Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Online Tool for the Annotation of 3D Models

Annotation of data is fundamental for training any modern facial tracking system. Methods, such as deep and machine learning, require large amounts of pre-annotated data to produce results found in many state-of-the-art systems. 2- Dimensional (images) annotations rely on the texture information of the face to annotate the features. However, in 3-Dimensions (models), the task becomes more complex. In 3D, the conventional 2D approaches are ineffective as facial landmarks are difficult to accurately identify without texture information. There has been little research into the accuracy of methods for annotating 3D facial models. This paper proposes a method for annotating 3D models which uses texture information by aligning a model to a 2D image to compare its accuracy and throughput to the conventional methods of 3D annotation. For evaluation, 16 nonexpert volunteers were recruited and instructed to annotate three models using both the proposed method and the conventional method. The resultant annotations were compared to ground truth data generated by an experienced annotator. The results demonstrate significant improvement in the throughput of the proposed annotation method compared to the conventional approach without significant differences in accuracy. The proposed method also highlights that the conventional method does not successfully identify all the facial landmarks. The proposed method will be made freely available to use online.
Approximate String Matching Techniques

Data quality is a key to success for all kinds of businesses that have information applications involved, such as data integration for data warehouses, text and web mining, information retrieval, search engine for web applications, etc. In such applications, matching strings is one of the popular tasks. There are a number of approximate string matching techniques available. However, there is still a problem that remains unanswered: for a given dataset, how to select an appropriate technique and a threshold value required by this technique for the purpose of string matching. To challenge this question, this paper analyses and evaluates a set of popular token-based string matching techniques on several carefully designed different datasets. A thorough experimental comparison confirms the statement that there is no clear overall best technique. However, some techniques do perform significantly better in some cases. Some suggestions have been presented, which can be used as guidance for researchers and practitioners to select an appropriate string matching technique and a corresponding threshold value for a given dataset.
Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 (HPV16) DNA Load and Physical State for Identification of HPV16-Infected Women with High-Grade Lesions or Cervical Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA into the host cell genome is a frequent event in cervical carcinogenesis, even though this phenomenon does not seem to be mandatory for cervical cancer development. Our objective was to describe the load and physical state of HPV type 16 (HPV16) DNA in a series of cervical samples representative of the natural history of cervical cancer. We used a combination of three real-time PCR assays targeting E6, E2, and albumin genes to calculate HPV16 load (E6 and albumin) and the E2/E6 ratio as a surrogate of integration. This method was applied to 173 HPV16-positive cervical samples. Results show that viral load increases with the lesion grade (from 102 HPV16 DNA copies per 103 cells in normal samples up to 56,354 copies per 103 cells in cancers), while E2/E6 ratio decreases (from 1 in normal samples down to 0.36 in cancers). We propose that, according to this technique, an HPV16 viral load of higher than 22,000 copies/103 cells or an E2/E6 ratio of lower than 0.50 allows the identification of women with prevalent high-grade lesions or worse with a high specificity. In conclusion, both viral load and E2/E6 ratio, used in combination with an appropriate cutoff value, are suitable to screen women with prevalent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 or cancer. Therefore, these assays would be useful in addition to routine HPV testing to more accurately identify women with (pre)cancerous lesions.
Three-Dimensional Quasi-Periodic Instabilities of Two-Dimensional Time-Periodic Flows

Three-dimensional synchronous instabilities of two-dime nsional time-periodic wake flows, such as the so-called modes A and B of the circular cylinder wake, are now well-known. On the other hand, quasi-periodic three-dimensional instabilit ies are just as generic, but have as yet not received such wide-sprea d recognition, partly as a consequence of the predominance of attention given to flows, such as the cylinder wake, in which the synchronous modes happen to dominate at onset of three-dimensionality. Here we provide an introduction to the quasiperiodic modes, which can manifest either as modulated standin g waves, or modulated travelling waves.
Microsatellites for Carpotroche brasiliensis (Flacourtiaceae), a useful species for agroforestry and ecosystem conservation

Premise of the study: We developed microsatellite markers for Carpotroche brasiliensis (Flacourtiaceae), a dioecious tree that is used as a food resource by midsize animals of the Brazilian fauna. Methods and Results: We designed 30 primer pairs using next-generation sequencing and classified 25 pairs as polymorphic. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.5 to 1.0, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.418 to 0.907. The combined probability of exclusion was greater than 0.999 and the combined probability of identity was less than 0.001, indicating that these microsatellites are appropriate for investigations of genetic structure, individual identification, and paternity testing. Conclusions: The developed molecular tools may contribute to future studies of population genetics, answering ecological and evolutionary questions regarding efficient conservation strategies for C. brasiliensis.
Building an ontology based on hub words for information retrieval

We suggest a semiautomatic ontology construction method based on hub words. To do this, we define the words that are related to many other words as hub words. We determine the hub words by the statistical analysis of documents. Additionally, we discuss the base ontology construction process based on hub words and automatic ontology extension method. The proposed ontology can be used like an index file for traditional document retrieval and can offer more semantic information than simple index files.
Induction of Pituitary Cytokine Transcripts by Peripheral Lipopolysaccharide

Systemically administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elicits profound changes in pituitary hormone secretion. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines have been proposed as mediators of these responses. In this study, we used in‐situ hybridization histochemistry to investigate LPS‐induced cytokine gene expression in the rat pituitary. After i.p. or i.v. injection of various doses of LPS, mRNA for the immediate‐early gene IκBu (an inhibitor of NF‐κB, a transcription factor that regulates the expression of many pro‐inflammatory cytokines) was induced in the anterior lobe as early as 0.5 h. The induced IκBα mRNA expression peaked at 1 h. In the posterior lobe, IκBα mRNA was first induced at 0.5 h and peaked at 2 h. A similar spatiotemporal pattern of interleukin‐1b (IL‐1) mRNA induction was observed. In addition, at 2 h after injection, TNFα, IL‐1β converting enzyme (ICE), and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) mRNAs were induced in both anterior and posterior lobes. Type 1 IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1R1) mRNA was constitutively expressed in the pituitary, and its expression level did not change after the LPS injection. Interestingly, the mRNA coding for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte marker, was selectively induced in the posterior lobe at 2 h after LPS injection, suggesting that LPS affects pituicyte function. Together, these results suggest that LPS acts directly on the pituitary to rapidly induce cytokine expression. Locally synthesized cytokines may activate cytokine receptor bearing cells to modulate the endocrine activities of the pituitary.
A topology management framework for wireless sensor networks via power control

The communication topology plays a key rule in the overall network performance. Topology management via power control has been addressed by many researchers to attain better utilization of available resources by reducing the complexity of the network topology. Energy conservation in these protocols is mainly achieved by utilizing lower transmission power levels. Like other types of wireless ad hoc networks, this feature makes their applicability in sensor networks equally attractive. However, most of the previous solutions were not designed while considering various data traffic patterns in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). We propose a topology management framework that dynamically adjusts transmission power levels to cater for several data traffic patterns. The simulation results show that the resultant fully-connected tree-like topologies offer an efficient tradeoff between available resources and the network topology complexity.
A concept of common reference object to the cooperative transportation of multiple mobile robots

A concept named "common reference object" is proposed for a cooperative transportation using multiple nonholonomic mobile robots and a decentralized system is constructed to demonstrate the present concept. In this system, one agent acts as the leader which is able to plan and manipulate the omnidirectional motion of an object. Other agents referred to as followers cooperatively transport the object by keeping a constant position relative to the object. During the transportation operation, the leader robot can not only plan the motion of the object but also broadcast the local velocity of the object to other agents. Then, each follower receives such information and generates its own velocity in the local coordinate using a mapping process. In this paper, neural network (NN) and genetic algorithm (GA) are tested in identifying the mapping process. Simulation results show an acceptable performance of the present concept.
Real Time Simulation of SPWM And SVPWM Based Neutral Point Clamped Three Level Inverter

Abstract— Multilevel inverters have gained importance in medium voltage and high power drives applications due to superior performance over two level inverters such as lower harmonics, less voltage stress, better harmonic profile, reduced dv/dt stress, produce lower common mode voltage etc., This paper focuses on implementation of Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) Technique for Three level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) Multilevel Inverter fed Induction Motor and compare it with Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation Technique (SPWM). The SVPWM scheme implemented in this paper generates all the available switching states sequences and evaluates duty cycles like two level inverter. Since all the switching states and sequences are obtained by simple calculations, look up tables are not required and scheme is computationally fast. The simulation has been done in MATLAB Simulink environment and simulation results are verified through OPAL-RT OP4500 Real Time Simulator.
Clustering techniques for photovoltaic system simulations under nonuniform irradiance conditions

Accurate and fast simulations of photovoltaic systems are essential for streamlining system design and for correctly assessing their economic merit and impact on the electric grid. Typically, simulations of these systems are done over a period of one year with hourly resolution, and require taking into account the different operating conditions of each solar panel, e.g., incident irradiance, as well as circuit constraints, e.g., Kirchhoff's laws. Under nonuniform irradiance conditions, a typical consequence of shading, differences in panel operating conditions significantly increase simulation complexity and time. This is because such simulations require solving circuits of panels having potentially many different current-voltage characteristics. In this work, techniques are explored for reducing model complexity in such a way that systems operating under nonuniform irradiance conditions can be simulated fast and accurately. The techniques explored are based on identifying a suitable number of panel groups based on panel energy dispersion, clustering panels based on sub-sampled irradiance conditions into the identified number of groups, and reducing coupling among the resulting system components. The techniques have been tested using Aurora Solar's module-level simulation engine on four systems that operate under nonuniform irradiance conditions. The results obtained suggest that significant simulation speedups can be obtained while maintaining adequate levels of accuracy.
Participation of small GTPases in dorsal closure of the Drosophila embryo: distinct roles for Rho subfamily proteins in epithelial morphogenesis.

The Rho subfamily of Ras-related small GTPases participates in a variety of cellular events including organization of the actin cytoskeleton and signalling by c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 kinase cascades. These functions of the Rho subfamily are likely to be required in many developmental events. We have been studying the participation of the RHO subfamily in dorsal closure of the Drosophila embryo, a process involving morphogenesis of the epidermis. We have previously shown that Drac1, a Rho subfamily protein, is required for the presence of an actomyosin contractile apparatus believed to be driving the cell shape changes essential to dorsal closure. Expression of a dominant negative Drac1 transgene causes a loss of this contractile apparatus from the leading edge of the advancing epidermis and dorsal closure fails. We now show that two other Rho subfamily proteins, Dcdc42 and RhoA, as well as Ras1 are also required for dorsal closure. Dcdc42 appears to have conflicting roles during dorsal closure: establishment and/or maintenance of the leading edge cytoskeleton versus its down regulation. Down regulation of the leading edge cytoskeleton may be controlled by the serine/threonine kinase DPAK, a potential Drac1/Dcdc42 effector. RhoA is required for the integrity of the leading edge cytoskeleton specifically in cells flanking the segment borders. We have begun to characterize the interactions of the various small GTPases in regulating dorsal closure and find no evidence for the hierarchy of Rho subfamily activity described in some mammalian cell types. Rather, our results suggest that while all &Rgr; subfamily p21s tested are required for dorsal closure, they act largely in parallel.
Front end project planning for the power sector in Africa: A conceptual system dynamics model

Developing countries offer abundant opportunities for high return and high growth potential investments, such as in critical energy sector infrastructure projects. In Africa, major projects are presently in progress to upgrade and refurbish the infrastructure in the energy sector, and especially in the electricity energy sub sector. However, many of these projects run into delays, quality problems and cost overruns which amongst other causes, are attributed to inadequate time and resources spent in the initial pre-planning and planning phases of these projects. This research focuses on electricity infrastructure projects in Africa using system dynamics approach. From the literature, the paper explores and discusses theories, methods and models previously developed to better manage projects, including how these models are to be used to derive a model beneficial to energy sector projects in Africa. The results of the research will help in reducing uncertainty in projects in the Africa and other developing countries, and will be beneficial to energy sector players, including investors in the energy sector. This paper presents results of literature review in this area as well as the initial systems thinking in model building. The research uses a system dynamics approach employing vensim software in model building and analysis.
3D User Interfaces, from Mobile Devices to Immersive Virtual Environments. (Interfaces utilisateur 3D , des appareils mobiles pour les environnements virtuels immersifs)

Enhancing interaction between users and 3D environments is a challenging research question that is fundamental for the positive widespread of interactive 3D graphics in many fields of our societies (e.g. education and art). In this document, I present various 3D User Interfaces (3D UIs) we have developed these past few years, and that contribute to this general quest. The first chapter focuses on 3D interaction for mobile devices. In particular, I present 3D UIs for interaction from keystrokes, and for interaction from stylus/finger input. Then, I present two multi degrees-of-freedom prototypes based on the embedded cameras of mobile devices. In the second chapter, I concentrate on 3D interaction for general touch-screens (e.g. tables and large interactive screens). I present Navidget, an example of 3D UI dedicated to camera viewpoint control from pen/finger inputs, and I discuss the challenges of 3D interaction on multi-touch devices. Finally, the third chapter of this document is dedicated to immersive virtual environments, with a strong focus on musical interfaces. I present the new directions we have explored to enhance interaction between musicians, audiences, sounds, and interactive 3D environments. I conclude by discussing some directions for the future of 3D User Interfaces.
Effect of Time of Day on Aerobic Contribution to the 30‐s Wingate Test Performance

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of time of day on aerobic contribution during high‐intensity exercise. A group of 11 male physical education students performed a Wingate test against a resistance of 0.087 kg · kg−1 body mass. Two different times of day were chosen, corresponding to the minimum (06:00 h) and the maximum (18:00 h) levels of power. Oxygen uptake (V˙O2) was recorded breath by breath during the test (30 sec). Blood lactate concentrations were measured at rest, just after the Wingate test, and again 5 min later. Oral temperature was measured before each test and on six separate occasions at 02:00, 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. A significant circadian rhythm was found in body temperature with a circadian acrophase at 18:16±00:25 h as determined by cosinor analysis. Peak power (Ppeak), mean power (Pmean), total work done, and V˙O2 increased significantly from morning to afternoon during the Wingate Test. As a consequence, aerobic contribution recorded during the test increased from morning to afternoon. However, no difference in blood lactate concentrations was observed from morning to afternoon. Furthermore, power decrease was greater in the morning than afternoon. Altogether, these results indicate that the time‐of‐day effect on performances during the Wingate test is mainly due to better aerobic participation in energy production during the test in the afternoon than in the morning.
Détection et caractérisation massives de phénomènes sismologiques pour la surveillance d'événements traditionnels et la recherche systématique de phénomènes rares

La multiplication du nombre de reseaux sismiques fait exploser le nombre de donnees sismologiques. Manuellement, leur traitement est long et fastidieux, d'ou la necessite d'automatiser la detection, la classification et la localisation des evenements pour aider les observatoires qui surveillent continuellement la sismicite, mais aussi, dans un interet plus scientifique, rechercher et caracteriser les phenomenes. La these se decompose en 2 axes majeurs : (1) la detection / localisation des seismes, avec le logiciel Waveloc. On a ameliore les outils pre-existants, ajoute de nouvelles fonctionnalites pour une analyse plus detaillee de la sismicite et valide le code avec les donnees du Piton de la Fournaise ; (2) la classification des seismes. Apres calcul des attributs decrivant au mieux les signaux, on a demontre l'efficacite de 2 methodes d'apprentissage supervise (regression logistique et SVM) pour le Piton de la Fournaise et souleve les difficultes pour un cas plus complexe (le Kawah Ijen).
In-node cognitive power control in Wireless Sensor Networks

Reliability, interoperability and efficiency are fundamental in Wireless Sensor Network deployment. Herein we look at how transmission power control may be used to reduce interference, which is particularly problematic in high-density conditions. We adopt a distributed approach where every node has the ability to learn which transmission power is most appropriate, given the network conditions and quality of service targets. The status of the network is represented by the combination of three parameters: number of retransmissions, clear channel assessment attempts and the quantized average latency. The target is to maintain packet loss at the lowest possible level, whilst striving for minimum transmission power. The learning phase is managed by an ϵ-greedy strategy, which directs the physical layer of each node to choose between either a random action (exploration) or the best action (exploitation). We demonstrate as our learning sensors automatically discover the best trade off between power and quality.