Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image normalization techniques for robust face recognition

Histogram equalization has been the dominant image preprocessing technique in the field of face recognition for years now. With the property of increasing the global contrast of an image while simultaneusly compensating for the illumination conditions present at the image acquisition stage, it represents a useful preprocessing step, which can ensure enhaced and more robust recognition performance. Several, more elaborate techniques, such as the multiscale retinex approach or anisotropic smoothing, have been proposed by researchers to take the place of histogram equalization, but have ulitimately been found to be more of a complement than a real substitute. However, by closer examining the characteristics of histogram equalization, one can quickly discover that it represents only a specific case of a more general concept of histogram remapping techniques (which may have similar characteristics as histogram equalization does). While histogram equalization remapps the histogram of a given facial image to a uniform distribution, the target distribution could easily be replaced by an arbitrary one. With no theoretical proof of a specific distribution being particularly suited for the task of face recognition, at least the question arises of why the uniform distribution is commonly chosen for the histogram remapping. In this paper we present an empirical assessment of the concept of histogram remapping. We report comparative results obtained on the XM2VTS and YaleB databases for four target distributions, i.e., the uniform, the normal, the lognormal and the exponential distribution, and conclude that similar or even better recognition results can be achieved when other than the uniform distribution is considered for the histogram remapping.
A Review of Chipless RFID Measurement Methods, Response Detection Approaches, and Decoding Techniques

Chipless RFID systems can be considered as a special case of passive RFID systems, where the tag contains no power source and no electronics. Instead, the tag’s information is stored in its structure and accessed through its electromagnetic (EM) scattering response. However, robust response detection, which is primarily a function of the measurement method, measurement equipment, and processing method used, is still a major challenge in the chipless RFID field. The consequences of not properly capturing a tag response include, incorrectly assigning an ID or incorrectly reporting a sensing parameter. Due to the criticality of these challenges, this review seeks to provide an overview of the current measurement methods, equipment architectures, and processing methods as they relate to chipless RFID tag response detection and decoding. Since chipless RFID started gaining popularity around 2005, the developments in this area have been focused on three major categories: time-domain, frequency-domain, and spatial-domain systems. Frequency-domain systems have emerged as the most popular among these three categories, and thus, this review focuses on techniques used for these systems.
Dynamic Characterisation and Finite Element Updating of a RC Stadium Grandstand

This paper reports on the dynamic characterisation of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) stadium grandstand module for the Sporting Stadium in Lisbon. To this aim, a three-dimensional (3D) Finite-Element (FE) numerical model, implemented according to the technical drawings of the structure, is first presented to provide preliminary estimates of the expected modal characteristics for the examined structural system. Ambient vibration tests are then carried out on the same grandstand, and used to extract the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the system, according to conventional state-of-the-art output-only modal parameter identification techniques. A sensitivity investigation and FE model updating study is hence presented for the grandstand, giving evidence of the major influencing parameters and key input data for the numerical fitting of the experimental modal testing results.
Time‐varying, ray tracing irradiance simulation approach for photovoltaic systems in complex scenarios with decoupled geometry, optical properties and illumination conditions

The accurate computation of the irradiance incident on the surface of photovoltaic modules is crucial for the simulation of the energy yield of a photovoltaic system. Depending on the geometrical complexity of the surroundings, different approaches are commonly employed to calculate the irradiance on the photovoltaic system. In this article, we introduce a backward ray tracing simulation approach to calculate the irradiance on photovoltaic systems in geometrically complex scenarios. We explain how the repetition of time‐consuming simulation steps can be avoided with the proposed approach by storing a selection of the results from the most computationally expensive parts of the problem, and we show that the irradiance calculated with the proposed approach is in good agreement with the results of Radiance, a well‐established irradiance simulation tool. Furthermore, we present an experimental validation carried out using a pyranometer and a reference cell over a period of 6 months in a complex scenario, which shows errors lower than 5% in the calculation of the daily irradiation. Finally, we compare high‐resolution spectral simulations with measurements taken with a spectroradiometer under different sky conditions. The proposed approach is particularly well‐suited for the simulation of bifacial and tandem photovoltaic modules in complex urban environments, for it enables the efficient simulation of high‐resolution spectral irradiance in scenarios with time‐varying reflectance properties.
Comparison of arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide gradient P (a-ET)CO2 in volume versus pressure controlled ventilation in patients undergoing robotic abdominal surgery in the Trendelenburg position. A randomised controlled study

Background and Aims: Robotic surgery is increasingly prevalent as an advancement in care. Steep head-down positions in pelvic surgery can increase the ventilation-perfusion mismatch and increase ventilatory requirements to offset carbon dioxide (CO2) increases consequent to pneumoperitoneum. The primary objective was to assess the impact of two ventilatory strategies, volume versus pressure-controlled ventilation on the arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide gradient P (a-ET)CO2 in patients undergoing robotic surgery in the Trendelenburg position. The effects on alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient P (A-a)O2, peak airway pressure (Paw), dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and haemodynamics were also assessed. Methods: Fifty-one patients, 18-75 y, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III undergoing robotic surgery in Trendelenburg position were randomised to volume-controlled ventilation (Group VCV) or pressure-controlled ventilation (Group PCV). The P (a-ET)CO2 was measured at baseline T0, 10 min after Trendelenburg position T1, 2 h of surgery T2, 4 h T3 and at Te, 10 min after deflation. The P (A-a) O2, Paw, Cdyn, heart rate and blood pressure were also measured at the same time. Results: The P (a-ET)CO2 at T1, T2, T3 and at Te was lower in Group PCV versus Group VCV. The Paw was lower at T1, T2, and T3 and Cdyn higher at T3 and Te in Group PCV at comparable minute ventilation. Haemodynamics and P (A-a)O2 were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: Pressure-controlled ventilation reduces P (a-ET)CO2 gradient, Paw and improves Cdyn but does not affect P (A-a) O2 or haemodynamics in comparison to volume-controlled ventilation in robotic surgeries in the Trendelenburg position.
The Effects of a Holistic College Access Camp on First-Gen Students: A Small Group Program Evaluation Using the Reliable Change Index

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to present the evaluation and program design of a holistic college readiness camp that predominantly served first-generation, low-income students. The outcome variables included college attendance rates, intrinsic motivation, and sense of community connectedness. Pre- and post-survey data from the eight-day camp were analyzed using the Reliable Change Index to measure the program’s impact on students. Overall, students perceived having a high sense of competence and a moderately positive sense of connectedness upon completion of the camp. This study represents a potential model for community-based college access organizations to consider when conducting program evaluations.
Exploration of potential applications of nano-droplets according to their basic properties

The rapid development of nano-droplets has attracted widespread attention. With a long period of development, wetting behaviors, surface evaporation, chemical analysis, and morphology control of nano-droplets are explored in the laboratory. The nano-droplets can be potentially useful in many interdisciplinary areas. Several potential applications in three areas will be reviewed, including the industry, the laboratory, and the medical treatment. Industrial applications involve cutting fluid in ultra-precision machining, surface agglomeration during 3D nano-inkjet printing process, in-plane silicon nanowire thin film transistors (TFTs), and anisotropic conductive adhesives for integrated electronics; laboratory applications involve nanoextraction and ultrafast microanalysis, “bottom-up” material preparation techniques, nanoscale liquid transport, and generation of nano-droplets in liquid media; applications in medical treatment involve intradermal vaccine delivery, proteomic analysis, and histotripsy. These applications have been demonstrated in industrial devices, chemical analysis, and a wide range of nanostructures with wetting properties. However, many other potential applications still remain to be explored. The need of exploring potential applications of novel and complex nano-droplets is still critical. In addition, trying to understand the size, such as the smallest size, of various kinds of nano-droplets is expected to enrich applications with nanotechnology.
Codes correcteurs d'erreurs à haut pouvoir de correction

Pour obtenir des codes a haut pouvoir de correction il est souhaitable de choisir des codes de grande longueur. Nous etudions la distance minimale de certains codes bch en longueur 255 et 511, ainsi que les proprietes de deux constructions: les codes produit et les codes concatenes. Ces techniques ont l'avantage de donner des codes de grande longueur dont le decodage a une faible complexite algorithmique. Les performances de ces codes sont etudiees a l'aide d'outils combinatoires nouveaux, les polynomes des motifs corrigibles, et se sont averees excellentes dans certains des exemples presentes
Speed Tracking Control for Unmanned Driving Robot Vehicle Based on Fuzzy Adaptive Sliding Mode Control

To achieve accuracy and stable speed tracking under different conditions, a speed tracking method for the unmanned driving robot vehicle with sliding mode gains adjusted by a fuzzy adaptive system is proposed. Using the complex vector method and equivalent substitution method, kinematics and dynamics models of driving mechanical legs are established. Combined with models of driving and brake systems of manipulated vehicles, the longitudinal dynamics model is built. Then the longitudinal manipulation strategy is established. Based on the dynamics model of the mechanical leg, the sliding mode controller's control law is deduced. In addition, the fuzzy adaptive approximation is constructed and the fuzzy adaptive law is designed. Furthermore, the stability of the fuzzy sliding mode controller is proven using the Lyapunov function. Finally, through simulation and experiment, a comparison among the proposed method and several existing control methods demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Analysis of DC voltage oscillation mechanism in AC/DC hybrid distribution system

DC voltage oscillation occurs more and more frequently in voltage source converter (VSC)-based AC/DC hybrid distribution system (AC/DC HDS). However, currently, the explanation of the oscillation mechanism is not clear enough. One reason is the traditional state-space model of the system is too complicated, and the information in the model is too dispersed. This research aims at researching the small-signal stability of AC/DC HDS and revealing the mechanism of DC voltage oscillation. Firstly, a method to reduce the order of the state-space model is proposed. A three-order VSC model with definitude physical meaning is obtained by utilising instantaneous power theory. According to this model, the potential instability factors in VSC are identified. Then, based on this, the interaction behaviour between VSC and DC network is researched by frequency domain analysis. The instability mechanism is ultimately revealed. The analysis result shows that the VSC's phase roll-off characteristic is the root cause of instability, the inherent oscillation characteristics of DC network has negative interactions with VSC and will narrow the system stability boundary. Finally, the correctness of the theory is verified by electromagnetic transient simulation.
An Anonymous Mutual Authenticated Key Agreement Scheme for Wearable Sensors in Wireless Body Area Networks

The advancement of Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN) have led to significant progress in medical and health care systems. However, such networks still suffer from major security and privacy threats, especially for the data collected in medical or health care applications. Lack of security and existence of anonymous communication in WBAN brings about the operation failure of these networks. Recently, Li et al. proposed a lightweight protocol for wearable sensors in wireless body area networks. In their paper, the authors claimed that the protocol may provide anonymous mutual authentication and resist against various types of attacks. This study shows that such a protocol is still vulnerable to three types of attacks, i.e., the offline identity guessing attack, the sensor node impersonation attack and the hub node spoofing attack. We then present a secure scheme that addresses these problems, and retains similar efficiency in wireless sensors nodes and mobile phones.
Magnetodynamic phenomena in the solar atmosphere : prototypes of stellar magnetic activity : proceedings of the 153rd Colloquium of the International Astronomical Union, held in Makuhari, near Tokyo, May 22-27, 1995

Preface. I. Magnetic Atmosphere of the Sun and Stars. I.1. The Solar Corona, the Magnetic Atmosphere of the Sun. I.2. High Temperature Outer Atmospheres of Other Stars. II. Wind and Mass-Loss from the Sun and Stars. II.1. Wind and Mass-Loss from the Sun. II.2. Wind and Mass-Loss from Stars. III. Production of Superhot Plasma and High-Energy Particles in the Sun and Stars. III.1. Solar Flares. III.2. Stellar Flares. III.3. Models of Flares. IV. Magnetic Behavior of the Sun and Stars. IV.1. Active Zones and Coronal Holes of the Sun and Their Cycle Variation. IV.2. Observed Domain of Activity on Stars. V. Governing Factors of Solar/Stellar Activity. Poster Papers. List of Participants.
Experimental Conﬁrmation of the Reliability of Fanger’s Thermal Comfort Model—Case Study of a Near-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) O ﬃ ce Building

: Designing and constructing near zero energy buildings (NZEBs) is a challenge not only from a structural point of view, but also from the point of view of ensuring appropriate climate comfort for users. The standards describing how to ensure comfort were created in times when the challenges of building ZEB / NZEB were not yet explored and energy issues were not as important as they are today. Therefore, the assessment of the thermal and climatic comfort of people living and working in such buildings requires a new or revised approach to the methodology of thermal comfort assessment. In this article, the authors present the results of a thermal comfort study based on measurements and thermal sensory tests. Testing was carried out in an experimental o ﬃ ce building (passive standard). The main goal of the experiment was to compare the thermal comfort measurement method based on the ISO-Fanger model with the actual comfort results obtained by the panellists in the model o ﬃ ce condition. The tests allowed the lowest operating temperature providing thermal comfort (predicted mean vote (PMV) = 0 and − 0.5) to be determined. Sensory tests were conducted using three types of questions. The results were compared to the other researchers’ ﬁndings. It was noted that the panellists showed better thermal comfort sensation at lower temperatures than would result from the traditional Fanger distribution, so the authors proposed the experimental function of percentage of dissatisﬁed (PPD) = f(PMV). The authors hope that it contributed to the actual state of knowledge as a “small and speciﬁc scale” validation of the existing thermal comfort model. The results also revealed that the method of heating has an inﬂuence on the subjective thermal sensation.
Building evidence for policy and program action for nutrition in Ghana

The human and economic costs of malnutrition are far-reaching. Inadequate nutrition in early childhood can have lifelong consequences, including poor physical and psychological health, low educational attainment, and reduced employment opportunities (Alderman et al. 2006; Hoddinott et al. 2013; Victora et al. 2008). Despite growing attention to malnutrition globally, challenges persist and sustained commitment is required to achieve lasting progress. A strong evidence base can support the case for prioritizing nutrition in the policy arena. Evidence can generate better understanding of the problem in terms of prevalence among different populations, drivers in different contexts, and consequences of inaction. Evidence can also help decision makers identify optimal policy and program options for reducing malnutrition. This brief provides an overview of existing literature on nutrition in Ghana, summarizing the issues covered by existing evidence and identifying remaining evidence gaps. It also describes promising new research initiatives underway to further build the evidence base for nutrition action in Ghana.
A Pavement Structural Capacity Index for Use in Network-level Evaluation of Asphalt Pavements

The objective of this research was to develop a structural index for use in network-level pavement evaluation, which facilitates the inclusion of the pavements structural condition in many pavement management applications. The primary goal of network-level pavement management is to maintain an acceptable condition of the pavements within the network using available, and often limited, resources. Pavement condition is described in terms of functional and structural condition, and the current widespread practice is to only consider the functional condition during network-level evaluation. This practice results in treatments that are often under-designed or over-designed when considered in more detail at the project-level. The disagreement may be reduced by considering the structural capacity of the pavements as part of the network-level decision process. This research was conducted by identifying various structural indices, choosing an appropriate index, and then applying data from the state of Virginia to modify the index and show example application for the index. It was concluded that the Modified Structural Index best met the research objectives. Project-level and network level data were used to conduct a sensitivity analysis on the index, and example applications were presented. The results indicated that the inclusion of the Modified Structural Index into the network-level decision process minimized the errors between network-level and project-level decisions, when compared to the current network-level decision making process. Furthermore, the Modified Structural Index could be used in various pavement management applications, such as network-level structural screening, and developing structural performance measures.
CORRIGENDUM: The analytic inversion of any finite symmetric tridiagonal matrix

We use the theory of orthogonal polynomials to write down explicit expressions for the polynomials of the first and second kind associated with a given infinite symmetric tridagonal matrix H. The Green's function is the inverse of the infinite symmetric tridiagonal matrix (H-zI). By calculating the inverse of the finite symmetric tridiagonal matrix we can find the analytical form of the inverse of the finite symmetric tridiagonal matrix, .
A sagittal gradient of pathological and compensatory effects of neurophysiological slowing in Parkinson's disease

Using magnetoencephalographic imaging and extensive clinical and neuropsychological assessments, we show that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; N = 79) exhibit a slowing of neurophysiological activity relative to healthy adults (N = 65), which relates to motor and cognitive abilities. Importantly, the association between neurophysiological slowing and PD clinical features varies systematically across the cortex along a sagittal gradient: cortical slowing is associated with worse impairment in dorsal-posterior cortices, and this association is reversed in ventral-anterior cortical regions. This pathological-to-compensatory anatomical gradient is sensitive to differences in patients' individual clinical profiles, and co-localizes with normative atlases of neurotransmitter receptor/transporter density. Long-range functional connectivity between posterior regions and parietal and frontal cortices is also significantly shifted towards lower frequencies in PD, demonstrating a novel network-level slowing effect. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the multifaceted nature of neurophysiological slowing in patients with PD, with anatomically-dependent clinical relevance to motor and cognitive symptoms.
A Fixed-Packet Distortion Optimal Rate Allocation Method for Progressive Image Transmission Over Varying Channels

: A rate allocation (RA) method in joint source/channel coding for transmission of images over varying channels with Markov model is proposed, in which the dependency of channel states during transmission of image packets is considered. For rate allocation (RA) problem, a weighted packet decoding error probability (PDEP) approximation method is presented. Our simulations show that the proposed RA method leads to a better performance over existing RA policies.
Similarities and differences in behaviour of the BIC based and likelihood ratio (LR) based Bayes Factor outputs under simple RCT analysis to two-sided p values from two sample t-tests for fixed sample sizes

There is continuing disagreement [1,2] about the correlation between • pvalue the two sample t-test probability of the observed data given the Null Hypothesis and • P (H0|D) the Bayesian posterior probability of the Null Hypothesis given the observed data. In this paper, the normalised BIC based estimates Bayes Factor 1 √ N PBIC (D|H0) PBIC (D|H1) described in [3] which has a strong contour line relationship with pvalue for simple RCT analysis under repeated sampling for fixed sample size is illustrated to closely approach simple likelihood based Bayes Factor behaviour. Firstly, the contrasting behaviour for the relationship of BIC based Bayes Factor PBIC(D|H0) & likelihood based Bayes Factor PLR(D|H0) outputs with pvalue is shown for A/A & A/B conditions for RCT analysis under repeated sampling for fixed sample sizes. Then the close behaviour for the Bayes Factor estimates 1 √ N PBIC (D|H0) PBIC (D|H1) & PLR(D|H0) PLR(D|H1) is shown.