Three-dimensional face recognition in the presence of facial expressions: an annotated deformable model approach

In this paper, we present the computational tools and a hardware prototype for 3D face recognition. Full automation is provided through the use of advanced multistage alignment algorithms, resilience to facial expressions by employing a deformable model framework, and invariance to 3D capture devices through suitable preprocessing steps. In addition, scalability in both time and space is achieved by converting 3D facial scans into compact metadata. We present our results on the largest known, and now publicly available, face recognition grand challenge 3D facial database consisting of several thousand scans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest performance reported on the FRGC v2 database for the 3D modality     

Forecasting and trading the EUR/USD exchange rate with Gene Expression and Psi Sigma Neural Networks

The motivation for this paper is to investigate the use of two promising classes of artificial intelligence models, the Psi Sigma Neural Network (PSI) and the Gene Expression algorithm (GEP), when applied to the task of forecasting and trading the EUR/USD exchange rate. This is done by benchmarking their results with a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), a genetic programming algorithm (GP), an autoregressive moving average model (ARMA) plus a naïve strategy. We also examine if the introduction of a time-varying leverage strategy can improve the trading performance of our models.     

The effect of two types of C-S-H on the elasticity of cement-based materials: Results from nanoindentation and micromechanical modeling

It has long been recognized, in cement chemistry, that two types of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) exist in cement-based materials, but less is known about how the two types of C-S-H affect the mechanical properties. By means of nanoindentation tests on nondegraded and calcium leached cement paste, the paper confirms the existence of two types of C-S-H, and investigates the distinct role played by the two phases on the elastic properties of cement-based materials. It is found that (1) high-density C-S-H are mechanically less affected by calcium leaching than low density C-S-H, and (2) the volume fractions occupied by the two phases in the C-S-H matrix are not affected by calcium leaching. The nanoindentation results also provide quantitative evidence, suggesting that the elastic properties of the C-S-H phase are intrinsic material properties that do not depend on mix proportions of cement-based materials. The material properties and volume fractions are used in a novel two-step homogenization model, that predicts the macroscopic elastic properties of cement pastes with high accuracy. Combined with advanced physical chemistry models that allow, for a given w/c ratio, determination of the volume fractions of the two types of C-S-H, the model can be applied to any cement paste, with or without Portlandite, Clinker, and so on. In particular, from an application of the model to decalcified cement pastes, it is shown that that the decalcification of the C-S-H phase is the primary source of the macroscopic elastic modulus degradation, that dominates over the effect of the dissolution of Portlandite in cement-based material systems.     

Crack and flaw identification in elastodynamics using Kalman filter techniques

Filter-driven optimization based on the extended Kalman filter concept is used here for the numerical solution of crack and flaw identification problems in elastodynamics. The mechanical modeling of the studied two-dimensional problem, which includes the effect of unilateral contact along the sides of the crack, is done with the help of the boundary element method. The effect of various dynamical test loads and the applicability of this method for crack and defect identification in disks are investigated. The work has been supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Partial support has been provided by a Greek-German Research Cooperation Grant (IKYDA2001). This support is greatfully acknowledged.     

Defect identification in 3-D elastostatics using a genetic algorithm

An inverse problem in engineering mechanics is considered where the position and the geometry of three-dimensional, ellipsoidal defects are identified by using measurements of the mechanical response under static loading on the external surface of the structure. The problem is solved by appropriate combination of genetic optimization (GO) and boundary element method (BEM) and following previously published two-dimensional problems. The three-dimensional case presents some additional difficulties. Furthermore, the function of several genetic operators and the effect of the parameters of genetic optimization on the efficiency of the solution has been numerically examined.     

Hypertension and left ventricular mass index (L.VMI) in patients on regular hemodialysis (RDT)

Background:  Because of high incidence of acquired renal cyst and renal malignancy, it is suggested that spontaneous renal rupture more frequently occurs in patients receiving long‐term hemodialysis than in the general population. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of spontaneous renal rupture in hemodialysis patients. Methods:  This retrospective study enrolled 12 hemodialysis patients who developed spontaneous renal rupture. We investigated primary renal disease, duration of dialysis, clinical symptoms and signs, radiologic findings, treatment modalities, and histologic findings. Result:  The mean age of the patients was 54 ± 10 years old and the number of male was 9. Primary renal disease consisted of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PCKD)(n = 5), chronic glomerulonephritis (n = 2), diabetic nephropathy (n = 1), hypertensive nephropathy (n = 1), unknown cause (n = 3). Presenting symptoms and signs were sudden onset of flank pain in 9 patients and gross hematuria with mild flank pain in 3 patients. Mean duration from initiation of hemodialysis to development of spontaneous renal rupture was 53 ± 36 months. Abdominal computed tomography showed subcapsular or perinephric hematoma in all patients. Of the 7 non‐PCKD patients, 6 patients had multiple acquired renal cysts. Surgical exploration was undertaken in 9 patients. Pathologic examination demonstrated small sized renal cell carcinoma in 2 of 9 patients. Three patients were only treated with conservative management including blood transfusion. All 12 patients recovered without recurrence. Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that genetic or acquired renal cyst was an important cause of spontaneous renal rupture in hemodialysis patients and presenting manifestations were sudden onset of flank pain and gross hematuria.     

A heuristic algorithm for the just-in-time single machine scheduling problem with setups: a comparison with simulated annealing

This paper addresses the single machine early/tardy problem with unrestricted common due date and sequence-dependent setup times. Two algorithms are introduced to reach near-optimum solutions: the SAPT, a heuristic tailored for the problem, and a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. It will be shown that SA provides solutions with slightly better quality; however, SAPT requires much less computational time. SAPT-SA is a hybrid heuristic that combines both approaches to obtain high quality solutions with low computational cost. Solutions provided by the three algorithms were compared to optimal solutions for problems with up to 25 jobs and to each other for larger problems.     

Backward difference formulae for Kuramoto–Sivashinsky type equations

We analyze the discretization of the periodic initial value problem for Kuramoto–Sivashinsky type equations with Burgers nonlinearity by implicit–explicit backward difference formula (BDF) methods, establish stability and derive optimal order error estimates. We also study discretization in space by spectral methods.     

Revisiting the cutting of the firing squad synchronization

Various synchronization algorithms have been introduced in literature during the last decades to deal with the firing squad synchronization problem on cellular automata (CA). Among others defective CA algorithms, where the CA cell is able to transmit information without previous processing, have been also presented. In our case, originating from the classical Mazoyer’s paper, where a minimum-time solution is presented with 6 states, a one-dimensional CA where one cell may permanently fail is presented. In the proposed algorithm, the defective cell can neither process nor transmit information any longer, while it is considered that such dynamic defects may become apparent in any time step of computation. A thorough analysis of the synchronization, in terms of location and time at which cell fails, for the cells found in both sides of defective cell is delivered to decipher the corresponding maximal possible number of synchronized cells in each part of the cut, due to defect, CA array. The proposed algorithm is properly extended to consider more than one defective cells that may occur in the under study one-dimensional CA. Based on the aforementioned analysis, we provide the generalization of synchronization with multiple totally defective cells, while application examples of the generalized CA algorithm in case of two defective cells are also presented. Finally, another intriguing aspect refers to handling of states that could be tentatively characterized as unknown, in a confrontation similar to the previous defective state but also different, since now this(these) cell(s) are not stated as faulty but unknown. As a result, a new one-dimensional CA with less states, compared to the previous CA defective algorithms, able to synchronize the maximal possible number of cells in each part occurs.