Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An information theoretical approach to view planning with kinematic and geometric constraints

We consider the view planning problem where the sensor, a range scanner, is mounted on a robot mechanism with non-trivial geometry and kinematics. The robot+sensor system is required to explore the environment (obstacle/free space). We present a novel information theoretical approach in which the sensing action is viewed as reducing ignorance of the planning space, the C-space of the robot. The concept of C-space entropy is introduced as a measure of this ignorance. The next view in the planning process is determined by maximizing the expected reduction of C-space entropy, called maximal entropy reduction (MER) criterion. A computational tool to implement MER is the notion of information gain density function. Experimental results with a real PUMA robot with a wrist-mounted range scanner and a simulated robot show the effectiveness of the MER criterion in efficient exploration of environments for motion planning problems.
Sensitivity of Pressure Sensors Enhanced by Doping Silver Nanowires

We have developed a highly sensitive flexible pressure sensor based on a piezopolymer and silver nanowires (AgNWs) composite. The composite nanofiber webs are made by electrospinning mixed solutions of poly(inylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and Ag NWs in a cosolvent mixture of dimethyl formamide and acetone. The diameter of the fibers ranges from 200 nm to 500 nm, as demonstrated by SEM images. FTIR and XRD results reveal that doping Ag NWs into PVDF greatly enhances the content of β phase in PVDF. This β phase increase can be attributed to interactions between the Ag NWs and the PVDF matrix, which forces the polymer chains to be embedded into the β phase crystalline. The sensitivity of the pressure sensors agrees well with the FTIR and XRD characteristics. In our experiments, the measured sensitivity reached up to 30 pC/N for the nanofiber webs containing 1.5 wt% Ag NWs, which is close to that of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE), (77/23)]. This study may provide a new method of fabricating high performance flexible sensors at relatively low cost compared with sensors based on [P(VDF-TrFE), (77/23)].
Working Toward a Good Life as a Cancer Survivor

Background: Research on cancer rehabilitation targeting young adult cancer survivors (YACS) is limited, and little is known about the positive health outcomes of rehabilitation programs tailored specifically for this vulnerable group. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a complex rehabilitation program improved the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical capacities of YACS. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study using Norwegian norm-based comparisons was conducted. Twenty YACS (24–35 years old) with different cancer diagnoses participated in a complex rehabilitation program lasting for 6 months, focusing on goal setting, exercise, psychoeducation, individual follow-up, and peer support. Results: Health-related quality of life was measured by EORTC QOL C-30 and the scores showed significant increases in overall HRQOL (P < .005–.001) and all functional dimensions (P < .001–.05) and a decrease in fatigue (P < .000–.05) and effect sizes between 0.72 and 1.30. Significant changes occurred within physical fitness (P < .005), lung capacity (P < .05), and left-hand strength (P < .001), but not right-hand strength and body mass index, with effect sizes between −0.04 and 0.48. The values of HRQOL were stable after a 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: A complex cancer rehabilitation program especially tailored for YACS seems to build positive health outcomes such as HRQOL and physical capacity in a long-term perspective. The content and structure of the program were feasible with high compliance. The results underline the importance of targeting rehabilitation interventions to YACS in need after cancer treatment, acknowledging rehabilitation as a process that requires adequate time and follow-up. Implications for practice: Healthcare providers should be aware of YACS’ symptom burden and monitor HRQOL and physical parameters to ascertain holistic cancer survivorship care.
An Improved Hybrid RFVIM-KNN Method for High Dimensional Data

In order to increase the classification accuracy of KNN in high dimensional data, the paper presents a new method, RFVIM-KNN, which allows to achieve feature selection and feature importance weighting of high dimensional data. We applied the method to the classification of three high dimensional data sets and also compared it with other methods. Random forests provide variable importance measures that can be used to identify the most important predictor variables and indicate the predictive structure. The irrelevant features were eliminated according to feature importance scores measured by random forest variable importance measures. The features important scores was made a feature importance weighting in distance metric, which gives expression to the original predictive feature structure. The experimental results demonstrated that our proposed method approached both feature selection and feature importance weighting in the distance metric, leading to a significant improvement on the classification accuracy.
Listeners' expectations about echoes can raise or lower echo threshold.

Echo threshold increases with exposure to redundant trains of stimuli. Three experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that a change in the ongoing train would affect listeners' perception of the echo, but only if it signified an unusual change in room acoustics. The stimulus train was composed of 4-ms narrow-band noise bursts, with the leading sound from a loudspeaker placed 45 degrees left of midline and the lagging sound or simulated echo from 45 degrees right, delivered in an anechoic chamber. The lagging sound in the test noise, which followed the train after a 750-ms pause, came randomly from loudspeakers at 35 degrees or 55 degrees right, and the listener's task was to choose which position the echo came from on each trial. In experiment 1 the delay between onsets of the leading and lagging bursts was varied between train and test bursts, which simulated a sudden movement of the reflecting surface either toward the listener (if the delay of the test burst was shorter than the train) or away (if the delay was longer). In both cases listeners detected the echo's direction more easily, compared to trials when there was no change between train and test burst delays. In order to check whether any change between train and test bursts would increase echo discriminability, experiment 2 varied frequency and experiment 3 varied intensity. These variations were not expected to affect the echo's detectability because such changes signify that the original sound changed in these characteristics and the echo reflected these changes. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The integrated square-root process

This paper studies some of the properties of the square-root process, particularly those of the integral of the process over time. After summarizing the properties of the square-root process, the Laplace transform of the integral of the square-root process is derived. Three methods for the computation of the moments of this integral are given, as well as some properties of the density of the integral. The relationship between the Laplace transforms of a variable and of its reciprocal is studied. An application to the generalized inverse Gaussian distribution is given.
How Many Is Enough?—Statistical Principles for Lexicostatistics

Lexicostatistics has been applied in linguistics to inform phylogenetic relations among languages. There are two important yet not well-studied parameters in this approach: the conventional size of vocabulary list to collect potentially true cognates and the minimum matching instances required to confirm a recurrent sound correspondence. Here, we derive two statistical principles from stochastic theorems to quantify these parameters. These principles validate the practice of using the Swadesh 100- and 200-word lists to indicate degree of relatedness between languages, and enable a frequency-based, dynamic threshold to detect recurrent sound correspondences. Using statistical tests, we further evaluate the generality of the Swadesh 100-word list compared to the Swadesh 200-word list and other 100-word lists sampled randomly from the Swadesh 200-word list. All these provide mathematical support for applying lexicostatistics in historical and comparative linguistics.
Focused passive synthetic aperture

High accurate ranging for near-field sources requires that the array aperture should be long enough, especially for the weak underwater acoustic signal with very low frequency. The passive synthetic aperture technique can increase the array aperture artificially by the motion of physical array and signal processing. This paper applies it to the near-field ranging with focused beamforming, which provides a feasible ranging method for near-field weak signal. Theoretical analysis and simulation results both indicate: 1) the proposed method can achieve high ranging precision for near-field sources; 2) because of the error accumulation, the times of extending array would affect the ranging precision directly, and if the sizes of synthetic apertures are same, the fewer times array is extended, the better performance it owns, on the contrary, the ranging precision is independent on the speed of the towed array.
Size Effect in Fiber or Bar Pullout with Interface Softening Slip

The paper analyzes the size effect, which is an inevitable consequence of softening in the relation of interface shear stress and slip displacement between a fiber or reinforcing bar and the surrounding matrix. The problem is simplified as one‐dimensional. Closed‐form solutions of pull‐pull and push‐pull failures are obtained for a linear softening stress‐slip law with residual strength, and for an exponential law without residual strength. The postpeak softening is shown to lead to localization of slip and interface shear fracture with a process zone of finite length. This zone propagates along the interface during the loading process, causing the distribution of interface shear stress to become strongly nonuniform. The larger the bar or fiber size, the stronger the nonuniformity. The size effect in geometrically similar pullout tests of different sizes is found to represent a smooth transition between two simple asymptotic cases: (1) The case of no size effect, which occurs for very small sizes and is c.
Integrating Critical Information on Flight Deck Displays

Honeywell Laboratories has developed a concept for integrating multiple sources of data concerning information outside the aircraft. The concept, ANCOA (Alerting and Notification for Conditions Outside the Aircraft), was conceived as means for reducing error conflicts and establishing a clear prioritization among currently independent and disparate alerting systems for hazards external to the aircraft (e.g., TCAS, EGPWS). This paper documents an empirical evaluation of ANCOA by 12 professional pilots. The concept was evaluated in Honeywell Laboratories' Flight Simulation Laboratory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two core ANCOA features were manipulated and compared. The first was the integration of information by comparing ANCOA's integrated, overlaid features to a traditional display layout where the information was available on separate displays. The second variable was the categorization for incoming alerts (traffic, terrain, weather, scheduling constraints) by comparing alerts sorted by category to those without a category differentiation. Data support the integration of currently disparate systems onto a single display with performance requiring fewer pilot inputs and yielding lower workload scores. Categorization had little influence on pilot performance.
Simultaneous Alignment and Central Tendency Estimation for Brain Atlas Construction

Two key questions for investigators seeking to compare images across subjects are how to define a common coordinate system and how best to relate each subject to that coordinate system. We have developed a generalized expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm which iterates between estimating the most typical anatomy, assessing the typicality of each individual subject’s anatomy, and registering each individual subject to the typical anatomy estimate. Unlike methods which seek a coordinate system unbiased from the average, we weight the contribution of each tissue class from each subject based on the estimated typicality of that subject’s features. We demonstrate our algorithm using segmented brain images from a group of 14 adults and 14 preterm infants.
Units of Behavior and ^ ^ Complex Sequences in the Predatory Behavior f of Argiope argentata k ( Fabricius ) : Araneae : Araneidae )

Michael H. Robinson and Jose Olazarri. Units of Behavior and Complex Sequences in the Predatory Behavior of Argiope argentata (Fabricius) : (Araneae: Araneidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 65, 36 pages, 1971—An experimental and observational study of the predatory behavior of Argiope argentata, a large orb-web spider, is reported in detail. The predatory behavior consists of a sequence of distinct behavior units. The sequence begins when the prey strikes the web and ends when the spider starts feeding or the prey escapes. Detailed description of all the behavior units that are known to be employed in predatory sequences are given. The units are functionally distinct and involve prey location, prey discrimination, prey immobilization, and prey transportation. Predatory sequences vary both in the units of behavior involved and in the duration of these units. Complete behavior sequences are described and analyzed. These sequences were given by adult spiders when they were presented with seven types of insect prey that differed taxonomically and/or physically. Further studies were made of the responses of spiders to both inedible artifacts and naturally occurring inedible objects. An extensive comparison is made of the sequences elicited by different types of prey and conclusions are drawn about the adaptive significance of the various attack and restraint strategies. The model of the predatory behavior of A. argentata proposed by Robinson (1969) is revised and recast. A picture of considerable complexity emerges from this study. Special publication date is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON : 1971 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 Price 45 cents (paper cover)
Neurotransmitters in the visual system of the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster

3 PAPERS.4 INTRODUCTION . 7 The optic lobe of Drosophila melanogaster . 7 Retina . 7 Lamina . 8 Medulla.10 Lobula.10 Lobula plate . 11 Neurotransmitters in the visual system.11 Fast neural responses.11 Modulatory responses . 11 The endogenous biological clock . 13 Peripheral circadian oscillators in the visual system . 13 Central pacemaker function in the visual system.14 AIMS OF THIS THESIS.14 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 15 PAPER I . 16 PAPER II.18 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES.18 ACh, Glu, GABA and 5-HT circuits in the lamina.18 Neurotransmitter circuits in relation to the peripheral clock.18 Neurotransmitter circuits in relation to the central pacemaker.19 AKNOWLEDGEMENTS.19 BIBLIOGRAPHY.20
Developing a Scale for Constructivist Learning Environment Management Skills.

Problem Statement: The success of creating a constructivist learning environment is directly related to teachers’ management abilities and therefore scales that evaluate those skills are essential to the process. Given the importance of this subject, the development of scales that address all aspects of the constructivist learning environment should be an assessment priority. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study is to develop a scale that will determine elementary and high school teachers’ management skills within the constructivist learning environment. Methods: The study was conducted on three different study groups composed of teachers working in elementary and high schools located in
Multi-Node Global Directory Construction in Peer-to-Peer Systems

In P2P systems, the speed of searching for desired lists of sharable files is one of the most important measurement issues in evaluation of overall system performance. Although the searching schemes of existing non-structured P2P systems have been improved to enhance speed considerably, they still never reach to the level of those of the centralized and structured systems. In this paper, we propose a multi-node global directory in P2P systems, where all the lists of sharable resources of the joining peers are aggregated and divided into the chosen nodes while keeping collating sequence as a whole to make one big linked list. Thus in indexed sequential searching, the system provides us with convenience of using the command like 'dir' of MS-DOS, and in general keyword searching, which is naturally impossible for the structured P2P systems, the searching speed is even faster than those of centralized P2P systems since a small list segment is scanned at each node synchronously in parallel
Turbo Detection for the Uplink of CP-Assisted DS-CDMA Systems

In this paper we consider the use of CP-assisted (Cyclic Prefix) DS-CDMA schemes (Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access) in the uplink of broadband wireless systems. We present frequency-domain receivers that combine turbo equalization and multiuser detection. The performance of the proposed receiver can be close to the single-user MFB (Matched Filter Bound), even for fully loaded systems and severely time-dispersive channels. Moreover, our receivers can also cope with overloaded scenarios.
One to One Computing: A Summary of the Quantitative Results from the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative

This paper examines the educational impacts of the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative (BWLI), a pilot program that provided 1:1 technology access to all students and teachers across five public and private middle schools in western Massachusetts. Using a pre/post comparative study design, the current study explores a wide range of program impacts over the three years of the project’s implementation. Specifically, the current document provides an overview of the project background, implementation, research design and methodology, and a summary of the quantitative results. The study details how teaching and learning practices changed when students and teachers were provided with laptops, wireless learning environments, and additional technology resources. The results found that both the implementation and outcomes of the program were varied across the five 1:1 settings and over the three years of the student laptop implementation. Despite these differences, there was evidence that the types of educational access and opportunities afforded by 1:1 computing through the pilot program led to measurable changes in teacher practices, student achievement, student engagement, and students’ research skills.
Performance Analysis of Fountain-Based Protocol in CSMA/CA Wireless Networks

The recent study [6] on fountain-based protocol (FBP) suggested that TCP nodes have incentive to switch to FBP approach in order to gain higher throughput with the trade-off of redundant packets. Moreover, it is reported that a network of FBP nodes only and sending at maximum speed will not degrade the overall throughput, as compared to the typical network of all TCP nodes. However, we find such claims are less appropriate in wireless networks where the packet collisions constitutes the majority of packet losses. The employed CSMA/CA scheme stipulates that all nodes to listen to the channel occupancy before initiating a transmission as to avoid the packet collisions in the networks. Since all packets have the same priority under CSMA/CA mechanism, the network bandwidth is fairly divided regardless of FBP and TCP. Based on the models of Wu et al. [10] and Altman et al. [3], we investigate the throughput of TCP and FBP under CSMA/CA wireless networks analytically and the analysis is verified again with ns-3. Our preliminary results show that nodes have weak incentive to switch to FBP in CSMA/CA networks when certain conditions are fulfilled.
Learning Analytics Technology to Understand Learner Behavioral Engagement in MOOCs

As one of the most prominent examples of technology-enhanced learning, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have attracted extensive attention of learners, educators, and researchers since 2012. However, a low completion rate is a ubiquitous and severe problem in MOOCs, which means that only a small portion of learners got scores higher than or equal to the course requirements in MOOCs. Learner engagement is commonly presumed to be highly related to the completion rates of MOOCs.
Design and application of Vivaldi antenna array

Vivaldi antenna is a kind of slot-line UWB antennas, which is a high-gain and linearly polarized antenna. Theoretically, it has a very wide frequency band. And its gain keeps constant with frequency changed. This paper starts from a single balanced Vivaldi antenna element, designs and analyzes a balanced Vivaldi array. Then this array is used as the feed of a paraboloid antenna to get more than 35 dB power gain. This kind of paraboloid antennas is widely used in the realm of long distance communications and high resolving radars.
3 known landmarks are enough for solving planar bearing SLAM and fully reconstruct unknown inputs

In this paper we show that for an observer moving in the plane with no other information than the measurement of relative bearing to three known landmarks, it is possible to completely reconstruct its position and velocity. In particular this applies to the case where no model of the vehicle, nor odometry or acceleration measurements are available. Furthermore, in the same hypotheses, the position of any further landmark can be reconstructed from its bearing only. These results are more general than what is currently known on nonlinear observability of the SLAM problem, which relies on known observer velocities. Our results are also more general than the 2D version of known structure-from-motion observability results, which assume unknown but constant velocities. The proposed method is used to build a nonlinear observer directly applicable to a range of problems from computer vision to autonomous visual navigation.
Speech enhancement using a frame adaptive gain function for Wiener filtering

Many existing speech enhancement techniques, especially Wiener filtering, suffer from introducing annoying musical noise and speech distortion in low SNR due to their rigid gain functions. In this paper we propose a modification to the parametric Wiener filter that emphasizes the spectral contributions in spectral regions which are important for intelligibility. This is done by defining an adaptive parameter that is a function of the pitch. Objective measures and statistical tests are used to assess subjective speech quality and intelligibility. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm results in speech intelligibility improvement and in musical noise reduction, as compared to the parametric Wiener filter.