Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Eye-Tracking-Based Detection of Visual Search for Elderly People

Visual search plays an important role in our daily lives and can be very frustrating whenever we cannot remember where we left objects, such as keys or wallets. This is especially true for elderly people, since they forget things more often and face this challenge very frequently. While there are several studies which analyze eye movements during visual search, none of them actually tries to detect whether a user is searching for something or not. However, this information is necessary to recognize when the user needs assistance. Therefore, we propose an eye-tracking-based multimodal approach in order to detect visual search and to support the user in that situation. Furthermore, we explore multiple strategies to inform the user of the desired object's location using a head mounted display. With the help of a prototypical implementation and evaluation of the acquired sensor data, we show that our method is feasible and capable of dealing with this challenge.
Curb segments detection with temporal filtering for urban driving scenarios

An improved approach for the detection of curbs (border of relevant traffic isles, sidewalks, etc) is presented, in the context of urban driving assistance systems. A rectangular elevation map is built from 3D dense stereo data. Edge detection is applied to the elevation map in order to highlight height variations. Temporal filtering is performed for edge points, based on the ego car motion, and only persistent points are validated. Relevant lines are extracted using a Hough accumulator. Curb segments are extracted from each relevant line by applying a set of proposed conditions. The algorithm was evaluated in an urban scenario. It works in real-time and provides robust detection of curbs.
Coarse-to-fine ship detection using visual saliency fusion and feature encoding for optical satellite images

In order to overcome cloud clutters and varied sizes of objects in high-resolution optical satellite images, a novel coarse-to-fine ship detection framework is proposed. Initially, a modified saliency fusion algorithm is derived to reduce cloud clutters and extract ship candidates. Then, in coarse discrimination stage, candidates are described by introducing shape feature to eliminate regions which are not conform to ship characteristics. In fine discrimination stage, candidates are represented by local descriptor-based feature encoding, and then linear SVM is used for discrimination. Experiments on 60 images (including 467 objects) collected from Microsoft Virtual Earth demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Specifically, the fusion of visual saliency achieves 17.07% higher Precision and 7.23% higher Recall compared with those of individual one. Moreover, using local descriptor in fine discrimination makes Precision and F-measure further be improved by 7.23% and 1.74%, respectively.
Exploring the mechanisms of racialization beyond the black–white binary

ABSTRACT Racialization plays a central role in the creation and reproduction of racial meanings, and its inclusion enriches the study of race and ethnicity. While the popularity of the term continues to skyrocket, defining precisely what is meant by racialization can be a daunting task, let alone identifying how, when, where, why, and under what conditions it operates. However, it is essential to recognize the processes of racialization in order to develop a more complete understanding of racial practices, particularly within these increasingly turbulent racial times.
GeckoFTL: Scalable Flash Translation Techniques For Very Large Flash Devices

The volume of metadata needed by a flash translation layer (FTL) is proportional to the storage capacity of a flash device. Ideally, this metadata should reside in the device's integrated RAM to enable fast access. However, as flash devices scale to terabytes, the necessary volume of metadata is exceeding the available integrated RAM. Moreover, recovery time after power failure, which is proportional to the size of the metadata, is becoming impractical. The simplest solution is to persist more metadata in flash. The problem is that updating metadata in flash increases the amount of internal IOs thereby harming performance and device lifetime. In this paper, we identify a key component of the metadata called the Page Validity Bitmap (PVB) as the bottleneck. PVB is used by the garbage-collectors of state-of-the-art FTLs to keep track of which physical pages in the device are invalid. PVB constitutes 95% of the FTL's RAM-resident metadata, and recovering PVB after power fails takes a significant proportion of the overall recovery time. To solve this problem, we propose a page-associative FTL called GeckoFTL, whose central innovation is replacing PVB with a new data structure called Logarithmic Gecko. Logarithmic Gecko is similar to an LSM-tree in that it first logs updates and later reorganizes them to ensure fast and scalable access time. Relative to the baseline of storing PVB in flash, Logarithmic Gecko enables cheaper updates at the cost of slightly more expensive garbage-collection queries. We show that this is a good trade-off because (1) updates are intrinsically more frequent than garbage-collection queries to page validity metadata, and (2) flash writes are more expensive than flash reads. We demonstrate analytically and empirically through simulation that GeckoFTL achieves a 95% reduction in space requirements and at least a 51% reduction in recovery time by storing page validity metadata in flash while keeping the contribution to internal IO overheads 98% lower than the baseline.
A Multiple Hierarchies RBAC Model

When a role in the classic hierarchy RBAC model gets more inherited permissions than the anticipant permissions of the administrator, there is the issue of excessive inheritance. This issue is addressed and a multiple hierarchies RBAC model is presented which extends from the classic hierarchy RBAC model in three aspects. Firstly, the multiple hierarchies RBAC model can classify the permissions of the roles. Secondly, it supports multiple hierarchies which are used to classify the partial order relations. Thirdly, it redefines the semantics of partial order to support partial permissions inheritance. The multiple hierarchies RBAC model is more general and flexible than the other modes derived from the classic model, and it improves the capability of the RBAC model.
An External Perspective on CSR: What Matters and What Does Not?

The paper aims at investigating external factors influencing organizational corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related decision making. Two theoretical perspectives—stakeholder theory and institutional theory—have been applied to compile a list of external factors that might affect a company's CSR choices. As a result, a framework built on the government-related, society-related, and business-related groups of external factors is being suggested. This framework is used in the paper to answer (a) to what extent do different external factors influence CSR-related decisions in large Danish companies and (b) how has that influence changed over the years. The research takes a qualitative approach and is designed as a multiple-case study. Empirically, the paper relies on data collected from semi-structured interviews with CSR specialists and managers and presents a dynamic perspective on the pressure exercised by the external factors on CSR decisions and choices.
Impact of short duration health & science energizers in the elementary school classroom

Abstract Background: Acute physical activity breaks lasting 10–60 min have been related to positive effects on student focus and academic performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of repeated brief physical activity-infused academic lessons (1–5 min) on student retention and on-task behavior. Methods: One class from each K-2 grade level (N = 114) was randomly assigned to the control or experimental condition. Teachers introduced two health and science lessons lasting no more than 5 min every day for six weeks using the 1-Minute Energizer (experimental) or sedentary equivalent (control) curriculum. Student knowledge and behavior was assessed pre- and post-intervention with curriculum-specific oral quizzes and classroom observations. Results: Improvement in quiz performance with the intervention (+80.5 ± 12.4%; p < 0.001) was not different between groups (F(1, 89) = 0.05, p > 0.05) despite greater lesson time in control classrooms. Experimental students exhibited fewer disruptive behaviors (DB) and spent more time on-task (OT) post-intervention (DB: F(1,89) = 10.72, p = < 0.01; OT: F(1,89) = 5.56, p < 0.05). Conclusions: 1-Minute Energizers are an effective instructional tool for increasing health and science knowledge with the added benefits of improving student focus and providing more opportunities for physical activity participation.
Resource Sensitivity in the Syntax-Semantics Interface and the German Split NP Construction

In the Split NP construction, the descriptive material contributing information about one participant in a predicate's argument structure is realized discontinuously as two nominal phrases in different positions - in the sentence-inital topic position and within the Mittelfeld - , which is a challenge to syntactic accounts of argument selection and unbounded dependency constructions. Most approaches in the literature posit special mechanisms to deal with the construction, and/or fail to explain the parallel behaviour of the Mittelfeld NP and elliptical NPs. I propose an account in Lexical-Functional Grammar making use of standard concepts like unification at the level of functional structure to explain argument doubling (Andrews, 1990), and formalizing semantic composition in terms of linear logic (Dalrymple et al., 1997). The topic NP is explained to be a property- denoting indefinite (Fanselow, 1988, p. 105), (van Geenhoven, 1996), the Mittelfeld NP is an elliptical NP, anaphorically linked to the topic. Linear logic allows to distinguish the contribution of the two NPs to the sentence meaning although their functional structures are unified, together filling a single argument slot. Through the consequent use of resource accounting in semantic construction, instantiated symbols as values of pred at the functional-syntactic level have been made redundant.
Block-Based Reduced Resolution Inter Frame Coding with Template Matching Prediction

A template matching prediction based on a group of reconstructed pixels surrounding a target block enables prediction of pixels in the target block without motion information. In this method, the predictor of a target block is produced by minimizing the matching error of the template. If the template contains features such as complex texture, an appropriate predictor can be produced. In flat regions, on the other hand, the residuals of a target block may become large due to the freedom possessed by the template. This paper proposes to predictively encode the decimated version of a target block in flat regions. Because of the high similarity between a target block and its decimated version in flat regions, coding bits for residuals of the target block can be reduced with little loss of quality. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme further improves coding efficiency of H.264 up to 6.5%.
An elementary proof of the Johnson-Lindenstrauss Lemma

The Johnson-Lindenstrauss lemma shows that a set of n points in high dimensional Euclidean space can be mapped down into an O(log n== 2) dimensional Euclidean space such that the distance between any two points changes by only a factor of (1). In this note, we prove this lemma using elementary probabilistic techniques.
Relevant Sampling Applied to Event-Based State-Estimation

To reduce the amount of data transfer in net- worked control systems and wireless sensor networks, mea- surements are usually sampled only when an event occurs, rather than synchronous in time. Today’s event sampling methodologies are triggered by the current value of the sensor. State-estimators are designed to cope with such methods. In this paper we propose a sampling method in which an event is triggered depending on the reduction of the estimator’s uncertainty and estimation-error. As such, communication requirements are minimized while attaining a certain error- covariance matrix and estimation error at the state-estimator. Furthermore, it is proven that the error-covariance matrix is asymptotically bounded in case the designed sampling protocol is combined with an event-based state-estimator. An illustrative example shows that the developed protocol provides an improved state estimation, while minimizing communication between sensor and state-estimator.
Throughput optimization in multi-user MIMO-OFDM systems

MIMO and OFDM are two PHY layer techniques in present day broadband wireless communication systems providing increased data rates and multiple access capability. As applied to cellular communication systems, these techniques should be adopted to a Multi-User environment where the performance depends on sophisticated algorithms to allocate antennas (eigen channels), subcarriers, and power to users such that to minimize mutual interference. This can be achieved with precoding where either capacity optimization solution (waterfilling) or Sum Mean Square Error (SMSE) minimization is used. This paper presents hierarchical precoding algorithms where the two approaches are used simultaneously. Criteria for selecting one of the two processes for each eigen channel and OFDM subcarriers are formulated. The performance is evaluated by simulation using system and propagation models as per IEEE802.16 Evaluation Methodology Document.
Temozolomide Does Not Impair Gene Therapy-Mediated Antitumor Immunity in Syngeneic Brain Tumor Models

Purpose: Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary brain cancer in adults. Chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) significantly prolongs the survival of patients with glioblastoma multiforme. However, the three-year survival is still approximately 5%. Herein, we combined intratumoral administration of an adenoviral vector expressing Flt3L (Ad-Flt3L) with systemic temozolomide to assess its impact on therapeutic efficacy. Experimental Design: Wild-type or immunodeficient mice bearing intracranial glioblastoma multiforme or metastatic melanoma were treated with an intratumoral injection of Ad-Flt3L alone or in combination with the conditionally cytotoxic enzyme thymidine kinase (Ad-TK), followed by systemic administration of ganciclovir and temozolomide. We monitored survival and measured the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Results: Although treatment with temozolomide alone led to a small improvement in median survival, when used in combination with gene therapy-mediated immunotherapy, it significantly increased the survival of tumor-bearing mice. The antitumor effect was further enhanced by concomitant intratumoral administration of Ad-TK, leading to 50% to 70% long-term survival in all tumor models. Although temozolomide reduced the content of T cells in the tumor, this did not affect the therapeutic efficacy. The antitumor effect of Ad-Flt3L+Ad-TK+TMZ required an intact immune system because the treatment failed when administered to knock out mice that lacked lymphocytes or dendritic cells. Conclusions: Our results challenge the notion that chemotherapy leads to a state of immune-suppression which impairs the ability of the immune system to mount an effective antitumor response. Our work indicates that temozolomide does not inhibit antitumor immunity and supports its clinical implementation in combination with immune-mediated therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1555–65. ©2014 AACR.
An iterative M-algorithm based decoder for convolutional codes

In this paper, we propose an iterative M-algorithm for decoding of convolutionally coded frames. Different iteration of decoding is performed only in the case of detecting error in the decoded frame. A CRC error detection code is employed to detect the erroneous frames. Every time that an erroneous frame is detected; another iteration of the M-algorithm decoding is performed with a higher value of M. It is shown that our proposed algorithm offers the promised low frame error performance of the very long constraint length codes with a reasonable complexity
The influence of the extra-time period on physical performance in elite soccer

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of extra-time periods on physical performance profiles in elite soccer. Match performance data were collected from players (n=99) during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals (FWC). Performance was analysed per minute for total distance covered and distance run in 3 categories: ≤11.0 km. h-1 (low), 11.1-14.0 km. h-1 (medium) and ≥14.1 km. h-1 (high-speed). Additional variables such as the time spent in low, medium and high activities, maximal running speed and the number of sprints per minute were also assessed. Analysis of players who completed the demands of the full 120 min of playing time revealed that total distance, high-intensity running, top speed and high intensity activities declines by 12%, 18%, 3% and 15% respectively, from the first to the second half of the match (P<0.01). In contrast, low intensity activities increase in the second half and especially in the extra-time period in comparison with the first half (P<0.05). The reduction in overall performance is much more acute in extra-time. All of the physical markers studied showed a decline of 15-20% during the extra-time period in comparison to the first half of playing time (P<0.01). As a result, it is vital that technical and physical coaching staff are aware of the decline in this game phase and consequently, influence the team from a tactical and physical focus within a training perspective.
Design a DSP operations using vedic mathematics

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) operations are very important part of engineering as well as medical discipline. Designing of DSP operations have many approaches. For the designing of DSP operations, multiplication is play important role to perform signal processing operations such as Convolution and Correlation. The new approach of this implementation is mentally and easy to calculate of DSP operations for small length of sequences. In this paper a fast method for DSP operations based on ancient Vedic mathematics is contemplated. The implementation of high speed DSP operations of two finite length sequences using Vedic Urdhava-Triyagbhayam Multiplication Sutra (approach/method) is done. Urdhava-Triyagbhayam Sutra is very efficient multiplication formula applicable for all types of multiplication. This algorithm is implemented in MATLAB and all the operation is performed in single Graphical User Interface (GUI) window. Vedic mathematics based DSP operations reduce the processing time as compare to inbuilt function of MATLAB. It reduces the 40-60% time from inbuilt function and this algorithm operates in concept of Vedic multiplier.
The Dialog State Tracking Challenge Series: A Review

In a spoken dialog system, dialog state tracking refers to the task of correctly inferring the state of the conversation -- such as the user's goal -- given all of the dialog history up to that turn. Dialog state tracking is crucial to the success of a dialog system, yet until recently there were no common resources, hampering progress. The Dialog State Tracking Challenge series of 3 tasks introduced the first shared testbed and evaluation metrics for dialog state tracking, and has underpinned three key advances in dialog state tracking: the move from generative to discriminative models; the adoption of discriminative sequential techniques; and the incorporation of the speech recognition results directly into the dialog state tracker. This paper reviews this research area, covering both the challenge tasks themselves and summarizing the work they have enabled.
A Framework for Timely Process Information Convergence from Heterogeneous Units in Dual-shore Software Outsourcing

When in dual-shore software outsourcing, the working units are geographically distributed and each has unique management framework, procedure and security requirement. Timely business information convergence is necessary for the collaboration but difficult to achieve in such environment. A framework is proposed to adaptively collect the process information in dual-shore software outsourcing and to timely share the information among these heterogeneous working units. The further information analysis is also enabled, which may enhance the timely collaboration and decision making.
The Process of the Effective Pricing Strategy Using PRISM

The purpose of this paper is to propose a system and process for maximizing store profits to discover the optimal price pattern among various items based on a purchase prediction models. This system, called PRISM, involves the use of data mining techniques to handle a large amount of customer purchase history data. In this paper we have applied PRISM to the customer data of supermarket in Japan and present the utility of PRISM in the real business world.
A Query Approximating Approach Over RDF Graphs

Regardless of the knowledge structure lack about Resource Description Framework RDF data, difficulties, principally, occur in specifying and answering queries. Approximate querying is the solution to find relevant information by getting a set of sub structures e.g. sub graphs matching the query. Approaches based on the structure and others based on semantic, marginalized the common meaning between concepts in its computing. In this paper in order to improve the approximation by introducing the meaning similarity between components in the query and RDF components is proposed, getting better need satisfaction. The meaning similarity measure can be calculated using WordNet and used in all steps of the query answering process. In addition, other important properties in the approximation level calculation between query paths and RDF paths are considered; besides indexing and optimizations strategies are performed. Answers are a set of sub graphs ranked in decreasing order on its matching degree. Experiments are conducted within real RDF dataset.
When Tablets meet Tabletops: The Effect of Tabletop Size on Around-the-Table Collaboration with Personal Tablets

Cross-device collaboration with tablets is an increasingly popular topic in HCI. Previous work has shown that tablet-only collaboration can be improved by an additional shared workspace on an interactive tabletop. However, large tabletops are costly and need space, raising the question to what extent the physical size of shared horizontal surfaces really pays off. In order to analyse the suitability of smaller-than-tabletop devices (e.g. tablets) as a low-cost alternative, we studied the effect of the size of a shared horizontal interactive workspace on users' attention, awareness, and efficiency during cross-device collaboration. In our study, 15 groups of two users executed a sensemaking task with two personal tablets (9.7") and a horizontal shared display of varying sizes (10.6", 27", and 55"). Our findings show that different sizes lead to differences in participants' interaction with the tabletop and in the groups' communication styles. To our own surprise we found that larger tabletops do not necessarily improve collaboration or sensemaking results, because they can divert users' attention away from their collaborators and towards the shared display.
Transcutaneous power and high data rate transmission for biomedical implants

The electronic implants were introduced in the human body further to a surgical operation for the neurological dysfunctions treatment as well as the help or the replacement of the organs which have difficulties. For practical and medical reasons, implants have to communicate without wire with the external world. Most of them use an inductive link to supply in power and data. In this paper, we propose a communication system for the medical implants which uses inductive link. This system is consisted of a class E power amplifier, an ASK modulator, an inductive link and an ASK demodulator