Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moversight: A group communication protocol for mobile collaborative applications

Increasing mobility and collaboration are key aspects of ubiquitous communication. Mobile collaborative applications require novel schemes for group communication that actively support closed collaborations in wireless scenarios. Existing group communication protocols do not sufficiently support, for instance, temporary losses of connections with the group. In this paper, we present Moversight, a new P2P group communication protocol, which was specifically designed for closed groups in mobile environments with varying churn rates. It supports up to 100 mobile, nomadic or stationary participants. Moversight applies a new group communication paradigm, called mobile optimistic virtual synchrony, to handle churn-related peer failures. We describe the main protocol features of Moversight and present simulation results to demonstrate its applicability.
Novel Edge Detection Algorithm in Eight Different Directions

Edge detection is one of the important preprocessing steps in image analysis. Edges characterize boundaries and edge detection is one of the most difficult tasks in image processing hence it is a problem of fundamental importance in image processing. Edges in images are areas with strong intensity contrasts and a jump in intensity from one pixel to the next can create major variation in the picture quality. Edge detection of an image significantly reduces the amount of data and filters out useless information, while preserving the important structural properties in an image. Conventionally, mathematical morphology edge detection methods use single and symmetrical structure elements. But they are difficult to detect complex edge feature, because they are only sensitive to image edge which has the same direction of structure elements. This paper proposed a novel edge detection algorithm based on multi-structure elements morphology of eight different directions. The eight different edge detection results are obtained by using morphological gradient algorithm respectively, and final edge results are obtained by using synthetic weighted method. The experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm is more efficient for edge detection than conventional mathematical morphological edge detection algorithms and differential edge detection operators.
Modeling End-to-end Distance for Given Number of Hops in Dense Planar Wireless Sensor Networks

We model the end-to-end distance for a given number of hops in dense planar wireless sensor networks in this paper. We derive that the closed-form formula for single-hop distance and postulate Beta distribution for 2-hop distance. When the number of hops increases beyond three, the multi-hop distance approaches Gaussian. The Gaussian approximation model is also applied to ranging, which achieves less distance error than Hop-TERRAIN and APS (ad hoc positioning system). Our error analysis also shows the distance error is be minimized by using our model
Observer-based fault tolerant tracking control for vehicule lateral dynamics

This paper deals with actuator fault tolerant tracking controller design for a vehicle lateral dynamics represented by the uncertain Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model. The main idea is based on the use of a Proportional Integer Observer (PIO) to estimate both constant faults and faulty system states combined to the descriptor redundancy property. The objective of this approach is to synthesize a Fault Tolerant Controller (FTC) ensuring trajectory tracking of a desired reference vehicle model. To take account variation of tire slip angles, the case of unmeasurable premise variables is considered and a solution is then proposed in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI). Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Cross-matching: a modified cross-correlation underlying threshold energy model and match-based depth perception

Three-dimensional visual perception requires correct matching of images projected to the left and right eyes. The matching process is faced with an ambiguity: part of one eye's image can be matched to multiple parts of the other eye's image. This stereo correspondence problem is complicated for random-dot stereograms (RDSs), because dots with an identical appearance produce numerous potential matches. Despite such complexity, human subjects can perceive a coherent depth structure. A coherent solution to the correspondence problem does not exist for anticorrelated RDSs (aRDSs), in which luminance contrast is reversed in one eye. Neurons in the visual cortex reduce disparity selectivity for aRDSs progressively along the visual processing hierarchy. A disparity-energy model followed by threshold nonlinearity (threshold energy model) can account for this reduction, providing a possible mechanism for the neural matching process. However, the essential computation underlying the threshold energy model is not clear. Here, we propose that a nonlinear modification of cross-correlation, which we term “cross-matching,” represents the essence of the threshold energy model. We placed half-wave rectification within the cross-correlation of the left-eye and right-eye images. The disparity tuning derived from cross-matching was attenuated for aRDSs. We simulated a psychometric curve as a function of graded anticorrelation (graded mixture of aRDS and normal RDS); this simulated curve reproduced the match-based psychometric function observed in human near/far discrimination. The dot density was 25% for both simulation and observation. We predicted that as the dot density increased, the performance for aRDSs should decrease below chance (i.e., reversed depth), and the level of anticorrelation that nullifies depth perception should also decrease. We suggest that cross-matching serves as a simple computation underlying the match-based disparity signals in stereoscopic depth perception.
Influence of Nanoclay Dispersion Methods on the Mechanical Behavior of E-Glass/Epoxy Nanocomposites

Common dispersion methods such as ultrasonic sonication, planetary centrifugal mixing and magnetic dispersion have been used extensively to achieve moderate exfoliation of nanoparticles in polymer matrix. In this study, the effect of adding three roll milling to these three dispersion methods for nanoclay dispersion into epoxy matrix was investigated. A combination of each of these mixing methods with three roll milling showed varying results relative to the unmodified polymer laminate. A significant exfoliation of the nanoparticles in the polymer structure was obtained by dispersing the nanoclay combining three roll milling to magnetic and planetary centrifugal mixing methods. This exfoliation promoted a stronger interfacial bond between the matrix and the fiber, which increased the final properties of the E-glass/epoxy nanocomposite. However, a combination of ultrasound sonication and three roll milling on the other hand, resulted in poor clay exfoliation; the sonication process degraded the polymer network, which adversely affected the nanocomposite final properties relative to the unmodified E-glass/epoxy polymer.
Making better biometric decisions with quality and cohort information: A case study in fingerprint verification

Automatically recognizing humans using their biometric traits such as face and fingerprint will have very important implications in our daily lives. This problem is challenging because biometric traits can be affected by the acquisition process which is sensitive to the environmental conditions (e.g., lighting) and the user interaction. It has been shown that post-processing the classifier output, so called score normalization, is an important mechanism to counteract the above problem. In the literature, two dominant research directions have been explored: cohort normalization and quality-based normalization. The first approach relies on a set of competing cohort models, essentially making use of the resultant cohort scores. A well-established example is the T-norm. In the second approach, the normalization is based on deriving the quality information from the raw biometric signal. We propose to combine both the cohort score- and signal-derived information via logistic regression. Based on 12 independent fingerprint experiments, our proposal is found to be significantly better than the T-norm and two recently proposed cohort-based normalization methods.
An inviscid dyadic model of turbulence: the global attractor

Properties of an infinite system of nonlinearly coupled ordinary differential equations are discussed. This system models some properties present in the equations of motion for an inviscid fluid such as the skew symmetry and the 3-dimensional scaling of the quadratic nonlinearity. In a companion paper [8] it is proved that every solution for the system with forcing blows up in finite time in the Sobolev $H^{5/6}$ norm. In this present paper, it is proved that after the blow-up time all solutions stay in $H^s$, $s < 5/6$ for almost all time. It is proved that the model system exhibits the phenomenon of anomalous (or turbulent) dissipation which was conjectured for the Euler equations by Onsager. As a consequence of this anomalous dissipation the unique equilibrium of the system is a global attractor.
Acute kidney injury transcriptomics unveils a relationship between inflammation and ageing.

There are no pathophysiolgical therapeutic approaches to acute kidney injury (AKI) and the mortality remains high. In addition chronic kidney disease (CKD) predisposes to AKI and AKI contributes to progression of CKD. Recently a transcriptomics approach unveiled a relationship between AKI, inflammation and the regulation of ageing. A transcriptomics analysis of experimental AKI revealed increased kidney expression of Fn14 and transmembrane chemokine CXCL16, as well as a decreased expression of the kidney-secreted anti-ageing hormone Klotho. Fn14 is the receptor for tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF superfamily. In AKI kidneys there was a positive correlation between Fn14 and CXCL16 mRNA expression and an inverse correlation between Fn14 and Klotho mRNA. Tubular cells were the site of Fn14, CXCL16 and Klotho expression in vivo. Research on the relationships between these three molecules disclosed that TWEAK activation of Fn14 promoted inflammation through secretion of chemokines such as CXL16 in tubular cells in culture and in vivo. Furthermore, TWEAK activation of Fn14 decreased expression of Klotho mRNA and protein in culture and in vivo. Interestingly, both TWEAK activation of CXCL16 mRNA transcription and suppression of Klotho mRNA transcription were mediated by the NFκB transcription factor. In conclusion, TWEAK engagement of Fn14 is a central event promoting NFκB-mediated activation of inflammation pathways and suppression of anti-inflammatory/anti-ageing pathways. This information may influence future therapeutic approaches to AKI and inflammation/aging.
Perception of the risk of adverse reactions to analgesics: differences between medical students and residents

Background. Medications are not exempt from adverse drug reactions (ADR) and how the physician perceives the risk of prescription drugs could influence their availability to report ADR and their prescription behavior. Methods. We assess the perception of risk and the perception of ADR associated with COX2-Inbitors, paracetamol, NSAIDs, and morphine in medical students and residents of northeast of Mexico. Results. The analgesic with the highest risk perception in both group of students was morphine, while the drug with the least risk perceived was paracetamol. Addiction and gastrointestinal bleeding were the ADR with the highest score for morphine and NSAIDs respectively. Discussion. Our findings show that medical students give higher risk scores than residents toward risk due to analgesics. Continuing training and informing physicians about ADRs is necessary since the lack of training is known to induce inadequate use of drugs.
Biomechanics of morphing wings in a Bat-robot actuated by SMA muscles

Bats exhibit extraordinary flight capabilities that arise by virtue of a variety of unique mechanical features. These flying mammals have developed powerful muscles that provide the folding and extension of their wing-membrane during flight (morphing). Although observing and gaining inspiration from these animals can provide significant insight into the physical requirements of flapping flight, it remains an engineering challenge to develop equivalently effective morphing wing vehicles [1], [2]. Bat wings are made of quite flexible bones that possess independently controllable joints, which make difficult to mimic their mechanistic basis of flight. By combining flapping and morphing motions, bats can achieve an amazing level of maneuverability [3]. Attempting to reproduce the muscles system acting on their wing’s joints requires the analysis of alternative actuation technologies [4] more likely muscle fiber arrays instead of standard servomotor actuators. In this regard, smart materials have opened new alternatives and the potential of building simpler, lighter and smaller robotics systems [5], [6].
Future challenges for vection research: definitions, functional significance, measures, and neural bases

This paper discusses four major challenges facing modern vection research. Challenge 1 (Defining Vection) outlines the different ways that vection has been defined in the literature and discusses their theoretical and experimental ramifications. The term vection is most often used to refer to visual illusions of self-motion induced in stationary observers (by moving, or simulating the motion of, the surrounding environment). However, vection is increasingly being used to also refer to non-visual illusions of self-motion, visually mediated self-motion perceptions, and even general subjective experiences (i.e., “feelings”) of self-motion. The common thread in all of these definitions is the conscious subjective experience of self-motion. Thus, Challenge 2 (Significance of Vection) tackles the crucial issue of whether such conscious experiences actually serve functional roles during self-motion (e.g., in terms of controlling or guiding the self-motion). After more than 100 years of vection research there has been surprisingly little investigation into its functional significance. Challenge 3 (Vection Measures) discusses the difficulties with existing subjective self-report measures of vection (particularly in the context of contemporary research), and proposes several more objective measures of vection based on recent empirical findings. Finally, Challenge 4 (Neural Basis) reviews the recent neuroimaging literature examining the neural basis of vection and discusses the hurdles still facing these investigations.
Genotypic variation in rice yield enhancement by elevated CO2 relates to growth before heading, and not to maturity group

Maturity group (based on the number of days to maturity) is an important growth trait for determining crop productivity, but there has been no attempt to examine the effects of elevated [CO2] on yield enhancement of rice cultivars with different maturity groups. Since early-maturing cultivars generally show higher plant N concentration than late-maturing cultivars, it is hypothesized that [CO2]-induced yield enhancement might be larger for early-maturing cultivars than late-maturing cultivars. To test this hypothesis, the effects of elevated [CO2] on yield components, biomass, N uptake, and leaf photosynthesis of cultivars with different maturity groups were examined for 2 years using a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE). Elevated [CO2] significantly increased grain yield and the magnitude significantly differed among the cultivars as detected by a significant [CO2]×cultivar interaction. Two cultivars (one with early and one with late maturity) responded more strongly to elevated [CO2] than those with intermediate maturity, resulting mainly from increases in spikelet density. Biomass and N uptake at the heading stage were closely correlated with grain yield and spikelet density over [CO2] and cultivars. Our 2 year field trial rejected the hypothesis that earlier cultivars would respond more to elevated [CO2] than later cultivars, but it is revealed that the magnitude of the growth enhancement before heading is a useful criterion for selecting rice cultivars capable of adapting to elevated [CO2].
Human Face Animation Based on Video Analysis, with Applications to Mobile Entertainment

In this paper, we present a novel non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) muscle system for the simulation of human facial expressions and talking animation based on features extracted from video sequences. We construct the facial muscles based on anatomical knowledge and NURBS models. We use 43 feature points to represent facial expressions and apply a lip contour extraction technique to determine lip shapes. Our system is able to generate many different facial expressions and mouth shapes. The system has been used in web and mobile phone based digital entertainment applications.
Perceptualisation using a tactile mouse

Whilst there has been considerable effort in constructing force feedback devices for use in virtual environments, and in the use of touch as a prosthesis for the blind, there has been little work on the use of touch in the visualisation or more properly, perceptualisation of data. Touch potentially offers an additional dimension of perception where visualisation is limited by screen size, resolution, and visual overload. We describe some tactile mice and experiments in using tactile mice for a variety of perceptualisation tasks.
Direct Unequal Cleavages: Embryo Developmental Competence, Genetic Constitution and Clinical Outcome

Objective To investigate the prevalence, developmental potential, chromosomal constitution and clinical outcome of embryos with direct unequal cleavages (DUC). Design A retrospective observational study. Setting Academic Institution. Participant 21,261 embryos from 3,155 cycles cultured in EmbryoScope®. Results The total incidence of DUCs per embryo occupying the first three cleavages were 26.1%. Depending of the cell stage, DUC rate was 9.8% at first cleavage (DUC-1), 9.1% at second cleavage (DUC-2), and 3.7% at third cleavage (DUC-3) with 3.6% of embryos exhibiting multiple DUCs (DUC-Plus). The occurrence of DUCs was not correlated with female gamete age or source. The incidence of DUC-1 was significantly higher in embryos fertilized by epididymal and testicular sperm (13.6% and 11.4%, respectively) compared to ejaculated sperm (9.1%, all p<0.05). The total incidences of DUCs were strongly correlated with the onset of blastomere multinucleation (MNB) during the first three divisions. In MNB embryos, DUCs incidence are two to three times more likely to develop when compared to non-MNB embryos (OR = 3.11, 95% CI [2.64, 3.67] at 1-cell stage, OR = 2.64, 95% CI [2.39, 2.91] at 2-cell stage and OR = 2.51, 95% CI [1.84, 3.43] at 4-cell stage). The blastocyst formation rates gradually decreased from 61.0% in non-DUC to 40.2% in DUC-3, 18.8% in DUC-2, 8.2% in DUC-1 and 5.6% in multiple DUC embryos (DUC-Plus). The known implantation rates (FH) for day 3 (D3) transfers were 12.42% (n = 3172) in Non-DUC embryos, 6.3% (n = 127) in DUC-3, and 2.7% (n = 260) in DUC-2 embryos. No live births resulted from either DUC-1 (n = 225) or DUC-Plus (n = 100) embryo transfers. For blastocyst transfers, lower implantation rates (33.3%) but similar live birth (LB) rates (40%) were observed if DUC blastocysts were transferred. Comparatively rates in Non-DUC blastocyst were 45.2% and 34.8%, respectively. The euploid rate gradually increased from DUC-1, -2, -3 to Non-DUC (13.3%, 19.5%, 33.3%, 45.6%, p<0.001) for D3 biopsied embryos. Interestingly, the trend of decreased euploidy disappeared in DUC D5/6 biopsied embryos and similar rates were exemplified in DUC (D5 56.3%, D6 35.6%) vs. non-DUC (D5 51.4%, D6 33.8%) embryos. Conclusion Blastocyst formation, implantation potential and euploid rate were significantly reduced in DUC embryos. DUC embryos should be deselected for D3 transfers, but should be culture to blastocyst stage for possible ET.
Improving PSK performance in snapping shrimp noise with rotated constellations

Snapping shrimp are small marine animals that are typically found in coastal regions with coral reefs. These crustaceans live in droves and are the dominant source of high-frequency ambient noise in their habitat. The noise generated by the shrimp is impulsive and is detrimental to the performance of sonar and underwater communication systems. In this paper we use heavy-tailed symmetric α-stable (SαS) distributions to model snapping shrimp noise. In conventional digital communication systems, most processing is done at the baseband level. We investigate the characteristics of complex baseband noise derived from passband additive white symmetric α-stable noise (AWSαSN) using linear passband-to-baseband converters. The resulting baseband noise distributions, although symmetric, are generally anisotropic with dependent components. Further still, the geometric structure of the anisotropy may be controlled by varying certain system parameters. We exploit this structure to enhance error performance for the binary and quadrature phase shift keying (BPSK/QPSK) schemes by rotating constellations.
A Class of Sparsely Connected Autoassociative Morphological Memories for Large Color Images

This brief introduces a new class of sparsely connected autoassociative morphological memories (AMMs) that can be effectively used to process large multivalued patterns, which include color images as a particular case. Such as the single-valued AMMs, the multivalued models exhibit optimal absolute storage capacity and one-step convergence. The remarkable feature of the proposed models is their sparse structure. In fact, the number of synaptic junctions - and consequently the required computational resources - usually decreases considerably as more and more patterns are stored in the novel multivalued AMMs.
Historical Constraints on Vertebrate Genome Evolution

Recent analyses indicated that genes with larger effect of knockout or mutation and with larger probability to revert to single copy after whole genome duplication are expressed earlier in development. Here, we further investigate whether tissue specificity of gene expression is constrained by the age of origin of the corresponding genes. We use 38 metazoan genomes and a comparative genomic application system to integrate inference of gene duplication with expression data from 17,503 human genes into a strictly phylogenetic framework. We show that the number of anatomical systems in which genes are expressed decreases steadily with decreased age of the genes’ first appearance in the phylogeny: the oldest genes are expressed, on average, in twice as many anatomical systems than the genes gained recently in evolution. These results are robust to different sources of expression data, to different levels of the anatomical system hierarchy, and to the use of gene families rather than duplication events. Finally, we show that the rate of increase in gene tissue specificity correlates with the relative rate of increase in the maximum number of cell types in the corresponding taxa. Although subfunctionalization and increase in cell type number throughout evolution could constitute, respectively, the proximal and ultimate causes of this correlation, the two phenomena are intermingled. Our analyses identify a striking historical constraint in gene expression: the number of cell types in existence at the time of a gene appearance (through duplication or de novo origination) tends to determine its level of tissue specificity for tens or hundreds of millions of years.