Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous Event-Based 3D Reconstruction From Neuromorphic Retinas

This paper presents a novel N-ocular 3D reconstruction algorithm for event-based vision data from bio-inspired artiﬁcial retina sensors. Artiﬁcial resti-nas capture visual information asynchronously and encode it into streams of asynchronous spike-like pulse signals carrying information on e.g. temporal contrast events in the scene. The precise time of the occurence of these visual features are implicitly encoded in the spike timings. Due to the high temporal resolution of the asynchronous visual information acquisition, the output of these sensors is ideally suited for dynamic 3D reconstruction. The presented technique takes full beneﬁt of the event-driven operation, i.e. events are processed individually at the moment they arrive. This strategy allows to preserve the original dynamics of the scene, hence allowing for more robust 3D reconstructions. As opposed to existing techniques, this algorithm is based on geometric and time constraints alone, making it particularly simple to implement and largely linear.
Sociometric methods and difference: a force for good – or yet more harm

This paper offers a critique of sociometrics as a ubiquitous method of measuring social relationships among children in social groups such as school classes. This is important in relation to disability politics and research as the apparently scientific measures are frequently used in the process of labelling children or predisposing the children involved, or others involved with them, to view disabled and other children in particular ways. We open a debate about judgements concerning whether the use of sociometric techniques needs to be better informed by questions about the underpinning normalising frameworks on which they depend, about the connotations of blame associated with particular sociometric statuses, and about the way that research constructs difficulties and reflects an adult agenda, marginalising the voices of (disabled) children. We argue for the value of the transactional turn in understanding the implications of this approach and for highlighting alternative perspectives.
Sheep performance on perennial ryegrass cultivars differing in concentration of water-soluble carbohydrate

High-sugar perennial ryegrass cultivars (HSG) selected for higher concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate may enhance animal production and reduce emissions of methane and nitrogen. Assessing the effects on economic output and environmental footprint is most robust when related to production per unit of land. Average daily gain (ADG) and liveweight gain per hectare (LWG/ha) of sheep grazing a high-sugar perennial ryegrass cultivar, a diploid perennial ryegrass and a tetraploid perennial ryegrass were compared during measurement periods conducted in spring (84 days duration), autumn (99 days) and late springsummer (160 days). Continuous variable stocking was used, and stocking rate adjusted to maintain a target sward surface height of 6 cm. Average daily gain was higher (P=0.003) on the HSG than on either control in late spring-summer and higher on the tetraploid control than on the HSG or the diploid control in autumn (P=0.04), but the higher ADGs did not translate to significantly higher LWG/ha. These results can inform farmers on cultivar choice and support analysis of methane and nitrogen emissions on an intensity basis for inventory and regulatory purposes.
The Effect of Spatial Ability on Immersive 3D Drawing

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have made immersive 3D drawing available to the general public. However, compared to 2D drawing, the presence of an additional dimension makes sketching in VR challenging, since creating precise strokes that are positioned as intended in all three dimensions imposes higher demands on the users' perception, motor and spatial skills. Another challenge users face is creating accurate shapes in which strokes are positioned correctly relative to previous ones, as they may need to use different views to plan their next hand movement. In this paper, we analyze the behaviours of users with different spatial abilities while drawing in VR. Our results indicate that there are different types of behaviours that affect different aspects of the sketches. We also found that the user's spatial ability affects the shape of the drawing, but not the line precision. Finally, we give recommendations for designing 3D drawing interfaces.
Repeated events and total time on test

We adopt the total time on test procedure to investigate monotone time trends in the intensity in a repeated event setting. The correct model is assumed to be a proportional hazards model, with a random effect to account for dependence within subjects. The method offers a simple routine for testing relevant hypotheses for recurrent event processes, without making distributional assumptions about the frailty. Such assumptions may severely affect conclusions concerning regression coefficients and cause bias in the estimated heterogeneity. The method is illustrated by re‐analyzing Danish registry data and a long‐term Swiss clinical study on recurrence in affective disorder. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Selected DNA Repair Genes, Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Status, and Breast Cancer Risk

Purpose: Genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair genes seem to determine the DNA repair capacity, which in turn may affect the risk of breast cancer. To evaluate the role of genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair genes in breast cancer, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study of Korean women. Experimental Design: We included 872 incident breast cancer cases and 671 controls recruited from several teaching hospitals in Seoul from 1995 to 2002. Twelve loci of selected DNA repair genes were genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (XRCC2 Arg188His, XRCC4 921G > T, XRCC6 1796G > T, LIG4 1977T/C, RAD51 135G > C, 172G > T, RAD52 2259C > T, LIG1 551A > C, ERCC1 8092A > C, 354C > T, hMLH1 −93G > A, and Ile219Val). Results: We found that the RAD52 2259 CT or TT, hMLH1 −93 GG, and ERCC1 8092 AA genotypes were associated with breast cancer risk after adjustment for known risk factors [odds ratio (OR), 1.33; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.02-1.75; OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.99-1.74; and OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38-0.89, respectively]. When Bonferroni's method was used to correct for multiple comparisons for nine polymorphisms with P = 0.005, all of these associations were not significant. However, the effects of RAD52 2259 CT or TT and ERCC1 354 CT or TT genotypes were more evident for the estrogen/progesterone receptor–negative cases (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.24-3.34 and OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.35-2.94, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms of RAD52, ERCC1, and hMLH1 may be associated with breast cancer risk in Korean women.
Flexible direct multi-volume rendering in interactive scenes

In this paper we describe methods to concurrently visualize and interact with multiple volumetric objects. We introduce the concept of V-Objects. V-Objects represent abstract properties of an object connected to a volumetric data source. The key to ﬂexibility is the explicit separation of V-Objects and data sources. We present a method to perform direct volume rendering of a scene comprised of an arbitrary number of V-Objects. Using this concept, we present a novel approach to combine visualization, interaction, and exploration techniques. We focus on medical applications, such as surgical planning, diagnosis, and education. An interactive and intuitive 3D framework for visualization of multiple volumetric objects has been developed. We have integrated our methods into a commercial medical visualization system.
High-Gain and Linear 60-GHz Power Amplifier With a Thin Digital 65-nm CMOS Technology

The analysis and optimization of millimeter-wave coupling structures are detailed to design a high-performance V-band 65-nm CMOS parallel power amplifier (PA). The difficulty in this design consists of the use of a thin digital seven metal layer, back end of line, and low-power transistors dedicated to pure digital applications. In this context, two transformer-based power-combining schemes are compared using a lumped model analysis. A distributed active transformer with a mixed current-voltage mode is then proposed for power combination. Furthermore, baluns and 0° 1-4 splitters are codesigned and implemented in the design. Two PAs are fabricated and measured. The first PA represents the power stage of the high-gain linear PA. At 61 GHz, the PA achieves a peak power gain of 20 dB with a 13.5-dBm 1-dB output compression point (OCP1dB) . It produces 15.6-dBm saturated power and a power-added efficiency of 6.6% from a 1.2-V supply. Finally, experimental measurements of the temperature distribution in the CMOS PA chip are illustrated and analyzed. To the authors' knowledge, these results represent the highest linear output power and gain performances among PAs using the same digital technology.
Microaggressions and Native Identity 1 Running head : MICROAGGRESSIONS AND NATIVE IDENTITY Daily Racial Microaggressions and Ethnic Identification among Native American Young Adults

The current study investigated 114 Native American young adults’ experiences of racial microaggressions, and links between microaggression experiences and self-reported ethnic and cultural identification. Microaggressions were assessed using the Daily Racial Microaggressions scale, Short Form (DRM). Ethnic identity and cultural participation were assessed using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and the Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale (OCIS). Participants reported strong identification with their Native/indigenous ethnicity, along with stronger commitment than exploration on the two MEIM subscales. On the OCIS, participants reported moderately strong identification with Native culture and practices, with strong identification with White American culture. Females reported higher White identification than males, and females also reported significantly stronger identification with White culture than Native. On the DRM, 98% of participants reported experiencing at least one type of racial microaggression. Generally, the extent to which participants were upset by the microaggressions was mild, but all types of microaggressions received ratings from “not upsetting at all” to “extremely upsetting. ” Microinvalidations were significantly more upsetting than microinsults for females, but there was no difference among the forms of microaggression for males. Correlational findings demonstrated that greater Native identification was strongly associated with more microaggression experiences, especially among males. Regression analyses found several identity correlates of microaggression experiences. “Assumption of criminality” and “assumed superiority of White values” were most frequently associated with identity scales. Results are discussed within the context of identity development theory.
No direction speci fi c costs in trans-saccadic memory

Even though we frequently execute saccades, we perceive the external world as coherent and stable. An important mechanism of trans-saccadic perception is spatial remapping: the process of updating information across eye movements. Previous studies have indicated a right hemispheric dominance for spatial remapping, which has been proposed to translate into enhanced trans-saccadic memory for locations that are remapped into the right compared to the left hemisphere in healthy participants. Previous study designs suffered from several limitations, however (i.e. multiple eye movements had to be made instead of one, fixations were not controlled for, and ceiling effects were likely present). We therefore compared accuracy of trans-saccadic memory for central items after leftversus rightward eye movements, and secondary, for items that were remapped within the left versus right visual field. Participants memorized the location of a briefly presented item, made one saccade, and subsequently decided in what direction the item had shifted. We used a staircase to adjust task difficulty. Bayesian repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare between left versus right eye movements and items in the left versus right visual field. We found most evidence against directional differences in transsaccadic memory (BF10 = 0.23). We found some evidence suggestive of enhanced trans-saccadic memory for items that were remapped within the left compared to the right visual field (BF10 = 4.00). The latter result could be explained by a leftward spatial attention bias. As such, the hypothesized right hemispheric dominance for spatial remapping does not result in asymmetric trans-saccadic memory capacities in healthy participants.
Magnet Architectures and Active Radiation Shielding Study (MAARSS)

This report describes the analysis of several magnetic radiation shield architectures and the spacecraft systems associated with them, such as quench detection, thermal management, and compensation coils. This work was performed as part of the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Grant Phase II effort. Because radiation exposure during long duration space missions poses a significant risk for crewed space-flight, Advanced Magnetic Lab, Inc. (AML) and NASA are studying magnetic radiation shielding, which may generate low-mass protection. Recent technological developments in high-temperature superconducting technology suggest the possibility of such shielding. This report analyzes some of the technical difficulties involved in such a system and identifies technology areas where further investment would be warranted. Most analysis was performed on a baseline configuration (8-meter diameter coils, with 1 tesla field). However, a baseline design with an expandable coil configuration (16 meter diameter coils, 1.5 tesla field) has a significant potential to increase shielding efficiency. The magnetic forces on the magnetic shield’s components are large enough to require detailed structural design. Analysis of the thermal structural response of a yttrium-barium-copper-oxide (YBCO) high-temperature, superconducting (HTS) tape in a large-scale solenoid magnet showed that structural and thermal performance improved by replacing Hastelloy with graphene in the tape. Integrating graphene into the high-strength fiber (HSF) support structure brings even greater benefits. The energy stored in a shield system’s magnetic field must be safely dissipated if a quench-type failure occurs. Analysis of quench detection by fiber-optic thermal sensing and improvement of quench characteristics using graphene showed quench is manageable. Low-temperature superconductors can quench when subjected to movement, but lab tests of coil expansion testing showed that HTS materials do not quench when subject to the movement associated with coil expansion. Compensation coils are necessary to reduce the magnetic field in the crew habitat. Analysis showed that subdividing the compensation coil into individually controlled sections allows for a robust, adjustable system. AML analyzed the forces on an approaching capsule that were a result of eddy currents in its structure induced by its motion through the magnetic field from the coils. AML also analyzed coil-to-coil forces. Thermal control to maintain the HTS material at a suitable temperature is challenging. The sunshield technology review revealed a greater possibility of thermal insulation of the coils and use of passive cooling. The availability of suitable cryocoolers was also reviewed. A parametric graph estimating mass and shielding effectiveness for strength and thickness was developed, and allows spacecraft designers to assess the tradeoffs of using a magnetic radiation shield.
Observational Learning and Intelligence

We study experimentally how individuals learn from observing the choices of others in a non-stationary stochastic environment. The imitation choices of participants with low score in an intelligence test are driven solely by the value of imitation. High intelligence score participants, in addition, use choices of others to better understand the environment. They imitate more when other's choices are stable, which makes them more optimal than low score participants. The knowledge that the observed other has high intelligence score affects behavior of only low score participants. Overall, intelligence predicts the usage of simple or sophisticated observational learning strategy.
Akademia Baru Scale Effects on Thermal Buckling Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube

In this Paper, the thermal buckling properties of carbon nanotube with small scale effects are studied. Based on the nonlocal continuum theory and the Timoshenko beam model, the governing equation is derived and the nondimensional critical buckling temperature is presented. The influences of the scale coefficients, the ratio of the length to the diameter, the transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia are discussed. It can be observed that the small scale effects are significant and should be considered for thermal analysis of carbon nanotube. The nondimensional critical buckling temperature becomes higher with the ratio of length to diameter increasing. Also, for smaller ratios of the length to the diameter and higher mode numbers, the transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia have remarkable influences on the thermal buckling behaviors. Copyright © 2016 Penerbit Akademia Baru All rights reserved
Study on the Emergency Rescue VRP Based on Ant Colony Optimization and Generalized Distance

This paper defines a generalized distance index which reflects the comprehensive factors or multiple objectives in emergency rescue, and presents an improved model of emergency rescue VRP based on the generalized distance, after this discusses several kinds of algorithms based on ant colony optimization. From the methods, research results would better suit the characteristics and requirements of emergency rescue.
An improved adaptive discriminant analysis for single sample face recognition

Face recognition is an automated process with the ability to identify individuals by their facial characteristics. Currently there is a problem in which the process requires several examples of the person of interest's face in order to produce accurate outcome, and the process is intolerant to the variation in facial expression and the condition of lighting of the face image needed to be identify. This inspired us to come up with an algorithm to increase accuracy of single sample facial recognition process. In the case where multiple samples are available, the best approach to identify a person by face recognition system is to use Fischer Linear Discriminant Analysis (FLDA) method which use multiple samples to calculate the within-class scatter matrix and could give output accurately. However with only one sample it means the sample does not have any variation, hence impossible to find the within-class scatter matrix. The Adaptive Discriminant Learning (ADL) [1] was proposed to solve the problem by deducing the within-class scatter matrix from auxiliary generic set which consist of multiple samples per person then use FLDA to recognize face image. In this paper, we improve the method by preprocessing the input image using a local illumination normalization to make the feature of the face became more obvious and suppress the effect of illumination variation and incorporating a part-based methodology to further increase the recognition rate. The system was tested with the FERET face database, and the recognition rate is improved from 77% to 93%.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON IMPACT OF CFRP TUBES STRUCTURE ON AMOUNT OF ABSORBED ENERGY UNDER DYNAMIC CONDITIONS

The aim of this work is to examine the effect of the layer configuration (lay-up) of carbon 3k/IMP503Z40 epoxy composite elements on the specific energy absorption (SEA) effect in the process of progressive crushing of composite tubes. Composite tubes made of Impregnatex Compositi prepreg with a dry areal weight of 160 g/m2 plain weave and unidirectional prepreg (UD) 200 g/m2 on an epoxy matrix were tested. The resin content in both prepregs was 47%. Using these two materials, tubes with different ratios of axial and hoop fibers, in two sizes with an inner diameter of 42 and 20 mm while maintaining a constant ratio of wall thickness to a diameter of 0.05 were made. The samples were unilaterally chamfered at the angle of 70°. Then, tests of progressive crushing of the samples under dynamic conditions by means of a drop tower and an additional initiator were performed. A new factor was introduced to describe the mass fraction of the axial fibers. SEA was calculated, which indicated that the higher the share of axial fibers, the greater the SEA for both types of samples and it was indicated that there may be a scale effect.
Heuristically enhanced dynamic neural networks for structurally improving photovoltaic power forecasting

Among renewable generators, photovoltaics (PV) is showing an increasing suitability and a lowering cost. However, integration of renewable energy sources possesses many challenges, as the intermittency of these non-conventional sources often requires generation forecast, planning and optimal management. There exists scope to improve present PV yield forecasting models and methods. For example, the popular dynamic neural network modelling method suffers from the lack of a selection mechanism for an optimal network structure. This paper develops an enhanced network for short-term forecasting of PV power yield, termed a `focused time-delay neural network' (FTDNN). The problem of optimizing the FTDNN structure is reduced to optimizing the number of delay steps and the number of neurons in the hidden layer alone and this problem is conveniently solved through heuristics. Two such algorithms, a genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO) have been tested and both prove efficient and can improve the forecasting accuracy of the dynamic network. Given the success of the PSO in solving this discontinuous structural optimization problem, it is expected that PSO offers potential in optimizing both the structure and parameters of a forecasting model.
IN SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS AMPHIBIANS, U.S.A

—Agricultural land use surrounding wetlands can influence various aspects of amphibian ecology. Amphibians in the Southern Great Plains of North America exhibit altered demographics and body size in playa wetlands with cultivated watersheds compared to those in grassland watersheds. We identified metacercariae of the trematode Clinostomum attenuatum in dominant playa amphibians and therefore examined its prevalence between postmetamorphic individuals inhabiting wetlands in grassland and cultivated landscapes. During 1999 and 2000, 5,621 Bufo cognatus, 9,565 Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium, and 49,373 Spea multiplicata captured at playa wetlands were examined for C. attenuatum metacercariae. In general, metacercariae prevalence in amphibians was 2-11 times greater in grassland than in cropland wetlands. Metacercariae prevalence also was 2-13 times greater in 1999 than 2000. Land-use differences may be related to shortened hydroperiods in disturbed cropland wetlands, which may interrupt the life cycle of C. attenuatum. Yearly differences also may be related to hydroperiod; annual rainfall was two times greater in 1999 than 2000. Our results suggest that agricultural land use may influence metacercariae prevalence in amphibians on the Southern Great Plains, possibly through indirect effects on wetland hydroperiod.