Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reverse k-nearest neighbor search in dynamic and general metric databases

In this paper, we propose an original solution for the general reverse k-nearest neighbor (RkNN) search problem. Compared to the limitations of existing methods for the RkNN search, our approach works on top of any hierarchically organized tree-like index structure and, thus, is applicable to any type of data as long as a metric distance function is defined on the data objects. We will exemplarily show how our approach works on top of the most prevalent index structures for Euclidean and metric data, the R-Tree and the M-Tree, respectively. Our solution is applicable for arbitrary values of k and can also be applied in dynamic environments where updates of the database frequently occur. Although being the most general solution for the RkNN problem, our solution outperforms existing methods in terms of query execution times because it exploits different strategies for pruning false drops and identifying true hits as soon as possible.
Analyses of heterogeneous tandem links, part I: per-session performance of an ATM multiplexer

In this paper we present analyses to study the performance of a session at a single switching node on an ATM network with heterogeneous speed links. The traffic generated by an application (V-stream) traverses a set of links and switches on the network. Its performance is influenced by (1) the switching nodes which we assume to be non-blocking and have separate output buffers for each output link, (2) the links across the switch which may be of different speeds and use SONET/SDH framing protocol for transmitting ATM cells, and (3) the interfering (cross) traffic (Xstream) due to other sessions which use the same output link at a switching node. Since most applications generate bursty and correlated traffic we model V-stream. as a Markov Modulated Bemoulli Process (MMBP) and X-stream as an MMBP with batch arrivals. The switching node is modeled as an MMBP + MMBP[:Z]/D(Ns)/l/K queueing system. We propose a novel method to obtain the exact steady-state performance results for V-stream and X-stream individually. We also present a very efficient approximation technique which reduces the complexity of oUI method while providing almost exact results.
Path planning and trajectory generation using multi-rate predictive Artificial Potential Fields

In this paper, a multi-rate predictive artificial potential field method for dynamic and uncertain environments is described. It is based on the combination of classical Artificial Potential Field methods (APF) with Multi-rate Kalman Filter estimations (MKF), which takes into account present and future obstacle locations within a temporal horizon. By doing that, position uncertainty of obstacles is considered in the avoidance algorithm. This implies anticipation to the movement of the obstacles and its consideration in the path planning strategy. In this paper, forces derived from the potential field are taken as control inputs for the system model as well as considered in the Kalman Filter estimation. This leads to the generation of a local trajectory that fully meets the restrictions imposed by the kinematic model of the robot.
Particulate Characteristics during a Haze Episode Based on Two Ceilometers with Different Wavelengths

To investigate the particulate characteristics of a haze episode, data from two ceilometers with wavelengths of 532 nm and 910 nm, respectively, were studied intensively. By combining the data from the ceilometers with data from a sounding balloon, an automatic meteorological station, and a Grimm 180 PM instrument, analyses of the haze process of a short haze event were performed. The results showed that the relatively calm weather conditions were favorable to the occurrence of the haze and that higher relative humidity had a great influence on visibility. The extinction profiles from the ceilometers reflected the existence of an inverted structure of the temperature profiles and demonstrated the extinction differences at two different wavelengths. Because extinction has a positive correlation with relative humidity, the effect of hygroscopic growth was analyzed at the two different wavelengths. As hygroscopic growth of the particles proceeded, the longer wavelength became more sensitive to the large particles, and vice versa. The hygroscopic growth factor and the Angstrom exponent showed a negative correlation, and the correlation coefficients at 532 nm and 910 nm were 0.54 and 0.86, respectively. The accumulation mode particles were more stable through time than the coarse mode particles, and the variation of the coarse mode particles coincided well with the variation of the Angstrom exponent from the two ceilometers.
Investigating Feature Interactions by Exploiting Aspect Oriented Programming

Users think of systems in terms of the functionalities they provide. Any coherent and identifiable bundle of system functionality perceived by users is then a feature of the system. Features cut across the entire system. Thus, aspect oriented languages can be exploited in order to avoid the tangling between the code implementing a feature and the other parts of the system. The problem of feature interactions becomes the problem of discovering aspect interactions and can be studied by analysing the source code units. In this paper we show how programme slicing can be used to build models of aspect oriented units. Every time one wants to reason about an aspect, a developer can use the associated slice instead of the whole programme to build useful models. We believe that this motivates the use of aspect-oriented constructs as an effective tool to manage complexity.
Hybrid SVM and SVSA method for classification of remote sensing images

A linear support vector machine (LSVM) is based on determining an optimum hyperplane that separates the data into two classes with the maximum margin. The LSVM typically has high classification accuracy for linearly separable data. However, for nonlinearly separable data, it usually has poor performance. For this type of data, the Support Vector Selection and Adaptation (SVSA) method was developed, but its classification accuracy is not very high for linearly separable data in comparison to LSVM. In this paper, we present a new classifier that combines the LSVM with the SVSA, to be called the Hybrid SVM and SVSA method (HSVSA), for classification of both linearly and nonlinearly separable data and remote sensing images as well. The experimental results show that the HSVSA has higher classification accuracy than the traditional LSVM, the nonlinear SVM (NSVM) with the radial basis kernel, and the previous SVSA.
An improved determinant method of observability and its degree analysis

There are several methods applied in the observability analysis, such as determinant method. It is well known that linear dependence relationship between the observable and unobservable state variables can be found by traditional determinant method. But there is no single method which could resolve the usual difficulties in observability completely. An improved determinant method is introduced to solve this problem in this paper. It is shown here that observable state variables can be determined by establishing an information matrix based on the linear dependence relationship between observable and unobservable state variables. Also, the best choice of unobservable state variables could be performed easily by fast evaluation of observability degree based on the established information matrix and the initial error covariance of state variables. A step by step procedure is presented. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness and advantage of the new improved approach, which is applied to application of initial alignment of SINS.
Mutual Interaction of Basophils and T Cells in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Basophils are, together with mast cells, typical innate effector cells of allergen-induced IgE-dependent allergic diseases. Both cell types express the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεR1), release histamine, inflammatory mediators, and cytokines following FcεR1 cross-linking. Basophils are rare granulocytes in blood, lymphoid, and non-lymphoid tissues, and the difficulties to detect and isolate these cells has hampered the study of their biology and the understanding of their possible role in pathology. Furthermore, the existence of other FcεR1-expressing cells, including professional Ag-presenting dendritic cells, generated some controversy regarding the ability of basophils to express MHC Class II molecules, present Ag and drive naïve T cell differentiation into Th2 cells. The focus of this review is to present the recent advances on the interactions between basophils and peripheral blood and tissue memory Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, as well as their potential role in IgE-independent non-allergic chronic inflammatory disorders, including human inflammatory bowel diseases. Basophils interactions with the innate players of IgE-dependent allergic inflammation, particularly innate lymphoid cells, will also be considered. The previously unrecognized function for basophils in skewing adaptive immune responses opens novel perspectives for the understanding of their contribution to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
On measuring vulnerability to poverty

There is a growing interest on dynamic and broader concepts of deprivation such as vulnerability, which takes in to account the destitution of individuals from future shocks. We use the framework of decision making under uncertainty to arrive at a new measure of vulnerability to poverty. We highlight the importance of current standard of living to better capture the notion of vulnerability. In conceptualizing the new class of measures of vulnerability, we thus move beyond the standard expected poverty measures that is commonly found in the literature. We also axiomatically characterize the new class of measure and discuss some of its properties.
3D action recognition based on limb angle model

Human action recognition technology has been applied to intelligent security surveillance, content-based image and video retrieval and natural user interface. How to make use of the new type of data, 3D skeleton joint position extracted by 3D depth camera, has been a highly active research topic. A posture representation model is proposed, which is invariant to limb length, length ratio between body parts and body orientation. This model contains polar angle and azimuthal angle of each limb in the spherical coordinate system which is established by the features of body joints. Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is exploited for recognition. Skeleton sequences of different body orientation are collected as experimental data. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Schottky-Drain Technology for AlGaN/GaN High-Electron Mobility Transistors

In this letter, we demonstrate 27% improvement in the buffer breakdown voltage of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) grown on Si substrate by using a new Schottky-drain contact technology. Schottky-drain AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with a total 2-¿m-thick GaN buffer showed a three-terminal breakdown voltage of more than 700 V, while conventional AlGaN/GaN HEMTs of the same geometry showed a maximum breakdown voltage below 600 V. The improvement of the breakdown voltage has been associated with the planar contact morphology and lack of metal spikes in the Schottky-drain metallization.
HPV-DNA testing for cervical cancer precursors: from evidence to clinical practice

The large amount of literature published over the last two decades on human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA testing has definitely demonstrated the association between high-risk viral genotypes (hrHPV) and cervical cancer. Moreover, hrHPV-DNA testing has shown excellent performance in several clinical applications, from screening settings to the follow-up of treated patients, compared to conventional cytology or colposcopy options. On the other hand, when a huge number of reports are published on the same subject in a relatively short period of time, with many variations in settings, study designs and applications, the result is often confusion and decreased comprehension by readers. In daily office practice, several different situations (in symptomatic or asymptomatic women) can be positively managed by the correct use of hrHPV-DNA testing. Validated hrHPV-DNA testing and, specifically, the HC2® assay, due to its excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value together with optimal reproducibility, currently represent a powerful tool in the clinician’s hands to optimally manage several situations related to HPV infection and the potential development of cervical cancer.
A virtual indoor localization testbed for Wireless Sensor Networks

We present a novel, easy to use virtual testbed enabling researchers to evaluate their localization algorithms based on distance measurements in indoor environments. We provide precise ground truth information collected by our previously presented reference system, based on a mobile robot, in combination with range measurements from a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) in multiple buildings. The user can define a virtual experiment using our datasets over the web. This approach separates the process of designing a robust indoor localization algorithm from the need for testing it on actual hardware in different scenarios.
Influence Of Motivation And Organizational Commitment On Work Satisfaction And Employee Performance

This study aims to determine the effect of motivation on job satisfaction between permanent employees and outsourcing in the period 2013-2015. Motivational influence on the performance of the jobholder and outsourcing. The influence of organizational commitment on job satisfaction among permanent employees and outsourcing. The influence of commitment organizational to employee performance between permanent employees and outsourcing by using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). The effect of job satisfaction on employee performance. A sample of 60 respondents ie 55 permanent employees and five employees of outsourcing from year 2013 to 2015, then the authors examine the influence of motivation and organizational commitment to job satisfaction and employee performance, as for data collection techniques used by the researcher is a questionnaire is a technique of data collection in research by using a questionnaire that contains a list of questions to the respondent. Analytical techniques used in this study using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) PLS operated by AMOS program 21.0. The results showed that there is a positive and significant influence between Motivation (X1) to Job Satisfaction (Y1), there is a positive and significant influence between Motivation (X1) on Performance (Y2), there is a positive and significant influence between Organizational Commitment (X2) on Job Satisfaction (Y1), exists a positive and significant influence between a positive and significant influence between Organizational Commitment (X2) to Performance (Y2), there is a positive and significant influence between Job Satisfaction (Y1) on Performance (Y2).
CURRENT TRENDS IN FACIAL ANIMATIONORLANGWIDERE : NOT JUST ANOTHER WITCHCAROL

1. Introduction This paper presents a somewhat biased survey of some well-known facial animation systems that begins with a discussion of desirable characteristics in such a system and ends with a description of one of the newest systems, currently under construction at the University of Calgary. Let us consider the characteristics of a good facial animation system. There are two separable parts, rst the physical or structural model of the face, which is the shape in three dimensions. Second, the control model which can move, make small modiications to, drive, transform, and animate the physical model. Realism is one of the more diicult qualities to put into a physical model, but after you have it you can exaggerate, caricature, parody, warp, and simplify to produce anything you want. A realistic model looks like it might plausibly be a human face. To succeed with this illusion, all rendering artifacts must be avoided if possible. The requirements of exibility, power, and ordinary common sense dictate that no code-level changes should be necessary to model a new face. When the physical model is complete, the control model animates it. The control model adds emotion, speech and facial gestures. All are necessary for a good model. If you have speech but no emotion then the face will have no character. If you have emotion but no speech then you will only be able to tell the simplest of stories. Facial gestures independent of speech and emotion are used to punctuate speech, make points, and add character. Again, no recoding should be necessary (or even desired) when another physical model is used. Motion control should be layered so that small things can be tweaked, large gestures that might be repeated can be reused on demand, and asymmetric movements eeected. 2. Fascia: Frederick Parke Frederick Parke's face model (called Fascia in its current public domain release) is one of the seminal works in this eld. The model consists of a polygon mesh with carefully placed vertices to add detail where it is necessary and provide curvature where it is needed. But, despite how well the polygons are placed, and careful shading of the polygons, artifacts of the model are sometimes jarring (most clearly seen in the cheeks, at the border of the face, and the forehead in proole). Further since the model is based on polygons, making the model move requires \explicit,
On the Design of Power-Rail ESD Clamp Circuits With Gate Leakage Consideration in Nanoscale CMOS Technology

CMOS technology has been widely used to produce many integrated circuits. However, the thinner gate oxide in nanoscale CMOS technology seriously increases the difficulty of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection design. The power-rail ESD clamp circuit has been the key circuit to perform the whole-chip ESD protection scheme. Some ESD detection circuits were developed to trigger on ESD devices across the power rails to quickly discharge ESD current away from the internal circuits. Therefore, on-chip ESD protection circuits must be designed with the consideration of standby leakage to minimize the power consumption and the possibility of malfunction to normal circuit operation. The design of power-rail ESD clamp circuits with low standby leakage current and high efficiency of layout area in nanoscale CMOS technology is reviewed in this paper. The comparisons among those power-rail ESD clamp circuits are also discussed.
An unscented particle filter for ground maneuvering target tracking

In this study, an unscented particle filtering method based on an interacting multiple model (IMM) frame for a Markovian switching system is presented. The method integrates the multiple model (MM) filter with an unscented particle filter (UPF) by an interaction step at the beginning. The framework (interaction/mixing, filtering, and combination) is similar to that in a standard IMM filter, but an UPF is adopted in each model. Therefore, the filtering performance and degeneracy phenomenon of particles are improved. The filtering method addresses nonlinear and/or non-Gaussian tracking problems. Simulation results show that the method has better tracking performance compared with the standard IMM-type filter and IMM particle filter.
On the selection of the most appropriate MPC problem formulation for buildings

Model Predictive Control (MPC) for buildings has gained a lot of attention recently. It has been shown that MPC can achieve significant energy savings in the range between 15-30 % compared to a conventional control strategy, e.g., to a rule-based controller. However, there exist several reports showing that the performance of MPC can be inferior to that of a well-tuned conventional controller. Possible reasons are at hand: i) minimization is typically not performed over energy but instead over some input quantity that has a different meaning ii) a model mismatch and inaccuracies in weather predictions can cause wrong predictions of future behavior which can result in undesirable behavior of the control signal (e.g. oscillations) and, as a consequence, in increase in energy consumption. This behavior has been observed when applying one of the widely used economic MPC formulation to the building of Czech Technical University in Prague. These oscillations are not an issue for buildings only, but also for every economic MPC that minimizes the absolute value of the control action. In this paper, we discuss all the these aspects of the implementation of MPC on a real building, show and analyze data from MPC operation on the university building and finally propose and validate an MPC formulation that alleviates the sensitivity to model mismatch and inaccuracies in weather predictions.
Trinocchio: Privacy-Friendly Outsourcing by Distributed Verifiable Computation

Verifiable computation allows a client to outsource computations to a worker with a cryptographic proof of correctness of the result that can be verified faster than performing the computation. Recently, the Pinocchio system achieved faster verification than computation in practice for the first time. Unfortunately, Pinocchio and other efficient verifiable computation systems require the client to disclose the inputs to the worker, which is undesirable for sensitive inputs. To solve this problem, we propose Trinocchio: a system that distributes Pinocchio to three (or more) workers, that each individually do not learn which inputs they are computing on. Each worker essentially performs the work for a single Pinocchio proof; verification by the client remains the same. Moreover, we extend Trinocchio to enable joint computation with multiple mutually distrusting inputters and outputters and still very fast verification. We show the feasibility of our approach by analysing the performance of an implementation in two case studies. Keywords: veriable computation, quadratic arithmetic programs, privacy, multiparty computation, certicate validation