Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of the effects of affordances and constraints on user's usage of travel-related WeChat mini programs

WeChat has been integrated into the daily lives of Chinese people, including travel. This study adopts affordance theory to examine the influences of affordances and constraints on users’ usage of travel-related WeChat mini programs. We plan to conduct a survey of users who have used at least one travel-related mini program. We hope this research can provide both theoretical implications to tourism literature and practical implications for tourism service providers as well as designers of travelrelated mini programs.
Improvement in Land Cover and Crop Classification based on Temporal Features Learning from Sentinel-2 Data Using Recurrent-Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN)

Understanding the use of current land cover, along with monitoring change over time, is vital for agronomists and agricultural agencies responsible for land management. The increasing spatial and temporal resolution of globally available satellite images, such as provided by Sentinel-2, creates new possibilities for researchers to use freely available multi-spectral optical images, with decametric spatial resolution and more frequent revisits for remote sensing applications such as land cover and crop classification (LC&CC), agricultural monitoring and management, environment monitoring. Existing solutions dedicated to cropland mapping can be categorized based on per-pixel based and object-based. However, it is still challenging when more classes of agricultural crops are considered at a massive scale. In this paper, a novel and optimal deep learning model for pixel-based LC&CC is developed and implemented based on Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) in combination with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) using multi-temporal sentinel-2 imagery of central north part of Italy, which has diverse agricultural system dominated by economic crop types. The proposed methodology is capable of automated feature extraction by learning time correlation of multiple images, which reduces manual feature engineering and modeling crop phenological stages. Fifteen classes, including major agricultural crops, were considered in this study. We also tested other widely used traditional machine learning algorithms for comparison such as support vector machine SVM, random forest (RF), Kernal SVM, and gradient boosting machine, also called XGBoost. The overall accuracy achieved by our proposed Pixel R-CNN was 96.5%, which showed considerable improvements in comparison with existing mainstream methods. This study showed that Pixel R-CNN based model offers a highly accurate way to assess and employ time-series data for multi-temporal classification tasks.
Transition from Waste Management to Circular Economy: the EU Roadmap

In the last twenty years, European Union (EU) has enhanced Waste Management (WM) strategies toward Circular Economy (CE). Starting from the previous analysis carried out by (Fabrizi, Sospiro, 2017), this paper analyses firstly EU Member States (MSs) Roadmap toward Sustainable Waste Management (SWM) and secondly to CE. Four case studies (FR, DE, IT, NL) were selected in order to investigate their policies, criteria, methodologies and outcomes for CE implementation at national level. The study considered the most notable recent findings on CE, Eurostat data, and Eurostat Circular Material Use (CMU) indicator. Beside SWM positive practices and results, it emerged that EU countries needs a further step in order to close materials’ loops. Indeed, a larger quantity of Secondary Raw Materials (SRMs) should return to manufacture, and this requires stronger intervention that goes beyond the waste sector. The research presents four barriers to CE, which suggest that major changes are needed to boost virgin material savings and Resource Efficiency (RE). In light of this, the EU Commission recently entrusted the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to assess and compare the environmental impacts of alternative feedstock for plastic products. This reveals EU attempt to re-balance the intervention on CE, by striving new products’ design approaches. New design strategies and production process could indeed support waste minimization and help end-of-life products’ resources to return into industrial systems.
ANALYSIS IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCOUNTING SYSTEM OF AGENCY (SAI)

The role of systems and information technology have influenced the lifestyle and way of trading community which is termed as e-life, such as e-commerce, e-banking, e-learning, elibrary, e-journals, e-government, e-vote and any it is based electronics and accessed by internet or online. On governance Implementation of the government information technology systems was urged realized in order to establish working procedures of the government to be more simple, responsive, and transparent. The success of information systems is an interesting research topic to be researched. Many research model that has been used to identify the determinants of successful implementation of information systems, but the evaluation of the application of technology has always demanded a more comprehensive measurement of success. The success or failure of information systems is highly dependent on the fit between the human factor, organization and technology. Integrated models of acceptance Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), information systems success model of DeLone and McLean (D and M IS Success Model) and the addition of the suitability model of Human-Organization-Technology (HOT) -Fit Framework is expected to generate a model integrated able to provide better representation in the measurement of the comprehensive application of information technology. It motivates researchers to evaluate the success of Accounting System of Agency (SAI) application usage.The purpose of this study is to examine and provide empirical evidence about Human, Organization and Technology factors towards user satisfaction of applications SAI’s user. Research conducted on 68 respondents who are manage SAI at Election Commission of West Nusa Tenggara Province. The research model using the structural model analysis with Smart PLS 3.0. The results show that the human and technology factors have positive effect on user satisfaction, while the organizational factors do not affect the user satisfaction of SAI. The implications of this study that the user satisfaction can be increased by increasing the human factors and technology used of the SAI.
Queueing analysis for operations modeling in port logistics

Purpose The use of queueing network models was stimulated by the appearance (1975) of the exact product form solution of a class of open, closed and mixed queueing networks obeying the local balance principle and solved, a few years later, by the popular mean value analysis algorithm (1980). Since then, research efforts have been produced to approximate solutions for non-exponential services and non-pure random mechanisms in customer processing and routing. The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of modeling choices and solution approaches consolidated in other domains with respect to two key logistic processes in container terminals. Design/methodology/approach In particular, the analytical solution of queueing networks is assessed for the vessel arrival-departure process and the container internal transfer process with respect to a real terminal of pure transshipment. Findings Numerical experiments show the extent to which a decomposition-based approximation, under fixed or state-dependent arrival rates, may be suitable for the approximate analysis of the queueing network models. Research limitations/implications The limitation of adopting exponential service time distributions and Poisson flows is highlighted. Practical implications Comparisons with a simulation-based solution deliver numerical evidence on the companion use of simulation in the daily practice of managing operations in a finite-time horizon under complex policies. Originality/value Discussion of some open modeling issues and encouraging results provide some guidelines on future research efforts and/or suitable adaption to container terminal logistics of the large body of techniques and algorithms available nowadays for supporting long-run decisions.
Intangible Capital and Labour Productivity Growth: A Review of the Literature

This paper surveys a wide range of studies on the impact of capital investment in intangible assets on labour productivity growth and highlights their main findings on. Surveying the literature at the country, industry and firm level, this paper finds evidence of the increasing importance of business investment in intangible assets in explaining the dynamics of labour productivity growth. Moreover, the findings reported in the literature surveyed suggest that in order to fully reap the benefits of investment in information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI), it is essential for businesses to make complementary investment in intangible assets. In addition, the literature on the drivers of business capital investment in intangibles highlights the importance of having in place a well-endowed infrastructure of public intangibles. Judging from the wide range of economic literature surveyed, this paper finds that the contemporary economic debate now broadly acknowledges the importance of intangibles for the transformation of developed economies towards becoming fully-fledged knowledge economies.
Ranking Distractors for Multiple Choice Questions

Automatically generating or ranking distractors for multiplechoice questions (MCQs) is still a challanging problem. In this work, we have focused towards automatic ranking of distractors for MCQs. Accordingly, we have proposed an semantically aware CNN-BiLSTM model. We evaluate our model with different word level embeddings as input over two different openly available datasets. Experimental results demonstrate our proposed model surpasses the performance of the existing baseline models. Furthermore, we have observed that intelligently incorporating word level semantic information along with context specific word embeddings boost up the predictive performance of distractors, which is a promising direction for further research.
Network Surveys

This review presents some general concepts and approaches that are used in network surveys, and it also tries to give a flavor of what special methodological issues and modern interesting applications can be encountered in this field. To this end, recursive calculations of inclusion probabilities in successive snowball samples are discussed. Moreover, investigations of the World Wide Web and of criminal co-offender networks are mentioned as examples of applications that require special network methodology.
Modeling Particle-Fluid Coupling and its Impact on Magnetic Particle Transport in Microfluidic Systems

An analysis is presented of the effects of particle-fluid coupling on the transport and capture of magnetic particles in microfluidic systems with magnetophoretic functionality. Magnetic particle transport is modeled using a computational fluid dynamic CFD-based LagrangianEulerian approach that takes into account dominant particle forces as well as two-way particle-fluid coupling. The difference in capture efficiency for one-way versus twoway particle-fluid coupling is analyzed and quantified. The analysis shows that one-way coupling over predicts the magnetic force needed for particle capture as compared to more rigorous fully-coupled analysis. In two-way coupling there is a cooperative effect between the magnetic force and a particle-induced flow towards regions of high field gradient that enhances capture efficiency. While commonly used one-way coupling is useful for rapid parametric screening of particle capture efficiency, more accurate predictions require two-way particle-fluid coupling. This is especially true when higher capture efficiencies and/or particle concentrations are required.
High speed twin roll casting of 6016 strip

Purpose: of this paper is to clear the possibility of high speed roll casting of thin aluminum alloy strip. 6016 aluminum alloy is used for sheet metal of the automobile. Therefore, casting of 6016 was tried in this study. Castability and characteristics of roll cast 6016 strip were investigated. Design/methodology/approach: was a high speed twin roll caster. The high speed twin roll caster was designed to overcome the low castability of the twin roll caster. Findings: are as below. The 6016 could be cast at speed of 60 m/min. The thickness of the 6016 was 3 mm. The microstructure at as-cast and after T6 heat treatment was shown. The microstructure was very fine by the effect of the rapid solidification. The mechanical properties were investigated by the tension test and 180 degrees bending test. The as-cast strip could be cold rolled down to 1 mm without homogenization. The result of tension test (gage length 50mm) of T4 strip was as below, tensile stress was 242 MPa, proof stress was 123 MPa and elongation was 26%. There was no crack at the outer surface of 180-degree-bent strip until contact. This shows the strip endure the hem forming. Research limitations/implications: is the width of the strip was 100 mm. The test using a large scale twin roll caster must be operated. Practical implications: are as below. The mechanical properties of the roll-cast 6016 were enough for the sheet metal for the automobile. The low productivity of the twin roll caster could be improved, and economy 6016 strip was able to produce. Originality/value: is that 6016 strip could be cast at speed 60 m/min and this strip had good mechanical properties.
CHAPTER-VI Synthesis of cellulose / PVP composite membrane using

Cellulose is one of the most favorable resources for biodegradable polymers as fabrics, membranes, films etc. It is a useful biopolymer with enormous potential and low price for use in the non-food industries [1]. In recent times, the research determinations have been made on the expansion of cellulose film using non-polluting solvent such as Ionic liquids. Cellulose films with good properties are obtained after a coagulation procedure with an optimal coagulant [2]. Cellulose based polymers have properties of thermoplastics, bio sourced products still expose unfortunately some disadvantages, such as low mechanical properties and moisture sensitivity. The effective strategies maintaining the biodegradability is to elaborate bio-composites by association of cellulose with other eco-friendly polymers. This composite polymers exhibit film forming properties and derived from renewable resources [3-5].
THE EVOLUTION OF THE LIOLAEMUS WIEGMANNI-COMPLEX AND THE DISPERSAL CENTERS IN BRAZIL

Every organism, population and living system contains informations, the clarification of which supplies criteria for a genetic and/or ecological evaluation of landscapes. Morphological, ecophysiological or ethological similarities between phylogenetically different gtoups can promote the understanding of identical or similar challenges, to which an organism or a population in a certain location is exposed. Similar life forms among organisms, the comparable diversity of ecosystems, as well as the structures of populations and bio coenoses can be utilized to elucidate the ecological affinity of different regions. Howevet, these factors alene do not suffice as "affinity-criteria"; indeed they can lead to grave misinterpretations if the connections between form and function are not adequately understood. If we use organisms, biocoenoses and ecosystems as indicators for environmental quaiity and the typification of relationships between regions, then both their ecological and genetic structures have to be given equal consideration. This prerequires that only time periods be analyzed, in which a definable, characteristic constancy of a taxon's ecological valence can be assumed. Numerous examples show that basic phylogenetic innovations generally acompany an incisive change in environments and therefore also a change in the ecological valence of populations or parts ofpopulations. In the case ofvertebrates (especially the poikilothermic reptiles and the homeothermic birds), allopatrically distributed subor semi-species within one species or closely-related group of species belong to the same or similar biomes in most instances (KEAST 1961, MOREAU 1966, MÜLLER 19'73,1971), whereas on their'genus and family levels ecological pluripotence is often the case. Since "being similar" does not necessarily mean "being related", in general only groups with the most complicated structures and numerous characteristics are suited for clarifying and phylogenetically reconstructing the relationships between higher taxons, in order to distinguish between synapomorphies and convergences (HENNIG 1969,ILLIES 1965, BRUNDIN 1972, SCHMINCKE t91 4, ZV'trCK r97 4).
Evaluation of the ecosystem values of aquatic wildlife reserves: a case of Chinese Sturgeon Natural Reserve in Yichang reaches of the Yangtze river

Chinese Sturgeon Natural Reserve (CSNR) is a typical river ecosystem in the middle of the Yangtze River. An evaluation system of the river ecosystem services of CSNR was established using the so-called Market Price Approach , Expense Payment Method , Contingent Valuation Method , Substituted Value Method , Cost Analysis Method and Opportunity Cost Method . The results showed that the total values of the ecosystem goods and services of the natural reserve amount to an estimated 73.57 million USD. The use-values and non use-values were 72.5 and 27.5%, respectively. The direct use values, including fisheries, water supplies and others, reach a total of about 24.23 million USD; On the other hand, the indirect use values, which include endangered species, purification costs and degradation losses, have been estimated at cost levels of approximately 29.12 million USD, indicating with 39.6% its important role of the total value. Meanwhile the non-use values of CSNR in the Yichang Reaches of the Yangtze River were assessed by a contingent valuation method (CVM) and the willingness to pay (WTP), The study shows that the annual non-use values of CSNR is up to 20.22 million USD, of which its existence values is in the range of 8.59 million USD, its bequest values 8.03 million USD, and the option values around 3.6 million USD. This preliminary analysis indicates that this natural reserve represents a special hydro-ecosystem in China with the sturgeon as target species, which is highly valued. The value of endangered aquatic species is up to 25.2% of the total, which places much emphasis on aquatic species. Investment in scientific research and management is presently quite low, amounting to only 0.7% of the total; this fact incidates that research work should be given more concern and support. Limited by the data availability, data processing capacity and time given, result of this initial investigation only represents part of CSNR s assessable value, however, considering the reality that lots of water resource and hydropower projects are now on the way, this valuation will still be helpful to inform the public with the importance of protecting endangered aquatic wildlife and such special hydro-ecosystem.
Clinical Outcomes Of Using Nebulized Budesonide As The Initial Treatment For Acute Exacerbations Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Post-Hoc Analysis

Purpose: The current guidelines recommend the use of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) as the optimal treatment for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The aim of this real-world study was to evaluate whether nebulized budesonide (NBS) could also be used as an initial treatment for AECOPD. Patients and methods: AECOPD patients initially treated with NBS or SCS (oral/intra-venous) were enrolled. A large-scale, long-term multicenter cohort study of AECOPD patients was performed to analyze outcomes for each treatment (NCT02051166). Results: Initial NBS and SCS treatment resulted in similar outcomes in terms of improvements in FEV 1 , PaO 2 , SaO 2 , and PaCO 2 . Disease severity affected outcome similarly in both groups. When the groups were strati ﬁ ed according to whether the initial treatment was subsequently intensi ﬁ ed or reduced, more intubation was seen in the groups in which initial treatment was intensi ﬁ ed. NBS escalation and SCS reduction groups spent more days in the hospital. The NBS escalation group was associated with the highest medical expenditure and a relatively higher rate of new-onset pneumonia. The NBS maintenance/reduction group showed the lowest mortality rate between groups. Strati ﬁ cation according to initial PaCO 2 level showed more intubation in the groups with high initial PaCO 2 concentrations. Conclusion: These results indicate that NBS may be used as an initial treatment in certain AECOPD patients, and further studies are needed to better de ﬁ ne those most likely to bene ﬁ t.
Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from whole human umbilical cord exhibit similar properties to those derived from Whartons jelly and bone marrow

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be isolated from several regions of human umbilical cords, including Wharton’s jelly (WJ), artery, vein or cord lining. These MSC appear to be immune privileged and are promising candidates for cell therapy. However, isolating MSC from WJ, artery, vein or cord lining requires time-consuming tissue dissection. MSC can be obtained easily via briefly digesting complete segments of the umbilical cord, likely containing heterogenous or mixed populations of MSC (MC-MSC). MC-MSC are generally less well characterised than WJ-MSC, but nevertheless represent a potentially valuable population of MSC. This study aimed to further characterise MC-MSC in comparison to WJMSC and also the better-characterised bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC). MC-MSC proliferated faster; with significantly faster doubling times reaching passage one 8.8 days sooner and surviving longer in culture than WJ-MSC. All MSC retained the safety aspect of reducing telomere length with increasing passage number. MSC were also assessed for their ability to suppress T cell proliferation and for the production of key markers of pluripotency, embryonic stem cells, tolerogenicity (CD40, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR) and immunomodulation (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase [IDO] and HLA-G). The MC-MSC population displayed all of the positive attributes of WJ-MSC and BM-MSC, but they were more efficient to obtain and underwent more population doublings than from WJ, suggesting A cc ep te d A rt ic le FEBS Open Bio (2016) © 2016 The Authors. Published by FEBS Press and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. that MC-MSC are promising candidates for allogeneic cell therapy in regenerative medicine.
Learning Convolutional Autoencoders with a Metric Constraint

We propose a new learning method that enables an autoencoder to extract more useful features for retrieval or classification tasks with limited-size datasets. Some targets in document analysis and recognition (DAR) including signature verification, historical document analysis, and scene text recognition, involve a common problem in which the size of the dataset available for training is small against the intra-class variety of the target appearance. Recently, several approaches, such as variational autoencoders and deep metric learning, have been proposed to obtain a feature representation that is suitable for the tasks. However, these methods sometimes cause an overfitting problem in which the accuracy of the test data is relatively low, while the performance for the training dataset is quite high. Our proposed method obtains feature representations for such tasks in DAR using convolutional autoencoders with a metric constraint. The accuracy is evaluated on an image-based retrieval of ancient Japanese signatures. Keywords-convolutional autoencoder; metric constraint; feature extraction; historical document analysis