Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy efficient use of robotics in the automobile industry

This paper summarizes various methods of the energy efficient use of medium and high payload industrial robots. Approaches and according savings potential are evaluated for methods like intelligent brake management — release time and power reduction, the temporal storage of the robot's kinetic energy with capacitive energy buffer of controller's DC-Bus, the energy exchange among robot controllers is proposed. Strategic usage alternatives like robot choice, shutdown during the production-free time and setting into a particular standby mode are compared. The energy saving potentials per each method are estimated according to real body-shop production characteristics.
A statistical based resource allocation scheme in cloud

Recently, cloud computing has emerged as a new computing paradigm on the Internet. With the development of cloud computing, enterprise data centers shift towards a utility computing model where many critical business applications share a common pool of infrastructure resources offering capacity on demand. The virtual machine with the features of strong isolation and flexible is usually assigned as the basic unit. However, as the demand of each type of VM can fluctuate independently at run time, it becomes a challenging problem to allocate data center resources to each VM to balance the workload in the cloud. In this paper, we introduce an approach (Statistic based Load Balance, SLB) that makes use of the statistical prediction and available resource evaluation mechanism to make online resource allocation decisions. Unlike the methods that balance load based on SLA (Service Level Agreement) of VMs, SLB achieves load balancing by predicting the VM's resource demand. The approach includes two parts:(1) A data analysis of on-line historical performance for forecasting the resource demand of each VM, and (2) An algorithm for choosing a proper host in the resource pool to run the VM. Experiments show that SLB can perform load balance in time, and also perform more balanced use of different resources.
Satellite image registration for attitude estimation with a constrained polynomial model

Satellite image registration has been investigated for several years. Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to the linear geometry of the satellite's imaging sensor, often consisting of several pushbroom cameras. Each pushbroom camera captures 1-D image and uses straight motion of the satellite to build a 2-D image. Yet, attitude variations of the satellite during the aquisition process can lead to significant distortions in the 2-D image. In this paper, we expose the problem and present a constrained image registration method to estimate the satellite's attitude variations, and thus correct the distorted images. We use a Lucas Kanade framework and a piecewise polynomial model under constraints to deduce the registration equation. The performances of our algorithm are shown on two satellite datasets.
Secondary organic aerosol formation from phenolic compounds in the absence of NO<sub>x</sub>

Abstract. SOA formation from benzene, toluene, m-xylene, and their corresponding phenolic compounds were investigated using the UCR/CE-CERT Environmental Chamber to evaluate the importance of phenolic compounds as intermediate species in aromatic SOA formation. SOA formation yield measurements coupled to gas-phase yield measurements indicate that approximately 20% of the SOA of benzene, toluene, and m-xylene could be ascribed to the phenolic route under low NOx conditions. The SOA densities tend to be initially as high as approximately 1.8 g cm−3 and eventually reach the range of 1.3–1.4 g cm−3. The final SOA density was found to be independent of elemental ratio (O/C) indicating that applying constant density (e.g., 1.4 g cm−3) to SOA formed from different aromatic compounds tested in this study is a reasonable approximation. Results from a novel on-line PILS-TOFMS (Particle-into-Liquid Sampler coupled with Agilent Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer) are reported. Major signals observed by the on-line/off-line Agilent TOFMS indicated that products had the same number of carbon atoms as their parent aromatics, suggesting importance of ring-retaining products or ring-opening products following ring-cleavage.
Replica Distribution Scheme for Location-Dependent Data in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks using a Small Number of Fixed Nodes

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), it is difficult for nodes to reliably access data on other nodes due to the mobility of vehicles. To improve the accessibility by certain vehicles to data generated at other vehicles, it is effective to distribute replicas of such data. However, if the density of vehicles is low, it is difficult to distribute an adequate number of replicas. In this paper, we propose the System for Sharing Objects with Location information on Ad hoc Network Fixed Node eXtention (SOLA-FX). SOLA-FX utilizes a small number of fixed nodes that are not connected to the infrastructure network. They are placed at intersections to support the storage and distribution of location-dependent data generated by vehicles, and forwarding of request/reply messages. We conducted simulations to determine suitable positions of the fixed nodes and an effective replica distribution operation between vehicles and the fixed nodes. The results showed that arranging fixed nodes in an area where location-dependent data items are frequently generated improves the accessibility to replicas with a small number of fixed nodes. We also confirmed that making each fixed node broadcast a replica when it has been received by a few vehicles in a previous replica distribution improves the accessibility to the replica with low replica distribution overhead.
Age management in the workplace: manager and older worker accounts of policy and practice

Abstract The impact of an ageing workforce on the workplace is a concern internationally. Governments are increasingly encouraging the continued labour market participation of older workers, seeking to remove previous barriers to the extension of working lives and give more choice to workers. Despite these legislative drivers, research has consistently found a lack of systematic approaches by employers to prepare and benefit from these demographic and labour market changes. In this paper, qualitative research is drawn upon to examine how managers and older workers think about age and ageing in the workplace; the support put in place for older workers, as well as future priorities; and the lived experiences of the older workers. It is highlighted that employees’ age and fitness for work is treated on an individual basis, rather than having formal plans to manage the workplace for older workers. This thus indicates a hands-off approach from management.
A geometry of information, II: Sorkin models, and biextensional collapses

In this second part of our contribution to the workshop, we look in more detail at the Sorkin model, its relationship to constructions in Chu space theory, and then compare it with the Nerve constructions given in the flrst part. 1 In the flrst part of this article, we saw how the nerve construction from algebraic topology could be applied to 'observational' situations. We also noted how, in theoretical physics, Sorkin had proposed a poset or T0-space model for an ob- servational context in which a space or spacetime, X, was observed by means of an open cover F. This Sorkin model is thus a second means of encoding obser- vational data on X. In fact there is no real need for F to be a cover of X. Those parts of X which are not covered are just not observed! Therefore we will use the more general term of a flnite family of open sets, abbreviated to FFOS 2 to
Towards a style-specific basis for computational beat tracking

Outlined in this paper are a number of sources of evidence, from psychological, ethnomusicological and engineering grounds, to suggest that current approaches to computational beat tracking are incomplete. It is contended that the degree to which cultural knowledge, that is, the specifics of style and associated learnt representational schema, underlie the human faculty of beat tracking has been severely underestimated. Difficulties in building general beat tracking solutions, which can provide both period and phase locking across a large corpus of styles, are highlighted. It is probable that no universal beat tracking model exists which does not utilise a switching model to recognise style and context prior to application.
Modelling gene regulatory networks: systems biology to complex systems

Please note that this is a draft version, but one on which I would particularly appreciate feedback (nic@itee.uq.edu.au). Almost all sections are as complete as time will allow, however the document is still subject to revision. The one section remaining to be written is the conclusion, which will summarize major themes, general principles and current research directions. A PDF version of this document may be downloaded from:
Analysis of NKp30/NCR3 isoforms in untreated HIV-1-infected patients from the ANRS SEROCO cohort

Natural killer (NK) cells play a prominent role at the intersection between innate and cognate immunity, thus influencing the development of multiple pathological conditions including HIV-1-induced AIDS. Not only NK cells directly kill HIV-1-infected cells, but also control the maturation and/or elimination of dendritic cells (DCs). These functions are regulated by the delicate balance between activating and inhibiting receptors expressed at the NK-cell surface. Among the former, NKp30 has raised significant interest since the alternative splicing of its intracellular domain leads to differential effector functions, dictating the prognosis of patients bearing gastrointestinal sarcoma, and B7-H6 has recently been identified as its main ligand. Since NKp30 is downregulated in CD56-/CD16+ NK cells expanded in viremic, chronically infected HIV-1+ patients, we decided to investigate the predictive value of NKp30 splice variants for spontaneous disease progression in 89 therapy-naïve HIV-1-infected individuals enrolled in an historical cohort of patients followed since diagnosis (ANRS SEROCO cohort). We found no difference in the representation of NK-cell subsets (CD56bright, CD56dim, CD56neg) in HIV-1-infected patients as compared with healthy subjects. NKp30 downregulation was detected in CD56dim and CD56neg NK-cell subsets, yet this did not convey any prognostic value. None of the NKp30 isoforms did affect disease progression, as measured in terms of time-to-loss of circulating CD4+ T cells, time-to-AIDS-defining events and overall survival. NKp30 isoforms do not seem to play a major role in the outcome of HIV-1 infection, but the heterogeneity of the immuno-virological status of patients at enrollment could have to be taken into account.
The critical role of global food consumption patterns in achieving sustainable food systems and food for all

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the United Nations Environment Programme. Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations Environment Programme concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Moreover, the views expressed do not necessarily represent the decision or the stated policy of the United Nations Environment Programme, nor does citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute endorsement. Acknowledgements The decision to produce this discussion paper on the topic of sustainable food consumption is a result of a consultative process held at United Nations Environment Programme's Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP DTIE) offices in Paris in January 2012. The intention of the paper is to elevate sustainable food consumption to the forefront of international discussions on food security and sustainable development. UNEP DTIE are the authors of the paper. UNEP and the authors wish to thank the following persons and their organisations for their inputs to this process and/or this paper: 4 The critical role of global food consumption patterns in achieving sustainable food systems and food for all
Holistic Boolean-Twig Pattern Matching for Efficient XML Query Processing

Twig pattern matching is a critical operation for XML query processing, and the holistic computing approach has shown superior performance over other methods. Since Bruno et al. introduced the first holistic twig join algorithm, TwigStack, numerous so-called holistic twig join algorithms have been proposed. Yet practical XML queries often require support for more general twig patterns, such as the ones that allow arbitrary occurrences of an arbitrary number of logical connectives (AND, OR, and NOT); such types of twigs are referred to as B-twigs (i.e., Boolean-Twigs) or AND/OR/NOT-twigs. We have seen interesting work on generalizing the holistic twig join approach to AND/OR-twigs and AND/NOT-twigs, but have not seen any further effort addressing the problem of AND/OR/NOT-Twigs at the full scale, which therefore forms the main theme of this paper. In this paper, we investigate novel mechanisms for efficient B-twig pattern matching. In particular, we introduce “B-twig normalization” as an important first-step in our approach toward eventually conquering the complexity of B-twigs, and then present BTwigMerge-the first holistic twig join algorithm designed for B-twigs. Both analytical and experimental results show that BTwigMerge is optimal for B-twig patterns with AD (Ancestor-Descendant) edges and/or PC (Parent-Child) edges.
Small interfering RNA targeting S100A4 sensitizes non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549) to radiation treatment

Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of S100A4-small interfering RNA (S100A4-siRNA) on apoptosis and enhanced radiosensitivity in non-small-cell lung cancer (A549) cells. We also explored the mechanisms of radiosensitization and identified a new target to enhance radiosensitivity and gene therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer. Methods RNA interference is a powerful tool for gene silencing. In this study, we constructed an effective siRNA to knock down S100A4. A549 cells were randomly divided into three groups: blank, negative control, and S100A4-siRNA. To investigate the effect of S100A4-siRNA, the expression of S100A4, E-cadherin, and p53 proteins and their messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Transwell chambers were used to assess cell invasion. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Radiosensitivity was determined by colony formation ability. Results Our results demonstrate that S100A4-siRNA effectively silenced the S100A4 gene. When siRNA against S100A4 was used, S100A4 protein expression was downregulated, whereas the expressions of E-cadherin and p53 were upregulated. In addition, a clear reduction in S100A4 mRNA levels was noted compared with the blank and negative control groups, whereas E-cadherin and p53 mRNA levels increased. Transfection with S100A4-siRNA significantly reduced the invasiveness of A549 cells. S100A4 silencing induced immediate G2/M arrest in cell cycle studies and increased apoptosis rates in A549 cells. In clonogenic assays, we used a multitarget, single-hit model to detect radiosensitivity after S100A4 knockdown. All parameters (D0, Dq, α, β) indicated that the downregulation of S100A4 enhanced radiosensitivity in A549 cells. Furthermore, S100A4-siRNA upregulated p53 expression, suggesting that S100A4 may promote A549 cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by regulating the expression of other proteins. Therefore, siRNA-directed S100A4 knockdown may represent a viable clinical therapy for lung cancer. Conclusion S100A4 downregulation potentially enhances the sensitivity of human A549 cells to radiotherapy.
Rendezvous at a desired point irrespective of agent failures

In this paper, we study the rendezvous problem for a group of autonomous robots that can be terrestrial or aerial vehicles. The robots have to simultaneously meet at a point. This problem has been addressed by several researchers during the last few years. Various decentralized strategies have been developed and analyzed that guarantees rendezvous behavior. One such strategy is the cyclic pursuit strategy applied to the holonomic agents. Unlike most of the other strategies, cyclic pursuit allows to design the controller gain such that the agents meet at a desired point. However, if an agent fails, the cyclic connection between the agents will be lost and the whole system will break unless there is a rewiring of the connection and reassignment of controller gains. This becomes a non-trivial problem if we want to maintain the rendezvous point same as before. This paper elaborates a decentralized strategy that handles the issue of agent failure in cyclic pursuit. The rewiring mechanism to establish the cyclic connection and the reassignment of the gains are discussed and simulations are presented to validate the strategy presented in this paper.
A Multi-object Motion-tracking Method for Video Surveillance

In this paper, a multi-object motion-tracking method based both on region and feature tracking is proposed for the purpose of real-time tracking in video surveillance system. Moving object is detected through foreground detection. Then we extract three features of each moving objects such as centroid, area, and average luminance. At last, the similarity function is applied to tracking. It is proved that the method has good performance under dynamic circumstances for real-time tracking.
Fault detection and diagnosis using wavelet based transient current analysis

We present a novel integrated method for fault detection and localization using wavelet transform of transient current (IDD) waveform. The time-frequency resolution property of wavelet helps us detect as well as localize faults in digital CMOS circuits. Experiments performed on an 8-bit ALU show promising results for both detection and localization.
Synthesis of Graphene Based Membranes: Effect of Substrate Surface Properties on Monolayer Graphene Transfer

In this work, we report the transfer of graphene onto eight commercial microfiltration substrates having different pore sizes and surface characteristics. Monolayer graphene grown on copper by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process was transferred by the pressing method over the target substrates, followed by wet etching of copper to obtain monolayer graphene/polymer membranes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle (CA) measurements were carried out to explore the graphene layer transferability. Three factors, namely, the substrate roughness, its pore size, and its surface wetting (degree of hydrophobicity) are found to affect the conformality and coverage of the transferred graphene monolayer on the substrate surface. A good quality graphene transfer is achieved on the substrate with the following characteristics; being hydrophobic (CA > 90°), having small pore size, and low surface roughness, with a CA to RMS (root mean square) ratio higher than 2.7°/nm.
Birth cohort differences in cognitive aging: Secular trends in cognitive functioning and decline over 30 years in three population-based Swedish samples

reasoning, attention, visual-spatial memory, organization, and scanning in a sample with no history of stroke or dementia, drawn from the Framingham Offspring Study (mean age = 60.7 years, SD = 9.4). Llewellyn et al. (2008) also used a cross-sectional design to study
Life in the Fast Lane: Viewed from the Confluence Lens

The most striking ideas in systems are abstractions such as virtual memory, sockets, or packet scheduling. Algorithmics is the servant of abstraction, allowing the performance of the system to approach that of the underlying hardware. I survey the trajectory of network algorithmics, starting with a focus on speed and scale in the 1990s to measurement and security in the 2000s, using what I call the confluence lens. Confluence sees interdisciplinary work as a merger of two or more disciplines made compelling by an inflection point in the real world, while also producing genuinely transformed ideas. I attempt to show that Network Algorithmics represented a confluence in the 1990s between computer systems, algorithms, and networking. I suggest confluence diagrams as a means to identify future interdisciplinary opportunities, and describe the emerging field of network verification as a new confluence between networking and programming languages.
Comparative Study of Lean Manufacturing Tools Used in Manufacturing Firms and Service Sector

—Lean is an optimized manufacturing approach that aims to streamline the flow within an organization. Lean manufacturing caught the eye of the world due to Toyota's steady growth from a small company to one of the biggest automobile manufacturer in the world. After the success story that was TPS, many other car manufacturers started implementing tools used by Toyota into their systems. Today lean is not solely limited to the manufacturing industry, companies in the service sector are increasingly adopting and modifying lean strategies and practices to suit the needs of the service sector and thus streamlining their processes. The primary topic of interest in this paper is to study and compare the lean tools used in the manufacturing and service sectors and to come to a conclusion regarding trends in the lean tools adopted. A comparative study was undertaken between the lean tools in manufacturing firms and the service sector. Data obtained from 180 manufacturing firms and 108 healthcare facilities. The lean tools used were found to be
Automatic Indoor Environmental Conditions Monitoring by IR Thermography

This paper presents a new approach to monitor an indoor environment on thermodynamic basis. It uses temperature as the driving parameter and is especially suited for comfort analysis or evaluation of moisture. The method is based on infrared (IR) thermography, which proved to be very effective in this application. The system measures all fundamental environment parameters (e.g., air temperature, relative humidity and air speed) by imaging with a thermal camera a set of special targets arranged in a grid, which can be placed close to a wall or in any other place of the room . At the same time, the system images the wall surface behind the grid and so can measures the wall’s temperature, as well. The thermal camera was mounted on a pan-til unit to realize the monitoring process in an automatic way. The core of the device is a software that can process the thermal images online and control the pan-tilt unit. A fast automatic learning procedure enables to recognize the special target on the grid also in challenging environments and in very different environment conditions. This coupled with the advanced features of modern off the shelve IR cameras allows effective and robust results. This paper illustrates the developed device (both the hardware and the software) and shows the current application of evaluating the decay risk of a heritage building covered by Italian renaissance frescoes. However, the presented approach can be applied in different applications, for instance: indoor environmental monitoring, energy saving, NDT of buildings, and information technology with geomatics.