Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facial age estimation under the terms of local latency using weighted local binary pattern and multi-layer perceptron

Age estimation is one of the main problems in the framework of pattern recognition which aims to predict the age of an individual according to his (her) facial features. The difficulty of age estimation will be increased when several parts of facial image are covered by the local latency such as sun glasses or scarf. In this paper a new facial age estimation method is proposed to estimate the age of an individual under the terms of local latency. This paper proposes a new Local Binary Pattern (LBP)-based feature extraction method which is combined with a weighting scheme to assign high weights to general LBP feature elements (parts of facial image without local latency) whereas assigns low weights to the feature elements of facial image which are covered by the local latency. In the proposed method, the weighted feature elements are employed in Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model for age estimation. Evaluation results of the proposed method on three aging datasets such as FG-NET, MORPH and UCI which contain facial image under the local latency proves the ability of the proposed method in age estimation problem even under the terms of local latency.
A Fast Raptor Codes Decoding Strategy for Real-Time Communication Systems

We propose an efficient algorithm for Raptor decoding, which reduces the computational complexity of the most time-consuming steps in systematic decoding. Our proposed algorithm includes two aspects: First, to handle the decoding failure of the Raptor decoding, we propose a scheme, which is called the No-Wrapup Failure Handling scheme. It can resume the decoding process from where it fails after receiving a pre-defined number of additional encoded symbols, and thus avoids the repetition of time-consuming steps in the decoding process. Second, in order to reduce the time of finding the row with the minimum degree in the precode, we propose a Fast Min-Degree Seeking (FMDS) scheme. FMDS automatically maintains and updates the row degrees of the precode when converting the precode into an identity matrix through Gaussian elimination and Belief-propagation. Experimental results show that, compared to other Raptor decoding schemes, the proposed scheme achieves a much shorter decoding time, and can greatly speed up the data recovery in real-time applications.
Wind Tunnel Database Development using Modern Experiment Design and Multivariate Orthogonal Functions

Abstract A wind tunnel experiment for characterizing theaerodynamic and propulsion forces and momentsacting on a research model airplane is described. Themodel airplane, called the Free-flying Airplane forSub-scale Experimental Research (FASER), is amodified off-the-shelf radio-controlled modelairplane, with 7 ft wingspan, a tractor propellerdriven by an electric motor, and aerobatic capability.FASER was tested in the NASA Langley 12-footLow-Speed Wind Tunnel. using a combination oftraditional sweeps and modem experiment design.Power level was included as an independent variablein the wind tunnel test, to allow characterization ofpower effects on aerodynamic forces and moments.A modeling technique that employs multivariateorthogonal functions was used to develop accurateanalytic models for the aerodynamic and propulsionforce and moment coefficient dependencies from thewind tunnel data. Efficient methods for generatingorthogonal modeling functions, expanding theorthogonal modeling functions in terms of ordinarypolynomial functions, and analytical orthogonalblocking were developed and discussed. Theresulting models comprise a set of smooth,differentiable functions for the non-dimensionalaerodynamic force and moment coefficients in termsof ordinary polynomials in the independent variables,suitable for nonlinear aircraft simulation.
Interaction between genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P450-1B1 and environmental pollutants in breast cancer risk

Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) is implicated in the activation of potentially carcinogenic xenobiotics and oestrogens. The polymorphism of the CYP1B1 gene at codon 432 (Val→Leu) is associated with change in catalytic function. In a case-series study of breast cancer patients, we investigated the interaction between this polymorphism and environmental exposure. The women carrying the Val CYP1B1 allele and who had lived near to a waste incinerator for more than 10 years had a higher risk of breast cancer than those never exposed with the Leu/Leu genotype (odds ratio of interactions (ORi)=3.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–8.84). Also, the Val CYP1B1 allele increased the susceptibility to breast cancer for women exposed during their life to agricultural products used in farming (ORi = 2.18, 95% CI 1.10–4.32). These xenobiotics, mainly organochlorine hydrocarbons, are known to bind to the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and to induce the expression of CYP1B1 enzyme. The excess risk for exposed women with a Val CYP1B1 homo/heterozygous genotype could result from a higher exposure to activated metabolites of pesticides or dioxin-like substances. Also, a higher induction of CYP1B1 enzyme by xenobiotics could increase the formation of genotoxic catechol-oestrogens among exposed women carrying the Val CYP1B1 allele. Our results suggested that the Val CYP1B1 allele increases the susceptibility to breast cancer in women exposed to waste incinerator or agricultural pollutants.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Cross-cutting and Critical Issues concerning the Causal Link. A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation in the Retail and Distribution Sector

Musculoskeletal disorders, as international statistics confirm, represent one of the most frequent causes of absenteeism and certainly one of the most common causes of occupational illnesses (about 45% of the total) within industrialised countries. Furthermore, several studies underline the peculiar impact of this phenomenon on the large retail trade sector. The cross-cutting nature of the main causes – which might also include non-work related factors – and the difficulty in establishing a causative connection between the disease and the task to be performed, make it difficult to recognise the occupational disease. On the basis of these considerations, this paper investigates the outcomes of a research report carried out by the authors on this topic. Key Terms: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Causal Link, Retail Sector, Distribution Sector, Occupational Illnesses.
Bidirectional Reflectance and Texture Database of Printed Special Effect Colors

A research project is underway to create a bidirectional reflectance and texture database of printed special effect colors. Such data is needed in the printing industry to determine the required measuring geometries characterizing the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and texture function (BTF), to develop quality measures for process control, and to simulate the prints’ appearance on displays (soft proofing). Flexo printing was used to apply 28 special effect inks with three tonal values on a matt and glossy paper substrate. The inks were selected to cover a wide range of different pigment classes and with respect to their demand in the printing market. To allow for multiple usage scenarios the inks were printed on a black and white background and partly finished with a glossy varnish resulting in a total of 672 different samples. The patches were measured in a preliminary stage with the BYK-mac multi-angle spectrophotometer. Evaluations on the diversity of the samples in terms of selected appearance parameters such as color flop or sparkle intensity are determined based on these measurements. The data is provided on our website and will be supplemented with additional measurements performed by a gonio-imaging system.
Steps to Take to Enhance Gait Stability: The Effect of Stride Frequency, Stride Length, and Walking Speed on Local Dynamic Stability and Margins of Stability

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether adaptations of stride length, stride frequency, and walking speed, independently influence local dynamic stability and the size of the medio-lateral and backward margins of stability during walking. Nine healthy subjects walked 25 trials on a treadmill at different combinations of stride frequency, stride length, and consequently at different walking speeds. Visual feedback about the required and the actual combination of stride frequency and stride length was given during the trials. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to investigate the independent contribution of stride length, stride frequency, and walking speed on the measures of gait stability. Increasing stride frequency was found to enhance medio-lateral margins of stability. Backward margins of stability became larger as stride length decreased or walking speed increased. For local dynamic stability no significant effects of stride frequency, stride length or walking speed were found. We conclude that adaptations in stride frequency, stride length and/or walking speed can result in an increase of the medio-lateral and backward margins of stability, while these adaptations do not seem to affect local dynamic stability. Gait training focusing on the observed stepping strategies to enhance margins of stability might be a useful contribution to programs aimed at fall prevention.
The Appropriateness of Unbiased Optical Fractionators to Assess Cell Proliferation in the Adult Hippocampus

Optical fractionators have dominated the field of neural cell counting for two decades. These unbiased stereological techniques are often used for the quantification of hippocampal cell proliferation in neurogenesis experiments. However, the heterogeneous distribution of labeled cells, especially in the form of clusters, confounds the application of these techniques. A critical evaluation of the applicability of the optical fractionator suggests that absolute counting achieves higher efficiency in the quantification of cell proliferation than unbiased estimations.
Vibration Suppression in High-  ${\rm T}_{\rm c} $ Superconducting Levitation System Utilizing Nonlinearly Coupled Electromagnetic Shunt Damper

Superconducting levitation systems have been considered as a promising technology for implementing high-speed transport systems. A superconducting levitation system can levitate a magnet without active feedback control. However, due to the system's low damping and nonlinearity, large-amplitude nonlinear vibration can easily occur. Although an electromagnetic shunt damper can suppress the vibration without contact by transforming the vibrational kinetic energy into electrical energy, the inductance value of the damper often becomes too large to realize practically. Therefore, we propose a new type of electromagnetic shunt damper that is nonlinearly coupled with the levitated body, and its value of inductance can be reduced to one-fourth the conventional one. First, we evaluate the levitation force via the advanced mirror image method. Next, we perform numerical calculation via the Runge-Kutta method and nonlinear analysis via the method of multiple scales. We obtain the system's frequency responses via both these methods. From the results, we observe that internal resonance can occur and the proposed electromagnetic shunt damper can reduce the vibration amplitude.
Channel Selection for Distant Speech Recognition Exploiting Cepstral Distance

In a multi-microphone distant speech recognition task, the redundancy of information that results from the availability of multiple instances of the same source signal can be exploited through channel selection. In this work, we propose the use of cepstral distance as a means of assessment of the available channels, in an informed and a blind fashion. In the informed approach the distances between the close-talk and all of the channels are calculated. In the blind method, the cepstral distances are computed using an estimated reference signal, assumed to represent the average distortion among the available channels. Furthermore, we propose a new evaluation methodology that better illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of a channel selection method, in comparison to the sole use of word error rate. The experimental results suggest that the proposed blind method successfully selects the least distorted channel, when sufficient room coverage is provided by the microphone network. As a result, improved recognition rates are obtained in a distant speech recognition task, both in a simulated and a real context.
Factors associated with employee engagement in South Africa : original research

Orientation: Knowledge of the factors associated with employee engagement is important for practitioners and researchers in industrial/organisational psychology in South Africa. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with employee engagement using two models, namely the personal engagement model of Kahn (1990), and the work engagement model of Schaufeli and Bakker (2004). Motivation for the study: Scientific knowledge is needed regarding the factors that are associated with employee engagement. Research design, approach and method: Survey designs were used with two samples taken from various South African organisations (n = 467 and n = 3775). The Work Engagement Scale, the Psychological Conditions Scale and the Antecedents Scale were administered for purposes of study 1. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Job Demands-Resources Scale were administered for purposes of study 2. Main findings: The results of study 1 showed that two psychological conditions, namely psychological meaningfulness and psychological availability, were positively associated with employee engagement. Work role fit was the best predictor of psychological meaningfulness and employee engagement. The results of study 2 showed that all job resources were positively associated with employee engagement. Organisational support and growth opportunities were the best predictors of vigour, dedication and absorption. Pratical/managerial implications: Interventions to increase employee engagement should focus on work role fit. Job resources, including an intrinsically rewarding job, organisational support and advancement opportunities should be made available to increase employees' engagement. Contribution/value-add: This study isolated the most important factors associated with employee engagement in South Africa.
Causes and effects of changes in xylem functionality in apple fruit.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The xylem in fruit of a number of species becomes dysfunctional as the fruit develops, resulting in a reduction of xylem inflow to the fruit. Such a reduction may have consequential effects on the mineral balance of the fruit. The aim of this study was to elucidate the dynamics and nature of xylem failure in developing apples (Malus domestica) showing differing susceptibilities to bitter pit, a calcium-related disorder. METHODS Developmental changes in xylem functionality of the fruit were investigated in "Braeburn" and "Granny Smith" apples by using a dye infusion technique, to stain the vasculature along the path of dye movement. The vascular bundles were clearly visible in transverse section when fruit were sectioned equatorially. The intensity of staining of the vascular bundles in the fruit was recorded at regular intervals throughout the season. Tissue containing dysfunctional bundles was fixed and embedded in wax for subsequent sectioning and examination. KEY RESULTS As the season progressed, an increasing proportion of vascular bundles failed to show any staining, with the most marked change occurring in the primary bundles, and in nearly all bundles with increasing distance from the stalk end of the fruit. Decreased conductance in the primary bundles of "Braeburn" occurred earlier than in "Granny Smith". Microscopy revealed that the xylem in vascular bundles of the fruit suffered substantial damage, indicating that the mode of dysfunction was via the physical disruption of the xylem caused by expansion of the flesh. CONCLUSIONS Results support the view that the relative calcium deficiency of apple fruit is due to a progressive breakdown of xylem conductance caused by growth-induced damage to the xylem strand in the bundle. The earlier onset of xylem dysfunction in the cultivar more susceptible to bitter pit suggests that the relative growth dynamics of the fruit may control the occurrence of calcium-related disorders.
Detecting Model–Plant Mismatch of Nonlinear Multivariate Systems Using Mutual Information

For model based control systems, such as MPC, the model plays a key role in controller design and tuning. For linear systems, many different approaches have been well developed for MPM detection while nonlinearity was not considered. This article describes mutual information (MI) as a general correlation measure to detect model-plant mismatch (MPM) in nonlinear systems. First, MI between dithering signals and model residuals is estimated to reveal process MPM regardless of change in disturbance dynamics. Then for MIMO systems, we propose a method to locate the sub-sets of mismatch so that only sub-systems will be perturbed for model updating. The validity of the proposed method for nonlinear systems is illustrated through a numerical example and an industrial polypropylene(PP) process.
DIAL: a web-based server for the automatic identification of structural domains in proteins

DIAL is a web server for the automatic identification of structural domains given the 3D coordinates of a protein. Delineation of the structural domains and their exact boundaries are the starting points for the better realization of distantly related members of the domain families, for the rational design of the experiments and for clearer understanding of the biological function. The current server can examine crystallographic multiple chains and provide structural domain solutions that can also describe domain swapping events. The server can be accessed from . The Supplementary data can be accessed from .
Impact of Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance on Long-Term Mortality in Stenting for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis

Background—Although intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance has been useful in stenting for unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis, its impact on long-term mortality is still unclear. Methods and Results—In the MAIN-COMPARE registry, patients with unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis in a hemodynamically stable condition underwent elective stenting under the guidance of IVUS (756 patients) or conventional angiography (219 patients). Patients with acute myocardial infarction were excluded. The 3-year outcomes between the 2 groups were primarily compared using propensity-score matching in the entire and separate populations according to stent type. In 201 matched pairs of the overall population, there was a tendency of lower risk of 3-year morality with IVUS guidance compared with angiography guidance (6.0% versus 13.6%, log-rank P=0.063; hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.28 to 1.03; Cox-model P=0.061). In particular, in 145 matched pairs of patients receiving drug-eluting stent, the 3-year incidence of mortality was lower with IVUS guidance as compared with angiography guidance (4.7% versus 16.0%, log-rank P=0.048; hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.02; Cox model P=0.055). In contrast, the use of IVUS guidance did not reduce the risk of mortality in 47 matched pairs of patients receiving bare-metal stent (8.6% versus 10.8%, log-rank P=0.35; hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.18 to 1.91; Cox model P=0.38). The risk of myocardial infarction or target vessel revascularization was not associated with the use of IVUS guidance. Conclusions—Elective stenting with IVUS guidance, especially in the placement of drug-eluting stent, may reduce the long-term mortality rate for unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis when compared with conventional angiography guidance.
Savant talent

The notion of talent is an elusive concept but there appears to be sound evidence that both savants and experts share important qualities. Brief descriptive accounts of the talents displayed by savants are presented, along with a discussion of intelligence, implicit learning, and the organization of knowledge. Cognitive theories helpful in understanding exceptional abilities in people with autism are also discussed. It is concluded that a certain cognitive style, i.e. weak coherence, may predispose individuals to develop their talents. Although it would be interesting to speculate that some great artists and mathematicians show a similar degree of obsessive preoccupation and a cognitive style reminiscent of autistic spectrum disorder, presumably as a strategic mechanism, there is, as yet, little research on the subject.
Activation by odorants of cation‐selective conductance in the olfactory receptor cell isolated from the newt.

1. Ionic selectivity of the conductance activated by n‐amyl acetate (odorant‐activated conductance) was analysed in isolated olfactory receptor cells under the whole‐cell voltage clamp condition. 2. Solitary receptor cells had a resting membrane potential of ‐44.7 +/‐ 7.0 mV (mean +/‐ S.D.; n = 70). Application of 10 mM‐n‐amyl acetate caused a depolarizing response in about 30% of the cells. Sensitivity to the odorant was maximum at around the apical dendrite. 3. Odorant induced an inward current to cells voltage clamped at their resting potential and bathed in the standard medium. The response amplitude was voltage dependent, and the polarity reversed at +2.5 +/‐ 2.2 mV (n = 6). The I‐V relation was almost linear at membrane potentials more positive than ‐20 mV, with an average slope of 3.14 +/‐ 1.59 nS (measured at 0 mV), but showed a marked outward rectification at voltages more negative than ‐30 mV. 4. Removal of external Ca2+ increased the amplitude of the odorant‐induced current and prolonged response duration, but did not cause a significant change on the reversal potential. Thus, Ca2+ affected the kinetics of the conductance, but did not seem to be a dominant charge carrier in the physiological condition. 5. Reduction of external Na+ concentration [( Na+]o) (replaced with choline) shifted the reversal potential by about 57 mV per 10‐fold change of [Na+]o. Removal of external Cl‐ (replaced with glutamate ions) did not affect the reversal potential. 6. The odorant‐activated conducting channels were permeable to all alkali metal ions. The permeability ratios were: PLi:PNa:PK:PRb:PCs = 1.25:1:0.98:0.84:0.80. 7. The present study strongly suggests that the olfactory receptor potential is generated by an increase in the membrane conductance to alkali metal ions.