Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective face landmark localization via single deep network

In this paper, we propose a novel face alignment method using single deep network (SDN) on existing limited training data. Rather than using a max-pooling layer followed one convolutional layer in typical convolutional neural networks (CNN), SDN adopts a stack of 3 layer groups instead. Each group layer contains two convolutional layers and a max-pooling layer, which can extract the features hierarchically. Moreover, an effective data augmentation strategy and corresponding training skills are also proposed to over-come the lack of training images on COFW and 300-W da-tasets. The experiment results show that our method outper-forms state-of-the-art methods in both detection accuracy and speed.
An Event-Based Nonintrusive Load Monitoring Approach: Using the Simplified Viterbi Algorithm

Nonintrusive load monitoring technologies are gaining popularity for their low energy monitoring costs. In the article, the authors present a simple event-detection algorithm based on maximum and minimum points. Then, they use a variant of hidden Markov model as the appliance model and combine it with event detection to reduce the input. Specifically, they propose a simplified Viterbi algorithm, which considers fewer state transitions each time than the traditional Viterbi. The experiment results show that their work can achieve higher than 90 percent accuracy for most high-power devices and 60–80 percent accuracy for most low-power devices. Meanwhile, the computational complexity could be much lower than with the traditional Viterbi algorithm.
A mutation in the tuft mouse disrupts TET1 activity and alters the expression of genes that are crucial for neural tube closure

ABSTRACT Genetic variations affecting neural tube closure along the head result in malformations of the face and brain. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common birth defects in humans. We previously reported a mouse mutant called tuft that arose spontaneously in our wild-type 3H1 colony. Adult tuft mice present midline craniofacial malformations with or without an anterior cephalocele. In addition, affected embryos presented neural tube closure defects resulting in insufficient closure of the anterior neuropore or exencephaly. Here, through whole-genome sequencing, we identified a nonsense mutation in the Tet1 gene, which encodes a methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET1), co-segregating with the tuft phenotype. This mutation resulted in premature termination that disrupts the catalytic domain that is involved in the demethylation of cytosine. We detected a significant loss of TET enzyme activity in the heads of tuft embryos that were homozygous for the mutation and had NTDs. RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis indicated that multiple gene pathways associated with neural tube closure were dysregulated in tuft embryo heads. Among them, the expressions of Cecr2, Epha7 and Grhl2 were significantly reduced in some embryos presenting neural tube closure defects, whereas one or more components of the non-canonical WNT signaling pathway mediating planar cell polarity and convergent extension were affected in others. We further show that the recombinant mutant TET1 protein was capable of entering the nucleus and affected the expression of endogenous Grhl2 in IMCD-3 (inner medullary collecting duct) cells. These results indicate that TET1 is an epigenetic determinant for regulating genes that are crucial to closure of the anterior neural tube and its mutation has implications to craniofacial development, as presented by the tuft mouse. Summary: We propose an epigenetic mechanism establishing the regulation of genes that are crucial for neural tube closure. This mechanism could be a novel target for resolving such birth defects and associated disorders.
Work & Home Physical Ability Profile of Women Workers in an Electronics Factory in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

This paper describes the prevalence of exercise and other physical activities as well as their correlates among women workers in an electronics factory in the Klang Valley. This was a cross-sectional survey using guided self-administered questionnaires on 496 women workers. Comparisons of sociodemographic profiles, selected physiological parameters, work and physical activity profiles, knowledge and attitudes related to exercise and mental health status were made between the exercise and the sedentary groups. Results show that the prevalence of exercise in this group of women was 19.8% which is higher than the Malaysian national average. Among the sedentary women, high levels of knowledge and attitudes towards exercise did not translate into practice, time constraints being stated as the main problem for not exercising. Women who exercised suffered less depression and stress. However, in this study, exercise was not found to be statistically associated with reduction of anxiety or body weight.
In vivo investigation of restricted diffusion in the human brain with optimized oscillating diffusion gradient encoding

Previous studies in phantoms and animals using animal MR systems have shown promising results in using oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) diffusion acquisition to depict microstructure information. The OGSE approach has also been shown to be a sensitive biomarker of tumor treatment response and white matter‐related diseases. Translating these studies to a human MR scanner faces multiple challenges due to the much weaker gradient system. The goals of this study are to optimize the OGSE acquisition for a human MR system and investigate its applicability in the in vivo human brain.
Detection of Clonorchis sinensis in stool samples using real-time PCR

Abstract Human clonorchiasis, caused by infection with the trematode Clonorchis sinensis, is a common health problem in East Asia. In an attempt to develop a new, sensitive method for the diagnosis of the disease, the use of a real-time PCR (targeting the internal-transcribed-spacer-2 sequence of the parasite) to detect C. sinensis-specific DNA in faecal samples has recently been evaluated. The PCR-based assay, which included an internal control to detect any inhibition of the amplification by faecal constituents in the sample, was performed on stool samples and on DNA controls representing a wide range of intestinal microorganisms. The assay appeared very specific, only showing positivity with C. sinensis and Opisthorchis felineus. The sensitivity of the assay was explored by testing 170 preselected samples of human faeces, from an endemic area of South Korea, which had known (microscopically-determined) densities of C. sinensis eggs. The sensitivity of the assay was 100% for the 74 samples that each had > 100 eggs/g and 91.4% for the other 70 samples found egg-positive by microcopy (i.e. those that had ≤ 100 eggs/g). Three of the 26 samples that appeared egg-negative by microscopy were found PCR-positive. Encouragingly, the PCR cycle-threshold values, which reflect parasite-specific DNA loads, showed significant correlation with the egg counts. The real-time PCR used in this study therefore appears to be a powerful tool for both the detection and quantification of C. sinensis infections.
Deconstructing Heterosexualities within School Arenas

ABSTRACT This paper explores the continuing silence around the issue of sexuality within English schools. It is suggested that we are only beginning to understand the complex articulation between schooling, young people's cultural formations and sexual/gender identity formation. More specifically the paper argues that there is a need critically to examine dominant forms of heterosexualities. There is an exploration of recent empirical and theoretical work on sexuality, highlighting the interconnections between sexual diversity, complexity and power relations. These accounts suggest the need to bring together social, psychological and psychodynamic explanations of the way sexualities are lived out in schools. It is further suggested in this paper that the study of sexuality education may serve to aid the reconceptualisation of the fundamental values currently underpinning the curriculum.
A vesicular sequestration to oxidative deamination shift in myocardial sympathetic nerves in Parkinson's disease

In Parkinson's disease (PD), profound putamen dopamine (DA) depletion reflects denervation and a shift from vesicular sequestration to oxidative deamination of cytoplasmic DA in residual terminals. PD also involves cardiac sympathetic denervation. Whether PD entails myocardial norepinephrine (NE) depletion and a sequestration–deamination shift have been unknown. We measured apical myocardial tissue concentrations of NE, DA, and their neuronal metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) from 23 PD patients and 23 controls and ascertained the extent of myocardial NE depletion in PD. We devised, validated in VMAT2‐Lo mice, and applied 5 neurochemical indices of the sequestration–deamination shift—concentration ratios of DOPAC:DA, DA:NE, DHPG:NE, DOPAC:NE, and DHPG:DOPAC—and used a kinetic model to estimate the extent of the vesicular storage defect. The PD group had decreased myocardial NE content (p < 0.0001). The majority of patients (70%) had severe NE depletion (mean 2% of control), and in this subgroup all five indices of a sequestration–deamination shift were increased compared to controls (p < 0.001 for each). Vesicular storage in residual nerves was estimated to be decreased by 84–91% in this subgroup. We conclude that most PD patients have severe myocardial NE depletion, because of both sympathetic denervation and decreased vesicular storage in residual nerves. We found that the majority (70%) of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have profound (98%) myocardial norepinephrine depletion, because of both cardiac sympathetic denervation and a shift from vesicular sequestration to oxidative deamination of cytoplasmic catecholamines in the residual nerves. This shift may be part of a final common pathogenetic pathway in the loss of catecholaminergic neurons that characterizes PD.
Validation of radiocarpal joint contact models based on images from a clinical MRI scanner

This study was undertaken to assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiocarpal surface contact models of functional loading in a clinical MRI scanner for future in vivo studies, by comparison with experimental measures from three cadaver forearm specimens. Experimental data were acquired using a Tekscan sensor during simulated light grasp. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were used to obtain model geometry and kinematics (image registration). Peak contact pressures (PPs) and average contact pressures (APs), contact forces and contact areas were determined in the radiolunate and radioscaphoid joints. Contact area was also measured directly from MR images acquired with load and compared with model data. Based on the validation criteria (within 25% of experimental data), out of the six articulations (three specimens with two articulations each), two met the criterion for AP (0%, 14%); one for peak pressure (20%); one for contact force (5%); four for contact area with respect to experiment (8%, 13%, 19% and 23%), and three contact areas met the criterion with respect to direct measurements (14%, 21% and 21%). Absolute differences between model and experimental PPs were reasonably low (within 2.5 MPa). Overall, the results indicate that MRI-based models generated from 3T clinical MR scanner appear sufficient to obtain clinically relevant data.
Leadership as art - leaders coming to their senses

In this article I explore the idea that leadership as art is characterized by leaders staying with their senses, rather than drawing on yesterday’s sense-making, and by sense-making being received through the senses rather than produced through an analytical process. Two simple models illustrating these opposing processes are suggested, showing how drawing sense-making from present sensing allows for greater flexibility in the assumptions we base our decisions on, and that this process cannot be done by using our conceptual mind. Key elements in this exploration are the distinction between sense-making and describing sense-making, and placing sensing at the centre of sense-making. I compare leaders to conceptual artists due to similarities in the mediums with which they work, and I discuss some practical implications for leadership.
Global Challenge of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

We may soon be facing the end of the “antibiotic era. ” The initial and seemingly unstoppable success of antibiotics, the fruit of human ingenuity, has been countered by an escalation of resistance mechanisms in bacteria. This crisis has been described as an “unwinnable war” (www.wellcome.org). The statistics compiled as a result of surveillance efforts illustrate the emergence of many genera of bacteria that are resistant to all antibiotics (57, 60). The genus Acinetobacter epitomizes this trend and deserves close attention. Acinetobacter spp. display mechanisms of resistance to all existing antibiotic classes as well as a prodigious capacity to acquire new determinants of resistance (7). The increasing recovery in the clinic of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is a frightening reality (112). This review summarizes the worldwide emergence of antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii as a nosocomial pathogen and focuses on its mechanisms of resistance against selected antibiotics. It concludes with a summary of current strategies in the treatment of MDR A. baumannii and offers perspectives on the control of this global public health threat.
Evaluation of the effects of vocational choice and practical training on students' employability

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the need for Kyambogo to pay special attention to students' vocational choices, university based training and employability.Design/methodology/approach – The sample of 46 final year students, 90 graduates and 50 supervisors using cross sectional survey design was used to collect data.Findings – The paper reveals that factors such as government policies and regulations, people we interact and relate with for instance, parents, teachers, peers and other factors like our aspirations, interests, subjects studied at school have a significant bearing on our vocational choices. Practical training, curriculum followed in teaching and industrial training are relevant for electrical graduates in their preparation for employment challenges.Practical implications – This paper calls for involvement of stakeholders in design, implementation and evaluation of the university curriculum. That there should be vigorous and rigorous regular evaluation of training of ele.
Increased infection risk postliver transplant without pretransplant dental treatment.

OBJECTIVE Infections cause considerable morbidity after liver transplantation (LT). Acute liver failure is a rapidly progressing life-threatening condition where pretransplant dental evaluation is not always possible. We investigated how missing pretransplant dental treatment in acute or subacute liver failure correlates with post-transplant infectious complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Medical and dental data came from hospital records and infection data from the Finnish LT registry. The follow-up was until February 2011. Of 51 patients (LT during 2000-2006), 16 had and 35 did not have dental treatment pretransplant. RESULTS Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated a 2.46-fold (95% CI 1.06-5.69) infection risk among the patients omitted from dental treatment. After adjustment for either pretransplant factors alone or both pre- and post-transplant factors, the corresponding infection risk increased, respectively, to 8.17-fold (95% CI 2.19-30.6) and 8.54-fold (95% CI 1.82-40.1). This increased risk involved a variety of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections of various sources both < 6 and > 6 months after transplantation. CONCLUSION High risk of infections was noticed in acute liver failure patients without pretransplant dental treatment, but a more severe medical condition might have influenced the results. We encourage eradication of dental infection foci whenever clinical condition allows.
The stress of homicide investigations

Abstract As a result of their routine contact with death and violence, homicide investigators are subjected to sources of stress unique among law enforcement officers. These stressor include the burden and constant pressures of their responsibilities, the need to deal with significant others of the victim, difficulties with the judicial and human service systems. , frustration and anger and fatigue. The successful management of such stress requires short-term responses to dea1 with immediate stressors, as well as long-term strategies that involve the police organization and the individual invastigator.
“Team Pair Solo” Cooperative Learning and Personality Type as Determinants of Students’ Achievement and Attitude to Chemistry

This study determined the effects of “Team Pair Solo” (TPS) cooperative learning strategy and students’ personality type on achievement and attitude to Chemistry. 175 SS2 Chemistry students from eight schools constituted the sample for the study. Three hypotheses were tested using ANCOVA within a 2x3 factorial setting and a pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design. The TPS instruction was significantly (F(1,168) = 16.45; p<. 05) more effective (adjusted mean score = 9.23) than the conventional instruction (mean = 7.59) on students’ achievement. Extroverts obtained significantly (F(2,168) = 6.59; p<. 05) higher adjusted achievement score (mean = 9.77) than the ambiverts (mean = 8.08) and introverts (mean =7.79). Also, the TPS favoured the extroverts than the ambiverts and introverts. It was recommended that Chemistry teachers should adopt the TPS strategy with effective supervision for the maximum benefit of all students irrespective of their personality type.
Kernel-Based Weighted Multi-view Clustering

Exploiting multiple representations, or views, for the same set of instances within a clustering framework is a popular practice for boosting clustering accuracy. However, some of the available sources may be misleading (due to noise, errors in measurement etc.) in revealing the true structure of the data, thus, their inclusion in the clustering process may have negative influence. This aspect seems to be overlooked in the multi-view literature where all representations are equally considered. In this work, views are expressed in terms of given kernel matrices and a weighted combination of the kernels is learned in parallel to the partitioning. Weights assigned to kernels are indicative of the quality of the corresponding views' information. Additionally, the combination scheme incorporates a parameter that controls the admissible sparsity of the weights to avoid extremes and tailor them to the data. Two efficient iterative algorithms are proposed that alternate between updating the view weights and recomputing the clusters to optimize the intra-cluster variance from different perspectives. The conducted experiments reveal the effectiveness of our methodology compared to other multi-view methods.
The Construction of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is examined using the Abhidhamma system of classification of phenomena (dharmas) as found in the Pali work Abhidhammattha-sa[ndot]gaha. In this model the mental factors constituting the aggregate of formations (sa[ndot]khāra) are grouped so as to describe a layered approach to the practice of mental development. Thus all mental states involve a certain set of mental factors, while others are added as the training of the mind takes place. Both unwholesome and wholesome configurations also occur, and mindfulness turns out to be a rather advanced state of wholesome constructed experience. Wisdom, the prime transformative factor in Buddhist thought and practice, arises only under special conditions. This system is then contrasted with the different parsing of phenomena presented in the Sanskrit Abhidharmakośa, where both mindfulness and wisdom are counted among the universal factors, which provides a basis for an innatist model of development; this is then critiqued from a constructivist perspective.
Changing fruit and vegetable consumption among children: the 5-a-Day Power Plus program in St. Paul, Minnesota.

OBJECTIVES A randomized school based trial sought to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children using a multicomponent approach. METHODS The intervention, conducted in 20 elementary schools in St. Paul, targeted a multiethnic group of children who were in the fourth grade in spring 1995 and the fifth grade in fall 1995. The intervention consisted of behavioral curricula in classrooms, parental involvement, school food service changes, and industry support and involvement. Lunchroom observations and 24-hour food recalls measured food consumption. Parent telephone surveys and a health behavior questionnaire measured psychosocial factors. RESULTS The intervention increased lunchtime fruit consumption and combined fruit and vegetable consumption, lunchtime vegetable consumption among girls, and daily fruit consumption as well as the proportion of total daily calories attributable to fruits and vegetables. CONCLUSIONS Multicomponent school-based programs can increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children. Greater involvement of parents and more attention to increasing vegetable consumption, especially among boys, remain challenges in future intervention research.
The Use of Newly Added Resources in Urban Schools to Foster School Improvement: Contexts, Mediating Factors, and Their Impact

This article focuses on the use of newly added resources, funded by a private foundation, targeted to improve the education of at-risk students in 29 inner-city schools. The study combines interview, observation, and survey data from the participating schools to examine how these resources were utilized and to evaluate their impact on teaching and learning. The data revealed a range of factors that influenced the impact of these resources, some that facilitated and others that undermined resource utilization. These results point to the importance of moving beyond the debate over "Does money matter? " to examine factors that influence the effective use of added resources, so that school staffs can maximize the benefits of these resources.
Morphometric Analysis of Cortical Sulci Using Parametric Ribbons: A Study of the Central Sulcus

Interhemispheric and gender differences of the central sulcus were examined via a parametric ribbon approach. The central sulcus was found to be deeper and larger in the right nondominant hemisphere than in the left dominant hemisphere, both in males and in females. Based on its pattern, that asymmetry could be attributed to increased connectivity between motor and somatosensory cortex, facilitating fine movement, which could constrain the in-depth growth of the central sulcus. Position asymmetries were also found, which might be explained by a relative larger parietal association cortex in men but not in women.