Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Watermark-Based Error Concealment Algorithms for Low Bit Rate Video Communications

Watermark-Based Error Concealment Algorithms for Low Bit Rate Video Communications by Chowdary B. Adsumilli In this work, a novel set of robust watermark-based error concealment (WEC) algorithms are proposed. Watermarking is used to introduce redundancy to the transmitted data with little or no increase in its bit rate during transmission. The proposed algorithms involve generating a low resolution version of a video frame and seamlessly embedding it as a watermark in the frame itself during encoding. At the receiver, the watermark is extracted from the reconstructed frame and the lost information is recovered using the extracted watermark signal, thus enhancing its perceptual quality. Three DCT-based spread spectrum watermark embedding techniques are presented in this work. The first technique uses a multiplicative Gaussian pseudo-noise with a pre-defined spreading gain and fixed chip rate. The second one is its adaptively scaled version and the third technique uses informed watermarking. Two versions of the low resolution reference, a halftoned reference and a DPCM encoded reference, are considered here. Spatial, temporal, and spatio-temporal implementations of WEC are proposed for video. A reference watermark of either the intra-coded frame or the subsequent intercoded frame is embedded in the current frame for mitigation of error propagation. In the case of spatio-temporal implementation, a low resolution gray-scale reference is bit-plane embedded in a volume data set. These implementation schemes not only enhance the end-user perceptual video quality, but also increase the embedding capacity. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the WEC algorithms along with a comparison between the full-frame and block-based embedding techniques are presented. A psychophysical experiment is performed to obtain the subjective quality evaluation of the proposed techniques, the comparison between the perceptual quality of intracoded reference embedding and inter-coded reference embedding, and to verify the codec-
Modeling and optimization of access opportunity in cognitive radio

This paper proposes jointly optimizing the access opportunity and spectrum sensing to achieve the maximum efficiency of spectrum utilization for the secondary user.In cognitive radio,the opportunistic access interwinded with spectrum sensing plays a key role in determining the performance of the secondary system.However,current related research neglects the relationship between primary user and secondary user in the spatial domain,which leads to incorrect evalution of the quantity of avaliable access opportunity for the secondary user.To deal with this problem,a closed-form function is derived to calculate the secondary medium access probability with regard to the impact of spectrum sensing and user spatial distribution.By using this derived closed-form function,the secondary user can obtain the optimum sensing configuration to ensure the efficient spectrum utilization of the secondary system.Simulation results show the correctness of the closed-form function and the efficiency of the related optimization.
Proceedings of the 1st Workshop on Definition Extraction

In the last few years the automatic extraction of definitions from textual data has become a common research topic in several domains of Natural Language Processing. These include: •Definition extraction as a methodological resource for fields as different as computational semantics, information extraction, text mining, ontology development, WEB semantics and elearning. •The conception of definition extraction as a self-challenging task, in particular in computational lexicography and terminography, fields oriented towards the design and implementation of electronic tools such as lexical knowledge bases, machine-readable dictionaries, terminological databases, thesauri, machine translation systems or question-answering systems.
Human Activity Recognition Using Time Series Classification

Human Activity Recognition Using Time Series Classification Zhino Yousefi Master of Applied Science Graduate Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2015 Activity Recognition (AR) has become a basis for applications such as health care and elderly surveillance, human position tracking, home monitoring and security applications. Embedding motion sensors in smart phones increases the interest in using smart phones for detecting users’ activities. In this thesis, we propose a system that learns activity trends using only the data from an accelerometer sensor, which is the most common motion sensor in smart phones. The system uses raw traces in a training set to build a predictor that assigns the proper label to new traces. Our approach addresses the two main challenges in AR using smart phones. First, the system is well trained with fewer training traces compared to benchmark approaches, and new traces can easily be added to our data base. Second, since we use the raw traces without dening any particular features, our system gives more general and gives almost perfect accuracy.
Offline Signature Verification Using Virtual Support Vector Machines

Offline signature verification is the art of properly classifying between one's real signature and reasonably good forgeries from after-the-fact (scanned or otherwise captured) images. For this project, we implemented a technique of signature verification using Virtual Support Vector Machines. A testing procedure was devised and the results were analyzed and written in this report. When compared to SVM classification without virtual signatures, it was found that the use of Virtual SVM with invariant rotation and translation transformations has a small detrimental effect on the error rate, but reduces the false rejection rate at the expense of the false acceptance rate which increases significantly.
Effiziente Hardwarearchitekturen für Interference Alignment in drahtlosen Kommunikationssystemen

Die Anforderungen an den Datendurchsatz und die Energieeffizienz in der zukünftigen drahtlosen Heimund Multimediavernetzung erfordern neue Techniken zur Erhöhung der Spektraleffizienz und zur kooperativen Nutzung knapper Funkressourcen. Interference Alignment (IA) stellt ein mögliches Werkzeug zur effizienten Nutzung der in Mehrbenutzerszenarien zur Verfügung stehenden Kanalkapazität dar. In diesem Beitrag wird die Rechenkomplexität ausgewählter geschlossener und iterativer Interference Alignment Algorithmen für den Einsatz in der digitalen Basisbandverarbeitung in derartigen drahtlosen Hochgeschwindigkeits-Kommunikationssystemen untersucht. Exemplarisch wird dazu der Einsatz von IA in OFDM-basierten Mehrantennensystemen betrachtet. Basierend darauf wird ein speziell auf die Energieeffizienzforderungen mobiler Anwendungen optimierter dedizierter IA-Hardwarebeschleuniger präsentiert. Weiterhin wird die für den Entwurf hoch optimierter Hardwaremodule verwendete FPGA-basierte Entwurfsumgebung vorgestellt, mit dem Fokus auf der Verifikation und Integration der Module in einen ASIC-Desingfluss. Durch den hybriden Hardwarein-the-Loop Ansatz der Kopplung von Entwurfswerkzeugen auf hohem Abstraktionsniveau mit an die ASIC-Synthese angelehnten Verfahren lässt sich die Hardware-Entwurfszeit deutlich verkürzen.
Forecasting Macroeconomic Variables Using Neural Network Models and Three Automated Model Selection Techniques

When forecasting with neural network models one faces several problems, all of which influence the accuracy of the forecasts. First, neural networks are often hard to estimate due to their highly nonlinear structure. To alleviate the problem, White (2006) presented a solution (QuickNet) that converts the specification and nonlinear estimation problem into a linear model selection and estimation problem. We shall compare its performance to that of two other procedures building on the linearization idea: the Marginal Bridge Estimator and Autometrics. Second, one must decide whether forecasting should be carried out recursively or directly. This choice is investigated in this work. The economic time series used in this study are the consumer price indices for the G7 and the Scandinavian countries. In addition, a number of simulations are carried out and results reported in the article.
Performance comparison of video quality metrics

The development of digital video technology, due to its nature, introduced new approach to the objective video quality estimation. Basically there are two types of metrics for measuring the quality of digital video: purely mathematically defined video quality metrics (DELTA, MSAD, MSE, SNR and PSNR) where the error is mathematically calculated as a difference between the original and processed pixel, and video quality metrics that have similar characteristics as the Human Visual System (SSIM, NQI, VQM), where the perceptual quality is also considered in the overall quality estimation. The metrics from the first group are more technical ones and because the visual quality of perception is more complex than pixel error calculation, many examples show that their video quality estimation is deficiently accurate. The second group of metrics work in a different manner compared to previous, calculating the scene structure in the overall video quality estimation. This paper is concerned with experimental comparison of the performance of Structural Similarity (SSIM) and Video Quality Metric (VQM) metrics for objective video quality estimation. For the purpose of this experiment, more than 300 short video sequences were prepared. The measurements of these video sequences are used to draw the metrics dependence to common changes in processed video sequences. These changes include changes in: brightness, contrast, hue, saturation and noise. This paper pinpoints the key characteristics of each metric, gives the conclusion of the better performing one and gives directions for improvement of objective video quality estimation.
Reliable Treatment of Petroleum Processing Wastewater Using Dissolved Air Flotation in Combination with Advanced Oxidation Process

IL refinery processes mill wastewater originating from highly contaminated outlet with persistent organic pollutants is the main polluted part in end-of pipe of oil industry. This study has been carried out to investigate the application reliability of diffused air flotation (DAF) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with particularly Fenton reaction for the treatment of this type of wastewater. Two sequenced wastewater samples were collected from Petroleum Refinery Company located at a coastal city, Egypt. The first was from the API-oil separation discharging point where it has been treated by DAFunit, while the second was collected from Naphtha section outlet that highly contaminated with phenolic compounds. It has been treated with Fenton process in batch laboratory-scale. Results showed that at the optimal operating conditions, DAF-experiment fulfilled appropriate removal of total oil and grease up to 98%, while its efficiency in removing both COD and TSS was exceeding 96% and 92%, respectively. On the other hand, samples collected from Naphtha department outlet that subjected to Fenton reaction showed remarkable destruction of phenolic contents up to 99.9%; and 88% for COD, at their optimal operating conditions, respectively.
Nutritional management of HIV/AIDS in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: a review

Abstract HIV/AIDS is a major global health problem and is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world. Nutritional management of people with HIV/AIDS has become increasingly complex since the introduction of new antiretroviral agents taken in combinations referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HAART has resulted in improved survival times. However, side effects and complications are common. Prior to the introduction of HAART, weight loss was the major nutritional issue in people with HIV/AIDS and was associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Although weight loss continues to occur in the post HAART era, HAART side effects and lipodystrophy syndrome have become the major focus of the literature. Lipodystrophy syndrome refers to subcutaneous peripheral fat loss and/or visceral adiposity often accompanied by metabolic abnormalities, particularly hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance, in people with HIV/AIDS taking HAART. A formal definition for this syndrome has not yet been established which makes determination of the prevalence of the syndrome difficult. The cause of the syndrome remains elusive. However, it has been found to occur only in those people with HIV/AIDS taking antiretroviral therapy. It is likely that the syndrome is a direct consequence of the antiretroviral drugs interfering with normal metabolism or it may be a result of the immune reconstitution on successful therapy. The syndrome is of concern because of the potential increase in metabolic disorders related to hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance. (Aust J Nutr Diet 2001;58:211–223)
Beamforming in Wireless Communication Standards: A Survey

Background/Objectives: In this paper, we have analyzed the beamforming technology and surveyed the beamforming methods used over the years in various wireless applications and how it can be improved to be implemented in future technologies. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Beamforming plays an important role in pointing an antenna to the signal source and thereby reducing interference and improving signal quality. The importance of the technology and how each standard has benefited from it has been identified. We have then provided a review of the research going into this field on how the application of the technology can be employed in the future standards to provide a better user experience. Findings: At higher frequencies, more antennas can be packed into the same physical area. The implementation of hybrid beamforming technologies in large antenna arrays in these frequencies has yielded good performance. Advanced hybrid beamforming algorithm uses both analog and digital beamforming methods and not only offers highly directional beam to overcome propagation loss, but also advanced digital domain processing such as multi beam MIMO with lesser complexity. Applications: Use of millimeter wave band for future technologies can result in the adoption of various beamforming methods in a large scale in various wireless applications.
Social learning approach in designing persuasive e-commerce recommender system model

Intention to purchase in existing online business practice is learned through observation of information display by online seller. The emergent growth of persuasive technologies currently holds a great potential in driving a positive influence towards consumer purchase behavior. But to date, there is still limited research on implementing persuasion concept into the recommender system context. Drawing upon the principle design of persuasive system, the main purpose of this study is to explore social learning advantages in creating persuasive features for E-Commerce recommender system. Based on Social Cognitive Theory, the influence of personal and environmental factors will be examined in measuring consumer purchase intention. In addition, dimensions of social learning environment are represented by observational learning theory and cognitive learning theory. From those reviews, this study assumed that social learning environment can be created based on attentiveness, retentiveness, motivational, knowledge awareness and interest evaluation cues of consumer learning factors. Furthermore, the persuasive environment of recommender system is assumed to have positive influence towards individual characteristics such as self-efficacy behavior, perceived task complexity and confused by over choice. Findings from those reviews have contributed to the development of a research model in visualizing social learning environment that can be used to develop a persuasive recommender system in E-Commerce and hence measures the impact towards consumer purchase intention.
WCLTA 2014 Physical Activity Levels and Psychological Well-Being : A Case Study of University Students

The aim of this study was to compare psychological well-being according to gender and physical activity levels of university students. The sampling of the study consisted of 400 female and 300 male students. Their ages ranged from 18 to 34 years (Mean= 20.80±1.97). The short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Scales of Psychological Well-being were used to collect data. A two-way contingency analysis was used to test differences in the physical activity levels between female and males. A one-way MANOVA was performed to investigate differences of psychological well-being mean scores between gender and physical activity levels. In conclusion male students were more likely to participate in high active levels of physical activity than females (p<0.05). There was significant difference between psychological well-being according to physical activity levels and gender. The test revealed significant difference by gender only in Self-acceptance subscale and by physical activity levels in Environmental Mastery and Self-acceptance subscales. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of Academic World Education and Research Center.
Metabolic Signature Identi fi es Novel Targets for Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma

Drug resistance remains a major clinical challenge for cancer treatment. Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell cancer selectively localized in the bone marrow. The main cause of resistance in myeloma is the minimal residual disease cells that are resistant to the original therapy, including bortezomib treatment and high-dose melphalan in stem cell transplant. In this study, we demonstrate that altered tumor cell metabolism is essential for the regulation of drug resistance in multiple myeloma cells. We show the unprecedented role of the metabolic phenotype in inducing drug resistance through LDHA and HIF1A in multiple myeloma, and that specific inhibition of LDHA and HIF1A can restore sensitivity to therapeutic agents such as bortezomib and can also inhibit tumor growth induced by altered metabolism. Knockdown of LDHA can restore sensitivity of bortezomib resistance cell lines while gain-of-function studies using LDHA or HIF1A induced resistance in bortezomib-sensitive cell lines. Taken together, these data suggest that HIF1A and LDHA are important targets for hypoxia-driven drug resistance. Novel drugs that regulate metabolic pathways in multiple myeloma, specifically targeting LDHA, can be beneficial to inhibit tumor growth and overcome drug resistance. Cancer Res; 75(10); 2071–82. 2015 AACR.
Drivers ’ stated preferences towards road pricing : the case of Athens

Traffic congestion is a phenomenon which threatens the sustainable development of urban areas, and measures to tackle the problem are being sought. A quite effective way targeting traffic congestion is road pricing. The principle of road pricing is to charge for the “burden” that road users produce mainly on traffic and subsequently on environmental conditions. Within this study a road pricing scheme has been designed for the city of Athens, to investigate driver attitudes towards the scheme, through a questionnaire survey which was conducted to travellers in the city of Athens. Participants of the survey were asked to answer several questions to elicit their preferences in respect to road pricing, their acceptability and their willingness-to-pay for the implementation of such a scheme. Results indicate that the majority of travellers is aware of the advantages of a road pricing scheme and is not against (about 10% in favor and about 53% conditionally agree) the design of such a measure to reduce urban congestion and that there are specific parameters that influence scheme acceptability. Key-Words: Congestion,Congestion charging, Acceptability, Stated preference
Exchange Rate Regime and Monetary Independence in East Asia

In this paper, we empirically examine whether the shift to free floating regime has increased the monetary independence in Indonesia, Korea and Thailand. We define the monetary independence in terms of the effects of foreign shocks on domestic interest rates. Large changes in U.S. interest rates, U.S. stock prices and yen-dollar exchange rates are considered as foreign shocks. Our empirical results indicate that the regime shift of the exchange rate system provided more monetary independence in Korea and Thailand. They, however, also suggest that the augmented capital mobility due to further capital account liberalization eroded the monetary independence in Korea during the free floating regime. In the case of Indonesia, we fail to find empirical evidence for the increase of its monetary autonomy.
ela Verification Model Translation Method based on Relative SysML State Machine Diagra m s

In this study, we developed a method for converting relative SysML state machine diagrams into Promela models that can be verified using the SPIN model checking tool. When analyzing a system, it is common for there to be plural state machine diagrams in the system. Some of these state machines are complex interrelated. Our goal was to develop a method to translate these related state machine diagrams to Promela models that show the communication between state machines. This study was based on the translation method we developed previously. In this study, we improved the method so that it could not only show the influence of outside events on the system, but also the influence of inside messages between the related state machines. In this paper, we describe the rules to convert the related SysML state machine diagrams to a simple verification model in Promela.
Role of human resources management and Organizational learning in Small and medium enterprises

Enterprise development is almost universally promoted in developing countries, and is often justified on the grounds that the emergence of entrepreneurs is an important mechanism to generate economic growth. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the economy of Iran. Human resource management (HRM) is seen as crucial for innovation and firm performance in Iran. Effective management of human capital might improve market performance of firm, and the impact of HR on organizational outcomes might improve organizational performance. Employees who have needed knowledge, skills and abilities required for individual performance contribute more to business results such as sales, market share, profits, quality of products and new product development. [Marzieh Taheri Sinaki, Davood Gharakhani, Sajjad Jalalifar, Hamid Bahrami. Role of human resources management and Organizational learning in Small and medium enterprises. Life Sci J 2013;10(6s):690-694] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 108
Enhancement of Transient Performance of a Single Machine Infinite Bus System Using Thyristor Controlled Braking Resistor

Transient Stability studies of a power systems are necessary for the planning and reliable operation. Several techniques like hvdc, fact controller’s etc. are used to enhance the transient performance of the system. In all these techniques the electrical generator output is improved during and post disturbance condition. In this paper Thyristor Controlled Braking Resistor (TCBR) is used to enhance the transient performance of Single Machine connected to Infinite Bus (SMIB). The effect of TCBR is studied over different line reactances and operating conditions. The system is simulated using MATLAB and results are presented. Results clearly indicate the effect of TCBR in improving the transient performance of SIMB under all conditions. Keywords-TCBR, SMIB