Quadratic Projection Based Feature Extraction with Its Application to Biometric Recognition

This paper presents a novel quadratic projection based feature extraction framework, where a set of quadratic matrices is learned to distinguish each class from all other classes. We formulate quadratic matrix learning (QML) as a standard semidefinite programming (SDP) problem. However, the con- ventional interior-point SDP solvers do not scale well to the problem of QML for high-dimensional data. To solve the scalability of QML, we develop an efficient algorithm, termed DualQML, based on the Lagrange duality theory, to extract nonlinear features. To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework, we conduct extensive experiments on biometric recognition. Experimental results on three representative biometric recogni- tion tasks, including face, palmprint, and ear recognition, demonstrate the superiority of the DualQML-based feature extraction algorithm compared to the current state-of-the-art algorithm

Determining VtbV_{tb} at Electron-Positron Colliders

Verifying $V_{tb} \simeq 1$ is critical to test the three generation assumption of the Standard Model. So far our best knowledge of $V_{tb}$ is inferred either from the $3\times 3$ unitarity of CKM matrix or from single top-quark productions upon the assumption of universal weak couplings. The unitarity could be relaxed in new physics models with extra heavy quarks and the universality of weak couplings could also be broken if the $Wtb$ coupling is modified in new physics models. In this work we propose to measure $V_{tb}$ in the process of $e^+ e^- \to t\bar{t}$ without prior knowledge of the number of fermion generations or the strength of the $Wtb$ coupling. Using an effective Lagrangian approach, we perform a model-independent analysis of the interactions among electroweak gauge bosons and the third generation quarks, i.e. the $Wtb$, $Zt\bar{t}$ and $Zb\bar{b}$ couplings. The electroweak symmetry of the Standard Model specifies a pattern of deviations of the $Z$-$t_L$-$t_L$ and $W$-$t_L$-$b_L$ couplings after one imposes the known experimental constraint on the $Z$-$b_L$-$b_L$ coupling. We demonstrate that, making use of the predicted pattern and the accurate measurements of top-quark mass and width from the energy threshold scan experiments, one can determine $V_{tb}$ from the cross section and the forward-backward asymmetry of top-quark pair production at an {\it unpolarized} electron-positron collider.Comment: publish versio

Thermodynamic Magnon Recoil for Domain Wall Motion

We predict a thermodynamic magnon recoil effect for domain wall motions in the presence of temperature gradients. All current thermodynamic theories assert that a magnetic domain wall must move toward the hotter side, based on equilibrium thermodynamic arguments. Microscopic calculations on the other hand show that a domain wall can move either along or against the direction of heat currents, depending on how strong the heat currents are reflected by the domain wall. We have resolved the inconsistency between these two approaches by augmenting the theory in the presence of thermal gradients by incorporating in the free energy of domain walls by a heat current term present in nonequilibrium steady states. The condition to observe a domain wall propagation toward the colder regime is derived analytically and can be tested by future experiments.Comment: Submitted with revision

Cultural Identities of Chinese American Adolescents

This study examines the cultural identities of five Chinese American adolescents in a Chinese school in a southern city of the United States. This is a story of how the informal Sunday Chinese school setting, the regular school settings, the Chinese American community and the family shaped the identities of these Chinese American adolescents. It is a story of how they deal with two different cultures (American & Chinese culture) in everyday life and how they give meanings to their lives. This study employs the qualitative research method and ethnographic tradition. Using data collected from interviews, observations, and a literature review, the researcher used political analysis and a critical paradigm to analyze the multiple factors shaping cultural identities of Chinese American adolescents. This study aims to improve social justice based on ideals of cultural diversity and social difference. It hopes to develop cultural diversity in American society and bring more attention to Chinese American studies

Graph edge coloring and a new approach to the overfull conjecture

The graph edge coloring problem is to color the edges of a graph such that adjacent edges receives different colors. Let $G$ be a simple graph with maximum degree $\Delta$. The minimum number of colors needed for such a coloring of $G$ is called the chromatic index of $G$, written $\chi\u27(G)$. We say $G$ is of class one if $\chi\u27(G)=\Delta$, otherwise it is of class 2. A majority of edge coloring papers is devoted to the Classification Problem for simple graphs. A graph $G$ is said to be \emph{overfull} if $|E(G)|\u3e\Delta \lfloor |V(G)|/2\rfloor$. Hilton in 1985 conjectured that every graph $G$ of class two with $\Delta(G)\u3e\frac{|V(G)|}{3}$ contains an overfull subgraph $H$ with $\Delta(H)=\Delta(G)$. In this thesis, I will introduce some of my researches toward the Classification Problem of simple graphs, and a new approach to the overfull conjecture together with some new techniques and ideas