Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Machine learning of projected 3D shape

This thesis primarily investigates the potential of the Pairwise Geometric Histogram (PGH) representation as the basis of a machine learning edge and view-based 3D object recognition computer vision system. The work extends 20 years’ worth of associated research within the TINA computer vision research group [1]. PGHs have formerly been engineered as a solution to the presented problem, directly addressing all of the invariance characteristics required by such a representation. Previous research has proven the power of the proposed techniques for 2D object recognition through difficult, real-world viewing conditions including scene clutter and occlusion. This project extends the associated methodologies into the third dimension, exploring methods for representing scaled 3D objects’ continuous appearances around their view-spheres. The research agenda has also included a comparative analysis of the pre-existing TINA [1] stereo vision-based 3D Model Matching (3DMM) system, which is able to localise specified 3D objects in 3D scenes. In support of both mono and stereo methodologies, a quantitative scheme for accurately localising and verifying the presence of hypothesised image-projected 3D edge-feature models has been implemented. Full view-sphere sampled 3D model matching tests have been conducted for the competing methodologies, identifying significant shortfalls with the stereo-based approach to 3D model matching. The more powerful and reliable view-based techniques are subsequently analysed with regard to the more demanding task of comparative 3D object recognition. Institution The University of Manchester Candidate Simon Coupe Degree Title Doctor of Philosophy Thesis Title Machine Learning of Projected 3D Shape Date 30th September 2009
Stakeholder Focus Groups to Inform a Technology-Based Strategy of Preceptor Support

While preceptors are a vital link in student nurse practice education, ongoing support beyond an initial orientation is often lacking. It has been reported in the literature that preceptors experience stress related to difficulties in handling preceptee situations. They are frustrated by negative experiences centered on preceptor-identified hallmarks of unsafe practice including the inability to demonstrate knowledge and skills; attitude problems; unprofessional behavior; and poor communication skills. Their unrealized expectations for novices threaten their commitment to their preceptor role. As part of a larger study testing the effectiveness of podcasts as an ongoing method of preceptor support, this paper addresses the developmental stage of the podcasts. A team of academic and acute care nurse educators developed scripts for eventual filming of four podcasts focusing on unsafe practice issues, designed to provide continual support through web-based availability. The use of podcast technology is consistent with the learning styles of digital natives and is a demonstrated and valuable educational resource to review, reinforce, and clarify difficult concepts. These podcasts were informed through preceptor focus groups to address situational and environmental realism for student behaviors and preceptor responses.
The Lone Parents Pilots: A qualitative evaluation of Quarterly Work Focused Interviews (12+), Work Search Premium and In Work Credit

The WestminsterResearch online digital archive at the University of Westminster aims to make the research output of the University available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the authors and/or copyright owners. Users are permitted to download and/or print one copy for non-commercial private study or research. Further distribution and any use of material from within this archive for profit-making enterprises or for commercial gain is strictly forbidden.
Multiple channel scheduling in UWB based IEEE 802.15.3 networks

Recent approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has led to considerable interest in exploiting ultra wideband (UWB) access on an unlicensed basis in the 3.1-10.6 GHz band. Currently, the IEEE TG802.15. 3a standards group is in the process of developing an alternative high-speed link layer design conformable with the IEEE 802.15. 3 wireless personal area network (WPAN) multiple access (MAC) protocol. One of the proposals, based on the concept of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), divides the spectrum into multiple bands and achieves channelization through the use of different time-frequency codes. These multiple channels can help satisfy the increasing demand for higher bandwidth in order to support high data rate multimedia applications. In this paper, we present a multi-channel scheduling algorithm that simultaneously utilizes the various channels available in the UWB network.
The impact of the Leadership Programme for Serving Heads

This dissertation explores the impact of the Leadership Programme for Serving Heads (LPSH). It focuses on the process of the course and how this has influenced school leaders in the way that they run their schools. Firstly, the dissertation looks at the literature involved in leadership, training and measuring the impact of training on practice. Following this, there is an analysis of the methodology used and the research tools associated with a qualitative approach to study in this field. The data is then analysed against the theoretical perspectives of leadership. Finally, the findings from the case studies based in five English schools are analysed to try to identify any indications that changes and improvements in leadership have been as a result of attendance on the LPSH by the Headteachers of the case study schools. This dissertation looks at the assumptions set out within the programme by tracking through the key elements of leadership and training. Through this research, I have tried to discover the true impact of the LPSH in shaping and challenging experienced Heads in the leadership of their schools. I have looked at how some of the LPSH participants have adapted or maintained their leadership strategies and styles within their own institution. This has been achieved through two sets of interviews with the Headteachers and a range of teaching staff within their schools, matching their perceptions of the impact of the programme on them as leaders against the perceptions of their co-workers. From this, I have been able to draw some conclusions related to the views of the interviewees within these case study schools. The research demonstrates that the Headteachers involved did believe that the LPSH had a positive impact on their leadership, either through reflecting on their current approach and deciding that what they were doing was in line with best practice or by challenging their view and changing the way that they operated as a school leader. Similar perceptions were noted from their co-workers. The Headteacher participants of five case study schools gave feedback on how they thought that the LPSH had changed, and in many cases, improved their effectiveness as leaders in their schools. Similar feedback was demonstrated by teaching staff working within the case study schools, adding weight to the reliability of the findings. As with all small scale qualitative research, there are many limitations to the findings from the study. However, it is hoped that this research has identified some areas in leadership training and its impact in changing and improving leadership practice in schools that can then be taken further and investigated so that improvements in the quality of leadership training can be made for the benefit of school leaders.
Serum interleukin-6 in the diagnosis of bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients

Background: The diagnostic accuracy of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in predicting bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis is to explore the potential diagnostic value of IL-6 in cirrhotic patients. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase (via OvidSP), Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus for studies published from inception to October 2015. Studies were enrolled if they included assessment of the accuracy of IL-6 in the diagnosis of bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients and provided sufficient data to construct a 2 × 2 contingency table. Results: Totally, 535 studies were searched in the initial database and finally 6 studies involving 741 patients were included for the final analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–0.94), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.80–0.96) and 52.89 (95% CI, 15.21–183.86), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 8.99 (95% CI, 4.13–19.55) and the pooled negative likelihood ratio was 0.17 (95% CI, 0.07–0.43). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests IL-6 has a high diagnostic value for the differentiation of bacterial infection in patients with cirrhosis.
Differential effects of unusual climatic stress on capuchin (Cebus capucinus) and howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) populations on Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Though the harmful effects anthropogenic disturbances pose to wild primates are well appreciated, comparatively little is known about the effects of natural disturbances. From December 2010 to January 2011, different mortality patterns were observed for two primate species, capuchins and howler monkeys, on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama. Unusually high rainfall in 2010 was associated with census and cadaver data indicating the rapid loss of >70% of the capuchin population in late 2010 to early 2011. In contrast, over this same period, no decline was documented for howler monkeys and cadaver data for howlers was unexceptional. The high mortality experienced by the capuchin population was unexpected and its extent was not fully appreciated until the event was largely over. Explanations proposed for it included effects of hypothermia, disease or a shortage of some essential nutrient(s). Of these, the dietary explanation seems most probable. BCI capuchins depend most heavily on arthropod foods in December, when few higher quality ripe fruits are available. The unprecedented high rainfall in December 2010 is hypothesized to have largely eliminated the arthropod peak expected on BCI each December. A lack of protein‐rich arthropods, when coupled with the climatic and nutritional stress capuchins generally experience at this time of year, appears to have precipitated the rapid die‐off of most of the island's capuchin population. As howler monkeys obtain dietary protein primarily from leaves, a shortage of edible arthropods would not affect howler numbers. Comparison of our 2010 data with similar data on earlier primate/mammalian mortality events reported for BCI and for Corcovado, Costa Rica indicates that our understanding of the effects of natural disturbances on wild primate populations is not profound. We suggest that more research be devoted to this increasingly timely topic, so important to conservation policy. Am. J. Primatol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Reuse-Based Approach to Security Requirements Engineering

The paper presents a reuse-based approach to the modeling, specification and analysis of application-specific security requirements. The method is based on a goaloriented framework that addresses malicious goals (called anti-goals) set up by attackers to threaten security goals. Threat tree fragments are built systematically through specializations of attack patterns. Attack patterns abstract attacker’s malicious goals for known attacks. Once specialized to a specific vocabulary, they are useful to build a complete threat tree. Indeed, the specialized attack pattern is then further refined until leaf nodes are derived that are either software vulnerabilities observable by the attacker or anti-requirements implementable by this attacker. New security requirements are then obtained as specializations of reusable countermeasures associated with the attack pattern. The method is illustrated with an attack pattern for replay attacks that is specialized in an e-commerce system and a mailing system.
Physics-based Segmentation of Colour Images in Spherical Coordinates

We present image segmentation and highlight detection algorithms based on the dichromatic reflection model. For image segmentation, we use the model prediction that objects of a certain colour produce lines (the matte lines) radiating away from the origin of the RGB colour space. These lines therefore show up as peaks in a 2-dimensional histogram of the angular coordinates of a spherical polar coordinate representation of the RGB space. An algorithm for automatically locating these peaks is suggested. When the matte line locations are known, one can define cylindrical polar coordinate systems having their z-axes centred on the matte lines. We suggest a Hough-based algorithm for the detection of highlight lines in 2D-histograms of the ρ and z coordinates of the cylindrical polar coordinate system. Examples of the results of applying these algorithms are given.
A CAD tool for custom magnitude comparators

Inarguably, the increased system complexity of modern hardware, inhibits the time-to-market of new components and jeopardizes the credibility of the design team to meet the tough time to market deadlines. In the thorny landscape of system design, EDA tools that automate the design and implementation process of various IP blocks are more than desired; they are the foundation stones of productivity. One very important class of EDA tools is the generation of hardware descriptions for popular IP blocks. One very important IP block, required in a plethora of situations, is the magnitude comparator block. Here, we present an online tool that can generate custom HDL descriptions for various bitwidths of magnitude comparator IP blocks, using only elementary gates. The generated IP blocks are vendor neutral and leverage the capabilities of the design teams that require such descriptions. Our synthesized circuits on Xilinx Virtex 6 FPGA XC6VLX760, operate up to 351 Mhz.
Bayesian Networks : the Range of the Prior Convergence Error

In a Bayesian network, a convergence error may arise in the pr obabilities computed for a node with two or more parents in the same loop (in this paper such a node i s called a convergence node), when in the computation of these probabilities the information of the p arents is processed as if they are independent. In this paper the range of the convergence error for the basic c e of a loop with just one convergence node given a binary network in its prior state is investigated. It is found that, given two parents in the loop, the range of the prior convergence error changes from [−0.5, 0] given a prior probability of the child node of 0, to [0, 0.5] given a prior probability of the child node of 1. The ranges of the prior convergence error extend to〈−1, 0] and[0, 1〉 when the number of parents grows to infinity.
Establishment and maintenance of heritable chromatin structure during early Drosophila embryogenesis

During embryogenesis, the initial chromatin state is established during a period of rapid proliferative activity. We have measured with 3-min time resolution how heritable patterns of chromatin structure are initially established and maintained during the midblastula transition (MBT). We find that regions of accessibility are established sequentially, where enhancers are opened in advance of promoters and insulators. These open states are stably maintained in highly condensed mitotic chromatin to ensure faithful inheritance of prior accessibility status across cell divisions. The temporal progression of establishment is controlled by the biological timers that control the onset of the MBT. In general, acquisition of promoter accessibility is controlled by the biological timer that measures the nucleo-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio, whereas timing of enhancer accessibility is regulated independently of the N:C ratio. These different timing classes each associate with binding sites for two transcription factors, GAGA-factor and Zelda, previously implicated in controlling chromatin accessibility at ZGA. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.20148. 001
Distributed robust training of multilayer neural netwroks using normalized risk-averting error

This paper describes a novel distributed quasi-Newton-based robust training using the normalized risk-averting error (NRAE) with the gradual deconvexification (GDC) strategy. The main purpose of the computation is accomplished by optimizing the NRAE criterion parallely across different computing units, thereby two big advantages such as faster computation and global convergence can be obtained. The key idea is to replace the log partition function of the NRAE with a parallelizable upper-bound based on the concavity of the log-function. As a result, it is confirmed that the method is robust, and provides high quality training solutions regardless of initial values. Furthermore, the CPU time is drastically improved by the proposed distribution method without losing the quality of solutions.
Mixed Reality: Future Dreams Seen at the Border between Real and Virtual Worlds

Mixed reality (MR) is a kind of virtual reality (VR) but a broader concept than augmented reality (AR), which augments the real world with synthetic electronic data. On the opposite side, there is a term, augmented virtuality (AV), which enhances or augments the virtual environment (VE) with data from the real world. Mixed reality covers a continuum from AR to AV. This concept embraces the definition of MR stated by Milgram and Kishino (1994). We describe some technical achievements we made in the Mixed Reality Project in Japan.
Natasha: Faster Stochastic Non-Convex Optimization via Strongly Non-Convex Parameter

Given a non-convex function $f(x)$ that is an average of $n$ smooth functions, we design stochastic first-order methods to find its approximate stationary points. The performance of our new methods depend on the smallest (negative) eigenvalue $-\sigma$ of the Hessian. This parameter $\sigma$ captures how strongly non-convex $f(x)$ is, and is analogous to the strong convexity parameter for convex optimization. Our methods outperform the best known results for a wide range of $\sigma$, and can also be used to find approximate local minima. In particular, we find an interesting dichotomy: there exists a threshold $\sigma_0$ so that the fastest methods for $\sigma>\sigma_0$ and for $\sigma<\sigma_0$ have drastically different behaviors: the former scales with $n^{2/3}$ and the latter scales with $n^{3/4}$.
FoxO3 induces reversible cardiac atrophy and autophagy in a transgenic mouse model.

AIMS The transcription factor FoxO3 contributes to anti-hypertrophic signalling in the heart presumably by regulating autophagic-lysosomal and ubiquitin-proteasomal pathways. We wanted to study FoxO3 function in the adult heart in vivo by expressing a constitutively active mutant of FoxO3 in transgenic mice. METHODS AND RESULTS We generated transgenic mice in which a tetracycline-regulated constitutively active FoxO3 transgene (FoxO3-CA) is controlled by the heart-specific α-myosin heavy chain promoter. Cardiac-specific expression in adult mice resulted in a decrease in heart weight by 25% and a reduction in stroke volume and cardiac output. The decrease in heart size was due to a reduction in the size of individual cardiomyocytes, whereas there was no evidence for increased cell death. FoxO3 activation was accompanied by the initiation of a foetal gene programme with increased expression of β-myosin heavy chain and natriuretic peptides, and by the activation of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin signalling. As shown by electron microscopy, FoxO3-CA massively stimulated destruction of sarcomeres and autophagy, and induced expression of LC3-II and BNIP3. When FoxO3-CA expression was shut off in affected mice, cardiac atrophy and dysfunction as well as molecular markers were normalized within 1 month. FoxO3-CA expression did not counteract hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction. CONCLUSION Heart-specific expression of constitutively active FoxO3 leads to reversible heart atrophy. The reversibility of the phenotype suggests a remarkable ability of the adult myocardium to respond to different regulatory cues.
Improved Reliability in Solid-State AC Drives by Means of Multiple Independent Phase Drive Units

Phase redundancy is a proposed technique for improving the reliability of large solid-state adjustable-frequency ac drives. Based on the more general concept of parallel redundancy, this new technique relies heavily on the inherent capability of a general n-phase ac motor to continue operation with (n -1) or less of its stator phases excited. Motor performance degradation which inevitably accompanies such operation is sensitive to a variety of system parameters including the number of stator phases and the type of excitation source. A thorough evaluation of (n - 1)-phase excitation performance characteristics of an n-phase squirrel-cage induction motor is presented in this paper. Under favorable conditions, a large percentage of the motor's balanced excitation rating can be retained during postfault conditions of steady-state (n -1)-phase excitation. The n-phase-drive units must be conservatively designed to withstand transient stresses associated with fault-induced transitions from balanced n-phase to (n-1)-phase excitation. Key analytical results have been experimentally verified by tests conducted on a 5-hp six-phase squirrel-cage induction motor. Results of this investigation support the basic soundness of the phase-redundancy concept.
BER Performance Analysis of V-BLAST MIMO System with Joint Source and Channel Coding

An improved MIMO system implementing joint source and channel coding in the form of Rate Compatible Punctured Convolutional Code (RCPC Code) and Unequal Error Protection (UEP) is proposed. To ensure a multiplexing gain, a layered architecture, V-BLAST, is employed. Analytical BER is presented and numerical simulations are done to analyze the system performance. The proposed coding scheme allows for consistently higher error-protection level as the code rate decreases. It is also shown that whilst the lower code rates outperforms the higher ones, in terms of larger free distance and lower BER, the SNR range covered is narrower at decreasing levels of BER. This implies the potential bandwidth efficiency to be gained if the higher code rates are used for lower-priority data bits.
Assessing the Ecophysiology of Methanogens in the Context of Recent Astrobiological and Planetological Studies

Among all known microbes capable of thriving under extreme and, therefore, potentially extraterrestrial environmental conditions, methanogens from the domain Archaea are intriguing organisms. This is due to their broad metabolic versatility, enormous diversity, and ability to grow under extreme environmental conditions. Several studies revealed that growth conditions of methanogens are compatible with environmental conditions on extraterrestrial bodies throughout the Solar System. Hence, life in the Solar System might not be limited to the classical habitable zone. In this contribution we assess the main ecophysiological characteristics of methanogens and compare these to the environmental conditions of putative habitats in the Solar System, in particular Mars and icy moons. Eventually, we give an outlook on the feasibility and the necessity of future astrobiological studies concerning methanogens.