Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational understanding of image memorability

Previous studies have identified that images carry the attribute of memorability, a predictive value of whether a novel image will be later remembered or forgotten. In this thesis we investigate the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect image memorability. First, we find that intrinsic differences in memorability exist at a finer-grained scale than previously documented. Moreover, we demonstrate high consistency across participant populations and experiments. We show how these findings generalize to an applied visual modality information visualizations. We separately find that intrinsic differences are already present shortly after encoding and remain apparent over time. Second, we consider two extrinsic factors: image context and observer behavior. We measure the effects of image context (the set of images from which the experimental sequence is sampled) on memorability. Building on prior findings that images that are distinct with respect to their context are better remembered, we propose an information-theoretic model of image distinctiveness. Our model can predict how changes in context change the memorability of natural images using automaticallycomputed image features. Our results are presented on a large dataset of indoor and outdoor scene categories. We also measure the effects of observer behavior on memorability, on a trial-bytrial basis. Specifically, our proposed computational model can use an observer’s eye movements on an image to predict whether or not the image will be later remembered. Apart from eye movements, we also show how 2 additional physiological measurements pupil dilations and blink rates can be predictive of image memorability, without the need for overt responses. Together, by considering both intrinsic and extrinsic effects on memorability, we arrive at a more complete model of image memorability than previously available. Thesis Supervisor: Antonio Torralba Title: Associate Professor Thesis Supervisor: Aude Oliva Title: Principal Research Scientist
Pulsed Supermagnetron Plasma CVD of a-CNx:H Electron-Transport Films for Au/a-CNx:H/p-Si Photovoltaic Cells

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon nitride (a-CNx:H) films were formed on p-Si wafers set on a lower elec-trode by pulsed supermagnetron plasma CVD using i-C4H10 and N2 gases. Lower electrode RF power (LORF) of 13.56 MHz (50 - 800 W) was modulated by a 2.5-kHz pulse at a duty ratio of 12.5%, and upper electrode RF power (UPRF) of 50 - 400 W was supplied continuously. The optical band gap decreased with an increase in LORF at each UPRF. The open circuit voltage of Au/a-CNx:H/p-Si photovoltaic cells (a-CNx:H film thickness: 25 nm) was about 200 mV for each cell, and the short circuit current density and energy conversion efficiency increased with LORF for each UPRF. The highest energy conversion efficiency of 0.81% was obtained at UPRF/LORF of 200/800 W.
A fuzzy reasoning method based on compensating operation and its application to fuzzy systems

In this paper, we present a new fuzzy reasoning method based on the compensating fuzzy reasoning (CFR). Its basicidea is to obtain a new fuzzy reasoning result by moving and deforming the consequent fuzzy set on the basis of themoving, deformation, and moving-deformation operations between the antecedent fuzzy set and observation information.Experimental results on real-world data sets show that proposed method signi ficantly improve the accuracy and timeperformance of fuzzy neural network learning.
Variability compensation for speaker verification with short utterances

Nowadays, represents an attractive challenge the application of Automatic speaker recognition in real scenarios, where the use of short duration signals for forensic or biometric speaker verification is very common. In this paper we perform an analysis of the behavior of within-class and between-classes scatter matrices, showing the importance to reduce within-class scatter to face the speaker recognition with short duration utterances. In addition, two duration compensation methods for short duration utterances on i-vector framework were proposed. Both of them were evaluated through speaker verification experiments on NIST-SRE 2008 dataset. The proposed methods shown an improvements under enrollment-test matched conditions regard to the duration.
A new method for superresolution image reconstruction based on surveying adjustment

A new method for superresolution image reconstruction based on surveying adjustment method is described in this paper. The main idea of such new method is that a sequence of low-resolution images are taken firstly as observations, and then observation equations are established for the superresolution image reconstruction. The gray function of the object surface can be found by using surveying adjustment method from the observation equations. High-resolution pixel value of the corresponding area can be calculated by using the gray function. The results show that the proposed algorithm converges much faster than that of conventional superresolution image reconstruction method. By using the new method, the visual feeling of reconstructed image can be greatly improved compared to that of iterative back projection algorithm, and its peak signal-to-noise ratio can also be improved by nearly 1 dB higher than the projection onto convex sets algorithm. Furthermore, this method can successfully avoid the ill-posed problems in reconstruction process.
Digital Resources of CADAL: Construction, Utilization and Promotion

Construction of digital library is the product of currently vigorous development of computer science and quick popularity of network information technology. In order to create a large-scale digital library, Chinese government invested a key national project called as CADAL in 2003. After two building stages, CADAL had been successfully constructed. At present, nearly 2.5 million digitized books and other information resources are available in CADAL. This paper attempts to introduce the general situation and resource utilization of CADAL. To achieve the goal of CADAL project which is to realize the co-construction and sharing of global digital resources, this paper proposes several strategies for construction of CADAL, such as speeding the link among all members of university libraries and the CADAL central system, improving the website function, and strengthening the propagation of CADAL resources.
Black holes submerged in Anti-de Sitter space

Suppose a one-dimensional isometry group acts on a space, we can consider a submergion induced by the isometry, namely we obtain an orbit space by identification of points on the orbit of the group action. We study the causal structure of the orbit space for Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) explicitely. In the case of AdS$_3$, we found a variety of black hole structure, and in the case of AdS$_5$, we found a static four-dimensional black hole, and a spacetime which has two-dimensional black hole as a submanifold.
Kinect-Based Gesture Recognition for Touchless Visualization of Medical Images

This paper proposes a novel touchless visualization system for computer aided surgery (CAS), which can control and manipulate the patient’s 3D anatomy model without contact through the use of Kinect-based gesture recognition technology. Real-time visualization is important in surgery, particularly during the operation. But traditional input devices are reliant on physical contact, which are ill-suited for non-sterile conditions. The depth and skeleton information from Kinect are effectively utilized to produce markerless hand extraction. Based on this representation, histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) features and principal component analysis (PCA), are used to recognize hand gestures. We developed a new system, which can visualize 3D medical image with L form screen and 9 kinds of simple touchless single-handed interactions. Experiments show that the proposed system is able to achieve high accuracy.
Description of the behavior of monthly maximum wind speeds using ARW-WRF

Este artigo tem como objetivo caracterizar de forma mensal as velocidades máximas do vento para alturas acima de dez metros. Considerando a ausência de medições disponíveis para tais alturas, foi utilizado o modelo WRF e uma base de dados CFSR como entrada para o modelo, sendo uma forma alternativa, onde foram realizados um préprocessamento, execuçãoe pós-processamento dos dados simulados para o período compreendido entre os anos 1979 a 2015. Para ajustar os dados de saída do modelo WRF, foram utilizados dados de torres de três diferentes localizações, sendo fornecidos os mesmo pela companhia de energia elétrica UTE, onde de posse dos mesmos foi possível ajustar no pós-processamento os dados históricos de velocidade do vento para as torres consideradas. Com a metodologia descrita é possível gerar dados históricos dos locais que não possuem informações de medições, desenvolvendo neste processo uma ferramenta que pode ser usada por qualquer usuário para gerar informações históricas de grandes períodos a partir dos dados CFSR, usando o modelo WRF e um período recente de dados históricos medidos in situ. Palavras-chave: WRF, Períodos históricos, ventos severos
Dynamic Connectedness of International Crude Oil Prices: The Diebold–Yilmaz Approach

Connectedness is the key to modern risk measurement and management. This study investigates the international connectedness of crude oil prices and explores its time-varying characteristics based on a connectedness measurement framework using daily international crude oil prices. The international connectedness of crude oil prices is investigated from three perspectives: total connectedness, total directional connectedness, and pairwise directional connectedness. We find that the total connectedness of crude oil prices is 67.3%. We also find that the crude oil prices of Tapes, Daqing, Dubai and Minas are highly affected by Brent and WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil prices. Furthermore, WTI and Brent are the price makers of international crude oil prices, while Tapes, Daqing, Dubai and Minas are price takers. From the perspective of pairwise directional connectedness, we find that the degree of pairwise directional connectedness between Brent and WTI are high. Finally, the structure of international crude oil markets stays the same even after market shocks. The main contributions of this study are identification of dynamic connectedness and presentation of the network connectedness of international crude oil prices.
EVALUATING EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES

While it’s thought that experiential learning pedagogies encourage greater student engagement that results in deep meaningful learning, it may be that they sometimes yield short-term surface learning. This notion that experiential learning activities in and of themselves do not always produce. Meaningful learning is explored by examining the learning processes evoked by the activity. Evidence is presented that suggests those students who completed the four stages of the experiential learning cycle utilized a deeper approach to learning and perceived they learned more, in contrast to abbreviated learning cycles that produced a surface approach to learning. Examining the mediating effect of students’ approaches to learning may explain the varied nature of experiential learning activities even though the short-term learning outcomes seem to have been achieved. Implications for the classroom as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning are provided.
The impact of light conditions on identifying facial features

Biometry in the field of identifying people is a highly topical theme these days. The most widespread area is identification of a person on the basis of fingerprints, nevertheless scanners of the bloodstream, iris and retina in particular are undergoing development, as well as identification on the basis of facial features. In the case of scanners which distinguish people according to their face, user problems are appearing. One of these problems is the surrounding environment of the scanner device, in particular light conditions. According to tests, it is necessary to conduct identification of people under laboratory conditions, which is not acceptable from the user perspective. It is essential to consider this problem and to innovate and extend the system for identification on the basis of facial features. It is necessary for the system to react, if possible, with a minimal error rate and within the fastest response time. Through the help of testing light conditions, an improvement was achieved in the capability of identifying facial features, and at the same time a further modification was proposed to perfect the existing technology.
Feeding management for early rumen development in calves

Young calves are physically as well as functionally represents two different types of animals about their digestive system. Development of the rumen after birth represents very important physiological challenge for young calves. Therefore, calf feeding is critical to provide the nutrients needed to achieve the calf’s full potential for growth. The production of VFAs is essential to the development of the rumen papillae. Feeding of forage resulted in production of acetic acid rather than butyric acid. Feeding of grains and butyrate are the key elements enhancing the papillae growth and overall rumen development. During this period, water plays critical role, to create the correct rumen environment that will support fermentation and production of VFAs, which will in turn stimulate rumen development. Feeding of purified slats of butyrate also enhances the rumen development.
Extending the Protocol Interference Model Considering SINR for Wireless Mesh Networks

Radio interference should be taken into account to assign time slots to links in time division multiple access (TDMA)-based wireless mesh networks. In many graph theorybased time slot assignment algorithms, the protocol interference model is widely used to obtain radio interference information, although this model is considered to be inaccurate when compared with actual radio interference. On the other hand, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio model (SINR model) is a well-known and accurate model of radio interference. However, the SINR model requires time slot information to obtain radio interference relationship, and thus it is difficult to apply the SINR model to graph theory-based time slot assignment algorithms. In this paper, we extend the protocol interference model to represent radio interference more accurately for wireless mesh networks. To do this, we adjust the interference ratio parameter of the protocol interference model by considering SINR. We propose three methods for adjusting this parameter. Through simulation, it is shown that higher accuracy of the protocol interference model can be achieved by adjusting the interference ratio parameter for each node. Keywords-wireless mesh networks, protocol interference model, signal-to-plus-noise-ratio model, time slot assignment.
Information extraction from large-scale WSNs: approaches and research issues: approaches and research issues: part II: query-based and macroprogramming approaches

Regardless of the application domain and deployment scope, the ability to retrieve information is critical to the successful functioning of any wireless sensor network (WSN) system. In general, information extraction procedures can be categorized into three main approaches: agentbased, query-based and macroprogramming led. Whilst query-based systems are the most popular, macroprogramming techniques provide a more general-purpose approach to distributed computation. Finally, the agent-based approaches tailor the information extraction mechanism to the type of information needed and the configuration of the network it needs to be extracted from. This suite of three papers (Part I-III) offers an extensive survey of the literature in the area of WSN information extraction, covering in Part I and Part II the three main approaches above. Part III highlights the open research questions and issues faced by deployable WSN system designers and discusses the potential benefits of both in-network processing and complex querying for large scale wireless informational systems. Copyright © 2008 IFSA.
R&D Drivers in Young Innovative Companies

This paper examines the determinants of young innovative companies' (YICs) R&D activities taking into account the autoregressive nature of innovation. Using a large longitudinal dataset comprising Spanish manufacturing firms over the period 1990-2008, we find that previous R&D experience is a fundamental determinant for mature and young firms, albeit to a smaller extent in the case of the YICs, suggesting that their innovation behaviour is less persistent and more erratic. Moreover, our results suggest that firm and market characteristics play a distinct role in boosting the innovation activity of firms of different age. In particular, while market concentration and the degree of product diversification are found to be important in fostering R&D activities in the sub-sample of mature firms only, YICs' spending on R&D appears to be more sensitive to demand-pull variables, suggesting the presence of credit constraints. These results have been obtained using a recently proposed dynamic type-2 tobit estimator, which accounts for individual effects and efficiently handles the initial conditions problem.
Characteristics of future crashes in Sweden – identifying road safety challenges in 2020 and 2030

It has been proposed by the European Commission that the number of road fatalities within the European Union should move close to zero by 2050. In response to that, Sweden has set out to revise the national road safety targets of 2020 and 2030. In order to address future safety challenges, there is a need to consider the characteristics of future crashes. The objective of this study was therefore to quantify and investigate the characteristics of severe crashes in 2020 and 2030. Injury crashes were reduced from a baseline in 2014 to a given time in the future based on the implementation of safety interventions. The material consisted of hospital admission data with AIS diagnoses. Results show that the actions planned to be taken in Sweden between now and 2020 and 2030 will continue to increase the safety level for car occupants, but are estimated to be insufficient for vulnerable road users. It was concluded that there is a need to define a safety system for vulnerable road users that takes a holistic approach to sustainability by including both injury prevention measures and measures to encourage more health-promoting and fossil-free modes of transport.
Participation in pro poor agro based enterprises in Malawi: do households’ poverty levels change automatically?

This paper explores factors that influence households’ engagement in pro poor agro enterprises and examines the impacts of such small and medium scale enterprise on households’ poverty reduction. The paper approaches the objective by estimating a multivariate and data censoring analyses on 1000 household dataset from Malawi. The paper found that fish and mushroom farming, cassava flour processing, pig and chicken rearing, rural bakeries, and other have positive effect on household poverty levels. Pro poor agro based enterprises reduced household poverty by 8-24% among poor household in Malawi. However, the data depicts that pro poor small and medium scale businesses owners are challenged by lack of credit, low bargaining power, high input costs, low product prices and lack of reliable markets. The paper recommends mainstreaming factors and market based barriers that affect participation in agro based enterprises in Malawi. The paper also suggests that pro poor programs ought to be gender responsive at all levels of their operations.
Generalised additive point process models for natural hazard occurrence

Point processes are a natural class of models for representing occurrences of various types of natural hazard event. Flexibly implementing such models is often hindered by intractable likelihood forms. Consequently, the rates of point processes tend to be reduced to parametric forms, or the processes are discretised to give data of readily modelled “count‐per‐unit” type. This work proposes generalised additive model forms for point process rates. The resulting low‐rank spatiotemporal representations of rates, coupled with the Laplace approximation, makes the restricted likelihood relatively tractable and hence inference for such models possible. The models can also be interpreted from a regression perspective. The proposed models are used to estimate different types of Cox process and then spatiotemporal variation in European windstorms. Through a combination of thin‐plate and cubic regression splines and their tensor product, established relationships between where windstorms occur and the state of the North Atlantic Oscillation are confirmed and then expanded to bring detailed understanding of within‐year variation, which has otherwise not been possible with count‐based models.
A molecular outflow driven by the brown dwarf binary FU Tauri

We report the detection of a molecular outflow driven by the brown dwarf binary FU Tau. Using the IRAM 30 m telescope we observed the 12 CO(2 1) (CO) emission in the vicinity of FU Tau and detected a bipolar outflow by examining the wings of the CO(2 1) line as we moved away from the source position. An integrated map of the wing emission between 3 km s 1 and 5 km s 1 reveals a blueshifted lobe at a position of 20 00 from the FU Tau system and at a position angle of 20 . The beam size of the observations is 11 00 , so it is not possible to distinguish between the two components of the FU Tau binary. Since optical forbidden emission, a strong tracer of the shocks caused by outflow activity, has been detected in the spectrum of FU Tau A, we assume that this component is the driving source of the molecular outflow. We estimate the mass of the outflow at 4 10 6 M and the mass outflow rate at 6 10 10 M /yr. These results agree well with previous estimates for BD molecular outflows. FU Tau A is now the third BD found to be associated with molecular outflow activity, and this discovery adds to the already extensive list of the interesting properties of FU Tau.
Implementation of Online Document Repository System

: The purpose of this document is to present a detailed description of the Online Document Repository System. It will explain the purpose and features of the system, what the system will do, its building blocks, Repository, Advanced Standard Encryption (AES), Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA). This as well explains the technology used for implementation and how the system will react to external stimuli.
DNA as a programmable material : de novo gene synthesis and error correction

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the polymeric molecule that carries the genetic code of all living organisms, is arguably one of the most programmable assembly materials available to chemists, biologists, and materials scientists. Scientists have used DNA to build many different structures for various applications in disparate areas of research from traditional biological applications to more recent non-biological applications. Although DNA isn't typically thought of as an assembly material by people not doing research in the area, the availability of decreasing cost synthetic oligonucleotides has led to advances in gene fabrication technology which in turn has enabled synthetic biology to flourish. Using DNA as a building material for small and large constructs of DNA is reliant on having effective gene synthesis techniques. Construction of synthetic DNA is limited by errors that pervade the final product. To address this problem, effective error correction methods are pivotal. Having extremely robust gene synthesis and error correction techniques will allow researchers to generate very large scale constructs potentially necessary in applications such as genome re-engineering. Thesis Supervisor: Joseph Jacobson Title: Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences and Mechanical Engineering