Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Real-Time Face-Verification Methods for Surveillance Applications

In the last decade, face-recognition and -verification methods based on deep learning have increasingly used deeper and more complex architectures to obtain state-of-the-art (SOTA) accuracy. Hence, these architectures are limited to powerful devices that can handle heavy computational resources. Conversely, lightweight and efficient methods have recently been proposed to achieve real-time performance on limited devices and embedded systems. However, real-time face-verification methods struggle with problems usually solved by their heavy counterparts—for example, illumination changes, occlusions, face rotation, and distance to the subject. These challenges are strongly related to surveillance applications that deal with low-resolution face images under unconstrained conditions. Therefore, this paper compares three SOTA real-time face-verification methods for coping with specific problems in surveillance applications. To this end, we created an evaluation subset from two available datasets consisting of 3000 face images presenting face rotation and low-resolution problems. We defined five groups of face rotation with five levels of resolutions that can appear in common surveillance scenarios. With our evaluation subset, we methodically evaluated the face-verification accuracy of MobileFaceNet, EfficientNet-B0, and GhostNet. Furthermore, we also evaluated them with conventional datasets, such as Cross-Pose LFW and QMUL-SurvFace. When examining the experimental results of the three mentioned datasets, we found that EfficientNet-B0 could deal with both surveillance problems, but MobileFaceNet was better at handling extreme face rotation over 80 degrees.
Rectangular cavity-backed 4-slot array

A cavity-backed rectangular 4-slot array can be used to emulate a monopole where flush mounting is required. The impedance and radiation patterns of this type of antenna are investigated. A mathematical model is developed with sufficient generality to allow analysis of a cavity filled with any homogeneous material. Several specific configurations are analyzed. Calculated results are compared with measured data.
A line‐of‐sight propagation model for calculating atmospheric, sea, terrain multipath, and clutter at microwave frequencies

The two‐dimensional parabolic wave equation (PE) is solved asymptotically in order to derive a propagation/scattering model for propagation in a stratified atmosphere, together with scattering and diffraction from the sea/terrain surface, within line of sight. The asymptotic solution to the PE begins by expanding the unknown field in a Luneberg‐Kline expansion. The first‐order solution to the Luneberg‐Kline expansion yields the eikonal equation for the ray trajectory, and the second‐order solution yields the transport equation for the energy density of the rays along the trajectory. The solution to the eikonal and transport equations is used to derive an asymptotic result for the plane wave spectrum solution for the PE, referred to as the wave‐theoretic model. The asymptotic solution for the field shows the relationship between a properly directed tube of rays in the atmosphere satisfying the eikonal and conservation of energy equations and the same tube of rays striking an edge and being diffracted, as in the geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD). The solution for the eikonal yields the ray trajectory in the stratified atmosphere and therefore the grazing angle on the sea/terrain profile necessary for calculating multipath and clutter. Also, a new derivation for the backscatter from a deterministic sea/terrain profile is given which agrees with Collin's [1992] new full wave theory and at grazing reduces to the perturbation result with the correct polarization dependence. Incorporating the various electromagnetic propagation/scattering mechanisms in one model yields a prediction tool that can be applied to a large class of propagation/scattering problems such as the analysis of radar performance in a littoral scenario, or the performance of a line‐of‐sight communication link operating over irregular terrain.
Timely Cache Updating in Parallel Multi-Relay Networks

We consider a system consisting of a server, which receives updates for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula> files according to independent Poisson processes. The goal of the server is to deliver the latest version of the files to a user through a parallel network of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$K$ </tex-math></inline-formula> caches. We consider an update received by the user successful, if the user receives the same file version that is currently prevailing at the server. We derive an analytical expression for information freshness at the user. We observe that freshness for a file increases with increase in consolidation of rates across caches. To solve the multi-cache problem, we first solve the auxiliary problem of a single-cache system. We then rework this auxiliary solution to our parallel-cache network by consolidating rates to single routes as much as possible. This yields an approximate (sub-optimal) solution for the original problem. We provide an upper bound on the gap between the sub-optimal solution and the optimal solution. We present counterpart expressions and policies for version age of information by employing a stochastic hybrid system approach. Numerical results for both timeliness metrics show that the proposed sub-optimal policy closely follows the optimal policy.
Photonic energy lifters and event horizons with time-dependent dielectric structures

Novel photonic devices, based on time-dependent dielectrics, to shift the optical frequency, may be conceived from two complementary principles, Doppler shift and time refraction, and possibly realized as as single cavities or as Coupled Resonator Optical Waveguides (CROWs). Simulations with the finite-difference time-domain method bore out these possibilities and also provided design rules. Preliminary experiments, limited to a pulsed excitation (without any frequency shift) of whispering gallery modes in a LiNbO3 whispering gallery disk resonator in a full fiber-optics setup, the first experiments of an optical whispering-gallery resonator functioning in the steady-pulsed regime, led to a consistent Q-factor measurement between CW and pulsed ringdown characterization. The repetition rate was tuned to an integer submultiple 1/N of the free spectral range of the resonator. The output rate of the resonator was equal to the input rate multiplied by N, thereby showing functionality as a frequency multiplier. The impact of nonlinearity and of dispersion was minimized by the low power level and the limited bandwidth of pulses.
Band-selective C- or L-band erbium-doped fiber amplified spontaneous emission source

Abstract. Two novel methods are demonstrated to build upa band-selective ampliﬁed spontaneous emission ASEbroadband light source that can operate in the selective con-ventional band C-band, 1525 1565 nm or long-wavelength band L-band, 1565 1605 nm region using a1 2 optical switch. With the backward ASE feedback tech-nique, an output power of 27.6 mW for the C-band ASE and11.8 mW for the L-band ASE are obtained while with thecompound pump technique, a power of 24.5 mW for L-bandASE and 27.2 mW for C-band ASE are obtained both with aﬁxed total pump power of 100 mW. The advantage of usingthe backward ASE feedback technique is that the ASEsource design is simpler whereas the power of L-band ASEis lower, and the notable advantage of using the compoundpump technique is that the output powers of the two selec-tive bands C- or L-band are balanced though the conﬁgu-ration is a little complicated. © 2006 Society of Photo-Optical Instru-mentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.2171952 Subject terms: ﬂuorescence; erbium lasers; opticalcommunications; ﬁber optics
Communication between Autonomous Vehicles and Pedestrians: An Experimental Study Using Virtual Reality

One of the major challenges of autonomous vehicles (AV) is their interaction with pedestrians. Unofficial interactions such as gestures, eye contact, waving, and flashing lights are very common behavioral patterns for drivers to express their intent to give priority. In our research we composed a virtual reality experiment for a pedestrian crossing in an urban environment in order to test pedestrians’ reactions on an LED light display mounted on a virtual AV. Our main research interest was to investigate whether communication patterns influence the decision making of pedestrians when crossing the road. In a VR environment, four scenarios were created with a vehicle approaching a pedestrian crossing with different speeds and displaying a special red/green sign to pedestrians. Here, 51 persons participating in the experiment had to decide when crossing is safe. Results show that the majority of people indicated they would cross in the time windows when it was actually safe to cross. Male subjects made their decision to cross slightly faster but no significant differences were found in the decision making by gender. It was found that age is not an influencing factor, either. Overall, a quick learning process was experienced proving that explicit communication patterns are self-explaining.
Fast scheme for generating quantum-interference states and GHZ state of N trapped ions

We propose a fast scheme to generate the quantum-interference states of N trapped ions. In the scheme the ions are driven by a standing-wave laser beam whose carrier frequency is tuned such that the ion transition can take place. We also propose a simple and fast scheme to produce the GHZ state of N hot trapped ions and this scheme is insensitive to the heating of vibrational motion, which is important from the viewpoint of decoherence.
The long-wavelength spectrum of vortex waves in a Bose?Einstein condensate

Here we consider vibrations of a single quantum vortex in a Bose–Einstein condensate. Two different dispersion relations can be found in the literature; we remove the contradiction on the basis of both numerical and analytical considerations. The outcome is that the frequency of the vibrations, ω, is proportional to k2 ln (1/k), where k is the wavenumber, assumed small compared to the inverse core size. An extension of the phase integral approximation is used in the numerical analyses.
Magnetic shape memory effect in thin foils

The magnetic shape memory (MSM) effect was observed in Ni–Mn–Ga freestanding thin foils down to 90μm in thickness using top-down approach. The foils were prepared by thinning the bulk crystals exhibiting MSM effect. The effect was evaluated from the magnetization curves. The significant decrease in magnetic field needed to initiate the MSM effect (magnetic field induced strain or martensite structure reorientation) was observed for the studied foils down to μ0H=0.088T or H=70kA∕m. Observation suggests that the pinning of twin boundaries on the internal obstacles rather than pinning on surface lowers twin boundaries’ mobility.
Declination ‘‘reset’’ and the hierarchical organization of utterances

Sequences of accented fundamental frequency (F0) peaks (‘‘toplines’’) were measured for sentences of the form A and B but C and A but B and C, where A, B, and C are separate main clauses with three (four in a replication experiment) accented words each. It was hypothesized that the differences in boundary strength (but‐boundary stronger than and ) would be reflected in the way declination was reset following the boundaries. There were significant differences between the toplines of the two sentence types, the most consistent being that the accent peaks immediately following the two boundaries were higher if they followed but than if they followed and . In other respects the toplines were similar, exhibiting declination within each clause and across the three clauses; corresponding clause toplines that began at different levels following different boundaries nevertheless tended to end at the same level. The fact that hierarchical organization is reflected intonationally in this way makes problems for model.
In Silico and In Vitro Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro with Gramicidin D

Finding an effective drug to prevent or treat COVID-19 is of utmost importance in tcurrent pandemic. Since developing a new treatment takes a significant amount of time, drug repurposing can be an effective option for achieving a rapid response. This study used a combined in silico virtual screening protocol for candidate SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors. The Drugbank database was searched first, using the Informational Spectrum Method for Small Molecules, followed by molecular docking. Gramicidin D was selected as a peptide drug, showing the best in silico interaction profile with PLpro. After the expression and purification of PLpro, gramicidin D was screened for protease inhibition in vitro and was found to be active against PLpro. The current study’s findings are significant because it is critical to identify COVID-19 therapies that are efficient, affordable, and have a favorable safety profile.
Cabotegravir Exposure of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos Impacts on Neurodevelopment and Behavior

As most new medications, Cabotegravir (CAB) was recently approved as an antiretroviral treatment of HIV infection without in-depth safety information on in utero exposure. Although no developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits was reported, recent studies demonstrated that CAB decreases pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells. CAB exposure effects during development were assessed in zebrafish embryos by the Fish Embryo Toxicity test after exposure at subtherapeutic concentrations up to 25× the human Cmax. Larvae behavior was assessed by the light–dark locomotion test. The expression of factors involved in neurogenesis was evaluated by whole-mount in situ hybridization. CAB did not cause gross morphological defects at low doses, although pericardial edema, uninflated swim bladder, decreased heartbeats, growth delay, and decreased hatching rate were observed at the highest concentrations. Decreased locomotion was observed even at the subtherapeutic dose, suggesting alterations of nervous system integrity. This hypothesis was supported by the observation of decreased expression of crucial factors involved in early neuronal differentiation in diencephalic and telencephalic dopaminergic areas, midbrain/hindbrain boundary, and craniofacial ganglia. These findings support CAB effects on neurogenesis in zebrafish embryos and suggest long-term follow-up of exposed infants to provide data on drug safety during pregnancy.
Weak*- continuous homomorphisms of Fourier–Stieltjes algebras

Abstract For a locally compact group G, let B(G) denote its Fourier–Stieltjes algebra. Any continuous, piecewise affine map α: Y ⊂ H → G induces a completely bounded algebra homomorphism jα: B(G) → B(H) [14, 15] and we prove that jα is w* – w* continuous if and only if α is an open map. This extends one of the main results in [3], due to M.B. Bekka, E. Kaniuth, A.T. Lau and G. Schlichting. Several classical theorems regarding isomorphisms and extensions of homomorphisms on group algebras of abelian groups are extended to the setting of Fourier–Stieltjes algebras of amenable groups. As applications, when G is amenable we provide complete characterizations of those maps between Fourier–Stieltjes algebras that are either associated to a piecewise affine mapping, or are completely bounded and w* – w* continuous.
Anti-windup Fractional Order PI λ − PD μ Controller Design for Unstable Process: A Magnetic Levitation Study Case Under Actuator Saturation

Many studies have been conducted by researchers globally in the recent past on the control scheme to stabilize the levitated object of magnetic levitation system (MLS) at the unstable equilibrium point though very small amount of work has been reported regarding the design and tuning of fractional order controller for unstable process, especially in the presence of actuator saturation. In this paper, a novel methodology of fractional order P I λ − P D μ controller for MLS is proposed for both stabilizing the system and removing the actuator saturation. Fractional order control facilitates an extra degree of freedom to change the order of integrator, arise a new concept to diminish the error windup during actuator saturation. The tuning of gain parameter of PID controller is done using the conventional pole placement technique, while a simple tuning method is proposed here to tune fractional parameter using stability margin and sensitivity function. Stability of the proposed controller scheme employed to MLS is analyzed on the basis of Riemann sheets concept in w-plane. To compensate for saturation due to integral term, back-calculation anti-windup scheme is used here. Experimental demonstration of proposed scheme on magnetic levitation conﬁrms the ability of the controller to reject the external random perturbations as well as its robustness against the variation of system parameters.
A Climatology of Atmospheric Wavenumber Spectra of Wind and Temperature Observed by Commercial Aircraft

Abstract Atmospheric wavenumber spectra of wind and temperature have been obtained from over 6000 commercial aircraft flights made during the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program. Temperature and velocity spectra are approximately the same shape over the range of wavelengths 2.6 to 104 km. Spectral slopes are close to −5/3 in the range 2.6 to 300–400 km and are independent of latitude, season and location in the troposphere or stratosphere. At larger scales, spectral slopes steepen considerably and approach −3. It is found that spectral amplitudes of wind and temperature have log-normal frequency distributions Spectral amplitudes in the range 2.6 to 400 km vary somewhat with latitude, season and location in the troposphere or stratosphere. Temperature spectral magnitude varies more than velocity spectral magnitude, and is largest in the stratosphere and winter troposphere and smallest in the tropical troposphere. Meridional velocity spectral amplitude varies only slightly from the troposphere to the strato.
Direct investigation of the ablation rate evolution during laser drilling of high-aspect-ratio micro-holes

The recent development of ultrafast laser ablation technology in precision micromachining has dramatically increased the demand for reliable and real-time detection systems to characterize the material removal process. In particular, the laser percussion drilling of metals is lacking of non-invasive techniques able to monitor into the depth the spatial- and time-dependent evolution all through the ablation process. To understand the physical interaction between bulk material and high-energy light beam, accurate in-situ measurements of process parameters such as the penetration depth and the removal rate are crucial. We report on direct real time measurements of the ablation front displacement and the removal rate during ultrafast laser percussion drilling of metals by implementing a contactless sensing technique based on optical feedback interferometry. High aspect ratio micro-holes were drilled onto steel plates with different thermal properties (AISI 1095 and AISI 301) and Aluminum samples using 120-ps/110-kHz pulses delivered by a microchip laser fiber amplifier. Percussion drilling experiments have been performed by coaxially aligning the diode laser probe beam with the ablating laser. The displacement of the penetration front was instantaneously measured during the process with a resolution of 0.41 μm by analyzing the sawtooth-like induced modulation of the interferometric signal out of the detector system.
Classification Predictive Maintenance Using XGboost with Genetic Algorithm

This study develops a condition classification system of compressor 103J and water pump systems which are key equipment in the ammonia production line, hence the monitoring of these two very important machines. In recent years, there are many good intelligent machine learning algorithms and XGboost is one of them. However, it contains many parameters and classification performance of the model will be greatly affected by the selection of parameters and their combination technique. In this paper, XGboost algorithm is combined with the genetic algorithm, called GA-XGboost, in order to find the best hyper parameters of classifiers which makes the classifier more efficient and ensures the proper functioning of compressor 103J and water pump systems. Experiments show that GA-XGboost algorithm has improved the accuracy of classification in the compressor 103J and the water pump dataset compared with other machine learning algorithms like Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and AdaBoost. Also experiments demonstrate the improvement of the GA-XGboost algorithm by the combination of different selection and crossover operators of the genetic algorithm.
Exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Internet of Things (IoT) Integration for Sustainable Building

Sustainable development, which has become the priority study of architectural design, is receiving increasing attention with global climate change. At the same time, the building industry is urgently changing towards intelligent and digitalized tendencies. As a result, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) make crucial contributions to the transforming process. However, there is little knowledge of the integration of BIM–IoT in sustainable building from a macro perspective. Moreover, most existing research adopts a literature review method and lacks objective quantitative analysis. Few papers use bibliometric analysis to study the respective BIM and IoT research fields. Furthermore, few studies use Citespace software tools to analyze the integrated application of BIM–IoT. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the research frontiers and knowledge structure in BIM–IoT integration and the relationship between BIM-IoT and sustainable building and explore the research hotspots, trends, and future research directions. A quick and objective method was proposed to understand the research status of these new and rapidly developing fields. This paper uses topic search in the web of science core collection to obtain relevant literature and then uses Citespace for bibliometric analysis based on the literature review. Controlled terms and subject terms statistics from the Engineering Index core database search results are also used to briefly examine the fields’ research frontiers and hotspots as obtained from Citespace. The results show that: (1) The research on BIM–IoT integration focuses on building intelligence with BIM as the basis of application, and research on BIM–IoT integration within the field of sustainable building is currently focused on the first three phases of the life cycle. (2) The development of sustainable buildings needs to be considered on its human and social dimensions. BIM provides a platform for sharing information and communication among stakeholders involved in the building’s entire life cycle. At the same time, IoT allows occupants to better participate in buildings’ sustainable design and decision making. (3) In the future, more emerging technologies such as cloud computing and big data are required to better promote sustainable buildings and thus realize the construction of sustainable smart cities. At the same time, researchers should also pay attention to the sustainable transformation of existing buildings.
Duality theory for MIMO robust disturbance rejection

Banach space duality theory is used to characterize the solutions of a nonstandard H/sup infinity / optimization problem which is shown to be allpass in general and unique in the single-input single-output (SISO) ease. The theory leads to a numerical solution of duality and convex optimization, which is applied to an example. For a limiting case of sharp cutoff filters, an explicit solution of the optimal robust disturbance attenuation problem (ORDAP) resembling the two arc theorem of complex analysis is derived. >