Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Activity Recognition for Surveillance Applications

The analysis of human activities is one of the most interesting and important open issues for the automated video surveillance community. In order to understand the behaviors of humans, a higher level of understanding is required, which is generally referred to as activity recognition. While traditional approaches rely on 2D data like images or videos, the development of low-cost depth sensors created new opportunities to advance the field. In this paper, a system to recognize human activities using 3D skeleton joints recovered from 3D depth data of RGB-D cameras is proposed. A low dimensional descriptor is constructed for activity recognition based on skeleton joints. The proposed system focuses on recognizing human activities not human actions. Human activities take place over different time scales and consist of a sequence of sub-activities (referred to as actions). The proposed system recognizes learned activities via trained Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). Experimental results on two human activity recognition benchmarks show that the proposed recognition system outperforms various state-of-the-art skeleton-based human activity recognition techniques.
Energy minimization for the flow in ducts and networks

The present paper is an attempt to demonstrate how the energy minimization principle may be considered as a governing rule for the physical equilibrium that determines the flow fields in tubes and networks. We previously investigated this issue using a numerical stochastic method, specifically simulated annealing, where we demonstrated the problem by some illuminating examples and concluded that energy minimization principle can be a valid hypothesis. The investigation in this paper is more general as it is based to a certain extent on an analytical approach.
Coronal activity cycles in nearby G and K stars - XMM-Newton monitoring of 61 Cygni and α Centauri

We use X-ray observations of the nearby binaries 61 Cyg A/B (K5V and K7V) and Alpha Cen A/B (G2V and K1V) to study the long-term evolution of magnetic activity in weakly to moderately active G + K dwarfs over nearly a decade. Specifically we search for X-ray activity cycles and related coronal changes and compare them to the solar behavior. For 61 Cyg A we find a regular coronal activity cycle analog to its 7.3 yr chromospheric cycle. The X-ray brightness variations are with a factor of three significantly lower than on the Sun, yet the changes of coronal properties resemble the solar behavior with larger variations occurring in the respective hotter plasma components. 61 Cyg B does not show a clear cyclic coronal trend so far, but the X-ray data matches the more irregular chromospheric cycle. Both Alpha Cen stars exhibit significant long-term X-ray variability. Alpha Cen A shows indications for cyclic variability of an order of magnitude with a period of about 12-15 years; the Alpha Cen B data suggests an X-ray cycle with an amplitude of about six to eight and a period of 8-9 years. The sample stars exhibit X-ray luminosities ranging between Lx < 1x10^26 - 3x10^27 erg s^-1 in the 0.2-2.0 keV band and have coronae dominated by cool plasma with variable average temperatures of around 1.0-2.5 MK. We find that coronal activity cycles are apparently a common phenomenon in older, slowly rotating G and K stars. The spectral changes of the coronal X-ray emission over the cycles are solar-like in all studied targets.
Geochemical source components in seafloor lavas in the aleutian back-arc

Whole-rock compositions of seafloor lavas are used to constrain the processes and source characteristics contributing to the formation of geochemically distinctive, primitive magma types located in the Aleutian back-arc. Samples were dredged primarily from small volcanic cones on the seafloor, located between the emergent volcanoes and in the back-arc up to 60 km from the volcanic front. Compositions vary from basalt to dacite, with 48-70 % SiO2 and 4-13 % MgO. Nearly 30% of the samples are primitive, with Mg/Mg+Fe >0.60. Most primitive samples are basalts, which fall into two groups, based on minor and trace element abundances. Low/med-K basalts are similar to primitive basalts throughout the arc with <1 % K2O and <0.2 % P2O5. Most of these contain <500 ppm Sr, <14 ppm Rb, 4-7 ppm La, and La/Yb=3-5. Medium/high-K basalts have higher K2O and P2O5 as well as higher abundances of most incompatible trace elements except Pb (<6 ppm for all primitive basalts). Enrichments are somewhat stronger in the large ion lithophile elements compared to less strongly incompatible elements, resulting in more fractionated trace element patterns in med/high-K basalts (La/Yb=5-10 and Sr/Y=21-39), but without an affect from residual garnet (normalized Dy/Yb=1-2). Strontium and Pb isotopes are generally less radiogenic in med/high-K basalts (Sr/Sr=0.7028-0.7031, Pb/Pb=15.49-15.55) compared to low/med-K basalts (Sr/Sr=0.7030-0.7035, Pb/Pb=15.53-15.59). The pattern is one of generally less radiogenic Pb and Sr in samples that are more strongly enriched in incompatible elements relative to Pb (K/Pb, Ce/Pb, Hf/Pb). Medium/high-K basalts with
Mechanism for initiating secondary currents in channel flows

This study investigates the underlying mechanisms that initiate secondary flow in developing turbulent flow along a corner. This is done by theoretical examination of the total shear stress, which is the time-averaged product of instantaneous streamwise velocity U and the velocity Vn normal to the interface. The study shows that lines of zero total shear stress exist in the flow region, which delineate the region of secondary flow. Therefore, the flow region is dividable and eight vortices occur in a duct flow. The theoretical and experimental results show that the division line, separating the neighboring secondary currents in a corner, is not always identical to the bisector of the corner, but deviates from the corner bisector if the aspect ratio is b/h ≠ 1. By simplifying Reynolds equation in the near-bed region, we find that theoretically a lateral variation of streamwise velocity initiates the wall-tangent flow that drives the vortex in the region bounded by zero total shear stress. A simplified meth.
Development of a Survey that Supports Two, Three and Five Meta-Categories of Leadership Behaviour

The present paper reports the development of a leadership survey that contains lower-order factors representing a broad range of commonly researched leader behaviours, as well as higher-order factors that support models of two, three and five “meta-categories” of leadership behaviour. Research into leadership, and assessment and development of leaders, continues to be hampered by the lack of a broad-ranging model and measure of leader behaviour. Over the last century, leadership has been conceptualized in terms of a single, then two, “meta-categories” of behaviour. In a recent review Yukl (2006) summarized leadership thinking in terms of three meta-categories of leadership behaviour that encompass transactional task-related and relationsrelated behaviours but which also include transformational change-related behaviours. It is hypothesized that the continued evolution of leadership thinking may expand this model to five meta-categories mirroring the Big Five personality factors, with the benefit of explicitly recognising the importance of emotional stability and separating important components of change-related behaviours. This paper analyses survey ratings of 1766 senior leaders. Using cross-validated exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, 22 lowerorder behaviour categories were identified, and higherorder factor structures were found supporting two, three and five meta-categories of leadership. Implications for both leadership research and practice are discussed.
Isolation, chemical composition and antioxidant activities of a water-soluble polysaccharide from rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae

A water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae was fractioned into two fractions coded as F1 and F2. Structure features of the purified polysaccharides were investigated by a combination of chemical and instrumental analysis, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS) and fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that the F1 was composed of galactose, rhamnose, arabinose and mannose. F2 contained xylose, galactose and arabinose. Two fractions showed high antioxidant activities. Moreover, antioxidant activities of F2 is stronger. Key words: Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae, polysaccharides, antioxidant.
Effect of defoliation from the bottom to the top on the yield of Brazilian soybean cultivars

Among the factors that may cause decreases in soybean yield there are the foliar diseases that despite control it can limit grain yield. The Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) is considered the most important disease of soybean in Brazil. The aim of this work was to simulate the progress of Asian rust in Brazilian soybean cultivars by removal of trifoliate leaves from the bottom to the top. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, in a 3x3x5 factorial scheme, with four replications. It was observed that there was significant interaction between cultivars and defoliation for all yield components and consequently in seed yield. Increase in the defoliation intensity towards the bottom to the top during the reproductive stages studied (R3, R5, R6) there is a linear decrease in grain productivity, reaching in the highest defoliation level, loss of 79.6, 77.7 and 38.6% in R3, R5 and R6 stages, respectively. The simulation of damage by soybean rust through defoliation cultivars showed severity in leaf area reduction and its consequent effect in grain seed yield. Key words: Yield components, leaf area, reproductive stage, biotic stress.
Bluetooth Based Holy Places Crowds Control System

One of the main problems that still exists in the Holy places and causes lots of damage and danger to the pilgrims is the crowd. Crowds are essentially caused by the performance of the religious duties by millions of Muslims in a unique place in short period of time. Image processing techniques for crowds’ detection is limited by camera coverage and need of continuous light. Positioning systems based on wireless technologies such as GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi are another alternative for crowd detection. In this work, we developed a Bluetooth Based Holy Place Crowds Control System (BHPCC) for controlling the crowds in holy places. This system is able to find lost pilgrims and control crowds by detecting them and recommend less crowded places for pilgrims.
Carbon sources and pH effect on pectinolytic activity production by Ascochyta rabiei isolated from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in West Algeria

In Algeria, Ascochyta blight is a major limiting factor in chickpea production. We did not record any difference between the isolates while basing ourselves on the morphological and cultural characters, but the pectinolytic activity could differentiate the ten isolates of Ascochyta rabiei. Activity of pectin methyl esterase was baseless in the presence of glucose, but variable in the presence of the citrus pectin and polygalacturonic acid. We recorded the weak production ranging between 0.19 and 0.55 µeg/ml/min; however the strong activity was between 2.97 and 5.88 µeg/ml/min in the presence of citrus pectin and polygalacturonic acid, respectively. On the other hand, the polygalacturonase activity was present in culture filtrates using three sources of carbon. Weak production was recorded in the presence of glucose (0.28 to 2.63 µmole/min), however the strong activity was recorded in the presence of 16.29 µmole/min of polygalacturonic acid. The maximal production of polygalacturonase was 11.7 µmole/min in the presence of the polygalacturonic acid and 0.9 µmole/min in the presence of glucose after six days of incubation at pH 5. The polygalacturonase activity was between 0.3 and 0.62 µmole/min after 4 days of incubation at pH 8. However, optimum production was obtained at pH 5.5. It should be noted that there is an important difference in the production of polygalacturonase with simple sugars glucose and pectin, indicating that the production of the enzyme is also stimulated by the presence of inducers. The exo-polygalacturonase is present in all carbon sources, suggesting that this enzyme could probably be of a constitutive nature in Ascochyta rabiei.
Combining data from the distributed GRUAN site Lauder–Invercargill, New Zealand, to provide a site atmospheric state best estimate of temperature

Abstract. A site atmospheric state best estimate (SASBE) of the temperature profile above the GCOS (Global Climate Observing System) Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN) site at Lauder, New Zealand, has been developed. Data from multiple sources are combined within the SASBE to generate a high temporal resolution data set that includes an estimate of the uncertainty on every value.The SASBE has been developed to enhance the value of measurements made at the distributed GRUAN site at Lauder and Invercargill (about 180 km apart), and to demonstrate a methodology which can be adapted to other distributed sites. Within GRUAN, a distributed site consists of a cluster of instruments at different locations.The temperature SASBE combines measurements from radiosondes and automatic weather stations at Lauder and Invercargill, and ERA5 reanalysis, which is used to calculate a diurnal temperature cycle to which the SASBE converges in the absence of any measurements.The SASBE provides hourly temperature profiles at 16 pressure levels between the surface and 10 hPa for the years 1997 to 2012. Every temperature value has an associated uncertainty which is calculated by propagating the measurement uncertainties, the ERA5 ensemble standard deviations, and the ERA5 representativeness uncertainty through the retrieval chain. The SASBE has been long-term archived and is identified using the digital object identifier https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1195779. The study demonstrates a method to combine data collected at distributed sites. The resulting best-estimate temperature data product for Lauder is expected to be valuable for satellite and model validation as measurements of atmospheric essential climate variables are sparse in the Southern Hemisphere. The SASBE could, for example, be used to constrain a radiative transfer model to provide top-of-the-atmosphere radiances with traceable uncertainty estimates.
The eastern Jan Mayen microcontinent volcanic margin

SUMMARY The Jan Mayen microcontinent (JMMC) in the NE Atlantic was created through two Cenozoic rift episodes. Originally part of East Greenland, the JMMC rifted from NW Europe during the Early Eocene under extensive magmatism. The eastern margin is conjugate to the More–Faeroes volcanic margin. The western JMMC margin underwent prolonged extension before it finally separated from East Greenland during the Late Oligocene. Here we present the modelling by forward/inverse ray tracing of two wide-angle seismic profiles acquired using Ocean Bottom Seismometers, across the northern and the southern JMMC. Early Eocene breakup magmatism at the eastern JMMC produced an igneous thickness of 7–9 km in the north, and 12–14 km in the south. While the continent is clear in the north, the southern JMMC appears to be affected by later Icelandic magmatism. Reduced seismic velocity and increased crustal thickness are compatible with continental crust adjacent to the volcanic margin in the south, but the continental presence towards the Iceland shelf is less clear. Our magnetic track off the southern JMMC gives seafloor spreading rates comparable to that of the conjugate More Margin. Transition to ultraslow seafloor spreading occurs at ∼43 Ma, indicating onset of major deformation of the JMMC. Calculating the igneous thickness—mean V P relationship at the eastern volcanic margin gives the typical positive correlation seen elsewhere on the NE Atlantic margins. The results indicate temperature driven breakup magmatism under passive mantle upwelling, with a maximum mantle temperature anomaly of ∼50 °C in the north and 90–150 °C in the south.
A study on the effect of multi-parent recombination in real coded genetic algorithms

We investigate real coded genetic algorithms in which more than two parents are involved in recombination operation. We propose three types of multi-parent recombination operators; the center of mass crossover (CMX), multi-parent feature-wise crossover (MFX), and seed crossover (SX). Each of these operators is a natural generalization of 2-parent recombination operator. These operators are evaluated on several test functions. The results showed clearly that multi-parent recombinations lead to better performance, although the performance improvement for different techniques were found to be dependent on problems.
Gender Differences In Teachers' Pedagogical Communication Styles

Gender-communicative competence is a vital aspect of effective pedagogy. Promoting gendercommunicative competence requires understanding pedagogical differences related to teacher gender and their impacts on students. To develop bases for the improvement of teachers' pedagogical dialogue styles that actively consider the impact of teacher gender and to outline an effective approach to improve teachers' gender-communicative competence. This study systematically compared domestic and foreign research on gender differences in communication styles. A questionnaire was used to identify differences in perception and approach among male and female teachers. 45 participants were re-surveyed after taking part in a pilot gender-communicative competence workshop. 80 Almaty students were also surveyed on their relationships with male and female teachers. While international research points to gender having a significant impact on pedagogical style and effectiveness, teachers of both genders trained in gender-sensitive communication can be effective and inspiring teachers for students of both genders. Survey results showed that Kazakhstani teachers responded well to training in gendercommunicative competence. This study systematically conceptualized gender differences in communication styles to make a model of gender-communicative competence that included axiological, cognitive and technological components. A 10-hour program was developed to improve the style of teachers' pedagogical dialogue through the formation of gender-communicative competence. The program was tested with compulsory schoolteachers working in Almaty. Forty-five teachers attended the experimental session. © 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.UK
Studying Classroom Interaction During a Design-Without-Make Assignment

This paper presents the strategies employed by Indian middle-school students working in groups to identify three unfamiliar artefacts. The activity described in this paper was aimed at sensitising students to the close link between form and function and to bring a certain amount of uncertainty in the tasks before the actual design task. It was part of a larger study (Ara et al 2009) that explored students’ ideas about design and designers before and after they engaged in design related activities. Twenty two students of class 7 worked in six groups of three or four members and the entire exchange was video-recorded. The verbatim transcription of the conversation within the groups and the actions and gestures executed by students were categorised. Groups came up with various accidental functions for the three artefacts and only three groups were successful in identifying the intended functions of all three artefacts. All groups utilised similar strategies while trying to identify the artefacts however they differed in the frequency of use of these strategies. Cognitive strategies included active discussions within the group and handling strategies involved manipulation of the artefacts by the group members. Groups which were less interactive, less critical of others ideas and less defensive of their own ideas were unsuccessful in identifying the intended functions of the artefacts.
Parental Support for Newcomer Children’s Education in a Smaller Centre

This study explored the issues around parental support for newcomer children’s transition to school in a smaller urban centre in Atlantic Canada where newcomer support is relatively limited. Data were drawn from semistructured interviews with 11 newcomer parents, five children, and one settlement worker. The findings revealed newcomer parents’ difficulties in understanding the school system, limited engagement with the school community, isolation from other parents, and barriers to understanding and connecting with other parents. Among these newcomers, refugee parents are particularly challenged. We conclude that newcomer children’s parental involvement need to be viewed multi-dimensionally, and that the creation of a commonly comfortable “mediated space” may be hampered by both cultural miscommunication and inadequate support provided to newcomer parents and children as well as the teaching staff. Résumé Cette étude a exploré les problèmes liés au soutien parental pour la transition à l'école des enfants des nouveaux immigrants, dans un centre urbain très petit de la côte atlantique du Canada où le support aux nouveaux venus est relativement limité. Les données étaient tirées des entretiens semi-dirigés avec 11 parents récemment arrivés, cinq enfants et un travailleur d'établissement. Les résultats ont révélé les difficultés des parents nouveaux venus à comprendre le système éducatif, un engagement limité avec la communauté scolaire, l'isolement d'avec les autres parents, et les obstacles à comprendre et à se lier avec les autres parents. Parmi ces nouveaux venus, les parents réfugiés sont tout particulièrement mis au défi. Nous concluons que la participation des parents des enfants nouveaux arrivants doit être considérée de manière multidimensionnelle, et que la création d'un "espace de médiation" mutuellement confortable peut être entravée par une mauvaise communication sur le plan culturel et par un soutien insuffisant offert aux parents et enfants nouveaux venus, ainsi qu’au staff enseignant.
Apoptotic Cell Identification: an in vivo Study during Induction Treatment of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children has high cure rate but it can cause death due to the side effects of treatment or to the disease itself. Thus the evaluation on response of treatment is important and may predict the prognosis. Since apoptosis can be induced by chemotherapy, it is thought that the number of leukemic cells that undergo apoptosis may reflect drug sensitivity and cytoreduction rate, thus it may correlate with prog- nosis. Objective To detect apoptotic cells in peripheral blood of children with ALL during the first week of treatment. Methods We conducted a cross sectional study on 58 children with newly diagnosed ALL treated in Department of Child Health, Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta. Apoptotic cells were detected on smears of buffy coat made from peripheral blod and stained with May-Grunwald Giemsa. The apoptotic cells viewed under light mi- croscope within 12 time points during 7 days after treatment started. Results Apoptotic cells were identified in 3 of 58 patients with index range of 4.2% to 36.2%. Conclusion Apoptotic cells can be detected in peripheral blood with simple method. The explanation of why not all blood smears viewed showed these cells need further study. It may due to the methods or the apoptotic process itself.