Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding Visual Information: from Unsupervised Discovery to Minimal Effort Domain Adaptation

Visual data interpretation is a fascinating problem which has received an increasing attention in the last decades. Reasons for this growing trend can be found within multiple interconnected factors, such as the exponential growth of visual data (e.g. images and videos) availability, the consequent demand for an automatic way to interpret these data and the increase of computational power. In a supervised machine learning approach, a large effort within the research community has been devoted to the collection of training samples to be provided to the learning system, resulting in the generation of very large scale datasets. This has lead to remarkable performance advances in tasks such as scene recognition or object detection, however, at a considerable high cost in terms of human labeling effort. In light of the labeling cost issue, together with the dataset bias one, another significant research direction was headed towards developing methods for learning without or with a limited amount of training data, by leveraging instead on data properties like intrinsic redundancy, time constancy or commonalities shared among different domains. Our work is in line with this last type of approach. In particular, by covering different case scenarios - from dynamic crowded scenes to facial expression analysis - we propose a novel approach to overcome some of the state-of-the-art limitations. Based on the renowned bag of words (BoW) approach, we propose a novel method which achieves higher performances in tasks such as learning typical patterns of behaviors and anomalies discovery from complex scenes, by considering the similarity among visual words in the learning phase. We also show that including sparsity constraints can help dealing with noise which is intrinsic to low level cues extracted from complex dynamic scenes. Facing the so called dataset bias issue, we propose a novel method for adapting a classifier to a new unseen target user without the need of acquiring additional labeled samples. We prove the effectiveness of this method in the context of facial expression analysis showing that our method achieves higher or comparable performance to the state of the art, at a drastically reduced time cost.
Using the theory of planned behaviour to understand brand love

Purpose Brand love is perceived as one of the main objectives in brand management. Nevertheless, research into the factors influencing brand love are scarce. This paper aims to apply the theory of planned behaviour to the context of brand love and investigate the influence of several factors on brand love, including attitude towards loving a brand, subjective norm and perceived control factors, namely, the propensity to anthropomorphise and the affordability of the brand. Further, the influence of brand love on brand forgiveness is proven. Additionally, this research investigates the influence of involvement with the product category on the proposed relationship. Design/methodology/approach A survey (N = 274) was used to test the model in the context of fashion industry with the help of a convenience sample. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and (multi-group) structural equation modelling techniques assessed the proposed model. Findings Results show that the proposed model gives valuable insights to brand love, where involvement serves as a moderator. While the attitude towards loving a brand has a strong influence on brand love for both high and low involved consumers, affordability only plays a minor role for experiencing brand love. Subjective norm is found to facilitate brand love for high-involved consumers, while propensity to anthropomorphise leads to higher brand love for low involved consumers. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the applicability of the theory of planned behaviour to a consumer–brand relationship context. This adds to a deeper theoretical understanding of the managerially relevant construct of brand love. Further, the study demonstrates that brand lovers are more forgiving in times of disappointment. Introducing involvement into the research model provides valuable insights into the processes underlying brand love.
Assisted voluntary return and reintegration of migrants: A comparative approach

Both origin and destination countries support a wide range of policies and programs intended to facilitate sustainable voluntary return. Program criteria and conditions vary significantly, and it is not clear which settings are the most effective in enabling return, or promoting sustainable return and reintegration. A lack of accessible data and consensus on how to define and measure program effectiveness makes it more difficult to assess the impact of assisted voluntary return (Paasche, 2014). Program impact also varies across different types of migrants.
The Effect of Organisation Brand to Employee Engagement through Compensation and Benefit in Startup Business

The startup business in Indonesia has become a popular way recently. Especially for them who wants to begin their business empire. The business that run by the employee. Employee needs to bring with them the brand of the business because they have to feel the brand as their own identity. Some research find that the more engage the employee, the more productive they become. On the other side, compensation and benefit are also the factor to determine the engagement of the employee. This paper would like to tests the hypothesis that organisation brand is having some effect on employee engagement. The evidence collected from 30 employee on various startup business. The result shows that organisation brand have the effect on employee engagement, as well as the benefit but not with the compensation.
From art to science. The diagnosis and treatment of depression.

In a review of the past and current literature on the classification of depression as a psychiatric disorder, it is apparent that diagnosis and treatment go hand-in-hand. The original Kraepelinian concept of dividing depression by etiological factors into endogenous and exogenous has persisted so that modern thinking in psychiatry still espouses aspects of this in various guises. While the art of diagnosis and treatment may have declined, the science of diagnosis and treatment has made great strides with the advent of high-speed computers, sophisticated statistical analyses, and the birth of neuropsychopharmacology as a science. I will summarize my own work on the formulation of an operational definition of depression as a disorder, its application into a rating instrument, the various validity and reliability studies performed, as well as clinical application of the rating scale.
Outcomes and adherence in Syria's first smoking cessation trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of implementing cessation interventions in Syria. METHODS We randomized 50 smokers to either a brief or intensive behavioral cessation intervention. Adherence to treatment and cessation through 3 months postcessation were calculated. RESULTS Adherence in the intensive group was only moderate and was associated with smoking for more years and higher self-efficacy. Cessation rates in the brief and intensive intervention groups were 16% and 4%, respectively. Nicotine dependence predicted abstinence at 3 months. CONCLUSION Important barriers to cessation included perceived dependence, lack of access to pharmacotherapy, poor social support, and water pipe smoking.
Bone Mineral Density in Patients With Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Minimal Decrease of Bone Mineral Density With Aging

Study Design. Bone mineral density of individuals with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and that of normal people was determined by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Objectives. To determine whether bone mineral density in the people with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is higher than that in normal individuals even in body parts other than the spine, and to evaluate the relation between bone mineral density and age in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Summary of Background Data. It is unknown whether the bone mineral density of patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is greater in body parts other than the spine. If so, it provides a basis for the theory that certain systemic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Because bone mineral density decreases physiologically after middle age, the influence of age must be considered in evaluating bone mineral density. Methods. In the rib area and upper and lower limb areas, which are not affected by ossification of the spinal ligament, bone mineral density of 45 men with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine was compared with that of 25 men without ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (normal group). Results. Bone mineral density was higher in the group with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in each part and significantly higher in the rib and lower limb areas (rib: P < 0.01, lower limb: P < 0.05). The age‐related decrease was significantly less in the group with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (rib: P < 0.01, upper limb: P < 0.05, lower limb: P < 0.01). Conclusions. Systemic factors that increase bone mineral density appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and these factors may be activated after middle age.
Direct Comparison of the Primary Blast Response of a Physical Head Model with Post-mortem Human Subjects

Abstract : As the gathering of information on the prevalence of blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBI) continues, there is a need for the development and validation of a physical model (head form) reproducing the mechanical response of the human head to the direct loading from a blast wave. The chain of events leading to an injuries following direct exposure to a blast wave is very complex and itsfull determination is still the topic of several research efforts. The first step in the injury cascade is necessarily the mechanical insult of the blast wave to the human head. With a combination of representative anatomical features, adequate material selection and careful instrumentation, a validated physical model could measure real external pressure field history and predict resulting intra-cranial pressures (ICP) for any blast loading scenario. In addition, a physical model has the unique ability tomeasure quantitatively the effect of protective headwear. The following article discusses the validation of the BI2PED (Blast-Induced Brain Injury Protection Evaluation Device) response against postmortem human subjects (PMHS). Previously reported PMHS blast wave generator tests were methodically replicated in the same facility using the BI2PED. Loading conditions, instrumentation type and position as well as the head mounting technique were reproduced to ensure that the only difference between the two series of experiments was the model itself. A direct comparison of measured ICP histories is presented for two loading orientations and three loading magnitudes. It is demonstrated that the physical model response is in good agreement with that of the PMHS response. From signal analysis, additional evidences supporting skull deformation as the main contributor to ICP variations are discussed. Finally, external pressure fields from the blast wave generator experiments arecompared to full scale free-field tests.
Arab users' acceptance and use of mobile phones : a case of young users in Iraq, Jordan and UAE

The use of mobile phones has great potential in the Arab region. Nevertheless, recent reports on the performance of mobile companies in this region revealed a decrease in revenues since 2013. The main aim of this research was to propose a conceptual model explaining the factors that can predict Behavioural Intention and Actual Use of mobile phones (smartphones) by young Arab customers in Arab countries, namely Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition, an analysis of the issues surrounding mobile phone adoption and use in these countries is provided. The analysis of the literature showed that the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) can provide a good overview of the factors that can affect mobile phone adoption and use. The analysis showed that there is a gap in the literature in terms of testing this theory in cross-national research in an Arabian context. Accordingly, the research proposed a new conceptual model based on an extension of this theory. The methodology was based on positivism and the ontological stance was objectivism based on the deductive approach to test the conceptual framework. A total of 1599 questionnaires were distributed in the three countries to users aged 18-29 years old using multistage cluster sampling. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares. The findings indicated that the proposed extended model fits well in the three countries. The factors Perceived Relative Advantage, Effort Expectancy, National IT Development, Habit, Price Value, Culture-Specific Beliefs and Values and Behavioural Intention were significant in all three countries. Technological Culturation was significant in Iraq only. Enjoyment was significant in Jordan and UAE only. Several challenges facing the efficient use of mobile phones were also identified. This research contributes to the existing literature by proposing a conceptual model for mobile phone adoption and use by extending the UTAUT2 in an Arabian context. It also provides information to policymakers and mobile companies in Iraq, Jordan and UAE to help them understand the needs of their customers.
The Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from Non-financial Listed German Companies

In this paper we analyze the determinants of the leverage choice of German firms and analyze which financial theory better explains the leverage ratio, more specifically the trade-off theory, the pecking order theory, the agency theory and the market timing theory. Additionally, we examine three effects: year, economic crisis and industry. The goal is to see if the results change when we introduce these effects. We estimate our econometric model by using panel data and Ordinary Least Squares. Our sample includes 443 non-financial German companies over the period of 2005 to 2014. To test the impact on the results to the use of debt with different maturities we use two regressions: total debt and long-term debt. The independent variables that we examine are: market-to-book, size, profitability, tangibility, risk and non-debt tax shield. The results show that the main theories apply to German firms and all explanatory variables are statistically significant. We can also conclude that the three effects are relevant in the capital structure for German firms. With regard to the economic crisis effect, the results show that the variable size become statistically significant during the period 2009 to 2014.
Gangliosides contribute to stability of paranodal junctions and ion channel clusters in myelinated nerve fibers

Paranodal axo‐glial junctions are important for ion channel clustering and rapid action potential propagation in myelinated nerve fibers. Paranode formation depends on the cell adhesion molecules neurofascin (NF) 155 in glia, and a Caspr and contactin heterodimer in axons. We found that antibody to ganglioside GM1 labels paranodal regions. Autoantibodies to the gangliosides GM1 and GD1a are thought to disrupt nodes of Ranvier in peripheral motor nerves and cause Guillain‐Barré syndrome, an autoimmune neuropathy characterized by acute limb weakness. To elucidate ganglioside function at and near nodes of Ranvier, we examined nodes in mice lacking gangliosides including GM1 and GD1a. In both peripheral and central nervous systems, some paranodal loops failed to attach to the axolemma, and immunostaining of Caspr and NF155 was attenuated. K+ channels at juxtaparanodes were mislocalized to paranodes, and nodal Na+ channel clusters were broadened. Abnormal immunostaining at paranodes became more prominent with age. Moreover, the defects were more prevalent in ventral than dorsal roots, and less frequent in mutant mice lacking the b‐series gangliosides but with excess GM1 and GD1a. Electrophysiological studies revealed nerve conduction slowing and reduced nodal Na+ current in mutant peripheral motor nerves. The amounts of Caspr and NF155 in low density, detergent insoluble membrane fractions were reduced in mutant brains. These results indicate that gangliosides are lipid raft components that contribute to stability and maintenance of neuron‐glia interactions at paranodes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Growing Threat for Academicians: Fake and Predatory Journals

Over the last few years scientists have been the targets for cybercrime in a few different ways. Hijacked or fake journals and predatory journals have emerged, and many scientists have been victimized by these journals. Those journals are trying to deceive authors and readers intentionally by not doing what they say they are doing, but still charging the authors for the services that they do not provide like peer review or editorial review. They also do not follow traditional standards for the acceptance of articles. Our goal is to disseminate knowledge and awareness about such journals and offer some basic skills to the authors so that they avoid fake or predatory publishers. One must be careful because predatory journals may take away not only your money but also, more importantly, your prestige and reputation. (JAEM 2015; 14: 94-6)
The Optimal Advertising-Allocation Rules For Sequentially Released Products

ABSTRACT This study investigates the optimal advertising-allocation rules for sequentially released products. The authors used both analytical and empirical approaches to derive and validate the rules using theatrical prerelease, postrelease, and DVD advertising and sales data in the movie industry. Theatrical prerelease advertising increased when there was a strong prerelease advertising effect on the opening box office or a strong carryover effect on DVDs through the opening box office. The optimal allocation percentages are proposed on the basis of the estimated parameters of the empirical analysis. A simulation study proposes likely improvements in revenues for 74 percent of the titles with optimal rules.
Cardiovascular risk prediction in a population with the metabolic syndrome: Framingham vs. UKPDS algorithms

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-prediction algorithms are key in determining one’s eligibility for prevention strategies, but are often population-specific. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors that increase the risk of CVD, does not currently have a risk-prediction algorithm available for prediction of CVD. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive capacities of an algorithm intended for ‘healthy’ individuals and one intended for ‘diabetic’ individuals. Methods: Individual-specific data from 2700 subjects defined as MetS but free of diagnosed CVD from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study was used to estimate 5-year risk of CVD using the two algorithms, and compared using Wilcoxon-signed rank test. CVD end point data was used to assess the performance using discrimination and calibration techniques of the two algorithms. Results: Five-year risk-prediction comparisons demonstrated that the UKPDS algorithm overpredicted risk in the younger age groups (25–54 years) and underpredicted risk in the older age groups (≥55 years) compared to the Framingham algorithm. A total of 133 CVD events occurred over a median follow up of 5.0 years. Model performance analyses demonstrated both the Framingham and UKPDS algorithms were poor at discrimination (area under receiver operator curve 0.513 and 0.524, respectively) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow 467.1 and 297.0, respectively). Conclusions: Neither the Framingham or UKPDS algorithms are ideal for prediction of CVD risk in a MetS population. This study highlights the need for development of population-specific risk-prediction algorithms for this growing population group.
Benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the oral cavity and jaws: An analysis of 709 cases

Purpose: The purpose was to examine the prevalence, gender, age and site(s) of odontogenic and nonodontogenic benign tumors, and tumor-like lesions occurring in the oral cavity and jaws in a Turkish population, particularly, in the Eastern Turkey, and to compare findings of this study with other reports. Materials and Methods: The data were collected from the files of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral Pathology, Ataturk University, Turkey, during a 10-year period from January 2005 to January 2015. They were analyzed descriptively regarding prevalence, age, sex, lesion type, and site. Results: A total of 709 benign tumor and tumor-like lesions of the oral cavity, and jaws were selected during a period of 10 years. One hundred and twenty-one of these lesions (17%) were odontogenic benign tumors while 588 (83%) were nonodontogenic benign tumor and tumor-like lesions. Conclusions: This study revealed that the distribution and characteristics of benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of oral cavity and jaws in the Turkish population, particularly including the Eastern region of Turkey have some differences as well as similarities with the findings of studies in different populations.
Platelet transfusions in adult patients with particular reference to patients undergoing surgery

summary. Descriptive information on platelet (PLT) recipients, particularly during surgery, is limited. A description of the current epidemiology of PLT‐transfused patients is required to optimize platelet transfusion care and to follow trends in PLT use. In 2004 and 2005, information was combined from several computerized medical systems. Participating hospitals (9 hospital districts of 21) handled approximately 64% of annual Finnish hospital admissions. A total of 6321 adult patients were transfused with 37 761 PLT products. Most PLT products (43·1%) were transfused to patients suffering from haematological malignancies. Only 1·0% of all surgical patients received PLTs (53·8% of PLT recipients and 35·8% of transfused PLTs). The most common single operation connected with PLT transfusion was coronary artery bypass while 27·1% of surgery‐related PLTs were given to patients having an operation involving the digestive system or spleen. Only 36·4% of all PLT‐transfused (operated and conservatively treated) patients were discharged directly home; in‐hospital mortality was 9·5%. PLTs were given 40 products per 1000 hospital admissions requiring an operation in 2004, and 38 products in 2005. Perioperative PLT use is slightly decreasing in adult patients. As a single‐operation type, coronary artery bypass patients receive most of the PLT products and have experienced no decline in PLT use over the years. Overall, PLT recipients have high in‐hospital mortality.