Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Two-Step Minimization Algorithm For Model-Based Hand Tracking

Model-based methods to the tracking of an articulated hand in a video sequence could be divided in two categories. The first one, called stochastic methods, uses stochastic filters such as kalman or particle ones. The second category, named deterministic methods, defines a dissimilarity function to measure how well the hand model is aligned with the hand images of a video sequence. This dissimilarity function is then minimized to achieve the hand tracking. Two well-known problems are related to the minimization algorithms. The first one is that of local minima. The second problem is that of computing time required to reach the solution. These problems are compounded with the large number of degrees of freedom (DOF) of the hand (around 26). The choice of the function to be minimized and that of the minimization process can be an answer to these problems. In this paper two major contributions are presented. The first one defines a new dissimilarity function, which gives better results for hand tracking than other well-known functions like the directed chamfer or hausdorff distances. The second contribution proposes a minimization process that operates in two steps. The first one provides the global parameters of the hand, i.e. position and orientation of the palm, whereas the second step gives the local parameters of the hand, i.e. finger joint angles. Operating in two stages, the proposed two-step algorithm reduces the complexity of the minimization problem. Indeed, it seems more robust to local minima than a one-step algorithm and improves the computing time needed to get the desired solution.
Hierarchical decomposition of industrial assembly tasks

Applying Programming by demonstration, especially kinesthetic teaching, to industrial assembly tasks, offers the opportunity to measure agent forces, torques and the end-effector pose during an assembly operation. The main contribution of this paper is a hierarchical decomposition as a formal and abstract representation of assembly operations. In contrast to other approaches, the presented decomposition is based on task specific knowledge and experience of a domain expert. Hence, each state of the decomposition and also the conditions for state transition are human-understandable. According to the task specific knowledge of a domain expert, structure and depth of the decomposition can vary for different sections of an assembly task. An example of a hierarchical decomposed assembly task and particularly the formal representation of a problem which occurred during task execution is given. This representation also describes how to recover form the mentioned problem. The very same decomposition is also used for online fault detection and prediction.
Parallel Spatial Index Algorithm Based on Hilbert Partition

R-tree and its varieties are the main indiecs in spatial databases. With the increasing large amount of spatial data and its complexity, traditional database management methods' processing time grows rapidly. In this paper we present a novel spatial index method that takes advantage of the parallel distributed storage system by using the Hilbert curve and MapReduce computation model. The experiment shows good result of time performance and efficiency.
Latin America and the World Economy since 1800

The 15 essays in this volume apply the methods of the new economic history to the history of the Latin American economies since 1800. The authors combine the historian's sensitivity to context and contingency with modern or "neoclassical" economic theory and quantitative method. The essays shed new light on the economic history of all the major economies, from Mexico and Cuba to Brazil and Argentina. Some focus on comparing macroeconomic policies and performance, others analyze key sectors such as foreign trade, finance, transportation, and industry, and still others focus on the impact of property rights, government regulation, and political upheaval.
Biometric valence and arousal recognition

A real-time user-independent emotion detection system using physiological signals has been developed. The system has the ability to classify affective states into 2-dimensions using valence and arousal. Each dimension ranges from 1 to 5 giving a total of 25 possible affective regions. Physiological signals were measured using 3 biometric sensors for Blood Volume Pulse (BVP), Skin Conductance (SC) and Respiration (RESP). Two emotion inducing experiments were conducted to acquire physiological data from 13 subjects. The data from 10 of these subjects were used to train the system, while the remaining 3 datasets were used to test the performance of the system. A recognition rate of 62% for valence and 67% for arousal was achieved within +/- 1 units of the valence and arousal rating.
Unstable particle mixing and CP violation in weak decays.

We discuss unstable particle mixing in [ital CP]-violating weak decays. It is shown that for a completely degenerate system unstable particle mixing does not introduce a [ital CP]-violating partial rate difference, and that when the mixings are small only the off-diagonal mixings are relevant. Also, in the absence of mixing, unstable particle wave function renormalization does not introduce any additional effect. An illustrative example is given to heavy scalar decays with arbitrary mixing.
Tracing masquerading attacks in distributed healthcare information systems

Several states in the European Union started to introduce distributed clinical information systems to develop new communication channels, and enhance a more effective collaboration among different healthcare institutions. These systems exchange Electronic Health Records, containing critical private information regarding patients. Not encouraging is the fact that masquerading attacks, although not massively popular, have a massive impact on the security of a system in terms of confidentiality and integrity. Not unaware of the problem the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise initiative defines the Audit Trail and Node Authentication profile which specifies audit messages for reporting security, and privacy related events. Unfortunately as of yet, the initiative does not define a detection methodology that can be used for uncovering masquerading attacks. Hence, no implementations exist that help security personnel to analyse these audit records automatically. Based on challenges derived via expert interviews we designed a detection methodology in form of a conceptual masquerader detection framework tailored to the IHE context.
[3H]4‐(dimethylamino)‐N‐(4‐(4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl) butyl)benzamide: A selective radioligand for dopamine D3 receptors. II. Quantitative analysis of dopamine D3 and D2 receptor density ratio in the caudate‐putamen

4‐(Dimethylamino)‐N‐(4‐(4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)butyl)benzamide (WC‐10), a N‐phenyl piperazine analog, displays high affinity and moderate selectivity for dopamine D3 receptors versus dopamine D2 receptors (Chu et al. [ 2005 ] Bioorg Med Chem 13:77–87). In this study, WC‐10 was radiolabeled with tritium (specific activity = 80 Ci/mmol), and quantitative autoradiography studies were conducted using rhesus monkey and Sprague‐Dawley rat brain sections. Kd values for the binding of [3H]WC‐10 to D3 receptors obtained from quantitative autoradiography with rhesus monkey and rat brain sections are in agreement with Kd values obtained from cloned human and rat receptors (Xu et al. [ 2009 ] Synapse 63:717‐728). The D2 selective antagonist [3H]raclopride binds with 11‐fold higher affinity to human HEK D2L (Kd = 1.6 nM) than HEK D3 (Kd = 18 nM) receptors; [3H]raclopride binds to rat Sf9 rD2L receptors with a Kd of 6.79 nM, a value that is 4‐fold lower than binding to human HEK D2L receptors and 2.5‐fold higher than binding to rat Sf9 rD3 receptors. In vitro quantitative autoradiography studies with [3H]WC‐10 and [3H]raclopride were conducted on adult rat and rhesus monkey brain sections. A mathematical model for calculating the absolute densities of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors based on the in vitro receptor binding data of [3H]WC‐10 and [3H]raclopride was developed. Synapse 64:449–459, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamically-Sampled Bivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition

A novel scheme for selecting projection vectors in bivariate empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) is proposed in order to enable accurate signal decomposition at lower computational complexity. Unlike existing algorithms which use a static uniform scheme for the distribution of projection vectors, the proposed scheme examines local curvature in multidimensional spaces to produce a data-adaptive set of direction vectors for taking signal projections. This is achieved by aligning the density of projection vectors according to the empirical distributions of angles where the signal exhibits highest local dynamics. We show that the proposed methodology outperforms the existing schemes for a small number of signal projections. The proposed algorithm is verified via illustrative simulations demonstrating accurate local mean estimation and mode extraction.
PROCESS OPTIMIZATION THROUGH DATA MINING ELIMINATES NEED FOR EXPLICIT QUALITY FUNCTION

In process optimization, the setting of process variables is usually determined by estimating a function relating quality and process variables and then optimizing the estimated function. However, it is difficult to build an accurate function from process data in industrial fields because process variables are correlated, outliers are included in the data, and the form of the functional relation between quality and process variables may not be known. A solution derived from an inaccurate function becomes far from the optimal one. To overcome this problem, we use a data mining approach. First, a PLS model is used to reduce the dimensionality of the process and quality variables. Then the process settings that yield the best output are identified by sequentially partitioning the reduced process variable space using a rule induction method. The proposed method finds an optimal setting from historical data without constructing an explicit quality function. The proposed method is illustrated with two examples obtained from steel-making processes. We also show, through simulation, that the proposed method gives more stable results than estimating an explicit function even when the form of the function is known in advance.
The EWD-P System: Polish Government - Council of the European Union Interoperability Achieved

The Polish government - Council of the European Union interoperability is an important factor of the Europe enlargement success. This article presents how the interoperability has been achieved and further exploited in the European Exchange of Documents - Poland (EWD-P) system - an application responsible for elaboration of the official Polish standpoint concerning adjustment of the newly associated states law to the EU procedures and regulations. The mechanisms and the role of the underlying platform for knowledge management intensive portals development are presented.
Testing the Assertion that Emerging Asian Stock Markets are Becoming More Efficient

Testing the assertion that emerging stock markets are becoming more efficient over time has received increasing attention in the empirical literature in recent years. However, the statistical tests adopted in extant literature are designed to detect linear predictability, and hence disregard the possible existence of nonlinear predictability. Motivated by this concern, this study computes the bicorrelation statistics of Hinich (1996) in fixed-length moving sub-sample windows, and found that nonlinear predictability for all returns series follows an evolutionary time path. However, for most indices with the exception of Taiwan SE Weighted, there is no clear trend towards higher efficiency as predicted by the classical EMH.
Soil moisture estimation using classification and regression trees and neural networks

In this paper, a soil moisture estimation model was developed to calculate the nationwide soil moisture fields using on site soil moisture observation, precipitation, surface temperature, MODIS NDVI and a data mining technique, Classification And Regression Tree (CART) algorithm and neural networks. The model was applied to the Yong-dam dam basin since the soil moisture observations of the Yong-dam dam basin were reliable. Soil moisture observations of 4 sites were used for the model calibration and that of a site was used for the model validation. Results showed that the soil moisture estimation using a data mining technique and ancillary data allow us to get reasonable soil moisture fields which are suitable for the hydrologic model application. Key-Words: Soil moisture, Neural Networks, CART, MODIS, Precipitation, NDVI, Surface Temperature
Experimental Evidence of the Emergence of Aesthetic Rules in Pure Coordination Games

When people coordinate in one-shot, pure coordination games they rely on existing concepts of salience. In an experiment with pure coordination games, concepts of salience emerged when players were given a set of different but related coordination problems with randomly generated labels. The same players were also given a set of different but related coordination problems with culture-laden labels and common features between labels across problems. The players could develop concepts of salience in the first set of games and appeared to use common features as rules for coordination in the second set. The paper also finds evidence of pair-specific learning and coordination on favourite labels.
DOES PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT

This study examines a model involving Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, perceived organizational support, and organizational commitment. It was hypothesized that HRM practices (performance appraisal, training and career development) will be positively related to organizational commitment, and that perceived organizational support would serve as a mediator in the relationship between HRM practices and commitment. The statistical results on data gathered from a sample of 214 employees within the Malaysian manufacturing sector demonstrated that career development and performance appraisal have direct, positive and significant relationships with organizational commitment. In addition, perceived organizational support was found to partially mediate the relationships between two of the three HRM practices (career development and performance appraisal) and commitment. Theoretical and managerial implications are suggested.
Differential Taxation, Public Goods, and Economic Efficiency

(2) Differential factor taxes3 make the marginal rates of substitution of different factors in different industries different, and hence interfere with productive efficiency. Examples include the corporate income tax, which differentiates between capital used in the corporate and non-corporate sectors; the selective employment tax; and the differential treatment of gasoline used in road transportation and in agriculture.
6-DOF Haptic Rendering Using Spatialized Normal Cone Search

This article describes a haptic rendering algorithm for arbitrary polygonal models using a six degree-offreedom haptic interface. The algorithm supports activities such as virtual prototyping of complex polygonal models and adding haptic interaction to virtual environments. The underlying collision system computes local extrema in distance between the model controlled by the haptic device and the rest of the scene. The haptic rendering computes forces and torques on the moving model based on these local extrema. The system is demonstrated on models with tens of thousands of triangles and developed in an accessibility application for finding collision-free paths.
Pregnancy-Associated Malaria in Sudan: Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors

This study aimed to investigate the malaria infection prevalence and predisposing risk factors among some pregnant women in Greater Khartoum area, Sudan. Following informed consent, eight hundred thirty six pregnant women were interviewed and thick blood films were prepared and examined for malaria parasites. Parasite densities were determined by counting parasites against 200 leukocytes assuming a white blood cells count of 6,000/µl. PCR was performed using outer and nested primers to enhance detection of parasitemia below the microscopy threshold, after DNA extraction by chelex method. Microscopy and species-specific PCR results showed that 26.2% and 56.5% of women were positive respectively. Low parity and young-aged pregnant women were significantly associated with parasitemia (p=0.001, 0.004). Second trimester pregnancy (adjusted odd ratio (aOR), 3.2 (95% CI, 2.9-5.8,)) and season of antenatal visit ((aOR), 1.7 (95% CI, (0.9-1.1)) constituted a significant risk factor for contracting malaria. In a multivariate analysis, mothers <20 years ((aOR), 2.4 (95% CI, 1.3-3.0)), first and second pregnancies ((aOR), 2.0 (95% CI, 1.1-1.9)), poverty- related factors (low-income, illiteracy) were independent predictors for P. falciparum infection. Pregnancy-associated P. falciparum malaria is prevalent among Sudanese pregnant women with evidence of close correlation to low parity, young age and socioeconomic status.
The Content and Language of Newspaper Articles Related to the Official Ban on Smoking in Greece

This study aims to investigate the content and language of newspaper articles referring to the start of the offi- cial ban on smoking in Greece in July 2009. Given that smoking in Greece is generally taken to be a social and acceptable habit, despite its undeniable negative impact on health, Greek government launched an extensive anti-smoking campaign. Newspapers played a crucial role in conveying anti-smoking messages and keeping public opinion informed. Having in mind that language as a code expresses and reflects social values and beliefs and news is full of these values, we con- ducted a survey in order to study the major themes and language devices used in newspaper articles before and after the implementation of the new anti-smoking legislation. Our search yielded 196 articles, which were classified according to their dominant theme into 13 categories. From our analysis, it was concluded that, on the occasion of the ban on smoking, there was full coverage of all the main issues related to tobacco use. Moreover, the language features found varied de- pending on the identified dominant theme.
Flower power

Flower Power is an interactive installation that creates immersive light atmospheres by capturing the colors of flowers and re-projecting them in the environment. A camera is suspended over a flower bed and its position depends on the positions of the visitors around the installation, which are detected using presence sensors. The image captured by the camera is rendered into the surrounding environment as a suggestive, saturated light scene. The participants can thus give the power to their favorite flower to set the overall light experience. In this paper we describe the motivation and the realization of the installation, and we discuss insights and reactions collected during the 2010 STRP Festival.
Integrin β1-focal adhesion kinase signaling directs the proliferation of metastatic cancer cells disseminated in the lungs

The development of metastases is an extended and inefficient process involving multiple steps. The last of these involves the growth of micrometastases into macroscopic tumors. We show here that intravenously injected, nonmetastatic cancer cells cease proliferating after extravasating into the parenchyma of the lungs; this response is attributable to the cells inability to trigger adhesion-related signaling events when they are scattered sparsely within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the parenchyma. We recapitulate this situation by culturing these nonmetastatic cells at low seeding density in ECM-derived gels in vitro, in which they undergo cell-cycle arrest resulting, in part, from insufficient activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Metastatic cancer cells, in contrast, show sufficient FAK activation to enable their proliferation within ECM gels in vitro and continue cell-cycle progression within the lung parenchyma in vivo. Activation of FAK in these metastatic cells depends on expression of the β1 subunit of integrins, and proliferation of these cells after extravasation in the lungs is diminished by knocking down the expression of either FAK or integrin β1. These results demonstrate the critical role of integrin β1-FAK signaling axis in controlling the initial proliferation of micrometastatic cancer cells disseminated in the lungs.
Criminal Justice: A Peacemaking Perspective

All chapters include "Key Terms. " Dedication. Preface. 1.The Nature of Crime in the United States. Defining Crime. Types of Crime. Crime Trends. Crime and the Media. Crime and Freedom. 2.War on Crime Perspective. War as a Metaphor. Costs of the War on Crime. 3.The Peace Perspective. Peacemaking Traditions. Peacemakers Who Challenged Injustice. Peacemaking Pyramid Paradigm (P3). Rationale for the Peacemaking Alternative. Government Policy as a Model of Behavior. 4.Criminal Justice as a System. Overview of the Criminal Justice System. Rule of Law. The Victim and the Criminal Justice System. 5.Police and Peacemaking. The Paramilitary Nature of Police Institutions. Community Policing. What Are the Limitations of the Community Policing Concept? Community Policing and the Police. 6.Courts and Justice. The Criminal Court Process. Discretion in the Courts. Plea Bargaining and Justice. Sentencing and Sentence Disparity. Peacemaking in the Court System. 7.Corrections and Peacemaking. Deterrence. Incapacitation. Rehabilitation. Foucault and Social Control. Forms of Corrections. Resources and Rehabilitation. Token Treatment. Treatment as Social Control. 8.Drugs. A History of Drug Use in the United States. The War on Drugs. Peacemaking and the War on Drugs. Toward a More Sane Drug Policy. 9.Violence. History of Violence in the United States. Socialization into Violence. Institutional Support for Violence. Violence as a Solution to Problems. Responding to Violence. Prevention of Homicide. Safe Streets and Empty Streets. Serial Killers and Mass Murderers. 10.Gun Control. Legacy of Firearms in the United States. Arguments for Gun Control. Arguments against Gun Control. Realistic Gun Control. Peacemaking and Guns. 11.Capital Punishment. History of Capital Punishment. Arguments for Capital Punishment. Arguments against Capital Punishment. Costs of Capital Punishment. Peacemaking and Capital Punishment. 12.Youth and Gangs. Youth Culture in the United States. Youth Crime. Youth Violence. The Great High School Fight. Peacemaking for Youth. 13.Crime from a Global Perspective. A Note on Ethnocentrism. Crime and Justice in Saudi Arabia. Crime in Africa. Organized Crime in Russia. Crime Control in China. Sex Tourism. 14.Give Peace a Chance. Appendix A. Criminal Justice as a Career. Appendix B. Crime and Justice on the World Wide Web. Glossary. Bibliography.