Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Tattoo Image Quality Assessment Through Multispectral Sensing

The impact of using tattoo images in biometrics and forensics-related applications for human identification or in the case of ruling out suspects has been significantly increased in recent years. The NIST Tatt-C and Tatt-E biometric tattoo challenges have focused on pushing forward tattoo related research in terms of human identification, detection, localization, and sketch-matching. However, current tattoo research has been limited to the use of the visible wavelengths (380750nm) when imaging tattoo skin regions. Variations in skin pigments, ink colors, and ink types make the imaging of tattoos inherently challenging when operating in a conventional band only. For example, enhanced imaging techniques are needed to improve the contrast between skin and tattoo regions in individuals with darker skin pigment or in instances where the ink color is close to the skin pigment. In this article, we propose the use of various wavelengths within the short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum that provide enhanced tattoo imaging and, as a result, an enhanced human identification capability. First, we performed a data collection process that resulted in the generation of a large scale database of visible and SWIR tattoo images for 133 subjects (Session 1) with 80 subjects coming back for a second round of data collection (Session 2). Furthermore, we conducted an empirical study using various skin pigments (determined via known ethnic group meta data) and when image quality varies within and across different SWIR wavelengths. Experimental results indicate that specific SWIR wavelengths, namely the range between 1100nm and 1300nm, show superior tattoo image quality in the majority of the ethnic groups studied, except one (i.e., Asian group). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to bring forward the benefits of tattoo imaging outside the visible band for the purpose of human identification.
The uses of ambient light for ubiquitous positioning

This paper proposed ambient light (ambilight) as a new type of signal sources for positioning. The possibility and methods of ambilight positioning were presented in this paper. It has been shown that two kinds of observables of ambient light can be used for positioning through different principles. Ambilight intensity spectrum measurements have highly location dependency, and they can be used for positioning with the traditional fingerprinting approach. Total ambilight irradiance intensity is used to detect the proximity of a lighting source, and a location solution can be further resolved with the support of knowledge of lighting infrastructure. Ambilight positioning can work in areas where other traditional techniques are not able to function. An ambilight sensor is cost-efficient and miniature in size, and it can be easily integrated with other sensors to form a hybrid positioning system. This paper was concluded with discussions on the possibility, applicability, challenges and outlook of the new ambient light positioning techniques.
Exact plant inversion of flexible motion systems with a time-varying state-to-output map

Many high-accuracy positioning systems have a target performance location that varies with time and position. A typical example is given by wafer stage positioning systems in the lithographic industry. The design of feedforward compensators for such a class of systems, i.e. flexible motion systems having Linear Time Invariant (LTI) state dynamics with Linear Time-Varying (LTV) state-to-output map, can be considerably enhanced if such time or position-varying characteristics of the systems are taken into account. In this work, a strategy to construct a feedforward controller that exactly matches the time-dependent inverse of such a system is investigated. Analysis and simulation on a simplified model show the potential performance improvement obtained with such a strategy.
Predicting Post-adoption Usage of Information Technology: A Large-scale Data Analysis of Mobile App Download and Usage Behavior

The patterns of technology usages are the actual reflection of user preference and value assessment over the technology. In the context of mobile app downloads and usages, we show that users’ early-time app usage patterns are important predictors for their continued usages and usage intensity of the app. Using the large-scale mobile app download and usage data, we develop and empirically validate prediction models for continued usages and usage intensity of apps with early-time usage patterns right after the download of an app such as first-usage time, second-usage time, revisit time, and in-app activities. We also consider possible heterogeneity among user groups and app characteristics in our model and discuss the interplay between user and technology for explaining post-adoption user behaviors.
Detecting Trending Venues Using Foursquare's Data

Foursquare is a search and discovery tool which helps users discover venues around the world. Much of the data for these recommendations come from its sister app Swarm, which is a location based social network where users can “check in” to places they visit. Older versions of Foursquare had a strongly static component to its recommendations. For instance, the top restaurants in New York City do not vary from month to month, and venues with years of consistently strong signals will dominate search results. In this paper we outline a new algorithm which Foursquare uses in order to discover fresh recommendations. Promoting younger venues with fewer check-ins or older venues with a recent surge of activity increases turnover in our recommendations and yields a better user experience.
Screening of Potato Germplasm through ELISA against Potato Virus X (PVX)

Ten varieties / lines of potato germplasm were screened out against PVX to find the resistant source. Out of 10, four varieties were susceptible, three moderately susceptible and three were moderately resistant. DAS-ELISA detected the PVX in leaves samples of different Potato varieties. Mechanical transmission produced the local lesion and insect transmission through aphid (Myzus Persicae) was failed due to unknown reasons. th in production after wheat, rice and maize. Pakistan has been divided into eight agro ecological zones for potato production. The main hub for seed production is northern areas from where seed is provided rest of the country (5). In Pakistan, average yield is low as compared to other countries in the world, due to under attack of various pathogens like bacteria, nematode, fungi and viruses (11). Among them viral diseases caused by viruses such as; Potato virus X (PVX), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) and Potato virus Y (PVY) are most devastating pathogens prevail in potato field in Pakistan. Losses due to these viruses are upto 83% (10). PVX is widely distributed not only in Pakistan but worldwide with wide host range. It belongs to Potexvirus, family Alphaflexiviridae virus. It is rod shaped, filamentous, monopartite +ve sense ssRNA virus. PVX alone can cause yield loss in the range of 5-20% depending upon the potato genotype, virus strain and the simultaneous infection with other viruses like PVY and PVA (2). The major symptoms of PVX are inter venial mosaic, rugosity, stunting, mottle on upper leaves and small sized tubers. It is also called mild mosaic virus due to mild or no symptom in most potato varieties but has synergistic effect with PVY resulting in severe symptoms. Because of latent infection PVX is difficult to be characterized. PVX is transmitted mechanically. Insect transmission is not known yet. It is immunogenic and easily detected by different serological tests as ELISA and time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (13). In Pakistan PVX has been reported and detected through ELISA (6). Because of latent nature of PVX, ELISA is a reliable, quick and cheap method for its detection. Insect transmission of PVX is still a question mark. Hence this research was carried out to find out the resistant source from germplasm, its transmission and detection through ELISA.
Adaptation and constraint in the evolution of Drosophila melanogaster wing shape

SUMMARY We have taken advantage of parallel instances of natural selection on body size in Drosophila melanogaster to investigate constraints and adaptation affecting wing shape. Using recently developed techniques for statistical shape analysis, we have examined variation in wing shape in similar body size clines on three continents. Gender‐related shape differences were constant among all populations, suggesting that gender differences represent a developmental constraint on wing shape. In contrast, the underlying shape varied significantly between continents and shape change within each cline (i.e., between small and large body size populations) also varied between continents. Therefore, variation at these two levels presumably results from either drift or natural selection. Functional considerations suggest that shape variation between the continents is unlikely to be adaptive. However, cline‐related shape change, which we show has a significant allometric component, may be adaptive. The overall range of wing shape variation, across a large range of wing size, is extremely small, and the possibility that wing shape is subject to stabilizing selection (or canalization) is discussed.
Cell-protein-material Interactions on Bioceramics and Model Surfaces

The objective of this thesis was to investigate and characterize the interaction between blood proteins and different surfaces with emphasis on protein adsorption to bioceramics and model surfaces. Special effort was made to monitor the spontaneous and selective adsorption of proteins from human plasma and to examine the orientation, conformation and functional behavior of single proteins after adsorption. Five different ceramic biomaterials: alumina (Al2O3), zirconia (ZrO2), hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and two glass-ceramics, AP40 (SiO2-CaO-Na2O-P2O5-MgO-K2O-CaF2) and RKKP (AP40 with Ta2O3-La2O3), were exposed to human plasma and their protein binding capacities and affinities for specific proteins were studied by chromatography, protein assays, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The studies showed that all materials adsorbed approximately the same high amount of plasma proteins and that they therefore should be fully covered by proteins in an in vivo setting. The adsorbed proteins were different for most materials which could explain their previously observed different levels of tissue integration in vivo. Four of the proteins that behaved differently, ceruloplasmin, prothrombin, α2-HS-glycoprotein and α1-antichymotrypsin, were selected for characterization with atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry. The studies, which were performed on ultraflat silicon wafers (silica), showed that the proteins oriented themselves with their long axis parallel to the surface or as in case of ceruloplasmin with one of its larger sides towards the surface. All of them had globular shapes but other conformational details were not resolved. Furthermore, prothrombin (none of the others) formed multilayers at high proteins concentrations. The functional behaviour of the adsorbed proteins, referring to their cell binding and cell spreading capacity on silica and a positive cell adhesion reference surface (Thermanox®), was affected by the underlying substrate. Ceruloplasmin, α2-HS-glycoprotein and α1-antichymotrypsin stimulated cell attachment to silica, but suppressed attachment to Thermanox®. Prothrombin stimulated cell attachment to both surfaces. The attachment was in most cases mediated both by cell membrane-receptors (integrins) and by non-specific interactions between the cell and the material. This thesis showed that the compositional mixture, orientation, conformation and functional behavior of the adsorbed proteins are determined by the properties of the underlying surface and if these parameters are controlled very different cellular responses can be induced.
A Bayesian multi-class image content retrieval

Modern imaging sensors, especially those aboard satellites, continuously deliver enormous amounts of data. The widespread of meter resolution images, is not only exploding the volumes of acquired data but also brings a new dimension in the image detail, thus growing the information content. These represent typical cases, where users need automated tools to discover, explore and explain the contents of large image databases. There is a strong need to build up applications that help the user in image interpretation task, applications that permit to query the archives in content based mode, without having to know all the information contained in the images at signal level. We propose in this article, a synergy between stochastic modelling, knowledge discovery, and semantic representation. To do that, we associate semantic labels to a combination of primitive image features. The user-defined semantic image content interpretation is linked with Bayesian networks to a completely unsupervised classification. This new paradigm for the interaction with EO archives can provide several applications for users coming from different domains, as change detection, agricultural field classification, environment monitoring, atmosphere effects or urbanization.
A Family of 4-Point n-Ary Interpolating Scheme Reproducing Conics

The n-ary subdivision schemes contrast favorably with their binary analogues because they are capable to produce limit functions with the same (or higher) smoothness but smaller support. We present an algorithm to generate the 4-point n-ary non-stationary scheme for trigonometric, hyperbolic and polynomial case with the parameter for describing curves. The performance, analysis and comparison of the 4-point ternary scheme are also presented.
A comparison of the MM5 and the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System simulations for land–atmosphere interactions under varying soil moisture

A comparison between two mesoscale models, Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) version 4.4 coupled with the Land-Ecosystem–Atmosphere Feedback Model (LEAF2) and Penn State/NCAR's Mesoscale Model (MM5) coupled with NOAH Land Surface Model, was conducted in order to assess the sensitivity of forecasted planetary boundary layer (PBL) variables to anomalous initial volumetric soil moisture conditions. The experiments were conducted using three synoptic events: June 11, 17 and 22, 2006. For each event, one control run and six additional simulations were completed using RAMS and MM5. In each of the events, initial volumetric soil moisture was increased and decreased by 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 m3m−3. Each of the events was individually analysed. Precipitation generally increased and decreased with enhanced and reduced soil moisture, respectively. Overall, RAMS simulations presented a greater sensitivity and variability in precipitation and PBL parameters. It was found that equivalent potential temperature, vertical wind velocities, and latent and sensible heat flux were helpful in explaining precipitation accumulation and distribution.
Tracking of regional left ventricular rotation by tissue doppler imaging

Left ventricular (LV) torsion has been proposed as sensitive marker of LV function. Speckle tracking techniques on short axis (SAX) views have recently been introduced as an ultrasound-based method for assessment of rotation, as an alternative to MRI tagging. This study presents a complementary method for regional rotation estimation that utilizes the velocity field provided by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI). Based on the assumation that the myocardial wall remains fairly circular in the SAX view through the heart cycle, the software performs an independent bidirectional frame-to-frame tracking of a set points positioned on a circle's circumference within the LV myocardium The tracking procedure searches for the change in global geometric parameters that minimizes the deviations between the observed TDI velocities and the velocities predicted by the circular model. The remaining deviations are being used as an expression of local differences in angular velocities, which results in regional variations in rotation. The method has been compared with results from commercial speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) software (EchoPAC 2D Strain) on six healthy humans. The assessment of regional LV rotation from the TDI velocity field was shown to be feasible. The preliminary results showed good correlation with results from speckle tracking echocardiography.
Bone Health in Disorders of Sex Differentiation

Sex steroids are main regulators of skeletal growth, maturation and mass in both men and women. People with disorders of sex development (DSD) may experience problems in developing normal bone growth, structure and mass, because abnormal sex steroid secretion or action may be operative. In complete androgen insensitivity syndrome several reports documented reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Reduced BMD is evident in patients with not removed or removed gonads, but it is poorer in the latter, mainly when compliance with estrogen replacement therapy is not guaranteed. Large impairment of BMD does not seem to be present in patients with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome or 5α-reductase-2 deficiency, providing that gonads are not removed or that substitutive therapy is optimized. In congenital adrenal hyperplasia, BMD may be impaired as a result of not optimal glucocorticoid administration. In Turner syndrome, impaired BMD may result from the combined actions of estrogen deficiency, low bone dimensions, altered bone geometry, deficient cortical bone, and trabecular bone loss. Optimal estrogen administration seems to be important in preserving bone mass and enhancing trabecular bone volume. On the whole, bone health represents a main clinical issue for the management of persons with disorders of sex differentiation, and well designed longitudinal studies should be developed to improve their bone health and well-being.
Computer Control of Microscopes Using µManager

With the advent of digital cameras and motorization of mechanical components, computer control of microscopes has become increasingly important. Software for microscope image acquisition should not only be easy to use, but also enable and encourage novel approaches. The open‐source software package µManager aims to fulfill those goals. This unit provides step‐by‐step protocols describing how to get started working with µManager, as well as some starting points for advanced use of the software. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 92:14.20. 1‐14.20. 17. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Domain-Specific and Domain-General Training to Improve Kindergarten Children's Mathematics

Ensuring that kindergarten children have a solid foundation in early numerical knowledge is of critical importance for later mathematical achievement. In this study, we targeted improving the numerical knowledge of kindergarteners (n = 81) from primarily low-income backgrounds using two approaches: one targeting their conceptual knowledge, specifically, their understanding of numerical magnitudes; and the other targeting their underlying cognitive system, specifically, their working memory. Both interventions involved playing game-like activities on tablet computers over the course of several sessions. As predicted, both interventions improved children’s numerical magnitude knowledge as compared to a no-contact control group, suggesting that both domain-specific and domain-general interventions facilitate mathematical learning. Individual differences in effort during the working memory game, but not the number knowledge training game predicted children’s improvements in number line estimation. The results demonstrate the potential of using a rapidly growing technology in early childhood classrooms to promote young children’s numerical knowledge.
NMR solution structure of hPar14 reveals similarity to the peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase domain of the mitotic regulator hPin1 but indicates a different functionality of the protein.

The 131-amino acid residue parvulin-like human peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) hPar14 was shown to exhibit sequence similarity to the regulator enzyme for cell cycle transitions human hPin1, but specificity for catalyzing pSer(Thr)-Pro cis/trans isomerizations was lacking. To determine the solution structure of hPar14 the (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N chemical shifts of this protein have been assigned using heteronuclear two and three-dimensional NMR experiments on unlabeled and uniformly (15)N/(13)C-labeled recombinant protein isolated from Escherichia coli cells that overexpress the protein. The chemical shift assignments were used to interpret the NOE data, which resulted in a total of 1042 NOE restraints. The NOE restraints were used along with 71 dihedral angle restraints and 38 hydrogen bonding restraints to produce 50 low-energy structures. The hPar14 folds into a betaalpha(3)betaalphabeta(2) structure, and contains an unstructured 35-amino acid basic tail N-terminal to the catalytic core that replaces the WW domain of hPin1 homologs. The three-dimensional structures of hPar14 and the PPIase domain of human hPin1 reveal a high degree of conservation. The root-mean-square deviations of the mean atomic coordinates of the heavy atoms of the backbone between residues 38 to 45, 50 to 58, 64 to 70, 81 to 86, 115 to 119 and 122 to 128 of hPar14 were 0.81(+/-0.07) A. The hPar14 model structure provides insight into how this class of PPIases may select preferential secondary catalytic sites, and also allows identification of a putative DNA-binding motif in parvulin-like PPIases.
Measurement of the energy distribution of trapped and free electrons in a current-free double layer

In the high potential plasma, upstream of the double layer, the measured electron energy distribution function EEDF shows a very clear change in slope at energies break corresponding to the double layer potential drop. Electrons with lower energy are Maxwellian with a temperature of 8 eV, whereas those with higher energy have a temperature of 5 eV. The EEDF in the downstream plasma has a temperature of 5 eV. Over the range of pressures wherein the double layer and accelerated ion beam are detected by analysis of a retarding field energy analyzer, the strength of the double layer corresponds to the energy where the slope changes in the EEDF break. We deduce that the downstream electrons come from upstream electrons that have sufficient energy to overcome the potential of the double layer, and that only a single upstream plasma source is required to maintain this phenomenon. © 2007 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2803763 High energy charged particles in space are thought to be accelerated by mechanisms such as proposed by Fermi, by waves, and more recently, by electric double layers DLs. 1‐3 Although some experimental data obtained from probes on satellites are available, they are rarely sufficient to fully develop self-consistent models of such space DLs and assumptions on the form of the accelerated and trapped particle distribution functions have to be made. Perkins and Sun predicted the existence of current-free double layer solutions, 4 and soon after their prediction, current-driven laboratory double layers were set up in a current-free “mode,” 5‐7 confirming the prediction. More recently, a new class of currentfree double layers were experimentally found in expanding
Towards 5ps resolution TDC on a dynamically reconfigurable FPGA (abstract only)

This paper presents the implementation of a high resolution time-to-digital converter (TDC) on a dynamically reconfigurable FPGA. The TDC architecture is based on the Vernier method using two ring oscillators with slightly different frequencies. The proposed oscillators can be calibrated with picoseconds resolution by taking advantage of partial reconfiguration, and moreover recalibrated over time. The results obtained on a Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGA show that the proposed TDC implementation can achieve unprecedented resolutions (on FPGA) as low as 5ps and precisions up to 25ps.