Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised design of Artificial Neural Networks via multi-dimensional Particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper, we present a novel and efficient approach for automatic design of artificial neural networks (ANNs) by evolving to the optimal network configuration(s) within an architecture space. The evolution technique, the so-called multidimensional particle swarm optimization (MD PSO) re-forms the native structure of PSO particles in such a way that they can make inter-dimensional passes with a dedicated dimensional PSO process. So in a multidimensional search space where the optimum dimension is unknown, swarm particles can seek for both positional and dimensional optima. This eventually removes the necessity of setting a fixed dimension a priori, which is a common drawback for the family of swarm optimizers. With the proper encoding of the network configurations and parameters into particles, MD PSO can then seek for positional optimum in the error space and dimensional optimum in the architecture space. The optimum dimension converged at the end of a MD PSO process corresponds to a unique ANN configuration where the network parameters (connections, weights and biases) can then be resolved from the positional optimum reached on that dimension. The efficiency and performance of the proposed technique is demonstrated over one of the hardest synthetic problems. The experimental results show that MD PSO evolves to optimum or near-optimum networks in general.
Breakdown, scaling and volt–ampere characteristics of low current micro-discharges

We give preliminary results on the breakdown and low current limit of volt–ampere characteristics of simple parallel plate non-equilibrium dc discharges at standard (centimetre size) and micro-discharge conditions. Experiments with micro-discharges are reported attempting to establish the maintenance of E/N, pd and j/p2 scalings at small dimensions down to 20 µm. It was found that it may not be possible to obtain properly the left-hand side of the Paschen curve. The possible causes are numerous but we believe that it is possible that long path prevention techniques do not work at high pressures. Nevertheless, the standard scaling laws seem to be maintained down to these dimensions which are consistent with simulations that predict violation of scaling below 10 µm. Volt–ampere characteristics are also presented and compared with those of the standard size discharges.
Germline potential of parthenogenetic haploid mouse embryonic stem cells

Haploid embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have recently been derived from parthenogenetic mouse embryos and offer new possibilities for genetic screens. The ability of haploid ESCs to give rise to a wide range of differentiated cell types in the embryo and in vitro has been demonstrated. However, it has remained unclear whether haploid ESCs can contribute to the germline. Here, we show that parthenogenetic haploid ESCs at high passage have robust germline competence enabling the production of transgenic mouse strains from genetically modified haploid ESCs. We also show that differentiation of haploid ESCs in the embryo correlates with the gain of a diploid karyotype and that diploidisation is the result of endoreduplication and not cell fusion. By contrast, we find that a haploid karyotype is maintained when differentiation to an extra-embryonic fate is forced by induction of Gata6.
Harmonic Signatures of Static Eccentricities in the Stator Voltages and in the Rotor Current of No-Load Salient-Pole Synchronous Generators

This paper shows that a static eccentricity makes rise a double fundamental frequency ripple in the rotor current of salient-pole synchronous machines. This ripple leads, under conditions ruled by the stator windings, to precise signatures in the no-load voltage spectrum. Both rotor current ripple and voltage harmonics can be used for diagnosis. The fault-related voltage harmonics are theoretically previewed in this paper through analysis of the windings. Simulations performed by using the winding function approach confirm the theoretical predictions. A four-pole 15-kVA generator was used for experiments, featuring an innovative flange with exact and easy regulation of mixed-type eccentricities. Rotor current monitoring has advantages of single-sensor measure and accentuate fault sensitivity. Experiments also showed an additional rotor-rotation frequency ripple in the rotor current, in case of mixed-type fault.
Detection and integration of affective feedback into distributed interactive systems. (Détection et intégration des réactions affectives dans les systèmes interactifs distribués)

Human-Computer Interaction migrates from the classic perspective to a more natural environment, where humans are able to use natural language to exchange knowledge with a computer. In order to fully “understand” the human’s intentions, the computer should be able to detect emotions and reply accordingly. This thesis focuses on several issues regarding the human affects, from various detection techniques to their integration into a Distributed Interactive System. Emotions are a fuzzy concept and their perception across human individuals may vary as well. Therefore, this makes the detection problem very difficult for a computer. From the affect detection perspective, we proposed three different approaches: an emotion detection method based on Self Organizing Maps, a valence classifier based on multi-modal features and Support Vector Machines, and a technique to resolve conflicts into a well known affective dictionary (SentiWordNet). Moreover, from the system integration perspective, two issues are approached: a Wizard of Oz experiment in a children storytelling environment and an architecture for a Distributed Interactive System.
Uncertainty Quantification in Gear Remaining Useful Life Prediction Through an Integrated Prognostics Method

Accurate health prognosis is critical for ensuring equipment reliability and reducing the overall life-cycle costs. The existing gear prognosis methods are primarily either model-based or data-driven. In this paper, an integrated prognostics method is developed for gear remaining life prediction, which utilizes both gear physical models and real-time condition monitoring data. The general prognosis framework for gears is proposed. The developed physical models include a gear finite element model for gear stress analysis, a gear dynamics model for dynamic load calculation, and a damage propagation model described using Paris' law. A gear mesh stiffness computation method is developed based on the gear system potential energy, which results in more realistic curved crack propagation paths. Material uncertainty and model uncertainty are considered to account for the differences among different specific units that affect the damage propagation path. A Bayesian method is used to fuse the collected condition monitoring data to update the distributions of the uncertainty factors for the current specific unit being monitored, and to achieve the updated remaining useful life prediction. An example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Link Between GIP and Osteopontin in Adipose Tissue and Insulin Resistance

Low-grade inflammation in obesity is associated with accumulation of the macrophage-derived cytokine osteopontin (OPN) in adipose tissue and induction of local as well as systemic insulin resistance. Since glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a strong stimulator of adipogenesis and may play a role in the development of obesity, we explored whether GIP directly would stimulate OPN expression in adipose tissue and thereby induce insulin resistance. GIP stimulated OPN protein expression in a dose-dependent fashion in rat primary adipocytes. The level of OPN mRNA was higher in adipose tissue of obese individuals (0.13 ± 0.04 vs. 0.04 ± 0.01, P < 0.05) and correlated inversely with measures of insulin sensitivity (r = −0.24, P = 0.001). A common variant of the GIP receptor (GIPR) (rs10423928) gene was associated with a lower amount of the exon 9–containing isoform required for transmembrane activity. Carriers of the A allele with a reduced receptor function showed lower adipose tissue OPN mRNA levels and better insulin sensitivity. Together, these data suggest a role for GIP not only as an incretin hormone but also as a trigger of inflammation and insulin resistance in adipose tissue. Carriers of the GIPR rs10423928 A allele showed protective properties via reduced GIP effects. Identification of this unprecedented link between GIP and OPN in adipose tissue might open new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Activation and reactivation of the RNA polymerase II trigger loop for intrinsic RNA cleavage and catalysis

In addition to RNA synthesis, multisubunit RNA polymerases (msRNAPs) support enzymatic reactions such as intrinsic transcript cleavage. msRNAP active sites from different species appear to exhibit differential intrinsic transcript cleavage efficiency and have likely evolved to allow fine-tuning of the transcription process. Here we show that a single amino-acid substitution in the trigger loop (TL) of Saccharomyces RNAP II, Rpb1 H1085Y, engenders a gain of intrinsic cleavage activity where the substituted tyrosine appears to participate in acid-base chemistry at alkaline pH for both intrinsic cleavage and nucleotidyl transfer. We extensively characterize this TL substitution for each of these reactions by examining the responses RNAP II enzymes to catalytic metals, altered pH, and factor inputs. We demonstrate that TFIIF stimulation of the first phosphodiester bond formation by RNAP II requires wild type TL function and that H1085Y substitution within the TL compromises or alters RNAP II responsiveness to both TFIIB and TFIIF. Finally, Mn2+ stimulation of H1085Y RNAP II reveals possible allosteric effects of TFIIB on the active center and cooperation between TFIIB and TFIIF.
An Embedded 8-bit RISC Controller for Yield Enhancement of the 90-nm PRAM

An embedded 8 b RISC for advanced memories is designed to control, analyze and optimize the memory timing and voltage parameters. The processor-based built-in-self-optimize (BISO) algorithm is proposed to enhance the memory yield. A test PRAM with the RISC is fabricated in 90 nm, 3-metal diode-switch process. By applying BISO, the PRAM margin window increases by 221%. It operates at 100 MHz and consumes 28.4 mW at 1.0 V supply voltage. The embedded RISC enables 100 Mb/s/pin read/write throughputs to PRAM.
On the Real-time Vehicle Placement Problem

Motivated by ride-sharing platforms' efforts to reduce their riders' wait times for a vehicle, this paper introduces a novel problem of placing vehicles to fulfill real-time pickup requests in a spatially and temporally changing environment. The real-time nature of this problem makes it fundamentally different from other placement and scheduling problems, as it requires not only real-time placement decisions but also handling real-time request dynamics, which are influenced by human mobility patterns. We use a dataset of ten million ride requests from four major U.S. cities to show that the requests exhibit significant self-similarity. We then propose distributed online learning algorithms for the real-time vehicle placement problem and bound their expected performance under this observed self-similarity.
Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products and Risk Factors for Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

Dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) form during heating and processing of food products and are widely prevalent in the modern Western diet. Recent systematic reviews indicate that consumption of dietary AGEs may promote inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Experimental evidence indicates that dietary AGEs may also induce renal damage, however, this outcome has not been considered in previous systematic reviews. The purpose of this review was to examine the effect of consumption of a high AGE diet on biomarkers of chronic disease, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Six databases (SCOPUS, CINHAL, EMBASE, Medline, Biological abstracts and Web of Science) were searched for randomised controlled dietary trials that compared high AGE intake to low AGE intake in adults with and without obesity, diabetes or CKD. Twelve dietary AGE interventions were identified with a total of 293 participants. A high AGE diet increased circulating tumour necrosis factor-alpha and AGEs in all populations. A high AGE diet increased 8-isoprostanes in healthy adults, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with diabetes. Markers of CKD were not widely assessed. The evidence presented indicates that a high AGE diet may contribute to risk factors associated with chronic disease, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, however, due to a lack of high quality randomised trials, more research is required.
Spectral Regression dimension reduction for multiple features facial image retrieval

Face retrieval has received much attention in recent years. This paper comparatively studied five feature description methods for face representation, including Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Gabor feature, Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM), Pyramid Histogram of Oriented Gradient (PHOG) and Curvelet Transform (CT). The problem of large dimensionalities of the extracted features was addressed by employing a manifold learning method called Spectral Regression (SR). A fusion scheme was proposed by aggregating the distance metrics. Experiments illustrated that dimension reduced features are more efficient and the fusion scheme can offer much enhanced performance. A 98% rank 1 accuracy was obtained for the AR faces and 92% for the FERET faces.
Development of an EMG controlled hand exoskeleton for post-stroke rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after stroke is of crucial importance since patients often have severe motor impairments that affect their daily activities. In the past decades, a number of robotic systems have been proposed for stroke rehabilitation but very few of them are available in the market. Additionally, because of their high costs they are not widely accessible. This paper presents a light-weight hand exoskeleton controlled by patient's surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. This system could empower the patient to intensively exercise the hand and control its movement with his/her muscles. This would personalise the rehabilitation process since the system will respond to patient's own effort to move. sEMG signals were acquired from the healthy forearm and pattern recognition techniques were used to distinguish extension and flexion of the index and middle fingers. The motorized exoskeleton imposed the corresponding movements in the hand wearing it. Individualization of finger movements was accomplished with more than 95% of accuracy and opening and closing motions were established by the exoskeleton in the opposite hand.
A Multimodal Approach to Dictation of Handwritten Historical Documents

Handwritten Text Recognition is a problem that has gained attention in the last years due to the interest in the transcription of historical documents. Handwritten Text Recognition employs models that are similar to those employed in Automatic Speech Recognition (Hidden Markov Models and n -grams). Dictation of the contents of the document is an alternative to text recognition. In this work, we explore the performance of a Handwritten Text Recognition system against that of two speech dictation systems: a non-multimodal system that only uses speech and a multimodal system that performs a text recognition which is used in the posterior speech recognition. Results show that the multimodal combination outperforms any of the other considered non-multimodal systems.
A dynamic heuristic algorithm for minimum cost multicast routing in OTN network

It is important to support the multicast in the OTN network since multicast services are becoming more and more popular. To support multicast in a cost-effective way, the multicast of OTN should be realized in electronic domain based on ODU-level rather than optical domain in our point of view. In order to implement dynamic multicast routing in OTN, a new minimum cost tree heuristic algorithm is brought forward by us, which takes account of delay constraint and load balancing. The simulation results show that the proposed multicast routing algorithm has a high performance of load balancing in constructing delay-constrained low-cost dynamic multicast tree with a very low time complexity.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Longitudinal Ground Vehicle Traction

NONLINEAR DYNAMICS OF LONGITUDINAL GROUND VEHICLE TRACTION By Brian John Olson The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand the nonlinear dynamics of longitudinal ground vehicle traction. Specifically, the performance of rubber-tired automobiles under straight-ahead braking and acceleration conditions is discussed in detail. Two vehicle-traction models are considered—a quarter-car, or single-wheel model, and a half-car, or two-wheel model—and nonlinear analyses are undertaken for each. Customarily, the forward vehicle speed and the rotational rate of each tire/wheel are taken as dynamic states. This thesis motivates an alternative formulation where wheel slip, a dimensionless measure of the difference between the vehicle speed and the circumferential speed of the tire relative to the wheel center, replaces the angular velocity of the tire/wheel as a dynamic state. This formulation offers new insight into the dynamic behavior of vehicle traction. In each case considered, the unique features of the modeling approach allow one to capture the full range of dynamic responses of the singleand two-wheel traction models in a relatively simple geometric manner. The models developed here may also be useful for developing and implementing ABS and TCS control schemes.
WTIMIT: The TIMIT Speech Corpus Transmitted Over The 3G AMR Wideband Mobile Network

In anticipation of upcoming mobile telephony services with higher speech quality, a wideband (50 Hz to 7 kHz) mobile telephony derivative of TIMIT has been recorded called WTIMIT. It opens up various scientific investigations; e.g., on speech quality and intelligibility, as well as on wideband upgrades of network-side interactive voice response (IVR) systems with retrained or bandwidth-extended acoustic models for automatic speech recognition (ASR). Wideband telephony could enable network-side speech recognition applications such as remote dictation or spelling without the need of distributed speech recognition techniques. The WTIMIT corpus was transmitted via two prepared Nokia 6220 mobile phones over T-Mobile's 3G wideband mobile network in The Hague, The Netherlands, employing the Adaptive Multirate Wideband (AMR-WB) speech codec. The paper presents observations of transmission effects and phoneme recognition experiments. It turns out that in the case of wideband telephony, server-side ASR should not be carried out by simply decimating received signals to 8 kHz and applying existent narrowband acoustic models. Nor do we recommend just simulating the AMR-WB codec for training of wideband acoustic models. Instead, real-world wideband telephony channel data (such as WTIMIT) provides the best training material for wideband IVR systems.
Automatically proving mathematical theorems with evolutionary algorithms and proof assistants

Mathematical theorems are human knowledge able to be accumulated in the form of symbolic representation, and proving theorems has been considered intelligent behavior. Based on the BHK interpretation and the Curry-Howard isomorphism, proof assistants, software capable of interacting with human for constructing formal proofs, have been developed in the past several decades. Since proofs can be considered and expressed as programs, proof assistants simplify and verify a proof by computationally evaluating the program corresponding to the proof. Thanks to the transformation from logic to computation, it is now possible to generate or search for formal proofs directly in the realm of computation. Evolutionary algorithms, known to be flexible and versatile, have been successfully applied to handle a variety of scientific and engineering problems in numerous disciplines for also several decades. Examining the feasibility of establishing the link between evolutionary algorithms, as the program generator, and proof assistants, as the proof verifier, in order to automatically find formal proofs to a given logic sentence is the primary goal of this study. In the article, we describe in detail our first, ad-hoc attempt to fully automatically prove theorems as well as the preliminary results. Ten simple theorems from various branches of mathematics were proven, and most of these theorems cannot be proven by using the tactic auto alone in Coq, the adopted proof assistant. The implication and potential influence of this study are discussed, and the developed source code with the obtained experimental results are released as open source.
Basic Issues in Spatial Representation

Spatial representation has in the last decade become a major focus of research in cognitive science and related areas. This includes philosophy as well as psychology, brain science, linguistics, those branches of computer science involved in the construction of machines capable of autonomous interaction with the environment. A fil rouge connects the efforts made by researchers from all of these areas under the rubric of spatial representation. Overall, however, there is also some ambiguity as to what “representation” really means in this regard. Two main options are:
Using Long Runs as Predictors of Semantic Coherence in a Partial Document Retrieval System

We propose a method for dealing with semantic complexities occurring in information retrieval systems on the basis of linguistic observations. Our method follows from an analysis indicating that long runs of content words appear in a stopped document cluster, and our observation that these long runs predominately originate from the prepositional phrase and subject complement positions and as such, may be useful predictors of semantic coherence. From this linguistic basis, we test three statistical hypotheses over a small collection of documents from different genre. By coordinating thesaurus semantic categories (SEMCATs) of the long run words to the semantic categories of paragraphs, we conclude that for paragraphs containing both long runs and short runs, the SEMCAT weight of long runs of content words is a strong predictor of the semantic coherence of the paragraph.