Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using object descriptions in a schema network for machine vision

Computer interpretation of a single static image of a typical natural scene requires the application of a large amount of detailed knowledge. This dissertation explores the information and control structures needed for knowledge-directed interpretation of natural outdoor scenes. A schema network represents object descriptions, relations among objects, and control knowledge. Each node of the network, a schema, contains both a declarative structure and references to one or more interpretation strategies. The declarative portion of the schema describes the composition of an object including the spatial relations of its parts and their possible appearances in an image. The interpretation strategies are object-specific procedures for creating hypotheses of the existence of the object; this procedural representation of control information provides a natural form for expressing the dynamic nature of the image interpretation process. A schema instance is created when a schema is activated either by a top-down request for a goal or by bottom-up detection of key events in the image. Schema instances continually interact with one another, either through a channel set up when a goal is requested or through hypotheses created in a blackboard data structure. Several schema instances can work simultaneously on relatively independent portions of the interpretation, thus exploiting the potential for parallelism. By selectively grouping line and region primitives into descriptions of parts of a scene, the cooperative activities of the schema instances construct the final interpretation network. The system was tested on six images from four scenes. The parallel execution of the interpretation strategies is simulated and experimental traces are included to illustrate their overlapping activity. The resulting interpretations contain both the association between object structures and image events, as well as three-dimensional descriptions of some of the objects in the scenes.
Methodologies and software engineering for agent systems : the agent-oriented software engineering handbook

Concepts and Abstractions of Agent-Oriented Software Engineering. - Agent-Based Abstractions for Software Development. - On the Use of Agents as Components of Software Systems. - A Survey on Agent-Oriented Oriented Software Engineering Research. - Methodologies for Agent-Based Systems Development. - The Gaia Methodology. - The Tropos Methodology. - The MaSE Methodology. - A Comparative Evaluation of Agent-Oriented Methodologies. - Special-Purpose Methodologies. - The ADELFE Methodology. - The Message Methodology. - The SADDE Methodology. - The Prometheus Methodology. - Tools and Infrastructures for Agent-Oriented Software Engineering. - The AUML Approach. - FIPA-Compliant Agent Infrastructures. - Coordination Infrastructures in the Engineering of Multiagent Systems. - Non Traditional Approaches to Agent-Oriented Software Engineering. - Engineering Amorphous Computing Systems. - Making Self-Organising Adaptive Multiagent Systems Work. - Engineering Swarming Systems. - Online Engineering and Open Computational Systems. - Emerging Trends and Perspectives. - Agents for Ubiquitous Computing. - Agents and the Grid. - Roadmap of Agent-Oriented Software Engineering.
An intelligent face features generation system from fingerprints

In this study, a novel intelligent system based on artificial neural networks was designed and introduced for generating faces from fingerprints with high accuracy. The proposed system has a number of modules including two feature enrolment modules for acquiring the fingerprints and faces into the system, two feature extractors for extracting the feature sets of fingerprint and face biometrics, an artificial neural network module that was configured with the help of Taguchi experimental design method for establishing relationships among the biometric features, a face re-constructor for building up face features from the results of the system, and a test module for test the results of the system. 10-fold cross validation technique was used for evaluating the performance of the system. The results have shown that the face features can be successfully generated from only fingerprints. It can be concluded that the proposed study significantly and directly contributes to biometrics and its new applications.
An open framework for certified system software

Certified software consists of a machine executable program plus a machine checkable proof showing that the software is free of bugs with respect to a particular specification. Constructing certified system software is an important step toward building a reliable and secure computing platform for future critical applications. In addition to the benefits from provably safe components, architectures of certified systems may also be simplified to achieve better efficiency. However, because system software consists of program modules that use many different computation features and span different abstraction levels, it is difficult to design a single type system or program logic to certify the whole system. As a result, significant amount of kernel code of today's operating systems has to be implemented in unsafe languages, despite recent progress on type-safe languages. In this thesis, I develop a new methodology to solve this problem, which applies different verification systems to certify different program modules, and then links the certified modules in an open framework to compose the whole certified software package. Specifically, this thesis makes contributions in the following two aspects. First, I develop new Hoare-style program logics to certify low-level programs with different features, such as sequential programs with stack-based control abstractions and multi-threaded programs with unbounded thread creations. A common scheme in the design of these logics is modularity. They all support modular verification in the sense that program modules, such as functions and threads, can be certified separately without looking into implementation details of others. Second, I propose an open verification framework that enables interoperation between different verification systems (a.k.a. foreign systems). The framework is open in that it is not designed with a priori knowledge of foreign systems. It is general enough to incorporate both existing verification systems and new program logics presented in this thesis. It also supports modularity and proof reuse. Modules can be certified separately without knowing about implementation details of other modules and about the verification systems in which other modules are certified. Soundness of the framework guarantees that specifications of modules are respected after linking.
A program to produce both detailed and schematic plots of protein structures

The MOLSCRIPT program produces plots of protein structures using several different kinds of representations. Schematic drawings, simple wire models, ball-and-stick models, CPK models and text labels can be mixed freely. The schematic drawings are shaded to improve the illusion of three dimensionality. A number of parameters affecting various aspects of the objects drawn can be changed by the user. The output from the program is in PostScript format.
Provenance in Modifiable Datasets

The provenance of derived data, which explains the derivation and retrieves or captures the source data, is valuable information for the data consumers possibly due to different purposes, e.g., audit requirements, error tracing, data reproduction and etc. The provenance of a derived datum should include all the details about how it is derived, including in particular, the source data used in its derivation. The provenance of a derived datum can be recorded during the original derivation process but storing it explicitly can incur very high storage cost. Therefore, techniques have been developed to record only a small amount of information, which can be used later to retrieve the full provenance from the source dataset. Such provenance retrieval relies on the provenance being present in the dataset in order to be retrieved by tracing queries. However, many datasets are subject to modifications, e.g, new experimental data is collected and stored. In this thesis, we investigate the retrieval of the provenance of a derived datum from a modifiable dataset, specifically we consider the following four questions: (i). Can we explain what a particular derived datum depends on, even if a value used in its derivation has since been modified. (ii). Can we determine if a particular derived datum is still valid upon the source dataset modifications without performing full view maintenance but through examining its provenance. (iii). Can we retrieve part of the provenance of a given datum due to the users' request or the fact that the rest of the provenance is missing. (iv). Can we retrieve the provenance of a derived datum without predefined granularity in an unstructured dataset. In this thesis, we provide affirmative answers to the above questions in the form of new techniques that use limited space and computational effort.
Object Tracking Using Adaptive Frame Differecing and Dynmaic Template Matching Method

In this project I have used the concept of frame differencing and background subtraction algorithm to propose a modified algorithm which can be used effectively and accurately with comparison to both frame differencing method and background subtraction model used individually for detecting moving objects in a sequence of frames. In this project we have used the method of frame differencing to propose a new adaptive frame differencing method which shall take account of the velocity of the moving object in order to find the number of frames to be skipped each stage of detection to calculate inter-frame difference in order to get the region of moving object. The above procedure is combined with background subtraction model with a new idea of changing the background dynamically to have a better image of the moving object. The area obtained from adaptive frame differencing is added with the area obtained from adaptive background subtraction model to have a clear view of the pixels associated with the moving object. After getting the detected object the centroid of it is passed to the tracking module in order to track the object in upcoming frames by using the concept of dynamic template matching algorithm which uses a correlation function in order to track the detected object in the region of interest in the upcoming frames. When the tracking fails the algorithm goes back to detection module and the process repeats. Thus we proposed a effective tracking algorithm which can be use even if the object of interest is far away from the camera independent of the motion of the object.
A new kind of cipher that would take millions of years to break

The upward creep of postal rates accompanied by the deterioration of postal service is a trend that > inay or may not continue, but as far as "[most private communication is concerned, in a few decades it probably will «ot; matter. The reason is simple. The : transfer of information will probably be much faster and much cheaper by "electronic mail" than by conventional postal systems. Before long it should be possible to go to any telephone, insert a message into an attachment and dial a number. The telephone at the other end will print out the message at once. Government agencies and large businesses will presumably be the first to make extensive use of electronic mail, followed by small businesses and private individuals. When this starts to happen, it will become increasingly de. sirable to have fast, efficient ciphers to safeguard information from electronic eavesdroppers. A similar problem is involved in protecting private information stored in computer memory banks from snoopers who have access to the mem. ory through data-processing networks. It is hardly surprising that in recent years a number of mathematicians have asked themselves: Is it possible to devise a cipher that can be rapidly encoded and decoded by computer, can be used repeatedly without changing the key and
Agent augmented reality : Agents integrate the real world with cyberspace

Agent augmented reality is proposed as a new research area that uses agent technologies for the augmentation of our real world environment by actively integrating information worlds. A special agent called a real world agent is introduced. A real world agent is a software agent that can support the user in performing tasks in real world environments, such as place-to-place location guidance, instruction in physical tasks, and the augmentation of human knowledge related to the physical environment. In order for the agent to achieve these tasks, the agent should be aware of the user's real world situation. The detection of real world situations is performed through the integration of various methods, including location-awareness using a global positioning system, object recognition through machine-recognizable IDs (barcodes, infrared rays, etc.), and the processing of visual/spoken inputs. IDs of static objects (e.g., doors, ceilings, walls, etc.) can also give clues to the location-awareness system. When a real world agent correctly deduces the real world situation and the intentions of the user, it can access information worlds (e.g., the Internet) in the same manner as other software agents. In this way, the real world and information worlds can be dynamically integrated. Real world agents can detect real world situations, interact with humans, and perform tasks in information space. The agents also work as facilitators of human-human communicaition, because they can exchange information on their users' current situation and the users can be mutually aware of their contexts.
The teaching of grammar

The purpose of this paper is to examine a number of theoretical principles concerning the teaching of English grammar in EFL contexts. Section One begins with an examination of the strengths and drawbacks of product and process approaches, arguing that there is no single right methodology for the teaching of grammar and advocating a variable balance between product and process perspectives. Section Two gives recognition to the role of individual differences in learning style. Section Three focuses on the relationship between instruction and second language learning, suggesting that learners require formal instruction and informal exposure and that the two together work better than either on its own. Finally, Section Four considers the role of consciousness-raising in the acquisition of grammatical structure. It examines the question of whether second language learning is conscious or unconscious. While the relevance of unconscious processes should not be ignored, a serious reassessment of the notion of consciousness and its role in language learning is necessary.
Design and implementation ofwireless sensor networks for habitat monitoring

Design and Implementation of Wireless Sensor Networks for Habitat Monitoring by Joseph Robert Polastre Master of Science in Computer Science University of California at Berkeley Professor David Culler, Research Advisor We provide an in-depth study of applying wireless sensor networks to real-world habitat monitoring. A set of system design requirements were developed that cover the hardware design of the nodes, the design of the sensor network, and the capabilities for remote data access and management. We propose a system architecture that addresses these requirements for habitat monitoring in general. We present an in-depth discussion of the implementation of the architecture for habitat monitoring. In the summer of 2002, 32 nodes were deployed on a small island off the coast of Maine streaming useful live data onto the web using our implementation. Results from the deployment show the profound impact software and hardware power management has on node longevity. The effectiveness of the system architecture is shown through the packet throughput and through the delivery of over 1.2 million readings logged at our database in Berkeley. The system operated for over four months; it provided data for two months after researchers had left the island for the winter due to poor weather conditions. The application-driven design exercise serves to identify important areas of further work in power management, data sampling, communications, network retasking, and health monitoring. We discuss the lessons learned from our deployment and provide a series of solutions that include new hardware, software, and protective enclosures.
Object Constraint Language Specification

Photocopying, electronic distribution, or foreign-language translation of this document is permitted, provided this document is reproduced in its entirety and accompanied with this entire notice, including the following statements: The most recent updates on the Unified Modeling Language are available via the worldwide web: The UML logo is a trademark of Rational Software Corp.
Error propagation and uncertainty in process modeling

The principles and procedures for estimating uncertainties associated with model predictions have been extensively studied and applied to a broad spectrum of models. These studies have quantified relationships between data input, parameter estimation, and model results. Uncertainty analyses have also determined how additional data can improve the precision and reliability of predictions. The current challenge in applying error propagation techniques to forest process models lies with the development of a conceptual framework that can distinguish between: (1) effects due to stochastic variables such as weather; (2) the uncertainties associated with the measurement of detailed physiological processes; and (3) the variability in results caused by local stand-level phenomena.
The effects of the science writing heuristic (SWH) approach versus traditional instruction on yearly critical thinking gain scores in grade 5-8 classrooms

Tseng, Ching-mei. "The effects of the science writing heuristic (SWH) approach versus traditional instruction on yearly critical thinking gain scores in grade 5-8 classrooms. has been approved by the Examining Committee for the thesis requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Teaching and Learning at the May 2014 graduation. ii To My Grandparents and My Parents iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank to my supervisors of this thesis project, Professor Brian Hand and Professor Walter Vispoel for their precious guidance and advice. They inspired me greatly to work in this project. Their willingness to motivate me contributed tremendously to this project. I also would like to thank my committee members, Professor Cory Forbes, Soonhye Park, and Amy Poremba for providing valuable comments to improve this project and also showing me unconditional support. Besides, I would like to thank the my colleagues and the college of education for providing me with a wholesome environment and facilities to complete this project. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank to many people I have known from the Iowa City and Boston for offering this subject, a lifelong project I have learned form all of you to pursue the purpose of life. It gave me an opportunity to participate and learn about teaching and learning. In addition, I would also like to thank Sue Cline at students service and Matt Volkman who provide me valuable information as the guidance and supports of completing my journey. Finally, an honorable mention goes to my families and friends for their understandings and love. You make me enjoy my teaching and learning and will continue doing so. iv ABSTRACT Critical Thinking has been identified in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as skills needed to prepare students for advanced education and the future workforce. In science education, argument-based inquiry (ABI) has been proposed as one way to improve critical thinking. The purpose of the current study was to examine the possible effects of the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) approach, an immersion argument-based inquiry approach to learning science, on students' critical thinking skills. Guided by a question-claims-evidence structure, students who participated in SWH approach were required to negotiate meaning and construct arguments using writing as a tool throughout the scientific investigation process. Students in the control groups learned science in traditional classroom settings. Data from …
Improving Query Performance through Application-Driven Processing and Retrieval

The proliferation of massive data sets across many domains and the need to gain meaningful insights from these data sets highlight the need for advanced data retrieval techniques. Because I/O cost dominates the time required to answer a query, sequentially scanning the data and evaluating each data object against query criteria is not an effective option for large data sets. An effective solution should require reading as small a subset of the data as possible and should be able to address general query types. Access structures built over single attributes also may not be effective because 1) they may not yield performance that is comparable to that achievable by an access structure that prunes results over multiple attributes simultaneously and 2) they may not be appropriate for queries with results dependent on functions involving multiple attributes. Indexing a large number of dimensions is also not effective, because either too many subspaces must be explored or the index structure becomes too sparse at high dimensionalities. The key is to find solutions that allow for much of the search space to be pruned while avoiding this ‘curse of dimensionality’. This thesis pursues query performance enhancement using two primary means 1) processing the query effectively based on the characteristics of the query itself and 2) physically organizing access to data based on query patterns and data characteristics. Query performance enhancements are described in the context of several novel applications
Agresser un concurrent pour le sortir du marché : une étude de cas

(VF)Cette recherche a pour objectif de s'interroger sur les liens entre l'agressivite concurrentielle et la sortie de marche. Par l'etude approfondie d'un cas, elle montre comment deux firmes ont deliberement elimine du marche leurs deux principaux concurrents pour se retrouver en si-tuation de duopole et, ainsi, controler l'evolution des prix pour accroitre leurs performances. Elle montre egalement les processus d'interdependance qui rendent instables les triopoles ou quadriopoles, relativement aux possibilites d'entente stable et profitable dans les duopoles. (VA)This research aims to wonder about the bonds between competing aggressiveness and the exit of market. By the thorough study of a case, it shows how two firms deliberately eliminated from the market their two principal competitors to find themselves in situation of duopoly and, thus, to control the trend of prices to increase their performances. It also shows the processes of interdependence which make unstable the triopolies or quadriopolies, relative to the possibilities of stable and advantageous agreement in the duopolies.