Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Grammatical Facial Expressions Recognition with Machine Learning

The automated analysis of facial expressions has been widely used in different research areas, such as biometrics or emotional analysis. Special importance is attached to facial expressions in the area of sign language, since they help to form the grammatical structure of the language and allow for the creation of language disambiguation, and thus are called Grammatical Facial Expressions (GFEs). In this paper we outline the recognition of GFEs used in the Brazilian Sign Language. In order to reach this objective, we have captured nine types of GFEs using a KinectTM sensor, designed a spatial-temporal data representation, modeled the research question as a set of binary classification problems, and employed a Machine Learning technique.
Genetic evidence that Nkx2.2 acts primarily downstream of Neurog3 in pancreatic endocrine lineage development

Many pancreatic transcription factors that are essential for islet cell differentiation have been well characterized; however, because they are often expressed in several different cell populations, their functional hierarchy remains unclear. To parse out the spatiotemporal regulation of islet cell differentiation, we used a Neurog3-Cre allele to ablate Nkx2.2, one of the earliest and most broadly expressed islet transcription factors, specifically in the Neurog3+ endocrine progenitor lineage (Nkx2.2△endo). Remarkably, many essential components of the β cell transcriptional network that were down-regulated in the Nkx2.2KO mice, were maintained in the Nkx2.2△endo mice - yet the Nkx2.2△endo mice displayed defective β cell differentiation and recapitulated the Nkx2.2KO phenotype. This suggests that Nkx2.2 is not only required in the early pancreatic progenitors, but has additional essential activities within the endocrine progenitor population. Consistently, we demonstrate Nkx2.2 functions as an integral component of a modular regulatory program to correctly specify pancreatic islet cell fates. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.20010. 001
Recognizing Violence in Movies CIS 400 / 401 Project Final Report

We have built a system to automatically detect violence in movies. Analyzing the movie at the shot level, we extract three classes of feature sets – action interest points over the spatio-temporal domain, emotion recognition and object detection over the spatial domain, and audio spectrum analysis – and build a predictive model combining support vector machines (SVMs) and AdaBoost to classify each shot as violent or nonviolent. Most action recognition research is tested on very structured datasets, with little motion blur, occlusion, or background clutter. Of the few systems dealing with action recognition in realistic settings, our system is the first to consider both object and audio information, recognizing that many violence-related actions possess characteristic sounds and objects, such as loud music and weapons. Our completed system achieves an accuracy score of 71%, which is significantly better than chance. Further work could go towards improving the underlying models; since the system is composed of submodels dealing with each feature set, improvements to any of these models would improve the system as well.
Optimization of Test Scheduling and Test Access for ITC-02 SOC Benchmark Circuits

Problem statement: This study presented the optimized test scheduling and test access for ITC-02 SOC benchmark circuits using genetic algorithm. In the scheduling procedure of SOC, scheduling problem was formulated as a sequence of two problems and solved. Approach: Test access mechanism width was partitioned into two and three partitions and the applications of test vectors and test vector assignments for different partitions were scheduled using different operators of genetic algorithm. Results: The test application time was calculated in terms of CPU time cycles for two and three partitions of twelve ITC-02 SOC benchmark circuits and the results were compared with the integer linear programming approach. Conclusion: The results showed that the genetic algorithm based approach gives better results.
Patch-based image segmentation of satellite imagery using minimum spanning tree construction

We present a method for hierarchical image segmentation and feature extraction. This method builds upon the combination of the detection of image spectral discontinuities using Canny edge detection and the image Laplacian, followed by the construction of a hierarchy of segmented images of successively reduced levels of details. These images are represented as sets of polygonized pixel patches (polygons) attributed with spectral and structural characteristics. This hierarchy forms the basis for object-oriented image analysis. To build fine level-of-detail representation of the original image, seed partitions (polygons) are built upon a triangular mesh composed of irregular sized triangles, whose spatial arrangement is adapted to the image content. This is achieved by building the triangular mesh on the top of the detected spectral discontinuities that form a network of constraints for the Delaunay triangulation. A polygonized image is represented as a spatial network in the form of a graph with vertices which correspond to the polygonal partitions and graph edges reflecting pairwise partitions relations. Image graph partitioning is based on the iterative graph oontraction using Boruvka's Minimum Spanning Tree algorithm. An important characteristic of the approach is that the agglomeration of partitions is constrained by the detected spectral discontinuities; thus the shapesmore » of agglomerated partitions are more likely to correspond to the outlines of real-world objects. « less
A 57.9-to-68.3 GHz 24.6 mW Frequency Synthesizer With In-Phase Injection-Coupled QVCO in 65 nm CMOS Technology

A fully integrated 60 GHz frequency synthesizer with an in-phase injection-coupled quadrature voltage-controlled oscillator (IPIC-QVCO) is proposed. Through a particular symmetrical coupling network formed by diode-connected transistors, the in-phase coupling is realized in the IPIC-QVCO, which reduces both phase noise and phase error. A compact inductor-less divider chain is designed to reduce power consumption. A self-correcting low spur charge pump is employed to reduce reference spur. A standalone 60 GHz IPIC-QVCO and a fully integrated PLL are implemented in standard 65 nm low power CMOS technology. The measurement results show that the QVCO covers a frequency range from 57.88 to 68.33 GHz while consuming 11.4 mW power from a 1.2 V supply. The phase noise of the QVCO is -92 ~ -95 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The FOM and FOM T of the QVCO are -178.1 ~ -179.7 and -182.5 ~ -184.1 dBc/Hz respectively. The tuning range of the frequency synthesizer is from 57.9 to 68.3 GHz, and the power consumption is 24.6 mW. The phase noise of the frequency synthesizer is -89.8 ~ -91.5 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset across the frequency band.
Improved subspace-based speech enhancement using a novel updating approach for noise correlation matrix

In this paper a new approach is presented to develop the subspace-based speech enhancement for non-stationary noise cases. The new method updates the noise correlation matrix segment-by-segment assuming that only the eigenvalues of the matrix are varying with time. In other words, the characteristic of varying loudness of noise signals is just considered, as it is observed in the modulated white noise case where the eigenvectors are invariant over time. The proposed scheme for updating noise correlation matrix is embedded in the framework of a soft model order based subspace approach for speech enhancement. The experiments show significant improvement in different non-stationary noise types.
Visualizing Cross-Lingual/Cross-Cultural Differences in Concerns in Multilingual Blogs

The goal of this paper is to cross-lingually analyze multilingual blogs collected with a topic keyword. The framework of collecting multilingual blogs with a topic keyword is designed as the blog feed retrieval procedure. Multilingual queries for retrieving blog feeds are created from Wikipedia entries. Finally, we present an interface for visualizing cross-lingual/cross-cultural differences in concerns and opinions that are closely related to a given topic. Preliminary evaluation results support the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
The validity and reliability of 1-Hz and 5-Hz global positioning systems for linear, multidirectional, and soccer-specific activities.

PURPOSE The study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of commercially available nondifferential Global Positioning System (NdGPS) devices for measures of total distance during linear, multidirectional and soccer-specific motion at 1-Hz and 5-Hz sampling frequencies. METHODS Linear (32 trials), multidirectional (192 trials) and soccer-specific courses (40 trials) were created to test the validity (mean ± 90% confidence intervals), reliability (mean ± 90% confidence intervals) and bias (mean ± 90% confidence intervals) of the NdGPS devices against measured distance. Standard error of the estimate established validity, reliability was determined using typical error and percentage bias was established. RESULTS The 1-Hz and 5-Hz data ranged from 1.3% ± 0.76 to 3.1% ± 1.37 for validity and 2.03% ± 1.31 to 5.31% ± 1.2 for reliability for measures of linear and soccer-specific motion. For multidirectional activity, data ranged from 1.8% ± 0.8 to 6.88% ± 2.99 for validity and from 3.08% ± 1.34 to 7.71% ± 1.65 for reliability. The 1-Hz underestimated some complex courses by up to 11%. CONCLUSIONS 1-Hz and 5-Hz NdGPS could be used to quantify distance in soccer and similar field-based team sports. Both 1-Hz and 5-Hz have a threshold beyond which reliability is compromised. 1-Hz also underestimates distance and is less valid in more complex courses.
Pulse Wave Velocity at Early Adulthood: Breastfeeding and Nutrition during Pregnancy and Childhood

Background Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an early marker of arterial stiffness. Low birthweight, infant feeding and childhood nutrition have been associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood. In this study, we evaluated the association of PWV at 30 years of age with birth condition and childhood nutrition, among participants of the 1982 Pelotas birth cohort. Methods In 1982, the hospital births in Pelotas, southern Brazil, were identified just after delivery. Those liveborn infants whose family lived in the urban area of the city were examined and have been prospectively followed. At 30 years of age, we tried to follow the whole cohort and PWV was assessed in 1576 participants. Results Relative weight gain from 2 to 4 years was positively associated with PWV. Regarding nutritional status in childhood, PWV was higher among those whose weight-for-age z-score at 4 years was >1 standard deviation above the mean. On the other hand, height gain, birthweight and duration of breastfeeding were not associated with PWV. Conclusion Relative weight gain after 2 years of age is associated with increased PWV, while birthweight and growth in the first two years of life were not associated. These results suggest that the relative increase of weight later in childhood is associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
CIB1 Synergizes with EphrinA2 to Regulate Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Macropinocytic Entry in Human Microvascular Dermal Endothelial Cells

KSHV envelope glycoproteins interact with cell surface heparan sulfate and integrins, and activate FAK, Src, PI3-K, c-Cbl, and Rho-GTPase signal molecules in human microvascular dermal endothelial (HMVEC-d) cells. c-Cbl mediates the translocation of virus bound α3β1 and αVβ3 integrins into lipid rafts (LRs), where KSHV interacts and activates EphrinA2 (EphA2). EphA2 associates with c-Cbl-myosin IIA and augmented KSHV-induced Src and PI3-K signals in LRs, leading to bleb formation and macropinocytosis of KSHV. To identify the factor(s) coordinating the EphA2-signal complex, the role of CIB1 (calcium and integrin binding protein-1) associated with integrin signaling was analyzed. CIB1 knockdown did not affect KSHV binding to HMVEC-d cells but significantly reduced its entry and gene expression. In contrast, CIB1 overexpression increased KSHV entry in 293 cells. Single virus particle infection and trafficking during HMVEC-d cell entry was examined by utilizing DiI (envelope) and BrdU (viral DNA) labeled virus. CIB1 was associated with KSHV in membrane blebs and in Rab5 positive macropinocytic vesicles. CIB1 knockdown abrogated virus induced blebs, macropinocytosis and virus association with the Rab5 macropinosome. Infection increased the association of CIB1 with LRs, and CIB1 was associated with EphA2 and KSHV entry associated signal molecules such as Src, PI3-K, and c-Cbl. CIB1 knockdown significantly reduced the infection induced EphA2, Src and Erk1/2 activation. Mass spectrometry revealed the simultaneous association of CIB1 and EphA2 with the actin cytoskeleton modulating myosin IIA and alpha-actinin 4 molecules, and CIB1 knockdown reduced EphA2's association with myosin IIA and alpha-actinin 4. Collectively, these studies revealed for the first time that CIB1 plays a role in virus entry and macropinocytosis, and suggested that KSHV utilizes CIB1 as one of the key molecule(s) to coordinate and sustain the EphA2 mediated signaling involved in its entry, and CIB1 is an attractive therapeutic target to block KSHV infection.
Surface mapping feedback for robot-assisted rapid prototyping

A fundamental problem with many solid freeform fabrication systems is the production of large dimensional errors, due to the freeform construction process. The subject of this paper is surface mapping feedback (SMF), a closed-loop technique for minimizing the dimensional errors produced by rapid prototyping systems. The main steps of the technique are presented, namely part measurement, control implementation, and deposition adjustment. A test platform, the Cobra 600 rapid freeze prototyping system, is used to validate SMF. A helical gear part is constructed first with open-loop control and then with SMF control; system performance and part quality are compared for the two cases.
ENHANCED SENSOR NETWORK: A SPECIALIZED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CONTEXT-AWARE APPLICATIONS

Respecting the mobile world, it is about the time to demand for systems to fully take advantage of their environment. In this way, Enhanced Sensor Network is another step toward developing realistic context-aware applications, which is based on the basic infrastructures provided by wireless sensor networks (WSN) and context-aware application development paradigms. In this paper we introduce a framework for integrating WSNs with context-aware application requirements to enhance wireless sensor network as an infrastructure which can provide necessary contextual information for context-aware applications.
Flexibility or Commitment: Insights from a Reference Dependent Preferences Model

We incorporate reference dependent preferences and hyperbolic discounting to examine the demand for commitment devices. A new insight is that loss aversion, independent from time inconsistent preferences, affects demand for commitment devices in the face of uncertainty. Using a unique combination of experimental and household survey data from Vietnam, we explicitly investigate the effect of the behavioral parameters on demand for Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (Roscas), a well-known commitment device. We find that sufficiently great loss aversion increases the probability of Rosca take-up by 18.8 % among people living in stochastic environments. This finding is consistent with our model’s predictions.
Recent Progress on the Key Materials and Components for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells in Vehicle Applications

Fuel cells are the most clean and efficient power source for vehicles. In particular, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the most promising candidate for automobile applications due to their rapid start-up and low-temperature operation. Through extensive global research efforts in the latest decade, the performance of PEMFCs, including energy efficiency, volumetric and mass power density, and low temperature startup ability, have achieved significant breakthroughs. In 2014, fuel cell powered vehicles were introduced into the market by several prominent vehicle companies. However, the low durability and high cost of PEMFC systems are still the main obstacles for large-scale industrialization of this technology. The key materials and components used in PEMFCs greatly affect their durability and cost. In this review, the technical progress of key materials and components for PEMFCs has been summarized and critically discussed, including topics such as the membrane, catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer, and bipolar plate. The development of high-durability processing technologies is also introduced. Finally, this review is concluded with personal perspectives on the future research directions of this area.
Cestrum nocturnum Flower Extracts Attenuate Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Malignant Cells through Inducing DNA Damage and Inhibiting Topoisomerase II Activity

Most of the existing chemotherapeutic drugs have plenty of side effects. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for pharmaceutical and dietary therapy for thousands of years with more effective and fewer side effects. Cestrum nocturnum (CN) has long been used to treat digestive diseases for centuries in China. Our previous study first proved that the n-butanol part isolated from the flowers of CN produced an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of malignant cells. However, the fractions responsible for the antiproliferation effect of n-butanol part from CN flowers and related mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, in this study, we extracted fractions C4 and C5 from n-butanol part of CN flowers and investigated their immune toxicity and antitumor activities. It was found that fractions C4 and C5 exhibited great cytotoxicity to cancer cell lines but had low immune toxicity towards T and B lymphocytes in vitro. The tested fractions also attenuated proliferation and induced apoptosis at G0/G1 and G2/M phases in Bel-7404 cells through inducing DNA damage and inhibiting topoisomerase II relaxation activity. These results suggest that fractions C4 and C5 may represent important sources of potential antitumor agents due to their pronounced antitumor effects and low immune toxicity.
HST large-field weak lensing analysis of MS 2053-04 : study of the mass distribution and mass-to-light ratio of X-ray luminous clusters at 0.22

We have detected the weak lensing signal induced by the cluster of galaxies MS 2053-04 (z =0.58) from a two-colour mosaic of six Hubble Space Telescope (HST ) WFPC2 images. The best-fitting singular isothermal sphere model to the observed tangential distortion yields an Einstein radius r (E) =6.2+/-1.8 arcsec, which corresponds to a velocity dispersion of (Omega (m) =0.3, Omega(Lambda) =0.0). This result is in good agreement with the observed velocity dispersion of 817+/-80 km s(-1) from cluster members. The observed average rest-frame mass-to-light ratio within a radius aperture is 184+/-56 h (50) M-. /L (B.). After correction for luminosity evolution to z =0, this value changes to 291+/-89+/-19 h (50) M-. /L (B .) (where the first error indicates the statistical uncertainty in the measurement of the mass-to-light ratio, and the second error is due to the uncertainty in luminosity evolution). MS 2053 is the third cluster we have studied using mosaics of deep WFPC2 images. For all three clusters we find good agreement between dynamical and weak lensing velocity dispersions, in contrast to weak lensing studies based on single WFPC2 pointings on cluster cores. This result demonstrates the importance of wide-field data. We have compared the ensemble-averaged cluster profile of the clusters in our sample with the predicted Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) profile, and find that an NFW profile can fit the observed lensing signal well. The best-fitting concentration parameter is found to be (68 per cent confidence) times the predicted value from an open cold dark matter (CDM) model. The observed mass-to-light ratios of the clusters in our sample evolve with redshift, and are inconsistent with a constant, non-evolving, mass-to-light ratio at the 99 per cent confidence level. The evolution is consistent with the results derived from the evolution of the fundamental plane of early-type galaxies. The resulting average mass-to-light ratio for massive clusters at z =0 is found to be 239+/-18+/-9 h (50) M-. /L (B .).
Improving Dynamic Trace Retrieval through the Use of Phrasing

Dynamic traces retrieval utilizes information retrieval techniques to automatically generate links as opposed to manually constructing and maintaining links using traditional traceability methods. However, the dynamic method is facing a challenge of low precision in the trace retrieval results. This paper describes a strategy to improve the precision of the retrieval results by integrating phrases detected from requirements using a part-of-speech tagger. Results on various datasets illustrate this strategy significantly improves the accuracy of the retrieval by generally increasing the overall precision, and meanwhile pushing more good trace links to the top of the retrieved links list.
Ant-Based On-Demand Clustering Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

With the advancement of the mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), many researches were proposed to increase the efficiency of networks. The important factor affects the performance in MANET is discovering and maintaining paths since the node's mobility causes topology change, which needs to be observed for effective communication. One of the popular studies for routing in the networks in recent years is the swarm intelligence which imitates the collective behavior of biological species to solve routing problems in the networks. Another efficient method is clustering scheme which can be auxiliary structure to cluster nodes in the network. In this paper, we use weakly connected dominating sets (WCDS) which clusters network by node's maximum degree or minimum ID to propose an improved ant-based on-demand clustering routing (AOCR) protocol. AOCR uses ant-like agents inspired by the foraging behavior of ant colonies to explore networks and discover a route which fulfills several QoS requirements including minimal traffic overhead or energy-efficiency for MANET. Simulations on NS-2 show that our proposed scheme can effectively be applied in MANET to achieve a high packet delivery ratio, a low end-to-end delay with just a little increased energy.
A distributed algorithm for constructing an Eulerian tour

We present an efficient distributed algorithm for constructing an Eulerian tour in a network. To construct an Eulerian circuit the algorithm requires (1+r)(|E||V|) messages and time units, where |E| is the number of the communication links, |V| is the number of the nodes in the underlying network graph, and 0/spl les/r<1. The value of r depends on the network topology and on the chosen traversal path. In the best case, when r=0 the algorithm only requires (|E|+|V|) messages and time units. A simple modification allows us to construct a (noncyclic) tour using (1+r)(|E|+2|V|) messages and time units.