image Analysis and Statistical Modelling to Achieve Improved Pig Weight Predictions

A computer vision system was developed to automatically measure the live weight of pigs without human intervention. The system was trialled in a semi enclosed structure to demonstrate its ability to cope with non-uniform lighting conditions. Early results demonstrate that the system can achieve sufficient practical accuracy. The results of the initial trials demonstrated that weight of the pigs can be predicted with an average error of 1.18kg. Precision, reliability and repeatability are likely to be increased in future through improved weight prediction models, increased image resolution and algorithm enhancement.
Message Scheduling for Data Redistribution through High Performance Networks

With the emergence of large scale distributed computing, new problems bound to data transfers are appearing. We present the problem of data redistribution between two clusters connected by a high performance network. This problem consists in finding the best way to transfer data from the first cluster to the second one in the shortest possible time. In order to avoid slowing down the network, and the transfer, it is necessary to schedule the messages. This problem (named as KPBS) is known to be NP-complete and we present here a 2-approximation algorithm we developed.
Online neuro-fuzzy models for real time flow forecasting

vi LIST OF PUBLICATIONS . viii LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x NOMENCLATURE . xiv LIST OF SYMBOLS . xviii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Aims and Scope . 6 1.3 Thesis Structure . 7 CHAPTER 2: NEURO-FUZZY MODELS IN FLOW/FLOOD FORECASTING . 8 2.
MOBILE PHONES AS LEARNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL TOOLS IN THE ESP CLASSROOM

Mobile phones can be a real disruption to learning in class when used inappropriately. But in the hands of teachers who know how to use them right, mobile phones can become powerful learning tools and resources. Given the readiness to experiment, teachers and students can transform the classroom, reshape the learning and make best use of phones for learning and organizational purposes. The idea of this paper is to show whether mobile phones used in the ESP classroom really have the potential to help students learn more and grasp that knowledge. For the purpose of this research, mobile phones were used in the ESP for Computer Sciences class at the South East European University for the in-class learning, as well as for the outside informal learning. A short questionnaire was assigned at the end of the semester measuring students’ satisfaction and motivation with the learning outcomes in such a mobile learning environment. As it will be demonstrated in the paper, mobile phones in the classroom do not necessarily mean that teachers lose control of the class, as long as they control what the students use the phones for. The paper will show that by using mobile phones in the classroom teachers can create personalized learning environment, thus transforming the students into active and more autonomous researchers.
Does it matter who teaches a core mathematics course to engineering undergraduates

Ryan Cartwright is a Quality Engineer with General Electric in Clearwater, FL. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management (2011) and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (2011) from the University of South Florida. He is currently performing work related to the implementation of Lean Six Sigma techniques, supplier quality management, and logistics optimization in a manufacturing environment.
E-Preferred Approval Books at the University of Manitoba: A Comparison of Print and Ebook Usage

Abstract Objective – To compare the usage of print and ebooks received on University of Manitoba’s e-preferred YBP approval plan as well as to examine cost per use for the approval print books and ebooks. Methods – Usage data was compiled for books received on approval in 2012/2013 to December 31, 2014. Counter reports were used to determine use and non-use of ebooks, while vendor reports from EBL and ebrary were used for the cost per use analysis. Print usage information was drawn from SIRSI and then ALMA when UML switched systems at the beginning of 2014. Results – Ebooks received more use than p-books overall, but when examined by subject discipline, significant differences could not be found for the “STM” and “Other” categories. With ebooks, university press books tended to be used more than those from other publishers, but the same result was not found for print books. Ebrary ebooks tended to be used more often than EBL, EBSCO, and Wiley ebooks, and single-licence books tended to be somewhat more used than multi-user ones. Cost-per-use data was much lower for print books, though the comparison did not look at staffing costs for each medium. Conclusions – This study finds that of approval books matching the same profile, ebooks are used more, but print books receive more substantial use. Both formats are needed in a library’s collection. Future comparisons of cost per use should take into account hidden labour costs associated with each medium. Usage studies provide evidence for librarians refining approval plan profiles and for budget managers considering changes to monographic acquisition methods and allocations.
Learners’ Performance in Physical Sciences Using Laboratory Investigations

Abstract One of the goals of science is to promote laboratory investigations (LIs) to improve conceptual development and performance. This study focuses on how learners’ performance in physical sciences could improve using LIs in under-resourced schools in South Africa. A quasi pre- and post-test research design was used. A total of 51 Grade 10 learners participated: 25 from one whole class was assigned to an Experimental Group (EG) and 26 from another class to a Control Group (CG). The EG was taught using LIs while the CG the traditional approach. Data on learners’ performance were collected using a performance test and interviews were employed to collect data on learners’ attitudes towards science. The results revealed that the EG performed better than the CG (T-test, p < 0.05), (ANCOVA, p < 0.001). Girls in the EG performed better than girls from the CG (Mann-Whitney U-test: U = 34.50, p < 0.05), suggesting that LIs did not discriminate against gender in this study. Furthermore, the results from interviews indicated that learners from EG exhibited positive attitudes towards science, unlike their counterparts from the CG. This suggests that learners from the EG may have been excited to observe phenomena and to handle apparatus.
The application of peer teaching in digital forensics education

Abstract The field of digital forensics requires a multidisciplinary understanding of a range of diverse subjects, but is interdisciplinary (in using principles, techniques and theories from other disciplines) encompassing both computer and forensic science. This requires that practitioners have a deep technical knowledge and understanding, but that they are also able to explain the underlying theory that supports their analytical conclusions. It is therefore essential that students develop effective communication skills, and the ability to articulate their knowledge and understanding of complex technical concepts using words and terms that an individual without prior professional training would understand. Appreciating the importance of active collaborative learning, this paper examines the pedagogy and andragogy of the application of peer learning and teaching within the delivery of digital forensics, in order to improve technical knowledge and understanding and actively develop soft enabling attributes, while also enhancing the learning experience. It further examines the impact of the methodology, to identify the effectiveness of the approach in developing communication and articulation of knowledge, understanding and skills, but also the additional benefits in terms of improving confidence and self-esteem, and strategies designed to stimulate lifelong learning.
A Study Of Localization And Latency Reduction For Action Recognition

The success of recognizing periodic actions in single-person-simple-background datasets, such as Weizmann and KTH, has created a need for more complex datasets to push the performance of action recognition systems. In this work, we create a new synthetic action dataset and use it to highlight weaknesses in current recognition systems. Experiments show that introducing background complexity to action video sequences causes a significant degradation in recognition performance. Moreover, this degradation cannot be fixed by fine-tuning system parameters or by selecting better feature points. Instead, we show that the problem lies in the spatio-temporal cuboid volume extracted from the interest point locations. Having identified the problem, we show how improved results can be achieved by simple modifications to the cuboids. For the above method however, one requires near-perfect localization of the action within a video sequence. To achieve this objective, we present a two stage weakly supervised probabilistic model for simultaneous localization and recognition of actions in videos. Different from previous approaches, our method is novel in that it (1) eliminates the need for manual annotations for the training procedure and (2) does not require any human detection or tracking in the classification stage. The first stage of our framework is a probabilistic action localization model which extracts the most promising sub-windows in a video sequence where an action can take place. We use a non-linear classifier in the second stage of our framework for the final classification task. We show the effectiveness of our proposed model on two well known real-world datasets: UCF Sports and UCF11 datasets.
Spatially Resolved Equalization: A New Concept in Intermodal Dispersion Compensation for Multimode Fiber

Polley. In addition to the years of merriment, these people have provided general insight and feedback with development of this work. These people directly contributed to the fabrication of the devices. Without their assistance, this author may still be in the cleanroom. Support from the staff at TriQuint Semiconductor is also acknowledged, in providing MMIC processing and prototype amplifiers as well as providing raw materials necessary for the receiver testing. and support for the work that is presented, Dr. Ralph has provided a foundation of critical thinking and a perspective on engineering research from which, hopefully, great works will come forth.
Robust Transmission Waveform Design for Distributed Multiple‐Radar Systems Based on Low Probability of Intercept

This paper addresses the problem of robust waveform design for distributed multiple‐radar systems (DMRSs) based on low probability of intercept (LPI), where signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) and mutual information (MI) are utilized as the metrics for target detection and information extraction, respectively. Recognizing that a precise characterization of a target spectrum is impossible to capture in practice, we consider that a target spectrum lies in an uncertainty class bounded by known upper and lower bounds. Based on this model, robust waveform design approaches for the DMRS are developed based on LPI‐SINR and LPI‐MI criteria, where the total transmitting energy is minimized for a given system performance. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Factors affecting cloud ERP adoption in Saudi Arabia: An empirical study

Cloud ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems have represented a paradigm shift in the information systems domain. They can provide flexibility, cost efficiency, scalability, adaptability, availability and configurable data to any type of company. This system has enjoyed rapid growth around the world. However, the adoption of cloud ERP in developing Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia is still in its infancy, and little research has been done to investigate this issue. This study examined the factors that influence the adoption of cloud ERP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by combining the Diffusion of Innovation theory (DOI) and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The study found that a competitive environment, complexity, ICT infrastructure, observability, relative advantage, regulatory environment, ICT skill and top management support had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on the adoption of cloud ERP, while compatibility, organizational culture and trialability had no significant (p > 0.05) impact. The findings of this study will offer practical guidelines to the successful adoption of cloud ERP in Saudi Arabia and assist other developing countries in similar circumstances in planning and up-taking cloud ERP services.
High Quality Video Assessment Using Salient Features

An efficient modified video compression HEVC technique based on high quality assessment saliency features presented for the assessment of high quality videos. To create an efficient saliency map we extract global temporal alignment component and robust spatial components. To obtain high quality saliency here, we combine spatial saliency features and temporal saliency features together for different macroblocks in association with transformed residuals. In this way, our saliency model outperforms all the existing techniques. In this paper, we have generated high reconstruction quality video after compression considering SFU dataset. Our experimental results outperforms all the existing techniques in terms of saliency map detection, PSNR and high-resolution quality.