Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Mixture Density Network for Spatiotemporal Visual Attention

In many computer vision tasks, the relevant information to solve the problem at hand is mixed to irrelevant, distracting information. This has motivated researchers to design attentional models that can dynamically focus on parts of images or videos that are salient, e.g., by down-weighting irrelevant pixels. In this work, we propose a spatiotemporal attentional model that learns where to look in a video directly from human fixation data. We model visual attention with a mixture of Gaussians at each frame. This distribution is used to express the probability of saliency for each pixel. Time consistency in videos is modeled hierarchically by: 1) deep 3D convolutional features to represent spatial and short-term time relations and 2) a long short-term memory network on top that aggregates the clip-level representation of sequential clips and therefore expands the temporal domain from few frames to seconds. The parameters of the proposed model are optimized via maximum likelihood estimation using human fixations as training data, without knowledge of the action in each video. Our experiments on Hollywood2 show state-of-the-art performance on saliency prediction for video. We also show that our attentional model trained on Hollywood2 generalizes well to UCF101 and it can be leveraged to improve action classification accuracy on both datasets.
Unsteady CFD of a marine current turbine using OpenFOAM with generalised grid interface

Marine current turbines (MCTs), such as the ‘Seaflow’ and ‘Seagen’ devices (Fraenkel, 2007) represent an important technology for harnessing marine renewable energy. The hydrodynamic behaviour of such devices includes complex interactions between the turbine and ocean turbulence, as well as turbine wakes if sited in arrays. These should be accounted for in performance assessments. Traditionally, blade element momentum (BEM) models have been used to assess turbine performance, either in isolation (Batten et al., 2007) or array configuration (Turnock et al., 2011), the later study combining this approach with computational flud dynamics (CFD) simulations to model turbine wakes. Recently however, modelling the unsteady performance of turbines using viscous CFD has become more popular for the assessment of transient performance and blade fatigue loads (Faudot and Dahlhaug, 2011; Lawson et al., 2011) which are important for determining operational lifecycles. This is possible through the use of unsteady CFD techniques such as unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (URANS) solvers and dynamic meshing. This paper presents the initial findings of a study carried out using the CFD library OpenFOAM R © to predict the performance of a single turbine in a test tunnel environment, with comparison to the experiments of Bahaj et al. (2007). The main aim is to establish the use of dynamic meshing for conducting unsteady CFD simulations of turbomachines, with possible other applications including ship hull-propeller-rudder interaction.
Sub-Optimal Acquisition Decisions Under a Majority Shareholder System: An Empirical Investigation

The high separation of ownership from control achieved in many Italian listed companies through the concurrent use of non-voting shares and stock pyramiding may favour acquisitions made to increase private benefits of the controlling shareholders rather than all the shareholders' wealth. A standard event study methodology is carried out on three different samples of acquisitions during 1989-1996 period in order to test the hypothesis. Firstly, we find evidence that poor performance is more likely to occur in acquiring firms where the separation of ownership from control (as measured by the o/c ratio) is higher. Moreover, value-enhancing transactions are found to be more likely embarked by acquirors smaller in size, with higher prior-performance and higher growth. Secondly, restricting the sample to aquirors with both voting and non-voting shares we show that the average cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) in a 60-day event window is +0.48 percent for the voting versus a significantly lower -4.41 percent for the non-voting shares. We explain this picture as evidence that on one side the average acquisition has been overpaid (as suggested by the negative sign of the non-voting shares). On the other side it reveals that the transaction was expected to lead to higher private benefits to the majority shareholders (as suggested by the revaluation of the vote component as difference between the two classes of shares). Finally, the market reaction to 19 acquisitions where both bidder and seller are held by the same controller clearly shows that the price is set so as to transfer wealth towards the companies located at the upper levels, where the ownership of the majority shareholders is less diluted. We interpret these findings as evidence that through the separation of ownership from control entrenched-majority shareholders owning only a minor fraction of cash flow rights may lead corporate wealth destroying investment decisions. Moreover, we show that the risk of expropriation seems to be the major principal-agent problem in a country characterised by poor legal investor protection, of which Italy may be an ideal archetype
Id1 Interacts and Stabilizes the Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) in Nasopharyngeal Epithelial Cells

The EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) functions as a constitutive active form of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and activates multiple downstream signaling pathways similar to CD40 signaling in a ligand-independent manner. LMP1 expression in EBV-infected cells has been postulated to play an important role in pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, variable levels of LMP1 expression were detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. At present, the regulation of LMP1 levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is poorly understood. Here we show that LMP1 mRNAs are transcribed in an EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line (C666-1) and other EBV-negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells stably re-infected with EBV. The protein levels of LMP1 could readily be detected after incubation with proteasome inhibitor, MG132 suggesting that LMP1 protein is rapidly degraded via proteasome-mediated proteolysis. Interestingly, we observed that Id1 overexpression could stabilize LMP1 protein in EBV-infected cells. In contrary, Id1 knockdown significantly reduced LMP1 levels in cells. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that Id1 interacts with LMP1 by binding to the CTAR1 domain of LMP1. N-terminal region of Id1 is required for the interaction with LMP1. Furthermore, binding of Id1 to LMP1 suppressed polyubiquitination of LMP1 and may be involved in stabilization of LMP1 in EBV-infected nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.
Enhanced inhibition of murine tumor and human breast tumor xenografts using targeted delivery of an antibody-endostatin fusion protein

Endostatin can inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in mice. A potential limitation of endostatin as an antitumor agent in humans is the short serum half-life of the protein that may decrease effective concentration at the site of tumor and necessitate frequent dosing. In an effort to improve antitumor activity, endostatin was fused to an antibody specific for the tumor-selective HER2 antigen to create an antibody-endostatin fusion protein (anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin). Normal endostatin rapidly cleared from serum in mice (T1/22, = 0.6–3.8 hours), whereas anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin had a prolonged half-life (90% intact; T1/22, 40.2–44.0 hours). Antigen-specific targeting of anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin was evaluated in BALB/c mice implanted with CT26 tumors or CT26 tumors engineered to express the HER2 antigen (CT26-HER2). Radio-iodinated anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin preferentially localized to CT26-HER2 tumors relative to CT26 tumors. Administration of anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin to mice showed preferential inhibition of CT26-HER2 tumor growth compared with CT26. Anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin also markedly inhibited the growth of human breast cancer SK-BR-3 xenografts in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin inhibited tumor growth significantly more effectively than endostatin, anti-HER2 IgG3 antibody, or the combination of antibody and endostatin. CT26-HER2 tumors treated with the endostatin fusion protein had decreased blood vessel density and branching compared with untreated CT26-HER2 or CT26 treated with the fusion protein. The enhanced effectiveness of anti-HER2 IgG3-endostatin may be due to a longer half-life, improved serum stability, and selective targeting of endostatin to tumors, resulting in decreased angiogenesis. Linking of an antiangiogenic protein, such as endostatin, to a targeting antibody represents a promising and versatile approach to antitumor therapy.
A comparison of treatment modalities for nasal extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in early stages: The efficacy of CHOP regimen based concurrent chemoradiotherapy

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of several treatment modalities, including CHOP based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), for the patients with stage IE or IIE nasal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (nasal ENKL). The cases were retrieved between 2000 and 2010 (n=94), and were followed to the end of February 2016. The patients were grouped into A (chemotherapy alone; CT alone), B (sequential treatment) and C (CCRT). For those with efficacy evaluation for overall treatment (n=90), CR was attained in 60.0% (18/30), 69.8% (30/43) and 76.5% (13/17) patients in the group A, B and C, respectively. The 5-year OS rate was 35.2%, 41.9% and 70.6% in the group A, B and C, respectively. For patients with early stage diseases (IE and IIE), the ECOG performance status and the Ann Arbor stage were significant prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Among the stage IE patients, besides the ECOG performance status, three prognostic factors which related to treatments (treatment modalities, efficacy of initial and overall treatment) were significant against OS or PFS. In conclusion, compared to chemotherapy alone and sequential treatment, nasal ENKL patients in early stages, especially stage IE, benefit the most from CHOP based concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
ON USING A DIFFERENT TIME SERIES FORECASTING MODEL FOR EACH FORECAST LEAD

This series contains research reports, written by or in cooperation with staff members of the Statistical Research Division, whose content may be * of interest to the general statistical research community. The views reflected in these reports are not necessarily those of the Census Bureau nor do they necessarily represent Census Bureau statistical policy or practice. Inquiries may be addressed to the author(s) or the SRD Report Series Coordinator, Statistical Research Division, Bureau of the Census, Washington, D.C. 20233.
Properties and distribution of paired candidate stony meteorites at Meridiani Planum, Mars

[1] The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity investigated four rocks, informally dubbed Barberton, Santa Catarina, Santorini, and Kasos, that are possible stony meteorites. Their chemical and mineralogical composition is similar to the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite group but with additional metal, similar to mesosiderite silicate clasts. Because of their virtually identical composition and because they appear to represent a relatively rare group of meteorites, they are probably paired. The four rocks were investigated serendipitously several kilometers apart, suggesting that Opportunity is driving across a larger population of similar rock fragments, maybe a meteorite strewn field. Small amounts of ferric Fe are a result of weathering. We did not observe evidence for fusion crusts. Four iron meteorites were found across the same area. Although mesosiderites are stony irons, a genetic link to these irons is unlikely. The stony meteorites probably fell later than the irons. The current atmosphere is sufficiently dense to land such meteorites at shallow entry angles, and it would disperse fragments over several kilometers upon atmospheric breakup. Alternatively, dispersion by spallation from an impacting meteoroid may have occurred. Santa Catarina and a large accumulation of similar rocks were found at the rim of Victoria crater. It is possible that they are associated with the impactor that created Victoria crater, but our limited knowledge about their distribution cannot exclude mere coincidence.
U.S. House Prices: The Role of Fundamentals

This paper uses a competitive-equilibrium housing-market model to evaluate the role that interest rates played in the U.S. housing boom and bust. The model features stochastic construction costs, disposable income, interest rates, and population, and endogenously determines the supply of developed land and house prices. It is calibrated separately to 95 cities and data on the four state variables alone are used to calculate house prices implied by fundamentals for each city. Actual prices during 1995-2010 closely match the predicted prices implied by observed changes in the four state variables and reasonably small perceived changes in the long-run average levels of interest rates and demand growth rates.
Bidecadal Thermal Changes in the Abyssal Ocean

AbstractA dynamically consistent state estimate is used for the period 1992–2011 to describe the changes in oceanic temperatures and heat content, with an emphasis on determining the noise background in the abyssal (below 2000 m) depths. Interpretation requires close attention to the long memory of the deep ocean, implying that meteorological forcing of decades to thousands of years ago should still be producing trendlike changes in abyssal heat content. Much of the deep-ocean volume remained unobserved. At the present time, warming is seen in the deep western Atlantic and Southern Oceans, roughly consistent with those regions of the ocean expected to display the earliest responses to surface disturbances. Parts of the deeper ocean, below 3600 m, show cooling. Most of the variation in the abyssal Pacific Ocean is comparatively featureless, consistent with the slow, diffusive approach to a steady state expected there. In the global average, changes in heat content below 2000 m are roughly 10% of those infe.
Galaxy evolution from deep multi-wavelength infrared surveys: a prelude to Herschel

Context. Studies of the generation and assembly of stellar populations in galaxies largely benefit from far-IR observations, con sidering that the IR flux is a close prior to the rate of star formation (the bulk of which happens in dust-obscured environments). At the same time, major episodes of nuclear AGN accretion are also dust-obscured and visible in the IR. Aims. At the end of the Spitzer cryogenic mission and the onset of the Herschel era, we review our current knowledge of galaxy evolution at IR wavelengths, and model it to achieve as far as a complete view of the evolution of cosmic sources. We also develop new tools for the analysis of background fluctuations to cons train source counts in regimes of high confusion, as it happens for the Herschel sub-mm surveys. Methods. We analysed a wide variety of new data on galaxy evolution and high-redshift source populations from Spitzer cosmological surveys, and confront them with complementary data from mm ground-based observations and constraints from the far-IR diffuse radiation, as well as preliminary results from Herschel surveys. Results. These data confirm earlier indications about a very rapid inc rease in galaxy volume emissivity with redshift up to z '1 [� (z)/(1 + z) 4 ], the fastest evolution rate observed for galaxies at any wa velengths. The observed Spitzer counts require a combination of fast evolution for the dominant population and a bumpy spectrum with substantial PAH emission at z�1 to 2. Number counts at long wavelengths (70 through 1100� m) confirm these results. All the present data require that th e fast observed evolution from z=0 to 1 flattens around redshift 1 and then keeps approximately constant up to z'2: 5 at least. Our estimated redshift-dependent bolometric comoving energy density keeps lower at z& 1: 5 than some previously published results based on either large extinction corrections, or large spectral extrapolations. Conclusions. The present-day IR/sub-mm data provide evidence of a distinct population of very luminous galaxies becoming dominant at z> 1. Their cosmological evolution, peaking around z'2, shows a faster decay with cosmic time than lower luminosity systems, whose maximal activity is set around z'1, then supporting an earlier phase of formation for the most luminous and massive galaxies. From a comparison of our results on the comoving IR emissivity with recent estimates of the redshift-dependent stellar mass functions of galaxies, we find that the two agree well with eac h other if we assume standard recipes for star formation (a universal Salpeter IMF) and standard fractions (�20− 30%) for the contribution of obscured AGN accretion. Systematic exploitation of the forthcoming Herschel survey data will be important for confirming all this.
GIPSY: Automated Geographic Indexing of Text Documents

In this article we present an algorithm which automatically extracts geopositional coordinate index terms from text to support georeferenced document indexing and retrieval. Under this algorithm, words and phrases containing geographic place names or characteristics are extracted from a text document and used as input to database functions which use spatial reasoning to approximate statistically the geoposition being referenced in the text. We conclude with a discussion of preliminary results and future work. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optimal Retention Level for Infinite Time Horizons under MADM

In this paper, we approximate the aggregate claims process by using the translated gamma process under the classical risk model assumptions, and we investigate the ultimate ruin probability. We consider optimal reinsurance under the minimum ultimate ruin probability, as well as the maximum benefit criteria: released capital, expected profit and exponential-fractional-logarithmic utility from the insurer’s point of view. Numerical examples are presented to explain how the optimal initial surplus and retention level are changed according to the individual claim amounts, loading factors and weights of the criteria. In the decision making process, we use The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods as the Multi-Attribute Decision Making methods (MADM) and compare our results considering different combinations of loading factors for both exponential and Pareto individual claims.
The Economic Payoff to Investing in Educational Justice

The quest for educational equity is a moral imperative for a society in which education is a crucial determinant of life chances. Yet whether there is an economic return to the taxpayer for investing in educational justice is often not considered. It is possible that the economic benefits of reducing inadequate education exceed the costs, returning a healthy dividend to the taxpayer. This article addresses a four-decade quest to ascertain the fiscal consequences of investing in effective approaches to reduce inadequate education in the United States. It uses economic analysis to calculate both the costs of effective strategies to raise high school graduation rates and their benefits to the taxpayer in higher tax revenues and reduced costs of criminal justice, public health, and public assistance. The results suggest that improving educational justice provides substantial returns to taxpayers that exceed the costs.
MIMO capacity pre-log for flat fading stationary channels with no CSIR

The asymptotic capacity for the non-coherent MIMO stationary channels having n<sub>t</sub> transmit and n<sub>r</sub> receive antennas with flat fading is the focus of this paper. Fading processes of concern are bandlimited. These non-coherent MIMO channels were studied by Etkin and Tse and lower bound of capacity was shown to grow with min(n<sub>t</sub>, n<sub>r</sub>)[1 - min(n<sub>t</sub>, n<sub>r</sub>)mu] log(SNR) where mu is the normalized Doppler bandwidth. The contribution of this paper is to specify the pre-log for MIMO channels and this is done by giving matching upper and lower bounds of the pre-log. Moreover min(n<sub>t</sub>, n<sub>r</sub>) factor in the pre-log term bears a small modification. The actual pre-log is min(n<sub>t</sub>, n<sub>r</sub>, 1/2mu)[1 - min(n<sub>t</sub>, n<sub>r</sub>, 1/2mu)mu] and takes into account the optimal number of streams that should be activated as a function of the Doppler bandwidth.
Virtual reality in the rehabilitation of the upper limb after hemiplegic stroke: a randomised pilot study

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of an RCT to investigate VR mediated therapy in comparison to standard physiotherapy alone in the motor rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke, and to provide data to inform a power analysis to determine numbers for a future trial. A single blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from two hospital stroke units and members of local Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association clubs. The Upper Limb Motricity Index, Action Research Arm Test were completed at baseline, post-intervention and 6 weeks follow-up. 18 participants were randomised to either a VR mediated upper limb therapy group or a standard therapy group. No significant between group differences were noted. Both groups reported some small changes to their upper limb activity levels. Both interventions seemed to have been acceptable to participants. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of virtual reality mediated therapy for the upper limb compared to standard therapy. Forty-eight participants (24 per group) would be needed to complete an adequately powered study.
Impact of trade liberalization on labor markets and migration in the Maghreb Countries

The issue of the interaction between trade and labor mobility has become a major topic in the context of economic integration and trade liberalization. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the issue of international labor mobility from the standpoint of new developments in trade theory, by asking the following question: does trade liberalization result in the substitution or complementarity between trade in goods and labor mobility? The study builds on the classical theory of international trade and extends so that the conclusion reached in the theory, namely the substitution between international labor mobility and trade, is modified. This current study concludes that there exist a short-term complementarity and that increased integration between countries, including through migration, can benefit workers in developing and developed countries at the same time. Technology and productivity differentials, human capital externalities, social capital describing immigrant links to the home country and most importantly, migration costs help to explain the patterns of complementarity. JEL: O53, J61, and F11