Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SnapTask :

Visual crowdsourcing (VCS) offers an inexpensive method to collect visual data for implementing tasks, such as 3D mapping and place detection, thanks to the prevalence of smartphone cameras. However, without proper guidance, participants may not always collect data from desired locations with a required Quality-of-Information (QoI). This often causes either a lack of data in certain areas, or extra overheads for processing unnecessary redundancy. In this work, we propose SnapTask, a participatory VCS system that aims at creating complete indoor maps by guiding participants to efficiently collect visual data of high QoI. It applies Structure-from-Motion (SfM) techniques to reconstruct 3D models of indoor environments, which are then converted into indoor maps. To increase coverage with minimal redundancy, SnapTask determines locations for the next data collection tasks by analyzing the coverage of the generated 3D model and the camera views of the collected images. In addition, it overcomes the limitations of SfM techniques by utilizing crowdsourced annotations to reconstruct featureless surfaces (e.g. glass walls) in the 3D model. According to a field test in a library, the indoor map generated by SnapTask successfully reconstructs 100% of the library walls and 98.12% of objects and traversal areas within the library. With the same amount of input data our design of guided data collection increases the map coverage by 20.72% and 34.45%, respectively, compared with unguided participatory and opportunistic VCS.
Egyptian Society of Ear , Nose , Throat and Allied Sciences Egyptian Journal of Ear , Nose , Throat and Allied

BPPV; Unilateral; Bilateral Abstract Objectives: To identify variables affecting outcome in patients with unilateral and bilateral BPPV. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of 220 patients diagnosed with posterior SCC underwent treatment successfully with Canalith Repositioning Maneuver. Bilateral and severe cases received medical treatment before starting the maneuver. Scheme for management of the cases had been settled. Results: One hundred seventy-four patients (74.5%) as the first BPPV episode while 25.5% with recurring episodes. Significant improvement was reported in 84% of patients. Etiology is not playing a role in unilateral or bilateral BPPV. Patients presented with bilateral BPPV were classified into true or unilateral mimicking bilateral BPPV. 46.7% of the patients reported sleeping using one pillow. Daily routine Brandt–Daroff exercises after the success of CRM affect the rate of recurrence. Conclusion: Canalith repositioning Maneuver provides rapid relief of symptoms of BPPV. Patients with bilateral or severe BPPV required a special protocol to reach complete relief. In addition daily routine Brandt–Daroff exercises decrease the recurrence rate. a 2015 Egyptian Society of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
econstor Make Your Publications Visible . A Service of zbw

A currency area can be a self-validating optimal policy regime, even when monetary unification does not foster real economic integration and intra-industry trade. In our model, firms choose the optimal degree of exchange rate pass-through to export prices while accounting for expected monetary policies, and monetary authorities choose optimal policy rules while taking firms’ pass-through as given. We show that there exist two equilibria, each of which defines a self-validating currency regime. In the first, firms preset prices in domestic currency and let prices in foreign currency be determined by the law of one price. Optimal policy rules then target the domestic output gap, and floating exchange rates support the flex-price allocation. In the second equilibrium, firms preset prices in consumer currency, and a monetary union is the optimal policy choice for all countries. Although a common currency helps synchronize business cycles across countries, flexible exchange rates deliver a superior welfare outcome. JEL classification: E5, F4
Optimal Design of Training Sequence for MIMO Communication System Based on Information Theory

To further improve the channel estimation performance in Multiple-Input, MultipleOutput (MIMO) communication system, the channel characteristics of MIMO system with the training sequence based on time series method are analyzed. This paper first analyzes the construction method of orthogonal Gold sequence and the complete complementary sequence, and followed by the study of the MIMO training sequence channel estimation method for timing insertion with Gold sequences and complete complementary sequence. Based on this, from the point of view of information theory, to maximize the channel capacity of MIMO system, the training sequence is optimized under the above criterion. The channel capacity of MIMO system based on complete complementary sequence and orthogonal Gold sequence are analyzed. The theory proves that the proposed optimization algorithm transforms the original training sequence into orthogonal matrix and then improves the capacity of the channel. At the same time, the experimental results also verify the feasibility and accuracy of the optimization algorithm.
P o S ( L C 2 0 1 0 ) 0 0 2 Field theory on the light-front

We present a general framework to study relativistic compound systems in a Hamiltonian formalism. This formalism is based on the explicitly covariant formulation of light-front dynamics, with a decomposition of the state vector in Fock components. In order to be able to make definite predictions order by order in the truncation of the Fock expansion, we use an appropriate Fock sector dependent renormalization scheme. Our covariant formulation enables us to have a strict control of any violation of rotational invariance due to the choice of a given orientation of the light-front plane. This is mandatory in order to define the necessary renormalization conditions, and hence to be able to calculate physical observables. We emphasize the role played by antiparticle degrees of freedom in order to control, order by order in the Fock expansion, the scale invariance of physical observables. This nonperturbative framework demands also to use an appropriate regularization scheme. We show why the recently proposed Taylor-Lagrange regularization scheme is a very adequate scheme since it can be implemented very naturally, and from a systematic point of view, in light-front dynamics. As a direct application of this general framework, we settle the basis for a new formulation of chiral effective field theory in the baryonic sector based on light-front dynamics and a Fock decomposition of the state vector.
The equitable and sustainable well-being at local level: a first attempt of time series aggregation

The Istat project aimed at measuring well-being at local level 2 has recently made available time series data on a collection of BES indicators also at NUTS3 level. This recent novelty provides the motivation for studying appropriate methodologies to analyze such complex information. In particular, synthesizing individual indicators into a single index, especially if in a time perspective, by constructing a composite indicator, is an important challenge (Nardo, 2008). Indeed, the choice of the aggregation method is very important and delicate, as the composite indicator is required to be sensitive to territorial disparities, able of capturing transformations over time and, at the same time, robust with respect of the variability and over-dispersion that characterize many BES indicators at NUTS3 level (Taralli et al., 2015) In this paper, we implement a latent variable (factor) model with the aim to construct a well-being composite indicator for the 110 Italian Provinces based on a selection of eight BES indicators over the period of time between year 2004 and year 2015. Factor models are widely used in the construction of composite indicators. For instance, Chelli et al. (2015) applied a factor analysis to reduce the high number of indicators involved in the definition of the BES at local level. Based on the result of the factor analysis computed among indicators of each domain, the authors then
Developing a Sustainable Mobility Action Plan for University Campuses

University campuses are a microcosmos of the urban landscape and an excellent testbed for implementing and evaluating novel mobility policies. However, no scientific contribution has ever aimed to provide a template for university mobility managers to develop an action plan for an efficient and effective sustainable university mobility plan tailored to the needs and characteristics of the campus. Based on the above, the present research has two main objectives. The first is to present the state of the art regarding mobility plans that have been implemented in universities in Europe. The second and core of the overall research is to present a template of an action plan that can be used by universities as a guide for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive mobility plan. The proposed action plan is a strategic guide with a sequence of steps that planners are encouraged to follow in order to create a sustainable university mobility plan. This plan takes into consideration both universities situated within the urban area as well as campuses located outside the city centre. The proposed action plan offers suggestions to satisfy, particularly the needs of students and university staff members considering the technical, economic, social and environmental sustainability of the proposed mobility solutions. Moreover, the action plan considers the fact that a University Campus is embedded into the overarching mobility context that see other end-users of the mobility services sharing with the University’s end-user’s infrastructures and services. © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of WORLD CONFERENCE ON TRANSPORT RESEARCH SOCIETY.
Title Statistical Angular Error-Based Triangulation for Efficient and Accurate MultiView Scene Reconstruction Permalink

This paper presents a framework for N -view triangulation of scene points, which improves processing time and final reprojection error with respect to standard methods, such as linear triangulation. The framework introduces an angular error-based cost function, which is robust to outliers and inexpensive to compute, and designed such that simple adaptive gradient descent can be applied for convergence. Our method also presents a statistical sampling component based on confidence levels, that reduces the number of rays to be used for triangulation of a given feature track. It is shown how the statistical component yields a meaningful yet much reduced set of representative rays for triangulation, and how the application of the cost function on the reduced sample can efficiently yield faster and more accurate solutions. Results are demonstrated on real and synthetic data, where it is proven to significantly increase the speed of triangulation and optimize reprojection error in most cases. This makes it especially attractive for efficient triangulation of large scenes given the speed and low memory requirements.
NAVIGATION OF THE WHEELED TRANSPORT ROBOT UNDER MEASUREMENT NOISE

The problem of navigation of the simple wheeled transport robot is considered. The problem is solved without use of accelerometers and gyros, but only by using measurement of kinematic parameters of movement. It is supposed, that the sensor of the angle of turn of the steering wheel has a regular error which is necessary to compensate. Correction of navigating data is carried out by means of signals of GPS. It is supposed, that GPS receiver may be in any point on a line connecting the middle of axes of forward and back wheels. The stated approach is based on the condition that the wheeled robot is considered as system with nonholonomic constraints. Efficiency of such navigating system is shown on the example.
Monotherapy with the PCSK 9 inhibitor alirocumab versus ezetimibe in patients with hypercholesterolemia : Results of a 24 week , double-blind , randomized Phase 3 trial

a The Sterling Research Group, Cincinnati, OH, USA b Cardiovascular Research Unit, Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, University of Helsinki, Finland c Columbia University, New York, NY, USA d Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands e Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK f College of Public Health, University of Iowa, IA, USA g Sanofi, Paris, France h Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA i Sanofi, Montpellier, France
Svitlana Filipova Modeling Business Processes on a Blockchain Ecosystem using CMMN

Blockchain has been speculated to be “the most important invention since the Internet” and has the potential to deliver significant business value for both financial and non-financial industries. That is why companies have started to explore how their business processes can benefit from this technology. However, a simple substitution of a current process with new technology will not provide desired outcomes. For this purpose, process redesign is used where process models are made the basis of process analysis and its innovation. This paper examines how blockchain-oriented processes can be modelled with CMMN as it is an artefactcentric modelling language. Such an approach might be particularly useful while modeling blockchainoriented processes as the fundamental focus of blockchain is on data that is added on a chain and shared between participants. This paper is based on a case study of a non-profit organization providing certification services for companies trading timber-relates products. The auditing process of this organization was redesign using blockchain and smart contract technologies and then was modelled with CMMN. For analysis of the suitability of CMMN for modelling blockchain-based processes a framework for commonly occurring patterns that are specific to blockchain-based applications was used. As a result, CMMN can adequately represent blockchain-oriented processes. However, there is a lack of elements in the notation to accurately model certain details specific to blockchain and smart contract technologies.
The effects of pupil-teacher ratio and expenditure per pupil on educational attainment in South Africa

In this study we examine the relationship between school inputs -pupil-teacher ratio and expenditure per pupiland educational attainment in South Africa. Following a reduced form production function we apply a partial generalized ordered probit which allows us to identify heterogeneous effects of the controls at different levels of education. The government has increased its spending in basic education mainly through an increase in government employed teachers in an effort to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio, and through an increase in expenditure per pupil allocated by school quintile in a bid to attain equality in resources at school. Controlling for individual, socio-economic and neighborhood characteristics we find both pupil-teacher ratio and expenditure per pupil have strong and significant effects on educational attainment of Africans in South Africa. These inputs have higher effects on attainment of lower education levels.
Evaluating an automatically extracted syntactic lexicon

Previous work has shown that large scale subcategorisation lexicons could be extracted from parsed corpora with reasonably high precision. In this paper, we consider the lexicon resulting from applying a standard extraction procedure to a 100 millions words parsed corpus of french and focus on evaluation. We investigate several ways of evaluating this lexicon and argue that a good interpretation of the results is enhanced by a multifaceted evaluation scheme combining: evaluation against a gold standard, comparison with other existing lexicons and evaluation against a manually veri ed lexicon sample.
Estimates of abundance and abundance trend of the humpback whale in Areas IIIE-VIW , south of 60 o S , based on JARPA and JARPAII sighting data ( 1989 / 90-2008 / 09 )

Sighting surveys data from the Japanese Whale Research Program under Special Permit in the Antarctic (JARPA) and its second phase (JARPA II) are analyzed to obtain abundance estimates for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Areas IIIE-VIW, south of 60°S. The surveys were conducted during the 1989/90–2008/09 austral summer seasons (mainly in January and February), alternating between western and eastern sectors of the research area each year. Abundance estimates are obtained from standard line transect analysis methods using the program DISTANCE assuming g(0)=1. Area Year Estimate CV Year Estimate CV IIIE 1995/96 1,378 0.19
A Statistical Measuring System for Rainbow Trout

Traditionally, a manual method is used to classify the rainbow trout in small farms, which might cause stress and physical damage to the fish. Additionally, this manual classification is not always accurate, as farmers only visually check whether the trout is fry, fingerling or table-fish size. In this paper, we introduce a simple statistical model to measure rainbow trout in farms. For this research, we have designed and implemented a novel prototype that includes canalisation, illumination and vision components to take a 2D downward-view image of the trout. After that, this image is pre-processed to get the trout’s contour, which is used to estimate the fish’s length by adjusting the best regression curve to this contour. Finally, the trout’s size is defined by the minimum Mahalanobis distance to training data. We have evaluated our experimental results as a binary classification problem and the best precision scores are 91.66% and 100% when classifying fingerling and table-fish trout, respectively.
Higher order 4-frame Particle Tracking Velocimetry

In fluid mechanics particle tracking methods (PTV) have a great potential for enhancing the spatial resolution and measurement precision compared to correlation-based methods (PIV) [2]. They are not biased do to inhomogeneous seeding concentrations close to walls [3] or volume illumination and out-of-plane gradients [1]. However, at high seeding concentrations the reliable particle pairing is challenging and the measurement precision decreases due to noise caused by overlapping particle images. In this paper it is shown, that the particle image information acquired at four time steps can be used for a reliable particle pairing at high seeding concentrations. Furthermore, it is shown that the accuracy can be increased by using vector reallocation and displacement estimation via a fit of the trajectory in the case of strong spatial gradients. For particle tracking links between particles images in successive frames have to be determined. An algorithm that estimates the probability of a possible link to be valid by taking into account the movement of neighbor particle images was presented by Ohmi and Li [4]. However, for increasing seeding concentrations several possible links will be found and the particle image pairing becomes difficult. Using information of more than two time steps can enhance the reliable particle image pairing. In Figure 1 the schematic of a particle tracking algorithm with predictor is shown. The algorithm first determines the displacement between the particle images in frame one and two. The time interval between frame one and two should be small enough to allow for nearly 100% of valid particle links. The predictor is now used to decrease the search area in frame three. This allows a larger time interval and thus a larger displacement. For valid particle pairs the error associated with PTV is only given by the uncertainty in the centroid estimation and thus the relative error for the displacement will decrease. The predictor is also used later in the fourth frame.
Proportional Regenerative Base Driver Circuit with Negative Off State Voltage for SiC Bipolar Junction Transistors

A proportional base driver circuit for SiC bipolar junction transistors is presented. A current transformer feeds a proportion of the transistor's collector current into its base. The influence of the current transformer's magnetising current on its output current is addressed, as are minimum reset time restrictions. The circuit applies a negative off-state base­ emitter voltage. Combining this and a regenerative proportional base drive current does not incur undue complexity or cost. The circuit is evaluated in a buck converter supplied from a 600V rail, switching at 50kHz and at a duty factor of 85%, and outputting 2.52k W.
Phase-locked 3 D 3 C-MRV measurements in a bistable fluidic oscillator

In this work the phase-resolved internal flow of a bi-stable fluidic oscillator was measured using phase-locked 3D3C-MRV, also termed as 4D-MRV [1]. A bi-stable fluidic oscillator converts a continuous inlet-mass flow into a jet alternating between two outlet channels and, as a consequence provides an unsteady, periodic flow. Since data acquisition of a single time step in a 3D volume can take up to several minutes, only a small portion of data is acquired per period cycle, i.e. the acquisition of the entire data set is segmented over many cycles of the periodic process. By this technique a phase-resolved velocity field is created. However, the procedure requires triggering to the periodic nature of the flow. Therefore, triggering the MR scanner precisely on each flow cycle is one of the key issues discussed in this manuscript. A triggering system was developed, based on a piezo-element pressure transducer, providing a reliable signal despite the harsh magnetic and electro-magnetic environment inside an MR scanner. The obtained 4D-MRV data are compared to data measured using Laser-Doppler anemometry and good agreement between the results is found. Subsequently, the validated 4D-MRV data is analyzed and the fluid-mechanic features and processes inside the fluidic oscillator are investigated and described and a detailed description of the internal jet-switching mechanism is provided.
Empirical Analysis of Oil Price Volatility and Stock Returns in ASEAN-5 Countries Using DCC-GARCH

This paper examines the dynamic correlation between oil volatility and five ASEAN stock markets using the DCC-GARCH approach. The oil volatility index (OVX or CBOE crude oil volatility index) was used and realised variance (RV) derived from WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil prices. The aim was to examine optimal oil volatility measures between these proxies and to investigate the OVX index as a volatility measure for emerging countries. Findings show that both proxies had a negative correlation to these stock markets between 2007 and 2017, with the exception of the Philippines’ stock market. Furthermore, results suggest RV is still a better measure compared with OVX for ASEAN-5 stock markets.
Analyses on the Causality in Carbon Emission with respect to Economic Growth and Education

Article Info Abstract This paper investigates the association between the level of carbon emission (CO2), economic growth and scholarly education levels in the countries chosen according to some specific characteristics using multivariate time series approach. It considers the impact of GDP and education enrollment, as a proxy of human capital, on the level of CO2 for the countries classified according to their economic developments and regional distribution. The analyses are assessed in three different cases two of which consider the structural breaks for certain periods. The paper enables policy makers to consider the influence of education level and GDP in CO2 issues. Received: 12/02/2017 Accepted: 18/06/2017