Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physics-based face database for color research

Most face databases are meant for pattern recognition use. We report the creation of a unique face database which may be used for color-related studies of faces. We describe it as physics- based because it not only contains color images but also data on color image formation such as spectral reflectance measurements from facial skin, illuminant spectral power distribution, and camera spectral response. We demonstrate the usefulness of the database by an approach we developed to color correct face images taken under different illumination conditions. © 2000 SPIE and IS&T.
The temporal optical behavior of the Hubble Space Telescope: the impact on science observations

Though the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has proven to be a stable platform for astronomical observations when compared with ground-based imaging, it features its own characteristic optical variations that have required post-observation processing to support the full range of science investigations that should be possible with HST. While the overall system focus has been monitored and adjusted throughout the life of the Observatory, the recent installation of the Advanced Camera for Surveys and its High Resolution Camera has allowed us to use phase retrieval techniques to accurately measure changes in coma and astigmatism as well. The aim of this current work is to relate these measurements of wave front error back to characterizations more common to science data analysis (e.g. FWHM, and ellipticity). We show how variations in these quantities over the timescales observed may impact the photometric and astrometric precision required of many current HST programs, as well as the characterization of barely-resolved objects. We discuss how improved characterization and modeling of the point spread function (PSF ) variations may help HST observers achieve the full science capabilities of the Observatory.
Context-aware Preference Modeling with Factorization

This work focuses on solving the context-aware implicit feedback based recommendation task with factorization and is heavily influenced by the practical considerations. I propose context-aware factorization algorithms that can efficiently work on implicit data. I generalize these algorithms and propose the General Factorization Framework (GFF) in which experimentation with novel preference models is possible. This practically useful, yet neglected feature results in models that are more appropriate for context-aware recommendations than the ones used by the state-of-the-art. I also propose a way to speed up and enhance scalability of the training process, that makes it viable to use the more accurate high factor models with reasonable training times.
Multiple output AC/DC converter with an internal DC UPS

The usual way to avoid a computer shutdown during a mains failure is to connect an ac uninterruptible power system (UPS). However, there are other possibilities, such as using a dc UPS to obtain the dc output voltages directly from the battery instead of generating an ac voltage to feed the whole power supply. Thus, the topology must operate either from the ac mains or from a battery. A complete design of an ac/dc power supply with an internal dc UPS is presented in this paper. The solution is based on the coupling of the UPS to the main transformer. Moreover, the power supply meets all the requirements needed to be used as an Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) PC power supply-multiple outputs, power and voltage ratings, size, protections, etc. A prototype has been fully developed and tested as a PC power supply. The autonomy achieved at full power is around 7 minutes.
A Learning Algorithm for Question Type Classification

Question type (or answer type) classification is the task of determining the correct type of the answer expected to a given query. This is often done by defining or discovering syntactic patterns that represent the structure of typical queries of each type, and classify a given query according to which pattern they satisfy. In this paper, we combine the idea of using informer spans as patterns with our own part-of-speech hierarchy in order to propose both a new approach to pattern-based question type classification and a new way of discovering the informers to be used as patterns. We show experimentally that using our part-of-speech hierarchy greatly improves type classification results, and allows our system to learn valid new informers.
The impact of dark current on the wideband Poisson channel

We study the discrete-time Poisson channel under the constraint that its average input power (in photons per channel use) must not exceed some constant ε. We consider the wideband, high-photon-efficiency extreme where ε approaches zero, and where the channel's “dark current” approaches zero proportionally with ε. Extending our previous work, we show that the influence of the dark current on channel capacity is mainly on the third-order term with respect to ε. We also show that pulse-position modulation with “soft-decision decoding” achieves data rates that accurately reflect such influence.
Speaker Identification Using Gaussian Mixture Models

In this paper, the performance of Perceptual Linear Prediction (PLP) features has been compared with the performance of Linear Prediction Coefficient (LPC) features for speaker identification. Two classification techniques, Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) and Vector Quantization (VQ) with Dynamic time wrapping (DTW) are used for classification of speakers based on their speech samples into respective classes. A database of fifty speakers, twenty one males and twenty nine females has been prepared in clean environment. The identification performance of PLP features is 3.6%better than LPC features with VQ and DTW classifier. PLP features have also shown 1.2% increment in identification performance over LPC features with GMM classifier.
Populism as Identity Politics

Populists combine anti-elitism with a conviction that they hold a superior vision of what it means to be a true citizen of their nation. We expected support for populism to be associated with national collective narcissism—an unrealistic belief in the greatness of the national group, which should increase in response to perceived in-group disadvantage. In Study 1 (Polish participants; n = 1,007), national collective narcissism predicted support for the populist Law and Justice party. In the experimental Study 2 (British participants; n = 497), perceived long-term in-group disadvantage led to greater support for Brexit and this relationship was accounted for by national collective narcissism. In Study 3 (American participants; n = 403), group relative deprivation predicted support for Donald Trump and this relationship was accounted for by national collective narcissism. These associations were present even when we controlled for conventional national identification. We discuss implications of the link between collective narcissism and support for populism.
A Vision Based Recognition of Indian Sign Language Alphabets and Numerals Using B-Spline Approximation

Sign language is the most natural way of expression for the deaf community. The urge to support the integration of deaf people into the hearing society made the automatic sign language recognition, an area of interest for the researchers. Indian Sign Language (ISL) is a visual-spatial language which provides linguistic information using hands, arms, facial expressions, and head/body postures. In this paper we propose a novel vision-based recognition of Indian Sign Language Alphabets and Numerals using B-Spline Approximation. Gestures of ISL alphabets are complex since it involves the gestures of both the hands together. Our algorithm approximates the boundary extracted from the Region of Interest, to a B-Spline curve by taking the Maximum Curvature Points (MCPs) as the Control points. Then the B-Spline curve is subjected to iterations for smoothening resulting in the extraction of Key Maximum Curvature points (KMCPs), which are the key contributors of the gesture shape. Hence a translation & scale invariant feature vector is obtained from the spatial locations of the KMCPs in the 8 Octant Regions of the 2D Space which is given for classification.
Contribution of the BRAF oncogene in the pre-operative phase of thyroid carcinoma

Numerous experiments have been conducted over the last few years aiming to identify molecular markers that show the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA), particularly in thyroid lesions that are considered indeterminate. Using certain search arguments and previously defined criteria, 37 studies reporting experiments with the BRAF mutation in pre-operative FNA of the thyroid were selected from the electronic databases PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and LILACS, in order to gather evidence with regard to the possible contribution of BRAF in the management of thyroid carcinoma. There were no cases positive for BRAF in follicular carcinomas (FTCs), Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCCs) or medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs). Among the 11 cases of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATC), three showed positive results for the BRAF mutation. The number of cases positive for BRAF among the benign lesions was not significant. The average prevalence of BRAF-positive cases in papillary carcinomas (PTC) was 58.6%, while in follicular variants of papillary carcinoma (FVPTC), the average prevalence was 29.6%. For lesions diagnosed as indeterminate or suspicious, the average prevalence of BRAF positivity in PTC was 48.5%. The experiments included in the present study indicated a specificity of almost 100% and a high predominance of the BRAF mutation in PTC, distinguishing the marker in the planning and medical management of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.
Dimensions of Instructor Disclosure: Implications for Rhetorical and Relational Goals of Instruction

There are an array of reasons why instructors view personal disclosures as beneficial for the classroom, including to demonstrate caring and to make content relevant. Using the rhetorical and relational goals of instruction theory as the theoretical model, this study tested the potential for the three dimensions of disclosure (i.e., amount, negativity, relevance) to account for variance in instructor rhetorical goals (i.e., relevance) and relational goals (i.e., caring). The results highlight the importance of relevant instructor disclosures to perceiving an instructor as achieving rhetorical and relational goals within the classroom.
Nitric Oxide Alters Renal Function and Guanosine 3′,5′‐Cyclic Monophosphate

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) activates soluble guanylate cyclase, resulting in an increase in vascular smooth muscle guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels, which correlates with its relaxing effect. Using a microdialysis technique, we investigated changes in right and left renal interstitial fluid cGMP levels in response to right intrarenal administration of an EDRF inhibitor, NG-monomethyl- L-arginine (L-NMMA). Studies were conducted in anesthetized dogs (n = 5) in metabolic balance at a sodium intake of 40 meq/day. Urine was collected directly from the right and left ureters individually. Changes in the right and left urinary cGMP excretion and renal function in response to cumulative doses of L-NMMA were studied. In the right kidney, 20–100 μg/kg/min L-NMMA caused 1) a dose-dependent decrease in renal interstitial fluid and urinary cGMP levels (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively), 2) antinatriuresis (p < 0.01), 3) antidiuresis (p < 0.01), 4) a decrease in renal blood flow (p < 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.01), and 5) a decrease in fractional sodium excretion (p < 0.01). No changes in left renal interstitial fluid and urinary cGMP levels or excretory and hemodynamic function were observed during right intrarenal administration of L-NMMA at 20 and 60 μg/kg/min. L-NMMA at 100 μg/kg/min produced a significant decrease in left renal interstitial fluid (p < 0.01) and urinary (p < 0.01) cGMP levels, antidiuresis (p < 0.01), antinatriuresis (p < 0.01), and decreases in renal blood flow (p < 0.0001), glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.01), and fractional sodium excretion (p < 0.01). These data demonstrate the ability to monitor renal interstitial fluid cGMP levels in anesthetized animals. We conclude that EDRF acts intrarenally to control renal function through the modulation of renal interstitial cGMP.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase and C-reactive protein as alternative markers of metabolic abnormalities and their associated comorbidites: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND Recent studies suggested that gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are good markers of metabolic abnormalities. We assessed the link between GGT, CRP and common metabolic abnormalities, as well their link to related diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS We selected 333,313 subjects with baseline measurements of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glucose, GGT and CRP in the Swedish AMORIS study. Baseline measurement of BMI was available for 63,900 persons and 77,944 had baseline measurements of HDL. Pearson correlation coefficients between CRP, GGT, and metabolic components (TG, HDL, BMI and TC) were calculated. To investigate the combined effect of GGT and CRP we created a score ranging from 0 to 6 and used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate its association with CVD and cancer. RESULTS 21,216 individuals developed cancer and 47,939 CVD. GGT and TG had the strongest correlation (r=0.22). An increased risk of cancer was identified with elevated levels of GGT or CRP or both markers (GGT-CRP score ≥3); the greatest risk of cancer was found when GGT-CRP score = 6 (HR: 1.40 (95%CI: 1.31-1.48) and 1.60 (1.47-1.76) compared to GGT-CRP score = 0, respectively). CONCLUSION While GGT and CRP have been shown to be associated with metabolic abnormalities previously, their association to the components investigated in this study was limited. Results did demonstrate that these markers were predictive of associated diseases, such as cancer.
Emotional Facial and Vocal Expressions During Story Retelling by Children and Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism

Purpose: People with high-functioning autism (HFA) have qualitative differences in facial expression and prosody production, which are rarely systematically quantified. The authors’ goals were to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze prosody and facial expression productions in children and adolescents with HFA. Method: Participants were 22 male children and adolescents with HFA and 18 typically developing (TD) controls (17 males, 1 female). The authors used a story retelling task to elicit emotionally laden narratives, which were analyzed through the use of acoustic measures and perceptual codes. Naı¨ve listeners coded all productions for emotion type, degree of expressiveness, and awkwardness. Results: The group with HFA was not significantly different in accuracy or expressiveness of facial productions, but was significantly more awkward than the TD group. Participants with HFA were significantly more expressive in their vocal productions, with a trend for greater awkwardness. Severity of social communication impairment, as captured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS; Lord, Rutter, DiLavore, & Risi, 1999), was correlated with greater vocal and facial awkwardness. Conclusions: Facial and vocal expressions of participants with HFA were as recognizable as those of their TD peers but were qualitatively different, particularly when listeners coded samples with intact dynamic properties. These preliminary data show qualitative differences in nonverbal communication that may have significant negative impact on the social communication success of children and adolescents with HFA.
The power and deflation method based kernel principal component analysis

Kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) is a popular nonlinear feature extraction method. It generally uses eigen-decomposition technique to extract the principal components in feature space. But the method is infeasible for large-scale data set because of the storage and computational problem. To overcome these disadvantages, an efficient iterative method of computing kernel principal components is proposed. First, the Power iteration is introduced to compute the first eigenvalue and corresponding eigenvector. Then the deflation method is repeatedly applied to achieve other higher order eigenvectors. In the process of computation, the kernel matrix needs not to compute and store in advance. The space and time complexity of the proposed method is greatly reduced. The effectiveness of proposed method is validated from experimental results.
Challenging behaviors in autism spectrum disorders : differences across childhood and the relationship with autism symptomatology

iv Introduction . 1 Autism Spectrum Disorders . 4 Current Core Features of Autism Spectrum Disorders . 4 Current Diagnostic Criteria According to the DSM-IV-TR.10 Proposed Diagnostic Criteria According to the DSM-5 . 13 Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Symptomatology . 15 Challenging Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders . 34 Factors Associated with Challenging Behaviors . 36 Purpose . 56 Study 1 Method . 63 Participants . 63 Measure of ASD Classification . 65 Measures of Autism Symptomatology.66 Measures of Challenging Behaviors . 69 Procedure . 71 Statistical Analyses . 73 Study 1 Results . 77 Effects of Age on Autism Symptomatology . 77 Effects of Age and Autism Symptomatology on Total Challenging Behaviors . 78 Effects of Age and Autism Symptomatology on Classes of Challenging Behaviors . 81 Study 1 Discussion . 86 Study 2 Method . 92 Participants . 92 Measures . 93 Procedure . 94 Statistical Analyses . 95 Study 2 Results . 97 Study 2 Discussion . 100 General Discussion . 106 References . 108
Trigeminal-Taste Interaction in Palatability Processing

throughout the cytoplasm, consistent with the morphology of the Golgi apparatus in fixed, Colcemid-treated cells (19). Finally, we asked whether the distribution of the Golgi apparatus in living cells at different mitotic stages would parallel that of fixed cells in which the Golgi becomes fragmented and almost disappears during metaphase (6,20). Human skin fibroblasts were labeled with C6-NBD-ceramide and chromosomes were vitally stained with Hoechst 33342 (21). During interphase (Fig. 3A) the Golgi had its distinctive, threadlike appearance. As the cell rounded up in prophase (Fig. 3B), the Golgi was visible as scattered punctate regions in the cyto-plasm. At metaphase (Fig. 3C), these regions were reduced to infrequent, pinpoint areas of fluorescence. The background fluorescence appeared to have increased because of the rounding of the cell. During anaphase (Fig. 3D), the Gol-gi apparatus reappeared close to the separating chromosomes. Finally, in late telophase (Fig. 3E), the characteristic perinuclear structure reappeared. In conclusion, C6-NBD-ceramide was distributed in the same manner as traditional Golgi stains in various cell types and during mitosis or drug treatment. The advantages of rapidity and ease of labeling permitted immediate visualiza-tion of alterations in Golgi morphology in living cells. These authors described a group of fluorescent dyes that stain the perinuclear region of living cells, but this region was not clearly defined as the Golgi apparatus. Neutral Red has also been reported as a vital stain of the Golgi apparatus; however, it does not stain a reticular network, but stains vesicles in the region of the organelle [G. 10. C6-NBD-ceramide was synthesized and purified by modifying the procedure of Y. Kishimoto [Chem. Phys. Lipids 15, 33 (1975)l. We used NBD-aminocaproic acid (Avanti Biochemicals), 16. and doubled the sphingosine concentration. 11. Lipid vesicles were formed (9) by ethanol injection of C6-NBD-ceramide and dioleoylphospha-tidylcholine (in a molar ratio of 20180) in 10 mM Hepes-buffered calcium-and magnesium-free 17. Puck's saline and dialysis at 2°C overnight against this buffer. The vesicle preparation was dlluted with 18 mM HMEM to a final concentration of 5 to 10 nmol of C6-NBD-ceramide per milliliter. 12. A solution of defatted BSA (0.68 mglml; Sigma) in HMEM was added to a tube containing desiccated C6-NBD-ceramide for a final concentration of 10 nmol of C6-NBD-ceramide per milliliter. The tube was immersed in a bath sonicator for 5 to 10 seconds to obtain a clear solution. 13. Althou h the distribution of fluorescence obtained %y both methods was …
Usages linguistiques chez une population de jeunes issus de l'immigration

Nos observations sur les rapports aux langues : langue d'origine/langue d'accueil, chez des jeunes issus de l'immigration marocaine en france, revelent un bilinguisme desequilibre en ce sens ou l'emploi de la langue d'origine est restreint. Meme si, a travers l'auto evaluation des competences, la connaissance de cette langue semble etre acquise par la majorite des sujets de l'enquete. Les resultats d'une analyse factorielle des correspondances, mettant en relation les attitudes a l'egard des deux langues : l'arabe marocain et le francais, la competence et l'utilisation des langues ont aussi confirme ces constatations. Les familles interrogees semblent gerer une situation que nous avons qualifiee de diglossie ou le francais est valorise et reconnu dans son role essentiel dans la reussite scolaire et la promotion sociale des enfants. La langue d'origine semble etre percue comme moyen de rattachement a la population et la culture d'origine et surtout investie en tant que dimension indeniable de l'identite de ce groupe.
Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanolic Extract of Telfairia occidentalis Seeds

Context: The seeds of Telfairia occidentalis have been known to possess different biological properties and are used in traditional medicine in Africa and Asia to treat many ailments. The plant is particularly noted traditionally for its healing properties and is usually consumed in the form of herbal decoctions/concoctions as a blood tonic, to treat sudden attacks of convulsions, pain, malaria and anaemia. Aims: In the present study, various phytochemical and pharmacological studies were done on the methanolic extract of the seeds of Telfairia occidentalis to evaluate its antioxidant and antinociceptive properties to substantiate its traditional use. Methods: Phytochemical screening of the extract was done according to standard procedures. Antioxidant potential was ascertained using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content assays. Analgesic activity was analyzed using formalin induced paw licking test in albino rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg extract per kg body weight. Statistical Analysis Used: All results extrapolated from the experiments were expressed as mean ± SEM. Data obtained was analyzed statistically using ANOVA (one-way) followed by Dennett's posthoc test. Results: Phytochemicals present in the extract were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroid and anthraquinones. The extract significantly inhibited DPPH scavenging activity with percentage inhibition of 147.3%. The methanolic seed extract of T. occidentalis significantly reduced (P < 0.05) formalin induced paw licking in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin induced paw licking test, with 35.59 and 78.51% inhibition at 400 mg/kg, in albino rats in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: The seed extract in this study significantly reduced formalin induced hind paw licking, and could be used as an analgesic for treatment of pain and also showed marked antioxidant potential.