Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning universal multi-view age estimator using video context

Many existing techniques for analyzing face images assume that the faces are at nearly frontal. Generalizing to non-frontal faces is often difficult, due to a dearth of ground truth for non-frontal faces and also to the inherent challenges in handling pose variations. In this work, we investigate how to learn a universal multi-view age estimator by harnessing 1) unlabeled web videos, 2) a publicly available labeled frontal face corpus, and 3) zero or more non-frontal faces with age labels. First, a large diverse human-involved video corpus is collected from online video sharing website. Then, multi-view face detection and tracking are performed to build a large set of frontal-vs-profile face bundles, each of which is from the same tracking sequence, and thus exhibiting the same age. These unlabeled face bundles constitute the so-called video context, and the parametric multi-view age estimator is trained by 1) enforcing the face-to-age relation for the partially labeled faces, 2) imposing the consistency of the predicted ages for the non-frontal and frontal faces within each face bundle, and 3) mutually constraining the multi-view age models with the spatial correspondence priors derived from the face bundles. Our multi-view age estimator performs well on a realistic evaluation dataset that contains faces under varying poses, and whose ground truth age was manually annotated.
Microbiological quality and other characteristics of refrigerated chicken meat in contact with cellulose acetate-based film incorporated with rosemary essential oil

Antimicrobial active packaging delays or inhibits microorganism growth in packed products, and it can be used in a variety of food systems. The objective of the present research was to develop packaging incorporated with natural antimicrobial agents (active film). The effects of the active film on the spoilage, pathogenic microorganism counts, pH and color of the refrigerated chicken breast cuts were analyzed. Cellulose acetate-based active films incorporating two concentrations (20% and 50%, v/w) of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil were manufactured and placed in contact with the chicken breast cuts for six days. An analysis of variance and mean comparison tests (Tukey’s test, p<0.05) were performed on the results. The films that contained 20% essential oil and were intercalated with chicken breast samples did not demonstrate significant effects on the control of psychrotrophic or total coliform microorganisms during the storage period; however, the films incorporated with 50% essential oil demonstrated efficacy toward the control of coliforms during the storage of the samples (6 days, 2 ± 2ºC). The pH was related to the psychrotrophic microorganism count and was not influenced by the treatment. The color was not influenced by the time of storage or the treatment. The results demonstrate that active films incorporating 50% rosemary essential oil are effective at controlling certain microorganisms in chicken breast cuts.
Comparison of the spherically averaged pseudopotential model with the stabilized jellium model

We compare Kohn - Sham results (density, cohesive energy, size and effect of charging) of the spherically averaged pseudopotential model with the stabilized jellium model for clusters of sodium and aluminium with less than 20 atoms. We find that the stabilized jellium model, although conceptually and practically simpler, gives better results for the cohesive energy and the elastic stiffness. We use the local density approximation as well as the generalized gradient approximation for the exchange and correlation energies.
The relationship between faculty's pedagogical content knowledge and students' knowledge about diversity in online courses

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FACULTY’S PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AND STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON DIVERSITY IN ONLINE COURSES by MITALI CHAUDHERY August 2012 Advisor: Navaz Bhavnagri Major: Curriculum and Instruction Degree: Doctor of Philosophy The purpose of this proposed study will be to examine the relationship between faculty’s pedagogical content knowledge and the design of online curriculum to teach students about diversity in a higher education environment. One hundred twenty-seven faculty teaching online courses at a Midwestern state will be selected on non-random sampling to participate in this study. Two main measures will be used to collected data: (1) Faculty Demographic and Background Survey, and (2) Diversity Teaching survey. The Diversity Teaching Survey was broken into 3 subscales that will examine the following: (1) Faculty’s Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills, (2) Online Curriculum Design, and (3) Students’ Learning about Diversity within the faculty’s subject matter. A non-experimental, static group design, which consisted of various continuous variable analyses, to examine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables through the use of multiple regression analysis will be used to investigate three research hypotheses of
A Minimum Cost Based Web Information Gathering Scheme

With the exploration of the Internet, the data gathering from the Web is a challenge task. Both the traditional Client/Server (C/S) scheme and the new Mobile Agent (MA) scheme have their advantages and shortcomings. In this paper, a hybrid data gathering scheme is proposed based on minimum cost principle i.e. the minimum data transferred or the minimum running time. Through the analysis for C/S scheme and MA scheme respectively, we can set a threshold for choosing the appropriate data gathering scheme. The C/S scheme is more efficient if the crawled web site has a few pages. Otherwise, the MA scheme is better. The proposed scheme is tested in VAST (VisuAl & SemanTic image search) system, and the experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Development Communication and Social Change in Historical Context

At any given time, there is a great variety of theoretical and practical approaches in development communications/communications and social change (CSC). Broadly speaking, development communication/communications and social change is about understanding the role played by information, communication, and the media in directed and nondirected social change. It also includes a variety of practical applications based on the mainstreaming of communication as “process” and the leveraging of media technologies in social change. This chapter will specifically deal with development communication/communications for social change from the perspective of communication rights and will include a section on “Voice” making a difference in the context of the “Right to Information” movement in India. In the pedagogy of CSC, we are accustomed to contrasting the “dominant paradigm” and, in particular, its assumptions related to the role of communication in social change along with its preferred methods with that of the participatory school that emerged in the late 1960s, since then becoming global in scope. In its practice, however, it is clear that mixed approaches characterize field applications of CSC and that participation in itself means different things to different people. This has resulted in a variety of participations that can be plotted on the typology that Arnstein created in the late 1960s, ranging from the maximalist to the minimalist. One of the perennial issues in CSC is whether or not it has an identity that it can call its own and a tradition of theorization that makes it distinctive from other areas in communications. The theorization of CSC has always been dependent on borrowings from other disciples – from rural sociology that provided the basis for the diffusion model to the radical pedagogy best illustrated by the contributions made by the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire. CSC theorization has also been
A Theory of Extrasolar Giant Planets

We present a broad suite of models of extrasolar giant planets (EGP's), ranging in mass from 0.3 to 15 Jupiter masses. The models predict luminosity (both reflected and emitted) as a function of age, mass, deuterium abundance and distance from parent stars of various spectral type. We also explore the effects of helium mass fraction, rotation rate and the presence of a rock-ice core. The models incorporate the most accurate available equation of state for the interior, including a new theory for the enhancement of deuterium fusion by electron screening which is potentially important in these low mass objects. The results of our calculations reveal the enormous sensitivity of EGP's to the presence of the parent star, particularly for G and earlier spectral types. They also show a strong sensitivity of the flux contrast in the mid-infrared between parent star and EGP to the mass and age of the EGP's. We interpret our results in terms of search strategies for ground- and space-based observatories in place or anticipated in the near future.
Frame Change Ratio: A Measure to Model Short-Time Stationarity of Speech

In many applications such as speech coding and PLC (packet loss concealment) methods, short-time stationarity of speech is assumed. In this paper, we introduce a new measure to model the short-time stationarity of speech. The model is developed by using a large amount of speech data together with real speech codecs and PLC methods. Experiments show that a single parameter, the frame change ratio, can be used to model this characteristic. This parameter is independent of speech material, speaker gender, and loss rate. It provides generic characteristics of the deviation of speech from stationary behavior when evolving from one frame to the next
Modeling a High-Mass Turn-Down in the Stellar Initial Mass Function

Statistical sampling from the stellar initial mass function (IMF) for all star-forming regions in the Galaxy would lead to the prediction of ~1000 M☉ stars unless there is a rapid turn-down in the IMF beyond several hundred solar masses. Such a turn-down is not necessary for dense clusters because the number of stars sampled is always too small. Although no upper mass limits to star formation have ever been observed, a theory for the IMF should be able to explain the lack of ~1000 M☉ stars in normal galaxy disks. Here we explore several mechanisms for an upper mass cutoff, including an exponential decline of the star formation probability after a turbulent crossing time. The results are in good agreement with the observed IMF over the entire stellar mass range, and they give a gradual turn-down compared to the Salpeter function above ~100 M☉ for the normal thermal Jeans mass, MJ. However, they cannot give both the observed power-law IMF out to the high-mass sampling limit in dense clusters and the observed lack of supermassive stars in whole galaxy disks. The exponential decline is too slow for this. Either there is a sharp upper mass cutoff in the IMF, perhaps from self-limitation, or the IMF is different for dense clusters than for the majority of star formation that occurs at lower density. In the latter case, dense clusters would have to form an overabundance of massive stars relative to the average IMF in a galaxy. Evidence for a difference in the cluster and field IMFs supports this picture, but systematic effects could mimic this evidence even with a universal IMF. Within the framework of the sampling model, the upper mass turn-down should shift toward higher mass when MJ shifts upward, as might be the case in some starburst galaxies, and shift toward lower mass when MJ is lower, as might be the case in ultracold or high-pressure regions. Supermassive stars may therefore be possible in starburst galaxies, while in low surface brightness regions, where ultracold gas might exist at normal pressures, or in galactic cluster cooling flows, where cold gas could have extremely high pressures, a high fraction of the star formation could end up as brown dwarfs.
Multiple Vehicle Team Tasking for Cooperative Estimation

A methodology for cooperating multiple vehicles in a reconnaissance problem is proposed. A team of vehicles is used in surveying multiple targets potentially at different priority levels. The overall objective is to minimize the uncertainty on locations of targets using cooperative estimation in minimum time. Because the performance of the estimation highly depends on trajectories of observers, optimal path planning trajectories are naturally integrated in the problem. Uncertainties include planning in the presence of ellipsoidal obstacles. The relationship between locations of vehicles and estimator performance is investigated. A fast algorithm for team selection is proposed to make it applicable for an on-line application.
A Comparison of Wavelet-Based Schemes for Parameter Estimation

We present the numerical performance of orthogonal and biorthogonal wavelet-based parameterization schemes for solving parameter estimation problems for finding a global solution using the Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) algorithm. The two schemes are tested on a two-phase flow problem using the Integrated Parallel Accurate Reservoir Simulators (IPARS) simulator in MATLAB. This work is an extension of the research described in (Velazquez et al., 2008) where wavelet parameterization was limited to the orthogonal Haar wavelet. We extend this work by considering the orthogonal Daubechies, Coiflet, and Symlet families of wavelets, and the biorthogonal Spline family of wavelets. In addition to a comparison of the various wavelet families, an analysis of the performance of each at different levels of decomposition will also be discussed.
The pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopaenic purpura

Immune thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disease that is rarely fatal. However, in many adults treatment is unsatisfactory, with as much morbidity from the immunosuppressive effects of treatment as from bleeding. Identifying the underlying disease process should help us to identify more targeted therapies and improve not only the treatment but also the quality of life of patients with this disorder.
The structure and radiation spectra of illuminated accretion disks in AGN: II. Flare/spot model of X-ray variability

We discuss a model of the X-ray variability of active galactic nuclei (AGN). We consider multiple spots that originate on the surface of an accretion disk following intense irradiation by coronal flares. The spots move with the disk around the central black hole and eventually decay while new spots continuously emerge. We construct time sequences of the spectra of the spotted disk and compute the corresponding energy-dependent fractional variability amplitude. We explore the dependence on the disk inclination and other model parameters. AGN seen at higher inclination with respect to the observer, such as Seyfert 2 galaxies, are expected to have a fractional variability amplitude of the direct emission that is by a factor of a few higher than objects seen face on, such as Seyfert 1s.
QOD enabled AOMDV protocol for hybrid wireless networks

A mobile ad hoc network is an autonomous collection of mobile devices like laptops, smart phones, sensors that communicate with one another wirelessly and in a distributed manner to provide the required network practicality in the absence of a fixed infrastructure. As wireless communication gains quality, vital analysis has been dedicated to support real-time transmission with rigorous Quality of Service (QoS) necessities for wireless applications. Ad hoc On Demand Multipath Distance Vector (AOMDV) protocol was designed primarily for extremely dynamic ad hoc networks wherever link failures and route breaks occur often. It maintains routes for destinations in active communication and uses sequence numbers to determine the freshness of routing information to prevent routing loops. It's a timer-based protocol and provides the simplest way for mobile nodes to retort to link breaks and topology modification. QoS-Oriented Distributed routing incorporates five algorithmic programs particularly QoS-guaranteed neighbour choice algorithm to fulfill the transmission delay demand, a distributed packet programming algorithmic program to additional scale-back transmission delay, a quality-based section resizing algorithmic program that adaptively adjusts section size in line with node mobility so as to scale back transmission time, a traffic redundant elimination algorithmic program to extend the transmission throughput, and information redundancy elimination-based transmission algorithmic program to eliminate the redundant information to additional improve the transmission QoS. The projected approach, totally analyses the results of packet dropping nodes on the network. Analysis of the QoS parameters of the network is analyzed for two cases: one with Link failure, signal drop and interference and another in the presence of packet dropping nodes and perform recovery solutions. Analyzing the network with these five algorithms before implementing AOMDV protocol provides higher QoS so enhancing AOMDV protocol.
Single Neurons in the Insular Cortex of a Macaque Monkey Respond to Skin Brushing: Preliminary Data of the Possible Representation of Pleasant Touch

Pleasant touch may serve as a foundation for affiliative behavior, providing a mechanism for the formation and maintenance of social bonds among conspecifics. In humans, this touch is usually referred to as the caress. Dynamic caressing performed on the hairy skin with a velocity of 1–10 cm/s is perceived as being pleasant and determines positive cardio-physiological effects. Furthermore, imaging human studies show that affiliative touch activates the posterior insular cortex (pIC). Recently, it was demonstrated that pleasant touch in monkeys (i.e., sweeping in a grooming-like manner) is performed with velocities similar to those characteristics of human caress (9.31 cm/s), and causes similarly positive autonomic effects, if performed with velocity of 5 cm/s and 10 cm/s, but not lower or higher. Due to similarities between the human caress and non-human primate sweeping, we investigated for the first time whether single neurons of the perisylvian regions (secondary somatosensory cortex [SII] and pIC) of a rhesus monkey can process sweeping touch differently depending on the stimulus speed. We applied stimulation with two speeds: one that optimally induces positive cardio-physiological effects in the monkey who receives it, and includes the real speed of sweep (5–15 cm/s, sweep fast), and a non-optimal speed (1–5 cm/s, sweep slow). The results show that single neurons of insular cortex differently encode the stimulus speed. In particular, even the majority of recorded somatosensory neurons (82.96%) did not discriminate the two speeds, a small set of neurons (16.59%) were modulated just during the sweep fast. These findings represent the first evidence that single neurons of the non-human primates insular cortex can code affiliative touch, highlighting the similarity between human and non-human primates’ social touch systems. This study constitutes an important starting point to carry out deeper investigation on neuronal processing of pleasant sweeping in the central nervous system.
Involvement of CD8+ T Cells in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by focal demyelination patches associated with inflammatory infiltrates containing T lymphocytes. For decades, CD4+ T cells have been recognized as playing a major role in the disease, especially in animal models, which has led to the development of several therapies. However, interest has recently developed in the involvement of CD8+ T cells in MS following the analysis of infiltrating T cells in human brain lesions. A broad range of evidence now suggests that the pathological role of this T cell subset in MS may have been underestimated. In this review, we summarize the literature implicating CD8+ T cells in the pathophysiology of MS. We present data from studies in the fields of genetics, anatomopathology and immunology, mainly in humans but also in animal models of MS. Altogether, this strongly suggests that CD8+ T cells may be major effectors in the disease process, and that the development of treatments specifically targeting this subset would be germane.
Effects on G2/M Phase Cell Cycle Distribution and Aneuploidy Formation of Exposure to a 60 Hz Electromagnetic Field in Combination with Ionizing Radiation or Hydrogen Peroxide in L132 Nontumorigenic Human Lung Epithelial Cells

The aim of the present study was to assess whether exposure to the combination of an extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF; 60 Hz, 1 mT or 2 mT) with a stress factor, such as ionizing radiation (IR) or H2O2, results in genomic instability in non-tumorigenic human lung epithelial L132 cells. To this end, the percentages of G2/M-arrested cells and aneuploid cells were examined. Exposure to 0.5 Gy IR or 0.05 mM H2O2 for 9 h resulted in the highest levels of aneuploidy; however, no cells were observed in the subG1 phase, which indicated the absence of apoptotic cell death. Exposure to an ELF-MF alone (1 mT or 2 mT) did not affect the percentages of G2/M-arrested cells, aneuploid cells, or the populations of cells in the subG1 phase. Moreover, when cells were exposed to a 1 mT or 2 mT ELF-MF in combination with IR (0.5 Gy) or H2O2 (0.05 mM), the ELF-MF did not further increase the percentages of G2/M-arrested cells or aneuploid cells. These results suggest that ELF-MFs alone do not induce either G2/M arrest or aneuploidy, even when administered in combination with different stressors.
How helminths use excretory secretory fractions to modulate dendritic cells

It is well known that helminth parasites have immunomodulatory effects on their hosts. They characteristically cause a skew toward TH2 immunity, stimulate Treg cells while simultaneously inhibiting TH1 and TH17 responses. Additionally, they induce eosinophilia and extensive IgE release. The exact mechanism of how the worms achieve this effect have yet to be fully elucidated; however, parasite-derived secretions and their interaction with antigen presenting cells have been centrally implicated. Herein, we will review the effects of helminth excretory-secretory fractions on dendritic cells and discuss how this interaction is crucial in shaping the host response.
Molecular Cancer Identification of Amplified and Highly Expressed Genes in Amplicons of the T-cell Line Hut78 Detected by Cdna Microarray Cgh

Background: Conventional Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) has been widely used for detecting copy number alterations in cancer and for identifying regions containing candidate tumor responsible genes. Recently, several studies have shown the utility of cDNA microarray CGH for studing gene copy changes in various types of tumors. However, no such studies on T-cell lymphomas have been performed. To date T-cell lymphomas analyzed by the use of chromosome CGH have revealed only slight copy number alterations and not gene amplifications.