Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review on the Suitability of Machine Learning Approaches to Facial Age Estimation

Age is a human attribute which grows alongside an individual. Estimating human age is quite difficult for machine as well as humans, however there has been and are still ongoing efforts towards machine estimation of human age to a high level of accuracy. In a bid to improve the accuracy of age estimation from facial image, several approaches have been proposed many of which used Machine Learning algorithms. The several Machine Learning algorithms employed in these works have made significant impact on the results and of performances of the proposed age estimation approaches. In this paper, we examined and compared the performance of a number of Machine Learning algorithms used for age estimation in several previous works. Considering two publicly available facial ageing datasets (FG-NET and MORPH) which have been mostly used in previous works, we observed that Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been most popularly used and a combination/hybridization of SVM for classification (SVC) and regression (SVR) have shown the best performance so far. We also observed that the face modelling or feature extraction techniques employed significantly impacted the performance of age estimation
Health risk assessment in relation to heavy metals in water sources in rural regions of South East Nigeria

Geophysical investigation was carried out to detect the spread of sewage effluent and to locate the sources and delineate migration paths and the extent of leachate plume. The study was to find out the geological formations that are the most conductive layers in the sewage site for the free flow of the contaminants. Soil tests showed that hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and water retention were variable in sewage soil, but consistent in soil unaffected by sewage. In sewage soil, maize crops performance, organic matter, total nitrogen exchangeability, cations exchange capacity and sodium were significantly enhanced than in non-sewage soil. In sewage soil, electrical conductivity (EC), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), salt concentration and other saline properties, total faecal coliform and microbial activities were high. Twelve vertical electrical soundings (VES) points with Omega Terrameter were used in the Schlumberger Array configuration which the geoelectrical section from the resistivity data revealed seven subsurface layers. Three low resistivity zones were detected as correspondent zones to the plumes. The comparative evaluation of the 3-D stack model of the resistivity of layers with respect to depth suggested that these three low resistivity layers were contaminated, especially as the depth to water table is more than 100m. The flow direction of the contaminant plume is northwest to southwest as indicated by stack model of the low resistivity layers. Generally, the contaminant plume is a threat to ecosystem and a great health problem to people living around the sewage site. Key words: Delineate, contamination, leachate, sewage effluent, saline, ecosystem.
Effects of Microfinance Banks on the Rural Dwellers in Kogi State, Nigeria

The study assesses the effects of microfinance bank s in Kogi State on rural dwellers in Kogi state. A survey research method was adopted. A sample of five microfinance banks was selected using judgmental sampling method. Data were generated through questionnaire, interview and of course, the internet. Z ‐ Test statistical tool was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The study reveals that the establishment of microfinance banks has si gnificant impact on the life of the rural dwellers in Kogi State by mobilizing savings for financial inte rmediation and providing employment opportunities. The implication is that Microfinance banks have the potential of improving the economic potentials of the active poor in the rural communities, thereby increasing their productive output. The study recommends that the Central Bank of Nigeria should reduce their prime rate charged in order to enable microfinance financial institutions reduce their interest rates. Also rur al dwellers should be trained on how to establish, man age, sustain and expand their business outfits to making the services of microfinance worthwhile.
International Debt Financing and Performance of Microfi nance Institutions 1

Introduction During recent decades, the provision of microfi nance services to poor families and micro-entrepreneurs has evolved to become a global industry. Until recently, donations and subsidies have been the main source of funding for microfi nance institutions (MFIs). Lately, however, the growth of the industry and the pressure by donors toward fi nancial sustainability has pushed MFIs to turn to international capital markets. Moreover, international funding is regarded by many as essential to fuel the growth of the sector, arguing that only international capital markets can handle the estimated US$200 billion needed to reach the potential demand for microfi nance services worldwide (Swanson, 2008). Recent academic research (Mersland et al., 2011) has also shown that internationalization, notably through investments, can have an overall positive infl uence on the social performance of MFIs. Th e development of specialized investment funds, called microfi nance investment vehicles (MIVs), illustrates the emergence of this new specialized capital market. MFIs typically have both fi nancial and social objectives (Armendariz and Morduch, 2010) and attract funding from actors with varying degrees of profi t motivation, from purely development-oriented to maximum profi t-oriented (Goodman, 2004). In 2010, the 95 MIVs in operation managed US$8 billion coming from public and private institutional investors (42%), individuals (34%), development institutions (21%), and others (3%), mostly invested in the form of loans to MFIs (MicroRate, 2011; Reille et al., 2011). The international fi nancing of microfi nance has become a new specialized market which attracts investors with varying degrees of profi t motivation.
Investigations of a THGEM-based imaging detector

We present the results of our recent studies on a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM)-based imaging detector prototype. It consists of two 100 × 100 mm2 THGEM electrodes in cascade, coupled to a resistive anode. The event location is recorded with a 2D double-sided readout electrode equipped with discrete delay-lines and dedicated electronics. The THGEM electrodes, produced by standard printed-circuit board and mechanical drilling techniques, a 0.4 mm thick with 0.5 mm diameter holes spaced by 1 mm. Localization resolutions of about 0.7 mm (FWHM) were measured with soft x-rays, in a detector operated with atmospheric-pressure Ar/CH4; good linearity and homogeneity were achieved. We describe the imaging-detector layout, the resistive-anode 2D readout system and the imaging properties. The THGEM has numerous potential applications that require large-area imaging detectors, with high-rate capability, single-electron sensitivity and moderate (sub-mm) localization resolution.
Too Many Lawyers? Litigation in Italian Civil Courts

In this paper we investigate the relationship between the number of lawyers and civil litigation across Italian provinces over the period 2000-2005. First, we document the existence of a positive correlation between the number of lawyers and litigation. We then employ a 2SLS approach to verify the existence of a causal effect. We use as an exogenous source of variation for the number of lawyers the differences among provinces in the proximity of a law school in 1975. Our results show that the number of lawyers has a positive effect on litigation and that the magnitude of this effect is large.
Quality of Governance and the Market Value of Cash: Evidence from Spain

We examine the value shareholders attribute to one euro of extra cash held by Spanish firms and how corporate governance impacts this value by comparing the value of cash for companies with good and poor governance. The results show that one euro of extra cash is valued at a considerable premium at companies with good governance. Moreover, the presence of future growth opportunities intensifies this effect. Our results also suggest that the conflict between shareholders and debt holders is more severe in Spain than in the U.S. as investors apply a stronger discount for leverage when valuing Spanish firms.
The Effects of Occupational Knowledge: Job Information Centers, Educational Choices, and Labor Market Outcomes

This study examines the causal link between individuals' occupational knowledge, educational choices, and labor market outcomes. We proxy occupational knowledge with mandatory visits to job information centers (JICs) in Germany while still attending school. Exogenous variation in the location and timing of JIC openings allow estimating causal effects in a difference-in-difference setup. Combining linked survey-administrative data with data on JICs permits to detect whether individuals benefited from the comprehensive information service when they were young. The results suggest that individuals, who went to school in administrative districts with a JIC, have higher educational attainments and a smoother transfer to the labor market than students who did not have access to these facilities. However, we find no effects on individuals' earnings in their first job or later in life. Overall, our results confirm the importance of policies that promote occupational knowledge among young adults.
The excitation and kinematical properties of H2 and [Fe ii] in the HH 46/47 bipolar outflow

Long-slit spectra of the molecular outflow Herbig±Haro (HH) 46/47 have been taken in the J and K near-infrared bands. The observed H2 line emission confirms the existence of a bright and extended redshifted counter-jet outflow south-west of HH 46. In contrast with the optical appearance of this object, we show that this outflow seems to be composed of two different emission regions characterized by distinct heliocentric velocities. This implies an acceleration of the counter-jet. The observed [Feii] emission suggests an average extinction of 7±9 visual magnitudes for the region associated with the counter-jet. Through position±velocity diagrams, we show the existence of different morphologies for the H2 and [Feii] emission regions in the northern part of the HH 46/47 outflow. We have detected for the first time high-velocity (2250kms 21 ) [Feii] emission in the region bridging HH 46 to HH 47A. The two strong peaks detected can be identified with the optical positions B8 and HH 47B. The H2 excitation diagrams for the counter-jet shock suggest an excitation temperature for the gas of Tex < 2600K. The lack of emission from the higher energy H2 lines, such as the 4±3 S(3) transition, suggests a thermal excitation scenario for the origin of the observed emission. Comparison of the H2 line ratios with various shock models yielded useful constraints about the geometry and type of these shocks. Planar shocks can be ruled out whereas curved or bow shocks (both J- and C-type) can be parametrized to fit our data.
Does Race Matter?: Perceptions of Masculinity among Black Males at a Predominantly White Institution

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how race influenced perceptions of masculinity among a sample of Black males at a predominantly White institution (PWI). Based on in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 17 Black undergraduate males, findings suggest that participants had varying views on the influence of race on perceptions of masculinity that influenced how they negotiated the college campus. Based on the findings, recommendations for researchers and higher education practitioners looking to support the identity development of Black males on their respective campuses are offered and recommendations for future research is provided.
Studying and analyzing the relationship between the functions of performance assessment system and organizational commitment

Generally, organizational members do not have a positive attitude on performance assessment system and see it as a barrier to achieve their aims. They believe that performance assessment system prevents them to achieve their awards, advantages and status so they consider it unfairly. On this basis, the aim of present paper is to study the relationship and impacts of various function of performance assessment including training, promotion, award and wage increase on organizational commitment in Isfahan Training and Education Organization. The results show that there is a considerable and significant relationship between various functions of performance assessment system and organizational commitment. In the meantime, it has been determined that, gender educational level and service record impact on employees' organizational commitment such that, 65% of organizational commitment dependant variable is clarified by performance assessment functions independent variable. The findings show that among various aspects of performance assessment functions, training plays the greatest role in clarifying organizational commitment dependant variable variance (0.558). Key words: Performance assessment system, organizational commitment, training, award, promotion, wage increase.
Polarization spectral synthesis for Type Ia supernova explosion models

We present a Monte Carlo radiative transfer technique for calculating synthetic spectropolarimetry for multidimensional supernova explosion models. The approach utilizes 'virtual-packets' that are generated during the propagation of the Monte Carlo quanta and used to compute synthetic observables for specific observer orientations. Compared to extracting synthetic observables by direct binning of emergent Monte Carlo quanta, this virtual-packet approach leads to a substantial reduction in the Monte Carlo noise. This is not only vital for calculating synthetic spectropolarimetry (since the degree of polarization is typically very small) but also useful for calculations of light curves and spectra. We first validate our approach via application of an idealized test code to simple geometries. We then describe its implementation in the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code ARTIS and present test calculations for simple models for Type Ia supernovae. Specifically, we use the well-known one-dimensional W7 model to verify that our scheme can accurately recover zero polarization from a spherical model, and to demonstrate the reduction in Monte Carlo noise compared to a simple packet-binning approach. To investigate the impact of aspherical ejecta on the polarization spectra, we then use ARTIS to calculate synthetic observables for prolate and oblate ellipsoidal models with Type Ia supernova compositions.
INFLUENCE OF SHOPPING CENTRE IMAGE ATTRIBUTES ON CUSTOMER CHOICES

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main image attributes determining shopping centre selection in Lithuania. By applying Pajuodis (2005) statement that shoppers select a shopping centre by its image and the models of Sit, Merrilees & Birch (2003), Wong, Lu, Yuan (2001), Gonzalez-Hernandes & Orozco-Gomez (2012) and Singh & Sahay (2012) this paper develops suggestions of what shopping centre image attributes should be emphasized in shopping centre promotional campaigns and how to improve the perceptions of shopping centre patrons of the overall centre image. The theory part of the paper uses systemic and comparative scientific literature analysis. Based on Lithuanian and foreign authors' scientific works, the paper analyses image attributes that influence the selection of the shopping centre as a place for shopping and leisure. An empirical study was conducted applying a quantitative method for data collection – a survey. After generalising theoretical shopping centre image aspects, attributes that represented the shopping centre image was identified. A review of the retailing literature reveals several attributes in shopping centre image studies: merchandising, accessibility, service, facilities, atmosphere, amenities, ambulance, entertainment, security and other. An empirical study indicates main shopping centre image attributes in the Lithuanian market in particular. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.em. 18.3. 5132
Code profiling and optimization in transactional memory systems

Code Profiling and Optimization in Transactional Memory Systems Transactional Memory has shown itself to be a promising paradigm for the implementation of shared-memory concurrent applications that eschew a lock-based model of data synchronization. Rather than conditioning exclusive access on the value of a lock that is shared across concurrent threads, Transactional Memory attempts to execute critical sections optimistically, rolling back the modifications in the event of a data access conflict. However, while the lock-based approach has acquired a significant body of debugging, profiling and automated optimization tools (as one of the oldest and most researched synchronization techniques), the field of Transactional Memory is still comparably recent, and programmers are usually tasked with an unguided manual tuning of their transactional applications when facing efficiency problems. We propose a system in which code profiling in a simulated hardware implementation of Transactional Memory is used to characterize a transactional application, which forms the basis for the automated tuning of the underlying speculative system for the efficient execution of that particular application. We also propose a profile-guided approach to the scheduling of threads in a software-based implementation of Transactional Memory, using collected data to predict the likelihood of conflicts and determine what thread to schedule based on this prediction. We present the results achieved under both designs.
Relativistic plasma surfaces as an efficient second harmonic generator

We report on the characterization of the specular reflection of 50 fs laser pulses in the intensity range 1017–1021 W cm−2 obliquely incident with p-polarization onto solid density plasmas. These measurements show that the absorbed energy fraction remains approximately constant and that second harmonic generation (SHG) achieves efficiencies of 22±8% for intensities approaching 1021 W cm−2. A simple model based on the relativistic oscillating mirror concept reproduces the observed intensity scaling, indicating that this is the dominant process involved for these conditions. This method may prove to be superior to SHG by sum frequency mixing in crystals as it is free from dispersion and retains high spatial coherence at high intensity.
Geological and Engineering Properties of Granite Rocks from Aqaba Area, South Jordan

Jordanian granitic rocks (JG) are highly distributed and available in huge quantities in south Jordan, Aqaba area. Granite in south Jordan (JG) is belonging to Aqaba granite complex. This study has been carried out to investigate geological and engineering properties of JG from Aqaba vicinity, south Jordan, in addition to identify and classify the different granitic rocks. 27 random samples of JG were collected from different quarries in three locations from the study area to investigate their characterization. Engineering properties of JG were tested and investigated using ultra sonic velocity test, abrasion test, flexural strength, specific gravity test, and compressive strength test. Engineering tests results show that JG has metal disk abrasion less than 21 mm, flexural strength of 16.9 Mpa, average dry specific gravity of 2.69 and very low absorption while the compressive strength results range between 60 to 90 Mpa. The results show that the engineering characterization of JG is complying with local and international specifications and standards used for classifying the decorative and building granite stones.
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONING OF SELF HELP GROUPS IN PUNJAB

The concept of Self Help Groups (SHG) is relatively new to Punjab and there is dearth of empirical data regarding analysis of SHGs in the state. The present study therefore focussed on tracing the genesis and structure and evaluate the functional aspects of SHGs. The study sample comprised 222 SHG leaders and 888 SHG members from 74 randomly selected blocks. The major findings revealed that majority of SHGs were promoted by GOs and there were few SHGs promoted by NGOs. The results of the study revealed that monthly meetings was their regular feature and majority of SHGs was using saving for interloaning purposes. Further, majority of the SHGs were performing badly in terms of capacity building of members. Therefore, future focus of SHG must be on capacity building and skill upgradation of rural women.
Full lensing analysis of Abell 1703: comparison of independent lens-modelling techniques

The inner mass-prole of the relaxed cluster Abell 1703 is analysed by two very dierent strong-lensing techniques applied to deep ACS and WFC3 imaging. Our parametric method has the accuracy required to reproduce the many sets of multiple images, based on the assumption that mass approximately traces light. We test this assumption with a fully non-parametric, adaptive grid method, with no knowledge of the galaxy distribution. Dierences between the methods are seen on
The Effect of forage based diets on milk Composition, Lactation stages and Growth Rate kids from West African dwarf (WAD) goat in South West Nigeria

In Nigeria, there are three dominant breeds of goat in the hand of smallholder farmers. These are Sahel, red sokoto and West African dwarf (WAD) but the most common breed in southern part of Nigeria is WAD goat. The study, therefore, investigated effects of five different forages using Panicum maximum as control on milk composition, stages of lactation and growth rate of WAD goat kids. Twenty one (21) WAD does with their kids were randomly allotted to different forages in a complete randomized design. The forages are: Albizia odoratissima, Gliricidia sepium, Leuceana leucocephalla, Spondias mombin, Ficus thonningii and Panicum maximum as control. The forages are available all year round suggesting their utilization as dry season feed for ruminants. All forages except P. maximum contained, per kg of dry matter (DM): 14-24 % crude protein (CP), 5-9 % ash, and 45-60 % neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Animals were supplemented with a compounded ration at 2% body weight. The lactation length was 12weeks (84days) and the effect of diet on milk composition was significant (p<0.03) with a CP content ranging from 3.10 to 3.92%), milk fat 3.5 to 4.2%, solid-not-fat 11.7 to 13.30%, and total ash (0.760.96%). The highest value for CP in milk was found for the treatment with Gliricidia sepium. Also, the contents of milk protein (3.00 to 3.80%), fat (3.47 to 3.88%) solid not fat (11.31 to13.24%), lactose (4.20 to 4.53%), total ash (0.64 to 0.91%), and total solid (14.83 to 17.12%) varied significantly (p<0.05) among the different stages of lactation. In contrast, the pH of milk (6.75 to 6.99) did not very among the treatments. The weaning weight of kids at twelve weeks of age was found to be significant (p<0.005) different. This value ranged between 3.73 and 5.47kg. The study revealed that forage quality had effect on milk composition which then influenced weaning weight of kids. It is therefore suggested that browse plants or concentrate supplementation should be encouraged for low quality pasture like guinea grass.