Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research and implementation of sign language recognition method based on Kinect

Sign language is a kind of important communication gesture to be studied in the human-computer interaction filed. Kinect is a 3D somatosensory camera launched by Microsoft, which can capture the color, depth and skeleton frames and is helpful to the gesture recognition research. In this paper, a method using the HOG and SVM algorithms with the Kinect software libraries to recognize sign language by recognizing the hand position, hand shape and hand action features is proposed. In order to realize this method, a special 3D sign language dataset contains 72 words is collected with Kinect, and experiments are conducted to evaluate the method. It is shown in the experimental results that the use of the HOG and SVM algorithms significantly increases the recognition accuracy of the Kinect, and is insensitive to background and other factors. The average recognition rate is up to 89.8%, which means the Kinect-based recognition method proposed in this paper can effectively and efficiently recognize sign language, and it has a great significance to the research and promotion of the sign language recognition technology.
Enhancing reliability in IEEE 802.11 based real-time networks through transport layer retransmissions

As the number of application areas for wireless technologies grows, the need for providing both predictable and reliable communication over wireless networks becomes apparent. Cooperative embedded systems for industrial automation are one example of systems with these needs. Previously, we developed a framework for reliable real-time communication in a single-hop wireless network with a logical star topology. The framework was placed on top of IEEE 802.15. 4 and combines transport layer retransmissions with real-time analysis admission control. IEEE 802.15. 4 was selected due to its advantageous energy saving techniques, making it an interesting choice for wireless sensor networks in industrial contexts. However, its achievable data rate is rather low, especially when voice or video for industrial surveillance and monitoring need to be transferred. Hence, we adapt our framework to fit the IEEE 802.11 standard and evaluate its performance using a data traffic model from industrial control and surveillance systems. The performance of the framework is evaluated in terms of network utilization, message error rate and delay distribution using theoretical analysis as well as computer simulations.
The Making and Unmaking of Local Democracy in an Indian Village

This study is an ethnographic investigation of a gram sabha (village assembly), the cornerstone of local democracy, in Soonaghalli, in the Mandya district of Southern Karnataka, India. Observation of the meeting and informal, open-ended conversations with the key actors illuminated how democratic policies that are conceived at the global level are practiced and experienced by local community members. The article speaks to the significance of moving beyond the prevailing politico-institutional framework of democracy that is dominated by concerns about formal regime shifts and focusing on informal practices that contribute to the making and unmaking of democratic governance. The findings shed light on the varied forms that deliberative processes take and on multiple meanings of deliberative cultures, emphasizing the need for a comparative sociological inquiry into democratic practices for a richer formulation of democratic theory.
A Preliminary Assessment of the Identification of Saw Marks on Burned Bone *

Abstract: This study assesses the degree of modification to the saw mark characteristics of dismembered skeletal remains when exposed to a controlled outdoor fire of limited duration. The sample consists of 36 adult pig hind limbs which were dismembered fleshed. Six handsaws and six power saws were used, with three limbs dismembered and burned for each of the saw types. Results indicate that fire exposure affects the visibility and identifiability of saw mark striae. With the handsaws, the bow saw, hacksaw, and keyhole saw were consistently recognizable. In the power saw group, the saw marks of the jigsaw, reciprocating saw, and chainsaw remained identifiable. Although the bone ends exhibited thermal alterations, the false starts were well preserved with minimal damage. Given the parameters of this study, it is possible to identify the class of saw based on the diagnostic characteristics present on the cremated bones.
An Ultrahigh Frequency Partial Discharge Signal De-Noising Method Based on a Generalized S-Transform and Module Time-Frequency Matrix

Due to electromagnetic interference in power substations, the partial discharge (PD) signals detected by ultrahigh frequency (UHF) antenna sensors often contain various background noises, which may hamper high voltage apparatus fault diagnosis and localization. This paper proposes a novel de-noising method based on the generalized S-transform and module time-frequency matrix to suppress noise in UHF PD signals. The sub-matrix maximum module value method is employed to calculate the frequencies and amplitudes of periodic narrowband noise, and suppress noise through the reverse phase cancellation technique. In addition, a singular value decomposition de-noising method is employed to suppress Gaussian white noise in UHF PD signals. Effective singular values are selected by employing the fuzzy c-means clustering method to recover the PD signals. De-noising results of simulated and field detected UHF PD signals prove the feasibility of the proposed method. Compared with four conventional de-noising methods, the results show that the proposed method can suppress background noise in the UHF PD signal effectively, with higher signal-to-noise ratio and less waveform distortion.
Logical analysis as a qualitative method I: Themes in old age and chronic illness

Abstract Qualitative methods have been criticized for their lack of explicit procedures and weakness in explanation. The present paper draws attention to a qualitative approach with a clear procedure and wide explanatory scope — logical analysis. Logic has been neglected as a way of organizing informants’accounts because it has been identified with a procedure for organizing theory. In this paper, the attempt is to reverse the emphasis, and to demonstrate a way of working with informants rather than involving in theoretical prescriptions. The approach is illustrated by some themes arising in old age and chronic illness. First, two conceptions of illness which have been distinguished in the work of Claudine Herzlich are analysed as systems of premises and consequences. Next, the procedures involved in logical analysis, and the explanations and practical uses which arise from it, are illustrated in two case studies. These cases are part of a larger body of data collected, amongst other things, for the purpose of eliciting the logic of old people's thinking. The emphasis is on illustrating the method; and general issues which arise from it, including the analysis of people who entertain contradictory systems of thought, are postponed to a second paper.
Mega‐sporting events in urban and regional policy: a history of the Winter Olympics

‘Mega‐events’, such as the Olympic Games, have emerged as an important tool of urban and regional renewal through their ability to justify redevelopment and enhancement, attract inward investment, promote tourism and create new images for host cities. This paper complements previous research into the urban effects of the Summer Games by focusing on the infrastructural legacy of hosting the Winter Games, 1924–2002. The discussion concentrates upon the growing intensity of the intra‐urban competition to host the event and identifies four phases in the changing infrastructural implications of staging the Games. As a component of urban and regional policy, the Winter Olympics present both major risks and clear opportunities for the effective transformation of host centres.
Motor and Cognitive Developmental Profiles in Children With Down Syndrome

Objective To investigate motor and cognitive developmental profiles and to evaluate the correlation between two developmental areas and assess the influencing factors of the developmental process in children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods Seventy-eight children with DS participated in this study. The medical history was taken and motoric milestone achievements recorded. The Korean Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (K-WPPSI) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) were administered. Subjects were divided into severe motor delay group (severe group) and typical motor delay group (typical group). Results Children with DS follow the same sequence of motor development and generally displayed double times of acquisition of developmental milestones compared with healthy children. Furthermore, having surgery for associated complications showed negative influence to the motor development. Almost of all children with DS showed moderate degree of intellectual disability and motor and cognitive development do not seem to correlate one another. Conclusion Surgery of associated complications can be negatively related to motor development. However, early motor development did not have any significant effects on the achievement of later cognitive functioning.
Polyneuropathy of Finnish horses characterised by inflammatory demyelination and intracisternal Schwann cell inclusions.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY A neurological disorder characterised by pelvic limb metatarsophalangeal joint extensor paresis has been observed in numerous horses in Scandinavia for the last decade. Very little has been formally reported and there have been no detailed assessments of the neurological signs or neuropathological lesions. OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiological and pathological features of an outbreak of 'Scandinavian knuckling syndrome' in a riding stable in southern Finland. METHODS Clinical neurological examination of 4 cases and neuropathological assessment of tissues of one case were performed. RESULTS Eleven out of 17 horses fed on ryegrass from a common source showed progressive clinical signs of metatarsophalangeal extensor paresis necessitating euthanasia of 7 horses. Nervous system lesions in one horse consisted of a novel demyelinating, mildly inflammatory peripheral neuropathy, with BiP/GRP positive rough endoplasmatic reticulum Schwann cell inclusions. CONCLUSIONS The clinical signs and lesions documented differ from any previously described equine polyneuropathy and suggest a primary Schwann cell lesion. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The classification of this disease as a novel demyelinating polyneuropathy may assist focused epidemiological investigations.
Data and text mining MS 2 PIP : a tool for MS / MS peak intensity prediction

Motivation: Tandem mass spectrometry provides the means to match mass spectrometry signal observations with the chemical entities that generated them. The technology produces signal spectra that contain information about the chemical dissociation pattern of a peptide that was forced to fragment using methods like collision induced dissociation. The ability to predict these MS signals and to understand this fragmentation process is very important for sensitive, high-throughput proteomics research. Results: We present a new tool called MSPIP for predicting the intensity of the most important fragment ion signal peaks from a peptide sequence. MSPIP pre-processes a large dataset with confident peptide-to-spectrum matches to facilitate data-driven model induction using a Random Forest regression learning algorithm. The intensity predictions of MSPIP were evaluated on several independent evaluation sets and found to correlate significantly better with the observed fragment -ion intensities as compared with the current state-of-the-art PeptideART tool. Availability: MSPIP code is available for both training and predicting at http://compomics.com/.
Effect of Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the Induction and Expression of Morphine Tolerance and Dependence in Mice

Abstract The antinociceptive effect of cyanocobalamin (Vit B12) has been reported in animal models and human studies. Our previous study showed the effect of Vit B12 on morphine tolerance. The dependence and tolerance were induced in male mice using subcutaneous morphine injections, 3 times a day (50, 50 and 75 mg/kg/day) for 3 days. Mice also received Vit B12 (100, 250 and 500 µg/kg), clonidine, memantine and saline intraperitoneally before morphine administration. On fourth day mice received only 7 mg /kg morphine just before tail-flick test. To determine the expression of morphine dependence and tolerance, all compounds were injected once intraperitoneally on the day of experiment. The tolerance was evaluated by the tail-flick test. The effect of Vit B12 and other agents on dependence were evaluated by counting the number of jumps (induced by naloxone 5 mg/kg). Co-administration of Vit B12 (100–500 µg/kg) and morphine in 3 days reduced the development of tolerance to morphine analgesic effect (8.2±0.5 and 7.83±0.5 s. vs. normal saline, 3.57±0.3 s). Repeated administration of Vit B12, also, diminished the reduced naloxane withdrawal signs of naloxone withdrawal test (100–500 µg/kg: 5±1.9 and 1.2±0.8 jumps vs. normal saline 72.6±12.2). However, Vit B12 had no effect on the expression of morphine tolerance and physical dependence. It is concluded that co-administration of Vit B12 and morphine could reduce tolerance to analgesic effect of morphine chronic administration and also reduce its withdrawal symptoms.
Association between IRF6 and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in four populations

Purpose: The interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6), the gene that causes van der Woude syndrome has been shown to be associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate in several populations. This study aimed to confirm the contribution of IRF6 to cleft lip with or without palate risk in additional Asian populations.Methods: A set of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms was tested for association with cleft lip with or without palate in 77 European American, 146 Taiwanese, 34 Singaporean, and 40 Korean case-parent trios using both the transmission disequilibrium test and conditional logistic regression models.Results: Evidence of linkage and association was observed among all four populations; and two specific haplotypes [GC composed of rs2235373-rs2235371 (p.V274I) and AAG of rs599021-rs2235373-rs595918] showed the most significant over- and undertransmission among Taiwanese cases (P = 9 × 10−6 and P = 5 × 10−6, respectively). The AGC/CGC diplotype composed of rs599021-rs2235373-rs2013162 showed almost a 7-fold increase in risk among the Taiwanese sample (P < 10−3). These results confirmed the contribution of this gene to susceptibility of oral clefts across different populations; however, the specific single nucleotide polymorphisms showing statistical significance differed among ethnic groups.Conclusion: The high-risk genotypes and diplotypes identified here may provide a better understanding of the etiological role of this gene in oral clefts and potential options for genetic counseling.
Comparison of Object Detection Algorithms on Maritime Vessels

Abstract : This manuscript conducts a comparison on modern object detection systems in their ability to detect multiple maritime vessel classes. Three highly scoring algorithms from the Pascal VOC Challenge, Histogram of Oriented Gradients by Dalal and Triggs, Exemplar-SVM by Malisiewicz, and Latent-SVM with Deformable Part Models by Felzenszwalb, were compared to determine performance of recognition within a specific category rather than the general classes from the original challenge. In all cases, the histogram of oriented edges was used as the feature set and support vector machines were used for classification. A summary and comparison of the learning algorithms is presented and a new image corpus of maritime vessels was collected. Precision-recall results show improved recognition performance is achieved when accounting for vessel pose. In particular, the deformable part model has the best performance when considering the various components of a maritime vessel.
ERP System Solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises in Trans Nzoia County - Kenya

An ERP is an integrated information system that enables full and efficient utilization of resources for its information needs . The rising demand of information system, the integration of ERP components, brings the perspective of profitability growth and cuts down running costs for SMEs. Objectives of this paper is to analyze the role of ERP in the SMEs implementation; establish a critical success factor of SMEs and to establish modalities to cut down costs in running. It’s true that Security is a critical factor for ERP systems, putting in consideration that auditing the infrastructure has proved to be a challenge . ERP aims at integrating data, introducing cheap operation, easy monitoring processes from all areas of SMEs and unification for easy access and work flow. The Question is whether ERP is a critical success factor in Kenyan counties-specifically Trans Nzoia county and does it impact SMEs to cut down costs. This paper reports on research findings from a case study conducted in SMEs from Trans Nzoia County - Kenya . It also creates avenues in for further research
Driver assistance: an integration of vehicle monitoring and control

About 1.17 million people die in road crashes around the world each year. It is estimated that up to 30% of these fatalities are caused by fatigue and inattention. There are systems able to detect what is happening outside of the car, e.g., lane tracking, obstacle detection, pedestrian detection etc. Further on, there are also means for monitoring the actions of the driver. A natural step is to fuse the available data from within and outside of the car, and suggest a suitable response. This paper discusses driver assistance systems, lists a set of necessary core competencies of such a system and in particular presents a system for force-feedback in the steering wheel when crossing lanes. The presented system utilises a robust lane tracker which is experimentally evaluated for the purpose of driver assistance. In addition, preliminary results from simultaneous driver monitoring and lane tracking are presented that indicates a good correlation between the two, i.e. the driver's gaze direction and the structure of the road. These data can in turn be used for more advanced driver assistance systems in the future.
Tissue Metabolic Responses to Salt Stress in Wild and Cultivated Barley

A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying barley salt tolerance and exploitation of elite genetic resource are essential for utilizing wild barley germplasm in developing barley varieties with salt tolerance. In order to reveal the physiological and molecular difference in salt tolerance between Tibetan wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) and cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare), profiles of 82 key metabolites were studies in wild and cultivated barley in response to salinity. According to shoot dry biomass under salt stress, XZ16 is a fast growing and salt tolerant wild barley. The results of metabolite profiling analysis suggested osmotic adjustment was a basic mechanism, and polyols played important roles in developing salt tolerance only in roots, and high level of sugars and energy in roots and active photosynthesis in leaves were important for barley to develop salt tolerance. The metabolites involved in tolerance enhancement differed between roots and shoots, and also between genotypes. Tibetan wild barley, XZ16 had higher chlorophyll content and higher contents of compatible solutes than CM72, while the cultivated barley, CM72 probably enhanced its salt tolerance mainly through increasing glycolysis and energy consumption, when the plants were exposed to high salinity. The current research extends our understanding of the mechanisms involved in barley salt tolerance and provides possible utilization of Tibetan wild barley in developing barley cultivars with salt tolerance.
Object Placement in Parallel Tape Storage Systems

High performance computing and enterprise data center require huge amount of data transfer between disk and tape. With the help of large capacity disk, writing to tape is less problematic than reading from tape. We are investigating how to use multiple tape libraries to build a parallel tape storage system with high aggregated data retrieval bandwidth. The challenge lies in that increasing data transfer parallelism may also increase tape switch time and data seek time that reduce the effective data retrieval bandwidth. We are proposing a novel scheme to place objects across tape drives based on object access pattern to reduce tape switch time and in the meanwhile increase data transfer parallelism. A multiple-tape-library simulator is built to study the proposed scheme. Simulation results show that our scheme outperforms other two previously proposed schemes with a better trade-off between tape switch time, data seek time and data transfer time
Endoluminal Recanalization in a Patient with Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Using a Multimodality Approach

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens, a rare complication of deep venous thrombosis, has traditionally been difficult to treat. The patient described in this report posed additional therapeutic challenges based on a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. She presented with severe leg pain and swelling, and a venogram showed occlusion of both her inferior vena cava and right iliac vein. The use of a multimodality approach, both chemical and mechanical, was successful in removing the venous occlusion, thereby preventing further complications, such as circulatory shock, postphlebitic syndrome, and venous gangrene.
Designing Effective Visualizations for Elementary School Science

Research has shown that technology-enhanced visualizations can improve inquiry learning in science when they are designed to support knowledge integration. Visualizations play an especially important role in supporting science learning at elementary and middle school levels because they can make unseen and complex processes visible. We identify 4 principles that can help designers and teachers incorporate visualizations into curriculum materials. These principles call for (a) reducing visual complexity to help learners recognize salient information, (b) scaffolding the process of generating explanations, (c) supporting student-initiated modeling of complex science, and (d) using multiple linked representations. We describe the principles, discuss patterns combining the principles, and give examples from several science disciplines.
Error Identification and Correction for Memory Application using Majority Logic Decoder and Detector

memory is a new memory storage technology which may be used for memory applications such as aerospace, nano-bioengineering, etc. It provides smaller, faster and lower energy device. This technology blends together tiny carbon nano-tubes with conventional semiconductor. During encoding and decoding process, the error may occur in the codeword which results in the mismatching or loss of information. Error detection and correction are main issues in the memory which needs to be identified and corrected. The proposed method will identify the error and correct the error in the memory application using Majority Logic Decoder and Detector (MLDD). MLDD corrects the error based on number of parity check equation. This technology reduces the N- iteration to three iteration, if the codeword doesn't contain any fault. It reduces the memory access time when there is no fault in data read. However it reduces the decoding time that increase memory application. This method uses decoder to detect the failure which minimizes the area and power consumption. Keywordsodeword, Iteration, MLD, MLDD.