Three-dimensional face recognition: An Eigensurface approach

We evaluate a new approach to face recognition using a variety of surface representations of three-dimensional facial structure. Applying principal component analysis (PCA), we show that high levels of recognition accuracy can be achieved on a large database of 3D face models, captured under conditions that present typical difficulties to more conventional two-dimensional approaches. Applying a ran-c of image processing, techniques we identify the most effective surface representation for use in such application areas as security surveillance, data compression and archive searching

Geometric structure and geodesic in a solvable model of nonequilibrium process

We investigate the geometric structure of a nonequilibrium process and its geodesic solutions. By employing an exactly solvable model of a driven dissipative system (generalized nonautonomous Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process), we compute the time-dependent probability density functions (PDFs) and investigate the evolution of this system in a statistical metric space where the distance between two points (the so-called information length) quantifies the change in information along a trajectory of the PDFs. In this metric space, we find a geodesic for which the information propagates at constant speed, and demonstrate its utility as an optimal path to reduce the total time and total dissipated energy. In particular, through examples of physical realizations of such geodesic solutions satisfying boundary conditions, we present a resonance phenomenon in the geodesic solution and the discretization into cyclic geodesic solutions. Implications for controlling population growth are further discussed in a stochastic logistic model, where a periodic modulation of the diffusion coefficient and the deterministic force by a small amount is shown to have a significant controlling effect

Personalised service? Changing the role of the government librarian

Investigates the feasibility of personalised information service in a government department. A qualitative methodology explored stakeholder opinions on the remit, marketing, resourcing and measurement of the service. A questionnaire and interviews gathered experiences of personalised provision across the government sector. Potential users were similarly surveyed to discuss how the service could meet their needs. Data were analysed using coding techniques to identify emerging theory. Lessons learned from government librarians centred on clarifying requirements, balancing workloads and selective marketing. The user survey showed low usage and awareness of existing specialist services, but high levels of need and interest in services repackaged as a tailored offering. Fieldwork confirmed findings from the literature on the scope for adding value through information management advice, information skills training and substantive research assistance and the need to understand business processes and develop effective partnerships. Concluding recommendations focus on service definition, strategic marketing, resource utilisation and performance measurement

Delivering NEET policy packages? A decade of NEET policy in England

This article explores the way in which government policy shapes the lives of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). In particular it examines how the concept of NEETs is set within a specific infrastructure and discourse for managing and supporting young people. The article provides a brief history of the NEET concept and NEET initiatives, before moving on to scrutinise the policies of the Coalition Government. A key distinction is made between those policies and practices that seek to prevent young people becoming NEET from those that seek to re-engage those who are NEET. It is argued that the Coalition has drawn on a similar active labour market toolkit to the previous Labour administration, but that this has been implemented with fewer resources and less co-ordination. It concludes that there is little reason to believe that Coalition policy will be any more successful than that of the previous government, and some reason to be concerned that it will lead to young people becoming more entrenched within NEET

The rise of the non-state ‘place-based’ economic development strategy

This article was published in the journal, Local Economy and the definitive version is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269094214533650This article explores an alternative model of local and regional economic development, specifically the rise of the non-state ‘place-based’ economic development strategy. Illustrated through a case study of the Peel Group’s Atlantic Gateway Strategy in NorthWest England, the article showcases the near-future potential for a growth in alternative place-based economic development strategies designed, orchestrated and implemented by non-state actors. In an era where both state and society find themselves increasingly reliant on non-state actors – in particular major private investment groups – to deliver the future jobs, growth and regeneration of major urban regions, this article highlights a series of important concerns that the rise of non-state spatial strategies pose for place-based economic development interventions

KPC-PRODUCING Serratia marcescens IN A HOME-CARE PATIENT FROM RECIFE, BRAZIL

SUMMARY In this brief communication we describe the occurrence of a KPC-producing Serratia marcescensisolate in a home-care patient from Recife, Brazil. The blaKPC, blaSPM, blaIMP, blaVIMblaOXA, blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaTEM and blaGES genes were investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. The isolate was positive for blaKPC-2 and blaTEM-1 and was resistant to aztreonam, cefepime, cefotaxime, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and cefazidime, and susceptible only to amikacin, tigecycline and gatifloxacin. This is the first report in Brazil of KPC-producing S. marcescens clinical isolate outside of a hospital environment. Caregivers should be alert for the presence of this isolate in the community setting

Factors associated with clustering of multiple health-risk behaviours in young people in England

Background: Most chronic diseases are strongly associated with four modifiable behaviours: smoking, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable consumption and physical inactivity. When established early in life, these lifestyle factors could persist in adulthood and predict the incidence of chronic diseases. Little is known about how these behaviours cluster together, and what factors are associated with their prevalence and clustering in individuals. The objective of this study was to ascertain the association between sociodemographic and personal factors and clustering of multiple health-risk behaviours in young people in the city of Brighton and Hove (population, 274,000) in Southeast England. Methods: Data from the Brighton and Hove Safe and Well at School Surveys (2011-2014) were analysed to examine the clustering of these behaviours in Year 10 and 11 pupils (n=10,099; aged 14-16 year). The results were weighted and studied in the context of sociodemographic/personal characteristics: gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, deprivation, school year, feeling safe at school, enjoying school, been bullied at school, health problems, family problems, feeling happy, feeling anxious and feeling lonely. Results: The majority (97%) of pupils were engaged in either one or more unhealthy behaviours: about 58% were engaged in 1-2 and 39% were engaged in 3-4 unhealthy behaviours, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that a number of factors were significantly associated with the clustering of 3-4 health-risk behaviours in young people. These included: being in Year 11 (OR=2.0, 95% CI, 1.8-2.2), family problems (1.8, 1.6-2.0), being female (1.7, 1.5-1.9), not enjoying school (1.6, 1.4-1.8), and rarely/never feeling happy (1.3, 1.0-1.6). Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for modifications in community-based and in-school health and wellbeing programmes to decrease the prevalence and clustering of multiple health-risk behaviours in young people. Main messages: There is a need for effective programmes for young people to increase their awareness about health impacts of smoking and alcohol consumption, and beneficial effects of healthy diet and exercise. The study also highlights areas which require particular considerations while designing these programmes for young people