Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Matching by 2 Lines of Code for Large Scale Face Recognition Systems

In this paper, we propose a method to apply the popular cascade classifier into face recognition to improve the computational efficiency while keeping high recognition rate. In large scale face recognition systems, because the probability of feature templates coming from different subjects is very high, most of the matching pairs will be rejected by the early stages of the cascade. Therefore, the cascade can improve the matching speed significantly. On the other hand, using the nested structure of the cascade, we could drop some stages at the end of feature to reduce the memory and bandwidth usage in some resources intensive system while not sacrificing the performance too much. The cascade is learned by two steps. Firstly, some kind of prepared features are grouped into several nested stages. And then, the threshold of each stage is learned to achieve user defined verification rate (VR). In the paper, we take a landmark based Gabor+LDA face recognition system as baseline to illustrate the process and advantages of the proposed method. However, the use of this method is very generic and not limited in face recognition, which can be easily generalized to other biometrics as a post-processing module. Experiments on the FERET database show the good performance of our baseline and an experiment on a self-collected large scale database illustrates that the cascade can improve the matching speed significantly.
FO 2 ( <, +1 , ∼ ) on data trees, data tree automata and branching vector addition systems

A data tree is an unranked ordered tree where each node carries a label from a ﬁnite alphabet and a datum from some inﬁnite domain. We consider the two variable ﬁrst order logic FO 2 ( <, +1 , ∼ ) over data trees. Here +1 refers to the child and the next sibling relations while < refers to the descendant and following sibling relations. Moreover, ∼ is a binary predicate testing data equality. We exhibit an automata model, denoted DTA # , that is more expressive than FO 2 ( <, +1 , ∼ ) but such that emptiness of DTA # and satisﬁability of FO 2 ( <, +1 , ∼ ) are inter-reducible. This is proved via a model of counter tree automata, denoted EBVASS, that extends Branching Vector Addition Systems with States (BVASS) with extra features for merging counters. We show that, as decision problems, reachability for EBVASS, satisﬁability of FO 2 ( <, +1 , ∼ ) and emptiness of DTA # are equivalent.
Subnational Politics and Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI ) : First Causal Evidence ∗

Does the party of government influence the amount and type of inward foreign investment? The results of a number of correlational studies provide inconsistent evidence. However none of these studies for any level of government or any jurisdiction have used methods that allow them to speak to causal effects. The partisan differences of economic policy in the US are pronounced. Democratic administrations seek to promote growth through a consumption-driven approach, while Republican administrations tend to adopt an investment-driven growth strategy. The divergent growth strategies tend to create different business environments for foreign investors. We apply regression discontinuity (RD) methods to a set of narrow-margin US gubernatorial elections. Over the course of a four-year term the election of a Republican governor causes a 21% boost in the growth of manufacturing-oriented FDI stock, compared to a Democrat. This effect is robust to a series of challenges. However, the same approach provides no evidence that partisanship matters for the overall level of FDI.
Multiplicative Consistency of hesitant fuzzy Preference Relation and its Application in Group Decision Making

As we may have a set of possible values when comparing alternatives (or criteria), the hesitant fuzzy preference relation becomes a suitable and powerful technique to deal with this case. This paper mainly focuses on the multiplicative consistency of the hesitant fuzzy preference relation. First of all, we explore some properties of the hesitant fuzzy preference relation and develop some new aggregation operators. Then we introduce the concepts of multiplicative consistency, perfect multiplicative consistency and acceptable multiplicative consistency for a hesitant fuzzy preference relation, based on which, two algorithms are given to improve the inconsistency level of a hesitant fuzzy preference relation. Furthermore, the consensus of group decision making is studied based on the hesitant fuzzy preference relations. Finally, several illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the practicality of our algorithms.
Analysis of Politeness Strategies in Command Used by Main Characters in Movies Entitled “Facing the Giants”, “Dangerous Minds”, and “the Ron Clark Story”

In communication, the speakers should be polite toward the hearers by considering their social level, age, situation, and condition. The current study focused on the use of politeness strategies, especially in command. The aims of the study are to identify the types of sentence in command, the applied of politeness strategies, and to investigate the factors that influence the main characters in applying politeness strategies in command. The data were politeness utterances in command used by main character in 3 drama movies: “Facing the Giants”, “Dangerous Minds”, and “The Ron Clark Story”. The data were analyzed using politeness strategies purposed by Brown and Levinson (1987). The results of this study shown that there are 2 forms of command: declarative sentence and imperative sentence. The characters applied 2 types of politeness strategy in giving command: bald on record (24 data) and positive politeness (4 data). The factors that influenced the main characters in applying politeness strategies in command were the main characters, as the speakers, have higher status than the hearers, the size of imposition between the speakers and the hearers were small, and the situation were urgent and emergency in which the speakers and the hearers involved.
Relationship between body mass index and course of pregnancy in women

Nutritional management and suitable weight control during pregnancy are very important. However, in clinical practice, it is difficult to determine in detail precisely what pregnant women are eating. We investigated nutritional balance and nutritional requirements in pregnant women and their relationship to the course of pregnancy. A Food Frequency Questionnaire Based on Food Groups (FFQg) was distributed to 223 women at 12 weeks gestation attending one obstetrics clinic. We observed the women’s statuses until delivery and obtained information on pregnancy, delivery, and newborn from their medical records. One hundred and forty-seven (65.9%) of the subjects had problem-free pregnancies. Only 2 (0.9%) subjects developed pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. Participants were classified by pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index; kg/m2) as follows: 44 (19.7%) were underweight (BMI the three groups. However, the underweight group consumed significantly more fat than the normal group and gained significantly more weight before delivery than the others. Blood pressure was significantly higher in the overweight group than in the other groups at some points of gestation, although it remained within the normal range. Fat intake overall was more than the recommended value, especially in the underweight group. The relationship between course of pregnancy and nutritional intake was unclear. However, pre-pregnancy BMI may influence the course of pregnancy in terms of infant weight, gestational weight gain, and blood pressure.
Protection Against Endocarditis Due to Staphylococcus epidermidis by Immunization With Capsular Polysaccharide/Adhesin

BackgroundStaphylococcus epidermidis is the principal pathogen in prosthetic valve endocarditis. The capsular polysaccharide adhesin (PS/A) has been shown to mediate attachment of bacteria to medical devices. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of active and passive immunization against PS/A in preventing S. epidermidis endocarditis in a rabbit model. Methods and ResultsAortic valve vegetations were produced by inserting a Teflon catheter into the left ventricle through the right carotid artery. Bacteremia and endocarditis were then established by implanting in the left jugular vein a catheter that was attached to an osmotic pump and contaminated with S. epidermidis strain RP62A. During a 3-week study period, of 64 blood cultures taken every second or third day from six nonimmune rabbits, 54 (84%) yielded strain RP62A. In rabbits actively immunized with PS/A, eight of 60 blood cultures (13%) were positive (odds ratio 5.0, 95% CI, 2.0–12.3, p = 0.005). At death, all six nonimmune rabbits had infected vegetations that yielded 106-101 colony-forming units (cfu)/g of vegetation, whereas only one PS/A-immunized rabbit had an infected vegetation. Immunization protocols designed to elicit antibody to teichoic acid but not to PS/A afforded no protection against bacteremia or endocarditis. Infusion of monoclonal antibody to PS/A through a catheter in the right jugular vein provided a level of protection against both bacteremia and endocarditis comparable to that produced by active immunization. In vitro, antibody against PS/A was opsonic for S. epidermidis. ConclusionsImmunoprophylaxis targeted at staphylococcal PS/A is a promising new approach to the prevention of prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Dysregulated A to I RNA editing and non-coding RNAs in neurodegeneration

RNA editing is an alteration in the primary nucleotide sequences resulting from a chemical change in the base. RNA editing is observed in eukaryotic mRNA, transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA). The most common RNA editing in the mammalian central nervous system is a base modification, where the adenosine residue is base-modified to inosine (A to I). Studies from ADAR (adenosine deaminase that act on RNA) mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, and mice clearly show that the RNA editing process is an absolute requirement for nervous system homeostasis and normal physiology of the animal. Understanding the mechanisms of editing and findings of edited substrates has provided a better knowledge of the phenotype due to defective and hyperactive RNA editing. A to I RNA editing is catalyzed by a family of enzymes knows as ADARs. ADARs modify duplex RNAs and editing of duplex RNAs formed by ncRNAs can impact RNA functions, leading to an altered regulatory gene network. Such altered functions by A to I editing is observed in mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNA) but other editing of small and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) has yet to be identified. Thus, ncRNA and RNA editing may provide key links between neural development, nervous system function, and neurological diseases. This review includes a summary of seminal findings regarding the impact of ncRNAs on biological and pathological processes, which may be further modified by RNA editing. NcRNAs are non-translated RNAs classified by size and function. Known ncRNAs like miRNAs, smallRNAs (smRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and lncRNAs play important roles in splicing, DNA methylation, imprinting, and RNA interference. Of note, miRNAs are involved in development and function of the nervous system that is heavily dependent on both RNA editing and the intricate spatiotemporal expression of ncRNAs. This review focuses on the impact of dysregulated A to I editing and ncRNAs in neurodegeneration.
Human performance evaluation of manipulation schemes in virtual environments

Presents the results of one of the first experiments in a research program aimed at systematically investigating manipulation schemes for spatial input, from a human factors point of view. A 3D design space model is proposed as a framework for such investigations, and four options within this model are tested in a six degree-of-freedom target acquisition task within a virtual environment. Experimental results indicate strong performance advantages for isometric sensing combined with rate control and for isotonic sensing combined with position control. A strong interaction between sensing mode and mapping function is found. The findings are discussed in relation to the literature on spatial manipulation. <<ETX>>
Receding Horizon Multi-Robot Coverage [ Submitted to ICCPS 2018 ]

Coverage of a partially known workspace for information gathering is the core problem for several applications, such as search and rescue, precision agriculture and monitoring of critical infrastructures. We propose a planning framework for the coverage of a partially known environment employing multiple robots. To cope with the limitation of having incomplete information, our planner adopts a receding horizon planning strategy where the safe trajectories of the robots are generated optimally for a short duration based on the currently available information about the workspace. Moreover, as multi-robot motion planning for coverage is a computationally complex problem, our framework clusters the robots into small groups to increase the planning efficiency dynamically. In each time horizon, the robots follow the motion plans provided by the planner, gather information about the workspace while executing their plan and update the global knowledge base about the workspace. The planning algorithm manages the activities of the robots in such a way the energy consumption by the robots and the total time required for the complete coverage of the workspace get minimized. Simulation results show that the proposed hierarchical framework efficiently ensures the coverage quality of a partially known workspace, as well as scales up effectively with the number of robots and the size of the workspace.
A robust redesign for stabilization of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems

In this paper, a state feedback control is proposed for stabilization of strict feedback systems with one matched and unmatched uncertainties. Closed loop system stability is proved using Lyapunov stability and singular perturbation theories. In overcoming the uncertainties we used high gain filters which are designed based on the time scale separation technique. The control design procedure is illustrated by applying it to a sample system and the simulation results are shown.
Numerical tests of constitutive laws for dense granular flows.

We numerically and theoretically study the macroscopic properties of dense, sheared granular materials. In this process we first consider an invariance in Newton's equations, explain how it leads to Bagnold's scaling, and discuss how it relates to the dynamics of granular temperature. Next we implement numerical simulations of granular materials in two different geometries--simple shear and flow down an incline--and show that measurements can be extrapolated from one geometry to the other. Then we observe nonaffine rearrangements of clusters of grains in response to shear strain and show that fundamental observations, which served as a basis for the shear transformation zone (STZ) theory of amorphous solids [M. L. Falk and J. S. Langer, Phys. Rev. E. 57, 7192 (1998); M.R. S. Bull 25, 40 (2000)], can be reproduced in granular materials. Finally we present constitutive equations for granular materials as proposed by Lemaître [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 064303 (2002)], based on the dynamics of granular temperature and STZ theory, and show that they match remarkably well with our numerical data from both geometries.
Cytoskeletal dynamics and cell signaling during planar polarity establishment in the Drosophila embryonic denticle

Many epithelial cells are polarized along the plane of the epithelium, a property termed planar cell polarity. The Drosophila wing and eye imaginal discs are the premier models of this process. Many proteins required for polarity establishment and its translation into cytoskeletal polarity were identified from studies of those tissues. More recently, several vertebrate tissues have been shown to exhibit planar cell polarity. Striking similarities and differences have been observed when different tissues exhibiting planar cell polarity are compared. Here we describe a new tissue exhibiting planar cell polarity – the denticles, hair-like projections of the Drosophila embryonic epidermis. We describe in real time the changes in the actin cytoskeleton that underlie denticle development, and compare this with the localization of microtubules, revealing new aspects of cytoskeletal dynamics that may have more general applicability. We present an initial characterization of the localization of several actin regulators during denticle development. We find that several core planar cell polarity proteins are asymmetrically localized during the process. Finally, we define roles for the canonical Wingless and Hedgehog pathways and for core planar cell polarity proteins in denticle polarity.
Design of real-time encryption module for secure data protection of wearable healthcare devices

Wearable devices for biomedical instrumentation could generate the medical data and transmit to a repository on cloud service through wireless networks. In this process, the private medical data will be disclosed by man in the middle attack. Thus, the archived data for healthcare services would be protected by non-standardized security policy by healthcare service provider (HSP) because HIPAA only defines the security rules. In this paper, we adopted the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for security framework on wearable devices, so healthcare applications using this framework could support the confidentiality easily. The framework developed as dynamic loadable module targeted for lightweight microcontroller such as msp430 within embedded operating system. The performance was shown that the module can support the real-time encryption using electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram. In this regard, the processing load for enabling security is distributed to wearable devices, and the customized data protection method could be composed by HSP for a trusted healthcare service.
Texture recognition by using a non-linear kernel

This study proposes the use of features combination and a non-linear kernel to improve the classification rate of texture recognition. The feature vector concatenates three different sets of feature: the first set is extracted using grey-level cooccurrence matrix, the second set is collected from three different radii of local binary patterns, and the third set is generated using Gabor wavelet features. Gabor features are the mean, the standard deviation, and the skew of each scaling and orientation parameter. The aim of the new kernel is to incorporate the power of the kernel methods with the optimal balance derived from the features. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, numerous techniques are tested using the three data sets, which consist of various orientations, configurations and lighting conditions.
Attention and Emotion

Vimal RLP. Attention and Emotion. ARBS Annu Rev Biomed Sci 2008;10:84-104. Attention is central to many functions such as vision, emotion, reward, working memory and access awareness. However, it is not clear how attention interacts with emotion and how to separate them. We report that (1) Visual attention is a (reentrant) neural signal that enhances the feed-forward stimulus-related signal by modulating it. (2) Emotion is feeling related affective subjective experience; its neural correlate is amygdala-neural-net. (3) Attentional modulating signal could be in forward (bottom-up) direction from attentional 'source' such as thalamic reticular nucleus or in backward (feedback, top-down) direction from attentional 'source' such as fronto-parietal network. The 'targets' of attention may be fusiform gyrus for face recognition, amygdala for emotion, and 'nucleus accumbens, amygdala, sublenticular extended amygdala of the basal forebrain, hypothalamus, orbitofrontal cortex, and ventral tegmentum of the midbrain in humans' for reward system. (4) There are five aspects of attention reflected in five attentional tasks: sustained, covert, divided, selective, and switching attention. The basic attention mechanism may be similar in all attentional tasks. (5) Selective attention plays major role in facial emotion. (6) Attention potentiates the processing of face recognition, sharpens the discriminations of facial emotions, and increases the sensitivity of reward. Emotional salience of the stimuli can regulate attention. (7) It is possible to separate attentional areas from emotion related areas using fMRI. (8) A dual-aspect framework can address the explanatory gap (how emotional subjective experiences can arise in emotion related neural-net). In conclusion, attention modulates emotion and related systems such as face recognition and reward. © by São Paulo State University – ISSN 1806-8774
New Applications of Heparin and Other Glycosaminoglycans

Heparin, the widely used pharmaceutical anticoagulant, has been in clinical use for well over half a century. Its introduction reduced clotting risks substantially and subsequent developments, including the introduction of low-molecular-weight heparin, made possible many major surgical interventions that today make heparin an indispensable drug. There has been a recent burgeoning of interest in heparin and related glycosaminoglycan (GAG) polysaccharides, such as chondroitin sulfates, heparan sulfate, and hyaluronate, as potential agents in various applications. This ability arises mainly from the ability of GAGs to interact with, and alter the activity of, a wide range of proteins. Here, we review new developments (since 2010) in the application of heparin and related GAGs across diverse fields ranging from thrombosis and neurodegenerative disorders to microbiology and biotechnology.
'It's not the same as him being at home': creating caring partnerships following nursing home placement.

Admission to a nursing home is a major life event for both older people and family carers. Despite a policy of community care in both the UK and the US, entry to nursing homes will be an increasingly common event. Family carers are often the key decision makers but little is known about their experience of placement, especially adjustment after the event. Antagonistic relationships can often develop between staff and relatives, as the former seek to take over care and the latter to develop new roles. There is a need to create a partnership between staff and family so that the care of the older person is improved and the carers' need to remain involved is acknowledged.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Pesticide Exposure: 25 Years of Research

Over the past 40 years, a substantial rise in the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has been observed. Epidemiologic studies aimed at understanding this rise have revealed some association with occupational exposure. NHL is common among farmers, where pesticides have been described as the culprit. The association between pesticides and NHL has been demonstrated mainly in case-control studies, while retrospective cohorts have been less convincing. Pesticides including chlorphenol and phenoxyacetic acid herbicides, organochlorines, and organophosphate insecticides, carbamates, and fungicides have been associated with NHL. Although the causality has not been clearly proven, both genotoxic and nongenotoxic mechanisms for lymphomagenesis have been proposed. The leveling-off of NHL incidence in certain countries may be the result of a favorable change in pesticide usage patterns. Future studies, such as the Agricultural Health Study, may clarify the uncertainties regarding this issue.