Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel background subtraction approach based on multi layered self-organizing maps

State-of-the-art background subtraction approaches exhibit impressive results in several applications, however, they usually employ static parameter values that reduce their flexibility when used in real world environments. In this paper we relax this problem by proposing a novel approach based on temporal analysis for automatic adjustment of the parameter that controls the motion segmentation quality. Moreover, we extend and strengthen the Self Organizing map Background Subtraction (SOBS) into a multi-layered framework defining a multi-modal background color representation. According to the winner-take-all rule, each layer builds a background model representing an independent view of the scene as response to external conditions such as illumination variations, camouflages, and moving backgrounds. Experimental results on the 2012 CVPR Change Detection dataset, demonstrate that our approach outperforms SOBS achieving promising results compared with those obtained by state-of-the-art background subtraction methodologies.
An integrative model of information systems use in mandatory environments

The volitional nature of IS use in organizations is shifting to contexts of mandatory adoption. This has prompted a need for IS researchers to reassess current predictive models of IS use. In this paper we present our work on a theoretical framework for predicting IS use in a mandatory adoption environment. Issues specific to mandatory environments are raised and discussed, and a new model for predicting end-user behavior is proposed. Methodological considerations for testing the model are discussed.
Free Noodle Soup

In this note I want to point out a relation between the No-Free-Lunch (NFL) Theorem and some simple models of biological evolution. This point is mathematically trivial, but I believe it nevertheless is of some interest. The NFL theorem characterizes the relative average performance of search algorithms and without being an expert in the field, I believe that its main impact has been to make researchers more cautious in interpreting benchmark results as indicating that one search algorithm is better than another. Via William Dembski [1], one of the most well-known advocates of Intelligent Design (ID), the NFL theorem has also entered into arguments purporting to demonstrate scientifically that some biological features should be attributed to godly intervention (or, possibly, intervention by some other “intelligent agent”). Dembski’s use of the NFL theorem has been criticized by several authors (see [5, 9, 10, 11] for a sample of different critical views), but as far as I know it has not been noted that the assumptions used to derive the original NFL theorem, far from enabling the scientific conclusion that evolution needs the helping hand of God, have actually been used in somewhat weaker form in simple models of evolution, models in which the evolutionary performance is not prohibitively bad. Both the NFL theorem and these simple models of evolution will be outlined below. Expressed in mathematical terms, an optimization problem is the problem of finding the optimum of a function f defined on some search space. Pessimists think of f as a cost function, assigning a cost value to each element in the search space, to be minimized. Optimists think of f as an objective or fitness function, assigning measures of quality, to be maximized. The NFL Theorem, one of several results about optimization presented by Wolpert and Macready [14], states in its most basic form that if the function f to be optimized is chosen randomly among all possible functions, then all search algorithms have the same statistically expected performance. As emphasized by Häggström [5], to stipulate that
A nonlinear controller for people guidance based on omnidirectional vision

In the last years there has been an increasing interest in developing robots that are able to perform tasks cooperatively with humans instead of replacing them, for instance a robot which works as a guide in a museum. Until now the developed service guide robots only navigates through the aisles of the museums without concerning the people's movement. Then, the main purpose of the work presented in this article is to develop a nonlinear controller to allow a robot to guide a person through a specific environment until it reaches a desired point taking into consideration the movement capability of the guided person. Besides the controller a person detection and tracking is also necessary in order to accomplish the guidance task. The person detection and tracking are done by using omnidirectional images. The stability of the proposed controller is proved through the Lyapunov analysis. Some experiments are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Design-theoretic encoding of deterministic hypotheses as constraints and correlations into U-relational databases

In view of the paradigm shift that makes science ever more data-driven, in this paper we consider deterministic scientific hypotheses as uncertain data. In the form of mathematical equations, hypotheses symmetrically relate aspects of the studied phenomena. For computing predictions, however, deterministic hypotheses are used asymmetrically as functions. We refer to Simon's notion of structural equations in order to extract the (so-called) causal ordering embedded in a hypothesis. Then we encode it into a set of functional dependencies (fd's) that is basic input to a design-theoretic method for the synthesis of U-relational databases (DB's). The causal ordering captured from a formally-specified system of mathematical equations into fd's determines not only the constraints (structure), but also the correlations (uncertainty chaining) hidden in the hypothesis predictive data. We show how to process it effectively through original algorithms for encoding and reasoning on the given hypotheses as constraints and correlations into U-relational DB's. The method is applicable to both quantitative and qualitative hypotheses and has underwent initial tests in a realistic use case from computational science.
Which Structural Parameters Are "Structural"? Identifying the Sources of Instabilities in Economic Models

The objective of this paper is to identify which parameters of a model are stable over time. Existing procedures can only be used to test whether a given subset of parameters is stable, and cannot be used to find which subset of parameters is stable. We propose a new procedure that is informative on the nature of instabilities affecting economic models, and sheds light on the economic interpretation and causes of such instabilities. Furthermore, our procedure provides clear guidelines on which parts of the model are reliable for policy analysis and which are possibly mis-specified. Our empirical findings suggest that instabilities during the Great Moderation were mainly concentrated in Euler and IS equations as well as in monetary policy. Such results offer important insights to guide the future theoretical development of macroeconomic models.
Ant Colony System for Graph Coloring Problem

In this paper, we present a first ACO approach, namely ant colony system (ACS) for the graph colouring problem (GCP). We implemented two strategies of ACS for the GCP; construction strategy and improvement strategy. In construction strategy, the algorithm iteratively constructs feasible solutions. The phase of construction is carried out by a specific constructive method for the problem, that is: recursive largest first (RLF) or DSATUR. These two constructive methods take into account different updates of pheromone trails and the heuristic information. The improvement strategy uses a local search, namely tabu search, to improve the best solution obtained at each iteration of the algorithm. To test the efficiency of our approach, we also implement best-known algorithms for the GCP. That is, scatter search (SS) which, integrates also tabu search (TS), ant system (AS), RLF and DSATUR. This paper report experimental results on some well studied Dimacs graphs. A comparison between the different algorithms shows that the algorithm we called ACS1_R (construction strategy, construction done by RLF) gives best results. It approaches the best colouring algorithms and outperforms some hybrid algorithms on some large instances of the famous Dimacs benchmarks
Supporting awareness of content-related controversies in a Wiki-based learning environment

User generated content in Wikis is mainly distributed on the article view and its corresponding talk page. Potentials of analysing and supporting discussants' knowledge construction processes on the level of talk pages have still been rarely researched. The presented experimental study addresses this issue by providing external representations of content-related controversies which were led by contradictory evidence between discussants to foster awareness on socio-cognitive conflicts which can be beneficial for learning. Its aim is to investigate how increased salience of controversies can guide participants' (N = 81) navigation and learning processes. Three conditions differing in their degree of awareness support were implemented in this study. Results indicate that the implementation of awareness representations helped students to focus on meaningful discussion threads. Findings suggest that Wiki talk page users can benefit from additional structuring aids.
The tongue-in-groove technique in septorhinoplasty. A 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND Correction of the lower third of the nose is perhaps the most challenging component of performing a rhinoplasty. The tongue-in-groove (TIG) technique provides a method for correcting excess columellar show and maintaining correction of caudal deviation. It is also indicated for controlling nasal tip rotation and projection while preserving the integrity of the lobular cartilaginous complex and may be combined with either the external or endonasal rhinoplasty. It is typically used in combination with other septorhinoplasty maneuvers. The TIG technique consists of a method by which the medial crura are advanced cephaloposteriorly onto the caudal septum into a surgically created space between them. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of the TIG technique to aid in correction of columellar show, a deviated caudal septum, and various tip rotation and projection problems. SETTING Private practices of 2 authors (R.W.H.K., Houston, Tex, and H.M.T.F., Alexandria, Egypt). PATIENTS The records of 287 patients who underwent TIG rhinoplasties in one private practice from 1989 through early 1999 (n = 203) and in another practice from 1994 through early 1999 (n = 84) were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Physician judgment of outcome was based on reduction of columellar show, change in tip rotation or projection, narrowing of the columella, and straightening of a deviated caudal septum as indicated in preoperative and postoperative photographs taken of all but 4 of the 287 patients. Patient judgment of outcome was measured by patient requests for revision and patient comments made during follow-up visits. RESULTS Of 287 patients, 278 (97%) had satisfactory to excellent results. Only 9 (3%) required revisions related to the TIG technique. Eight of these 9 did not achieve enough reduction of columellar show or adequate rotation or projection. A repeated TIG technique was used in these 8 patients with satisfactory revision results. One of the 9 was overprojected and required revision. Of the 108 patients who had preoperative caudal septal deviation, none needed further surgery. CONCLUSIONS The TIG technique provides a direct, effective solution to columellar show and is a reliable, reproducible method for achieving predictable tip rotation and projection. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with septoplasty techniques, it helps maintain the correction of a deviated caudal septum.
A Comparative Study of Main Memory Databases and Disk-Resident Databases

— Main Memory Database systems (MMDB) store their data in main physical memory and provide very high-speed access. Conventional database systems are optimized for the particular characteristics of disk storage mechanisms. Memory resident systems, on the other hand, use different optimizations to structure and organize data, as well as to make it reliable. This paper provides a brief overview on MMDBs and one of the memory resident systems named FastDB and compares the processing time of this system with a typical disc resident database based on the results of the implementation of TPC benchmarks environment on both.
Quality of Work Life Program as A Humanistic Perspectives on HRM

Quality of Work Life as a contemporary perspective on HRM is related to meaningful, satisfying, and effective work environment that meets with the organizational and personal needs. Moreover, having quality of work life will lead to better well being of the workers and society. This 3 years long study was conducted at a steel company in East Java, Indonesia. The first year aimed to get base line data problems that arise in the organization using the concept of Quality of Work Life of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (EWON, 2002), which has 5 dimension, i.e health and wellbeing, work and non-work life balance, job security, job satisfaction, and competency development. Focus group discussion and SWOT analysis was conducted based on these data to get an overview of the problems. Several programs and systems were set up as an intervention of the existing problems in order to improve the Quality of Work Life, such as organizational development and change management, training of professionalism, stress management, leadership training, while the system set up were Employee Assistance Program, work load analysis, remuneration system, talent management, and career path. With this action research design, these programs were expected to give benefit both to the management and the workers. It is expected that all of the efforts will have an impact on improving the quality of industrial relations, increasing employee productivity and performance, as well as improving the quality of life for all members of the organization
Microwave experiments using open chaotic cavities in the realm of the effective Hamiltonian formalism

The description of open quantum system successfully uses the concept of the effective Hamiltonian, which takes into account the coupling to the environment. The concept can be extended to classical waves. Experimentally, classical waves are very convenient as they allow to control boundaries, coupling and absorption. We combine here recent works with microwaves investigating properties of open systems which can be described by an effective Hamiltonian. This ranges from spectral properties like modifications to level dynamics, width distribution and coupling fidelity to spatial properties like intensity distributions and complexness parameter which describes the non‐orthogonality of eigenfunctions.
A test framework for the accuracy of line detection by Hough Transforms

The detection of lines in an image is an important task. In the fact that many works have been done on line extraction, there is a lack of a comprehensive comparison of the so far proposed algorithms. The design and implementation of a framework to test line detection algorithms on intensity images is described in this paper. Our test framework is applied to compare the correctness and precision of lines extracted by Standard Hough Transform, Progressive Probabilistic Hough Transform and a proposed method based on Standard Hough Transform. The correctness of the extracted lines relates to global accuracy whereas the precision concerns accuracy at a local level. The well-known Standard Hough Transform (SHT) and Progressive Probabilistic Hough Transform (PPHT) are two of the most efficient algorithms for line detection. SHT can detect almost straight lines in the image, and it is highly resistant to noise. Line segments are effectively found by PPHT. However, this algorithm has lower accuracy than SHT. The proposed method based on SHT overcomes this. It contains three extensions: the technique of accumulation, the application of a local maxima rule, and the detection of line segments. The test framework enables us to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the three Hough Transform algorithms by analyzing the results of line extraction.
Genetic Algorithms

Genetic algorithms [1, 2] are stochastic optimization methods inspired by natural evolution and genetics. Over the last few decades, genetic algorithms have been successfully applied to many problems of business, engineering, and science. Because of their operational simplicity and wide applicability, genetic algorithms are now playing an increasingly important role in computational optimization and operations research. This article provides an introduction to genetic algorithms as well as numerous pointers for obtaining additional information.
Bounded uncertainty and climate change economics

It has been argued recently that the combination of risk aversion and an uncertainty distribution of future temperature change with a heavy upper tail invalidates mainstream economic analyses of climate change policy. A simple model is used to explore the effect of imposing an upper bound on future temperature change. The analysis shows that imposing even a high bound reverses the earlier argument and that the optimal policy, as measured by the willingness to pay to avoid climate change, is relatively insensitive to this bound over a wide range.
Perception, Analysis and Synthesis of Speaker Age

Speaker age is an important paralinguistic feature in speech which has to be considered in the study of phonetic variation. Knowledge about this feature may be used to improve speech technology applications, e.g. automatic speech recognition and speech synthesis. The present thesis describes six studies of several phonetic aspects of age-related variation in speech. As the speech production mechanism changes from young adulthood to old age, speech is affected in numerous ways. Human perception of speaker age is based on cues such as pitch, speech rate and voice quality, and is fairly accurate. However, it is still unclear which cues are the most important ones. The first study included in this thesis investigated the role of F0 and speech rate (word duration) in age perception. It was found that while these cues may be less important than spectral ones (e.g. formant frequencies), they still correlate with chronological as well as perceived age. In the second study, two stimulus types of various lengths were compared. Results indicated that while longer stimulus duration (regardless of speech type) seems to improve the age estimation of females, spontaneous speech (regardless of duration) appears to contain more important cues for perception of male speaker age. In the next two studies, several automatic estimators of speaker age were built, none of which reached the same accuracy as humans. Important features in machine perception of age were also investigated. It was found that prosodic features seem to be more important in the estimation of female age, while spectral features (e.g. F2 ) appear to be more important for male age. Although several acoustic correlates of speaker age are known, their relative importance has not yet been established. The next study analysed 161 features, automatically extracted from segments in six words produced by 527 speakers. Normalised means were used to ensure that the features could be compared directly. The most important acoustic correlates of speaker age were identified to be speech rate (segment duration) and intensity range. However, F0 and some spectral measures (e.g. F1 and F2 ) may also, if used in combination with other features, be important correlates of age. Synthetic speech may sound more natural if speaker age is included as a parameter. The final study developed a research tool which used data- driven formant synthesis and age-weighted linear interpolation to simulate an age between the ages of any two of four female differently aged reference speakers. Evaluation of the tool showed that speaker age may in fact be simulated using formant synthesis. The tool will be used in further studies of analysis by synthesis of speaker age.
A Decision-Theoretic Approach to Dynamic Sensor Selection in Camera Networks

Nowadays many urban areas have been equipped with networks of surveillance cameras, which can be used for automatic localization and tracking of people. However, given the large resource demands of imaging sensors in terms of bandwidth and computing power, processing the image streams of all cameras simultaneously might not be feasible. In this paper, we consider the problem of dynamical sensor selection based on user-defined objectives, such as maximizing coverage or improved localization uncertainty. We propose a decision-theoretic approach modeled as a POMDP, which selects k sensors to consider in the next time frame, incorporating all observations made in the past. We show how, by changing the POMDP's reward function, we can change the system's behavior in a straightforward manner, fulfilling the user's chosen objective. We successfully apply our techniques to a network of 10 cameras.
Tests of trawl footrope modifications to reduce the bycatch of eulachon ( Thaleichthys pacificus ) and other small demersal fishes in the ocean shrimp ( Pandalus jordani ) trawl fishery

Tests of trawl footrope modifications to reduce the bycatch of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) and other small demersal fishes in the ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani) trawl fishery The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against as described above in any program, activity, or facility, please contact the ADA Coordinator, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302. This material will be furnished in alternate format for people with disabilities if needed. Please call (503-947-6000) to request. Tests of trawl footrope modifications to reduce the bycatch of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus) and other small demersal fishes in the ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani) trawl fishery Abstract Three field experiments were conducted to determine if modifying shrimp trawl footropes could be an effective strategy for reducing fish bycatch in the ocean shrimp (Pandalus jordani) fishery. Of particular interest was reducing the trawl bycatch of eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), an anadromous smelt that is considered threatened under the United States Endangered Species Act. The experimental design compared catches between two double-rigged, semi-pelagic shrimp trawl nets equipped with rigid-grate bycatch reduction devices, fished simultaneously, with one net incorporating the modified footrope and the other serving as a control. Recording inclinometers were used to control for differences in fishing line height (FLH) between the nets and a specially divided hopper was used to keep catches from the port and starboard nets separate for sorting and weighing. Experiment 1 tested a footrope from which the entire central section of groundline had been removed to allow fish to pass under the trawl, but that was also rigged with reduced FLH to help minimize shrimp loss. Experiments 2 and 3 tested a footrope from which a small (1.5 m) section of the central groundline had been removed to create an " escape window " for fish to pass under the trawl net. In all 3 experiments, large reductions in the bycatch of small flatfish and juvenile rockfish were obtained, however, the reduction in eulachon bycatch was of similar magnitude to the shrimp loss created by the modifications, suggesting minimal effectiveness for eulachon. Comparison of the results from these experiments and other published research showed that smaller escape windows were more effective at maintaining shrimp catch rates and reducing fish bycatch than removing larger …