Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ieee Transactions on Information Forensics and Security 1 a Fast Parts-based Approach to Speaker Verification Using Boosted Slice Classifiers

—Speaker verification on portable devices like smart-phones is gradually becoming popular. In this context, two issues need to be considered: 1) such devices have relatively limited computation resources, and 2) they are liable to be used everywhere, possibly in very noisy, uncontrolled environments. This work aims to address both these issues by proposing a computationally efficient yet robust speaker verification system. This novel parts-based system draws inspiration from face and object detection systems in the computer vision domain. The system involves boosted ensembles of simple threshold-based classifiers. It uses a novel set of features extracted from speech spectra, called " slice features ". The performance of the proposed system was evaluated through extensive studies involving a wide range of experimental conditions using the TIMIT, HTIMIT and MOBIO corpus, against standard cepstral features and Gaussian Mixture Model-based speaker verification systems.
Statistical Background Subtraction Based on the Exact Per-pixel Distributions

Most of background subtraction methods represent background statistics using probabilistic unified frameworks such as the Gaussian mixture model or kernel density estimation. But these models cannot define the exact difference between two pixels. It causes misclassification such as false alarms and misses. We presented a new sensor noise model appropriate for general CCD cameras. Based on this, we propose a novel background subtraction method. Our noise modeling needs a line estimation step to relate image intensities with parameters of the noise distribution. This paper describes a new line estimation algorithm given two consecutive static images, and from which can have a well-fitted distribution for each pixel according to intensity of the pixel. In addition, we present a background update method to deal with the continuous variation of the background. We can estimate accurate foregrounds by adapting the estimated per-pixel distributions and background updates.
Talking to UNIX in English: An Overview of an On-Line UNIX Consultant

UC (UNIX Consultant) is an intelligent natural language interface that allows naive users to communicate with the UNIX operating system in ordinary English. The goal of UC is to provide a natural language help facility that allows new users to learn operating system conventions in a relatively painless way. UC is not meant to be a substitute for a good operating system command interpreter, but rather, an additional tool at the disposal of the new user, to be used in conjunction with other operating system components. UC allows the user to engage in natural language dialogues with the operating system. While there are a number of other natural language interfaces available today, these are mostly used as natural language front ends to particular data bases (for example, see Hayes & Carbonell 1981, Hendrix 1977, Robinson 1982, Waltz et al. 1976, and Woods 1970). In contrast, the user uses UC in order to learn how better to use the UNIX environment in which UC is embedded. UC can handle requests stated in a wide variety of forms, and has a number of features to enhance its function as a user interface.
Cluster Analysis, Model Selection, and Prior Distributions on Models

Clustering is an important and challenging statistical problem for which there is an extensive literature. Modeling approaches include mixture models and product partition models. Here we develop a product partition model and a model selection procedure based on Bayes factors from intrinsic priors. We also find that the choice of the prior on model space is of utmost importance, almost overshadowing the other parts of the clustering problem, and we examine the behavior of posterior odds based on different model space priors. We find, somewhat surprisingly, that procedures based on the often-used uniform prior (in which all models are given the same prior probability) lead to inconsistent model selection procedures. We examine other priors, and find that a new prior, the hierarchical uniform prior leads to consistent model selection procedures and has other desirable properties. Lastly, we examine our procedures, and competitors, on a range of examples.
Constructing IMU based On ADC and sensors calibration for Ballbot

In this article the Ballbot described as being unlike a statically stable wheeled robot, is shown to be a dynamic stable robot. The stability of such inherently unstable robot is based on accurate angle and position feedback that is obtained from his IMU. We did not use commercial IMU in this Ballbot construction unlike the previous Ballbots, instead an IMU that is suitable for Ballbot mechanism was designed and implemented. Angle feedback produced by IMU must be as accurate as possible, similar to other sections of robot. Because of this reason we must calibrate sensors for best performance. But before sensors calibration, ADC calibration must be done in order to correct errors occurring during conversion of the sensor analog signals to equivalent digital numbers. By a calibrated ADC, sensor calibration is performed. A precise calibration method which is simple to apply is presented. The method does not need accurate equipment and is performed by a plate attached to an ordinary motor. After acquiring calibrated data, the Kalman filter is implemented for data fusion. The Kalman filter output is very accurate and IMU can track abrupt changes in orientation. It is implemented in Ballbot and could provide proper feedback to balance the Ballbot.
Feature fusion of triaxial acceleration signals and depth maps for human action recognition

Human action recognition has been an active research topic for its wide application. Most researches focus on the recognition based on one single modality sensor. In this paper, we present a novel approach for human action recognition, which is based on fusing triaxial acceleration signals and depth maps. We extract Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) coefficients from acceleration signals and Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features from Depth Motion Maps (DMM). After obtaining these two feature vectors, we concatenate them and adopt Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to reduce the feature dimension. To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed approach, we construct a multimodal dataset named SIAT Activity of Daily Living (ADL). Experimental results on our dataset SIAT ADL show that the proposed approach is more discriminative and robust than the single feature-based method.
COMT gene locus: new functional variants

Abstract Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) metabolizes catecholaminergic neurotransmitters. Numerous studies have linked COMT to pivotal brain functions such as mood, cognition, response to stress, and pain. Both nociception and risk of clinical pain have been associated with COMT genetic variants, and this association was shown to be mediated through adrenergic pathways. Here, we show that association studies between COMT polymorphic markers and pain phenotypes in 2 independent cohorts identified a functional marker, rs165774, situated in the 3′ untranslated region of a newfound splice variant, (a)-COMT. Sequence comparisons showed that the (a)-COMT transcript is highly conserved in primates, and deep sequencing data demonstrated that (a)-COMT is expressed across several human tissues, including the brain. In silico analyses showed that the (a)-COMT enzyme features a distinct C-terminus structure, capable of stabilizing substrates in its active site. In vitro experiments demonstrated not only that (a)-COMT is catalytically active but also that it displays unique substrate specificity, exhibiting enzymatic activity with dopamine but not epinephrine. They also established that the pain-protective A allele of rs165774 coincides with lower COMT activity, suggesting contribution to decreased pain sensitivity through increased dopaminergic rather than decreased adrenergic tone, characteristic of reference isoforms. Our results provide evidence for an essential role of the (a)-COMT isoform in nociceptive signaling and suggest that genetic variations in (a)-COMT isoforms may contribute to individual variability in pain phenotypes.
Calibration of Video-Oculographical Eye-Tracking System

Video-oculography (VOG) is the most suitable eye tracking method in Human Computer Interaction. The precise mapping from image co-ordinates to computer monitor screen co-ordinates in real time is necessary for efficient computer control. During this study, the calibrations techniques were investigated. It was noticed that, there is no significant difference between a mapping with developed model, describing eye image formation process in the sensor, and with polynomial calibration. Polynomial calibration model do not allow a free head motion and requires frequent recalibration. A model based mapping is tolerant to head motions. An improved model could take an advantage over polynomial mapping. Ill. 7, bibl. 8 (in English, summaries in English, Russian, Lithuanian).
Development of Guidelines for Idiopathic Normal-pressure Hydrocephalus: Introduction

OBJECTIVE:There are no currently accepted evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of the normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patient. As a result, an independent study group was assembled to address this issue and determine the feasibility of developing standardized guidelines, which would be acceptable in the United States and abroad and would be based on the available scientific evidence. The guidelines were to encompass value of clinical presentation, value of supplementary diagnostic tests, surgical management, and outcome assessment. METHODS:Initially, a series of 10 questions were formulated in the areas of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment to obtain a consensus by panels of experts (see Acknowledgments) assembled in San Antonio, TX, in September 2000. This workshop provided significant insight into the difficulties in developing NPH guidelines, and a consensus was reached as to those questions involving expert opinion. Subsequently, evidentiary tables were developed on the basis of the available evidence. Only those studies with 20 or more idiopathic NPH (INPH) patients were included. RESULTS:Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for INPH diagnostic criteria were assessed, and guidelines were developed on the basis of the available evidence. Recommendations for classification of INPH and additional studies were documented. CONCLUSION:The development of the guidelines was made difficult because systematic studies of INPH and patient numbers were few. It was decided to maintain the classification of NPH into two major categories, INPH and those of known cause (secondary NPH). Many studies “mixed” these classifications, and as a result, they could not be used in the evidentiary tables. Despite these problems, evidence-based guidelines were developed, and it is hoped that they will be useful in guiding clinical management of the INPH patient.
Body odour of monozygotic human twins: a common pattern of odorant carboxylic acids released by a bacterial aminoacylase from axilla secretions contributing to an inherited body odour type

It is currently not fully established whether human individuals have a genetically determined, individual-specific body odour. Volatile carboxylic acids are a key class of known human body odorants. They are released from glutamine conjugates secreted in axillary skin by a specific Nα-acyl-glutamine-aminoacylase present in skin bacteria. Here, we report a quantitative investigation of these odorant acids in 12 pairs of monozygotic twins. Axilla secretions were sampled twice and treated with the Nα-acyl-glutamine-aminoacylase. The released acids were analysed as their methyl esters with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection. The pattern of the analytes was compared with distance analysis. The distance was lowest between samples of the right and the left axilla taken on the same day from the same individual. It was clearly greater if the same subject was sampled on different days, but this intra-individual distance between samples was only slightly lower than the distance between samples taken from two monozygotic twins. A much greater distance was observed when comparing unrelated individuals. By applying cluster and principal component analyses, a clear clustering of samples taken from one pair of monozygotic twins was also confirmed. In conclusion, the specific pattern of precursors for volatile carboxylic acids is subject to a day-to-day variation, but there is a strong genetic contribution. Therefore, humans have a genetically determined body odour type that is at least partly composed of these odorant acids.
Firm Size Diversity and Regional Innovation

Why are some regions more innovative than others? We examine within{ and across{region variation in the coexistence of large and small labs. Large labs may spawn spin-outs caused by innovations deemed unrelated to the rm’s overall business. Small labs generate demand for specialized services that lower entry costs for others. We develop a theoretical framework to study the interplay of these two localized externalities and their impact on regional innovation. Our model predicts innovation output is higher where large and small labs coexist. Using MSA-level patent data during the period 1975-2000, we report evidence consistent with the theory.
Enabling Ideal Job Mapping on Wireless Supercomputers and Datacenters

A number of small parallel applications run on datacenters and supercomputers simultaneously. Job mapping becomes crucial to improve system utilization and user experience especially on a supercomputer, because fragmentation of unused compute nodes could not be assigned for an incoming job with even a smaller size. Wireless supercomputers and datacenters with 60GHz radio or free-space optics have been proposed so that a diverse application workload can be better supported by changing network topologies by swapping the endpoints of wireless links. In this study we propose the use of wireless links for the purpose of giving an ideal job mapping. Our simulation results demonstrate that a large number of fragmentations heavily degrade the system utilization of supercomputers and datacenters under a conventional fixed network topology. By contrast, wireless interconnection networks can have an ideal job mapping by directly reconnecting non-neighboring computing nodes. It improves the system utilization by up to 17.7% for user jobs on a supercomputer. Thus the whole service time can be shortened especially for dealing with dozens of intensively incoming jobs. Furthermore, we confirmed that either workload or scheduling policy does not impact the fact that the ideal job mapping on wireless supercomputers outperforms that on wired 2-D mesh networks in terms of system utilization and whole service time.
Grids and networks: two exploratory approaches for visualising bibliometric data on very large displays

Current personal single-user devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, struggle to provide the contextual awareness and coordination capabilities required for the effective collaborative analysis of large datasets. Instead, large interactive displays offer unique opportunities for co-located collaboration in meeting room environments. However, supporting collaborative interaction across multiple large displays presents distinctive challenges for interaction designers. This paper explores and compares novel interaction techniques and visualisations for large displays, with a focus on two distinct approaches for collaborative browsing and filtering of multivariate datasets: (i) shared zoomable grid view, and (ii) multiple individual network views. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed interfaces for multi-user exploratory analysis, we applied the designs to a specific use case, namely the problem of displaying research metadata from bibliographic databases to extract and collate narratives and overarching themes for research grant proposals. Following an agile design methodology, we created two prototypes incorporating our designs. We weigh the benefits and limitations of each approach by comparing them along two key dimensions: (i) methods of interaction, and (ii) visual representation. Subsequently, we compare the two design approaches and discuss the circumstances and situations that would be beneficial for use. This research and its implications are intended to inform future research exploring the design of collaborative interfaces for large-scale interaction environments.
A model of information flow management in the function of business processes improvement

This paper presents a model of information flow in the area of the relations of obligations, which is applied at the enterprise Parking Service Kragujevac, Serbia, which can also serve as a general reference model for building the customized model of the enterprise. According to their scope and complexity, the processes that take place within the legal department belong to the more complex processes in an enterprise. This paper presents a model of displayed information flows with the aim to improve the quality of business processes in the specified area and the implementation of the information system.
Search Costs and Equilibrium Price Dispersion in Auctions

A leading explanation for price dispersion in posted-price markets is search costs. We incorporate this insight into a model of competing second-price auctions similar to eBay. By doing so, we extend the narrow literature on competing auctions to capture price dispersion, and grow the already large literature on price dispersion to include auctions. We provide evidence on search costs and price dispersion using data collected from eBay, identifying search costs by exploiting a discontinuity in the visibility of auctions due to eBay’s search tool. 1 We thank Aaron Bodoh-Creed, Greg Lewis, Steve Tadelis, and various seminar participants for helpful comments, Nate Woody for programming assistance, and the Cornell University Institute for Social Sciences for financial support. The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice. 1
Research on Cooperative Packet Forwarding and Punishment Mechanism in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, because of nodes’ limited energy and resources, they are unwilling to forward packets under the conditions of selfish and rational nodes. To improve network payoff, nodes have to cooperate to send and forward packets. In this paper, we present a repeated game theoretic model and design a payoff function on path connectivity and energy consumption. Using the punishment mechanism, the repeat game model can propel a Nash Equilibrium and decrease the defection possibility of selfish nodes. Our simulation results show the repeated game model enhances the network payoff and improves energy efficiency, and also show that the defection at any selfish node will degrade the network payoff and cause energy waste.
Predictable Three-Parameter Design of Network Covert Communication Systems

This paper presents a predictable and quantifiable approach to designing a covert communication system capable of effectively exploiting covert channels found in the various layers of network protocols. Three metrics are developed that characterize the overall system. A measure of probability of detection is derived using statistical inference techniques. A system efficiency measure is developed based upon the noiseless capacity of the covert channel. A measure of reliability is developed as the bit-error rate of the combined noisy channel and an appropriate error-correcting code. To support reliable communication, a family of error-correcting codes are developed that handle the high symbol insertion rates found in these covert channels. The system metrics are each shown to be a function of the covert channel signal-to-noise ratio, and as such can be used to perform system level design trade-offs. Validation of the system design methodology is provided by means of an experiment using real network traffic data.
Federal Reserve Bank of New York Staff Reports

This paper presents preliminary fi ndings and is being distributed to economists and other interested readers solely to stimulate discussion and elicit comments. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and are not necessarily refl ective of views at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors. ). The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily refl ect the position of the Abstract This paper examines differences in the skill content of work throughout the United States, ranging from densely populated city centers to isolated and sparsely populated rural areas. To do so, we classify detailed geographic areas into categories along the entire urban-rural hierarchy. An occupation-based cluster analysis is then used to measure the types of skills available in the regional workforce, which allows for a broader measure of human capital than is captured by conventional measures. We fi nd that the occupation clusters most prevalent in urban areas—scientists, engineers, and executives—are characterized by high levels of social and resource-management skills, as well as the ability to generate ideas and solve complex problems. By contrast, the occupation clusters that are most prevalent in rural areas—machinists, makers, and laborers—are among the lowest in terms of required skills. These differences in the skill content of work shed light on the pattern of earnings observed across the urban-rural hierarchy.