A Performance Analysis of the Faugeras Color Space as a Component of Color Histogram-Based Image Retrieval

The use of color histograms for image retrieval from databases has been implemented in many variations. Selecting the appropriate color space for similarity comparisons is an important part of a color histogram technique. This paper serves to introduce and evaluate the performance of a color space through the use of color histograms. Performance is evaluated by correlating the similarity results obtained from various color feature vector techniques (including color histgramming) to those gathered through a human perceptual test. The perceptual test required 36 human subjects to evaluate the similarity of 10 military aircraft images. The same 10 images were also compared via the color feature vector techniques. The results obtained for the Faugeras color space are compared against those of the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) and Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) color spaces. While the correlation results for the Faugeras color space were unexpected and unfavorable, a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.91 was obtained for the HSV space suggesting that HSV is an excellent color space for judging color image similarity. A discussion of the Faugeras space\u27s performance and future research directions are presented at the conclusion of the paper

Telepresence robotics in an academic library: A study of exposure and adaptation among patrons and employees

Purpose Librarians are working with telepresence robotics for various uses, particularly as a communication method inhabiting a space between video chat and face-to-face interactions. The library at Western Michigan University partnered with the Western Michigan University Communication and Social Robotics Lab to showcase this emerging technology in a high-traffic setting utilized by students of every level and major. The purpose of this paper is to discuss patron reactions to this technology exhibition in the library, beta testing of a telepresence robot in various public services tasks, and library employee attitudes toward this unfamiliar technology before and after one-on-one training. Design/methodology/approach The project gathered data through three studies. In study 1, feedback forms were filled out by patrons who interacted with or piloted the robot. In study 2, observations by the librarians piloting the robot for various public services activities were recorded in a log. In study 3, employees were invited to complete a pretest designed to solicit perceptions and attitudes regarding the use of the robot, become trained in navigating the robot, and complete a posttest for comparison purposes. Results were analyzed to find trends and highlight perceived uses for the technology. Findings Patrons and library employees gave positive feedback regarding the novelty of the technology and appreciated its remote communication capability. Trialed uses of the technology for public services yielded positive results when the TR was used for public relations, such as at special events or in greeting tours, and yielded less positive results when used for reference purposes. Library employees comfort with and perceived utility of the robot grew consistently across departments, levels of experience and employment types after a personal training session. Originality/value Although libraries in recent years have surveyed users regarding TR technology, this paper captures quantitative and qualitative data from a library employee training study regarding perception of the technology. Exploration of the public services uses and library employee acceptance of TR technology is valuable to those contemplating expending time and resources in similar endeavors

Molecular Structure and Diversity of PBAN/pyrokinin Family Peptides in Ants

Neuropeptides are the largest group of insect hormones. They are produced in the central and peripheral nervous systems and affect insect development, reproduction, feeding, and behavior. A variety of neuropeptide families have been identified in insects. One of these families is the PBAN/pyrokinin family defined by a common FXPRLamide or similar amino acid fragment at the C-terminal end. These peptides, found in all insects studied thus far, have been conserved throughout evolution. The most well studied physiological function is regulation of moth sex pheromone biosynthesis through the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN), although several developmental functions have also been reported. Over the past years we have extended knowledge of the PBAN/pyrokinin family of peptides to ants, focusing mainly on the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. The fire ant is one of the most studied social insects and over the last 60 years a great deal has been learned about many aspects of this ant, including the behaviors and chemistry of pheromone communication. However, virtually nothing is known about the regulation of these pheromone systems. Recently, we demonstrated the presence of PBAN/pyrokinin immunoreactive neurons in the fire ant, and identified and characterized PBAN and additional neuropeptides. We have mapped the fire ant PBAN gene structure and determined the tissue expression level in the central nervous system of the ant. We review here our research to date on the molecular structure and diversity of ant PBAN/pyrokinin peptides in preparation for determining the function of the neuropeptides in ants and other social insects

Are Library Users Also Computer Users? A Survey of Faculty and Implications for Services.

Describes the results of a survey of faculty members at Western Michigan University which was conducted to explore the relationship between faculty use of university libraries and faculty use of computers. Implications for libraries are discussed, including computer databases, faculty assistance, collaboration with computing staff, and marketing of electronic services

New Directions: Faculty Use of Technology and Attitudes Toward Library Research Instruction

The authors conducted a survey of the faculty at Western Michigan University to determine how faculty are using technology in instruction and how they perceive library research instruction, in order to determine how librarians can successfully incorporate technology into library instruction. Primary Research Questions How are faculty using technology in instruction? How do faculty perceive library research instruction? How can librarians incorporate technology into library instruction