Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep Representation-Based Feature Extraction and Recovering for Finger-Vein Verification

Finger-vein biometrics has been extensively investigated for personal verification. Despite recent advances in finger-vein verification, current solutions completely depend on domain knowledge and still lack the robustness to extract finger-vein features from raw images. This paper proposes a deep learning model to extract and recover vein features using limited a priori knowledge. First, based on a combination of the known state-of-the-art handcrafted finger-vein image segmentation techniques, we automatically identify two regions: a clear region with high separability between finger-vein patterns and background, and an ambiguous region with low separability between them. The first is associated with pixels on which all the above-mentioned segmentation techniques assign the same segmentation label (either foreground or background), while the second corresponds to all the remaining pixels. This scheme is used to automatically discard the ambiguous region and to label the pixels of the clear region as foreground or background. A training data set is constructed based on the patches centered on the labeled pixels. Second, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained on the resulting data set to predict the probability of each pixel of being foreground (i.e., vein pixel), given a patch centered on it. The CNN learns what a finger-vein pattern is by learning the difference between vein patterns and background ones. The pixels in any region of a test image can then be classified effectively. Third, we propose another new and original contribution by developing and investigating a fully convolutional network to recover missing finger-vein patterns in the segmented image. The experimental results on two public finger-vein databases show a significant improvement in terms of finger-vein verification accuracy.
TarFisDock: a web server for identifying drug targets with docking approach

TarFisDock is a web-based tool for automating the procedure of searching for small molecule–protein interactions over a large repertoire of protein structures. It offers PDTD (potential drug target database), a target database containing 698 protein structures covering 15 therapeutic areas and a reverse ligand–protein docking program. In contrast to conventional ligand–protein docking, reverse ligand–protein docking aims to seek potential protein targets by screening an appropriate protein database. The input file of this web server is the small molecule to be tested, in standard mol2 format; TarFisDock then searches for possible binding proteins for the given small molecule by use of a docking approach. The ligand–protein interaction energy terms of the program DOCK are adopted for ranking the proteins. To test the reliability of the TarFisDock server, we searched the PDTD for putative binding proteins for vitamin E and 4H-tamoxifen. The top 2 and 10% candidates of vitamin E binding proteins identified by TarFisDock respectively cover 30 and 50% of reported targets verified or implicated by experiments; and 30 and 50% of experimentally confirmed targets for 4H-tamoxifen appear amongst the top 2 and 5% of the TarFisDock predicted candidates, respectively. Therefore, TarFisDock may be a useful tool for target identification, mechanism study of old drugs and probes discovered from natural products. TarFisDock and PDTD are available at .
Serological Reactivity and Biochemical Characterization of Methylated and Unmethylated Forms of a Recombinant Protein Fragment Derived from Outer Membrane Protein B of Rickettsia typhi

ABSTRACT Rickettsia typhi, an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes murine typhus, possesses a heavily methylated outer membrane protein B (OmpB) antigen. This immunodominant antigen is responsible for serological reactions and is capable of eliciting protective immune responses with a guinea pig model. Western blot analysis of partially digested OmpB with patient sera revealed that most of the reactive fragments are larger than 20 kDa. One of these fragments, which is located at the N terminus (amino acids 33 to 273), fragment A (At), has been expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed protein (rAt) was purified by chromatography and properly refolded by sequential dialysis. The refolded rAt protein was recognized by at least 87% of the typhus group patient sera as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, the titers were lower than those obtained with OmpB of R. typhi. Since native OmpB is hypermethylated at lysine residues, we chemically methylated the lysine residues in rAt. The methylation was confirmed by amino acid composition analysis, and the methylation pattern of the methylated rAt (mrAt) protein was similar to that of native At from OmpB, as revealed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Both rAt and mrAt were evaluated in an ELISA for their serological reactivity with patient sera. Among patient sera tested, 83% exhibited higher titers with mrAt than with rAt. These results suggest that rAt, with or without methylation, can potentially replace rickettsia-derived OmpB or whole-cell antigen for the diagnosis of R. typhi infection.
Effects of Japanese pepper and red pepper on the microbial community during nukadoko fermentation

Nukadoko is a fermented rice bran bed traditionally used for pickling vegetables in Japan. To date, the production of both homemade and commercial nukadoko has depended on natural fermentation without using starter cultures. Spices, Japanese pepper, and red pepper, are added to nukadoko empirically, but the functions of spices in nukadoko have not been fully elucidated. To investigate the effects of Japanese pepper and red pepper on nukadoko fermentation, we compared the chemical and microbiological changes during 2 months of fermentation of a laboratory model nukadoko with or without spices. The successive pH values and colony counts in the first 10 days showed that the spices promoted lactic acid bacteria (LAB) growth and fermentation in the nukadoko niche. The successive bacterial communities during natural fermentation of nukadoko were carefully monitored by pyrotag 16S rRNA analysis, and the effect of spices on the development and maintenance of the nukadoko microbiota was investigated. It was shown that addition of Japanese peppers and red peppers shortened the pre-lactic acid fermentation phase, during which Staphylococcus saprophyticus grew dominantly, and promoted the development of a microbiota that LAB dominated. Notably, the growth of the dominant LAB, Pediococcus pentosaceus, was improved by adding either Japanese pepper or red pepper. The differences in the LAB species, which were associated with the differences in chemical composition of the nukadoko, were dependent on the type of pepper used. We conclude that the spices used can affect the bacterial community and modulate its metabolic profile in nukadoko.
The seduction of realism

The "illusion of life" has long been a mantra for educators of animation. In the past, the artistry of animation has been centred around how to create this illusion with environments, objects and characters that are clearly not alive. However, in recent years technology has successfully given animators this very illusion. Technology can now provide "visual realism". Does this then make animation more successful as a visually convincing and immersive medium? In some situations it does, though in other situations it simply brings a whole new array of issues that question realism at a new level. A prime goal of animation is the illusion of life. In order to achieve this illusion, an illusion of reality is conveyed. Though realism can be described in many ways, the overall aim is to give the animation some real-world authority; that is, there is some aspect which is lifelike, thus fulfilling the illusion, and increasing immersion for the viewer. This realism in animation in the past has often been represented through real-world informed movement, often stylistically exaggerated. The exaggerated movement of characters is drawn from real life, creating a poetic explicitness that increases the perception of movement and the life of the character. This exaggeration of motion in some ways compensates for the otherwise unreal nature of the animation medium. Over recent years, and with the advent of computer 3D animation, a more convincing visual realism is now achievable. Though the exaggerated styles of traditional animation are often maintained, the unique qualities of the computer 3D medium are able to provide an extra layer of visually convincing realism. One interesting consequence is that as realism increases, the exaggerated movement and artistic interpretation decreases. The ultimate solution suggests absolutely realistic rendering, with absolutely realistic movement. Is this then, still animation, or is it something else? Is this still an expressive and creative medium? The realism that technology has brought animators also creates new demands for an educator. Should an educator stay with the founding principles? How do educators embrace technology while retaining the expressive individuality that animation can provide? Should they adopt the new mediums, such as digital sculpting and hyper realism? And when does new technology create new areas that have little to do with the definition of animation? This paper discusses new expectations of realism in animation education, and via a journey down the Uncanny Valley, [Mori 1970] suggests some approaches and philosophies that can move with technology while retaining artistic independence and actively managing the seduction of realism.
Relationships between HIV-related Stigma, Coping, SocialSupport and Health-related Quality of Life in People Living withHIV/AIDS

Background: HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects African Americans. The proportion of foreign-born black people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is significant and will continue to increase with the repeal of travel ban in 2010. The perception of and coping with HIV-related stigma and its consequence may vary as well. There is lack of comparative study in this area. Purpose: This study examines the relationships between perceived HIV-related stigma, coping strategies, perceived availability of social support and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and compares native-born and foreign-born black PLWHA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional comparative study guided by the Transactional model of Stress and Coping. Multidimensional measure of internalized HIV stigma scale, the Brief COPE scale, medical outcomes study social support survey , and the second version of short form health survey were used to assess key variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bootstrap method to examine the mediation effects of avoidance coping and moderation effect of nativity and social support. Findings: Thirty seven English-speaking foreign born and 63 native born blacks living with HIV participated. Compared with native participants, foreign-born participants were more likely to be female, heterosexual, a non-drinker and non-smoker, to live with someone, be diagnosed with AIDS and not to disclose their HIV status. Foreign-born patients had significantly higher HIV-related stigma and lower social support and had lower mental summary scores of HRQoL (MCS) than native patients. However, no significant differences were found in their use of coping strategies and physical summary scores of HRQoL. The relationship between HIV-related stigma and MCS was mediated by avoidance coping for native-born participants, but it was not for foreign-born groups. The relationship between HIV-related stigma and MCS was mediated by avoidance coping for those who perceived low social support group, but it was not for those who perceived high social support. Discussion: These findings highlight the significant differences between native and foreign-born HIV-infected blacks. Interventions targeting coping strategy and social support need to consider differences and similarities between native and foreign-born groups. This study contributes toward developing a sound understanding of the growing population of foreign-born blacks living with HIV/AIDS.
INFLUENCE OF FUZZY ADAPTED SCALING FACTORS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A FUZZY LOGIC CONTROLLER BASED ON AN INDIRECT VECTOR CONTROL FOR INDUCTION MOTOR DRIVE

This work investigates a simple design of the scaling factors fuzzy tuning procedure of a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for speed regulation of an indirect field-oriented induction motor (IM). A simple but powerful fuzzy adaptation of the FLC three scaling factors is proposed. This adaptation does not require the knowledge of the system model. The influence of different combinations of the FLC scaling factors fuzzy self-tuning on the performance control is investigated and illustrated by some simulation results at different dynamic operating conditions such as sudden change in command speed, step change in load torque and some key parameters deviation. The suggested controller can be applied to a large class of robotics and other mechanical systems.
Semantic Localization of Borrowed Linguistic Signs –A Corpus-based Study on "Ke-xue" in Chinese

The study of semantic localization of borrowed linguistic signs can reveal the changing pattern of meaning as well as the relation between language and cultural context. This study aims to reveal how the meaning of the English word "science" ,which is translated as "ke-xue" in Chinese,is localized in Chinese. Based on the CCL corpus,we find that besides its function as a noun,"ke-xue" is often used as the modifier of a nominal group. In this case,it has two basic meanings,one of which is a meaning that is newly created in Chinese context. The new localized meaning is created by the cognitive process of metonymy,and this process is facilitated by the cognitive property of the category "science" and the special cultural and social connotation of science in the Chinese context.
Comparison of Novel Semi supervised Text classification using BPNN by Active search with KNN Algorithm

With the availability of huge amount of text in internet, news, institutes, organization etc need of automatic text classification also increases, The proposed work comprised to deal with the major challenge of getting labeled data for training in classifier, since the availability of labeled data is expensive, time consuming, it also requires the involvement of annotator . A novel semi supervised test classification algorithm based on Back Propagation Neural Network is proposed which makes use of web assisted unlabeled data by Active search, this algorithm is compared with standard KNN algorithm on test data and standard data Mini Newsgroup. Experimental results state that the proposed algorithm outperforms KNN with Micro averaged F1measure.
Towards versatile legged robots through active impedance control

Robots with legs and arms have the potential to support humans in dangerous, dull or dirty tasks. A major motivation behind research on such robots is their potential versatility. However, these robots come at a high price in mechanical and control complexity. Hence, until they can demonstrate a clear advantage over their simpler counterparts, robots with arms and legs will not fulfill their true potential. In this paper, we discuss the opportunities for versatile robots that arise by actively controlling the mechanical impedance of joints and particularly legs. In contrast to passive elements such as springs, active impedance is achieved by torque-controlled joints allowing real-time adjustment of stiffness and damping. Adjustable stiffness and damping in real-time is a fundamental building block towards versatility. Experiments with our 80 kg hydraulic quadruped robot HyQ demonstrate that active impedance alone (i.e. no springs in the structure) can successfully emulate passively compliant elements during highly dynamic locomotion tasks (running, jumping and hopping); and that no springs are needed to protect the actuation system. Here we present results of a flying trot, also referred to as a running trot. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first time a flying trot has been successfully implemented on a robot without passive elements such as springs. A critical discussion on the pros and cons of active impedance concludes the paper. This article is an extension of our previous work presented at the International Symposium on Robotics Research (ISRR) 2013.
The Influence of Forest Experience Program on Physiological and Psychological States in Psychiatric Inpatients

현대사회에서 우리는 스트레스에 둘러싸여 자연과 단절된 삶을 살아가고 있으며 이는 여러 질환의 발병원인이 되고 있다. 또한 과거에 비하여 정신건강문제 경험자 수와 정신의료기관 입원환자의 수도 증가하였다. 이에 본연구는 산림체험 프로그램이 정신과 입원환자의 기분상태와 우울 및 스트레스정도에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 수행하였다. 나주시 N병원의 정신과에 입원 중인 실험군 12명과 대조군 13명을 대상으로 2013년 5월 20일부터29일까지 5회에 걸쳐 산림체험 프로그램이 실시되었으며, 기분상태 검사지(K-POMS-B)와 Beck 우울검사지(BDI) 및타액을 활용하여 그 효과를 검증하였다. 연구결과, 산림체험 프로그램에 참여한 환자의 경우 우울상태가 호전되고 스트레스가 감소되었으며, 스트레스 감소효과는 통계적으로 유의하였다(p<0.01). Abstract: In modern society, we are disconnected from nature and under a lots of stress. And this is cause ofthe various diseases. Also than in the past, People experiencing mental health problems and Psychiatric Inpatientrates appear to have increased. This study was performed to investigated the influence of forest experience programon Psychiatric Inpatients's mood and depressive state, stress responses. The subject of this study were 25 patientsin the N Hospital in Naju, who were divided into an experimental group (n=12) and a control group (n=13), andexperiment was conducted form 20 to March 29, 2013. Its effect was verified by utilizing the K-POMS-B andBDI, saliva. According to results of this study, there were improvements in their depressive state and degree ofstress state. There was a meaningful difference(p<0.01). However, Cotrol group, these difference were not found.Key words
Take Five: Fifth-Year Art Teachers’ Maturing Understanding of Curriculum

This study of five art teachers in their fifth year of teaching utilized narrative inquiry as the methodology. After selecting five teachers from our previous study (Bain, Newton, Kuster, & Milbrandt, 2010), our central research question was: Now that the art teachers are in their fifth year of teaching, in what ways have their understanding, construction, and implementation of curriculum matured? Data were collected over one academic year through in-depth interviews and observations. Themes that emerged were the following: meaningful curriculum was perceived as making connections and instilling pride; planning with the ability to envision and adapt; confidence in the ability to write their own curriculum; and personal influences on curriculum. The teachers’ definition of meaningful curriculum changed little from their viewpoints as novice teachers; however, their ability to articulate and implement their beliefs crystallized. The teachers constructed their curricula by incorporating their gained knowledge of their students’ skill levels and interests within the framework of their professional goals and state mandates. The teachers’ interests, strengths, and experiences fueled their enthusiasm and ownership over the process of constructing and implementing curriculum in their classrooms.
OPTIMUM DIGITAL SURFACES MODELS GENERATED BY AUTOMATIC STEREO MATCHING OF CONVERGENT IMAGE NETWORKS

In architectural photogrammetry, convergent geometry has some advantages over normal geometry. One of them is the reduction of the number of images needed for the full coverage of the object. This advantage simplifies network design and increases theoretically the accuracy of the method and internal reliability. However, the method has still not been widely used in practice because, probably the workflow has not been as consolidated as in the case of normal geometry. In this article, we present and discuss the workflow to make a Digital Surface Model (DSM) of architectural façades semi-automatically and using convergent geometry. The accuracy of DSM is verified using and independent group of checkpoints, measured using conventional topographical methods. The influential parameters in the quality of DSM are discussed This DSM generated includes a great number of 3D-points that come from diverse combinations of stereo-pairs. This points can have a very different accuracy and reliability, in addition to a great and nondesirable spatial redundancy. We analized different methods to generate several synthesis DSM whose points are the result of a statistic process. The aim is to obtain a regular mesh of points whose Z coordinates are estimated from the whole set of data over the interpolating function. We choose the best of them using a random mesh of points whose coordinates were measured by multiple direct intersection. RESUMEN: En fotogrametría arquitectónica terrestre, la toma convergente tiene muchas ventajas frente a la toma normal. Una de ellas es la reducción del número de imágenes necesarias para el recubrimiento completo del objeto. Esta ventaja simplifica el diseño de la toma y aumenta la precisión del método y la fiabilidad interna. Se presenta un flujo de trabajo para generar mediante toma convergente y procesos semiautomáticos, el modelo digital de superficie (MDS) de una fachada arquitectónica. La precisión del modelo es verificada mediante una malla de puntos de control, medida por topografía clásica. También se estudia la influencia de los parámetros variables en la calidad del MDS. Un modelo Digital de Superficie generado mediante correlación automática a partir de imágenes convergentes, se forma gracias a un gran número de puntos con coordenadas tridimensionales obtenidos como puntos homólogos de las diferentes combinaciones de los modelos formados con cada dos imágenes que forman un modelo. Estos puntos tienen una precisión y fiabilidad diferentes. Se analizan distintos métodos para generar un Modelo Digital de Superficies de síntesis cuyos puntos son el resultado de un proceso estadístico. El objetivo es obtener una malla regular de puntos cuya coordenada A sea estimada del total de puntos mediante una función de interpolación. Se elegirá el mejor de ellos utilizando como comprobación una red de puntos de control medida mediante intersección directa múltiple.
Network operator independent resilient overlay for mission critical applications (ROMCA)

This paper proposes a Resilient Overlay for Mission Critical Applications (ROMCA); a novel operator-independent overlay architecture providing a resilient and reliable service across wide-area networks. One feature of ROMCA is that its overlay topology can be altered according to the underlying network conditions. Moreover, resilience is achieved by combining centralized topology construction control and distributed dynamic mapping of paths onto the overlay topology according to network conditions. ROMCA can mitigate the shortcomings of the Internet network infrastructure and provide low recovery times in the event of network failure(s).