Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3D Head Pose and Facial Expression Tracking using a Single Camera

Algorithms for 3D head pose and facial expression tracking using a single camera (monocular image sequences) is presented in this paper. The proposed method is based on a combination of feature-based and model-based approaches for pose esti- mation. A generic 3D face model, which can be adapted to any person, is used for the tracking. In contrast to other methods in the literature, the proposed method does not require a training stage. It only requires an image of the person's face to be tracked facing the camera to which the model is fitted manually through a graphical user in- terface. The algorithms were evaluated perceptually and quantitatively with two video databases. Simulation results show that the proposed tracking algorithms correctly estimate the head pose and facial expression, even when occlusions, changes in the distance to the camera and presence of other persons in the scene, occur. Both per- ceptual and quantitative results are similar to the ones obtained with other methods proposed in the literature. Although the algorithms were not optimized for speed, they run near real time. Additionally, the proposed system delivers separate head pose and facial expression information. Since information related with facial expression, which is represented only by six parameters, is independent from head pose information, the tracking algorithms could also be used for facial expression analysis and video-driven facial animation.
Prognostic abilities of dipoles based ensembles – comparative analysis

In the paper, comparative analysis of ensembles of dipolar neural networks and regression trees was conducted. The techniques are based on the dipolar criterion function. Appropriate formation of dipoles (pairs of feature vectors) allows using them for analysis of censored survival data. As the result the methods return aggregated Kaplan-Meier survival function. The results, obtained by neural networks and regression trees based ensembles, are compared by using Brier score and direct and indirect measures of predictive accuracy.
The Other Side of the Coin: A Self-Study of Graduate Student Exposure to International Experiences of Inclusion

This article presents a retrospective understanding of self-study by re-living a study abroad experience through critical reflection. It will explain and clarify how reflection and self-study of the personal experiences of a graduate student can enhance the meaning of inclusion. This paper begins with a brief conceptualization of self-study, introduces the details of an international study abroad experience, and then systematically explores three distinct phases in the reflective process. The aim is to clarify and explain the value and importance of self-study for graduate students by demonstrating its application. While one side of the coin represents those educators who encourage the reflection process, the other side of the coin represents those students experiencing self-study. Educators often seek innovative teaching methods to foster learning. With graduate student instruction, it often is a coin toss with respect to how to deeply enhance their professional knowledge, skills and dispositions. Reflection is a vehicle to encourage an understanding of self-study. This article will demonstrate the value of self-study by exploring its application through a particular graduate student experience. Detailed reflections in the form of specialized course assignments: a philosophy of inclusion, reflective journals and a culminating task are analyzed. Self-study applicability for graduate students’ growth as scholars and professionals in the field of disability studies in education are then formulated. Accordingly, it is necessary to conceptualize a framework of self-study. Self-Study
Classification, domains and risk assessment in asset management: A literature study

This paper presents a literature study on asset management in electrical power transmission and distribution system. Due to restructure and deregulation of electric power industry in recent times, the focus has been on transmission and distribution assets that include transmission lines, transformers, power plants, substations and support structures. The study aims to provide a first of its kind exposure to asset management classification, various interesting maintenance methods and theories developed in last two decades. In the end, it also discusses various risk assessment techniques in asset management developed and used for academic research and industries.
Antecedents of Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship in New Zealand: An Intergroup Comparison

This paper traces the antecedents of entrepreneurship across ethnic minority groups as reflected in their different rates of business formation in ew ealand, an ethnically diverse nation. The study contrasts the experiences of the utch, hinese, ndian, and acific eoples, groups who have historically exhibited different levels of entrepreneurship. A grounded theory approach led to a model with four linked embedding constructs—migration, settlement, identity, and business—sufficient to interpret longstanding intergroup differences in business formation rates. The findings give new insight into the nature of ethnic minority embedding and an original substantive theory of the antecedents of ethnic minority entrepreneurship.
High-Speed, Short-Latency Multipath Ethernet for Data Center Area Communications

In this paper, we propose a simplified multi-path aggregation scheme, Ethernet with flow label for multi-path, called EFL-MP. There are several aggregation schemes, such as link aggregation and multi-path TCP, for multi-path load balancing. However, link aggregation does not distribute a single flow into multiple paths due to its MAC address based flow dispatch. In addition, the multipath TCP scheme is not suitable for implementing into hardware because of the implementation complexity caused by the management of the two stages of sequence number (SEQ) (i.e., the SEQ assigned to a path and the SEQ assigned to the flow); thus it fails to provide high throughput and short latency. To maximize data transfer throughput and minimize latency, we employed a single-stage sequence number scheme with a reorder-buffer-usage-based retransmission activating algorithm. Simulation results show that EFL-MP provides high throughput and short latency despite its simple scheme, and its throughput and its latency suit to use for interconnection transport. In addition, we demonstrate that our proposed retransmission activating algorithm activates retransmission due to packet losses earlier than the conventional timer-based retransmission activating algorithm.
Currency Exchange Rate Forecasting From News Headlines

We investigate how money market news headlines can be used to forecast intraday currency exchange rate movements. The innovation of the approach is that, unlike analysis based on quantifiable information, the forecasts are produced from text describing the current status of world financial markets, as well as political and general economic news. In contrast to numeric time series data textual data contains not only the effect (e.g., the dollar rises against the Deutschmark) but also the possible causes of the event (e.g., because of a weak German bond market). Hence improved predictions are expected from this richer input. The output is a categorical forecast about currency exchange rates: the dollar moves up, remains steady or goes down within the next one, two or three hours respectively. On a publicly available commercial data set the system produces results that are significantly better than random prediction. The contribution of this research is the smart modeling of the prediction problem enabling the use of content rich text for forecasting purposes.
Protection of Mice from Methotrexate Toxicity by ex Vivo Transduction Using Lentivirus Vectors Expressing Drug-Resistant Dihydrofolate Reductase

Methotrexate (MTX) dose-escalation studies were conducted in C57BL/6 mice to determine the chemoprotective effect of transplantation using bone marrow transduced with lentivirus vectors expressing a drug-resistant variant of murine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Methotrexate-resistant dihydrofolate reductase [tyrosine-22 (Tyr22)DHFR] and enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) coding sequences were inserted into self-inactivating lentiviral vectors as part of a genetic fusion or within the context of a bicistronic expression cassette. MTX-treated animals that received Tyr22DHFR-transduced marrow recovered to normal hematocrit levels by 3 weeks post-transplant and exhibited significant GFP marking in myeloid and lymphoid lineage-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In contrast, MTX-treated animals transplanted with control GFP-transduced marrow exhibited extremely reduced hematocrits with severe marrow hypoplasia and did not survive MTX dose escalation. To minimize cell manipulation, we treated unfractionated marrow in an overnight exposure. Transduction at a multiplicity of infection of 10 resulted in up to 11% vector-modified PBMCs in primary recipients and successful repopulation of secondary recipients with vector-marked cells. Experimental cohorts exhibited sustained proviral expression with stable GFP fluorescence intensity. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of lentivirus vectors for chemoprotection in a well developed animal model, with the potential for further preclinical development toward human application.
Critical reflections on the emerging discourse of international social work

English As informed by critical theory’s attention to voice and power relations, this article explores international social work as an emerging discourse body. In particular, the legacy of colonialism and professional imperialism to current paradigms for international social work exchanges is explored. French Informé par l’attention de la théorie critique aux relations de pouvoir et l’importance accordée à la voix, cet article explore le travail social international comme discours naissant. En particulier, l’article explore l’impact du colonialisme et de l’impérialisme professionnel sur des paradigmes contemporains des échanges en travail social international. Spanish Siguiendo la atención prestada por la teoría crítica a la voz y las relaciones de poder, este artículo explora el trabajo social internacional como un corpus de discurso naciente. En concreto, se explora la herencia del colonialismo y el imperialismo profesional que puede observarse en los paradigmas actuales de trabajo social internacional.
ETEROGENEOUS S ENSORS

Face detection algorithms are used to detect the human in various industry fields. A typical face detection algorithm such as Haar Feature-based Cascade Classifier gives us an easier way to detect human face. It consists of several classifiers which contain complicated arithmetic operations. Several classifiers constitute the cascade which can detect each element of human face. The more cascades are contained in the algorithm to detect elements of human face, the more it takes a time to detect human face. The previous cascade hardly recognize real human, since previous cascade processes only one source from image source. In this paper, we present a new cascade method for human face detection which exploits several classifiers for data not only from image source but also various heterogeneous sensors. Cascades consist of various sensors based on tuple data type could be operated quickly. It provides more accuracy of real human face detection, reduces the number of classifier for high speed processing in real-time.
A Review of Current Methodologies for Regional Evapotranspiration Estimation from Remotely Sensed Data

An overview of the commonly applied evapotranspiration (ET) models using remotely sensed data is given to provide insight into the estimation of ET on a regional scale from satellite data. Generally, these models vary greatly in inputs, main assumptions and accuracy of results, etc. Besides the generally used remotely sensed multi-spectral data from visible to thermal infrared bands, most remotely sensed ET models, from simplified equations models to the more complex physically based two-source energy balance models, must rely to a certain degree on ground-based auxiliary measurements in order to derive the turbulent heat fluxes on a regional scale. We discuss the main inputs, assumptions, theories, advantages and drawbacks of each model. Moreover, approaches to the extrapolation of instantaneous ET to the daily values are also briefly presented. In the final part, both associated problems and future trends regarding these remotely sensed ET models were analyzed to objectively show the limitations and promising aspects of the estimation of regional ET based on remotely sensed data and ground-based measurements.
Development of Alternate Paragraphs for the Logical Memory Subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-IV

The purpose of the two studies included in this article was to validate an alternate form, the Morris Revision-Fourth Edition (MR-IV), to the Logical Memory paragraphs of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (LM-IV) for use when retesting of individuals is desired. Study I demonstrated high correlation with the LM-IV paragraphs. Study II was a replication that again demonstrated high correlation between the original LM-IV and the new MR-IV paragraphs. High interrater reliability also was demonstrated. Consequently, the MR-IV paragraphs can be considered an alternate form to the LM-IV paragraphs. Although other attempts have been made to develop alternate stories, these new paragraphs are the only ones that are equivalent in structure, affective tone, and number of scorable units. They have considerable clinical utility and research potential.
The Optimization of HEVC Intra Prediction Mode Selection

In order to reduce the computational complexity of the intra prediction module in HEVC, this paper proposes an optimization method for intra prediction mode selection. First, the size of the prediction block PU in HEVC is obtained. For 4×4 size PU block, the prewitt operator is used to extract the texture direction. Then, we judge whether the texture direction is obvious or not. If it is obvious, we use the angle mode corresponding to the texture direction and the modes of MPM to participate rate distortion calculation. If it is not obvious, we use mode 0, mode 1, the mode of minimum SATD and the modes of MPM to participate rate distortion calculation. For others size PU block, we use the most probable prediction mode MPM to filter the pre-selected list calculated by rough selection process. In this way, we can reduce the number of prediction modes participating rate distortion calculation. The experimental results shows that the proposed algorithm can reduce the encoding time by 32.42%, while the coding bit rate only increases by 0.25%, BDPSNR only reduces about 0.06dB. This algorithm meets the requirement of the complexity reduction and effectively reducing the encoding time.
Spin configurations in Co2FeAl0.4Si0.6 Heusler alloy thin film elements

We determine experimentally the spin structure of half-metallic Co2FeAl0.4Si0. 6 Heusler alloy elements using magnetic microscopy. Following magnetic saturation, the dominant magnetic states consist of quasi-uniform configurations, where a strong influence from the magnetocrystalline anisotropy is visible. Heating experiments show the stability of the spin configuration of domain walls in confined geometries up to 800 K. The switching temperature for the transition from transverse to vortex walls in ring elements is found to increase with ring width, an effect attributed to structural changes and consequent changes in magnetic anisotropy, which start to occur in the narrower elements at lower temperatures.
Analysis and Evaluation of Sketch Recognizers in the Creation of Physics Simulations

Sketch-based interfaces can provide a natural way for users to interact with applications. Since the core of a sketch-based interface is the gesture recognizer, there is a need to correctly evaluate various recognizers before choosing one. In this paper the authors present an evaluation of three gesture recognizers: Rubine's recognizer, CALI and the $1 Recognizer. The evaluation relied on a set of real gesture samples drawn by 32 subjects, with a gesture repertoire arranged for use in SketchyDynamics, a programming library that intends to facilitate the creation of applications by rapidly providing them with a sketch-based interface and physics simulation capabilities. The authors also discuss some improvements to the recognizers' implementation that helped achieving higher recognition rates. In the end, CALI had the best recognition rate with 94% accuracy, followed by $1 Recognizer with 87% and finally by Rubine's recognizer with 79%.
High rates of baseline antiretroviral resistance among HIV-infected pregnant women in an HIV referral centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In order to understand antiretroviral resistance during pregnancy and its impact on HIV vertical transmission, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of 231 HIV-infected pregnant women who fulfilled Brazilian guidelines for antiretroviral testing and had antiretroviral genotypic testing performed between April 2010 and October 2012. At entry into prenatal care, the mean CD4 cell count for this cohort of patients was 406 cells/mm3 (95% CI: 373–438 cells/mm3), while the mean HIV RNA was 24,394 copies/ml (95% CI: 18,275–30,513 copies/ml). Thirty-six women (16%) had detectable antiretroviral-resistant mutations. By 34 weeks gestation, 75% had achieved HIV RNA <400 copies/ml. Our logistic regression model showed the odds of harbouring antiretroviral-resistant virus with a baseline CD4 cell count of <200 cells/mm3 was eight times that of subjects with CD4 cell counts >500 CD4 cells/mm3 (95% CI 1.5–42.73). Six infants were HIV infected, four born to mothers with detectable viraemia at 34 weeks and two born to mothers who were lost to follow up. Antiretroviral resistance is common in prenatal care but did not increase vertical transmission if viral load was appropriately suppressed. Genotyping should be considered in Brazil in order to assist initiation of appropriate combination antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy to suppress viral load to avoid vertical transmission.
A hidden-surface algorithm with anti-aliasing

In recent years we have gained understanding about aliasing in computer generated pictures and about methods for reducing the symptoms of aliasing. The chief symptoms are staircasing along edges and objects that pop on and off in time. The method for reducing these symptoms is to filter the image before sampling at the display resolution. One filter that is easy to understand and that works quite effectively is equivalent to integrating the visible intensities over the area that the pixel covers. There have been several implementations of this method - mostly unpublished - however most algorithms break down when the data for the pixel is complicated. Unfortunately, as the quality of displays and the complexity of pictures increase, the small errors that can occur in a single pixel become quite noticeable. A correct solution for this filter requires a hidden-surface algorithm at each pixel! If the data at the pixel is presented as a depth-ordered list of polygons then the average visible intensity can be found using a polygon clipper in a way similar to that employed by two known hidden-surface algorithms. All of the polygons in a pixel are clipped against some front unclipped edge into two lists of polygons. The algorithm is recursively entered with each new list and halts when the front polygon is clipped on all sides, thereby obscuring the polygons behind. The area weighted colors are then returned as the value to be added to the other pieces in the pixel.
A Modern Economic View of Tobacco Taxation

Traditional economic analysis implies that because the net externalities from tobacco use are small and tobacco taxes are borne disproportionately by lower-income individuals, taxes on tobacco products should be relatively low. We reexamine these arguments in the framework of a more accurate model of human behavior, where in each period a person has a taste for immediate gratification she would not have approved of earlier. This conflict between short-run desires and long-run goals leads to over-consumption of tobacco products from the person's own point of view. Since tobacco taxes reduce consumption, they help with this over-consumption problem. Furthermore, if lower-income individuals are more price sensitive, taxes have a larger benefit for them in reducing over-consumption, so that tobacco taxes are less regressive than traditional analysis suggests — and perhaps even progressive. We estimate that in the U.S. context, both of these effects are extremely large. According to our calculations, the monetary value of the health damage from a pack of cigarettes is over $35 for the average smoker, implying both that optimal taxes should be very large and that cigarette taxes are likely progressive. Although we do not have sufficient data to perform a similar estimation, we argue that the same is likely to be the case in low-and middle-income countries.
On the hardness of approximating minimization problems

We prove results indicating that it is hard to compute efficiently good approximate solutions to the Graph Coloring, Set Covering and other related minimization problems. Specifically, there is an e > 0 such that Graph Coloring cannot be approximated with ratio n e unless P = NP. Set Covering cannot be approximated with ratio c log n for any c < 1/4 unless NP is contained in DTIME(n poly log n ). Similar results follow for related problems such as Clique Cover, Fractional Chromatic Number, Dominating Set, and others
Alzheimer disease: improved visual interpretation of PET images by using three-dimensional stereotaxic surface projections.

PURPOSE To compare the diagnostic usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) stereotaxic surface projection (SSP) with that of standard transaxial display in brain positron emission tomography (PET) in Alzheimer disease (AD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Standard transaxial section display and 3D-SSP PET image sets obtained after administration of 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose in 39 patients with probable AD (aged 53-82 years; 15 men, 24 women) and 40 subjects without AD (aged 21-78 years; 14 men, 26 women) were randomly interpreted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. RESULTS Diagnostic performance was superior with 3D SSP (Az[section]=0.94,Az[3D SSP]=0.99[Az=area under the ROC curve];P=.043). With 3D SSP, diagnosis of AD was equally good in beginners and experts. The sensitivity and specificity in questionable or mild dementia were 94% and 99% with 3D SSP and 79% and 88% with standard transaxial display. CONCLUSION Accuracy of detecting AD was improved in PET with 3D SSP.
Exploiting large-scale MIMO techniques for physical layer security with imperfect channel state information

In this paper, we study the problem of physical layer security in large-scale multiple input multiple output (LS-MIMO) systems. The large number of antenna elements in LS-MIMO system is exploited to enhance transmission security and improve system performance, especially when the eavesdropper is closer to the information source and has more antennas than the legitimate user. However, in practical systems, the problem becomes challenging because the eavesdropper channel state information (CSI) is usually unavailable without cooperation and the legitimate CSI may be imperfect due to channel estimation error. In this paper, we first analyze the performance of physical layer security without eavesdropper CSI and with imperfect legitimate CSI, and then propose an energy-efficient power allocation scheme to meet the demand for wireless security and quality of service (QoS) simultaneously. Finally, numerical results validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.