Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gesture Recognition for Alphabets from Hand Motion Trajectory Using Hidden Markov Models

This paper describes a method to recognize the alphabets from a single hand motion using Hidden Markov Models (HMM). In our method, gesture recognition for alphabets is based on three main stages; preprocessing, feature extraction and classification. In preprocessing stage, color and depth information are used to detect both hands and face in connection with morphological operation. After the detection of the hand, the tracking will take place in further step in order to determine the motion trajectory so-called gesture path. The second stage, feature extraction enhances the gesture path which gives us a pure path and also determines the orientation between the center of gravity and each point in a pure path. Thereby, the orientation is quantized to give a discrete vector that used as input to HMM. In the final stage, the gesture of alphabets is recognized by using Left-Right Banded model (LRB) in conjunction with Baum-Welch algorithm (BW) for training the parameters of HMM. Therefore, the best path is obtained by Viterbi algorithm using a gesture database. In our experiment, 520 trained gestures are used for training and also 260 tested gestures for testing. Our method recognizes the alphabets from A to Z and achieves an average recognition rate of 92.3%.
Intermittent Faults in VLSI Circuits

—Permanent, transient and intermiient faults can negatively inpact VLSI circuits. Soft errors habe been commonly associated with single event upsets generated by neutrons and alpha particles. However, similar errors may be induced by intermittent faults. This presentation discusses the difference between permanent, intermittent and transient faults. Error patterns reported by production servers and resutls of failure analysis are provided. This study points towards an increased role of the hardware implemented fault-tolerance, in perticular enhanced error correcting codes.
12/15-Lipoxygenase inhibition counteracts MAPK phosphorylation in mouse and cell culture models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND Increased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation has been detected in peripheral nerve of human subjects and animal models with diabetes as well as high-glucose exposed human Schwann cells, and have been implicated in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In our recent studies, leukocytetype 12/15-lipoxygenase inhibition or gene deficiency alleviated large and small nerve fiber dysfunction, but not intraepidermal nerve fiber loss in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. METHODS To address a mechanism we evaluated the potential for pharmacological 12/15-lipoxygenase inhibition to counteract excessive MAPK phosphorylation in mouse and cell culture models of diabetic neuropathy. C57Bl6/J mice were made diabetic with streptozotocin and maintained with or without the 12/15-lipoxygenase inhibitor cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-α-cyanocinnamate (CDC). Human Schwann cells were cultured in 5.5 mM or 30 mM glucose with or without CDC. RESULTS 12(S) HETE concentrations (ELISA), as well as 12/15-lipoxygenase expression and p38 MAPK, ERK, and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation (all by Western blot analysis) were increased in the peripheral nerve and spinal cord of diabetic mice as well as in high glucose-exposed human Schwann cells. CDC counteracted diabetes-induced increase in 12(S)HETE concentrations (a measure of 12/15-lipoxygenase activity), but not 12/15-lipoxygenase overexpression, in sciatic nerve and spinal cord. The inhibitor blunted excessive p38 MAPK and ERK, but not SAPK/ JNK, phosphorylation in sciatic nerve and high glucose exposed human Schwann cells, but did not affect MAPK, ERK, and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation in spinal cord. CONCLUSION 12/15-lipoxygenase inhibition counteracts diabetes related MAPK phosphorylation in mouse and cell culture models of diabetic neuropathy and implies that 12/15-lipoxygenase inhibitors may be an effective treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Application of Wavelet Packets in Bearing Fault Diagnosis

In this paper the wavelet packet transform is used for processing of rolling element bearing fault signals. The effectiveness of the envelope analysis technique is combined with the flexibility of the wavelet packet transform, helping in the minimization of interventions by the end user. According to the proposed method, a time-frequency decomposition of a vibration signal is provided and the components carrying the important diagnostic information are selected for further processing. The parameter selection criteria are discussed. The method is evaluated using a simulated signal and actual vibration signals measured from bearings with defects at different locations. Key-Words: Wavelet, Wavelet packet, Vibration, Bearing, Fault Diagnosis
High-resolution radar imaging for non-sparse scatterers by the combination of non-convex regularization and total variation

Most existing compressed sensing (CS) based radar imaging methods are based on the assumption that the targets are sparse enough, while in practice the targets are often spatially extended, which would degrade their inversion performances severely. In fact, the concentrations of the corresponding strong scatterers always form certain regions in high-resolution radar. Therefore, there still exist dependence and redundancy needed to exploit. In this paper, by utilizing the sparsity and continuity property of the targets, we propose a novel CS-based method for the radar imaging of two dimensional non-sparse scatterers, which is combining non-convex regularization and total variation constraint. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Extending visual perception with haptic exploration for improved scene understanding

Scene understanding has been investigated from a mainly visual information point of view. Recently depth has been provided an extra wealth of information, allowing more geometric knowledge to fuse into scene understanding. Yet to form a holistic view, especially in robotic applications, one can create even more data by interacting with the world. In fact humans, when growing up, seem to heavily investigate the world around them by haptic exploration. We show an application of haptic exploration on a humanoid robot in cooperation with a learning method for object segmentation. The actions performed consecutively improve the segmentation of objects in the scene.
Activity-driven fluctuations in living cells

We propose a model for the dynamics of a probe embedded in a living cell, where both thermal fluctuations and nonequilibrium activity coexist. The model is based on a confining harmonic potential describing the elastic cytoskeletal matrix, which undergoes random active hops as a result of the nonequilibrium rearrangements within the cell. We describe the probe's statistics and we bring forth quantities affected by the nonequilibrium activity. We find an excellent agreement between the predictions of our model and experimental results for tracers inside living cells. Finally, we exploit our model to arrive at quantitative predictions for the parameters characterizing nonequilibrium activity, such as the typical time scale of the activity and the amplitude of the active fluctuations.
Estimation of short term prediction parameters under lossy conditions

The inconsistencies inherent in packet switched network delivery can be seriously detrimental to the quality of a real-time speech transmission. This paper places its emphasis on the importance of the short term prediction (STP) filter parameters as these are perceptually important to intelligible speech. We introduces several novel schemes for the recovery of lost STP parameters represented as line spectral frequencies (LSFs) based on extrapolation and interpolation techniques. The unique inclusion of a number of past and/or future frames further commends this work. Methods which outperforms the traditional frame repetition and linear interpolation in terms of accuracy are presented and evaluated.
On externally definable sets and a theorem of Shelah

In [4] Saharon Shelah proves the striking and important result that if T is a complete theory without the independence property, M is a model of T , and M∗ is the expansion of M by adjoining predicates for “externally definable” subsets of M,M ×M, . , then Th(M∗) has quantifier elimination. Shelah’s proof is not so long, but arguably rather obscure. The aim of this expository paper is to give a direct and conceptual proof of Shelah’s theorem. In fact we give two proofs, the first going through quantifier-free heirs of quantifier-free types and the second through quantifier-free coheirs of quantifier-free types. We would hope that our proofs might suggest various strengthenings of the theorem (namely stronger conclusions). As this paper is expository we feel free to give more details than we normally would. Special cases of Shelah’s result were proved earlier in [1] (the o-minimal case) and [2] (the weakly o-minimal case). Frank Wagner and Victor Verbovskiy ([5]) also found a somewhat simplified account of Shelah’s proof. Thanks to Martin Ziegler for discussions, to Udi Hrushovski and Kobi Peterzil for comments on earlier versions, and to the referee for a few notational suggestions.
Gameplay issues in the design of spatial 3D gestures for video games.

We describe preliminary tests that form the first phase of research into issues involved with the design of spatial 3D gestures for video games. Early research on 3D gesture and spatial interaction was largely the domain of Virtual Reality (VR) [1]. More recent work looks at 3D gestures for mobile devices [2] and pervasive computing [3]. We are investigating issues affecting usability and fun [4] in the context of 3D gestures and spatial movement in video games where emotion, immediacy and immersion are more important than breadth of functionality and user task efficiency. These tests use our 3motion™ system, a wireless inertial motion tracking device and gesture SDK. This enables a range of gesture types from tight, precise movements to whole arm gestures, and from direct mapping of movement to recognition of 3D symbolic gestures. Four game scenarios using different spatial gesture characteristics were used to identify gameplay issues that have an impact on the design of 3D interaction.
Spam Filtering Using Compression Models

Spam filtering poses a special problem in text categorization, of which the defining characteristic is that filters face an active adversary, which constantly attempts to evade filtering. Since spam evolves continuously and most practical applications are based on online user feedback, the task calls for fast, incremental and robust learning algorithms. This paper summarizes our experiments for the TREC 2005 spam track, in which we consider the use of adaptive statistical data compression models for the spam filtering task. The nature of these models allows them to be employed as Bayesian text classifiers based on character sequences. Since messages are modeled as sequences of characters, tokenization and other error-prone preprocessing steps are omitted altogether, resulting in a method that is very robust. The models are also fast to construct and incrementally updateable. We present experimental results indicating that compression models perform well in comparison to established spam filters. We also show that the method is extremely robust to noise, which should make such filters difficult to defeat.
Parallel Evaluation of Multi-Semi-Joins

While services such as Amazon AWS make computing power abundantly available, adding more computing nodes can incur high costs in, for instance, pay-as-you-go plans while not always significantly improving the net running time (aka wall-clock time) of queries. In this work, we provide algorithms for parallel evaluation of SGF queries in MapReduce that optimize total time, while retaining low net time. Not only can SGF queries specify all semi-join reducers, but also more expressive queries involving disjunction and negation. Since SGF queries can be seen as Boolean combinations of (potentially nested) semi-joins, we introduce a novel multi-semi-join (MSJ) MapReduce operator that enables the evaluation of a set of semi-joins in one job. We use this operator to obtain parallel query plans for SGF queries that outvalue sequential plans w.r. t. net time and provide additional optimizations aimed at minimizing total time without severely affecting net time. Even though the latter optimizations are NP-hard, we present effective greedy algorithms. Our experiments, conducted using our own implementation Gumbo on top of Hadoop, confirm the usefulness of parallel query plans, and the effectiveness and scalability of our optimizations, all with a significant improvement over Pig and Hive.
Core loss prediction in electrical machine laminations considering skin effect and minor hysteresis loops

This paper presents a method for the estimation of core losses in electrical machine laminations exposed to high frequency and non-sinusoidal excitations by using only low frequency measurements. The developed model takes into account the non-uniform distribution of the magnetic field inside the lamination. Accurate core loss prediction in the presence of minor loops is achieved using the Energetic model to calculate the quasi-static hysteresis loops. The results are verified experimentally by comparing to the measured core losses in laminations exposed to the flux waveforms in different sections of an inset permanent magnet (PM) machine. The comparison between measured and calculated core losses shows excellent agreement, confirming the validity of the model.
Capacitance-voltage and Auger chemical profile studies on AlGaN/GaN structures passivated by SiO 2 /Si 3 N 4 and SiN x /Si 3 N 4 bilayers

AlGaN/GaN heterostructures passivated by SiO2/Si3N4 and SiNx/Si3N4 bilayers were characterized electrically by capacitance-voltage measurements and chemically by Auger microscopy chemical in-depth profiling. The 2-dimensional electron gas density was estimated from C-V curves and the electronic quality of the bilayers was evaluated from C-V hysteresis. Detailed variations of Auger peaks, in particular for oxygen, silicon, nitrogen, and carbon, versus argon ion sputtering time were registered. The electronic properties of these two structures were compared with each other and to their chemistry.
Optimized kernel fuzzy c means (OKFCM) clustering algorithm on level set method for noisy images

In this paper, optimized kernel fuzzy c-means (OKFCM) was used to generate an initial contour curve which overcomes leaking at the boundary during the curve propagation. Firstly, OKFCM algorithm computes the fuzzy membership values for each pixel. On the basis of OKFCM the edge indicator function was redefined. Using the edge indicator function the segmentation of medical images which are added with salt and pepper noise was performed to extract the regions of interest for further processing. The results of the above process of segmentation showed a considerable improvement in the evolution of the level set function.
Detection and Characterization of Low Temperature Peat Fires during the 2015 Fire Catastrophe in Indonesia Using a New High-Sensitivity Fire Monitoring Satellite Sensor (FireBird)

Vast and disastrous fires occurred on Borneo during the 2015 dry season, pushing Indonesia into the top five carbon emitting countries. The region was affected by a very strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate phenomenon, on par with the last severe event in 1997/98. Fire dynamics in Central Kalimantan were investigated using an innovative sensor offering higher sensitivity to a wider range of fire intensities at a finer spatial resolution (160 m) than heretofore available. The sensor is onboard the TET-1 satellite, part of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) FireBird mission. TET-1 images (acquired every 2–3 days) from the middle infrared were used to detect fires continuously burning for almost three weeks in the protected peatlands of Sebangau National Park as well as surrounding areas with active logging and oil palm concessions. TET-1 detection capabilities were compared with MODIS active fire detection and Landsat burned area algorithms. Fire dynamics, including fire front propagation speed and area burned, were investigated. We show that TET-1 has improved detection capabilities over MODIS in monitoring low-intensity peatland fire fronts through thick smoke and haze. Analysis of fire dynamics revealed that the largest burned areas resulted from fire front lines started from multiple locations, and the highest propagation speeds were in excess of 500 m/day (all over peat > 2m deep). Fires were found to occur most often in concessions that contained drainage infrastructure but were not cleared prior to the fire season. Benefits of implementing this sensor system to improve current fire management techniques are discussed. Near real-time fire detection together with enhanced fire behavior monitoring capabilities would not only improve firefighting efforts, but also benefit analysis of fire impact on tropical peatlands, greenhouse gas emission estimations as well as mitigation measures to reduce severe fire events in the future.
Adaptive dynamic walking of the quadruped on irregular terrain-autonomous adaptation using neural system model

We are trying to induce a quadruped robot to walk dynamically on irregular terrain by using a neural system model. In this paper, we integrate several reflexes such as stretch reflex, vestibulospinal reflex, and extensor and flexor reflex into CPG (central pattern generator). The success in walking on terrain of medium degree of irregularity with fixed parameters of CPG and reflexes shows that the biologically inspired control proposed in this study has an ability for autonomous adaptation to unknown irregular terrain.
CPTH6, a Thiazole Derivative, Induces Histone Hypoacetylation and Apoptosis in Human Leukemia Cells

Purpose: We previously identified novel thiazole derivatives able to reduce histone acetylation and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in yeast. Among these compounds, 3-methylcyclopentylidene-[4-(4′-chlorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]hydrazone (CPTH6) has been selected and used throughout this study. Experimental Design: The effect of CPTH6 on histone acetylation, cell viability and differentiation, cell-cycle distribution, and apoptosis in a panel of acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumor cell lines has been evaluated. Results: Here, we showed that CPTH6 leads to an inhibition of Gcn5 and pCAF HAT activity. Moreover, it inhibits H3/H4 histones and α-tubulin acetylation of a panel of leukemia cell lines. Concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability, paralleled by accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and depletion from the S/G2M phases, was observed. The role of mitochondrial pathway on CPTH6-induced apoptosis was shown, being a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c, from mitochondria to cytosol, induced by CPTH6. Also the involvement of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL on CPTH6-induced apoptosis was found after overexpression of the two proteins in leukemia cells. Solid tumor cell lines from several origins were shown to be differently sensitive to CPTH6 treatment in terms of cell viability, and a correlation between the inhibitory efficacy on H3/H4 histones acetylation and cytotoxicity was found. Differentiating effect on leukemia and neuroblastoma cell lines was also induced by CPTH6. Conclusions: These results make CPTH6 a suitable tool for discovery of molecular targets of HAT and, potentially, for the development of new anticancer therapies, which warrants further investigations. Clin Cancer Res; 18(2); 475–86. ©2011 AACR.
The heat, drugs and knockout systems of Microbial Biotechnology

The current issue of Microbial Biotechnology completes the second volume of this journal that aims to collect the best fundamental science in the field of microbiology related to biotechnological applications. The journal has maintained a regular flow of articles and has published many extremely relevant articles in the field, some of which are being extensively cited; an acknowledgement of their high scientific value.
Pedagogical Evaluation of a Domain-driven Design Framework Pedagogical Evaluation of a Systemic Soft Domain-driven Design Framework Pedagogical Evaluation of a Systemic Soft Domain-driven Design Framework Pedagogical Evaluation of a Systemic Soft Domain-driven Design Framework

Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided: • The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy; • A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and • The content is not changed in any way. Abstract This paper presents a pedagogical evaluation of the framework SDDD as a " soft systems " approach to Domain-Driven Design of computer-based information systems development. The framework combined techniques from Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the Unified Modelling Language (UML), and an implementation pattern. Systems development and teaching evaluations are done to find better framework which can be used for teaching and developing information systems. More Feedback and reflections from the lecturers and Msc students of the module Methods and Modeling are presented. The results are supported our previous work of proposing the framework to enhance the understanding of the business process modeling and implementation into an integrated framework. This is an enhancement of Domain Driven Design approach because new " soft layer " is added and the framework used for teaching further than development as DDD. Comments received from all participants are used to enhance the framework development and for further evaluation in the future. Abstract This paper presents a pedagogical evaluation of the framework SDDD as a " soft systems " approach to Domain-Driven Design of computer-based information systems development. The framework combined techniques from Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the Unified Modelling Language (UML), and an implementation pattern. Systems development and teaching evaluations are done to find better framework which can be used for teaching and developing information systems. More Feedback and reflections from the lecturers and Msc students of the module Methods and Modeling are presented. The results are supported our previous work of proposing the framework to enhance the understanding of the business process modeling and implementation into an integrated framework. This is an enhancement of Domain Driven Design approach because new " soft layer " is added and the framework used for teaching further than development as DDD. Comments received from all participants are used to enhance the framework development and for further evaluation in the future.
Fast block size selection algorithm for inter frame coding in H.264/AVC on TMS320C6416 DSP

Summary Motion estimation and compensation techniques are widely used for video coding applications but the real-time motion estimation is not easily achieved due to its enormous computations. Therefore, it would be greatly beneficial to optimize as much as possible the motion estimation bloc which is considered to be the most important in terms of computational cost. In this paper, a new fast block size selection DSP-based algorithm is presented, in which computation complexity is greatly reduced when achieving the same video quality. Experimental results show a 45.75% improvement in speed with no major loss in video quality (objective (PSNR) and subjective (SSIM)).