Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ten Years of OpenStreetMap Project: Have We Addressed Data Quality Appropriately? – Review Paper

It has increasingly been recognised that the future developments in geospatial data handling will centre on geospatial data on the web: Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI). The evaluation of VGI data quality, including positional and shape similarity, has become a recurrent subject in the scientific literature in the last ten years. The OpenStreetMap (OSM) project is the most popular one of the leading platforms of VGI datasets. It is an online geospatial database to produce and supply free editable geospatial datasets for a worldwide. The goal of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the quality assurance of OSM data. In addition, the credibility of open source geospatial data is discussed, highlighting the difficulties and challenges of VGI data quality assessment. The conclusion is that for OSM dataset, it is quite difficult to control its quality. It therefore makes sense to use OSM data for applications do not need high quality spatial datasets.
PeriSense: Ring-Based Multi-Finger Gesture Interaction Utilizing Capacitive Proximity Sensing

Rings are widely accepted wearables for gesture interaction. However, most rings can sense only the motion of one finger or the whole hand. We present PeriSense, a ring-shaped interaction device enabling multi-finger gesture interaction. Gestures of the finger wearing ring and its adjacent fingers are sensed by measuring capacitive proximity between electrodes and human skin. Our main contribution is the determination of PeriSense’s interaction space involving the evaluation of capabilities and limitations. We introduce a prototype named PeriSense, analyze the sensor resolution at different distances, and evaluate finger gestures and unistroke gestures based on gesture sets allowing the determination of the strengths and limitations. We show that PeriSense is able to sense the change of conductive objects reliably up to 2.5 cm. Furthermore, we show that this capability enables different interaction techniques such as multi-finger gesture recognition or two-handed unistroke input.
A Thematic Similarity Network Approach for Analysis of Places Using Volunteered Geographic Information

The research presented in this paper proposes a thematic network approach to explore rich relationships between places. We connect places in networks through their thematic similarities by applying topic modeling to the textual volunteered geographic information (VGI) pertaining to the places. The network approach enhances previous research involving place clustering using geo-textual information, which often simplifies relationships between places to be either in-cluster or out-of-cluster. To demonstrate our approach, we use as a case study in Manhattan (New York) that compares networks constructed from three different geo-textural data sources—TripAdvisor attraction reviews, TripAdvisor restaurant reviews, and Twitter data. The results showcase how the thematic similarity network approach enables us to conduct clustering analysis as well as node-to-node and node-to-cluster analysis, which is fruitful for understanding how places are connected through individuals’ experiences. Furthermore, by enriching the networks with geodemographic information as node attributes, we discovered that some low-income communities in Manhattan have distinctive restaurant cultures. Even though geolocated tweets are not always related to place they are posted from, our case study demonstrates that topic modeling is an efficient method to filter out the place-irrelevant tweets and therefore refining how of places can be studied.
Robust Finger-vein ROI Localization Based on the 3σ Criterion Dynamic Threshold Strategy

Region of interest (ROI) localization is one of the key preprocessing technologies for a finger-vein identification system, so an effective ROI definition can improve the matching accuracy. However, due to the impact of uneven illumination, equipment noise, as well as the distortion of finger position, etc., these make accurate ROI localization a very difficult task. To address these issues, in this paper, we propose a robust finger-vein ROI localization method, which is based on the 3σ criterion dynamic threshold strategy. The proposed method includes three main steps: First, the Kirsch edge detector is introduced to detect the horizontal-like edges in the acquired finger-vein image. Then, the obtained edge gradient image is divided into four parts: upper-left, upper-right, lower-left, and lower-right. For each part of the image, the three-level dynamic threshold, which is based on the 3σ criterion of the normal distribution, is imposed to obtain more distinct and complete edge information. Finally, through labeling the longest connected component at the same horizontal line, two reliable finger boundaries, which represent the upper and lower boundaries, respectively, are defined, and the ROI is localized in the region between these two boundaries. Extensive experiments are carried out on four different finger-vein image datasets, including three publicly available datasets and one of our newly developed finger-vein datasets with 37,080 finger-vein samples and 1030 individuals. The experimental results indicate that our proposed method has very competitive ROI localization performance, as well as satisfactory matching results on different datasets.
Reconstructing proprietary video streaming algorithms

Even though algorithms for adaptively setting video quality in online streaming are a hot topic in networking academia, little is known about how popular online streaming platforms do such adaptation. This creates obvious hurdles for research on streaming algorithms and their interactions with other network traffic and control loops like that of transport and traffic throttling. To address this gap, we pursue an ambitious goal: reconstruction of unknown proprietary video streaming algorithms. Instead of opaque reconstruction through, e.g., neural networks, we seek reconstructions that are easily understandable and open to inspection by domain experts. Such reconstruction, if successful, would also shed light on the risk of competitors copying painstakingly engineered algorithmic work simply by interacting with popular services. Our reconstruction approach uses logs of player and network state and observed player actions across varied network traces and videos, to learn decision trees across streamingspecific engineered features. We find that of 10 popular streaming platforms, we can produce easy-to-understand, and high-accuracy reconstructions for 7 using concise trees with no more than 20 rules. We also discuss the utility of such interpretable reconstruction through several examples.
“INTERNAL THECAE” OF EUNOTIA SOLEIROLII (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE): DEVELOPMENT, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION AS RESTING SPORES 1

The “double thecae” or “internal septa” of Eunotia soleirolii (Kütz.) Rabenh, are shown to represent the thecae of resting spores, as characterized by their physiology, as well as morphology. They differ from all resting spores of centric diatoms by the formation of both their valves as a result of unequal cell divisions; and, from the majority of centric spores by the presence of several girdle bands in both their thecae. Spore formation can be induced by high or low pH, high temperature (24 C), and iron, silica, phosphate or nitrate deficiencies, whereas low temperatures defer it. Spores do not germinate directly, but dormancy can be removed by dark treatments (–2 to 15 C) for a minimum of 4–5 wk. Longer dark treatments result in higher germination rates. At 15 C, a minimum of 2 mo is required and 4 mo is better. Heat treatments (27–42 C) are ineffective, but may shorten the dormancy‐breaking subsequent cold period. Instances of secondary dormancy, as well as relative dormancy, were observed. Germination usually occurs in the light between 2 and 21 C. An equal division of the spore is followed by unequal divisions of both new cells with only the two resulting large cells being viable. The experiences in the laboratory aided the discovery of stages of spore germination in nature.
A POWER ANALYSIS FOR DETECTING TRENDS

A power analysis allows estimation of the probability of detecting upward or downward trends in abundance using linear regression, given number of samples and estimates of sample variability and rate of change. Alternatively, the minimum number or precision of samples required to detect trends with a given degree of confidence can be computed. The results are applicable to an experimental situation in which samples are taken at regular intervals in time or space. The effects of linear and exponential change and of having sample variability be a function of abundance are investigated. Results are summarized graphically and, as an example, applied to the monitoring of the California sea otter population with aerial surveys.
Gallium Nitride: A Versatile Compound Semiconductor as Novel Piezoelectric Film for Acoustic Tweezer in Manipulation of Cancer Cells

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a compound semiconductor which has advantages to generate new functionalities and applications due to its piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and piezo-resistive properties. Recently, surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based acoustic tweezers were developed as an efficient and versatile tool to manipulate nano- and microparticles aiming for patterning, separating, and mixing biological and chemical components. Conventional piezoelectric materials to fabricate SAW devices such as lithium niobate suffer from its low thermal conductivity and incapability of fabricating multiphysical and integrated devices. This article piloted the development of a GaN-based acoustic tweezer (GaNAT) and its application in manipulating microparticles and biological cells. For the first time, the GaN SAW device was integrated with a microfluidic channel to form an acoustofluidic chip for biological applications. The GaNAT demonstrated its ability to work on high power (up to 10 W) with minimal cooling requirement while maintaining the device temperature below 32°C. Acoustofluidic modeling was successfully applied to numerically study and predict acoustic pressure field and particle trajectories within the GaNAT, which agree well with the experimental results on patterning polystyrene microspheres and two types of biological cells including fibroblast and renal tumor cells. The GaNAT allowed both cell types to maintain high viabilities of 84.5% and 92.1%, respectively.
Witches'Broom of Sarothamnus scoparius: A New Disease Associated with a Phytoplasma Related to the Spartium Witches'Broom Agent

In southern and central Italy, a witches' broom and decline disease of Sarothamnus scoparius has been observed. In affected plants, phytoplasmas were detected by PCR amplification of ribosomal DNA. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified DNA revealed that the diseased plants were infected by a phytoplasma that is closely related to the spartium witches' broom phytoplasma, a member of the apple proliferation group.
CGR-QV: A virtual topology DTN routing algorithm based on queue scheduling

In this paper, we proposed a CGR-QV algorithm in order to solve the problems of low message delivery rate and low throughput problems in deep space communication networks, which are caused by the high delay, asymmetric data transmission rate, and frequent topology switching characteristics. The proposed method separate different message types in the queues, establish the relationship between TTL, wait time and Hurst to prevent the phenomenon of "starvation" and redundancy. In view of the impact of congestion on the network, improved algorithm use the Elastic load balancing strategy establish the relationship between optimal thresholds α and network performance reliability. Simulation result show that the algorithm has improved in throughput as about 19%, message delivery rate improved as about 7.5% and bandwidth rejection rate decreased as about 4.7%, the algorithm can balance the impact of topology updates and resource consumption better in space communication networks.
TIMEMA DOUGLASI (PHASMATOPTERA: TIMEMATODEA), ANEW PARTHENOGENETIC SPECIES FROM SOUTHWESTERN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES

Abstract Timema douglasi sp.nov. is described from southwestern Oregon and northern California, USA. It is the third parthenogenetic species in the genus and is a specialist feeder on old-growth Douglas fir, occasionally causing serious defoliation. Timema knulli Strohecker is synonymized with Timema californicum Scudder. Résumé On trouvera ici la description de Timema douglasi sp.nov. du sud-ouest de l’Oregon et du nord de la Californie, É. -U. Il s’agit là de la troisième espèce parthénogénétique découverte chez ce genre; l’insecte a des habitudes alimentaires spécialisées et se nourrit de Sapins de Douglas de forêts à maturité, causant parfois de sérieux problèmes de défoliation. Timema knulli Strohecker est déclaré synonyme de Timema californicum Scudder. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Effects of two protease inhibitors on larvae of argentine stem weevil and clover root weevil.

Protease inhibitors (PIs) cause mortality in a range of insects, and transgenic plants expressing PIs have been protected against pest attack. The effects of feeding two purified PIs to larvae of Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis) and clover root weevil ( Sitona lepidus) were investigated in laboratory bioassays. The serine PI, aprotinin, and the cysteine PI, E64, were administered continuously in artificial diets to neonate or one-week-old larvae. Aprotinin had no effect on clover root weevil larvae, but significantly inhibited growth of Argentine stem weevil larvae. E64 caused significant mortality in clover root weevil larvae and significant reductions in growth of Argentine stem weevil larvae.
MOSFETs’ Electrical Performance in the 160-nm BCD Technology Process With the Diamond Layout Shape

This article introduces an innovative approach that describes the drain–source current improvements of MOS transistors. It is based on the geometrical modification of MOSFET’s channel from a rectangular layout shape (RLS) into a diamond layout shape (DLS). In this way, the drain–source current enhancement is increased up to 11% for the DLS MOS transistors with an effective aspect ratio (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${W}/\textit {L)}_{\mathrm {eff}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> equal to 2.0 and an angle <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha $ </tex-math></inline-formula> set to 80°. Moreover, we present the comparison of 3-D TCAD simulations data, analytical model data based on Schwarz–Christoffel transformation (SCT), and measurement data given by measurement of the MOS transistors fabricated in the Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) 160-nm technology process. For this purpose, there have been fabricated 1124 samples, which were proportionally divided into RLS MOSFETs and DLS MOSFETs with the angles <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\alpha $ </tex-math></inline-formula> equal to 120°, 100°, and 80°. For all studied aspect ratios, the presented model has an excellent analytic description in comparison with the 3-D TCAD simulation results with an error lower than 3%. So, it proves the quality of the analytical model based on the SCT approach and it is the recommended approach to use also for modeling other MOSFET gate layout shapes.
Estimating the Growing Stem Volume of the Planted Forest Using the General Linear Model and Time Series Quad-Polarimetric SAR Images

Increasing the area of planted forests is rather important for compensation the loss of natural forests and slowing down the global warming. Forest growing stem volume (GSV) is a key indicator for monitoring and evaluating the quality of planted forest. To improve the accuracy of planted forest GSV located in south China, four L-band ALOS PALSAR-2 quad-polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images were acquired from June to September with short intervals. Polarimetric characteristics (un-fused and fused) derived by the Yamaguchi decomposition from time series SAR images with different intervals were considered as independent variables for the GSV estimation. Then, the general linear model (GLM) obeyed the exponential distribution were proposed to retrieve the stand-level GSV in plantation. The results show that the un-fused power of double bounce scatters and four fused variables derived from single SAR image is highly sensitive to the GSV, and these polarimeric characteristics derived from the time series images more significantly contribute to improved estimation of GSV. Moreover, compared with the estimated GSV using the semi-exponential model, the employed GLM model with less limitations and simple algorithm has a higher saturation level (nearly to 300 m3/ha) and higher sensitivity to high forest GSV values than the semi-exponential model. Furthermore, by reducing the external disturbance with the help of time average, the accuracy of estimated GSV is improved using fused polarimeric characteristics, and the estimation accuracy of forest GSV was improved as the images increase. Using the fused polarimetric characteristics (Dbl×Vol/Odd) and the GLM, the minimum RRMSE was reduced from 33.87% from single SAR image to 24.42% from the time series SAR images. It is implied that the GLM is more suitable for polarimetric characteristics derived from the time series SAR images and has more potential to improve the planted forest GSV.
Three-Phase Embedded Modified-Z-Source Three-Level T-Type Inverters

Two topologies are designed by combining a modified-Z-source (MZS) network consisting of three diodes, two inductors and four capacitors to a traditional three-level T-type inverter (3LTI), and embedding either one or two dc sources in the impedance network, which are named as asymmetrical embedded MZS-3LTI (AEMZS-3LTI) and symmetrical embedded MZS-3LTI (SEMZS-3LTI). The proposed topologies provide a highly boosted ac output voltage with five voltage levels and ensure a continuous dc source current by adopting the embedded concept. Operating analysis is performed and a comparison of the two proposed topologies with five different topologies combining the impedance network and 3LTI or neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter is provided. A novel modulation technique is proposed for effectively controlling the upper and lower shoot-through states with a simple logic circuit and balancing a neutral-point voltage. The validity of the proposed topologies and the modulation technique is demonstrated through simulation and experimental results.
Austere Flash Caching with Deduplication and Compression

Modern storage systems leverage ﬂash caching to boost I/O performance, and enhancing the space efﬁciency and endurance of ﬂash caching remains a critical yet challenging issue in the face of ever-growing data-intensive workloads. Deduplication and compression are promising data reduction techniques for storage and I/O savings via the removal of duplicate content, yet they also incur substantial memory overhead for index management. We propose AustereCache, a new ﬂash caching design that aims for memory-efﬁcient indexing, while preserving the data reduction beneﬁts of deduplication and compression. AustereCache emphasizes austere cache management and proposes different core techniques for efﬁcient data organization and cache replacement, so as to eliminate as much indexing metadata as possible and make lightweight in-memory index structures viable. Trace-driven experiments show that our AustereCache prototype saves 69.9-97.0% of memory usage compared to the state-of-the-art ﬂash caching design that supports deduplication and compression, while maintaining comparable read hit ratios and write reduction ratios and achieving high I/O throughput.
Estimation of Relative Hand-Finger Orientation Using a Small IMU Configuration

Relative orientation estimation between the hand and its fingers is important in many applications, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and rehabilitation. It is still quite a big challenge to do the estimation by only exploiting inertial measurement units (IMUs) because of the integration drift that occurs in most approaches. When the hand is functionally used, there are many instances in which hand and finger tips move together, experiencing almost the same angular velocities, and in some of these cases, almost the same accelerations are measured in different 3D coordinate systems. Therefore, we hypothesize that relative orientations between the hand and the finger tips can be adequately estimated using 3D IMUs during such designated events (DEs) and in between these events. We fused this extra information from the DEs and IMU data with an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Our results show that errors in relative orientation can be smaller than five degrees if DEs are constantly present and the linear and angular movements of the whole hand are adequately rich. When the DEs are partially available in a functional water-drinking task, the orientation error is smaller than 10 degrees.
Neural Multimodal Belief Tracker with Adaptive Attention for Dialogue Systems

Multimodal dialogue systems are attracting increasing attention with a more natural and informative way for human-computer interaction. As one of its core components, the belief tracker estimates the user's goal at each step of the dialogue and provides a direct way to validate the ability of dialogue understanding. However, existing studies on belief trackers are largely limited to textual modality, which cannot be easily extended to capture the rich semantics in multimodal systems such as those with product images. For example, in fashion domain, the visual appearance of clothes play a crucial role in understanding the user's intention. In this case, the existing belief trackers may fail to generate accurate belief states for a multimodal dialogue system. In this paper, we present the first neural multimodal belief tracker (NMBT) to demonstrate how multimodal evidence can facilitate semantic understanding and dialogue state tracking. Given the multimodal inputs, while applying a textual encoder to represent textual utterances, the model gives special consideration to the semantics revealed in visual modality. It learns concept level fashion semantics by delving deep into image sub-regions and integrating concept probabilities via multiple instance learning. Then in each turn, an adaptive attention mechanism learns to automatically emphasize on different evidence sources of both visual and textual modalities for more accurate dialogue state prediction. We perform extensive evaluation on a multi-turn task-oriented dialogue dataset in fashion domain and the results show that our method achieves superior performance as compared to a wide range of baselines.