Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leader-follower and cascade system based formation control of nonholonomic intelligent vehicles

This paper presents a new framework for the formation control of nonholonomic intelligent vehicles combining the leader-follower and cascade system together. The formation model is obtained based on the leader-follower approach. The controllers are designed by using global fast terminal sliding mode control technique for the leader who tracks the reference trajectory and back-stepping method for the follower to keep the predetermined formation movement. Furthermore, the leader and follower of intelligent vehicles can be treated as every part of the cascade system, which relies on a kind of multi-platform information fusion technology to realize communication among vehicles. Simulation results show the correctness and effectiveness of the algorithm.
View invariant human action recognition using fourier-based and radon-based point cloud analysis

Human action recognition has been one of the most challenging topics in computer vision during the last decade. This paper presents a novel approach for recognizing view independent human actions based on analysis of Fourier transform and Radon transform of self similarity matrix of features obtained from the action. The proposed feature descriptor is extracted from human point cloud over the time and is based on the key idea that some parts of human body which have a longer distance from the body center are more discriminative for human action recognition purposes. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated with the experiments on i3DPost dataset.
Edge Detection and Linear Feature Extraction Using a 2-D Random Field Model

The edge-detection problem is posed as one of detecting step discontinuities in the observed correlated image, using directional derivatives estimated with a random field model. Specifically, the method consists of representing the pixels in a local window by a 2-D causal autoregressive (AR) model, whose parameters are adaptively estimated using a recursive least-squares algorithm. The directional derivatives are functions of parameter estimates. An edge is detected if the second derivative in the direction of the estimated maximum gradient is negatively sloped and the first directional derivative and a local estimate of variance satisfy some conditions. Because the ordered edge detector may not detect edges of all orientations well, the image scanned in four different directions, and the union of the four edge images is taken as the final output. The performance of the edge detector is illustrated using synthetic and real images. Comparisons to other edge detectors are given. A linear feature extractor that operates on the edges produced by the AR model is presented. >
Automatic Face Quality Assessment from Video Using Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix: An Empirical Study on Automatic Border Control System

The face quality assessment from video must quantitatively measure the applicability of the face images that are typically captured over multiple frames with various degradations. In this work, we address the face quality assessment from the video captured using Automatic Border Control (ABC) system. To this extent, we employed MorphoWayTM ABC system as a data capture device to construct a new database by simulating real-life scenario. We then propose a new scheme for face quality estimation that can be viewed in three steps: (1) Pose estimation by detecting face parts (eyes and nose) to separate frontal from non-frontal faces. (2) We then consider the frontal face and evaluate its corresponding image quality by analyzing its texture components using Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). (3) Finally, we quantify the quality of the given face image using likelihood values obtained using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). Extensive experiments are carried out on our new database that exhibits various quality degradations due to head pose variations, change in illumination, expression, motion blur, etc. The experimental results have indicated that the proposed face quality assessment algorithm can effectively classify the input image into relevant quality bins that in turn can be employed for the improved face verification.
Atomic Switch: Atom/Ion Movement Controlled Devices for Beyond Von‐Neumann Computers

An atomic switch is a nanoionic device that controls the diffusion of metal ions/atoms and their reduction/oxidation processes in the switching operation to form/annihilate a conductive path. Since metal atoms can provide a highly conductive channel even if their cluster size is in the nanometer scale, atomic switches may enable downscaling to smaller than the 11 nm technology node, which is a great challenge for semiconductor devices. Atomic switches also possess novel characteristics, such as high on/off ratios, very low power consumption and non‐volatility. The unique operating mechanisms of these devices have enabled the development of various types of atomic switch, such as gap‐type and gapless‐type two‐terminal atomic switches and three‐terminal atomic switches. Novel functions, such as selective volatile/nonvolatile, synaptic, memristive, and photo‐assisted operations have been demonstrated. Such atomic switch characteristics can not only improve the performance of present‐day electronic systems, but also enable development of new types of electronic systems, such as beyond von‐ Neumann computers.
LES PHÉNOMÈNES GLOTTAUX EN SITUATION DE CONTACT LINGUISTIQUE : MAYA ET ESPAGNOL DU YUCATÁN, Mexique

Dans cette these, je montre que la production de la glottalisation dans l'espagnol parle au Yucatan, Mexique, se manifeste differemment selon sa position dans le mot et selon la competence linguistique du locuteur. La consonne glottale a l'intervocalique se distingue d'une glottalisation en finale par des variations de la glotte. Ces differences physiologiques sont confirmees dans ce travail par l'analyse des signaux de parole et laryngographiques. Les differences se manifestent par un DEV (duree d'etablissement du voisement) de la consonne glottale significativement inferieur a celui des occlusives glottalisees chez tous les locuteurs Yucateques et une reponse du bruit de l'explosion (resonance) plus faible. Ce dernier effet resulte de decalage temporel qui s'etablit entre les articulateurs de la cavite buccale et ceux de la glotte pour la production des occlusives glottalisees. La frequence d'energie de l'explosion et la duree des occlusives glottalisees et de la consonne glottale sont influencees par leur position dans le mot. Elles varient aussi en fonction des locuteurs (bilinguemonolingue). La consonne glottale (entre deux voyelles ou en position finale), consideree par des phoneticiens mayanistes comme une occlusive glottale, est produite comme une fricative glottale a l'intervocalique, comme une fricative ou une occlusive glottale en finale par les Yucateques.
Performance Ratings of an Autocovariance Base Estimator (ABE) in the Estimation of GARCH Model Parameters When the Normality Assumption is Invalid

The performance of an autocovariance base estimator (ABE) for GARCH models against that of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) if a distribution assumption is wrongly specified as normal was studied. This was accomplished by simulating time series data that fits a GARCH model using the Log normal and t-distributions with degrees of freedom of 5, 10 and 15. The simulated time series was considered as the true probability distribution, but normality was assumed in the process of parameter estimations. To track consistency, sample sizes of 200, 500, 1,000 and 1,200 were employed. The two methods were then used to analyze the series under the normality assumption. The results show that the ABE method appears to be competitive in the situations considered.
Control of motility patterns in the human colonic circular muscle layer by pacemaker activity

1 This study characterized the electrical and mechanical activities of human colonic muscle strips obtained from either the ascending, descending or sigmoid colon of patient volunteers during elective colon resections. 2 Rhythmic contractile activity was observed in colonic circular muscle strips in the absence of external stimuli. This activity persisted in the presence of atropine, phentolamine, propranolol, tetrodotoxin and Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine but was abolished by nifedipine. 3 The activity of whole circular muscle (WCM) was compared with that of the myenteric half (MCM), the submucosal half (SCM) and the interior (ICM) of the circular muscle layer. WCM exhibited a prominent 2–4 contractions min−1 contractile pattern which was also present in strips of SCM. In contrast, MCM and ICM exhibited slow (0.3–0.6 contractions min−1), long duration contractions with superimposed higher frequency contractions (17–18 contractions min−1). 4 Resting membrane potential (Vm), recorded at various positions through the thickness of WCM strips did not differ and averaged −50 mV. 5 Slow waves were observed in 83 % of muscles. They averaged 12 mV in amplitude, 9.4 s in duration and had a frequency of 2–4 contractions min−1. Slow waves were greatest in amplitude near the submucosal edge and decreased with distance away from this edge. Each slow wave was associated with a transient contraction. 6 Near the myenteric edge, rapid fluctuations of Vm with a mean frequency of 18 contractions min−1 were recorded in 67 % of muscles. Spiking activity was common and was superimposed upon slow waves and rapid Vm fluctuations. 7 In summary, slow waves were identified in the human colonic circular muscle layer which arise at or near the submucosal edge. These electrical events give rise to a 2–4 contractions min−1 contractile rhythm which is characteristic of the intact muscle layer. Thus, the nature and spatial organization of pacemaker activity in the human colon bears significant resemblance to other animal models, such as the dog and pig.
Canadian Immigration Policy for the 21st Century

Since 9/11 there have been many changes to the external environment of Canadian immigration, a number of criticisms of current immigration policy in Canada, and several proposals for dealing with current labour market needs and settlement patterns of immigrants to Canada. In "Canadian Immigration Policy for the 21st Century" authors examine the issues raised by these concerns.The topics covered include international context and immigration policy goals, the role of immigration in meeting Canada's demographic and labour market needs, decentralization of immigration policy with special focus on the Quebec perspective and the recent Manitoba experience, policy responses to increasing international labour mobility, immigration data resources in Canada, the changing immigrant experience in the labour market including issues of skill recognition and the effects of business cycles on labour market integration, and social inclusion of immigrants, including the health of immigrant children and visible minority enclaves in major Canadian cities.The contributors include: Michael Abbott (Queen's University), Naomi Alboim (Queen's University), Roderic Beaujot (University of Western Ontario), David Card (University of California at Berkeley), Barry Chiswick (University of Illinois at Chicago), Gerry Clement (Manitoba Labour and Immigration Department), Don DeVoretz (Simon Fraser University), Erwin Diewert (University of British Columbia), Victoria Esses (University of Western Ontario), Alan Green (Queen's University), Gilles Grenier (University of Ottawa), and, Violet Kaspar (University of Toronto). It also includes: Ted McDonald (University of New Brunswick), Alice Nakamura (University of Alberta), Masao Nakamura (University of British Columbia), Doug Norris (Statistics Canada), Garnett Picott (Statistics Canada), Jeffrey Reitz (University of Toronto), Craig Riddell (University of British Columbia), Janice Stein (University of Toronto), Arthur Sweetman (Queen's University), Yvan Turcotte (Ministere des Relations avec les Citoyens et de l'Immigration), and Chris Worswick (Carleton University).
The complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean field mouse Apodemus peninsulae (Rodentia, Murinae) from Korea

We have determined the complete mitochondrial genome of a subspecies of the Korean field mouse, Apodemus peninsulae peninsulae, from South Korea. The total length of the A. p. peninsulae genome is 16,268 bp with a base composition of 34.5% A, 30.7% T, 22.6% C, and 12.2% G.
Dual-polarized quasi-cubic dielectric resonator antenna array

A 2×2 dual-polarized array of aperture-coupled quasi-cubic DRA is presented in this letter. Good performances have been obtained by using pair-wise anti-phase feeding network. The measured 10-dB impedance bandwidth is 9.6% from 5.94 GHz to 6.54 GHz for horizontal port, and about 11.3% from 5.81GHz to 6.51 GHz for vertical port. The measured radiation patterns of both ports are also presented. The radiation patterns in the bandwidth are stable and the peak gains are about 11.5dB for both feed ports.
MOLECULAR REGULATION OF THE HUMAN INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE (iNOS) GENE

ABSTRACT In critically ill patients, the human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene is expressed in nearly every organ and has been shown to be associated with the refractory hypotension of septic and hemorrhagic shock. The molecular regulation of iNOS expression is complex and occurs at multiple sites in the gene expression pathway. Work in our laboratory has demonstrated that a combination of cytokines synergistically activate iNOS expression, which has resulted in the cloning of the first human iNOS gene from cytokine‐stimulated hepatocytes. In addition, we have demonstrated that iNOS expression is transcriptionally regulated and that the functional promoter elements are located upstream of ‐4.7 kilobases (kb) within a unique enhancer region containing four functional nuclear factor kappa B elements. These results contrast markedly with the murine iNOS promoter, where only 1.0 kb of 5′‐flanking sequence is required for lipopolysaccharide and cytokine responsiveness. Furthermore, numerous mechanisms have evolved to downregulate iNOS expression. By elucidating these mechanisms, therapeutic strategies to govern iNOS expression may be developed.
Ultrasound Guidance for Facet Joint Injections in the Lumbar Spine: A Computed Tomography-Controlled Feasibility Study

We conducted this study to develop an ultrasound-guided approach for facet joint injections of the lumbar spine. Five zygapophyseal joints (L1-S1) on each side of 5 embalmed cadavers were examined by ultrasound for a total of 50 examinations. The joint space was demonstrated under ultrasound guidance. The midpoint of the joint space, defined as the middle of its cranio-caudal extension on its dorsal surface, was taken as a reference point, and its position was computed from its depth and lateral distance from the spinous process. Forty-two of 50 approaches could be clearly visualized. Subsequently, these distances were compared to those obtained by computed tomography (CT). To assess the efficacy of ultrasound in the needle placement, all lumbar facet joints were approached in one embalmed cadaver. The exact placement of the needle tips was again evaluated by CT. Ultrasound and CT measurements showed the same mean depth and lateral distance to the reference point, 3.15 ± 0.5 cm and 1.9 ± 0.6 cm, respectively. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was 0.86 (P < 0.0001) between ultrasound and CT. All 10 needle tips were within the joint space during simulated facet joint injections. We conclude that ultrasound guidance might be a useful adjunct for facet joint injections in the lumbar spine.
Tonal Aspects in Spoken Chinese : Global and Local Perspectives

The present study try to clarify the deep essence and structure of Chinese intonation by objectively approach to the production process of tone and intonation and their interaction based on the acoustic-phonetic observation. Our main attention is paid to examine (1)what is the basic intonation pattern for the whole course of utterance and how it is formed? (2) how the lexical tone patterns integrate with the global intonation pattern? The preliminary results indicate that intonation pattern is mainly related to pitch register movement of global utterance, it is undulated depending on physiological mechanism and the needs of speech mood and semantic expression. While tone pattern is mainly referred both to the contour and the register of pitch change of local syllable or word, and it is lexically given. In real speech, each tone must be modified by global intonation through adjusting its relative register on one hand, and keeps its basic tone shape on the other hand. At the same time, the global intonation must be manifested through the pitch movement of each local tone. The key point is that the relationship between tone and intonation is an “algebraic sum” of pitch register, in stead of that of pitch contour.
Age Differences in Post–Breast Cancer Lymphedema Signs and Symptoms

This secondary data analysis was designed to explore the age differences in lymphedema (LE) occurrence and self-reported symptoms in post–breast cancer LE. A descriptive-exploratory cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample composed of 102 women treated and followed for breast cancer at a midwestern cancer center. Sequential circumferential arm measurement was used to estimate limb volume differences. Self-reported symptoms were assessed by the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ) designed and tested by the research team. Lymphedema occurrence was relatively higher (41.2%) in breast cancer survivors younger than 60 than in those older than 60 (30.6%). Six subjectively reported symptoms were found to occur more often (P ≤ .05) in the younger women with LE: numbness now and in the past year, tenderness in the past year, aching now and in the past year, increased temperature in arm now. Numbness, tenderness, and aching were the most prevalent symptoms among women in both age groups regardless of LE presence. Our findings suggest that younger breast cancer survivors may have increased LE risk and report LE-related symptoms more often. Future research should focus on age differences in LE risk, occurrence, and perceptions of LE-related symptoms in women treated for breast cancer.
Interleukin-10 gene polymorphism in bone marrow transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES Graft-versus-host disease is the main complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, occurring even after donor and recipient human leukocyte antigen matching, apparently because of donor/recipient minor histocompatibility antigen mismatches and cytokine polymorphisms. Interleukin-10 suppresses several activities of the immune response by inhibiting T helper 1 and T helper 2 cells. These properties suggest that interleukin-10 could act as a suppressive mediator and prevent graft-versus-host disease. This study evaluates the association between the interleukin-10 promoter gene polymorphism and transplant outcomes among 18 recipients of cytokine-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the proximal region of the interleukin-10 promoter gene (-1082/-819/-592) by the amplification refractory mutation system and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Eighteen donors and their recipients who had undergone an allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant at the Bone Marrow Transplant Center in Nemazi Hospital (Shiraz, Southern Iran) between September 2005 and September 2006 were enrolled. RESULTS The GCC haplotype (1082G/819C/592C) was predominant in both the donor and the recipient, but no significant correlations were present between the GCC haplotype in either the donor or the recipient and the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (P = .56). CONCLUSIONS The interleukin-10 promoter gene polymorphism was found not to be associated with acute graft-versus-host disease in patients after an allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant from human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donors. Additional studies with larger samples are necessary to further define the influence of interleukin-10 on the immune response after bone marrow transplant.
Bayesian Tail Risk Forecasting using Realised Volatility DCC-Copula-GARCH Models

A Skewed Student-t Realised DCC copula model using Realised Volatility GARCH marginal functions is developed within a Bayesian framework for the purpose of forecasting portfolio Value at Risk and Conditional Value at Risk. The use of copulas is implemented so that the marginal distributions can be separated from the dependence structure to produce tail forecasts. This is compared to using traditional GARCH-copula models, and GARCH on an aggregated portfolio, with weekly returns of five financial assets spanning from March 1971 to May 2014. An initial sample of 773 weeks is used to estimate the models, while 1000 one-week ahead forecasts are produced to compare out-of-sample forecast performance. Copula models implementing a Realised Volatility GARCH framework show an improvement over traditional GARCH models over a variety of formal and informal tests.
Particle Swarm Optimization via successive optimization in its parameter space

In this paper, we propose a new particle swarm optimization (PSO), which is based on successive optimization in its parameter space, in order to overcome the difficulty for applying PSO to complex and high dimensional nonlinear optimization problems. The proposed PSO consists of two types of optimization procedures; optimization in its decision variable space and optimization in its parameter space. Some numerical simulations using 6 types of typical benchmark problems verify the performance of the proposed PSO.
A practical approach to the synthesis of arithmetic circuits usingcarry-save-adders

Carry-save-adder (CSA) is one of the most widely used types of operation in implementing a fast computation of arithmetics. An inherent limitation of the conventional CSA applications is that the applications are confined to the sections of arithmetic circuit that can be directly translated into addition expressions. To overcome this limitation, from the analysis of the structures of arithmetic circuits found in industry, we derive a set of simple, but effective CSA transformation techniques other than the existing ones. These are 1) optimization across multiplexers, 2) optimization across design boundaries, and 3) optimization across multiplications. Based on the techniques, we develop a new timing-driven CSA transformation algorithm that is able to utilize CSA's extensively throughout all circuits. Experimental data for practical testcases are provided to show the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Kalman filtering in extended noise environments

This note introduces an extended environment for Kalman filtering that considers also the presence of additive noise on input observations in order to solve the problem of optimal (minimal variance) estimation of noise-corrupted input and output sequences. This environment includes as subcases both errors-in-variables filtering (optimal estimate of inputs and outputs from noisy observations) and traditional Kalman filtering (optimal estimate of state and output in presence of state and output noise). A Monte Carlo simulation shows that the performance of this extended filtering technique leads to the expected minimal variance estimates.