Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning a Contextual Multi-Thread Model for Movie/TV Scene Segmentation

Compared with general videos, movies and TV shows attract a significantly larger portion of people across time and contain very rich and interesting narrative patterns of shots and scenes. In this paper, we aim to recover the inherent structure of scenes and shots in such video narratives. The obtained structure could be useful for subsequent video analysis tasks such as tracking objects across cuts, action retrieval, as well as enriching user browsing and video editing interfaces. Recent research on this problem has mainly focused on combining multiple cues such as scripts, subtitles, sound, or human faces. However, considering that visual information is sufficient for human to identify scene boundaries and some cues are not always available, we are motivated to design a purely visual approach. Observing that dialog patterns occur frequently in a movie/TV show to form a scene, we propose a probabilistic framework to imitate the authoring process. The multi-thread shot model and contextual visual dynamics are embedded into a unified framework to capture the video hierarchy. We devise an efficient algorithm to jointly learn the parameters of the unified model. Experiments on two large datasets containing six movies and 24 episodes of Lost, a popular TV show with complex plot structures, are conducted. Comparative results show that, leveraging only visual cues, our method could successfully recover complicated shot threads and outperform several approaches. Moreover, our method is fast and advantageous for large-scale computation.
Participation of smallholder farmers in Zambia's dairy value chain through interlocked contractual arrangements and its impact on household income

This thesis examines factors influencing smallholder dairy farmers’ participation in interlocked contractual arrangements, the nature and level of participation, the role of interlocked contractual arrangements in promoting smallholder farmers’ participation in markets and the impact of participation on household income. The study seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate about the prospects of these arrangements in enhancing smallholder farmers’ access to restructured and liberalised agrifood markets and whether they truly benefit from participating. The study was carried out in 2014 in the milk shed areas of three districts of Zambia where interlocked contractual arrangements were present. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from representatives from two financial institutions, four milk collection centres and three milkprocessing firms. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 266 households engaged in dairy farming. A multi-stage sampling design was used to select these households. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and econometric regression models. Detailed analysis was carried out by employing measures of dispersion and central tendency, as well as data normality tests. The double-hurdle model was used to identify determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in interlocked contractual arrangements, while propensity score matching was used to assess the impact of participation on household income. Determinants of smallholder farmers’ decision to sell milk through interlocked contractual arrangements include ownership of improved breed animals, milk price, access to dairy
Variability of Serum Markers of Erythropoiesis during 6 Days of Racing in Highly Trained Cyclists

Abstract The athlete biological passport for the fight against doping is currently based on longitudinal monitoring for abnormal changes in cellular blood parameters. Serum parameters related to altered erythropoiesis could be considered for inclusion in the passport. The aim of this study was to quantify the changes in such parameters in athletes during a period of intense exercise. 12 highly trained cyclists tapered for 3 days before 6 days of simulated intense stage racing. Morning and afternoon blood samples were taken on most days and analysed for total protein, albumin, soluble transferrin receptor and ferritin concentrations. Plasma volume was determined via total haemoglobin mass measured by carbon-monoxide rebreathing. Percent changes in means from baseline and percent standard errors of measurement (analytical error plus intra-athlete variation) on each measurement occasion were estimated with mixed linear modelling of log-transformed measures. Means of all variables changed substantially in the days following the onset of racing, ranging from −13% (haemoglobin concentration) to +27% (ferritin). After the second day, errors of measurement were generally twice those at baseline. Plasma variables were affected by heavy exercise, either because of changes in plasma volume (total protein, albumin, haemoglobin), acute phase/inflammatory reactions (ferritin) or both (soluble transferrin receptor). These effects need to be taken into consideration when integrating a plasma parameter into the biological passport model for athletes.
Use of Ilizarov ring Fixator in the Management of Non-Union of Long Bones

The aim of treatment of non-union is to achieve a stable union without residual infection, deformities or shortening. The various techniques that are used in the treatment of non-union have all produced inconsistent results. The principle of Ilizarov method along with the technique of bone transport allows the orthopaedic surgeon unprecedented control over osteogenesis, radical debridement of infected bone and soft tissue while maintaining stability and allows simultaneous correction of deformity and limb length discrepancy. Objective – To evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov’s principles and methods in the treatment of non-union. Materials and MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Govt. Medical College, Trivandrum. 25 cases of non-union of tibia, humerus and femur were included in the study. The bone result and functional result of these patients after Ilizarov technique was assessed. Results – Of the 25 cases included in the study, 96 % were non-union of tibia, 76% were compound fractures and 72 % were infected at the commencement of treatment. At the last follow up, 96 % cases did not require any assistive device for ambulation. Conclusion– The use of Ilizarov principle and methods in our study of 25 cases of non-union with complications like infection, shortening, deformity , and soft tissue loss has given excellent results.
Hyperspectral radiometry for the detection and discrimination of damage caused by sucking pests of cotton

Use of remote sensing techniques for detection of crop stress due to pests and diseases is based on the assumption that stresses induced by them interfere with photosynthesis and physical structure of the plant, affect absorption of light energy and thus alter the reflectance spectrum of plants. Field experiments were conducted to detect and estimate damage caused by sucking pests in cotton (cv. Surabi) at regular intervals using GER1500 spectroradiometer, from which canopy reflectance was recorded and vegetation indices (VI) were worked out. There was a decrease in near infrared (770-860nm) while blue (450-520nm), green (520590nm) and red (620-680nm) reflectances increased compared to undamaged plants. The mean VI values in damaged plants were comparatively lower than undamaged plants in all days of observation. Among spectral bands, red band was highest to thrips and leafhopper damage while NIR band was found to be more sensitive to aphid damage. In the aphid damage sensitivity curves, the trough in green region was not very conspicuous while thrips and leafhopper damage curves had a clear low point in green region at 550 nm in all days of observation. Green red vegetation index (GRVI) was observed to be sensitive in differentiation of sucking pests damage.
Ionic changes and alterations in the size of the extracellular space during epileptic activity.

Experiments with ion-selective microelectrodes revealed that a considerable activity of K ions appears temporarily in the extracellular space (ES) during enhanced neuronal activity and is removed from the ES by diffusion, active uptake, and entry into glial cells. The glial uptake results from the preferential glial K permeability and spatial glial K buffering. The glia responds to the local extracellular accumulation by a depolarization of the exposed part of its membrane. This depolarization will spread along the glial syncytium or extended glial cells. At sites where the extracellular K concentration has not yet increased, the membrane potential will thus be depolarized with respect to the K diffusion potential. Here K will move from the intra- into the extracellular space, in order to restore the electrochemical equilibrium. This induces a current that carries K into glial cells at sites of maximal K accumulation and that transports K out of glial cells at remote areas. In this way K is spatially redistributed. The corresponding current loop in the ES is predominantly carried by Na and Cl, the majority ions. Thus, Na and Ca are transported to the site of K accumulation while Cl moves away. The Cl and K ions are only partially replaced by Na. Hence, a decrease of extracellular osmolarity results, which leads to a water flux from the ES into the cells, inducing a shrinkage of the ES at sites of maximal K accumulation. At remote sites, the opposite effect is expected due to K flow out of glia and Cl transport to these sites. Thus, remote from the area of maximal neuronal activity, an increase of the ES is expected. This mechanism can explain the measured depth profile of the changes in the ES. At sites of maximal neuronal activity, the extracellular space undergoes a reduction by more than 30%. The ionic changes are accompanied by slow negative potential shifts. An increase in intracellular osmolarity due to enhanced metabolic activity and possibly KCl uptake mechanisms contributes to the changes in volume and ionic concentration. Model calculations of the after-effects of the loss of positive charges from the extracellular space and the K-specific glial buffering could predict size and time course of these changes. Experimental tests of this view include observations during epileptiform activity in gliotic scar foci as well as in hippocampal slices with depressed synaptic transmission. The extra- and intracellular ionic changes influence the generation, spread, and termination of seizure activity. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Internal audit role on information asymmetry and real earnings management

This study aims to investigate the effect of information asymmetry toward real earnings management which are moderated by quality of internal audit function. The research design is quantitative method using secondary data. The sample used in this study consisted of 116 manufacturing companies which are listed on Indonesian Stock Exchanges. Earnings management through real activities manipulation which is also called real earnings management is proxied with three patterns: cash flow from operation (CFO), production costs, and discretionary expenses. The result shows that information asymmetry has a positif and significant effect toward real earnings management in the pattern of cash flow from operation and production costs. Meanwhile, information asymmetry has no effect toward real earnings management in the pattern of discretionary expenses. This research also found that quality of internal audit has significant effect in mitigating the effect of information asymmetry toward real earnings management in the pattern of cash flow from operation and production costs. Internal audit quality does not play an important role in alleviating real earnings management in discretionary expenses pattern.
Going beyond environmental regulations—The influence of firm size on the effect of green practices on corporate financial performance

Despite the various environmental regulations to address the negative effect of construction activities on the environment, compared to other industries, the construction sector is still slow in implementing green practices (GPs). To encourage construction firms to implement GPs, these firms should be convinced that GP is a financially viable endeavour. Additionally, it was argued that the effect of GPs on corporate financial performance (CFP) differs according to the size of construction firms. This paper aimed to test the arguments by analysing the influence of GPs on CFP and investigating whether firm size influences or moderates the effect. A survey was employed to gather information from Malaysian construction firms and the data were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that green supplier management, green subcontractor management and green project management have significant and positive effects on CFP and large firms with high level of green business practice and green project management gained higher CFP than small and medium enterprises. The findings provide empirical evidence on the variance of the effects of GPs and firm size on CFP. The findings imply that there should a flexible approach to encourage GPs in construction industry. Policy makers, regulators and managers should consider firm size and focus on high level of green business practice and green project management to improve firms CFP.
Integrins induce expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 via focal adhesion kinase in mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND Integrins are major adhesion receptors that not only regulate cytoskeletal organization, but also trigger a variety of intracellular signal transduction pathways. We examined the effects of increased extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression, which is known to play an important role in the progression of various glomerular diseases. METHODS MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression in cultured rat mesangial cells (MC) attached to ECM proteins were examined by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was measured by Western blotting. Effects of wild-type and dominant-negative FAK on MCP-1 expression were examined by a transient transfection assay. RESULTS Cell adhesion to fibronectin-induced phosphorylation of FAK and MCP-1 mRNA expression in time- and dose-dependent manners followed by increased MCP-1 protein expression. All integrin-interacting substrates (laminin and types I, III, and IV collagens) also increased levels of FAK phosphorylation and MCP-1 expression, whereas nonspecific adhesive substrates (polylysine and concanavalin A) had no significant effects. Overexpression of wild-type FAK increased phosphorylation of FAK and expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein, whereas transfection of dominant-negative FAK abolished adhesion-induced MCP-1 expression. Adhesion-induced expression of MCP-1 mRNA was inhibited by genistein and tosyl phenylalanyl chloromethylketone (TPCK), suggesting that tyrosine kinases [e.g., FAK, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B)] are necessary in this signaling. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that integrin-mediated cell adhesion to the ECM can induce MCP-1 expression through activation of FAK, and suggest a role for altered ECM deposition in the progression of glomerular diseases by affecting gene expression.
Type I interferons suppress CD4+ T‐cell‐dependent parasite control during blood‐stage Plasmodium infection

During blood‐stage Plasmodium infection, large‐scale invasion of RBCs often occurs before the generation of cellular immune responses. In Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA)‐infected C57BL/6 mice, CD4+ T cells controlled parasite numbers poorly, instead providing early help to pathogenic CD8+ T cells. Expression analysis revealed that the transcriptional signature of CD4+ T cells from PbA‐infected mice was dominated by type I IFN (IFN‐I) and IFN‐γ‐signalling pathway‐related genes. A role for IFN‐I during blood‐stage Plasmodium infection had yet to be established. Here, we observed IFN‐α protein production in the spleen of PbA‐infected C57BL/6 mice over the first 2 days of infection. Mice deficient in IFN‐I signalling had reduced parasite burdens, and displayed none of the fatal neurological symptoms associated with PbA infection. IFN‐I substantially inhibited CD4+ T‐bet+ T‐cell‐derived IFN‐γ production, and prevented this emerging Th1 response from controlling parasites. Experiments using BM chimeric mice revealed that IFN‐I signalled predominantly via radio‐sensitive, haematopoietic cells, but did not suppress CD4+ T cells via direct signalling to this cell type. Finally, we found that IFN‐I suppressed IFN‐γ production, and hampered efficient control of parasitaemia in mice infected with non‐lethal Plasmodium chabaudi. Thus, we have elucidated a novel regulatory pathway in primary blood‐stage Plasmodium infection that suppresses CD4+ T‐cell‐mediated parasite control.
A design on new error compensator for fractional PI controller and its application

Fractional-order controller was proven to perform better than the integer-order controller. However, the absence of a pole at origin in the approximated transfer function produced marginal error in fractional-order control system. This study demonstrated the design of an error compensator that comprises of a very small zero and a pole at origin to produce a zero steady-state error for the closed-loop system. Some modification on the error compensator was suggested for different order fractional integrator that can improve the overall phase margin. The proposed method can eliminate the steady-state error and additionally improved the percentage overshoot of the closed-loop response. The study was validated on steam temperature control of a steam distillation process that exhibits an s-shape step response. Hence, the PI controller was tuned using the ZieglerNichols rules and applied for both integer and fractional PI. Significant improvement of the fractional PI and the enhancement of the proposed error compensator was discussed evidently through simulation and supported by experimental applications. Key-Words: Fractional-order control; Fractional PI; Oustaloup’s Recursive Approximation; Ziegler-Nichols tuning; steam temperature control; hydro-steam distillation.
Dépendance et événements extrêmes en théorie de la ruine : étude univariée et multivariée, problèmes d'allocation optimale

Cette these presente de nouveaux modeles et de nouveaux resultats en theorie de la ruine, lorsque les distributions des montants de sinistres sont a queue epaisse. Les hypotheses classiques d’independance et de stationnarite, ainsi que l’analyse univariee sont parfois jugees trop restrictives pour decrire l’evolution complexe des reserves d’une compagnie d’assurance. Dans un contexte de dependance entre les montants de sinistres, des equivalents de la probabilite deruine univariee en temps fini sont obtenus. Cette dependance, ainsi que les autres parametres du modele sont modules par un processus Markovien d’environnement pour prendre en compte des possibles crises de correlation. Nous introduisons ensuite des modeles de dependance entre les montants de sinistres et les temps inter-sinistres pour des risques de type tremblements de terre et inondations. Dans un cadre multivarie, nous presentons divers criteres de risques tels que la probabilite de ruine multivariee ou l’esperance de l’integrale temporelle de la partie negative du processus de risque. Nous resolvons des problemes d’allocation optimale pour ces differentes mesures de risque. Nous etudions alors l’impact de la dangerosite des risques et de la dependance entre les branches sur cette allocation optimale
Involvement of CaMK‐IIδ and gelsolin in Cd2+‐dependent cytoskeletal effects in mesangial cells

Cadmium is a toxic metal with pleiotropic effects on cell death and survival. The mesangial cell is particularly responsive to Cd's effects on kinase signaling pathways and cytoskeletal dynamics. Here we show that CaMK‐II is a participant in the cytoskeletal effects of Cd2+. A major mesangial cell isoform, CaMK‐IIδ, was identified in pellets of DNase I pull‐downs and cytosolic immunoprecipitates of G‐actin. CaMK‐IIδ was also present in Triton X‐100‐insoluble cytoskeletal preparations and translocated to the cytoskeleton in a concentration‐dependent manner in Cd‐treated cells. Translocation was suppressed by KN93, an inhibitor of CaMK‐II phosphorylation. In vitro actin polymerization studies indicated that recombinant CaMK‐IIδ sequestered actin monomer. Cytoskeletal preparations from Cd‐treated cells decrease the rate of polymerization, but KN93 co‐treatment prevents this effect. Over‐expressed CaMK‐IIδ also translocated to the cytoskeleton upon Cd exposure, and this was prevented by KN93. Conversely, siRNA silencing of CaMK‐IIδ increases the effect of cytoskeletal extracts on actin polymerization, and abrogates the effect of Cd. The actin capping and severing protein, gelsolin, translocates to the cytoskeleton in the presence of Cd2+, dependent upon the phosphorylation of CaMK‐II, and is recovered together with actin and CaMK‐IIδ in G‐actin pull‐downs and F‐actin sedimentation. Translocation is accompanied by generation of a 50 kDa gelsolin fragment whose appearance is prevented by KN93 and CaMK‐IIδ silencing. We conclude that cytoskeletal effects of Cd in mesangial cells are partially mediated by Cd‐dependent activation of CaMK‐IIδ, binding of CaMK‐IIδ and gelsolin to actin filaments, and cleavage of gelsolin. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 78–86, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploratory study of Social CRM use in SMEs

Social customer relationship management (social CRM) can enhance performance of the enterprise through effective communication with customers and management of customer information. Whilst several studies have examined social CRM use from perspective of large enterprises, relatively few have examined its use by micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which due to unique characteristics differ from large enterprises. The main objective of this paper is to provide a practical perspective on social CRM use in SMEs. This study applies a qualitative research approach by conducting six semi-structured interviews. To determine the antecedents of the intensity of social CRM, the dimensions of the intensity of social CRM use, as well as its impact on customer relationship performance, a content analysis has been utilized. The findings reveal that social CRM use is complex; therefore, we propose a two-dimensional conceptualization of the intensity of social CRM use. Furthermore, this study identifies antecedents, which appears to influence the intensity of social CRM use, including relative advantages, compatibility, top management support, organizational culture, technology readiness and external pressure. This study also implies that more intensive use of social CRM appears to improve customer relationship performance. Considering the findings, the recommendations for future research are provided. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.ee. 29.4. 20246