Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Multi Sensor System for a Human Activities Space : Aspects of Planning and Quality Measurement

In our aging society, the design and implementation of a high-performance autonomous distributed vision information system for autonomous physical services become ever more important. In line with this development, the proposed Intelligent Vision Agent System, IVAS, is able to automatically detect and identify a target for a specific task by surveying a human activities space. The main subject of this thesis is the optimal configuration of a sensor system meant to capture the target objects and their environment within certain required specifications. The thesis thus discusses how a discrete sensor causes a depth spatial quantisation uncertainty, which significantly contributes to the 3D depth reconstruction accuracy. For a sensor stereo pair, the quantisation uncertainty is represented by the intervals between the iso-disparity surfaces. A mathematical geometry model is then proposed to analyse the iso-disparity surfaces and optimise the sensors’ configurations according to the required constrains. The thesis also introduces the dithering algorithm which significantly reduces the depth reconstruction uncertainty. This algorithm assures high depth reconstruction accuracy from a few images captured by low-resolution sensors. To ensure the visibility needed for surveillance, tracking, and 3D reconstruction, the thesis introduces constraints of the target space, the stereo pair characteristics, and the depth reconstruction accuracy. The target space, the space in which human activity takes place, is modelled as a tetrahedron, and a field of view in spherical coordinates is proposed. The minimum number of stereo pairs necessary to cover the entire target space and the arrangement of the stereo pairs’ movement is optimised through integer linear programming. In order to better understand human behaviour and perception, the proposed adaptive measurement method makes use of a fuzzily defined variable, FDV. The FDV approach enables an estimation of a quality index based on qualitative and quantitative factors. The suggested method uses a neural network as a tool that contains a learning function that allows the integration of the human factor into a quantitative quality index. The thesis consists of two parts, where Part I gives a brief overview of the applied theory and research methods used, and Part II contains the five papers included in the thesis.
A Unified Model to Explain the Large Chiroptical Effects in Polymer Systems Through Natural Optical Activity

Polymer thin films that emit and absorb circularly polarised light have been demonstrated with the promise of achieving important technological advances; from efficient, high-performance displays, to 3D imaging and all-organic spintronic devices. However, the origin of the large chiroptical effects in such films has, until now, remained elusive. We investigate the emergence of such phenomena in achiral polymers blended with a chiral small-molecule additive (1-aza[6]helicene) and intrinsically chiral-sidechain polymers using a combination of spectroscopic methods and structural probes. We show that – under conditions relevant for device fabrication – the large chiroptical effects are caused by coupling of electric and magnetic transition dipole moments (natural optical activity), not structural chirality as previously assumed, and may occur because of local order in a cylinder blue phase-type organisation. This disruptive mechanistic insight into chiral polymer thin films will offer new approaches towards chiroptical materials development after almost three decades of research in this area.
Classification of grapefruit peel diseases using color texture feature analysis

Technologies that can efficiently identify citrus diseases would assure fruit quality and safety and minimize losses for citrus industry. This research was aimed to investigate the potential of using color texture features for detecting citrus peel diseases. A color imaging system was developed to acquire RGB images from grapefruits with normal and five common diseased peel conditions (i.e., canker, copper burn, greasy spot, melanose, and wind scar). A total of 39 image texture features were determined from the transformed hue (H), saturation (S), and intensity (I) region-of-interest images using the color co-occurrence method for each fruit sample. Algorithms for selecting useful texture features were developed based on a stepwise discriminant analysis, and 14, 9, and 11 texture features were selected for three color combinations of HSI, HS, and I, respectively. Classification models were constructed using the reduced texture feature sets through a discriminant function based on a measure of the generalized squared distance. The model using 14 selected HSI texture features achieved the best classification accuracy (96.7%), which suggested that it would be best to use a reduced hue, saturation and intensity texture feature set to differentiate citrus peel diseases. Average classification accuracy and standard deviation were 96.0% and 2.3%, respectively, for a stability test of the classification model, indicating that the model is robust for classifying new fruit samples according to their peel conditions. This research demonstrated that color imaging and texture feature analysis could be used for classifying citrus peel diseases under the controlled laboratory lighting conditions. Keywords: Citrus, disease detection, machine vision, color co-occurrence method, texture features, discriminant analysis DOI: 10.3965/j.issn. 1934-6344.2009. 03.041-050 Citation: Dae Gwan Kim, Thomas F. Burks, Jianwei Qin, Duke M. Bulanon. Classification of grapefruit peel diseases using color texture feature analysis. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2009; 2(3): 41
Pull-in modeling and analysis of electromagnetic actuator with permanent magnet through system stiffness analysis

This paper considers the pull-in of electromagnetic actuator with permanent magnet for the first time. The pull-in mechanism of electromagnetic actuator is explained from the perspective of system stiffness. Pull-in is about to occur when system stiffness becomes null. Based on the system stiffness analysis method, the pull-in parameters of an E-core electromag- netic actuator with permanent magnet are derived. Then, the effects of the permanent magnet on the derived pull-in parameters are studied. The analysis results show that the permanent magnet enlarges the pull-in displacement for its reluctance. If the permanent magnet length is more than three times as large as the initial displacement, pull-in would not occur. The effects of the permanent magnet on the pull-in current are complicated, especially the effects of the permanent magnet length. A method based on analyzing the roots of two properly defined equations is introduced to study the effects of the permanent magnet length on the pull-in current. The method is effective and simplifies the complicated analysis. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to validate the pull-in model and analysis methods in this paper. It is shown that the theoretical results are in a good agreement with the simulation results.
Smart water grid: a review and a suggestion for water quality monitoring

Water is a valuable resource and an elixir of life. It is intimately linked to the living standards around the world. Reducing the water stress and conserving the resource is vital. It is the need of the hour to ameliorate the conventional water resources systems to monitor the water quantity and quality parameters continuously in real-time. Smart solutions play an important role in monitoring the system parameters and make on-site measurements. This paper focuses on Smart Water Grid, an ingenious way to monitor and preserve the quantity and quality parameters in real-time by deploying remote sensors in water distribution system. It presents a review of various sensors deployed, networking protocols used and cloud platforms employed in monitoring the water distribution system. The suitable networking protocols for the water distribution systems are suggested by analyzing various smart solutions. It also proposes an architecture for an IoT-based system to monitor the residual chlorine concentration in water distribution system. Smart Water Grid using Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things enables to monitor on-site conditions and generates alerts during abnormal conditions. It can enhance timely decision making which will help in managing valuable water resources more efficiently.
An ECG network system for health promotion: Application in a regional medical association in China

Background: China has made good progress in its medical reform but challenges remain. In this paper, we proposed a multi-tiered electrocardiogram (ECG) network system to solve the problems of traditional ECG monitoring. Methods: We discussed the current situation and insufficiencies of ECG examination and constructed an ECG network system. The proposed ECG network system consisted of nosocomial ECG system combined with hospital information system and electronic medical record system, WEB-based ECG network system for the regional medical association system, and 120 pre-hospital first-aid ECG system based on 4G mobile network. The ECG network system has initially applied for clinical monitoring and diagnosis for 5 years. Results: Our application results showed that the ECG network system had high efficiency and practicability under the current medical environment, which provided a reliable basis for clinical rapid and definite diagnosis, and partially solved the imbalance of the medical resources among regional medical institutions. Conclusion: It has great significance for the management and remote consultation of heart disease and provides a reference for exploring the reform of clinical data sharing and improving the efficiency of medical resource integration.
Play Globally, Act Locally: The Standardization of Pro Halo 3 Gaming

This paper draws from an audio-visual ethnography of a North American community of competitive Halo 3 players, documenting the similarities in players’ embodied and verbal performances of professional gaming, across local, national and international events. I demonstrate that mapping the material landscapes of an emergent ‘e-Sports’ industry in North America is central to understanding the highly constrained gender subjectivities associated with and performed through competitive video game play. Applying actor-network theory to an analysis of the technological infrastructure common to each e-Sports event I attended, I show how elite team-based Halo 3 gaming becomes homogenized and standardized through the collective work (and play) of actors both human and non-human, virtual and material. This approach provides a methodological means for identifying and accounting for continuities and similarities across disparate contexts, linkages made possible by a shared apparatus for networked, co-situated competitive gaming. One of the effects of this apparatus is to bring young and predominantly male bodies together in close proximity, eliciting embodied performances of competitive digital play that are at once hyper-masculinized and deeply homosocial.
Determinants of Export Performance in Ethiopia (Time Series Analysis)

Although, export plays a vital role in an economy, there have been wide variations in countries export performance. The objective of this study was examining the determinants of export performance in Ethiopia using time series data running from 1981 to 2018 through employing Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The stationarity properties of the data was detected using Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and the result indicates all the variables are stationary at level and first difference evidencing the effectiveness of ARDL model. The ARDL bound test used to test the existence of long-run link among the variables and the result confirmed that there is long run relationship between export and independent variables. The diagnostic test results also show that the model does not suffer from non-normality, heteroscedasticity, serial correlation and instability of parameters. The long-run coefficient result for our model evident that foreign direct investment and per capita GDP are positively associated with exports in Ethiopia while rate of inflation has negative and significant effect. In the short run dynamics, ECM model results reveals that FDI, per capita GDP and capital formation are significant and positively affect the export performance of Ethiopia in the short run. However, the rate of inflation still negatively and significantly affect the export in the short run. The Policies measures that geared towards improvement in real per capita GDP, attractive to FDI and economic stability would improve export performance.
Effects of Neuromuscular Training on the Dynamic Restraint Characteristics of the Ankle

EFFECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING ON DYNAMIC RESTRAINT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ANKLE Christena W. Linford Department of Exercise Sciences Master of Science Objective: To examine the influence of a 6-week training program on the electromechanical delay (EMD) and reaction time of the peroneus longus muscle. Design and Setting: The study was guided by a 2 x 2 factorial design with repeated measures on the time factor. The independent variables for this study were group (training and control) and time (preand post-training). Dependent variables for this study were muscle reaction time and electromechanical delay of the peroneus longus muscle. Subjects: Thirty-six healthy, physically active, college-age (21.8 ± 2.3 yr) male and female (M = 14, F = 28, height = 173.7 ± 11.2 cm, weight = 69.1 ± 18.4 kg) subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects had experienced no more than one ankle sprain to either ankle in their life, and had not sprained either ankle in the last year. Subjects were not currently experiencing any lower extremity pathology and had no history of serious injury to either lower extremity. Measurements: The EMD of the peroneus longus was determined by the onset of force contribution after a percutaneous electrical stimulation was administered, as measured by EMG and force plate data. Reaction time was measured after a perturbation during walking. Data was analyzed using two 2 X 2 X 2 ANOVAs. Group (treatment and control) and gender were between treatments factors, and time was a within treatments factor. Results: Upon initial examination, there was a trend in the EMD measurements to show an increase in EMD in the treatment group. However, this lacked statistical significance (F = 2.96, p = 0.0983). Reaction time demonstrated a trend towards a decrease in reaction time in the treatment group, but again, this lacked statistical significance (F = 2.88, p = 0.1025). Effect size for this reaction time was 1.2. Conclusions: The 6-week training program used in this study did not have a significant effect on the reaction time and electromechanical delay of the peroneus longus muscle.
Noise reduction algorithm of vehicle detection in intelligent transportation system

Vehicle detection is one of the key technologies in intelligent transportation system (ITS), and it is an important stage of vehicle tracking in visual surveillance. Due to the clutter of traffic scenes, the captured video sequence involves many large noises. In analyzing human vision, the non-object area and shape suppression are defined, and a new noise-removing algorithm is proposed. To reduce the computational complexity, the sequential algorithm is improved. Experimental results show the effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm in extracting the moving vehicles in a cluttered scene. The output of the vehicle's contour is very complete and accurate, and can be used in vehicle tracking system to improve the performance.
Understanding and influencing the maintenance of physical activity and dietary behaviour change in breast cancer survivors

iii Declaration by author. vi Publications during candidature. vii Publications included in this thesis . ix Contributions by others to the thesis . xi Statement of parts of the thesis submitted to qualify for the award of another degree. xi Acknowledgements. xii Keywords . xiii Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classifications (ANZSRC) . xiii Fields of Research (FoR) Classification . xiii Table of contents.xiv List of Tables.xvii List of Figures.xviii List of Abbreviations.xix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION, CONTEXT, AND OVERVIEW OF THE THESIS.1 1.1 Introduction . 1 1.2 Context.2 1.3 Research aims and objectives . 3 1.4 Organisation of the thesis . 3 1.5 Significance of this research . 4 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW.6 2.1 Health behaviour change in breast cancer survivors . 6 2.2 Maintenance of physical activity and dietary behaviour change . 10 2.3 Interventions targeting maintenance of physical activity and dietary behaviour change and weight loss.12 2.4 Health behaviour change interventions delivered via text message . 14 2.5 Theoretical constructs and intervention strategies common to successful maintenance outcomes.17 xv 2.6 Summary of literature review . 21 2.7 Research plan.22 CHAPTER 3 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND/OR DIETARY BEHAVIOUR CHANGE INTERVENTIONS IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE MAINTENANCE OF OUTCOMES.23 3.1 Introduction . 23 3.2 Physical activity and/or dietary interventions in breast cancer survivors: A systematic review of the maintenance of outcomes.24 3.3 Summary.34 CHAPTER 4 FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIETARY TEXT MESSAGE-DELIVERED INTERVENTION IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: SMS-4-LIVING WELL PILOT STUDY.35 4.1 Introduction . 35 4.2 Methods . 36 4.3 Results . 40 4.4 Discussion and implications.43 CHAPTER 5 DEVELOPMENT OF A TEXT MESSAGE-DELIVERED EXTENDED CONTACT INTERVENTION PROMOTING MAINTENANCE OF WEIGHT LOSS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIETARY BEHAVIOUR CHANGE.46 5.1 Introduction . 46 5.2 Overview of the Living Well after Breast Cancer extended contact intervention . 47 5.3 Theoretical basis of text message content.48 5.4 Frequency and timing of text messages . 50 5.5 Initial and week 12 tailoring calls . 51 5.6 Tailoring of the text message wording . 52 5.7 Text message delivery process . 53 5.8 Summary.54 CHAPTER 6 EFFICACY, FEASIBILITY, AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A TEXT MESSAGE-DELIVERED EXTENDED CONTACT INTERVENTION IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS.55 6.1 Introduction . 55
Quality Driven Re-engineering Framework

Context. Software re-engineering has been identified as a business critical activity to improve legacy systems in industries. It is the process of understanding existing software and improving it, for modified or improved functionality, better maintainability, configurability, reusability, or other quality goals. However, there is little knowledge to integrate software quality attributes into the re-engineering process. It is essential to resolve quality problems through applying software re-engineering processes. Objectives. In this study we perform an in-depth investigation to identify and resolve quality problems by applying software re-engineering processes. At the end, we created a quality driven re-engineering framework. Methods. At first, we conducted a literature review to get knowledge for building the quality driven re-engineering framework. After that, we performed a case study in Ericsson Company to validate the processes of the framework. At last, we carried out an experiment to prove that the identified quality problems has been resolved. Results. We compared three existing re-engineering frameworks and identified their weaknesses. In order to fix the weaknesses, we created a quality driven re-engineering framework. This framework is used to improve software quality through identifying and resolving root cause problems in legacy systems. Moreover, we validated the framework for one type of legacy system by successfully applying the framework in a real case in Ericsson Company. And also, we proved that the efficiency of a legacy system is improved after executing an experiment in Ericsson Company. Conclusions. We conclude that the quality driven re-engineering framework is applicable, and it can improve efficiency of a legacy system. Moreover, we conclude that there is a need for further empirical validation of the framework in full scale industrial trials.
Software Testing Process in Agile Development

Software testing is the most important process to verify the quality of a product. Software testing in Agile development is very complex and controversial issue in literature and industry. Different people have different views about software testing in Agile methods, because most of Agile methods do not focus much on software testing activities. Agile strongly focus on the close customer collaboration, short iterations and frequent deliveries. But when it comes to software testing, then it is challenging, as Agile do not include many destructive testing practices, which are normally required for a quality product. This thesis covers the area of software testing process in Agile development. Agile development processes could be more beneficial and refined by adding testing practices and for this purpose; we proposed a concept of an independent integrated software testing team. This research also identifies the practices of Agile development in industry and the critical issues in industry while practicing Agile development. The issues of automated and manual testing, good practices in automation, and how to manage independent testing teams in Agile development are also high lightened. This report highlights every aspect of software testing process in Agile development. This research is based on literature reviews and an industrial survey.
The Energy Efficiency Potential of Cloud-Based Software: A U.S. Case Study

The Energy Efficiency Potential of Cloud-­‐Based Software: A U.S. Case Study Eric Masanet, Arman Shehabi, Jiaqi Liang, Lavanya Ramakrishnan, XiaoHui Ma, Valerie Hendrix, Benjamin Walker, Pradeep Mantha Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Environmental Energy Technologies Division Sustainable Energy Systems Group Berkeley, CA 94720 June 2013
Low-Complexity Algorithms for Echo Cancellation in Audio Conferencing Systems

Ever since the birth of the telephony system, the problem with echoes, arising from impedance mismatch in 2/4-wire hybrids, or acoustic echoes where a loudspeaker signal is picked up by a closely located microphone, has been ever present. The removal of these echoes is crucial in order to achieve an acceptable audio quality for conversation. Today, the perhaps most common way for echo removal is through cancellation, where an adaptive filter is used to produce an estimated replica of the echo which is then subtracted from the echo-infested signal. Echo cancellation in practice requires extensive control of the filter adaptation process in order to obtain as rapid convergence as possible while also achieving robustness towards disturbances. Moreover, despite the rapid advancement in the computational capabilities of modern digital signal processors there is a constant demand for low-complexity solutions that can be implemented using low power and low cost hardware. This thesis presents low-complexity solutions for echo cancellation related to both the actual filter adaptation process itself as well as for controlling the adaptation process in order to obtain a robust system. Extensive simulations and evaluations using real world recorded signals are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed solutions.