Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Describing Human Aesthetic Perception by Deeply-learned Attributes from Flickr

Many aesthetic models in computer vision suffer from two shortcomings: 1) the low descriptiveness and interpretability of those hand-crafted aesthetic criteria (i.e., nonindicative of region-level aesthetics), and 2) the difficulty of engineering aesthetic features adaptively and automatically toward different image sets. To remedy these problems, we develop a deep architecture to learn aesthetically-relevant visual attributes from Flickr1, which are localized by multiple textual attributes in a weakly-supervised setting. More specifically, using a bag-ofwords (BoW) representation of the frequent Flickr image tags, a sparsity-constrained subspace algorithm discovers a compact set of textual attributes (e.g., landscape and sunset) for each image. Then, a weakly-supervised learning algorithm projects the textual attributes at image-level to the highly-responsive image patches at pixel-level. These patches indicate where humans look at appealing regions with respect to each textual attribute, which are employed to learn the visual attributes. Psychological and anatomical studies have shown that humans perceive visual concepts hierarchically. Hence, we normalize these patches and feed them into a five-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) to mimick the hierarchy of human perceiving the visual attributes. We apply the learned deep features on image retargeting, aesthetics ranking, and retrieval. Both subjective and objective experimental results thoroughly demonstrate the competitiveness of our approach.
An access path model for physical database design

Design and Access Path Data Models are presented to form an integrated framework for logical and physical database design in a heterogeneous database environment. This paper focuses on the physical design process. First, a physical design is specified in terms of general properties of access paths, independent of implementation details. Then, a design is realized by mapping the specification into the storage structures of a particular database system. Algorithms for assigning the properties to logical access paths and for realizing a CODASYL 78 DBTG schema are given.
Influence of sulphur and zinc levels and zinc solubilizer on productivity, economics and nutrient uptake in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)

The field experiments were conducted over 2 consecutive rainy (kharif) (July to November) seasons of 2013 and 2014 at New Delhi, to evaluate the effect of 3 sulphur (S) levels (0, 20 and 40 kg S/ha), 4 zinc (Zn) levels (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kg Zn/ha) and 2 zinc bio-fertilizer (Native zinc solubilizer) levels (Control and seed treatment with zinc bio-fertilizer) on the performance of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Sandy loam soil of the experimental field was low in available S and DTPA-extractable Zn. Application of S caused marked improvement in plant height, branches/plant, leaf area index (LAI), pods/plant and pod and haulms yields, net returns, S-content in ker- nel and S and Zn-uptake up to 40 kg S/ha. Based on 2 years average, application of 20 and 40 kg S/ha resulted in 23.4 and 31.4% increase in pod yield, 36.3 and 52.7% in haulms yield, 46.3 and 56.7% in net returns, 66.3 and 92.3% in S-uptake in kernel and 25.9 and 35.3 % in Zn-uptake/ha in kernel over control, respectively. Application of Zn had significant effect on growth and yield attributes, pod and haulms yields, shelling percentage, net returns and Zn-content and uptake in kernel only up to 5.0 kg Zn/ha. Application of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 kg Zn/ha resulted in 17.2, 21.1 and 13.6 % increase in pod yield, 36.1, 45.0 and 27.4% in net returns, 17.5, 18.5 and 6.3% in S-uptake and 29.4, 44.9 and 45.5% in Zn-uptake in kernel over control, respectively. Effect of Zn-bio-fertilizer was signifi- cant on growth and yield attributes (except kernels/pod), pod and haulms yields, shelling percentage and Zn-con- tent and uptake. Due to application of Zn bio-fertilizer 4.7, 6.2, 9.2, 5.2 and 7.9% increase in pod yield, haulms yield, net returns, S-uptake in kernel and Zn-uptake in kernel was recorded over control. Based on two years av- erage, response to S and Zn application was quadratic and economic optimum dose was worked out to be 39.0 and 4.5kg/ha, respectively. Hence application of 39kg S and 4.5 kg Zn/ha with Zn-solubilizer is recommended for improving the productivity and profitability of groundnut in sandy loam soils low in S and Zn.
Asset Location for Retirement Savers

This paper uses data on actual returns on taxable bonds, tax-exempt bonds, and a small sample of equity mutual funds over the 1962-1998 period to compare two asset location strategies for retirement savers. The first strategy gives priority to holding equities, through equity mutual funds, in a saver's tax-deferred account, while the second strategy gives priority to holding fixed-income investments in the tax-deferred account. We consider high-income taxable individual investors who saved in each year and invested in one of actively-managed funds in our sample. Over the thirty-seven year span that we consider, such savers would have accumulated a larger stock of wealth if they had held their equity mutual fund in their tax-deferred account than if they had held the fund in a conventional taxable form. The explanation for this apparent contradiction of the often-stated bonds in the tax-deferred account' prescription has two parts. First, many equity mutual funds impose substantial tax burdens on their investors. This raises the effective tax rate on investing in equities through mutual funds rather than in a buy-and-hold personal portfolio. Second, taxable investors who wish to hold fixed income assets can do so by holding tax-exempt bonds as well as by holding taxable bonds. The interest rate differential between taxable and tax-exempt bonds suggests that the effective tax rate on fixed income investments may be lower than the statutory tax rate for high-income investors.
Great recession and U.S. consumers' bulimia: deep causes and possible ways out

This paper attempts to shed light on some aspects of the U.S. consumers? apparent bulimia that was at the origin of the recent global crisis. We seek to show how different characteristics of the American society and economy, which are usually considered separately, are consistently related to such a multifaceted phenomenon. Hence, we illustrate some structural features of the U.S. economy and public policies that may contribute to create a difference, in terms of patterns of consumption and participation in market activities, between the U.S. and some other advanced economies (in particular, the major economies of continental Europe). We then proceed by presenting some explanations of the U.S. hyper-consumerism. We do so by introducing concepts and analyses elaborated by psychologists and sociologists that may help relating this phenomenon to the decline in subjective well-being and social capital documented in the U.S. over the period preceding the crisis. Moreover, we discuss how the NEG (Negative Endogenous Growth) paradigm can account for the recent U.S. consumption boom by treating it as part of the typical reinforcing loop that characterizes the U.S. pattern of economic growth. Finally, we focus on how the U.S. can exit from the current crisis: we underline some weaknesses of the two politically more realistic policy alternatives, and we outline a third exit strategy, which would possibly be preferable in terms of people? s long-term well-being.
Autonomic Nerve Regulation of Colonic Peristalsis in Guinea Pigs

Background/Aims Colonic peristalsis is mainly regulated via intrinsic neurons in guinea pigs. However, autonomic regulation of colonic motility is poorly understood. We explored a guinea pig model for the study of extrinsic nerve effects on the distal colon. Methods Guinea pigs were sacrificed, their distal colons isolated, preserving pelvic nerves (PN) and inferior mesenteric ganglia (IMG), and placed in a tissue bath. Fecal pellet propagation was conducted during PN and IMG stimulation at 10 Hz, 0.5 ms and 5 V. Distal colon was connected to a closed circuit system, and colonic motor responses were measured during PN and IMG stimulation. Results PN stimulation increased pellet velocity to 24.6 ± 0.7 mm/sec (n = 20), while IMG stimulation decreased it to 2.0 ± 0.2 mm/sec (n = 12), compared to controls (13.0 ± 0.7 mm/sec, P < 0.01). In closed circuit experiments, PN stimulation increased the intraluminal pressure, which was abolished by atropine (10−6 M) and hexamethonium (10−4 M). PN stimulation reduced the incidence of non-coordinated contractions induced by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10−4 M). IMG stimulation attenuated intraluminal pressure increase, which was partially reversed by alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist (yohimbine; 10−6 M). Conclusions PN and IMG input determine speed of pellet progression and peristaltic reflex of the guinea pig distal colon. The stimulatory effects of PN involve nicotinic, muscarinic and nitrergic pathways. The inhibitory effects of IMG stimulation involve alpha-2 adrenoceptors.
Transformational leadership,workplace spirituality and employee well-being : a mixed method study

Transformational Leadership, Workplace Spirituality and Employee Weil-Being: A Mixed-Method Study By Margaret C. McKee This thesis explores empirical relationships between three phenomena in a health care organization, namely transformational leadership, workplace spirituality and employee well-being. A mixed method research program was developed and implemented in the form of three studies. In the first study, multilevel modeling was used to analyze survey data from a sample of 273 health care workers and test a proposed mediation model. As hypothesized, regression and mediation analyses revealed the effects of transformational leadership on employees' emotional and spiritual well-being were fully mediated by workplace spirituality. In the second study, a field experiment with 243 health care workers in the same organization was used to test the longitudinal effects of a training intervention related to transformational leadership. Again, multilevel analyses were used to analyze survey data collected at two time intervals, with a three month time lapse, and demonstrated a significant main effect of training. As in the first study, subsequent regression and mediation analyses demonstrated support for the hypothesized mediation model, but only relative to employees' emotional well-being. In the final qualitative study, in-depth interviews were used to explore the experiences of a select group of seven leaders who had participated in the training study and experienced the greatest increases in mean leadership ratings. This study revealed a definite focus on two dimensions of transformational leadership behaviour, namely individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation. The interviews also revealed that the challenges faced by leaders implementing their goals were both personal and organizational. Participants identified numerous benefits from their training, including increased communication, improved collaboration and, in some cases, better work group relations. Based on the findings of all three studies, a research agenda is proposed to explore in greater detail various aspects of these findings. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Extending the two‐stage information systems continuance model: incorporating UTAUT predictors and the role of context

This study presents two extensions to the two‐stage expectation‐confirmation theory of information systems (IS) continuance. First, we expand the belief set from perceived usefulness in the original IS continuance model to include three additional predictors identified in the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, namely effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. Second, we ground the IS continuance model in the context of transactional systems that involve transmission of personal and sensitive information and include trust as a key contextual belief in the model. To test the expanded IS continuance model, we conducted a longitudinal field study of 3159 Hong Kong citizens across two electronic government (e‐government) technologies that enable citizens' access to government services. In general, the results support the expanded model that provides a rich understanding of the changes in the pre‐usage beliefs and attitudes through the emergent constructs of disconfirmation and satisfaction, ultimately influencing IS continuance intention. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the expanded model.
A multiple beam management scheme on 5G mobile communication systems for supporting high mobility

Due to the consistently increasing data traffic, current fourth generation (4G) mobile communication systems have been rapidly congested. To accommodate the emerging data traffic, the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems have been developed based on the introduction of millimeter-wave bands and adoption of beamforming and massive antenna structure. However, due to the structural features of the 5G mobile communication systems operating a lot of narrow beams, it is difficult for high-speed mobile users to provide stable service environments. Therefore, In this paper, we propose a novel handover and radio resource management concept for overcoming the limitations. Our simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can improve performances of the users with high mobility.
The Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Primary Care Setting: A Swiss Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often remains clinically silent and therefore undiagnosed until a progressed stage is reached. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of CKD in a primary care setting in Switzerland. A multicenter, cross-sectional study with randomly selected general practitioners was performed. Adults visiting their general physician’s cabinet during defined periods were asked to participate. Baseline information was reported on a questionnaire, urine and blood samples were analyzed in a central laboratory. Renal status was assessed using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. Extrapolation of results to national level was adjusted for age and gender. One thousand individuals (57% females) with a mean age of 57±17 years were included. Overall, 41% of the patients had normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), whereas 36% of the subjects had slightly reduced excretory renal function with physiological albuminuria based on normal ACR. Almost one fourth of the subjects (23%) had either a substantially reduced eGFR or high levels of ACR. About 10% of the patients had a substantially reduced eGFR of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 17% showed relevant proteinuria (ACR >30 mg/g creatinine). Extrapolation to national level suggests that about 18% of primary care patients may suffer from CKD. CKD prevalence in a primary care population is therefore high, and preventive interventions may be advisable, in particular as CKD prevalence is likely to rise over the next decades.
Human Pupillary Dilation Response to Deviant Auditory Stimuli: Effects of Stimulus Properties and Voluntary Attention

A unique sound that deviates from a repetitive background sound induces signature neural responses, such as mismatch negativity and novelty P3 response in electro-encephalography studies. Here we show that a deviant auditory stimulus induces a human pupillary dilation response (PDR) that is sensitive to the stimulus properties and irrespective whether attention is directed to the sounds or not. In an auditory oddball sequence, we used white noise and 2000-Hz tones as oddballs against repeated 1000-Hz tones. Participants' pupillary responses were recorded while they listened to the auditory oddball sequence. In Experiment 1, they were not involved in any task. Results show that pupils dilated to the noise oddballs for approximately 4 s, but no such PDR was found for the 2000-Hz tone oddballs. In Experiments 2, two types of visual oddballs were presented synchronously with the auditory oddballs. Participants discriminated the auditory or visual oddballs while trying to ignore stimuli from the other modality. The purpose of this manipulation was to direct attention to or away from the auditory sequence. In Experiment 3, the visual oddballs and the auditory oddballs were always presented asynchronously to prevent residuals of attention on to-be-ignored oddballs due to the concurrence with the attended oddballs. Results show that pupils dilated to both the noise and 2000-Hz tone oddballs in all conditions. Most importantly, PDRs to noise were larger than those to the 2000-Hz tone oddballs regardless of the attention condition in both experiments. The overall results suggest that the stimulus-dependent factor of the PDR appears to be independent of attention.
Spreading code assignment in an ad hoc DS-CDMA wireless network

In this paper, we examine the problem of optimal spreading code assignment in an ad hoc DS-CDMA wireless network. The problem is formulated in two ways, with the optimization criteria being minimizing the congestion measure, and minimizing the total consumed power, respectively. Either formulation is converted to an optimization of the weighted total squared cross-correlation (WTSC), after some mathematical simplification. We then devise algorithms to reach some local minima of the optimization. Simulation results show significant reduction in the network congestion measure and power consumption, compared with random code allocation.
Vocal resonance as a passive biometric

We anticipate the advent of body-area networks of pervasive wearable devices, whether for health monitoring, personal assistance, entertainment, or home automation. In our vision, the user can simply wear the desired set of devices, and they “just work”; no conﬁguration is needed, and yet they discover each other, recognize that they are on the same body, conﬁgure a secure communications channel, and identify the user to which they are attached. This paper addresses a method to achieve the latter, that is, for a wearable device to identify the wearer, allowing sensor data to be properly labeled or personalized behavior to be properly achieved. We use vocal resonance , that is, the sound of the person’s voice as it travels through the person’s body. By collecting voice samples from a small wearable microphone, our method allows the device to determine whether (a) the speaker is indeed the expected person, and (b) the microphone device is physically on the speaker’s body. We collected data from 25 subjects, demonstrate the feasibility of a prototype, and show that our method works with 77% accuracy when a threshold is chosen a priori .
MATERNAL GRANDMOTHERS AS CHILD CARE PROVIDERS FOR RURAL, LOW-INCOME MOTHERS

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of forty-two rural, low-income mothers who utilized their own mothers for routine child care. A life course perspective was used to explore mothers’ perceptions of their child care arrangement and the influence of the adult daughter–older mother relational context. Results focus on the benefits and weaknesses of child care provided by grandmothers and the influence of the relationship between participants and their mothers on this care arrangement. The analysis has implications for research, support programming, and public policy.
Students' Beliefs about Barriers to Engagement with Writing in Secondary School English: A Focus Group Study

This paper presents findings about student beliefs regarding the barriers they face in engaging with writing tasks in English. The participants were 28 Year 10 English students from two Auckland secondary schools. The students represented engaged writers and reluctant writers from the two schools. Results suggest that interest in a topic and the perceived relevance of the task to the student is the main factor influencing engagement. Other findings suggest that reluctant writers are more likely to be influenced by teacher, self-belief, and knowledge and skill factors than engaged writers, who are more likely to want choice and control over their writing. Some gender differences also appeared; in particular girls appeared to be more aware of the influence of self-belief factors on engagement, and reluctant girls were particularly influenced by teacher factors. This study informs English teachers of factors that are important in improving the engagement of students in writing tasks.
High-Energy Properties of PKS 1830–211

We report an analysis of X-ray and γ-ray observations of PKS 1830–211, based on long-term campaigns carried out by INTEGRAL and COMPTEL. The INTEGRAL data currently available provide a 33 σ significance detection in the 20-100 keV band, while the COMPTEL 6 yr data provide a 5.2 σ significance detection in the 1-3 MeV energy band. In hard X-rays, INTEGRAL and supplementary Swift observations show flux variability on timescales of months. In γ-rays, the source shows persistent emission over years. The hard X-ray spectrum is well represented by a power-law model, with Γ ~ 1.3 in the 20-250 keV band. This photon index is consistent with a previous report of Γ ~ 1.3 obtained at E > 3.5 keV from XMM-Newton data fitted with a broken power law model. The joint XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL spectrum presented here is thus fitted with a broken power law model; the parameters are refined as compared with the previous fit. The results show that the photon index changes from ~1.0 to ~1.3 at a break energy of ~4 keV. At MeV energies, the spectrum softens to Γ ~ 2.2. These results, together with an EGRET measurement at E ≥ 100 MeV, constitute a broadband spectrum containing the peak of the power output at MeV energies, similar to most high-luminosity γ-ray blazars. The measured spectral characteristics are discussed in the framework of gravitational lensing effects.