Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Person Re-identification by Salience Matching

Human salience is distinctive and reliable information in matching pedestrians across disjoint camera views. In this paper, we exploit the pair wise salience distribution relationship between pedestrian images, and solve the person re-identification problem by proposing a salience matching strategy. To handle the misalignment problem in pedestrian images, patch matching is adopted and patch salience is estimated. Matching patches with inconsistent salience brings penalty. Images of the same person are recognized by minimizing the salience matching cost. Furthermore, our salience matching is tightly integrated with patch matching in a unified structural Rank SVM learning framework. The effectiveness of our approach is validated on the VIPeR dataset and the CUHK Campus dataset. It outperforms the state-of-the-art methods on both datasets.
Phase I Study of Alternate-Week Administration of Tipifarnib in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Purpose: To determine the safety and describe the antitumor activity of tipifarnib in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) using an alternate-week schedule. Experimental Design: Patients with MDS were given tipifarnib, escalating from 100 mg orally twice daily until the maximum tolerated dose for 8 weeks followed by maintenance therapy (same dose/schedule) for patients with stable disease or better. Results: Sixty-three patients were treated. The most common toxicity was myelosuppression (60% of patients). Twenty percent of patients had no side effects. Nonhematologic toxicities included fatigue (20%), skin rash (9%), diarrhea (16%), increase in liver transaminases (14%) and bilirubin (11%), and nausea (11%). Dose-limiting toxicities of ataxia (n = 1), fatigue (n = 1), nausea (n = 1), and neutropenic fever (n = 2) occurred at tipifarnib doses above 1,200 mg/d. Sixteen of 61 (26%) evaluable patients responded (3 complete remissions and 13 hematologic improvements) with major platelet responses being most common (11 of 16 responders). There was no obvious dose-response relationship. Four of the 16 responders (25%; including a complete responder) were treated at the lowest dose level (100 mg twice daily). Only one responder had a Ras mutation. Giving tipifarnib resulted in potent inhibition of farnesyl transferase (usually more than 75%) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells regardless of dose. Partial farnesyl transferase inhibition persisted during the week off. Conclusions: Alternate-week tipifarnib is active and well tolerated in patients with MDS at doses up to and including 600 mg orally twice daily. The biological activity of tipifarnib is not dependent on dose.
Perceptions of waiting time in different service queues

This paper investigates the extent to which there is a gap between customers' perception of waiting time compared with actual waiting times; and whether this gap varies according to service context. It also investigates a new proposition that customers’ perception of time available for the service influences their perception of wait time. A field study collected 455 actual and perceived customer waiting times in a single queue single server system from a retail grocery store, cafeteria, post office, bus stop and vegetable market. Results showed that perceptions can be significantly greater than actual waiting time across the study; there was no correlation to the service context; and perception varied inversely to the time available.
Reconstructing Gene Regulatory Networks with Bayesian Networks by Combining Expression Data with Multiple Sources of Prior Knowledge

There have been various attempts to reconstruct gene regulatory networks from microarray expression data in the past. However, owing to the limited amount of independent experimental conditions and noise inherent in the measurements, the results have been rather modest so far. For this reason it seems advisable to include biological prior knowledge, related, for instance, to transcription factor binding locations in promoter regions or partially known signalling pathways from the literature. In the present paper, we consider a Bayesian approach to systematically integrate expression data with multiple sources of prior knowledge. Each source is encoded via a separate energy function, from which a prior distribution over network structures in the form of a Gibbs distribution is constructed. The hyperparameters associated with the different sources of prior knowledge, which measure the influence of the respective prior relative to the data, are sampled from the posterior distribution with MCMC. We have evaluated the proposed scheme on the yeast cell cycle and the Raf signalling pathway. Our findings quantify to what extent the inclusion of independent prior knowledge improves the network reconstruction accuracy, and the values of the hyperparameters inferred with the proposed scheme were found to be close to optimal with respect to minimizing the reconstruction error.
Stem M ean Pooling Softm ax “ Laptop ”

Neural architectures are the foundation for improving performance of deep neural networks (DNNs). This paper presents deep compositional grammatical architectures which harness the best of two worlds: grammar models and DNNs. The proposed architectures integrate compositionality and reconfigurability of the former and the capability of learning rich features of the latter in a principled way. We utilize AND-OR Grammar (AOG) [55, 75, 74] as network generator in this paper and call the resulting networks AOGNets. An AOGNet consists of a number of stages each of which is composed of a number of AOG building blocks. An AOG building block splits its input feature map into N groups along feature channels and then treat it as a sentence of N words. It then jointly realizes a phrase structure grammar and a dependency grammar in bottom-up parsing the “sentence” for better feature exploration and reuse. It provides a unified framework for the best practices developed in state-of-the-art DNNs. In experiments, AOGNet is tested in the CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100 and ImageNet-1K classification benchmark and the MSCOCO object detection and segmentation benchmark. In CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100 and ImageNet-1K, AOGNet obtains better performance than ResNet [23] and most of its variants, ResNeXt [66] and its attention based variants such as SENet [27], DenseNet [29] and DualPathNet [7]. AOGNet also obtains the best model interpretability score using network dissection [4]. AOGNet further shows better potential in adversarial defense. In MS-COCO, AOGNet obtains better performance than the ResNet and ResNeXt backbones in Mask R-CNN [22].
Nonuniform sparse recovery with random convolutions

We discuss the use of random convolutions for Compressed Sensing applications. In particular, we will show that after convolving an N-dimensional, s-sparse signal with a Rademacher or Steinhaus sequence, it can be recovered via l1-minimization using only m ≳ s log(N/ε) arbitrary chosen samples with probability at least 1 - ε.
Removal of NF3 from semiconductor process flue gases by tandem packed bed plasma-adsorbent hybrid systems

This study focuses on NF/sub 3/ removal by a tandem hybrid system comprised by a BaTiO/sub 3/ packed-bed plasma reactor and adsorbent filter. Detailed plasma chemical kinetics in O/sub 2/-H/sub 2/-N/sub 2/-NF/sub 3/ gas mixture and by-product analysis are presented. The laboratory-scale atmospheric pressure packed-bed plasma reactor/adsorbent filter hybrid system for NF/sub 3/ removal is successfully demonstrated. A 100% removal efficiency is achieved by the hybrid system for 5000 ppm NF/sub 3/ and residence time less than 10 sec.
Oxygen Abundance of Open Cluster Dwarfs

We present oxygen abundances of dwarfs in the young open cluster IC 4665 deduced from the O I λ7774 triplet lines and of dwarfs in the open cluster Pleiades derived from the [O I] λ6300 forbidden line. Stellar parameters and oxygen abundances were derived using the spectroscopic synthesis tool SME (Spectroscopy Made Easy). We find a dramatic increase in the upper boundary of the O I triplet abundances with decreasing temperature in the dwarfs of IC 4665, consistent with the trend found by Schuler et al. in the open clusters Pleiades and M34 and to a less extent in the cool dwarfs of the Hyades by Schuler et al. and UMa by King & Schuler. By contrast, oxygen abundances derived from the [O I] λ6300 forbidden line for stars in the Pleiades and the Hyades from Schuler et al. are constant within the errors. Possible mechanisms that may lead a varying oxygen triplet line abundance are examined, including systematic errors in the stellar parameter determinations, the NLTE effects, surface activities, and granulation. The age-related stellar surface activities (especially the chromospheric activities) are suggested by our analysis to be responsible for the large spreads of oxygen triplet line abundances.
Non-thermal emission from microquasar/ISM interaction

Context. The interaction of microquasar jets with their environment can produce non-thermal radiation as is the case for extragalactic outflows impacting on their surroundings. Observational ev idences of jet/medium interactions in galactic microquasars have been collected in the past years, although few theoretical work has been done regarding the resulting non-thermal emission. Aims. In this work we investigate the non-thermal emission produced in the interaction between microquasar jets and their environment, and the physical conditions for its production. Methods. We have developed an analytical model based on those successfully applied to extragalactic sources. The jet is taken to b e a supersonic and mildly relativistic hydrodynamical outflow . We focus on the jet/shocked medium structure when being in its adiabatic phase, and assume that it grows in a self-similar way. We calculate the fluxes and spectra of the radiation produced via syn chrotron, Inverse Compton and relativistic Bremsstrahlung processes by electrons accelerated in strong shocks. A hydrodynamical simulation is also performed to further investigate the jet interaction w ith the environment and check the physical parameters used in the analytical model. Results. For reasonable values of the magnetic field, and using typica l values for the external matter density, the non-thermal pa rticles could produce significant amounts of radiation at di fferent wavelengths, although they do not cool mainly via radiative channels but through adiabatic losses. The physical conditions of the analytical jet/medium interaction model are consistent with those found in the hydrodynamical simulation. Conclusions. Microquasar jet termination regions could be detectable at radio wavelengths for current instruments sensitive to∼ arcminute scales. At X-rays, the expected luminosities are moderate, although the emitter is more compact than the radio one. The source may be detectable by XMM-Newton or Chandra, with 1‐10 arcseconds of angular resolution. The radiation at gamma-ray energies may be within the detection limits of the next generation of satellite and ground-based instruments.
Powerful, obscured active galactic nuclei among X-ray hard, optically dim serendipitous Chandra sources

We present a small sample of Chandra X-ray sources selected from the fields of ACIS observations which probe fluxes around the break in the hard band source counts. The targets of these fields include nine nearby galaxy clusters, one distant cluster and two powerful radio galaxy fields. The follow-up of this serendipitous sample was biased towards X-ray hard and optically dim sources mostly not seen on the Digitized Sky Survey; for these, we present X-ray fluxes, optical and near-infrared photometry leading to 51 photometric redshifts in all and 18 independently measured spectroscopic redshifts. Few sources are associated with the target fields themselves. 56 of 58 sources imaged in the K-band are detected at K 20 with K median = 18, and of these, 38 have hard X-ray count ratios and 24 of these are significantly hard with most of the counts emerging about 2 keV. We find that almost all are active galactic nuclei (AGN) hosted in massive early-type host galaxies with a photometric redshift distribution peaking at z ∼ 1. Two type 2 quasars with intrinsic X-ray luminosity L 10 45 erg s −1 ,F e Kα emission lines and absorbing column density N H > 10 23 cm −2 ‐ and N H 10 24 cm −2 in one case ‐ are discussed in detail; the sample contains at least 12 potential type 2 quasars in all. We discuss various detection strategies for type 2 quasars and calculate their inferred space density. This combines and extends a number of results from subsamples already published by us.
Explorer The Benefits of Sometimes Not Being Discrete

Discrete representations of systems are usual in theoretical computer science and they have many benefits. Unfortunately they also suffer from the problem of state space explosion, sometimes termed the curse of dimensionality. In recent years, research has shown that there are cases in which we can reap the benefits of discrete representation during system description but then gain from more efficient analysis by approximating the discrete system by a continuous one. This paper will motivate this approach, explaining the theoretical foundations and their practical benefits.
The Continuum Conception of Exploration and Exploitation: An Update to March’s Theory

In his seminal 1991 publication, March illustrates the continuum conception of exploration and exploitation by an organizational learning metaphor. Exploration involves allocating resources to experimentation. Exploitation involves doing known things better and focusing on execution. In March’s formal model, members of an organization deploy their collective human capital and engage in learning activities to fashion organizational knowledge. Collective human capital (CHC) is constituted by the aggregate beliefs of members, some of which are correctly aligned with respect to an objective external reality while others are neutral or misaligned. Organizational knowledge—constituting the validated knowledge in an organization—resides in the databases, rules, forms, norms, operating procedures and other artifacts in an organization. March’s computational experiments pertaining to the continuum conception suggest that more exploration is always preferable over more exploitation. We demonstrate that the reverse holds true when the CHC available in an organization is somewhat lower than that assumed in March’s experiments. Our research indicates that a section of extant research is mistaken in assuming that March’s formal model for the continuum conception suggests an inverted U-shaped relation between the extent of exploration and organizational outcome. Instead, the level of CHC determines whether it is rewarding to focus on exploration or exploitation. Thus, the formal model supports managerial intentionality towards exploratory and exploitative innovation through appropriate choice of the level of CHC. We call for a new “balance” discussion, focusing on the determinants of the minimum level of the non-preferred activity from among exploration and exploitation.
Embodied Interaction: Exploring the Foundations of a New Approach to HCI

As we move towards the close of the millennium, it is perhaps not surprising that we take the “long view” and attempt to find, in the history of HCI, clues to its future. In that vein, this article focuses on the theoretical and foundational underpinnings of interactive system design and development. Drawing upon recent trends in interactive systems research, it proposes “embodiment” as the basis for a new foundational approach to HCI. Embodiment reflects both a physical presence in the world and a social embedding in a web of practices and purposes. After a review of the role that embodiment has played in philosophies of presence and action through the twentieth century, the outline of a new foundation for the design and analysis of interactive systems is presented.
Impact of diabetes screening on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE Diagnosis of a chronic illness can have a negative impact on patients' perception of their well-being ("labeling" effect). We sought to determine the effects of a new diagnosis of diabetes, discovered by systematic screening, on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 1 year after diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We performed diabetes screening at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center of 1,253 outpatients, aged 45-64 years, who did not report having diabetes. Our initial screen was a serum HbA(1c) measurement. All subjects with HbA(1c) > or = 6.0% were invited for follow-up measurement of blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose. A case of unrecognized diabetes was defined as HbA(1c) > or = 7.0% or fasting plasma glucose > or = 7 mmol/dl. HRQoL was measured by Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) for all patients at baseline and 1 year after enrollment. Linear multivariable models were used to determine the independent effect of the new diagnosis of diabetes on HRQoL. RESULTS Mean SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS) for all patients was 36.2, and mean Mental Component Score (MCS) was 49.6. A total of 56 patients (4.5%) were found to have diabetes at screening. Patients found to have diabetes at screening had mean PCS of 35.6, which was not different from a mean PCS of 36.3 for those patients found not to have diabetes (P = 0.67). After adjusting for baseline PCS values, PCS 1 year after screening was similar for patients with and without diabetes found at screening (P = 0.95). Similarly, patients found to have diabetes at screening had mean MCS of 48.8; those found not to have diabetes had MCS of 49.6 (P = 0.70). After adjusting for baseline MCS values, MCS 1 year after screening was also similar between the two groups (P = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS For patients with a new diagnosis of diabetes discovered through systematic screening, HRQoL is similar to patients found not to have diabetes. Furthermore, HRQoL scores remain stable over the year after screening. This suggests that screening for diabetes has minimal, if any, "labeling" effect with respect to HRQoL.
Oil price volatility and U.S. macroeconomic activity

Oil shocks exert influence on macroeconomic activity through various channels, many of which imply a symmetric effect. However, the effect can also be asymmetric. In particular, sharp oil price changes-either increases or decreases-may reduce aggregate output temporarily because they delay business investment by raising uncertainty or induce costly sectoral resource reallocation. Consistent with these asymmetric-effect hypotheses, the authors find that a volatility measure constructed using daily crude oil futures prices has a negative and significant effect on future gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the period 1984-2004. Moreover, the effect becomes more significant after oil price changes are also included in the regression to control for the symmetric effect. The evidence here provides economic rationales for Hamilton's (2003) nonlinear oil shock measure: It captures overall effects, both symmetric and asymmetric, of oil price shocks on output.
Adaptable Semi-Automated 3D Segmentation Using Deep Learning with Spatial Slice Propagation

Even with the recent advances of deep learning pushing the ﬁeld of medical image analysis further than ever before, progress is still slow due to limited availability of annotated data. There are multiple reasons for this, but perhaps the most prominent one is the amount of time manual annotation of medical images takes. In this project a semi-automated algorithm is proposed, approaching the segmentation problem in a slice by slice manner utilising the prediction of a previous slice as a prior for the next. This both allows the algorithm to segment entirely new cases and gives the user the ability to correct faulty slices, propagating the correction throughout. Results on par with current state of the art is achieved within the domain of the training data. In addition to this, cases outside of the training domain can also be segmented with some accuracy, paving the way for further improvement. The strategy for training the network to utilise auxiliary input lies in the heavy online data augmentation, forcing the network to rely on the provided prior.
Salidroside induces rat mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons that leads to a reduction in striatal dopamine (DA) levels. Replacing lost cells by transplanting dopaminergic neurons has potential value to repair the damaged brain. Salidroside (SD), a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from plant Rhodiola rosea, is neuroprotective. We examined whether salidroside can induce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into neuron‐like cells, and convert MSCs into dopamine neurons that can be applied in clinical use. Salidroside induced rMSCs to adopt a neuronal morphology, upregulated the expression of neuronal marker molecules, such as gamma neuronal enolase 2 (Eno2/NSE), microtubule‐associated protein 2 (Map2), and beta 3 class III tubulin (Tubb3/β‐tubulin III). It also increased expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNAs, and promoted the secretion of these growth factors. The expression of dopamine neurons markers, such as dopamine‐beta‐hydroxy (DBH), dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), was significantly upregulated after treatment with salidroside for 1–12 days. DA steadily increased after treatment with salidroside for 1–6 days. Thus salidroside can induce rMSCs to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons.
Firms' use of FTA schemes in exporting and importing: is there a two-way relationship?

In this paper, we examine the roles of firm size in the use of FTA schemes in exporting and importing. Also, it is investigated as to whether FTA users in importing (exporting) are more likely to use FTA schemes in exporting (importing). To do that, we employed a unique survey in which the detailed information on FTA use is available for Japanese affiliates in ASEAN. Our findings are summarized as follows. First, firm size matters in the use of FTA schemes only in exporting, not in importing. Second, the past experience of FTA use in exporting (importing) does not help firms use the FTA schemes in importing (exporting). Thus, it is necessary to assist firms to use FTA schemes in exporting even if they are already using FTA schemes in importing.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository Role of physical activity in regulating appetite and body fat

• This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: STENSEL, D.J., KING, J.A. and THACKRAY, A.E. , 2016. Role of physical activity in regulating appetite and body fat. Nutrition Bulletin, 41 (4), pp. 314-322, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi. org/10.1111/nbu.12234. This article may be used for noncommercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
Transformation of Agricultural Sector in Malaysia Through Agricultural Policy

Malaysia is a Federal constitutional monarchy located in South-east Asia. It comprises of 13 states, three federal territories and covers a total of 329, 847 square kilometers. Malaysia is divided into two land areas, West Malaysia and East Malaysia, both of which are separated by the South China Sea. Malaysia received its independency from the British on 31 August 1957. Before independence, Malaysia was known as Malaya.