Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image-based simultaneous control of robot and target object motions by direct-image-interpretation method

This paper deals with the image-based simultaneous motion control of robot-arms mounted with cameras and target objects. Given a goal image, the control achieves to move the robots to the position where the given goal images were taken and, at the same time, target objects to the same position as in the goal images. Their motions are determined to reduce the difference between the goal images and the images taken at their current positions. We use the "eigenspace method" to obtain compact representations of the images. To relate the image differences to the robot-arm and target object motions, we re-arrange the eigenspace so that the representations and their motions become linearly dependent. Experiments to control real robots are shown with good performances.
SenGuard: Passive user identification on smartphones using multiple sensors

User identification and access control have become a high demand feature on mobile devices because those devices are wildly used by employees in corporations and government agencies for business and store increasing amount of sensitive data. This paper describes SenGuard, a user identification framework that enables continuous and implicit user identification service for smartphone. Different from traditional active user authentication and access control, SenGuard leverages availability of multiple sensors on today's smartphones and passively use sensor inputs as sources of user authentication. It extracts sensor modality dependent user identification features from captured sensor data and performs user identification at background. SenGuard invokes active user authentication when there is a mounting evidence that the phone user has changed. In addition, SenGuard uses a novel virtualization based system architecture as a safeguard to prevent subversion of the background user identification mechanism by moving it into a privileged virtual domain. An initial prototype of SenGuard was created using four sensor modalities including, voice, location, multitouch, and locomotion. Preliminary empirical studies with a set of users indicate that those four modalities are suited as data sources for implicit mobile user identification.
Utilizing Multiple Channels With Fewer Radios in Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networking (WMN) is regarded as a low-cost technology for rapid wireless network deployment. However, in a single-channel WMN, the overlapped transmission ranges between relaying mesh points could introduce serious interference. Using multiple radios over multiple channels can decrease the interference and improve the capacity of a WMN, but it increases the cost of a mesh point. One possible solution to balance between interference, hence performance, and cost is utilizing fewer radios that switch among multiple channels instead of using per-channel radios. In this paper, we propose a channel-switching method, called the traffic-aware switching scheme (TRASS), for a mesh point with a limited number of radios. TRASS utilizes the existing IEEE 802.11 mechanisms, i.e., hybrid-coordination-function-controlled channel access and power saving, to avoid packet loss during channel switching. A TRASS mesh point monitors the occupied channel time to schedule radios that switch among channels. The implemented TRASS demonstrates 75% throughput improvement by (2, 1), i.e., two-channel single-radio, over (1, 1). (3, 2) and (3, 1) achieve 69.8% and 39.7%, respectively, of the throughput of (3, 3) in the simulated TRASS.
Rapid simulation of protein motion: merging flexibility, rigidity and normal mode analyses

Protein function frequently involves conformational changes with large amplitude on timescales which are difficult and computationally expensive to access using molecular dynamics. In this paper, we report on the combination of three computationally inexpensive simulation methods—normal mode analysis using the elastic network model, rigidity analysis using the pebble game algorithm, and geometric simulation of protein motion—to explore conformational change along normal mode eigenvectors. Using a combination of ElNemo and First/Froda software, large-amplitude motions in proteins with hundreds or thousands of residues can be rapidly explored within minutes using desktop computing resources. We apply the method to a representative set of six proteins covering a range of sizes and structural characteristics and show that the method identifies specific types of motion in each case and determines their amplitude limits.
Impact of stuttering on people who stutter : The adapted quality of Communication Scale

In this study we investigated quality of life and functional communication activities in a sample of typical Taiwanese communicators and people who stutter (PWS) using an adapted version of the Quality of Communication Scale. In the first phase of this investigation we adapted the Quality of Communication Scale for the Taiwanese population. In the second phase we collected data on typical communicators and on 10 people who stutter. Our data demonstrated that, stuttering has a significant impact on PWS' life satisfaction, quality of communication, and difficulty with communication in daily situations. People who stutter feel least satisfied in their general ability to communicate with others at work or school, and the most difficult communication activity is giving a speech to a large group of strangers. Interestingly, the severity of stuttering and life satisfaction, quality of communication, and difficulty with communication in daily situations were not significantly related.
Image Segmentation using k-means clustering , EM and Normalized Cuts

This project addresses the problem of segmenting an image into different regions. We analyze two unsupervised learning algorithms namely the K-means and EM and compare it with a graph based algorithm, the Normalized Cut algorithm. The K-means and EM are clustering algorithms,which partition a data set into clusters according to some defined distance measure. The Normalized Cut criterion takes a measure of the similarity between data elements of a group and the dissimilarity between different groups for segmenting the images.
Methods for Sparse Signal Recovery Using Kalman Filtering With Embedded Pseudo-Measurement Norms and Quasi-Norms

We present two simple methods for recovering sparse signals from a series of noisy observations. The theory of compressed sensing (CS) requires solving a convex constrained minimization problem. We propose solving this optimization problem by two algorithms that rely on a Kalman filter (KF) endowed with a pseudo-measurement (PM) equation. Compared to a recently-introduced KF-CS method, which involves the implementation of an auxiliary CS optimization algorithm (e.g., the Dantzig selector), our method can be straightforwardly implemented in a stand-alone manner, as it is exclusively based on the well-known KF formulation. In our first algorithm, the PM equation constrains the l 1 norm of the estimated state. In this case, the augmented measurement equation becomes linear, so a regular KF can be used. In our second algorithm, we replace the l 1 norm by a quasi-norm lp , 0 ¿ p < 1. This modification considerably improves the accuracy of the resulting KF algorithm; however, these improved results require an extended KF (EKF) for properly computing the state statistics. A numerical study demonstrates the viability of the new methods.
Transferring genes into cultured mammalian embryos by electroporation

Mammalian whole embryo culture (WEC) was developed long before transgenic and gene targeted animals are widely used. Electroporation (EP) into cultured rodent embryos has expanded the potential to analyze gene functions in mammalian embryos by transferring exogenous plasmid vectors or small nucleotides in region‐ and stage‐specific ways. This method is quite simple, and therefore enables us to analyze gene functions more quickly than genetic manipulation. In this review, we introduce combinatorial methods of WEC and EP, and summarize various applications in developmental neurobiology.
Characterizations of Criminal Athletes: A Systematic Examination of Sports News Depictions of Race and Crime

The present content analysis systematically analyzed the frequency and quality of newspaper coverage of race and crime in sports news. A social identity framework, incorporating insights from framing, was applied. It was expected that the features associated with athletes as well as the tone and style of news reports would vary based on the race/ethnicity of the athlete. For African American athletes (and African Americans, generally) these findings are of greatest consequence as they indicate that this group is disproportionately presented (compared with real-world demographics in sports) and characterized in a manner likely to promote unfavorable intergroup outcomes.
Carbon dioxide adsorption on amine-impregnated mesoporous materials prepared from spent quartz sand

Mesoporous MCM-41 was synthesized using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant and spent quartz sand as the silica source. Modification of the mesoporous structure to create an absorbent was then completed using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Amine-Quartz-MCM (The A-Q-MCM) adsorbents were then characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption, elemental analysis (EA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as the carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption/desorption performance. In this study, spent quartz sand was utilized to synthesize Quartz-MCM (Q-MCM) and the amine functionalized material, A-Q-MCM, which exhibited a higher uptake of CO2 at room temperature compared with the nongrafted material. The results showed that Q-MCM is similar to MCM-41 synthesized using commercial methods. The surface area, pore volume, and pore diameter were found to be as high as 1028 m2/g, 0.907 cm3/g, and 3.04 nm, respectively. Under the condition of CO2 concentration of 5000 ppm, retention time of 50 cc/min, and the dosage of 1 g/cm3, the mean adsorption capacity of CO2 onto A-Q-MCM was about 89 mg/g, and the nitrogen content of A-Q-MCM was 2.74%. The adsorption equilibrium was modeled well using a Freundlich isotherm. Implications: In this study, spent quartz sand was utilized to synthesize Q-MCM. The amine functionalized material exhibited a higher uptake of CO2 at room temperature compared with the nongrafted material. The results showed that Q-MCM is similar to MCM-41 synthesized using commercial methods. The adsorption equilibrium was modeled well using a Freundlich isotherm.
Learning for work and professional development: The significance of informal learning networks of digital media industry professionals

Abstract Informal learning networks play a key role in the skill and professional development of professionals, working in micro-businesses within Australia’s digital media industry, as they do not have access to learning and development or human resources sections that can assist in mapping their learning pathway. Professionals working in this environment would need to adopt an informal learning approach to their skill and professional development by utilising their social and business networks. The paper describes the theme of this research and how it aligns with previous research and other relevant studies. It presents relevant theories and perspectives of informal learning and the role of social learning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with digital media professionals to understand how they manage their ongoing skill and professional development, and to explore what role informal learning networks play in their development. Through the interviews the study found these professionals utilised a mixture of online technologies and face-to-face engagement in communities of practice in order maintain their industry currency.
Evaluation of the Flexibility of Protective Gloves

Two mechanical methods have been developed for the characterization of the flexibility of protective gloves, a key factor affecting their degree of usefulness for workers. The principle of the first method is similar to the ASTM D 4032 standard relative to fabric stiffness and simulates the deformations encountered by gloves that are not tight fitted to the hand. The second method characterizes the flexibility of gloves that are worn tight fitted. Its validity was theoretically verified for elastomer materials. Both methods should prove themselves as valuable tools for protective glove manufacturers, allowing their existing products to be characterized in terms of flexibility and the development of new ones better fitting workers’ needs.
Interprocedural may-alias analysis for pointers: beyond k-limiting

Existing methods for alias analysis of recursive pointer data structures are based on two approximation techniques: k-limiting, and store-based (or equivalently location or region-based) approximations, which blur distinction between elements of recursive data structures. Although notable progress in inter-procedural alias analysis has been recently accomplished, very little progress in the precision of analysis of recursive pointer data structures has been seen since the inception of these approximation techniques by Jones and Muchnick a decade ago. As a result, optimizing, verifying and parallelizing programs with pointers has remained difficult. We present a new parametric framework for analyzing recursive pointer data structures which can express a new natural class of alias information not accessible to existing methods. The key idea is to represent alias information by pairs of symbolic access paths which are qualified by symbolic descriptions of the positions for which the alias pair holds. Based on this result, we present an algorithm for interprocedural may-alias analysis with pointers which on numerous examples that occur in practice is much more precise than recently published algorithms [CWZ90, He90, LR92, CBC93].
Multi-structured Redundancy

One-size-fits-all solutions have not worked well in storage systems. This is true in the enterprise where noSQL, Map-Reduce and column-stores have added value to traditional database workloads. This is also true outside the enterprise. A recent paper [7] illustrated that even the single-desktop store is a rich mixture of file systems, databases and key-value stores. Yet, in research one-size-fits-all solutions are always tempting and point-optimizations emerge, with the current theme du jour being key-value stores [8]. Workloads naturally change their requirements over time (e.g., from update-intensive to query-intensive). This paper proposes research around a multistructured storage architecture. Such architecture is composed of many lightweight data structures such as BTrees, key-value stores, graph stores and chunk stores. The call for modular storage and systems is not dissimilar to the Ex-okernel [4] or Anvil [10] approaches. The key difference that this paper argues about is that we want these data structures to co-exist in the same system. The system should then automatically use the right one at the right workload phase. To enable this technically, we propose to leverage the existing N-way redundancy in the data center and have each of N replicas embody a different data structure.
Across continents or across the street: using local resources to cultivate intercultural awareness

This paper describes a project designed for college students unlikely to participate in international exchange programs but who, nonetheless, can learn much about intercultural communication through available resources in their own communities. The project involved a mentoring program between third and fourth year university students and first and second year ESL students at the same institution. The project was conducted over a 15‐week semester‐long course, and learning outcomes were documented through journal entries, written reflective statements, class discussions, oral presentations and instructor observations. A qualitative analysis of these data sources, framed through transformative learning theory, revealed outcomes leading to increased intercultural awareness. While engaging in face‐to‐face conversations, students transformed their prior knowledge about ‘others’ into a deeper understanding of themselves, their culture and their intercultural relationships.
Optimal Information Retrieval with Complex Utility Functions

Existing retrieval models all attempt to optimize one single utility function, which is often based on the topical relevance of a document with respect to a query. In real applications, retrieval involves more complex utility functions with preferences on several different dimensions. In this paper, we present a general optimization framework for retrieval with complex utility functions. A query language is designed according to this framework to enable users to submit complex queries. We propose an efficient algorithm for retrieval with complex utility functions based on the a-priori algorithm. As a case study, we apply our algorithm to a complex utility retrieval problem in distributed IR. Experiment results show that our algorithm allows for flexible tradeoff between multiple retrieval criteria. Finally, we study the efficiency issue of our algorithm on simulated data.
Effects of chorionic villus sampling on placental hemodynamic assessed by three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography

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Procoagulant and platelet-derived microvesicle absolute counts determined by flow cytometry correlates with a measurement of their functional capacity

Background Flow cytometry is the most commonly used technology to measure microvesicles (MVs). Despite reported limitations of this technique, MV levels obtained using conventional flow cytometry have yielded many clinically relevant findings, such as associations with disease severity and ability to predict clinical outcomes. This study aims to determine if MV enumeration by flow cytometry correlates with a measurement of their functional capacity, as this may explain how flow cytometry generates clinically relevant results. Methods One hundred samples from healthy individuals and patients with obstructive sleep apnoea were analysed by conventional flow cytometry (FACSCalibur) and by three functional MV assays: Zymuphen MP-activity in which data were given as phosphatidylserine equivalent, STA® Phospholipid Procoag Assay expressed as clotting time and Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP) reflecting in vitro thrombin generation. Correlations were determined by Spearman correlation. Results Absolute counts of lactadherin+ procoagulant MVs generated by flow cytometry weakly correlated with the results obtained from the Zymuphen MP-activity (r=0.5370, p<0.0001); correlated with ETP (r=0.7444, p<0.0001); negatively correlated with STA® Phospholipid Procoag Assay clotting time (−0.7872, p<0.0001), reflecting a positive correlation between clotting activity and flow cytometry. Levels of Annexin V+ procoagulant and platelet-derived MVs were also associated with functional assays. Absolute counts of MVs derived from other cell types were not correlated with the functional results. Conclusions Quantitative results of procoagulant and platelet-derived MVs from conventional flow cytometry are associated with the functional capability of the MVs, as defined by three functional MV assays. Flow cytometry is a valuable technique for the quantification of MVs from different cellular origins; however, a combination of several analytical techniques may give the most comprehensive information on the role of MVs in health and disease.
Prevention, Welfare, and Citizenship: The War on Tuberculosis and Infant Mortality in Germany, 1900-1930

There are many ways to approach the history of the welfare state, and one's understanding of the subject depends to a large degree on the path one takes and the questions that are asked along the way. This paper will take as its point of entry the social programs created to prosecute the war on tuberculosis and infant mortality in Germany from the turn of the last century through the 1920s, specifically the work of the tuberculosis welfare and infant welfare centers (Tuberkulose- and Säuglingsfürsorgestellen). Preventive social hygiene or medical relief programs (Gesundheitsfürsorge) to combat tuberculosis and infant mortality are central to the history of public health not only because of their role in the epidemiological transition in Germany and other western countries. These programs also have a much broader relevance because the refiguring of the rights and duties of citizenship entailed by the preventive project raises a set of questions concerning the relation between preventive social hygiene, individual freedom and well-being, and modernity that are paradigmatic for understanding the modern welfare state.