Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Video-based Prediction of Hand-grasp Preshaping with Application to Prosthesis Control

Among the currently available grasp-type selection techniques for hand prostheses, there is a distinct lack of intuitive, robust, low-latency solutions. In this paper we investigate the use of a portable, forearm-mounted, video-based technique for the prediction of hand-grasp preshaping for arbitrary objects. The purpose of this system is to automatically select the grasp-type for the user of the prosthesis, potentially increasing ease-of-use and functionality. This system can be used to supplement and improve existing control strategies, such as surface electromyography (sEMG) pattern recognition, for prosthetic and orthotic devices. We designed and created a suitable dataset consisting of RGB-D video data for 2212 grasp examples split evenly across 7 classes; 6 grasps commonly used in activities of daily living, and an additional no-grasp category. We processed and analyzed the dataset using several state-of-the-art deep learning architectures. Our selected model shows promising results for realistic, intuitive, real-world use, reaching per-frame accuracies on video sequences of up to 95.90% on the validation set. Such a system could be integrated into the palm of a hand prosthesis, allowing an automatic prediction of the grasp-type without requiring any special movements or aiming by the user.
Validation of the Kinetic Soot Model : An Experimental and Theoretical Study on Soot Formation using LII and SV-CARS

Temperature and soot concentration measurements from laminar, premixed flames at different conditions (pressures P, equivalence ratios φ and fuels), provide an excellent data base for the modelling of soot formation. For the verification of numerical simulations of sooting flames, the use of accurate, spatially and temporally resolved data measured with non-intrusive in situ measurement tools is necessary. We present the application of a recently developed technique for temperature measurements in sooting flames. Soot concentrations measured by laser-induced incandescence (LII) are compared to calculated profiles of soot formation, based on the measured temperatures. The overall agreement is quite satisfactory for the experimental conditions presented.
Preparation and Spectral Analysis of Nano sized ZnSe Particles

ZnSe nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by hydrothermal method by the reaction of zinc acetate dihydrate with sodium selenite anhydrous in the presence of hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. The produced sample was characterized by different techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE.SEM). The average crystallite size of the as-prepared ZnSe nanoparticles was estimated to be 9.1 nm. The HR-TEM images revealed that zinc selenide nanoparticles have irregular shapes. While the FE-SEM images showed that the produced ZnSe nanoparticles are agglomerated in spherical shapes. Received; 16 Oct. 2017, Revised form; 3 Nov. 2017, Accepted; 3 Nov. 2017, Available online 1 Jan. 2018
Identifying Characteristics of Science Teaching/Learning Materials Promoting Students' Intrinsic Relevance.

This article focuses on concerns related to a lack of students' perception of relevance in school science seen as differing from educators' perception of relevance. In order to determine how relevance is portrayed in teaching and learning materials (TLMs), the titles and introductory texts (scenarios) from 77 TLMs, aiming to induce students' intrinsic relevance, were analysed using conventional content analysis. The content analysis resulted in the identification of three categories, with altogether nine subcategories, which could induce perceptions of intrinsic relevance among students and therefore could be used by TLM developers to help induce intrinsic relevance among students. The results showed that although authors of these TLMs had undertaken a course on developing student relevant TLMs, there was diversity in the approach to intrinsic relevance and less than half of the TLMs were identified, based on expert opinion, as being seen to be intrinsically relevant for students. Although most introductory texts were seen somewhat familiar to students, promoting relevance in the context of students' perceptions remains a question.
Post-Soviet states and CO2 emissions: the role of foreign direct investment

ABSTRACT Natural resource abundance, growth-oriented strategies and low environmental concern of post-Soviet states may exacerbate the consequences of climate change significantly. This study considers the relationship between CO2 emissions, economic development, foreign investment inflows, trade and energy use in 20 post-Soviet states between 1995 and 2017. A panel cointegration test reveals the long-term cointegrating relationship between the variables. Long-term elasticities are reported using Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares regressions, which yield quite similar results: GDP per capita, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, trade and energy use positively related to CO2 emissions per capita in the long term. A panel causality test, however, identifies unidirectional causality running from CO2 emissions to energy use at p<0.01. In other words, greater economic activity in terms of foreign capital inflows, larger trade shares, extensive energy use and economic development, harm the environment through increasing CO2 emissions and strengthen the need for greater environmental and climate change concerns. The study aims to contribute to this Special Issue through accounting for the role of foreign direct investment and foreign trade in the sustainable development of post-Soviet states.
AIRCRAFT OBSERVATIONS OF NO Y ABOVE UK DURING RONOCO CAMPAIGN : IMPLICATION FOR ΣANS AND OZONE PRODUCTION

During RONOCO (ROle of Nighttime chemistry in controlling the Oxidising Capacity) campaigns (summer 2010 and winter 2011) a comprehensive group of NOy (NO, NO2, HNO3, total peroxy nitrates (ΣRO2NO2), total alkyl nitrates (ΣRONO2), N2O5 NO3, PAN) were measured on board the FAAM aircraft BAe-146. A diurnal flight (B548 – 03/09/2010) is studied in order to investigate the net production of Ozone and Alkyl nitrates in the London urban plumes. The analysis shows two regions, over London, characterized by different dependence between the Ox and the ΣANs, photochemical air masses age and dependence between NOx and aerosol nitrates. Here will be show the chemical mechanisms that can explain the observations in the two London areas.
Composite Feature Extraction and Classification for Fusion of Palm-Print and Iris Biometric Traits

Palm-print and iris biometric traits fusion are implemented in this paper. The region of interest (ROI) of a palm is extracted by using the valley detection algorithm and the ROI of an iris is extracted based on the neighbor-pixels value algorithm (NPVA). Statistical local binary pattern (SLBP) is applied to extract the local features of palm and iris. For enhancing the palm features, a combination of histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) and discrete cosine transform (DCT) is applied. Gabor-Zernike moment is used to extract the iris features. This experimentation was carried out in two modes: verification and identification. The Euclidean distance is used in the verification system. In the identification system, the fuzzy-based classifier was proposed along with built-in classification functions in MATLAB. CASIA datasets of palm and iris were used in this research work. The proposed system accuracy was found to be satisfactory.
Sparse algebraic reconstruction for fluorescence mediated tomography

In this paper, we explore the use of anatomical information as a guide in the image formation process of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). Namely, anatomical knowledge obtained from high resolution computed tomography (micro-CT) is used to construct a model for the diffusion of light and to constrain the reconstruction to areas candidate to contain fluorescent volumes. Moreover, a sparse regularization term is added to the state-of-the-art least square solution to contribute to the sparsity of the localization. We present results showing the increase in accuracy of the combined system over conventional FMT, for a simulated experiment of lung cancer detection in mice.
Universitet IL-18 and S 100 A 12 Are Upregulated in Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disease. RVO may be complicated by pronounced ischemia that often leads to severe loss of visual function. The present work aimed at studying the retinal proteome of RVO complicated by ischemia. In six Danish Landrace pigs RVO was induced with argon laser in the right eye of each animal. As four retinal veins were occluded, the RVO best corresponded to a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Left control eyes received a similar laser treatment without inducing occlusion. RVO and retinal ischemia were verified by angiography. The retinas were collected 15 days after RVO for proteomic analysis. RVO resulted in a downregulation of proteins involved in visual perception, including rhodopsin, transducin alpha chain, and peripherin-2. RVO also caused a downregulation of proteins involved in neurotransmitter transport, including glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD2), and complexins 2–4. RVO lead to increased contents of proteins involved in inflammation, including interleukin-18 (IL-18), S100A12, and annexin A1 (ANXA1). Immunohistochemistry revealed a general retinal upregulation of IL-18 and ANXA1 while S100A12 was highly abundant in retinal ganglion cells in RVO. IL-18 and S100A12 are likely to be driving forces in the inflammatory response of RVO complicated by ischemia. Our findings also suggest that RVO results in compromised neurotransmission and a downregulation of proteins involved in visual perception.
Defining Value in Sustainable Business Models

Although the concept of value is central to sustainable business models (SBMs), the field has struggled to clarify what value is. SBM research accounts for multiple forms of value directed at multiple stakeholders. We argue that this diversity challenge should be addressed not by seeking a field-unifying definition of value but by developing methodological guidelines for a field-specific approach to defining value in SBM contexts. Based on Aristotelian logic and philosophical phenomenology of value, we develop an analytical framework that can be used for generating good definitions of value. We use this framework to explore approaches to value in extant SBM literature, highlight problematic patterns in applications of this concept, and suggest ways to avoid these patterns. The result is a guide to assist SBM researchers in exploring and defining value, and in applying their definitions consistently in theory building efforts.
PRESENT STATUS OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION FACILITY SAGA-LS

Saga Light Source (SAGA-LS) is a synchrotron radiation facility established by Saga prefecture. Accelerator consists of an injection linac and a storage ring. SAGA-LS was officially opened on February 2006. The storage ring has stably provided synchrotron radiation to four beam lines. The product of lifetime and stored current has attained 1500 mAh. The storage ring is operated with beam current of 100 mA at present. The experiment hall will be extended in Fall 2007 and longer beam lines will be installed. Flux, brilliance and photon energy of synchrotron radiation will be further improved by the stored current increase, installation of insertion devices.
Spatially and angle-multiplexed holographic random access memory

A 3-D holographic optical memory is described that combines spatially and angularly multiplexed storage to yield a storage capacity of approximately 1012 bits in a crystal with volume less than 100 cm3. A non-mechanical scanning mechanism, consisting of acoustooptic deflectors and a segmented mirror, retrieves any stored hologram in a time equal to the acoustic delay through the aperture of the acoustooptic deflector
CARBON NANOTUBES-PRODUCTION , PROPERTIES AND HEALTH EFFECTS

Nanotechnology is the new emerging technology which stands forefront in the science research and technology development. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most promising materials in the field of nanotechnology and are being produced by three methods: electric arc discharge, laser ablation and chemical vapour deposition. CNTs possess unique electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal and optical properties, due to which these materials are suitable for various applications. The CNTs production is increasing in proportion to their usage. Since materials at the nanoscale behave differently than they do in their massive form, hence these CNTs are subjected to intense toxicological scrutiny. Research has proved that exposure to CNTs have negative effects on human health. The present paper attempts to review the production, properties and impact of CNTs on human health. This knowledge will be useful in formulating exposure standards for CNTs.
Jq , 61 . 05 . cp OPTICAL AND ELECTROCHROMIC PROPERTIES OF e-BEAM EVAPORATED NICKEL OXIDE THIN FILM

Nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were deposited by e-beam evaporation on glass and ITO coated glass substrates initially held at room temperature without post-heat treatments. The structural and optical properties were investigated using glancing incident X-ray diffractometer (GIXRD) and spectrophotometer. The electrochromic (EC) behavior of NiO thin film was investigated using electrochemical technique viz. cyclic voltammetry, constant current measurement, and chronoamperometry in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The transmittance modulation and switching time with different operating voltage were also studied.
Discriminating Tectonic Setting of Igneous Rocks Using Biotite Major Element chemistry−A Machine Learning Approach

The composition of igneous biotite is a potential indicator of the geologic environment of its host rock. Here, we apply two machine learning models−eXtreemly Greedy tree Boosting (XGBoost) and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) to classify biotite in igneous rocks from five tectonic settings−oceanic intraplate, continental intraplate, continental arc, island arc, and rift, using their major element chemistry compiled from a global dataset. The two models are successfully able to discriminate among biotite from the five tectonic settings. The classifiers quantitatively search for unique geochemical signatures in the training dataset, mapping each biotite analysis to its corresponding tectonic setting. Both models yielded good classification accuracy (∼90% on average) on an unseen dataset, suggesting that biotite major element chemistry can successfully discriminate the tectonic setting of many igneous rocks. The Shapley Additive exPlanations algorithm, which measures the impact of every element, indicates that Na, Mn, Ba, Mg, Al, Cr, and O2− constitute important geochemical discriminators. According to both models, high Na, low Na, low Ba, high Mn, and low Mn of biotite have the strongest influence on the prediction of continental arc, continental intraplate, island arc, oceanic intraplate, and rift settings, respectively. The classifier models have been applied to investigate the Neoproterozoic geodynamics of the Aravalli‐Delhi Belt, northwestern India. The models show that igneous activity related to the Erinpura granites (∼835 Ma) and the Malani Igneous Suite (∼750 Ma) can be ascribed to continental intraplate setting related to extensional tectonics prior to the break‐up of the Rodinia supercontinent.
Synthesis , Structural Characterization , and Biological Activities of Organically Templated Cobalt Phosphite ( C 4 N 2 H 14 ) Co ( H 2 PO 3 ) 4 · 2 H 2 O

A novel hybrid phosphite [(C4N2H14)Co(H2PO3)4·2H2O] was synthesized with 1,4diaminobutane (dabn) as a structure-directing agent using slow evaporation method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that it crystallizes in the triclinic system (S.G: P-1, #2) with the following unit cell parameters (Å, °) a = 5.4814 (3), b = 7.5515 (4), c = 10.8548 (6), α = 88.001 (4), β = 88.707 (5), γ = 85.126 (5). The crystal structure was built up from corner-sharing [CoO6]-octahedrons, forming chains parallel to [001], which are interconnected by H2PO3 pseudo-pyramid units. The diprotonated 1,4-diaminobutane molecules, residing between the parallel chains, interacted with the inorganic moiety via hydrogen bonds leading thus to the formation of the 3D crystal structure. The Fourier transform infrared result exhibited characteristic bands corresponding to the phosphite group and the organic molecule. The thermal decomposition of the compound consists mainly of the loss of the organic moiety and the water molecules. The biological tests exhibited significant activity against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli strains in all used concentrations, while less activity was pronounced when tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while there was no activity against the nematode model Steinernema feltiae.
A method for measuring the high temperature emissivity of refractory metal surfaces

For high temperature applications, such as lighting components or heating elements, the thermal emissivity of refractory metals such as tungsten can be improved by altering the surface of the material. Laser structuring or porous sintered coatings have been shown to increase the emissivity, which leads to improvements in process stability and component lifetime. Measuring the emissivity is generally performed at room temperature by reflectometry as high temperature measurement is extremely difficult. This is a significant disadvantage for comparing surface modifications, as emissivity at application temperature might differ greatly. In this paper, a method is described with which samples are heated by a direct current flow and the emissivity is measured with an optical pyrometer by comparing temperature values with the actual surface temperature. The method allows a comparative measurement of different surface treatments at the application temperature. Degradation of the surface emissivity at the application temperature is also possible to observe. Measured values for tungsten with different surface modifications are shown and discussed.
Cloud droplets to drizzle: Contribution of transition drops to microphysical and optical properties of marine stratocumulus clouds

Aircraft measurements of the ubiquitous marine stratocumulus cloud type, with over 3000 km of in situ data from the Pacific during the Cloud System Evolution in the Trades experiment, show the ability of the Holographic Detector for Clouds (HOLODEC) instrument to smoothly interpolate the small and large droplet data collected with Cloud Droplet Probe and 2DC instruments. The combined, comprehensive instrument suite reveals a surprisingly large contribution in the predrizzle size range of 40–80 μm (transition droplets, or drizzlets), a range typically not measured and assumed to reside in a condensation‐to‐collision minimum between cloud droplet and drizzle modes. Besides shedding light on the onset of collision coalescence, drizzlets are essential contributors to optical and chemical properties because of a substantial contribution to the total surface area. When adjusted to match spatial resolution of spaceborne remote sensing, the missing drizzlets bring in situ measurements to closer agreement with satellite observations.
CORRUPTED IMAGE QUALITY ASSESSMENT Thesis Submitted to The School of Engineering of the UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering By

CORRUPTED IMAGE QUALITY ASSESSMENT Name: Cheng, Wu University of Dayton Advisor: Dr. Keigo Hirakawa We propose a foundation for assessing visual quality with “corrupted reference” (CR-QA)—a new quality assessment (QA) paradigm for reasoning about human vision and image restoration problems jointly. The visual quality of a processed image signal is assessed relative to an ideal reference image (not provided) with the help of observed image. This is in contrast to today’s QAs, which are optimized for a “post-hoc” usage (process first, assess quality second) and are unequipped to handle the assessment of the processed data relative to the ideal reference that exist only in theory and not in practice.
Koh etching of silicon

KOH ETCHING OF SILICON by Ying Wang In this research, a series of comparative etching experiments on silicon wafers have been carried out using potassium hydroxide (KOH) for different experimental etching conditions for concentration, temperature and time on (100) orientation p-type silicon wafers. Besides the basic etching conditions, the position of the immersed wafer also has unpredictable effect on the etching process. This may be attributed to the relative contact position between the surface of the immersed wafer and the flow patterns of the stirred etching solution. The surface morphology analysis indicates that the specific position of the wafer, with respect to the flow of the etchant, can lead to a higher quality of uniformly rough (100) crystal face. The lowest reflectivity of etched sample is determined by using reflectivity measurements. The study reveals that, besides conventional etching conditions, the etching positions, which can be easily disregarded, are also potential conditions that have significant influence on the etching results; this may become a principal condition for etching of silicon by KOH. KOH ETCHING OF SILICON
Development of fluxgate magnetometers and applications to the space science missions

Magnetic field is one of the essential physical parameters to study the space physics and evolution of the solar system. There are several methods to measure the magnetic field in the space by spacecraft and rockets. Fluxgate magnetometer has been most generally used out of them because it measures the vector field accurately and does not need much weight and power budgets. When we try more difficult missions such as multi-satellite observation, landing on the celestial body and exploration in the area of severe environment, we have to modify the magnetometer or develop new techniques to make the instrument adequate for those projects. For example, we developed a 20-bit delta-sigma analogue-to-digital converter for MGF-I on the BepiColombo MMO satellite, to achieve the wide-range (±2000 nT) measurement with good resolution in the high radiation environment. For further future missions, we have examined the digitalizing of the circuit, which has much potential to drastically reduce the instrument weight, power consumption and performance dependence on the temperature.
Influence of abiotic stress on proline, photosynthetic enzymes and growth.

Salt stress is one of the major abiotic stress factors that affect almost every aspect of physiology and biochemistry of a plant, resulting in a reduction in its yield. The salinity effect on the water stress of the plant, its gaseous exchanges and its metabolism has been analyzed over short periods. In plants under water or salt stress, proline content increases more than other amino acids, and this effect has been used as a biochemical marker to select varieties aiming to resist to such conditions. Salt and water stress affects germination percentage, germination rate and seedling growth in different ways depending on plant species.