Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facial expression recognition using expression-specific local binary patterns and layer denoising mechanism

In this paper, a novel framework for facial expression recognition is proposed, which improves the conventional feature extraction technique to further exploit distinctive characters for each label. To reduce the effect from unrelated features for facial expression recognition, a denoising mechanism is introduced. After denoising, to keep the connection between expression labels and whiten features as well as reduce the amount of computation, a manifold learning algorithm is applied, which finding a meaningful low-dimensional structure hidden in the whiten feature space. Finally, the features in the low-dimensional space are fed into the well know classifier such as the support vector machine and k-Nearest Neighbors. Simulations show that the proposed framework achieves the best recognition performance against existing methods in facial expression recognition.
Forecasting model for bidding behavior of advertisers based on HMM

In order to precisely study the advertisers' bidding behavior, in this paper, we proposed a HMM(Hidden Markov Model) forecasting model using the historical auction data of advertisers, and predicted the advertisers' bidding sequences in the future with this model. In the process of establishing HMM model for advertisers' bidding behavior, we define the bidding as the hidden variable, and define the position that advertiser obtained as the observable variable in this model. In order to verify the effectiveness of this approach, we compared this method with existing Bayesian forecasting model, and found that HMM model predicted advertisers' bid closer to the actual auction; In addition, we used this method in the TAC/AA(Trading Agent Competition/Ad Auctions) game platform, and finally achieved good results. Therefore, HMM bidding behavior model can well simulate advertisers' bidding sequence, and provide a very good forecasting method for advertisers' bidding, and also help search engines to develop appropriate auction mechanism by predicting advertisers' bidding sequences.
Service Function Chaining (SFC) Architecture

This document describes an architecture for the specification, creation, and ongoing maintenance of Service Function Chains (SFCs) in a network. It includes architectural concepts, principles, and components used in the construction of composite services through deployment of SFCs, with a focus on those to be standardized in the IETF. This document does not propose solutions, protocols, or extensions to existing protocols.
Endothelin and Renal Failure

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor and pressor peptide originally characterized from the culture supernatant of porcine aortic endothelial cells. Human endothelin consists of 21 amino acid residues with two sets of intrachain disulfide linkages (Fig. 1). A presumed 38-residue human big endothelin is converted from the preproendothelin by endothelin converting enzymes. Inoue et al. cloned three distinct human endothelin-related genes by screening a genomic DNA library under low hybridization stringency with a synthetic oligonucleotide probe encoding a portion of the endothelin sequence. This endothelin family consists of endothelin-1 (ET-1), (Trp6, Leu') endothelin (ET-2), and (Thr, Phe, ThrS, Tyr6, Lys", Tyr) endothelin (ET-3). The quantitative profiles of the pharmacological activities differed considerably for these three isopeptides, ET-1 being a major, biologically active peptide in human endothelin. We discuss herein the biological effects of ET-1 on vessels and organs in patients with renal and other diseases.
Progress and Quality Modeling of Requirements Analysis Based on Chaos

It is important and difficult for us to know the progress and quality of requirements analysis. We introduce chaos and software requirements complexity to the description of requirements decomposing, and get a method which can help us to evaluate the progress and quality. The model shows that requirements decomposing procedure has its own regular pattern which we can describe in a equation and track in a trajectory. The requirements analysis process of a software system can be taken as normal if its trajectory coincide with the model. We may be able to predict the time we need to finish all requirements decomposition in advance based on the model. We apply the method in the requirements analysis of home phone service management system, and the initial results show that the method is useful in the evaluation of requirements decomposition.
A review on Microgrid architectures and control methods

Distributed generation (DG) is playing an increasingly important role in modern power systems as the carbon emission concern and electricity demand are increasing. It facilitates the development of small scaled distributed grid networks and their technologies. Microgrid is an emerging technique and it comprises a variety of distributed generators, energy storage, loads and power electronic interfaces. Most of DGs do not provide a constant amount of power generation, thus, a proper control technique is necessity to keep a microgrid stable and reliable. This paper gives a review of literature with regard to the state-of-the-art microgrid architectures and control methods. Comparisons are made between different microgrid structures and control techniques. Pros and Cons are given as reference for further Microgird system studies.
The effect of exercise regimens on racing performance in National Hunt racehorses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY A previous study has identified exercise undertaken during training to be associated with racing performance in flat racehorses. However, no such studies have been conducted in National Hunt (NH) horses. AIM To determine whether exercise undertaken during training is associated with racing performance in NH racehorses. METHODS Data were collected as part of a larger study investigating injury occurrence in NH racehorses. Race records and daily exercise data were obtained from NH racehorses at 14 training yards. Canter, gallop and race distances accumulated in the 30 days preceding a 'case race' were calculated. Associations between exercise-, horse- and race-level variables and the odds of winning, winning prize money, being pulled up and falling were identified using mixed effects logistic regression. RESULTS Data from 4444 races run by 858 horses were included in analyses. Horses accumulating longer canter distances in the preceding 30 days were more likely to win or win prize money and less likely to be pulled-up. Horses accumulating longer race distances in a 30 day period were more likely to win, whilst those accumulating longer gallop distances in a 30 day period were more likely to win prize money. Horses that had jump-schooled in the preceding 30 days were more likely to fall during the race than those that had not. Trainer and horse were associated with racing performance after adjusting for exercise. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study suggest that NH race performance may be improved through modification of exercise regimens. After controlling for the abilities of individual trainers and horses and conditions of the case race, horses accumulating longer exercise distances in the 30 days preceding a race were more likely to be successful. However, horses that had jump-schooled in the 30 days preceding a race were more likely to fall.
A Theory of the Child's Learning of Phonology

INTRODUCTION. This paper presents a theory of the child's acquisition of the phonology of his native language. The theory predicts learning, measured by correct pronunciation of phones, as a function of ease of perception. The general prediction is that the more discriminable phones are learned earlier and the less discriminable ones later. Finally, the theory is compared with some previous suggestions in this field. '
Crystal structure prediction via particle-swarm optimization

We have developed a method for crystal structure prediction from ``scratch'' through particle-swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm within the evolutionary scheme. PSO technique is different with the genetic algorithm and has apparently avoided the use of evolution operators (e.g., crossover and mutation). The approach is based on an efficient global minimization of free-energy surfaces merging total-energy calculations via PSO technique and requires only chemical compositions for a given compound to predict stable or metastable structures at given external conditions (e.g., pressure). A particularly devised geometrical structure parameter which allows the elimination of similar structures during structure evolution was implemented to enhance the structure search efficiency. The application of designed variable unit-cell size technique has greatly reduced the computational cost. Moreover, the symmetry constraint imposed in the structure generation enables the realization of diverse structures, leads to significantly reduced search space and optimization variables, and thus fastens the global structure convergence. The PSO algorithm has been successfully applied to the prediction of many known systems (e.g., elemental, binary, and ternary compounds) with various chemical-bonding environments (e.g., metallic, ionic, and covalent bonding). The high success rate demonstrates the reliability of this methodology and illustrates the promise of PSO as a major technique on crystal structure determination.
Role of Neuroinflammation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Cellular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects upper motor neurons (MNs) comprising the corticospinal tract and lower MNs arising from the brain stem nuclei and ventral roots of the spinal cord, leading to fatal paralysis. Currently, there are no effective therapies for ALS. Increasing evidence indicates that neuroinflammation plays an important role in ALS pathogenesis. The neuroinflammation in ALS is characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages, activation of microglia and reactive astrocytes, as well as the involvement of complement. In this review, we focus on the key cellular players of neuroinflammation during the pathogenesis of ALS by discussing not only their detrimental roles but also their immunomodulatory actions. We will summarize the pharmacological therapies for ALS that target neuroinflammation, as well as recent advances in the field of stem cell therapy aimed at modulating the inflammatory environment to preserve the remaining MNs in ALS patients and animal models of the disease.
Religiosity and Death Anxiety

This study explored the relationship between religiosity and death anxiety. One hundred sixty-five church participants filled out the Intrinsic Religious Motivation Scale, the Revised Death Anxiety Scale, and a personal questionnaire. Factor analyses, Pearson correlation, and linear and quadric regression analyses were conducted. The results found a positive relationship between intrinsic religious motivation and frequency of religious service attendance and strength of belief. Findings showed a linear and a quadratic relationship between death anxiety and intrinsic religious motivation.
Parental stress and coping in elite youth gymnastics: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract Parents are essential in youth sport because they provide the emotional, informational, and financial support that enables their children to enjoy and succeed in their sporting endeavours. When providing such support, however, parents can experience a range of stressors from organisational, competitive, and developmental sources. This study sought to understand how parents of elite youth gymnasts cope within youth sport. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to facilitate an in-depth exploration of parents’ experiences. Seven parents of national and international level gymnasts aged 11–14 years participated in semi-structured interviews and data were analysed according to the guidelines set out by IPA. The results suggest that parents face numerous organisational, competitive, and developmental stressors in youth gymnastics including time and travel demands, child’s competition nerves, schooling, finances, and injury. Parents employed four categories of coping to manage these stressors: (a) detaching from gymnastics (e.g. by sharing parental tasks, relying on their children to cope, and maintaining balanced lifestyles); (b) normalising experiences (e.g. by recalling and comparing experiences); (c) willingness to learn (e.g. from others and from their own past experiences); and (d) managing emotional reactions (e.g. through emotional release, self-talk, distraction, and avoidance strategies). The findings suggest that parents’ stress experiences are dynamic and complex, with parents utilising different coping strategies to manage different stressors in different situations.
Summary versus Every-Trial Knowledge of Results for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a summary knowledge of results (KR) feedback schedule (KR after every fifth trial) versus every-trial KR on the acquisition and retention of a golf putting task for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Thirty-two individuals with mild intellectual disabilities were randomly assigned to either a summary or every-trial KR group. Participants performed 50 acquisition trials, 25 one-day retention trials, and 25 one-week retention trials. Participants in the every-trial KR group scored significantly better during acquisition, while the summary KR group performed significantly better for both retention intervals. Because of the absence of an acquisition block effect, results relative to learning must be viewed with caution. Findings partially support the guidance hypothesis.
Lenition in Common Slavic

Three different reflexes of Proto-Slavic *g and the reflex of *di changed to fricatives in early Slavic. A hitherto unnoticed sequential constraint in Common Slavic, along with the geographical limitations of these changes, permits us to date them relative to the loss of syllable-final obstruents in CSI. , to the fall of the jers, and to one another. Typological analysis shows that the source of the phonetic changes was a pronunciation rule implying phonemically tense vs. lax obstruents in CS1. The relative chronology established is significant for several problems of chronology within Slavic and for its relation to Baltic; and the set of concentric isoglosses defined throws light on the pattern of expansion of early Slavic.
Merged inverse quantization and IDCT for optimized decoder implementation

This paper proposes an efficient technique to reduce the complexity of implementation for inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT)-based video decoders. The proposed method merges the inverse quantization and IDCT into a single procedure, which is referred to as inverse quantized IDCT (IQIDCT), such that the decoded coefficients do not need to be inverse quantized prior to the inverse transform. Thus, the computations related to inverse quantization are omitted. Since the cosine transform basis can be constructed before decoding, the proposed IQIDCT effectively replaces the need for computing power with little additional memory. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by comparing it with the original XVID decoder which uses the traditional separate inverse quantization and IDCT method. Experiments show the efficiency of the proposed method in reducing the overall decoding complexity. Moreover, it does not result in any video quality degradation. The proposed method is particularly suitable for low-power processors in multimedia systems.
Association of circulating insulin‐like growth factor 1 with hepatocellular carcinoma: one cross‐sectional correlation study

Deregulation of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the association of changes in circulating IGF‐1 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The radioimmunoassay was used to analyze serum IGF‐1 levels of 65 HCC patients and 165 healthy subjects. Serum IGF‐1 levels were significantly decreased in the HCC patients as compared with the healthy subjects (158.46±105.07 vs. 247.63±149.96 ng/mL, P<0.001). Furthermore, insulin resistance was significantly higher in the HCC patients than the healthy subjects (P=0.027). In addition, the significant correlations of serum IGF‐1 levels with age and insulin resistance in the healthy subjects were not noted in the HCC patients. Intriguingly, individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV), not hepatitis B virus, had remarkably decreased IGF‐1 levels in both groups of the HCC patients and healthy subjects. Moreover, in the HCV subgroup, serum IGF‐1 levels were significantly reduced in the HCC patients than the healthy subjects (113.14±71.28 vs. 172.42±74.02 ng/mL, P=0.003). In conclusion, decreased serum IGF‐1 levels were associated with HCC and the decrease was remarkably noted in those patients concomitant with chronic hepatitis C. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:195–200, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The reliability of Webster’s marketing culture instrument: some western Australian findings

Explores the reliability of Webster’s (1990) instrument for measuring the marketing culture of an organization. Uses data from 1,400 western Australian employees of a large public sector service organisation to create a detailed analysis of Webster’s six dimensions, service quality, interpersonal relationships, selling task, organisation internal communication and innovation. Highlights methodological concerns that in the present study some items on Webster’s (1990) battery moved to different factors, resulting in a lower alpha reliability for the service quality dimension. Suggests that some items require rewording to make their intended meaning more explicit.
How Homophily Affects the Speed of Learning and Best Response Dynamics

We examine how the speed of learning and best-response processes depends on homophily: the tendency of agents to associate disproportionately with those having similar traits. When agents' beliefs or behaviors are developed by averaging what they see among their neighbors, then convergence to a consensus is slowed by the presence of homophily but is not influenced by network density (in contrast to other network processes that depend on shortest paths). In deriving these results, we propose a new, general measure of homophily based on the relative frequencies of interactions among different groups. An application to communication in a society before a vote shows how the time it takes for the vote to correctly aggregate information depends on the homophily and the initial information distribution. JEL Codes: D83, D85, I21, J15, Z13 Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Approaches toward studying genotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity of metal compounds in vitro.

Crystalline NiS, a potent carcinogen in experimental animals, and amorphous NiS a compound having similar physical and chemical properties as crystalline NiS but lacking carcinogenic activity were used as model compounds to study the mechanism of cell transformation. Crystalline NiS particles were potent inducers of transformation in cultured Syrian Hamster Embryo cells whereas amorphous NiS particles were not active in transforming cells. Crystalline NiS particles were actively phagocytized by cultured facultative phagocytes (nonprofessional phagocytes) which were the target cells for transformation while amorphous NiS particles were not taken up. Amorphous NiS particles had a positive surface charge while crystalline NiS particles possess a negative surface charge. Chemical reductive of amorphous NiS with LiALH4 resulted in the acquisition of a more negative surface charge allowing the particles to be phagocytized more and this was associated with a level of transforming activity proportional to the uptake. Intracellularly the phagocytized NiS particles dissolved in the cytoplasm more rapidly than their dissolution extracellular and generated intracellular ionic nickel. This process allows ionic nickel to enter the nucleus since nickel in a particulate state was not able to cross the nuclear membrane. Treatment of cells with crystalline NiS or sufficient quantities of NiCl2 resulted in DNA single strand breaks. DNA-protein crosslinks and in the induction of DNA repair. Assessing the extent and nature of these lesions represents a very sensitive and reliable method to examine potential genotoxicity of chemical agents.
Detrimental Contribution of the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)3 to Influenza A Virus–Induced Acute Pneumonia

Influenza A virus (IAV) is the etiological agent of a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that causes epidemics and considerable mortality annually. Recently, we demonstrated, using an in vitro approach, that the pattern recognition Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 plays a key role in the immune response of lung epithelial cells to IAV. In view of these data and the fact that the functional role of TLR3 in vivo is still debated, we designed an investigation to better understand the role of TLR3 in the mechanisms of IAV pathogenesis and host immune response using an experimental murine model. The time-course of several dynamic parameters, including animal survival, respiratory suffering, viral clearance, leukocyte recruitment into the airspaces and secretion of critical inflammatory mediators, was compared in infected wild-type and TLR3 −/− mice. First, we found that the pulmonary expression of TLR3 is constitutive and markedly upregulated following influenza infection in control mice. Notably, when compared to wild-type mice, infected TLR3 −/− animals displayed significantly reduced inflammatory mediators, including RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), interleukin-6, and interleukin-12p40/p70 as well as a lower number of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar airspace. More important, despite a higher viral production in the lungs, mice deficient in TLR3 had an unexpected survival advantage. Hence, to our knowledge, our findings show for the first time that TLR3-IAV interaction critically contributes to the debilitating effects of a detrimental host inflammatory response.
Convex-Faced Combinatorially Regular Polyhedra of Small Genus

Combinatorially regular polyhedra are polyhedral realizations (embeddings) in Euclidean 3-space E3 of regular maps on (orientable) closed compact surfaces. They are close analogues of the Platonic solids. A surface of genus g ≥ 2 admits only finitely many regular maps, and generally only a small number of them can be realized as polyhedra with convex faces. When the genus g is small, meaning that g is in the historically motivated range 2 ≤ g ≤ 6, only eight regular maps of genus g are known to have polyhedral realizations, two discovered quite recently. These include spectacular convex-faced polyhedra realizing famous maps of Klein, Fricke, Dyck, and Coxeter. We provide supporting evidence that this list is complete; in other words, we strongly conjecture that in addition to those eight there are no other regular maps of genus g, with 2 ≤ g ≤ 6, admitting realizations as convex-faced polyhedra in E3. For all admissible maps in this range, save Gordan’s map of genus 4, and its dual, we rule out realizability by a polyhedron in E3.
An Embedded Operating System Design for the Lunar Exploration Rover

Lunar exploration rover (LER) system needs a computer to manage its hardware resources and activities. The complex LER functions make operating system a necessary choice as the system software. This paper presents an embedded real-time operating system used on LER computer which includes the modules of task management, memory management, inter-task communication, flash file system, extensive services and some methods to improve the reliability and safety. This new LER OS will satisfy the lunar exploration task efficiently and reliably.