Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The representation and recognition of text using hidden Markov models

A method is described for representing character images which involves the extraction of features from the columns and rows of pixels which constitute each bitmap image. Discrete hidden Markov models (HMMs) are used to represent sequences of quantised features from the training images. The motivation is to recognise word images without their prior segmentation into characters. Segmentation is difficult to achieve when the characters become joined or split due to handwriting style or image noise. Such noise can be present due to a number of physical processes e.g. faxing, photocopying, handling and aging. Word recognition is achieved by matching the HMMs which represent the columns of each character class to the word's feature sequence - maximising the joint likelihood of the segmentation and the classification of each character segment. The method has been evaluated on a number of different types of text image. On artificial images of noisy machine-printed characters in 13 fonts and 5 point sizes a HMM classifier using one model for each character class in all fonts achieved an average recognition rate of 94% for the top-choice classification result and 99% for the correct result in the top-3 choices. On scanned images of real documents the performance of the HMM classifier was compared with OmniPage, a commercial OCR package. On clean documents of isolated characters the performance of the HMM classifier was slightly worse than OmniPage but on noisy faxed documents the HMM classifier performed significantly better. On faxed word images which are difficult to segment by traditional means the HMM classifier was similar to that of OmniPage. With dictionary contextual knowledge it would be considerably better. On a database of hand-printed numerals taken from U.S. mail pieces, the HMM classifier compared well to existing methods. A recognition rate of 96% was achieved. On a database of ZIP code images, the HMM word classifier recognised 50% correctly.
Conditional dual-connectivity decoupling design framework for OMA and NOMA heterogeneous networks and performance comparison

In order to enhance simultaneously the association robustness of mobile users and spectrum efficiency (SE) of systems, by integrating the decoupled uplink (UL)/downlink (DL) association (DUDA) and cross-tier dual connectivity (DC), the orthogonal multiple access (OMA)-mode and non-OMA (NOMA)-mode design schemes are investigated over a three-tier heterogeneous network (HetNet) accompanying with the proposition of a conditional association analysis method. The scheme exploits effectively the DC requirement of NOMA. Additionally, in the proposed conditional association design and analysis method, the decoupling UL association designs are conducted only under a given DL association condition. Owing to low complexity, this method shows that it is very easy to achieve the possible decoupling UL DC designs and the corresponding condition association probabilities. Then, the conditional coverage probabilities and SEs of the OMA-mode and NOMA-mode HetNets are derived by specially considering DUDA and coupled UL/DL association strategies. The proposed conditional design framework can be easily extended to multi-tier HetNets and is helpful to select feasible DL candidate from all possible DL associations so that the resulting UL associations are optimal. Besides this, the cross-tier DC design ensures the effective exploitation of the whole network resources because different tiers have different serving levels.
The effect of nonylphenol on asphaltene aggregation: A molecular dynamics approach

ABSTRACT Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to study the occurrence time of each stage of asphaltene aggregation from single molecules to a large flocculate with and without nonylphenol (NP) molecules as asphaltene dispersants. NPs reduce the size of asphaltene aggregates, and curb the clustering of nanoaggregates when they are added to the simulation box at nanoaggregation nucleation stage. These dispersants are able to break clusters into their constituent nanoaggregates when they are added at higher concentrations. Moreover, asphaltene–NP interactions change the structure of asphaltene flocculates from globular into filamentary.
The human Y chromosome: a sole survivor

Het Y-chromosoom zorgt er niet alleen voor dat je man bent, maar is ook van groot belang voor de aanmaak van zaadcellen. Uit eerder onderzoek blijkt dat mannen met slecht zaad vaak stukjes van het Y-chromosoom missen. Michiel Noordam onderzocht of vermenigvuldiging van bepaalde grote delen van het Y-chromosoom of van delen van een specifiek gen op het Y-chromosoom (het DAZ-gen) tot slecht zaad leidt. Dat bleek inderdaad het geval. Daarnaast vond hij een nieuwe deletie (een ontbrekend stuk chromosoom), die niet leidt tot verslechtering maar juist tot een verbetering van de zaadkwaliteit.
Damage detection in a novel deep-learning framework: a robust method for feature extraction

Extracting damage features precisely while overcoming the adverse interferences of measurement noise and incomplete data is a problem demanding prompt solution in structural health monitoring (SHM). In this article, we present a deep-learning-based method that can extract the damage features from mode shapes without utilizing any hand-engineered feature or prior knowledge. To meet various requirements of the damage scenarios, we use convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm and design a new network architecture: a multi-scale module, which helps in extracting features at various scales that can reduce the interference of contaminated data; stacked residual learning modules, which help in accelerating the network convergence; and a global average pooling layer, which helps in reducing the consumption of computing resources and obtaining a regression performance. An extensive evaluation of the proposed method is conducted by using datasets based on numerical simulations, along with two datasets based on laboratory measurements. The transferring parameter methodology is introduced to reduce retraining requirement without any decreases in precision. Furthermore, we plot the feature vectors of each layer to discuss the damage features learned at these layers and additionally provide the basis for explaining the working principle of the neural network. The results show that our proposed method has accuracy improvements of at least 10% over other network architectures.
Interactions between teachers and students in four co -taught, inclusive, middle school classrooms

Interactions Between Teachers and Students in Four Co-Taught, Inclusive, Middle School Classrooms Nancy G. Burton Co-teaching in inclusive, content classrooms is becoming increasingly more popular as schools work toward the inclusion of significantly more students with special learning needs in the general education environment. Inherent in every classroom environment is the expectation of teacher-student interactions. It is often the relationship between the teacher and the student that provides opportunities for student achievement and success. The daily interactions that occur between teachers and their students set the tone for the successes and failures that may be realized as a result. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore and identify both the context and frequency of interactions that occur between teachers and their students in inclusive, co-taught classrooms in four middle schools in southern West Virginia. Case study design was used for the study. Both within-case and cross-case analysis were constructed from data that was collected from interviews of co-teacher pairs (both individual and in pairs), observations of co-taught classes, and frequency tabulations of the observed interactions between teachers and their students during instruction. Transcripts from each interview and field notes were prepared and coded for the case studies that were written. In-case and cross-case analysis revealed multiple findings specific to both the current and future practice of co-teaching as a means of delivering instruction to students with special learning needs in inclusive, content classrooms. Additionally, recommendations for future research are suggested.
Maneuvering target tracking based on multistatic system Doppler measurements

The bistatic Doppler measurements are introduced to multistatic target tracking. A complete velocity vector may be deduced by more than two Doppler measurements, which may be more accurate than other measurements in a multistatic system. A sequential velocity vector method in maneuvering interactive multimode method (IMM) filtering and data fusion is introduced in this paper. These Doppler measurements are considered to come from another sensor, and the farther data processing of this sensor produces the velocity measurements. Monte Carlo simulation is introduced to compare its performance with the traditional one. The result demonstrates that it has better performance in maneuvering target tracking, and has a nice association quality under smaller calculation capacity than JPDA.
Implications of changing national cholesterol education program goals for the treatment and control of hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND: Modifications to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines lowered optional low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment goals.OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the implications of widely adopting these optional goals in clinical practice.DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a cross-sectional study using 1999 to 2002 data from 3,281 U.S. adults aged 20 to 79 years participating the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcomes were the proportions of adults whose fasting LDL-C levels exceeded NCEP recommended and optional targets from 2001 and 2004. We used survey weights to estimate the size of the U.S. population exceeding targets. We examined outcomes for 4 coronary disease risk subgroups described by the NCEP.RESULTS: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values exceeded 2001 NCEP goals for 30.0% of adults, and 35.8% had levels above optional 2004 goals. An estimated 24,900,000 individuals (14.2%) exceeded 2001 thresholds for drug therapy, 46,200,000 (26.3%) exceeded optional 2001 thresholds for drug therapy, and 56,500,000 (32.2%) were above the optional 2004 thresholds for drug therapy. For lower, moderate, moderately high, and high-risk groups, 13.4%, 44.2%, 58.8%, and 71.8%, respectively, exceeded 2001 NCEP goals; 13.4%, 15.7%, 87.4%, and 96.0% of these groups exceeded optional 2004 thresholds for drug therapy.CONCLUSIONS: In 1999 to 2002, LDL-C levels commonly exceeded 2001 NCEP goals, especially for moderately high and high-risk individuals, and cholesterol-lowering medications were underused. Optional goals promulgated by the NCEP in 2001 and 2004 moderately increased the number of adults with LDL-C above their goal, and greatly increased the number of low, moderately high, and high-risk adults who exceeded LDL-C thresholds, for cholesterol-lowering medication.
Why do some hopliinid beetles have large hind-legs?

Not much is known about the ecology of the hopliinid beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Hopliini (Scholtz & Holm 1985), probably because they are of little economic importance. Some hopliinids have extraordinarily developed hind legs and claws. Current hypotheses for the functions of these large legs include anchorage in and extraction of the insect from the daisy flowers into which they burrow to feed (Pi? ½ringuey 1900-1902; Scholtz & Holm 1985). The aim of this article is to suggest an alternate, sexual selection interpretation of the morphology of a species of this poorly studied group.
A mind model for intelligent machine innovation using future thinking principles

The purpose of this paper is to address the possible future evolution of innovation from a human-only initiative, to human–machine co-innovation, to autonomous machine innovation and to arrive at a conceptual mind model that outlines the role of innovation regimes and innovation agents. ,This is a concept paper where a theoretical “thought experiment” is done, using future thinking principles and data that originate from the literature. ,A conceptual mind model is developed to facilitate a better understanding of complexity at the edge of innovation where intelligent machines will emerge as innovators of the cyber world. It was found that innovation will gradually evolve from a human-only activity, to human–machine co-innovation, to incidences of autonomous machine innovation, based on the growth of machine intelligence and the adoption of human–machine partnership management models in future. ,Very little information is available in the literature on intelligent machines doing innovation. The work is based on a theoretical approach that presents new concepts to be debated, but have not been tested in engineering and technology management practice, except for a conference presentation and academic discussion. ,The current world view is that future “smartness” is only possible through the creative abilities that humans have, but as machines are entering the workplace and our daily lives, not only as static robots on a manufacturing line, but as intelligent systems with the potential to replace lawyers and accountants, doctors and teachers, companions and partners, their role in innovation in complex environments needs to be explored. ,Human–machine interaction is often an emotional social issue of concern in terms of the replacement of human intelligence with machine intelligence. It should be asked whether humans will or should remain in control of innovation? Artificial intelligence (AI) may complement and even substitute human intelligence, but huge value is embedded in the new goods, services and innovations AI will enable, especially in manufacturing, where value embedded in the project becomes complex and dynamic. ,The thinking presented in this paper is original and should lead to debate to question the way innovation systems will work in future and inspires thinking about AI and innovation.
Computational by Design, towards a co-designed material culture. A design tool.

: Recently Digital Fabrication equipment became widely accessible, as well as the tools of Computational Design (also called generative, parametric) which are ever more powerful and easier to use. Hence, the control over a product’s design can be shared between the designer, user and algorithms, even though personalisable products are still rare in the material culture. Beyond technological limitations, there might be also a shortage of adequate conceptual capabilities in the Design profession. Therefore, the paper presents a new design tool: a canvas centred on user divergences, so that the adequate degrees of freedom are left for computational co-design, benefitting from creative user contributions. The title “Computational by Design” suggests that computation in “Computational Design” shouldn’t be used neither for the technology’s sake, nor for marginal aesthetic and performance improvements, but it should be a new frontier of human-centred design based on a natively algorithmic thinking.
Stochastic Characteristics of Load Profiling in Distribution Systems Based on AMR Measurements

In order to enable the key applications provided by smart grid, a dynamic distribution system state estimator has to function properly giving the real time knowledge of a distribution network load profiles. However, due to unavailability of enough measurements and lagging communication of the measured data, the current system cannot readily access measurements in real time. Therefore a practical load modeling technique has to be applied to provide real time distribution system load profile estimates with the respective confidence intervals. Nevertheless, modeling individual customer loads is far statistically complicated and computationally prohibitive for real time application. The customer loads are not always normally distributed but rather a combination of normal distribution, lognormal distribution, generalized pareto and many others. In this study, models of primary heating type load classes are used to represent individual customers. A statistical formulation based on clustered customer groups’ hourly consumption model is used to calculate aggregated substation loads and day ahead load forecasts with the respective confidence intervals. The stochasticity of customer loads when aggregated at distribution substation is investigated for four customer type load classes.
Imaging of Cardiac and Pericardial Masses

Cardiac tumors are uncommon, with primary cardiac tumors being exceedingly rare. Benign primary cardiac tumors are more common than malignant primary cardiac tumors. Common benign cardiac tumors include myxoma, lipoma, papillary fibroelastoma, rhabdomyoma, fibroma, hemangioma, and paraganglioma. Malignant cardiac tumors include metastasis, angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and lymphoma. Clinical presentation depends on tumor pathology, location, and hemodynamic effects. Echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging often play a key role in differentiating between benign and malignant tumors, assessing the extent of tumor involvement, presurgical planning and management, and postoperative follow-up of cardiac masses.
Low‐profile wideband patch antenna using double‐tuned impedance matching

A low‐profile wideband patch antenna utilizing double‐tuned impedance matching technology is investigated in this paper. To extend the operation bandwidth of the antenna, the step‐folded probe is used here to realize the double‐tuned impedance matching. Using equivalent circuit theory, the working principle of the antenna is analyzed and discussed. The full‐wave simulation is carried out to optimize the design while the prototype of the antenna is fabricated and measured. Good agreement between the simulation and measurement can be observed. The measured results show that the antenna has a height of 0. 12λL (λL is the free space wavelength corresponding to lowest frequency) and the −10 dB impedance bandwidth can cover 1.60‐2.83 GHz (55.5%). The low profile and wide operation bandwidth of the antenna make it a good candidate for wideband wireless communication systems.
The screen and treat programme: a response to the London bombings

The London bombing was the largest mass casualty event in the UK since World War Two with 56 deaths and 775 casualties among the approximately 4000 individuals involved. The sequel of events, from 7th July to 23rd July 2005, included detonated bombs on three underground trains (Edgware Road, Kings Cross, and Aldgate) and on a bus in Tavistock Square, as well as unsuccessful bomb attempts and the shooting of an innocent passenger in the days following the bombings. The NHS mental health response programme was set up within a month of the London bombings incident. Within the first two weeks the Psychosocial Steering Group was convened by Camden & Islington Foundation NHS Trust and the London Development Centre for Mental Health (part of the national Care Services Improvement Partnership), with representation from specialist psychological trauma centres, health commissioners, primary care physicians, the emergency services, first response agencies, the Health Protection Agency, and survivor groups. Using the available evidence, the Steering Group established that around 30 per cent of the 4000 individuals affected by the incident would need psychological treatment. Existing services could not meet that need so the Department of Health (DH) funded an evidence-based programme which consisted of a central screening and assessment team and additional psychological treatment resources based in existing trauma centres. The Steering Group retained responsibility for the overall management of the Screen and Treat programme over the two-year funding period.
Crosslinking of Chrysophyllum albidum gum with calcium chloride to enhance its physicochemical, compressional and tableting properties

This work aims to evaluate the effect of cross-linking on the physicochemical and compressional characteristics of Chrysophyllum albidum gum and the mechanical and release properties of its metformin tablet formulation. The physicochemical properties of the native (NCAG) and cross-linked Chrysophyllum albidum gum (CCAG) were evaluated using established methods while the compressional characteristics were determined using density measurements and indices of plasticity derived from Heckel and Kawakita equations. The mechanical properties were evaluated and the time taken for 50 % (T50) and 90 % (T90) drug dissolution were determined. CCAG had better flow, lower bulk density and a swelling capacity almost twice as that of the NCAG. The DSC results reveal no potential interaction between the gum and the cross linking agent. The compressional properties show that CCAG had higher Py but lower Pk values than NCAG. This suggests that CCAG induced slower onset of plastic deformation than NCAG but its overall amount of plastic deformation was higher. Metformin tablets containing CCAG gum were softer and more friable. All the tablets formulated with both NCAG and CCAG passed the disintegration test. Generally, tablets formulated with CCAG had shorter disintegration time. The T50 and T90 values show that the formulation containing 7.5 % w/w cross-linked Chrysophyllum albidum gum had the least dissolution time. The result suggests that cross-linking of the gum resulted in improved physicochemical and compressional properties and a better release profile of its metformin tablet formulation. These improved properties could be explored in tablet formulation and production.
Evaluation of dual layered photoanode for enhancement of visible-light-driven applications

Ternary structures consisting of hollow g-C3N4 nanofibers/MoS2/sulfur, nitrogen-doped graphene and bulk g-C3N4 (TCN) were designed as a dual layered film and fabricated using a spin-coating method. The first ternary structures were spin-coated on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, followed by spin-coating of g-C3N4 film to form dual layers. We characterized the microstructural morphologies, chemical composition/bonding and optical properties of the dual layered film and observed significantly reduced recombination rates of photo-induced electron–hole pairs due to effective separation of the charge carriers. We tested methylene blue (MB) photodegradation and observed remarkable MB degradation by the dual layered film over 5 hours, with a kinetic rate constant of 1.24 × 10−3 min−1, which is about four times faster than that of bare TCN film. Furthermore, we estimated the H2 evolution of the dual layered film to be 44.9 μmol over 5 hours, and carried out stable recycling over 45 hours under visible irradiation. Due to the lower electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) resistance value of the dual layered film (∼50 ohm cm2) compared to the TCN film, the ternary structures and bulk g-C3N4 film were well-connected as a heterojunction, reducing the resistance at the interface between the film and the electrolyte. These results indicate that the effective separation of the photo-induced electron–hole pairs using the dual layered film dramatically improved its photo-response ability under visible light irradiation.