Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
reconstructed 3 D food models using multi-angle pictures and estimated the calories associated with the food using the cubic volume of 3 D models

To minimize the annotation costs associated with training semantic segmentation models and object detection models, weakly supervised detection and weakly supervised segmentation approaches have been extensively studied. However most of these approaches assume that the domain between training and testing is the same, which at times results in considerable performance drops. For example, if we train an object detection network using only web images showing a large object at the center, it can be difficult for the network to detect multiple small objects. In this paper, we focus on training a CNN with only web images and achieve object detection in the wild. A proposal-based approach can address the problem associated with differences in domains because web images are similar to images of the proposal. In both domains, the target object is located at the center of the image and the ratio of the size of the target object to the size of the image is large. Several proposal methods have been proposed to detect regions with high “object-ness. ” However, many of these proposals generate a large number of candidates to increase the recall rate. Considering the recent advent of deep CNNs, methods that generate a large number of proposals exhibit problems in terms of processing time for practical use. Therefore, we propose a CNN-based “food-ness” proposal method in this paper that requires neither pixel-wise annotation nor bounding box annotation. Our method generates proposals through backpropagation and most of these proposals focus only on food objects. In addition, we can easily control the number of proposals. Through experiments, we trained a network model using only web images and tested the model on the UEC FOOD 100 dataset. We demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high performance compared to traditional proposal methods in terms of the trade-off between accuracy and computational cost. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an intermediate approach between the traditional proposal approach and the fully convolutional approach. In particular, we propose a novel proposal method that generates high“food-ness” regions using fully convolutional networks based on the backward approach by training food images gathered from the web. key words: food segmentation, convolutional neural network, deep learning, UEC-FOOD100
Lactobacillus acidophilus CL 1285 , Lactobacillus casei LBC 80 R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR 2 improve quality-of-life and IBS symptoms : a double-blind , randomised , placebo-controlled study

A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 was compared to placebo for relief of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A total of 113 subjects at 3 clinical sites were randomised in a 2:1 ratio and followed for 12 weeks. Subjects ingested either 2 capsules of active study product, containing 50×109 cfu of live organisms, or 2 placebo capsules daily. Endpoints included improvement in abdominal pain, days of pain, distention, stool consistency and frequency, quality of life (QOL), and adequate relief (AR) of IBS symptoms. IBS subtypes constipation (IBS-C), diarrhoea (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M) were evaluated separately; the effect of gender was also examined. For all efficacy endpoints improvement of 30% or more vs placebo was considered clinically significant. With the exception of pain intensity and AR, the endpoints demonstrated a therapeutic advantage of active over placebo for IBS symptoms in at least some subject subgroups. The IBS-D and female subgroups showed the largest and most consistent effects. Stool frequency and consistency were evaluated in the IBS-C and IBS-D subgroups, and improvement of active vs placebo was noted in both. QOL improvement was seen overall and in specific domains. Adverse events (AEs) were limited to 7 subjects; all were of mild or moderate intensity except one, severe cramping. Four AEs in the same subject in the placebo group were judged to be related to study product; these resolved by the end of study. There were no serious AEs.
A comparative study of leg geometry for energy-efficient locomotion

It has been theorized that biological legs or the serial leg with a knee and hip joint has evolved over centuries for energy efficient locomotion and as such, has been adapted into a multitude of legged robots. However, recent success of legged robots with alternate leg morphologies without actuated knees, such as the parallel and symmetric five-bar link leg raises the question: which leg geometry is more energy-efficient and why? To answer this question, we created a minimal model of bipedal walking whose non-dimensionalised equations of motion have a single free parameter, the leg ratio and defined as the ratio of the distal to the proximal leg length. Then we performed an energy minimization for a given leg ratio and combination of speed and step length. When we optimized mechanical work, we found that all three legs have an identical efficiency, but the symmetric leg has the lowest peak torque. When we optimized a cost representative of an electric motor, we found that the serial leg is most energy efficient for all leg ratios, and the cost decreases as the leg ratio increases. For a leg ratio of 1, the parallel and symmetric leg have identical efficiencies. As the leg ratio increases, the efficiency of the symmetric leg approaches that of the serial leg while that of parallel leg decreases. However, the symmetric leg produces the least peak torque followed by the serial leg for leg ratios greater than 1. Our conclusion is that the symmetric leg rivals the serial leg by being easier to design and having smaller peak torques leading to smaller actuators at the cost of being slightly less energy-efficient.
Low-Temperature Photosesitive Film-Type Permx Polymer Zero-Level Packaging Technique for RF Applications

This paper presents a film type PerMX polymer-based low temperature zero-level packaging technique for RF devices. PerMX polymer capping technique was developed in two different types that are PerMX ring and PerMX membrane, SU8 ring and PerMX membrane. The height of the implemented cap is 100 μm having 50 μm thick sealing ring and 50 μm thick membrane and the implemented dimensions are 1.4×1.1 mm, 2.1×2.1 mm2 and 5.1×5.1 mm. The electrical characterization of microstrip line on PerMX is also presented. Also, the effect of the PerMX package on coplanar was found to be negligible insertion loss change of the packaged transmission line while its return loss is better than 20 dB at the measured frequency range.
An L1-specific CALL pedagogy for the instruction of pronunciation with Korean learners of English

This thesis aims to examine the pedagogical practice of pronunciation modification and to add a computer-based pedagogy to the growing body of literature on the subject. The methodological approach in this thesis is interdisciplinary, implementing the quantitative research methods of speech science and also the qualitative methods of action research that are commonly used in pedagogy development and analysis. Through a literature review, acoustic phonetic and perceptual analyses, an intervention and action research using pronunciation software, a pedagogy is developed that can assist in the modification of Korean English (KE) learners’ pronunciation. ; Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosopy, Macquarie University, 2002. ; ;
Domain Randomization for Detection and Position Estimation of Multiples of a Single Object With Applications to Localizing Bolts on Structures

Periodic replacement of fasteners such as bolts are an integral part of many structures (e.g., airplanes, cars, ships) and require periodic maintenance that may involve either their tightening or replacement. Current manual practices are time consuming and costly especially due to the large number of bolts. Thus, an automated method that is able to visually detect and localize bolt positions would be highly beneficial. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of deep neural network using domain randomization for detecting and localizing multiple bolts on a workpiece. In contrast to previous deep learning approaches that require training on real images, the use of domain randomization allows for all training to be done in simulation. The key idea here is to create a wide variety of computer generated synthetic images by varying the texture, color, camera position and orientation, distractor objects, and noise, and train the neural network on these images such that the neural network is robust to scene variability and hence provides accurate results when deployed on real images. Using domain randomization, we train two neural networks, a faster regional convolutional neural network for detecting the bolt and predicting a bounding box, and a regression convolutional neural network for estimating the x- and y-position of the bolt relative to the coordinates fixed to the workpiece. Our results indicate that in the best case we are able to detect bolts with 85% accuracy and are able to predict the position of 75% of bolts within 1.27 cm. The novelty of this work is in the use of domain randomization to detect and localize: (1) multiples of a single object, and (2) small sized objects (0.6 cm × 2.5 cm).
A Study on Thermography

Thermography has become an intensive domain of research. Initially it was introduced in military to be able to see threats in dark areas in early twenty century. In 1948 it took 40 minutes to scan a thermal image of a person. Since then technology has evolved rapidly. The vast range of its application makes the technology so appealing to the researchers. It is used as an inspection tool in industries as well as in major science discoveries. For lack of appropriate experimental results it is not yet considered to be a trusted tool in medical science. Major issue of this technology is its expensiveness. This paper mainly focuses on the applications of this technology, its effectiveness on the respective domains and some research, experiments and their results. Keywords— DITI; Infra red; Thermal imaging; Industrial Inspection; Breast cancer diagnosis; Thermal screening; Space research; Heat signature ;Emmisivity.
Design and Characterization of a Novel Silicon Phase Modulator based on the Lateral Carrier Depletion Structure

In this paper, through electrical and optical simulations, a compact-sized carrier depletion silicon phase modulator operating in 1. 3μm is presented. The phase shifter is composed by a 120μm-long reverse biased PN junction. With the precise design of the PN junction, the calculated modulation efficiency contains between 1.02 and 2.2V. cm. The compact phase shifter optical loss is 2.49dB/cm at 4V. Also, this structure provides >30GHz high speed operation. Further improvement in its performance in comparison to the state of the art phase shifters is obtained.
Analysis of the correlation between postoperative effects of total knee arthroplasty and angles of axial alignments of the lower extremities

Background: An appropriate angle of implantation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) plays a pivotal role in the survival rate of implants and clinical outcomes. In previous studies, the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) was used to predict surgical efficacy. However, the correlation between HKA and clinical function has been questioned. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether HKA can be utilized to evaluate postoperative efficacy of TKA, exploring the correlation between postoperative outcomes of TKA and angles of multiple axial alignments of the lower extremities. Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical data of patients that underwent primary TKA, between April 2013 and April 2017, were analyzed. Femoral posterior condylar offset (FCO) and angles of axial alignments of the lower extremities, including HKA, femoral interior angle (FIA), distal femoral valgus resection (DFVR), coronal tibiofemoral angle (CTA), sagittal tibial angle (STA), sagittal femoral angle (SFA), coronal femoral angle (CFA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and ankle angle (AA), were measured via postoperative X-ray images. Each of these factors or angles was subjected to linear regression analysis, along with postoperative knee function, which was assessed by Knee Society Scores (KSS), Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Standardized regression coefficients were compared. Results: Seventy patients, with an average age of 66.03 ± 9.80 years, that underwent 101 primary TKAs were included. The HKA angle was 0° ± 3° in 58 cases (57.43%) and 0° ± 1° in 17 cases (16.83%), respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated that FIA, DFVR, HKA, and mLDFA were significantly correlated with postoperative function (all P < 0.05). Absolute values of correlation coefficients, after normalization, were statistically compared, finding that the sequence of correlation coefficients was mLDFA (0.344) > DFVR (0.334) > FIA (0.292) > HKA (0.288). Conclusion: HKA can be utilized for evaluation of the surgical quality of TKA. Among angles of other axial alignments of the lower limbs, FIA, DFVR and mLDFA have been proven to be associated with postoperative function. They can be used to predict postoperative efficacy. Moreover, mLDFA is the most intimately correlated with postoperative function. It is a reliable parameter in predicting postoperative outcomes. Intensive attention should be paid to the angle of femoral implants in the coronal plane.
A Direct Code Error Calibration Technique for Two-step Flash A/D Converters

This paper proposes a direct code error calibration technique to improve linearities of flash-type analog-to-digital converters (ADC's). Simulation results of the proposed calibration aigorih based on a capaci- tor-array (C-array) multiplying digital-tc+analog converter (MDAC) pre- dict that self-calibrating two-step flash ADC's with more than 12 bits of linearity are feasible.
Optimization of a High-Power Ka-Band RF MEM 2-Bit Phase Shifter on Sapphire Substrate

In this paper, the optimization of a low-loss radio frequency (RF) microelectromechanical (MEMS) 2-Bit Ka-Band monolithic Phase Shifter for highpower application is presented. These micro-strip circuits are fabricated on 0.254mmthickSapphire substrate and are based on a reflection topology using 3-dB branch line coupler. The insertion loss of the circuit varies from –2 dB for the state (0°) to –2.6 dB for the highest state (225°). The return loss is better than -15 dB and the phase shift is steady within the aimed frequency range [25.7 –27] GHz. Power stress with 1 dB step measurements have been done on a 1-bit 45°cell . No significant phase change has been observed in down-state for an input power variation from 0 dBm to +32 dBm. In up-state only 3.3° deviation is recorded.
Comparision of PFN and INTERTAN nail for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fracture in mobile patients

Objectives: The ideal implant for the treatment of an unstable intertrochanteric femoral fracture is still a matter of discussion. Intramedullary nails with different varieties of design offer good options in treatment. The aim of this study was to compare two intramedullary nails in different design and reveal the differences by evaluating radiological parameters of patients with unstable intertrochanteric femoral fracture in mobile patients. Material and Method: PFN and INTERTAN nails in two groups were compared overall in 63 patients. Reduction quality and the differences on varus collapse and neck shortening of femur by measuring radiological parameters on early and late postoperative X-rays were examined. Results: Similar radiological results were found between PFN and INTERTAN nails. Reduction quality of fractures was similar between groups. There was a significant difference only in the varus collapse degrees between groups (p<0,001) but no difference in neck shortening. The results revealed that INTERTAN has better resistance to occur varus collapse and the same prevention for neck shortening. Conclusion: Implant design is the one of major factors that may affect the results. INTERTAN nail made a difference in varus collapse of the neck but not in neck shortening. The results of this study have shown that the nail with two adjacent lag screws provides slightly better fixation properties preventing varus collapse than the nail with two separate lag screws. INTERTAN and PFN are currently good options in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures and sustain enough stability during healing period in mobile patients.
Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha ( HIF-1 α ) in Cytoglobin Expression and Fibroblast Proliferation of Keloids SRI

Background: Keloids are characterized by an overabundance of collagen deposition due to elevated activity and proliferation of fibroblasts, which lead to hypoxic conditions. Adaptation to these conditions is regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Cytoglobin (Cygb), a reactive oxygen species scavenger, is a target gene of HIF-1α. In our previous study, we showed that Cygb expression in keloid tissue was correlated with HIF-1α expression. However, whether HIF-1α regulates Cygb expression and the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts remained unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of HIF-1α in Cygb expression and fibroblast proliferation of keloids. Methods: This was an in vitro study using a primary culture of keloid fibroblasts in which ibuprofen was used to inhibit HIF-1α expression. The expression of HIF-1α and Cygb mRNA were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) methods, and their protein levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fibroblast proliferation was analyzed using a Trypan blue exclusion assay. Results: Inhibition of HIF-1α by ibuprofen decreased Cygb mRNA expression but not in all the samples, followed by a decrease in the protein level of Cygb. There was a positive correlation between the HIF-1α protein and Cygb mRNA, probably due to the regulation of Cygb by HIF-1α at the mRNA level, but not the protein level. The proliferation of keloid fibroblasts was significantly decreased and positively correlated with the HIF-1α protein. Conclusion: HIF-1α regulates Cygb expression and fibroblast proliferation in keloids.
Trade Finance Gaps , Growth and Jobs Survey

Key Points • The global trade finance gap is estimated at $1.5 trillion. • 40% of the gap originates in Asia and the Pacific. • 74% of rejected trade finance transactions come from SMEs and midcap firms. • Female-owned firms report higher rejection rates, and are less likely to find alternatives in the formal financial sector. • At least 36% of rejected trade finance may be fundable by other financial institutions. • A 10% increase in trade finance could boost employment by 1%. • 80% of banks report digitization will cut costs, yet no evidence that savings translate to tional trade finance apacity.
NUMBER PLATE DETECTION AN ADVANCED NUMBER PLATE DETECTION METHOD FOR REAR-END COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM

THE Design of a new car moves from real car prototype to software based virtual design methods, see e.g. [1]. These methods accelerate both the design and the development of new functions. Especially safety functions are of interest. The rear-end collision, which is typically caused by other drivers, is an accident that cannot be easily controlled by the ego driver. In the case, a rear-end collision takes place, a fast detection of the status and a fast evacuation are needed. This paper classifies the rear-end collisions and proposes methods of avoiding the accident and if this is not possible of minimizing the damage. Rigorous and accurate evaluation of the risk of the coming collision by fast and real-time processing and reliable detection of accidents should be realized. To improve the reliability, the integration of several detecting elements is needed. At the detection of the collision, it is necessary to minimize false positive and permit false negative identifications. Then, logical AND of results of detection elements is used to exclude the false positive error. The types of the ego-car positions in rear-end collisions are running and stopping in a traffic jam. Types of driver’s behaviours in following vehicles are e.g. look away, inattentive, careless, dozing, etc. Types of situations are e.g. poor visibility in snow, in the fog, insufficient vehicle distance, etc. The collision should be detected at least two seconds or 50 meters before the accident at the difference speed of 100 km/h. The evacuation may be indicated to the following car by light and sound signals or electric impulses. To judge that the collision shall surely occur, the moving object must be identified as a real vehicle. Detection elements to identify real vehicle are the number plate, vehicle symmetry, the tires, the windscreen, the face or the eyes of the driver etc. In this paper, among the above elements, the number plate detection is deeply improved. The method presented is mainly developed to improve correct detection rate in comparison with conventional methods. The features of the number plate are many vertical and horizontal lines combined to numbers with horizontal to vertical aspect ratio in the order of the detected rectangle of the number plate. Additionally there is a relatively high luminance of background of number plate area. In this paper, in addition to these features, an advanced sobel filter is introduced to adapt to the size variation of the number plate depending on the distance between two cars. The basic coefficients of the original sobel filter is (1,0,-1). The proposed advanced sobel filter is (1,0,0,-1). By using the original and the advanced sobel filters, larger plates and smaller plates will be detected adaptively. The resulted rear-end collision avoidance software will be integrated and tested in the virtual system design approach. – maximum 500 words OHZEKI, OKUNUKI AND SCHNEIDER : NUMBER PLATE DETECTION 27-28th August 2015 NUI Galway Proceedings of the ITRN2015
The privacy of the TLS 1.3 protocol

Abstract TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a widely deployed protocol that plays a vital role in securing Internet traffic. Given the numerous known attacks for TLS 1.2, it was imperative to change and even redesign the protocol in order to address them. In August 2018, a new version of the protocol, TLS 1.3, was standardized by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). TLS 1.3 not only benefits from stronger security guarantees, but aims to protect the identities of the server and client by encrypting messages as soon as possible during the authentication. In this paper, we model the privacy guarantees of TLS 1.3 when parties execute a full handshake or use a session resumption, covering all the handshake modes of TLS. We build our privacy models on top of the one defined by Hermans et al. for RFIDs (Radio Frequency Identification Devices) that mostly targets authentication protocols. The enhanced models share similarities to the Bellare-Rogaway AKE (Authenticated Key Exchange) security model and consider adversaries that can compromise both types of participants in the protocol. In particular, modeling session resumption is non-trivial, given that session resumption tickets are essentially a state transmitted from one session to another and such link reveals information on the parties. On the positive side, we prove that TLS 1.3 protects the privacy of its users at least against passive adversaries, contrary to TLS 1.2, and against more powerful ones.