title: A hierarchical face recognition algorithm

authors: Bouckaert, Remco R.

subjects: computer science

abstract: In this paper, we propose a hierarchical method for face recognition where base classifiers are defined to make predictions based on various different principles and classifications are combined into a single prediction. Some features are more relevant to particular face recognition tasks than others. The hierarchical algorithm is flexible in selecting features relevant for the face recognition task at hand. In this paper, we explore various features based on outline recognition, PCA classifiers applied to part of the face and exploitation of symmetry in faces. By combining the predictions of these features we obtain superior performance on benchmark datasets (99.25% accuracy on the ATT dataset) at reduced computation cost compared to full PCA.

text: A hierarchical face recognition algorithm In this paper, we propose a hierarchical method for face recognition where base classifiers are defined to make predictions based on various different principles and classifications are combined into a single prediction. Some features are more relevant to particular face recognition tasks than others. The hierarchical algorithm is flexible in selecting features relevant for the face recognition task at hand. In this paper, we explore various features based on outline recognition, PCA classifiers applied to part of the face and exploitation of symmetry in faces. By combining the predictions of these features we obtain superior performance on benchmark datasets (99.25% accuracy on the ATT dataset) at reduced computation cost compared to full PCA.

year: 2009

title: Analysis of skim milk powder deposition on stainless steel tubes in cross-flow

authors: Walmsley, Timothy Gordon

subjects: heat exchanger

abstract: Particulate fouling on the gas side of heat recovery equipment is a common industrial problem. The aim of this study is to characterize the deposition of skim milk powder on a single bare tube in cross-flow. A custom built rig is applied to simulate exhaust air conditions that is experienced in an exhaust exchanger. For a constant airflow rate, increasing particle stickiness resulted in greater deposition coverage around the front of the round and elliptical tubes peaking in the middle, whereas the turned square tube tended to be either clear or covered. Results show that the skim milk powder particle impact angle on the tube, as opposed to the wall shear stress, is an important determinant for deposition. During each test and at the conclusion of each test, which was when fouling reached an asymptote, the amount of deposition coverage and build-up on the tube varied depending on the tube shape, particle stickiness, and air velocity.

text: Analysis of skim milk powder deposition on stainless steel tubes in cross-flow Particulate fouling on the gas side of heat recovery equipment is a common industrial problem. The aim of this study is to characterize the deposition of skim milk powder on a single bare tube in cross-flow. A custom built rig is applied to simulate exhaust air conditions that is experienced in an exhaust exchanger. For a constant airflow rate, increasing particle stickiness resulted in greater deposition coverage around the front of the round and elliptical tubes peaking in the middle, whereas the turned square tube tended to be either clear or covered. Results show that the skim milk powder particle impact angle on the tube, as opposed to the wall shear stress, is an important determinant for deposition. During each test and at the conclusion of each test, which was when fouling reached an asymptote, the amount of deposition coverage and build-up on the tube varied depending on the tube shape, particle stickiness, and air velocity.

year: 2015

title: Whanau Whakapakari: a Māori-centred approach to child rearing and Parent-training programmes

authors: Herbert, Averil May Lloyd

subjects: Whanau Whakapakari

abstract: The goal of this Whanau Whakapakari (Strengthening Families) research was to define critical aspects of Māori experiences and views on child-rearing practices, and to describe whanau (extended family) values and expectations for tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).  Furthermore, these Māori views were included in culturally adapted parent-training programmes.  The overall aim was to devise an approach to emphasise client strengths and provide best outcomes for research participants.  Qualitative aspects included discussing the research processes in the Māori community by acknowledging the roles of whanau, hapu (sub-tribal), and iwi (tribal) structures.  I also identified the importance of pan-tribal and urban Māori groups in the current research.  As the project developed, an ongoing consultation and feedback protocol was established to ensure that Māori views on the research and the written outcomes were recognised.  In-depth interviews with kaumatua (elders), and focus groups with Māori service providers and Māori parents were analysed qualitatively to establish Māori values in child rearing and parenting, and the knowledge and skills that contribute to effective parenting and family functioning.  Values identified from these participants confirmed the central role of whanaungatanga (family connections), whakapapa (genealogy), and awhinatanga (support) for Māori. Two culturally adapted parent-training programmes, the Matuatanga (Parenting) Relationships Model and the Matuatanga Values Model programmes, were developed and compared with a Standard Parent Training programme.  The Matuatanga Relationships Model programme emphasised the importance of child, parent and whanau relationships and interactions.  The Matuatanga Values Model programme emphasised Māori values derived from the qualitative data - whanaungatanga, whakapapa and awhinatanga.  A range of pre- and post-training measures were undertaken to identify acceptable and appropriate measures for quantifying parent-training outcomes.  These included questions on support networks, parent expectations of children, parental self-efficacy, parental self-rating, critical-incident scenarios, and programme evaluation.  While 78 participants attended at least one of the research sessions 22 participants provided pre- and post-training measures for the Whanau Whakapakari programmes.  Results showed that there was a medium effect size improvement across all Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Model programmes and a statistically significant improvement in the Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Relationship Model programmes.  There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the different programmes but qualitative differences from evaluation and feedback data were considered in identifying specific skills acquisition, general understanding and enjoyment components in the programmes.  Results from the different measures indicated that parent expectations and critical-incident scenario measures provided the most information on post-training changes.  Analysis of the outcome data with the attendance patterns confirmed the value of parent-training programmes per se and indicated that at least in the short term, parent effectiveness scores continued to improve for participants who continued to attend for more than one programme.  Programme follow-ups considered natural whanau supports in the Māori community and issues of social and cultural validity.  Integration of standard parent-training concepts and cultural concepts suggest a multi-dimensional approach which recognises parenting skills acquisition and cultural validation of whanau concepts relevant to parenting for Māori.

text: Whanau Whakapakari: a Māori-centred approach to child rearing and Parent-training programmes The goal of this Whanau Whakapakari (Strengthening Families) research was to define critical aspects of Māori experiences and views on child-rearing practices, and to describe whanau (extended family) values and expectations for tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren).  Furthermore, these Māori views were included in culturally adapted parent-training programmes.  The overall aim was to devise an approach to emphasise client strengths and provide best outcomes for research participants.  Qualitative aspects included discussing the research processes in the Māori community by acknowledging the roles of whanau, hapu (sub-tribal), and iwi (tribal) structures.  I also identified the importance of pan-tribal and urban Māori groups in the current research.  As the project developed, an ongoing consultation and feedback protocol was established to ensure that Māori views on the research and the written outcomes were recognised.  In-depth interviews with kaumatua (elders), and focus groups with Māori service providers and Māori parents were analysed qualitatively to establish Māori values in child rearing and parenting, and the knowledge and skills that contribute to effective parenting and family functioning.  Values identified from these participants confirmed the central role of whanaungatanga (family connections), whakapapa (genealogy), and awhinatanga (support) for Māori. Two culturally adapted parent-training programmes, the Matuatanga (Parenting) Relationships Model and the Matuatanga Values Model programmes, were developed and compared with a Standard Parent Training programme.  The Matuatanga Relationships Model programme emphasised the importance of child, parent and whanau relationships and interactions.  The Matuatanga Values Model programme emphasised Māori values derived from the qualitative data - whanaungatanga, whakapapa and awhinatanga.  A range of pre- and post-training measures were undertaken to identify acceptable and appropriate measures for quantifying parent-training outcomes.  These included questions on support networks, parent expectations of children, parental self-efficacy, parental self-rating, critical-incident scenarios, and programme evaluation.  While 78 participants attended at least one of the research sessions 22 participants provided pre- and post-training measures for the Whanau Whakapakari programmes.  Results showed that there was a medium effect size improvement across all Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Model programmes and a statistically significant improvement in the Standard Parent Training and Matuatanga Relationship Model programmes.  There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the different programmes but qualitative differences from evaluation and feedback data were considered in identifying specific skills acquisition, general understanding and enjoyment components in the programmes.  Results from the different measures indicated that parent expectations and critical-incident scenario measures provided the most information on post-training changes.  Analysis of the outcome data with the attendance patterns confirmed the value of parent-training programmes per se and indicated that at least in the short term, parent effectiveness scores continued to improve for participants who continued to attend for more than one programme.  Programme follow-ups considered natural whanau supports in the Māori community and issues of social and cultural validity.  Integration of standard parent-training concepts and cultural concepts suggest a multi-dimensional approach which recognises parenting skills acquisition and cultural validation of whanau concepts relevant to parenting for Māori.

year: 2001