A Python toolbox for Automatic Face Alignment (AFA)

We describe AFA, an open-source Python package for automating the most common step in the preparation of facial stimuli for behavioral and neuro-imaging experiments – spatial alignment of faces (https://github.com/SourCherries/auto-face-align ). Face alignment is also important in the analysis of image statistics, and as a preprocessing step for machine learning. Automation of face alignment via AFA provides a reliable and efficient alternative to the very common practice of manual image-editing in graphics editors like Photoshop. As an open-source Python package, AFA encourages a clear and transparent specification of experimental method. AFA is based on facial landmark detection that is powered by the reliable and open-source DLIB library; and critical alignment code based on Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) has been extensively unit-tested. AFA documentation and modularity provides opportunity for the modification and extensibility of AFA by the scientific community. As examples, we include functions for automatically generating image apertures that conceal areas outside the inner face; for image morphing between facial identities; and for shape-based averaging of facial identity. All of these are examples of stimulus preparation that have previously required manual landmark selection.

Match of the Bimaxillary Basal Bone Arches and Its Variations among Individuals

Introduction. This study is aimed at illustrating the bimaxillary basal bone contours, to clarify the match of the basal bone arches of the upper and lower, especially the posterior segments, including the second molar and retromolar region. Methods. Based on 100 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (50 males and 50 females), we obtained 100 pairs of basal bone arches, which were the horizontal inner cortex contours passing the furcation of the first molar paralleled to the lower occlusal plane. The Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) was applied to depict average contours and calculate the ratio and difference width of both upper and lower dental arches in different positions. Variations of the basal bone morphology among individuals were revealed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Results. The width discrepancy occurred at 7-7 segment (male: upper 65.62 mm and lower 68.81 mm and female: upper 62.98 mm and lower 68.38 mm) and the retromolar region (male: upper 64.67 mm and lower 71.96 mm and female: upper 62.34 mm and lower 71.44 mm). The ratio ( p = 0.006 ) and difference value ( p = 0.009 ) of 7-7 segment and the ratio of retromolar region ( p = 0.044 ) differed in genders. Setting 2 mm overjet, the upper basal bone arch was wider than the lower by approximate 2 mm on both sides, except the second molar and retromolar region. According to PCA, the variation of basal bone arches appeared mainly at terminal segments. Conclusions. For both male and female, the bimaxillary basal bone matched except terminal segments. Mismatch of female bimaxillary posterior basal bone was more pronounced than male. The basal bone arches of male were wider and longer than that of female.

Comparing COSTATIS and Generalized Procrustes Analysis with Multi-Way Public Education Expenditure Data

Governments serve a variety of purposes, and where governments spend their money has always been of concern to society. In particular, spending on public education is of great interest. However, the volume of this information can be difficult to manage. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to compare the COSTATIS method and generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) when working with multi-way data. Despite the particular characteristics of each of them, they present similarities and differences that, when analyzed together, can provide complementary results to researchers. The COSTATIS consists of a co-inertia analysis of the compromise of two k-table analyses. The GPA method provides an optimal superimposed representation of individual configurations, and a common consensus configuration is constructed as the mean of all transformed configurations. In addition, the GPA method includes the translation, rotation and scaling of coordinates. In this study, both methods were applied, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are presented. The treated data are a sequence of tables from various countries where different public expenditures on education have been measured over time.

Methodological proposal for the characterization of accessions in Germplasm Banks using Generalized Procrustes Analysis applied to incomplete but connected trials

Characterization of plant material conserved in germplasm banks allows the study and analysis of the genetic variability within a collection. When germplasm banks have a large number of accessions, field evaluation should be performed using assays with manageable accession subsets. Common checks connecting the different assays are required to compare these accession subsets. In this study, the Generalized Procrustes Analysis was proposed as a basis for obtaining a factorial plane where all individuals are projected. This technique is applied to genotypes common to all assays, iteratively generating scale factors and rotation matrices. Accessions only belonging to a given assay are considered supplementary elements. This proposal was illustrated using datasets of 54 maize accessions from the Pergamino Active Germplasm Bank of the Experimental Station at the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) in Argentina. The proposal achieved highly satisfactory results. Highlights: In field evaluation of large germplasm collections, the material must be divided into manageable experimental trials, in which different accession subsets are evaluated in different environments. A new algorithm based on Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA) allowed to find the consensus of several configurations of individuals connected by common checks. The characterization data analysis strategy was illustrated using a set of accessions from the Argentine Maize Germplasm Bank. The new proposal stands as a useful tool for evaluate germplasm collections, providing good results with easy implementation and considering the multivariate structure of the data set.

Developing a Descriptive Sensory Characterization of Flour Tortilla Applying Flash Profile

For any food, it is important to know consumption, preference, and the characteristics as quality parameters that are important to consumers of a product. The descriptive methodologies are an important tool to know the quality attributes of the products. Within these methodologies is the flash profile (FP), which is based on the generation of the distinctive attributes of the products without any expensive and time-consuming training sessions. The aim of this research was to study the consumption and preference of flour tortillas by consumers and to develop the descriptive characterization of the tortillas by using the flash profile method. The wheat flour tortillas used were two commercial and two handcrafted samples. Ten experienced panelists participated as the FP panel. The panelists generated 22 descriptors, six for texture, seven for appearance, five for odor, and four for flavor. These descriptors differentiate the samples of the flour tortillas. The panelists’ performance was assessed using the consensus index (Rc = 0.508). The first two dimensions of the Generalized Procrustes Analysis represent 83.78% of the data variability. Flash profile proved to be an easy and rapid technique that allowed the distinctive attributes of flour tortillas to be obtained.

Effect of NaCl Partial Replacement by Chloride Salts on Physicochemical Characteristics, Volatile Compounds and Sensorial Properties of Dry-Cured Deer Cecina

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of NaCl replacement in the physicochemical quality and volatile and sensorial profile of dry-cured deer cecina. Two salt mixtures were used as NaCl substitute: mixture I (30% NaCl-70% KCl) and mixture II (30% NaCl-50% KCl-15% CaCl2-5% MgCl2). Regarding the physicochemical parameters, only ash content, pH and L* values were affected by NaCl replacement. However, lipid oxidation was affected by NaCl replacement. The greatest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values were observed in the control batch (3.28 mg MDA/kg). The partial replacement of NaCl by salt mixtures affected (p < 0.001) Ca, K, Mg, and Na content. The total amounts of free fatty acids and free amino acids were not affected (p > 0.05) by NaCl replacement. Concerning the volatile compounds, control samples presented the highest concentrations of furans (p < 0.01), while samples produced with mixture II had the lowest (p < 0.001) amounts of esters and acids. Our results indicated that all sensory attributes of the attribute map were affected (generalized procrustes analysis (GPA) explained 100% of the total variability among treatments). Considering the results obtained from the sensorial analysis, only mixture II reduced the overall acceptance and preference of consumers. Control attained significantly (p < 0.05) greater scores of acceptance and preference than mixture II despite the higher TBARS content.

Comparison of orbital asymmetries among some raptor species: “when size does not matter”

A sample of 73 dry, well-preserved skulls was studied, representing various species of raptors with different foraging strategies. The sample included Accipiter nisus (n = 15), Buteo buteo (n = 13), Gyps fulvus (n = 24) and Neophron percnopterus (n = 5), Bubo bubo (n = 16) and Tyto alba (n = 2). Geometric morphometric methods were used to detect orbital asymmetries. On digital pictures of each skull side, a set of 16 semi-landmarks and two landmarks were located in order to describe the orbital ring. The variables were analysed based on Generalized Procrustes analysis. The morphometric data showed that the orbital asymmetry of raptors differed significatively between species, although directional asymmetry (e.g. left orbita systematically more developed than the right) appeared not to be correlated with orbital size. This indicates that larger orbitas do not lead to greater asymmetry. Differences between species should rather be explained by their foraging strategies and degree of visual obstruction in their natural environment.

Asymmetries of Forelimb Digits of Young Cattle

Based on the anatomical premise that, in bovines, the medial (inner) hoof is larger than the lateral (outer) one in the forelimb, we hypothesized that this implies a phalangeal form difference. To test this hypothesis, asymmetries of the forelimb acropodia (phalangeal series) were studied on calves belonging to the Brown Pyrenean breed, a meat breed managed under extensive conditions in NE Spain. Dorso-palmar radiographs were obtained for each acropodium in a sample of 17 paired left and right forelimbs. Size and shape were analysed by means of geometric morphometrics on medial and lateral acropodial series (III and IV series respectively) for each left and right limb. Shape coordinates were computed by Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Medial and lateral acropodial series appeared similar in size, but their shape expressed an especially high directional asymmetry, with distal phalanges (pedal bones) being abaxially (outwards) oriented. Such morphological observations may be an important reconsideration of “normal” radiographic acropodial symmetry evaluation. This can be explained not only by an unevenly distributed ground reaction force between acropodial series, but also between right and left limbs, making medial and lateral hoof surfaces differently prone to overloading and, accordingly, to injuries to the limb.

Life Values Among Lebanese and Portuguese College Students

This study aims to test the applicability of the functional theory of life values and score differences among a group of students from Lebanon and Portugal. Participants include 565 college students—278 Lebanese and 287 Portuguese. A demographic questionnaire and an adapted version of the Basic Values Survey were completed. Confirmatory/multigroup factor analysis, a generalized Procrustes analysis, and a t test were used. Results indicate that content and structure hypotheses were equivalent among the two groups. There were significant differences between the Lebanese and Portuguese students in normative and promotion values in favor of the first group, and in interactive, suprapersonal, and excitement values in favor of the second. This study has implications for institutional academic and social practices with international college students.