Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Unsupervised Video Summarization with Diversity-Representativeness Reward

Video summarization aims to facilitate large-scale video browsing by producing short, concise summaries that are diverse and representative of original videos. In this paper, we formulate video summarization as a sequential decision-making process and develop a deep summarization network (DSN) to summarize videos. DSN predicts for each video frame a probability, which indicates how likely a frame is selected, and then takes actions based on the probability distributions to select frames, forming video summaries. To train our DSN, we propose an end-to-end, reinforcement learning-based framework, where we design a novel reward function that jointly accounts for diversity and representativeness of generated summaries and does not rely on labels or user interactions at all. During training, the reward function judges how diverse and representative the generated summaries are, while DSN strives for earning higher rewards by learning to produce more diverse and more representative summaries. Since labels are not required, our method can be fully unsupervised. Extensive experiments on two benchmark datasets show that our unsupervised method not only outperforms other state-of-the-art unsupervised methods, but also is comparable to or even superior than most of published supervised approaches.
The Immediate and Short‐Term Effect of Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Repolarization in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Objectives: The primary objective was to assess the immediate and short‐term impact of successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on QT dispersion (QT disp) and corrected QT dispersion (QTc disp). Secondarily, the impact of PCI on QT and QTc disp within different infarct‐related arteries and the impact of successful PCI in these different arteries were evaluated.
Short Selling around Dividend Announcements and Ex-Dividend Days

We examine short selling around dividend announcements and ex-dividend dates. Contrary to our initial expectation, we do not find abnormally high short-selling activity prior to announced dividend decreases, which runs counter to the argument that short sellers have the ability to acquire private information before its public dissemination. However, we find that the common negative relation between current short selling and future daily returns prior to unfavorable dividend announcements is similar to the negative relation during non-event times, suggesting that dividend announcements do not provide unusual trading opportunities for informed traders (Gonedes, 1978, and Benartzi et al., 1997). Around ex-dividend dates, we do find abnormal short selling, which may be explained by the return pattern around ex-dividend days documented by Lakonishok and Vermaelen (1986), who suggest that demand for a particular stock by dividend capture traders drives stock prices above their fundamental value thus providing a profitable trading opportunity for short sellers. Consistent with this conjecture, we find that both the level of short selling and the return predictability of short selling is markedly higher on and after the ex-dividend day than during non-event times.
An Evaluation of the Demand for Telework and Smart Work Centres in Rural Areas: A Case Study from Latvia

Abstract Rural territories face significant challenges in a globalised world as the number of jobs in traditional rural sectors are decreasing. At the same time, information and communication technologies as well as the changes in professional duties allow the rural community to participate in the knowledge economy distantly. In order to evaluate the potential of telework 1335 inhabitants (0.07% of the population) were surveyed in Latvia. A detailed analysis was conducted in two rural municipalities (Balvi and Limbazi) that face different socio-economic challenges. The results of the survey show a high demand for telework in Latvia rather insensitive to the gender, age and the place of residence of the respondents. People in less populated areas are also interested in socialising and professional networking activities in smart work centres - special premises for teleworking. Kopsavilkums Mūsdienu globalizētajā pasaulē lauku teritorijas saskaras ar būtiskiem izaicinājumiem, jo darbavietu skaits tradicionālajās lauku nozarēs samazinās. Tai pašā laikā informācijas un komunikāciju tehnoloģijas, kā arī pārmaiņas darba saturā un organizācijā ļauj lauku kopienām piedalīties zināšanu ekonomikā attālināti. Lai novērtētu attālinātā darba potenciālu, tika aptaujāti 1335 jeb 0,07% Latvijas iedzīvotāju. Detalizēta aptaujas rezultātu analīze tika veikta divās lauku pašvaldībās (Balvos un Limbažos), kas saskaras ar atšķirīgiem sociālekonomiskajiem izaicinājumiem. Aptaujas rezultāti liecina, ka Latvijā ir augsts pieprasījums pēc teledarba iespējām, kas saglabājās līdzvērtīgs neatkarīgi no respondentu dzimuma, vecuma un dzīvesvietas. Cilvēki mazāk apdzīvotos reģionos ir arī ieinteresēti socializēšanās un profesionālas tīklošanās aktivitātēs attālinātā darba centros - telpās, kas veidotas teledarba veikšanai.
Poland under Economic Crisis Conditions

Abstract Poland is perceived as the European Union (EU) country that copes very well with the consequences of the crisis that started in late 2008. This is corroborated by statistical data related to, among others, economic growth and unemployment rate. This article provides analyses of Poland's responses to the two phases of the crisis so far. It attempts to identify the determinant factors that helped Poland avoid adverse consequences of the crisis and to answer the question whether the priorities adopted in the two phases thereof differ. In particular, the article ventures an analysis of the impact of Poland's membership in the EU on its economic situation. The undertaken analyses have been supplemented with the description and evaluation of the major instruments applied by the Polish government in the period 2009–13 and presentation of the economic and social situation in this regard. The article also verifies the thesis of Poland's good economic standing. On the basis thereof, conclusions for future development scenarios have been drawn up.
Resurrection of Scolopendra longipes Wood and Scolopendra cubensis Saussure from synonymy with Scolopendra alternans Leach (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae): an enigmatic species-group needing phylogeographic analysis, with an overview on the origin and distribution of centipedes in the

Resurrection of Scolopendra longipes Wood, 1862, and Scolopendra cubensis Saussure, 1860, from junior synonymy with Scolopendra alternans Leach, 1815, is proposed. A neotype specimen of Scolopendra longipes is designated. Scolopendra longipes has a restricted range from the Dry Tortugas up through the Florida Keys of Monroe County into the mainland Florida counties of Collier and Dade southeast to the Bahamas, while Scolopendra cubensis is endemic to Cuba. Characters distinguishing S. longipes, and S. cubensis from S. alternans are illustrated and compared using digital photography, micrography and morphometric data. It is suggested that what has been considered Scolopendra alternans from southern Florida through the Caribbean and into northern South America is probably an evolving species-group that has undergone major diversification sometime during the Paleocene and early Eocene ~65.5-50 million years ago (Ma), mainly due to geographic isolation caused by a combination of plate tectonics and 100,000 year cycles of glaciation/deglaciation.
Microwave Near-Field Focusing Properties of Width-Tapered Microstrip Leaky-Wave Antenna

The possibility of microwave near-field focusing using a simple width-tapered microstrip leaky-wave antenna is theoretically and experimentally proven in this paper. The design procedure to obtain the modulation of the microstrip width along the antenna length is described, illustrating the conditions and limitations for optimum focusing at a certain focal point and using a given substrate. A 7.5 λ0 -long microstrip lens is designed to operate at 15 GHz, and its focusing properties are studied. An array of two in-phase microstrip lenses located front-to-front is proposed to obtain a symmetric focusing pattern with higher spatial resolution. Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate the optimum synthesis of a focusing region with focal length of 3 λ0, presenting focal width of only 0.33 λ0 , and focal depth of 1.25 λ0. Finally, it is reported the frequency focus-scanning performance in the range 14-17 GHz. All these features make the proposed microstrip lens a simpler alternative solution to focused planar phased-arrays.
Assessing the Regional Impact of Grants on FDI Location: Evidence from U.K. Regional Policy, 1985–2005

The paper implements a methodology for assessing the regional impact of investment grants on foreign direct investment (FDI) location, taking data for U.K. regional policy over the period 1985–2005. Using a Generalized Methods of Moments estimator it finds that each £25 million of grant changes the regional location of about six inward FDI projects. On average, projects have 150 jobs and each job diverted costs £27,500 (1995 prices). It also finds that the size of the area designated for grants has a positive location effect. The effect is small in relation to the overall scale of FDI, which may explain the weak grant effect found in recent plant‐based location studies.
Diagnosis of partial androgen deficiency in the aging male.

From the age of 30 yrs on, the (free) testosterone [(F)T] levels decrease continuously with age, mean total T level at age 70 yrs, being only 2/3rds of the mean level at age 25 yrs, whereas mean FT level is only 40% of the mean level in young adults. However, inter-individual variations are wide and whereas at least 30% of men over age 70 yrs have clearly subnormal (F)T levels, 20% have still levels in the upper range of values in young men. Aging in males is accompanied by a series of signs and symptoms, reminiscent of androgen deficiency in young adults, such as decrease in muscle mass and strength, increase in abdominal, mainly visceral, fat with insulin resistance and atherogenic lipid profile, decrease in libido and sexual hair, osteopenia, decrease in cognitive performances, insomnia, excessive sweating and decrease in general well-being, and it is tempting to relate these symptoms to the age associated decrease in androgen levels, the more that often a significant, albeit generally weak, correlation of these symptoms with the (F)T levels is observed. Moreover, the preliminary data suggest favourable effects of androgen supplementation in the elderly. The decrease in (F)T levels is, however, only one of the factors responsible for the signs and symptoms of the aging male which have a multifactorial origin. Hence, the diagnosis of androgen deficiency in elderly men should be based on both the clinical symptomatology and the biochemistry, i.e. decreased (F)T levels, the latter being defined, more or less arbitrary, as levels below the lowest 1% of levels in young healthy males.
DETERMINANTS OF TRADE AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT: FURTHER EVIDENCE*

A LTHOUGH considerable progress has ,Albeen made analytically and empirically within the last few years in better understanding the factors that determine the commodity composition of a country's international trade, there still remain many unresolved questions. There is widespread agreement, however, that a simple two-factor (capital and labor) version of the Heckscher-Ohlin theory is inadequate. Such assumptions of this traditional theory as identical production functions among countries for identical commodities, the homogeneity of labor supplies, constant returns to scale, and the international immobility of productive factors seem to be sufficiently violated in the actual world so that relative proportions of capital and labor are but one of several factors influencing the commodity pattern of trade. Nevertheless, the simple factor proportions theory has not been thoroughly tested against the trade patterns of large numbers of countries.1 Perhaps the high proportion of seemingly paradoxical results from tests made on the trade of a limited number of countries is due to the nonrepresentativeness of the sample selected. The comparatively few country tests are also insufficient to indicate clearly just what the relative importance and degree of generality is of elements other than physical capital and labor as determinants of the commodity structure of trade, e.g., research effort providing technological leadership to a country and relative supplies of human capital. Another subject on which there is inadequate knowledge concerns the determinants of the commodity pattern of direct foreign investment. Are they the same as those that determine commodity trade? Moreover, what is the relationship between trade and direct foreign investment? The purpose of this paper is to present additional empirical findings that relate to these questions in the trade and investment area. More specifically, the value of capital per worker that is embodied in exports versus import-competing production is estimated for some 35 countries using capital/labor industry coefficients and sectoral input-output coefficients based, alternatively, on United States, European Economic Community (EEC), and Japanese production data. These direct and indirect factor content ratios are then compared with a measure of the relative capital/labor endowments ratios in the countries. Utilizing U.S. measures, the relative importance of human capital, economies of scale, and research and development activities is also ascertained. The analysis of direct foreign investment is based on U.S. data and consists of relating such industry characteristics as capital/ labor ratios, skill and educational levels and the height of tariffs and transportation costs that protect a domestic industry to the ratio of direct foreign investment to total investment in an industry.
Endosonography‐guided fine needle aspiration cytology of intra‐abdominal lymph nodes with unknown primary in a tuberculosis endemic region

Background and Aim: Intra‐abdominal lymphadenopathy poses a diagnostic and management challenge in highly endemic regions for tuberculosis. Opting for empirical anti‐tuberculosis treatment raises the risk of wrong or delayed treatment. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is the procedure of choice for tissue acquisition from peri‐luminal lymph nodes. We studied the utility of EUS‐FNA in evaluating intra‐abdominal lymph nodes of unknown etiology, in the setting of high endemicity of tuberculosis.
Characterization and Potential Recovery of Household Solid Waste in the City of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

This study on physical and physicochemical characteristics of household solid waste (HSW) in the city of Ouagadougou by using MODECOM, “Method of Characterization of Household waste” was done fifteen (15) years after the first study. Special attention has been paid to waste sampled and also to estimate energy content, namely the higher heating value (HHV) and the lower heating value (LHV). As a general tendency, the results showed a sensitive evolution in the physical parameters of waste (composition by size and composition by category) and also in the physicochemical parameters (moisture content and energy content). The results of HSW composition study showed that regardless the seasons, fermentable fraction is dominant (39% in the rainy season and 20% in the dry season) followed by plastics (18% in the rainy season and 20% in the dry season). The moisture content is measured to be 56.69% and 37.69% respectively in the rainy season and dry season. The results analysis of the potential of recovery showed that the organic recovery is more important (60% in the rainy season and 55% in the dry season) than the matter recovery (43% in the rainy season and 46% in the dry season). These results highlight the need for organic recovery and matter recovery of HSW in the city of Ouagadougou. The results from the analysis of the energy content showed that the HHV is estimated to be 17.94 MJ/kg in the rainy season and 17.96 MJ/kg in the dry season. The LHV is calculated to be 6.38 MJ/kg in the rainy season and 10.27 MJ/kg in the dry season. These results suggest that incineration as treatment of HSW in the city of Ouagadougou is not economically an appropriate option.
Algorithmic Approach for Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2) Gene Testing in Patients With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) testing is indicated for patients with numerous clinical presentations, including Rett syndrome (classic and atypical), unexplained neonatal encephalopathy, Angelman syndrome, nonspecific mental retardation, autism (females), and an X-linked family history of developmental delay. Because of this complexity, a gender-specific approach for comprehensive MECP2 gene testing is described. Briefly, sequencing of exons 1 to 4 of MECP2 is recommended for patients with a Rett syndrome phenotype, unexplained neonatal encephalopathy, an Angelman syndrome phenotype (with negative 15q11-13 analysis), nonspecific mental retardation, or autism (females). Additional testing for large-scale MECP2 deletions is recommended for patients with Rett syndrome or Angelman syndrome phenotypes (with negative 15q11-13 analysis) following negative sequencing. Alternatively, testing for large-scale MECP2 duplications is recommended for males presenting with mental retardation, an X-linked family history of developmental delay, and a significant proportion of previously described clinical features (particularly a history of recurrent respiratory infections).
Experimental Induction of Fluconazole Resistance in Candida tropicalis ATCC 750

ABSTRACT Candida tropicalis is less commonly isolated from clinical specimens than Candida albicans. UnlikeC. albicans, which can be occasionally found as a commensal, C. tropicalis is almost always associated with the development of fungal infections. In addition, C. tropicalis has been reported to be resistant to fluconazole (FLC). To analyze the development of FLC resistance in C. tropicalis, an FLC-susceptible strain (ATCC 750) (MIC = 1.0 μg/ml) was cultured in liquid medium containing increasing FLC concentrations from 8.0 to 128 μg/ml. The strain developed variable degrees of FLC resistance which paralleled the concentrations of FLC used in the medium. The highest MICs of FLC were 16, 256, and 512 μg/ml for strains grown in medium with 8.0, 32, and 128 μg of FLC per ml, respectively. Development of resistance was rapid and could be observed already after a single subculture in azole-containing medium. The resistant strains were cross-resistant to itraconazole (MIC > 1.0 μg/ml) and terbinafine (MIC > 512 μg/ml) but not to amphotericin B. Isolates grown in FLC at concentrations of 8.0 and 32 μg/ml reverted to low MICs (1.0 μg/ml) after 12 and 11 passages in FLC-free medium, respectively. The MIC for one isolate grown in FLC (128 μg/ml) (128 R) reverted to 16 μg/ml but remained stable over 60 passages in FLC-free medium. Azole-resistant isolates revealed upregulation of two different multidrug efflux transporter genes: the major facilitators gene MDR1 and the ATP-binding cassette transporter CDR1. The development of FLC resistance in vitro correlated well with the results obtained in an experimental model of disseminated candidiasis. While FLC given at 10 mg/kg of body weight/day was effective in reducing the fungal burden of mice infected with the parent strain, the same dosing regimen was ineffective in mice infected with strain 128 R. Finally, the acquisition of in vitro FLC resistance in strain 128 R was related to a loss of virulence. The results of our study elucidate important characteristics and potential mechanisms of FLC resistance in C. tropicalis.
Energy Shocks and Financial Markets

This study analyzes the information transmission mechanism linking oil futures with stock prices, where we examine the lead and lag cross-correlations of returns in one market with the others. We investigate the dynamic interactions between oil futures prices traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and U.S. stock prices, which allows us to examine the effects of energy shocks on financial markets. In particular, we examine the extent to which these markets are contemporaneously correlated, with particular attention paid to the association of oil price indexes with the SP 12 major industry stock price indices and 3 individual oil company stock price series. We also examine the extent to which price changes or returns in one market dynamically lead returns in the others and whether volatility spillover effects exist across these markets. Using VAR model estimates for various time series of returns we find that petroleum industry stock index and our three oil company stocks are the only series where we can reject the null hypothesis that oil futures do not lead Treasury Bill rates and stock returns, while we can reject the hypothesis that oil futures lag these other two series. Finally, the return volatility evidence for oil futures leading individual oil company stocks is much weaker than is the evidence for returns themselves.
Sensitization Prevalence for Benzalkonium Chloride and Benzethonium Chloride

BackgroundBenzalkonium chloride (BAK) and benzethonium chloride (BEC) are well-characterized skin irritants and rare sensitizers, but optimal testing for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is not established. ObjectiveSensitization prevalence was sought, and several patch testing concentrations and vehicles were compared. MethodsOne hundred forty-two patients tested to the standard screening series for evaluation of dermatitis consented to additional tests including BAK 0.15% aqueous (aq), BAK 0.15% petrolatum (pet), BEC 0.15% aq, and BEC 0.5% aq. Follow-up to assess clinical relevancy included early and late patch test reads, 1-month clinical follow-up, and long-term phone calls. Patients were categorized as definite, possible, or unlikely to have ACD to BAK and/or BEC. ResultsAtopy was not associated with patch test reactions (P = 0.154). Seventy-five percent (6/8) of the patients with possible ACD to BAK had coreactions with BEC. Testing to both BAK 0.15% pet and 0.15% aq would have identified 91% of those with possible ACD to BAK, twice as many than if only BAK 0.1% aq from the standard series was used. ConclusionSensitization to BAK and BEC, although rare, does occur. Weak and morphologically irritant reactions at day 7 reading can be relevant. We recommend testing to BAK 0.15% aq and 0.15% pet to increase sensitivity and having patients undergo long-term follow-up.