Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measures of articulatory variability in VCV sequences

Functional data analysis is used to examine articulatory variability across repetitions in normal speech, under different movement constraints. A temporal normalization technique is applied to align trajectories of lips, jaw, and tongue in vowel-consonant-vowel sequences. Next, an index of amplitude variability is computed, defined as the mean standard deviation between peak velocities of the consonantal closure by the active articulator, in each VCV sequence. The results show that articulatory variability varies as a function of both the phonetic requirements of the consonant and the biomechanical characteristics of the articulatory structures involved.
Random Effects Modeling in Population: Kinetic/Dynamic Analysis

This paper describes a conceptual empirical Bayes framework for random effects modeling and estimation of population kinetic/dynamic parameters. Using this framework, one can easily see that the random effects formulation does not require unique parameter estimates for each individual based strictly on data for that individual. This approach is particularly useful in situations involving sparse data. A general solution to the estimation problem via the EM algorithm is presented and compared with other methods including those used in the NONMEM (Nonlinear Mixed Effects Modeling) package. Key areas that need further investigation, such as model validation and identification of design limitations, are pointed out.
Face-sets based video shot retrieval using the text-search analogous approach

The objective of this work is to retrieve shots containing particular people in video material. Due to well known problems such as illumination, pose and expression variations, it has been a challenging task. To this end, a robust and scalable approach analogized with text search method is proposed in this paper, which mainly consists of four steps: Obtaining sets of face exemplars by tracking, Local Facial Features Extraction and Fusion, Visual words established, Document descriptor obtained and VSM established for shot retrieval. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is not only efficient but also outperforms the competing methods.
Identifying a core collection of business periodicals for academic libraries

Compte tenu de la nature de la recherche dans ce domaine, ce fonds doit presenter un equilibre entre les disciplines d'affaires et les documents scientifiques ou non. On a construit un noyau de 283 periodiques par une combinaison de deux techniques: index et bases de donnees, et analyse de citation. On presente les documents utilises pour cette liste et une comparaison de deux index
Named Entity Normalization: Combining Normalization Rules, Endogenous Resources and User-Oriented Process / Normalisation des entités nommées : allier règles déclaratives, ressources endogènes et processus centré sur l’utilisateur

Normalization is involved in many fields of information processing. It improves the performance of several applications, such as information retrieval or information extraction, and makes the construction of language resources more reliable. Normalization consists in standardizing each variant of a term or named entity into a unique form, and in this way restricts the impact of language variation. Our work applies to named entity normalization, and aims at optimizing fine-grained corpus analyses carried out by the TecKnowMetrix Company. Our approach mixes several methods, such as pattern matching, similarity metrics and endogenous techniques. Moreover, we place the user in the center of our normalization process, in order to obtain fully reliable data that fit his or her needs. La normalisation intervient dans de nombreux champs du traitement de l’information. Elle permet d’améliorer l’efficacité d’applications telles que la recherche ou l’extraction d’information, et de rendre plus fiable la constitution de ressources langagières. La normalisation consiste à ramener toutes les variantes d’un même terme ou d’une entité nommée à une forme standard, et permet de limiter les effets de la variation linguistique. Notre travail porte sur la normalisation des entités nommées, et vise à optimiser les analyses de corpus fines réalisées par la société TecKnowMetrix. Notre approche combine plusieurs méthodes, telles que l’utilisation de formes, de calculs de similarité, ou encore de techniques endogènes. De plus, nous plaçons l’utilisateur au centre du processus de normalisation, afin d’obtenir des données parfaitement fiables et adaptées à ses besoins.
Real-time high-resolution PC-based system for measurement of errors on compact disks

Hardware and software utilities are developed to directly monitor the Eight-to-Fourteen (EFM) demodulated data bytes at the input of a CD player's Cross-Interleaved Reed-Solomon Code (CIRC) block decoder. The hardware is capable of identifying erroneous data with single-byte resolution in the serial data stream read from a Compact Disc by a CDD 461 Philips CD-ROM drive. In addition, the system produces graphical maps that show the physical location of the measured errors on the entire disc, or via a zooming and planning feature, on user selectable local disc regions.
Some Characterizations of Constant Ratio Curves According to Type-2 Bishop Frame in Euclidean 3-space E^3

In this paper, we study a twisted curve in the 3-dimensional Euclidean space E as a curve whose position vector can be determined as linear combination of its type-2 Bishop frame. We research these curves according to their curvature functions. Moreover we obtain some results of T -constant and N -constant type curves in the 3-dimensional Euclidean space E.
Video-based face identification using unconstrained non-linear composite filters

This paper considers the face identification task in video sequences where the individual’s face presents variations; such as expressions, pose, scale, shadow/lighting and occlusion. The principles of Synthetic Discriminant Functions (SDF) and K-Law filters are used to design an adaptive unconstrained correlation filter (AUNCF). We developed a face tracking algorithm which together with a face recognition algorithm were carefully integrated into a video-based face identification method. First, a manually selected face in the first video frame is identified. Then, in order to build an initial correlation filter, the selected face is distorted so that it generates a training set. Finally, the face tracking task is performed using the initial correlation filter which is updated through the video sequence. The efficiency of the proposed method is shown by experiments on video sequences, where different facial variations are presented. The proposed method correctly identifies and tracks the face under observation on the tested video sequences.
Algorithm of Disambiguation and Matching of Chinese Word Segmentation in Connected Strategies Research

The Chinese Word Segmentation technology is belonged to the category of technology of natural language management. Academies which studying Chinese Word Segmentation are mostly Research institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Chinese Academy of science, Beijing Language And Culture University, Northeastern University, Research Institute of IBM, and Research Institute of Microsoft (China), etc. Firstly, the essay analyze and compare the measurements of operation complexity and Algorithm capability of Chinese Word Segmentation in the dimension of Lucene open source’s environment, and also technologies of Chinese grammar analysis used by Chinese Academy of science. We are going to put forward the algorithm of disambiguation and matching of Chinese Word Segmentation in connected strategies based on the studying of Cloud Computing and Parallel Computing.
Bursting out of the ‘ed-tech’ bubble

Academics working in the field of educational technology tend to think very carefully about what they say. However, far less thought is usually given to where and to whom they are saying it. As a result, the topics of ‘ed-tech’ and ‘ed-media’ tend to be disseminated and discussed within limited circles, with many academics content to publish in specialist journals (such as this one), attend specialist conferences, and interact within specialist networks. Even by the cliquey norms of general academic practice, educational technology remains an especially inward-looking and self-referential field of study. Of course, if the main aim of academic endeavour was to talk only with like-minded peers, then these separatist tendencies would be of little concern. Yet, if the work that takes place within our field is to have a genuine influence on the wider world, then there is a clear imperative for everyone working in educational technology to change their ways – not least to make a conscious effort to move beyond the ‘ed-tech bubble’ that many of us seem to operate within. This is by no means an easy task. In keeping with the general tendency of academics to seek refuge in exclusive ‘tribes,’ educational technologists have proved adept at keeping themselves far apart from other academics as well as from their wider ‘publics. ’ If anything, this segregation has deepened with the growth of social media, with groups of educational technologists now devoting substantial amounts of time and energy to talking with each other (or perhaps more accurately talking at each other) through numerous online forums, blogs and Twitter feeds. While a healthy level of intra-disciplinary exchange is not a problem in itself, educational technology certainly suffers from a lack of rigorous and sustained inter-disciplinary exchange. For the most part, then, this is an area of academia that appears increasingly to be talking to itself and no-one else. The limitations of such solipsism have been certainly evident in recent academic enthusiasms for the educational benefits of social media. Anyone moving in ed-tech circles could be forgiven for assuming that education is now based predominantly around the use of social media – with swathes of students, teachers and institutions apparently in thrall to the benefits of wikis, blogs, social networks and so on. Of course, this hyperbole is not reflected in the realities of most educational contexts (see, for example, Crook 2012). So, why then are many supposed academic ‘experts’ seemingly so out of touch with the realities of social media use ‘on the ground? ’ Undoubtedly, a major contributing factor to this particular gap between rhetoric and reality is the fact that many of the discussions taking place
Geometrical concepts at the interface of formal and cognitive models: Aktionsart, aspect, and the English progressive

The paper has two related aims. One is to outline a proposal for a spatially motivated model of discourse, called Discourse Space Theory. The other is to use this framework to explore, in a relatively formalised way, the spatial basis of the conceptual complexities arising in the uses of the English progressive verb form (be+-ing). The theory utilises an abstract space in three dimensions (time, space and modality). Verb stems are associated with Aktionsart schemas; aspectual forms like the progressive are viewed as operations on these schemas. The proposal is that geometric concepts, specifically coordinate systems and vectors, can provide a motivated formalism for investigating conceptual structures generated by a human discourse processor.
Computers for symbolic processing

A detailed survey on the motivations, design, applications, current status, and limitations of computers designed for symbolic processing is provided. Symbolic processing computations are performed at the word, relation, or meaning levels, and the knowledge used in symbolic applications may be fuzzy, uncertain, indeterminate, and ill represented. Various techniques for knowledge representation and processing are discussed from both the designers' and users' points of view. The design and choice of a suitable language for symbolic processing and the mapping of applications into a software architecture are then considered. The process of refining the application requirements into hardware and software architectures is treated, and state-of-art sequential and parallel computers designed for symbolic processing are discussed. >
An OGM-Based Visual Navigation System with Reduced Homographies and Accurate Computations for Mobile Robots

This article presents a novel approach to calculate and accelerate the Occupancy Grid Mapping (OGM) for real-time mobile robot navigation. Here, we have improved the main process involved in the construction of OGMs in two ways. On one hand, we propose a new method to perform the camera calibration (CC) process, in which we reduce the number of intermediate steps (homographies) when the reference system is transformed from the real world into a navigation map, reducing consequently the computational costs. On the other hand, the OGM is constructed by an online probabilistic method, which simultaneously performs both the camera calibration and maps construction, thus reducing cumulative errors when these two processes are separately treated. Furthermore, the proposed system can be easily parallelized and mapped onto a digital system (e.g., Field Programmable Gate Arrays, FPGAs) for real-time robot navigation.
Some instructional strategies for improved learning from distance teaching materials

In distance teaching we are usually concerned with indirect methods of interacting with learners, using for the most part, the written word. Quality of learning in distance education ought therefore to be closely related to the quality of textual materials provided to students. In this paper we examine some ways of facilitating learning at a distance. We begin by noting the current dearth of models for teaching through text and make a plea for diversity and experimentation in this area. Some traditional instructional strategies (including advance organizers, overviews, pretests, objectives and inserted questions) from the dominant approach to distance teaching are examined along with devices in typoraphy and graphics. Guidelines for their use are developed, based on research, everyday rationality, and from an embryonic conceptualization of distance learning.
Individual identification technique using visual evoked potential signals

A new individual identification technique using visual evoked potential (VEP) signals is proposed. The technique uses fuzzy ARTMAP (FA) classification of gamma band VEP response from 61 channels extracted while the individual is seeing a single picture. All ten subjects tested are classified correctly with an overall maximum classification rate of 95% across 200 test patterns. The method could be developed into a stand-alone identification system or as an addition to existing identification systems, especially for identifying a group of individuals in a company or factory.
Barebones particle swarm for multi-objective optimisation problems

Control parameters, inertia weight and acceleration coefficients influence strongly performance of multi-objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO) algorithms. To eliminate the need for tuning of these parameters for different optimisation problems, this paper presents an almost parameter-free MOPSO algorithm, in which the concept of barebones particle swarm is incorporated into MOPSO. A special mutation operator that enriches the exploratory capabilities of our algorithm is also introduced. The proposed algorithm is validated using several benchmark test problems and four standard metrics. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm is highly competitive, and that can be considered a viable alternative to solving multi-objective optimisation problems.
An Evaluation of Three Computer-Based Instructional Strategies in Basic Electricity and Electronics Training

Job requirements for Navy electronic technicians include extensive knowledge of basic electricity and electronics (BE/E) fundamentals. Historically the BE/E material has proved difficult for trainees to learn and has resulted in high setback and attrition rates. This study evaluates alternative computer-based instructional strategies for teaching complex technical content with 4 instructional conditions: computer-based drill and practice (CBDP), enhanced computer-based instruction (ECBI), a computer-based adventure game (GAME), and the existing classroom instruction (CI). We evaluated trainees on completion of the instruction with a schoolhouse comprehensive test, a specially designed cognitive skills test, and a motivation questionnaire. In addition, we recorded and analyzed the time participants took to complete the instruction. In general, the CBDP and ECBI groups outperformed the CI and GAME groups on all measures. The GAME condition performed no better than the CI condition. When differences existed between the ECBI and CBDP groups, the ECBI group performed better.
Technology in Physical Education: Article #4 in a 6-Part Series: Podcasts and Wiki's: Delivering Content Information to Students Using Technology

educator is to ensure students maintain high levels of physical activity during physical education courses and demonstrate knowledge of cognitive content. The National Standards for Physical Education (NASPE, 2004) indicate that students should not only demonstrate motor competency, but also an understanding of movement concepts and principles. To effectively meet recommendations, physical educators are searching for new and innovative methods with reduced instructional time. According to the School Health Policies and Programs Study (Lee, Burgeson, Fulton, & Spain, 2007), over 70% of districts have adopted polices requiring teachers to align their content to National Standards. However, instructional “face time” is decreasing, as only 3.8% of elementary, 7.8% of middle school and 2.1% of high school students currently have physical education classes that meet the recommended guidelines for instructional minutes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (2006) recommended that students spend at least 50% of the time they are in physical education classes being active. Thus,
An Interactive Environment for Data Partitioning and Distribution

An a.pproach to distributed riieiiiory pa.ralle1 programining that has recently become popular is oue where the programmer explicitly specilies t.he data decoiriposit.ion using language extensions, and a. compiler geuerates all the coiriinunicatioii. While this frees the prograiniuer froin tlie tedium of thinking about message-passing, no assistance is provided in determining the data decouiposition scheme that gives the best performance on tlie target machine. In this paper, we propose an interactive software tool that provides assistance for this very task. The proposed tool also computes performance estimates for any chosen data partitioning scheme, allowing tlie programmer to experiment with several different stra.tegies without ever running the program on the rnacliine.
The Value of Scholarly Journals in a Two-Sided Market

ABSTRACT Two-sided markets are a relatively new economic concept that has relevance for scholarly communications. Scholarly journals, as well as bundles of scholarly journals, can best be understood as examples of two-sided markets, and journal-pricing issues can best be examined using this concept. Serials librarians, electronic resources librarians, and scholarly communications specialists should incorporate two-sided markets into their understanding of the shifting journals environment.
Beyond 3G: wideband wireless data access based on OFDM and dynamic packet assignment

The rapid growth of wireless voice subscribers, the growth of the Internet, and the increasing use of portable computing devices suggest that wireless Internet access will rise rapidly over the next few years. Rapid progress in digital and RF technology is making possible highly compact and integrated terminal devices, and the introduction of sophisticated wireless data software is making wireless Internet access more user-friendly and providing more value. Transmission rates are currently only about 10 kb/s for large cell systems. Third-generation wireless access such as WCDMA and the evolution of second-generation systems such as TDMA IS-136+, EDGE, and CDMA IS-95 will provide nominal bit rates of 50-384 kb/s in macrocellular systems. This article discusses packet data transmission rates of 2-5 Mb/s in macrocellular environments and up to 10 Mb/s in microcellular and indoor environments as a complementary service to evolving second- and third-generation wireless systems. Dynamic packet assignment for high-efficiency resource management and packet admission; OFDM at the physical layer with interference suppression, space-time coding, and frequency diversity; as well as smart antennas to obtain good power and spectral efficiency are discussed in this proposal. Flexible allocation of both large and small resources also permits provisioning of services for different delay and throughput requirements.
Developing a PLC-friendly state machine model: lessons learned

Modern Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have become an attractive platform for controlling real-time aspects of astronomical telescopes and instruments due to their increased versatility, performance and standardization. Likewise, vendor-neutral middleware technologies such as OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) have recently demonstrated that they can greatly facilitate the integration of these industrial platforms into the overall control system. Many practical questions arise, however, when building multi-tiered control systems that consist of PLCs for low level control, and conventional software and platforms for higher level control. How should the PLC software be structured, so that it can rely on well-known programming paradigms on the one hand, and be mapped to a well-organized OPC UA interface on the other hand? Which programming languages of the IEC 61131-3 standard closely match the problem domains of the abstraction levels within this structure? How can the recent additions to the standard (such as the support for namespaces and object-oriented extensions) facilitate a model based development approach? To what degree can our applications already take advantage of the more advanced parts of the OPC UA standard, such as the high expressiveness of the semantic modeling language that it defines, or the support for events, aggregation of data, automatic discovery, . What are the timing and concurrency problems to be expected for the higher level tiers of the control system due to the cyclic execution of control and communication tasks by the PLCs? We try to answer these questions by demonstrating a semantic state machine model that can readily be implemented using IEC 61131 and OPC UA. One that does not aim to capture all possible states of a system, but rather one that attempts to organize the course-grained structure and behaviour of a system. In this paper we focus on the intricacies of this seemingly simple task, and on the lessons that we’ve learned during the development process of such a “PLC-friendly” state machine model.
Metrics for assessing a software system's maintainability

It is noted that the factors of software that determine or influence maintainability can be organized into a hierarchical structure of measurable attributes. For each of these attributes the authors show a metric definition consistent with the published definitions of the software characteristic being measured. The result is a tree structure of maintainability metrics which can be used for purposes of evaluating the relative maintainability of the software system. The authors define metrics for measuring the maintainability of a target software system and discuss how those metrics can be combined into a single index of maintainability. <<ETX>>