Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SMILER: Saliency Model Implementation Library for Experimental Research

The Saliency Model Implementation Library for Experimental Research (SMILER) is a new software package which provides an open, standardized, and extensible framework for maintaining and executing computational saliency models. This work drastically reduces the human effort required to apply saliency algorithms to new tasks and datasets, while also ensuring consistency and procedural correctness for results and conclusions produced by different parties. At its launch SMILER already includes twenty three saliency models (fourteen models based in MATLAB and nine supported through containerization), and the open design of SMILER encourages this number to grow with future contributions from the community. The project may be downloaded and contributed to through its GitHub page: this https URL
Do we agree on user interface aesthetics of Android apps?

Context: Visual aesthetics is increasingly seen as an essential factor in perceived usability, interaction, and overall appraisal of user interfaces especially with respect to mobile applications. Yet, a question that remains is how to assess and to which extend users agree on visual aesthetics. Objective: This paper analyzes the inter-rater agreement on visual aesthetics of user interfaces of Android apps as a basis for guidelines and evaluation models. Method: We systematically collected ratings on the visual aesthetics of 100 user interfaces of Android apps from 10 participants and analyzed the frequency distribution, reliability and influencing design aspects. Results: In general, user interfaces of Android apps are perceived more ugly than beautiful. Yet, raters only moderately agree on the visual aesthetics. Disagreements seem to be related to subtle differences with respect to layout, shapes, colors, typography, and background images. Conclusion: Visual aesthetics is a key factor for the success of apps. However, the considerable disagreement of raters on the perceived visual aesthetics indicates the need for a better understanding of this software quality with respect to mobile apps.
On the choice of metric in gradient-based theories of brain function

This is a PLOS Computational Biology Education paper. The idea that the brain functions so as to minimize certain costs pervades theoretical neuroscience. Because a cost function by itself does not predict how the brain finds its minima, additional assumptions about the optimization method need to be made to predict the dynamics of physiological quantities. In this context, steepest descent (also called gradient descent) is often suggested as an algorithmic principle of optimization potentially implemented by the brain. In practice, researchers often consider the vector of partial derivatives as the gradient. However, the definition of the gradient and the notion of a steepest direction depend on the choice of a metric. Because the choice of the metric involves a large number of degrees of freedom, the predictive power of models that are based on gradient descent must be called into question, unless there are strong constraints on the choice of the metric. Here, we provide a didactic review of the mathematics of gradient descent, illustrate common pitfalls of using gradient descent as a principle of brain function with examples from the literature, and propose ways forward to constrain the metric.
Polygonal approximation of digital planar curve using novel significant measure

This chapter presents an iterative smoothing technique for polygonal approximation of digital image boundary. The technique starts with finest initial segmentation points of a curve. The contribution of initially segmented points toward preserving the original shape of the image boundary is determined by computing the significant measure of every initial segmentation point that is sensitive to sharp turns, which may be missed easily when conventional significant measures are used for detecting dominant points. The proposed method differentiates between the situations when a point on the curve between two points on a curve projects directly upon the line segment or beyond this line segment. It not only identifies these situations but also computes its significant contribution for these situations differently. This situation-specific treatment allows preservation of points with high curvature even as revised set of dominant points are derived. Moreover, the technique may find its application in parallel manipulators in detecting target boundary of an image with varying scale. The experimental results show that the proposed technique competes well with the state-of-the-art techniques.
PrivacEye: privacy-preserving head-mounted eye tracking using egocentric scene image and eye movement features

Eyewear devices, such as augmented reality displays, increasingly integrate eye tracking, but the first-person camera required to map a user's gaze to the visual scene can pose a significant threat to user and bystander privacy. We present PrivacEye, a method to detect privacy-sensitive everyday situations and automatically enable and disable the eye tracker's first-person camera using a mechanical shutter. To close the shutter in privacy-sensitive situations, the method uses a deep representation of the first-person video combined with rich features that encode users' eye movements. To open the shutter without visual input, PrivacEye detects changes in users' eye movements alone to gauge changes in the "privacy level" of the current situation. We evaluate our method on a first-person video dataset recorded in daily life situations of 17 participants, annotated by themselves for privacy sensitivity, and show that our method is effective in preserving privacy in this challenging setting.
3DSRnet: Video Super-resolution using 3D Convolutional Neural Networks

In video super-resolution, the spatio-temporal coherence between, and among the frames must be exploited appropriately for accurate prediction of the high resolution frames. Although 2D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are powerful in modelling images, 3D-CNNs are more suitable for spatio-temporal feature extraction as they can preserve temporal information. To this end, we propose an effective 3D-CNN for video super-resolution, called the 3DSRnet that does not require motion alignment as preprocessing. Our 3DSRnet maintains the temporal depth of spatio-temporal feature maps to maximally capture the temporally nonlinear characteristics between low and high resolution frames, and adopts residual learning in conjunction with the sub-pixel outputs. It outperforms the most state-of-the-art method with average 0.45 and 0.36 dB higher in PSNR for scales 3 and 4, respectively, in the Vidset4 benchmark. Our 3DSRnet first deals with the performance drop due to scene change, which is important in practice but has not been previously considered.
The sensitivity of seabird populations to density‐dependence, environmental stochasticity and anthropogenic mortality

The balance between economic growth and wildlife conservation is a priority for many governments. Enhancing realism in assessment of population‐level impacts of anthropogenic mortality can help achieve this balance. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) is commonly applied to investigate population vulnerability, but outcomes of PVA are sensitive to formulations of density‐dependence, environmental stochasticity and life history. Current practice in marine assessments is to use precautionary models that assume no compensation from density‐dependence or rescue‐effects via “re‐seeding” from other colonies. However, if we could empirically quantify regulatory population processes, the responses of populations to additional anthropogenic mortality may be assessed with more realism in PVA. Using Bayesian state‐space models fitted to population time series from three sympatric seabird populations, selected for varied life histories, we inferred the extent to which their dynamics are driven by environmental stochasticity and density‐dependence. Based on these inferences, we conducted an exhaustive PVA across credible parameterizations for intrinsic and extrinsic population regulation, simulated as a closed and re‐seeded system. Scenarios of anthropogenic mortality, along a sliding scale of precaution, were applied both proportionally and as a fixed quota using Potential Biological Removal (PBR). Baseline results from fitting revealed clear environmental regulation in two of our three species. Crucially, we found that for our empirically derived, realistic model parameterizations there are risks of decline to real populations even under very precautionary mortality scenarios. We find that PBR is dubious in application as a sustainable tool for population assessment when we account for regulation. Closed versus re‐seeded models showed a large divergence in outcomes, with sharper declines in closed simulations. Fixed‐quota mortality typically induced greater population declines comparative to proportional mortality, subject to regulation and re‐seeding. Synthesis and applications. Practitioners using arbitrary formulations of population regulation risk over‐precaution (economic constraint) or under‐precaution (endangering populations). The demands of increased economic development and preservation of wildlife require that methodologies apply techniques that confer reality and rigour to assessment. The current practice of employing models lacking density‐dependence and empirical environmental information imposes limitations in the efficacy of estimating impacts. Here, we provide a method to quantify the conditions that predominantly regulate a population and exacerbate the risk of decline from anthropogenic mortality. It is in the interests of both developers and conservationists to apply methods in population impact assessments that capture realism in the processes driving population dynamics.
On clitic left dislocation in Zulu.

In (1) and (2), a clause-initial topic phrase corresponding to the object of the verb in the associated sentence is linked to a resumptive pronoun (in italics) which has incorporated into the verb as an object clitic. The object clitic agrees with the noun class (gender) of the leftdislocated DP. One of the most influential studies of clitic left dislocation in Bantu is Bresnan & Mchombo's (1987) analysis of Chichewa left (and right) dislocation. Bresnan and Mchombo treat left-dislocated phrases in constructions similar to (1) and (2) in Chichewa as extrasentential, free-floating discourse topics. According to their theory, there is no grammatical relation between the left-dislocated topic and the incorporated clitic. Instead, the dislocate is linked to the associated sentence merely through anaphoric binding of the incorporated pronoun. In this paper I want to show that, in contrast to what Bresnan and Mchombo suggest for Chichewa, the properties of Zulu clitic left dislocation are not incompatible with, but rather support, an analysis according to which the relation between the dislocate and the clitic in the associated sentence is determined by the rules of sentence grammar. More specifically, I want to provide evidence which suggests that Zulu clitic left dislocation constructions are in fact
Using Environmental DNA to Monitor the Reintroduction Success of the Rhine Sculpin (Cottus rhenanus) in a Restored Stream

Freshwaters face some of the highest rates of species loss, caused by strong human impact. To decrease or even revert this strong impact, ecological restorations are increasingly applied to restore and maintain the natural ecological status of freshwaters. Their ecological status can be determined by assessing the presence of indicator species (e.g., certain fish species), which is called biomonitoring. However, traditional biomonitoring of fish, such as electrofishing, is often challenging and invasive. To augment traditional biomonitoring of fish, the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has recently been proposed as an alternative, sensitive approach. The present study employed this modern approach to monitor the Rhine sculpin (Cottus rhenanus), a fish species that has been reintroduced into a recently restored stream within the Emscher catchment in Germany, in order to validate the success of the applied restorations and to monitor the species’ dispersal. We monitored the dispersal of the Rhine sculpin using replicated 12S end-point nested PCR eDNA surveillance at a fine spatial and temporal scale. In that way, we investigated if eDNA analysis can be applied for freshwater assessments. We also performed traditional electrofishing in one instance to validate our eDNA-based approach. We could track the dispersal of the Rhine sculpin and showed a higher dispersal potential of the species than we assumed. eDNA detection indicated the species’ dispersal across a potential dispersal barrier and showed a steep increase of positive detections once the reintroduced population had established. In contrast to that, false negative eDNA results occurred at early reintroduction stages. Our results show that eDNA detection can be used to confirm and monitor reintroductions and to contribute to the assessment and modeling of the ecological status of streams.
Effects of inbreeding on fitness in the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

Offspring that are a product of inbreeding often have reduced fitness, known as inbreeding depression. Though our understanding of the impacts of inbreeding depression in wild populations is in its infancy, it is thought that the effects of inbreeding depression are much stronger in the wild than previously suspected. This is due to the cost of inbreeding being higher in wild populations than in captive. The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the most endangered large whale species and has shown little signs of recovery over the past 70 years. This lack of recovery is due, at least in part, to a reproductive rate that is three-times lower than their known potential. North Atlantic right whales also have extremely low levels of genetic diversity. This project was conducted to assess the degree to which inbreeding could explain the variation seen in the fitness of individuals of this species. Demographic and genetic data measured at 35 microsatellites, made available to us from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, were used to calculate measures of both fitness and inbreeding for individual right whales from 1990-2016. Fitness was measured through the use of the de-lifing method, and the inbreeding coefficient quantified was the internal relatedness calculation. Measures of fitness in survival showed small amounts of variation between years with most individuals surviving. Mean values of fecundity each year showed greater amounts of variation and overall lower levels of fitness. Results from linear regression analyses showed that inbreeding explains little of the variation in both survival and fecundity for this species. This study has provided quantified measures of fitness for each right whale. Further studies should be completed using genomic data to continue examining the potential impacts of inbreeding on fitness in the North Atlantic right whale.
Evaluation of genotoxicity of the aqueous extracts from wild Artemisia herba-alba and Jasmina montana against Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) in Cucurbita pepo plants

Squash or cucurbit (Cucurbita pepo) is one of the famous and important vegetable plants in most world countries. The squash is infected by the critical Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) in Egypt. Though pesticides can protect the plants of pest infections, there are no effective compounds that can be applied as virucides. In this work, the effects of aqueous extracts from Jasmina montana and Artemisia herba-alba on ZYMV infection in the squash plants were examined. In addition, SDS-PAGE protein patterns and enzyme activities were evaluated and induction of resistance by plant elicitors against ZYMV was studied The results observed that using of the aqueous extracts from A. herba-alba or J. montana extracts prior to ZYMV inoculation recorded 100% inhibition of virus infection. Also, complete inhibition was obtained by treatment of A. herba-alba extract with the virus inoculum led to destroy the virus particles due to presence of the effective compounds (terpens, phenolics and the essential oils) in the plant extract. SDS-PAGE protein profiles and enzyme activities were studied in treated and untreated plants. Genomic DNA variation was studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) loci. The alterations in RAPD and ISSR assays of representative squash plants can be applied to comprehend of induced systemic resistance. These inducers stimulated resistance in the squash plants. Therefore, elicitors should be taken into consideration in the breeding programs for ZYMV control.
Penetration, Translocation, and Toxicity of Glyphosate in Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)

A 3.6 g/L solution of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] applied to selected parts of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] shoots did not kill the entire plant. However, phototoxicity increased as more parts of the plant were treated. No differences were observed when solutions of 3.6 and 5.4 g/L glyphosate were applied at 94 and 373 L/ha. However, greater herbicide efficacy was obtained when 1.8 g/L solution was applied at the higher volume. Translocation of this herbicide appeared to follow the typical source-sink relationship. A 7.2 g/L solution of glyphosate applied at 373 L/ha was necessary to kill the plant.
Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity three fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity present in three fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado: carnauba (Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia L. Rich)and oiti (Licania tomentosa (Benth) Fritsch). Among analyzed fruits, oiti showed the highest total phenolic content (1236.42 ± 34.06 mg GAE 100 g-1) followed by murici (468.90 ± 27.30 mg GAE 100 g-1) and carnauba (314.44 ± 9.50 mg GAE 100 g-1). Regarding the antioxidant activity, murici showed 4350.31 ± 1.85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1 and oiti showed 14721.69 ± 0.85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1. In addition, high content of anthocyanins was verified in carnauba (9.35 ± 0.00 mg-cy-3-glu.100 g-1), as well as carotenoids (20.0 ± 1.23 mg-ß-carot.100 g-1) and vitamin C (58.60 ± 1.32 mg.100 g-1) in murici. In conclusion, data obtained add valuable information to the current knowledge on the nutritional and functional features of fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado that have been scarcely explored, such as those analyzed, which showed high content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.
Fatigue and Self-management among Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Fatigue is considered as the most revealed symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients, reported by 88% of patients and has significant impact on all stages of life such as altering in daily living activity or psychosocial/mental functions. The pathogenesis of fatigue remain poorly understood and how its impact on self-management. The aim of study was to assess fatigue and self management among multiple sclerosis patients. A quantitative descriptive correlational design was used in this study. The study was conducted at both King Abdulaziz University Hospital and King Fahad Armed Forces Hospitals in Jeddah City from January till March 2018, data collected from outpatients’ clinic and Inpatients’ medical-wards. A convenience sample of 50 Multiple Sclerosis patients. Data was collected through the main one tool, it consists of three parts; Part I, Socio-demographic and clinical data constructed by the researchers. Part П, Modified Fatigue Impact scale; to assess the Impact of fatigue on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning in patient with Multiple Sclerosis. Part ПІ, Multiple Sclerosis Self Management Scale Revised; to provide a multidimensional and psychometrically assessment of self-management knowledge and behavior among Multiple Sclerosis patients. The study results showed there was a statistically significant negative correlations between fatigue subscales and overall self-management among Multiple Sclerosis patients with p-value (.019). Also, there was a statistically significant negative correlations between self-management factor scales and overall fatigue among Multiple Sclerosis patients with p-value (.019). It was concluded that there was a negative correlations between overall fatigue and overall self-management among Multiple Sclerosis patients, whenever fatigue severity increases, self-management decreases. It was a recommendation to encourage governmental policy and other decision makers in the Saudi community to develop periodically structure health education training program regarding self-management in MS and provide appropriate environments or facilities to conduct such programs, where nurses play a key role through health education and cooperate with other health care system.
New traffic analysis and engineering methods for emerging technologies

Recent developments in telecommunications technology have far outpaced progress in teletraffic methods and practices. While engineering problems, such as capacity management and traffic measurements, remain highly relevant, this paper argues that new methods are required to address these problems in emerging networks and services. As an illustration, we discuss several traffic management problems that we have encountered in recent years that required the application of novel methods drawn from chaotic dynamical systems and fractal theory. The first concerns a phenomenon known as traffic synchronization which resulted in sustained oscillations in the queue lengths of an access tandem (or via) switch. We discuss how traffic synchronization arose in this case as a consequence of changing traffic characteristics and switch processor scheduling; and we summarize dynamical systems techniques based on chaotic maps to model, analyze and control this behavior. Secondly, we will discuss how ideas from the sciences of chaos and fractals can be applied to address the complexity of traffic in packet based networks and services such as X.25, ISDN, Internet, Ethernet, frame relay, SMDS, and ATM, and the development of more accurate engineering methods. We will summarize some recent developments in teletraffic measurement studies, introduce basic concepts in chaos and fractal theories, and establish the connection between these concepts and traffic analysis and engineering.