Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial Round \ FC 8 Unlabeled First-Person Training Images : MCG Projection Visual Pathway Predictions Spatial Pathway Predictions MCG Projection MCG Projection Backward Pass Forward Pass Backward Pass Backward

A first-person camera, placed at a person’s head, captures, which objects are important to the camera wearer. Most prior methods for this task learn to detect such important objects from the manually labeled first-person data in a supervised fashion. However, important objects are strongly related to the camera wearer’s internal state such as his intentions and attention, and thus, only the person wearing the camera can provide the importance labels. Such a constraint makes the annotation process costly and limited in scalability. In this work, we show that we can detect important objects in first-person images without the supervision by the camera wearer or even third-person labelers. We formulate an important detection problem as an interplay between the 1) segmentation and 2) recognition agents. The segmentation agent first proposes a possible important object segmentation mask for each image, and then feeds it to the recognition agent, which learns to predict an important object mask using visual semantics and spatial features. We implement such an interplay between both agents via an alternating cross-pathway supervision scheme inside our proposed Visual-Spatial Network (VSN). Our VSN consists of spatial (“where”) and visual (“what”) pathways, one of which learns common visual semantics while the other focuses on the spatial location cues. Our unsupervised learning is accomplished via a cross-pathway supervision, where one pathway feeds its predictions to a segmentation agent, which proposes a candidate important object segmentation mask that is then used by the other pathway as a supervisory signal. We show our method’s success on two different important object datasets, where our method achieves similar or better results as the supervised methods.
A strength criterion for frozen sodium sulfate saline soil

Salt content has been proven to be an important influencing factor on the mechanical properties of frozen saline soils, whose strength criterion is different from that of unfrozen saline soils or frozen soils without salts. In this paper, a series of conventional triaxial tests are carried out for frozen saline soils with sodium sulfate at a temperature of –6 °C. A strength criterion of the frozen saline soils, including the influence of salt content, is established by using the generalized nonlinear strength theory. Based on conventional triaxial test results, a modified hydrostatic pressure expression is proposed according to the critical strength function of the modified Cam clay model in the meridian plane. The influence of salt content on the shear strength of the frozen saline soils is investigated according to their freezing temperature curves as well as the formation of salt and ice crystals. The relationship between salt content and friction angle is analyzed. The proposed strength criterion of f.
The isolation and amplification of full length cDNA of oleosins from oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

This study focused on the isolation and amplification of the cDNA clone of oleosin from oil palm. The oil palm cDNA library constructed from the kernel tissues 10 weeks after anthesis (WAA) produced a clone of pO1A containing partial 563 bp sequence of oleosin. The polymerase chain reaction for the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE-PCR) was performed to obtain full length cDNA of oleosin from the RNA transcripts using forward gene-specific primers that is, primer Oleo 3. The product was then cloned into pCR 4 TOPO vector and subjected to sequencing using M13 forward and reverse primers. The end-to-end PCR method was performed to amplify the complete cDNA sequence of oleosin and it produce a 750 bp PCR product. The BLAST results showed that the cDNA from oil palm kernel isolated exhibited high similarities with low molecular weight isoforms of oleosin cDNA from crops like rice, maize and barley.
CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITIES

This paper re-examines the long standing and unresolved debate regarding the use of performance indicators in higher education. This paper aims to identify the primary variables that comprise university performance from the perspectives of academics within universities of technology in South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered to a conveniently selected sample of 507 academics recruited from five universities of technology in South Africa. Using the exploratory factor analysis technique, five indicators were used as sub-dimensions to measure university performance were identified. These were 1) recognition, 2) image, 3) collaboration, 4) spin-off, 5) employability and 6) research. Overall, the research results suggests that these five performance indicators can assist South Africa's universities of technology to achieve a higher level of institutional performance. The boards responsible for running universities of technology should consider which strategic management approaches they are currently utilising and streamline them to cement their competitive advantage and superior performance.
Spatial and Trophic Structure of Anuran Assemblages in Environments with Different Seasonal Regimes in the Brazilian Northeast Region

We investigated the roles of ecological and historical factors on the phylogenetic structure and spatial and trophic niches of anurans in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian Northeast Region. We sampled specimens and ecological data using both active search and pitfall traps to sample sites for 15 days during dry and wet seasons. Assemblages from Caatinga were more structured on dietary niche than those from Atlantic Forest. Ecological factors had a higher effect on the trophic niche than on the spatial niche but were lower than historical factors, thus indicating past adaptations. The onset of the dry season usually increases the dietary structure of assemblages. Water restrictions in Caatinga affected prey abundance, increasing niche segregation. Differences between environments indicated that local factors exerted greater influence in Caatinga. We did not observe spatial niche structure in most assemblages, regardless of the environment, and we found strong evidence of niche conservatism in all assemblages. Phylogenetic effects detected in spatial niches reinforce the separation between arboreal and terrestrial/semi-aquatic lineages during the Cretaceous. Lastly, no niche complementarity was detected, despite the different structure patterns. No assemblage was phylogenetically structured, and the existence of a possible “ecological filter” in Caatinga did not lead to increased “phylogenetic clustering” in this environment.
Detection of olive tree viruses in Egypt by one-step RT-PCR.

Olive ( Olea Europaea L.) is a major and economically important crop for the new reclamation land in Egypt. The estimated acreage of cultivated olive trees in Egypt is above one hundred and thirty five thousand Feddens of which total production is five hundred thousand tons per year (Ministry of Agriculture statistics, 2007). Olive trees are affected by several viruses and virus-like diseases. To date, 15 viruses in eight genera have been isolated from olive trees. In a preliminary study for the assessment of the sanitary status of olive trees in five locations in Egypt, shoots from 300 trees of 9 cultivars were collected. Using virus-specific primers, a one-step RT-PCR assay was used to detect and identify each of the eight viruses most commonly found in olives. Namely, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Olive latent ringspot virus (OLRSV), Olive latent virus -1 (OLV-1), Olive latent virus -2 (OLV-2), Olive leaf yellowingassociated virus (OLYaV), Strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV), Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV), and Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV). Among the eight viruses assayed, OLRSV (6.7 %), OLV-1 (5.7 %), CLRV (4.7 %), OLV-2 (2.7 %), SLRSV (2.3 %), OLYaV (1.3 %) and ArMV (0.7%) were detected. The most common virus detected was CMV which prevailed with a high incidence of 24.7 % in olive orchards. The use of one step RT-PCR was efficient and reliable to detect the eight olive viruses found in Egypt. Surprisingly, the infection rate found is lower than expected, if we take into consideration previous surveys conducted in the Mediterranean area. This technique is useful for detection of olive viruses for production of certified plant propagative material in certification programs. Keywords : Olive cultivars, olive virus detection, olive viruses in Egypt, one step RT-PCR
Performance Evaluation and Comparison of Service-based Image Processing based on Software Rendering

This paper presents an approach and performance evaluation of performing service-based image processing using software rendering implemented using Mesa3D. Due to recent advances in cloud computing technology (w.r.t. both, hardware and software) as well as increased demands of image processing and analysis techniques, often within an eco-system of devices, it is feasible to research and quantify the impact of service-based approaches in this domain w.r. t. cost-performance relation. For it, we provide a performance comparison for service-based processing using GPU-accelerated and software rendering.
Study of kefir biofilm associated with hydroethanolic extract of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (aai)

Kefir is a microbial complex capable of producing biofilms. This study aims to obtain biofilms associated with hydroethanolic extract of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (BEHEEo) as fixing method of recovery anthocyanins in kefir biofilm. Thus, BEHEEo formation kinetics was made at different concentrations of aqueous extract of E. oleracea, of kefir grains (KG) and of brown sugar (BS). Thereafter, macro and microelements of BEHEEo were determined; the rheological and structural characteristics were analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and anthocyanins dosage in BEHEEo was obtained. The best concentration of BS to form BEHEEo was 40 g/l with 100 ml of EHEEo (12.62±0.16 g), as well as a release of the BEHEEo anthocyanins occurring after 5 min (4.3±0.6 mg/100 g) with maximum peak at 60 min (20.8±0.3). The concentration of calcium iron and magnesium was 0.089, 0.1740 and 0.1808 mg/kg, respectively, indicating the concentration of Zn2+ which was 0.533 mg/kg. The AFM analysis revealed differences in the peaks of roughness depending on the concentration of kefir grains, with presence of Lactobacillus and yeast. The concentration of anthocyanins in BEHEEo two years after the incorporation was 26 mg/100 g. Therefore, it is suggested that the BEHEEo incorporating EHEEo anthocyanins has potential for therapeutic applications in several pathologies necessary for antioxidative processes. Key words: Biofilms, kefir, acai, Euterpe oleracea Mart. , anthocyanins, atomic force microscopy (AFM).
STATUS AND CHALLENGES OF VERTICAL ELECTRO-POLISHING R&D

Advanced Vertical Electro-Polishing (VEP) R&D for SRF Niobium cavities continues at Cornell’s SRF group. One focus of this work is new EP cathode development in collaboration with KEK and Marui Galvanizing Co. Ltd (Marui) in Japan, and another focus is on HF free or acid free VEP protocols in collaboration with Faraday Technology Inc. The outcomes of these activities could be a significant cost reduction and an environmentallyfriendlier VEP, which would be a breakthrough for future large scale EP applications on SRF cavities. Here we give a status update and report latest results from these R&D activities.
Studies on Pseudomonas otitidis SA1 as a novel azo dye (Congo red) degrading strain isolated from grit tank of tannery effluent treatment plant

Azo dyes represent a major group of dyes causing environmental concern because of their colour, biorecalcitrance nature and potential toxicity to living beings. Various physico-chemical methods have been used to eliminate the coloured effluent from wastewaters. These methods have disadvantages of being highly expansive, coupled with the formation of huge amount of sludge and emission of toxic waste. Today is the era of bioremediation as biological methods are eco-friendly. In the present investigation, the bacterial isolate Pseudomonas otitidis SA1 (isolated from Grit Tank of Tannery Effluent Treatment Plant) has been reported to decolourize the dye (congo red) at a concentration of 100 mg L -1 upto 94% within 24 h in static conditions. The temperature and pH for optimum growth and activity of the isolate were found as 37 o C and 7.0, respectively. The isolate (SA1) may be a potential strain for biological treatment of effluents of tannery industries in future.
Towards a Model for User Technology Readiness in ICT4D Initiatives

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are fuelling the growth of global economy and intelligent use of ICT is a key to transform societies. ICT is widely used in today’s economies to solve a wide variety of social and economic problems. The main factor which determines the success of a high technology project in a social setting is its acceptance and usage rate, and user technology readiness is the main determinant of use intention. The study tries to explore the various factors which affect the end user technology readiness in an ICT4D context. ICT4D is defined as the design and use of ICT and E-services that consider social context and socio–economic development. An empirical analysis will be done to identify the relationships and a case study on an implemented project will be carried out to validate the model in a real setting.
Association between advanced interatrial block and small vessel diseases in the brain.

Background The latest evidence shows the association of atrial cardiopathy with embolic strokes of undetermined source. Advanced interatrial block (aIAB) is an electrophysiological mark of atrial cardiopathy. This study investigated the relationship between aIAB and the burden of silent cerebral small vessel diseases (SVD) on magnetic resonance imaging in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter. Methods This cross-sectional study included 499 patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), who were free of AF, atrial flutter, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome in our hospital. aIAB was ascertained by digital electrocardiograms. Left atrial diameter, LVEF, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) were measured on echocardiograms. Based on the presence of 4 manifestations of SVD, including white matter hyperintensity (WMH), lacunes, microbleeds, and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) on magnetic resonance imaging, an ordinal SVD score (range, 0-4) was devised to reflect the total burden of cerebral SVD. The ordinal regression model was used to explore the association of aIAB with SVD burden after adjusting for confounding factors. Results The mean age was 67.7 years, and 327 (65.5%) were male. A total of 23 (4.6%) patients had aIAB. The number of patients with cerebral SVD scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 92 (18.4%), 122 (24.4%), 190 (38.1%), 83 (16.6%), and 12 (2.4%), respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, left atrial diameter, LVEF, and LVPWT, the regression model showed a significant association of aIAB with cerebral SVD score (OR =2.408, 95% CI, 1.082-5.366). Conclusions Atrial cardiopathy indexed by aIAB was independently associated with a high burden of SVD in the brain.
Interactive comment on “ Assessment of Halon-1301 as a groundwater age tracer ” by M .

of fundamental importance in hydrology and hydrogeology since it provides quantitative information on the time scales of water movement through catchments. This has implications for both water resources, fluxes and processing times of biogeochemically relevant ions and molecules. Despite the importance of water age dating, there are very few tools that can be used in a quantitative manner to measure water residence times. The paper presented by Beyer et al further investigates the use of Halon-1301 as a new tracer for dating of young water in groundwater systems. Thus the paper makes a potentially important contribution to the available methods for dating groundwater. Technically the paper is sound and in my opinion needs only minor revisions. My main concern is that this new tracer actually gives us no new information to the methods already available. SF6 for example is actually more sensitive an atmospheric concentrations are rapidly increasing, making it a more suitable gaseous tracer. Moreover, tritium is considered the most robust tracer, especially in the southern hemisphere. So I would ask the authors what Halon-1301 provides that tritium and SF6 don’t. This may lie in finding a unique solution to model parameters, but if so this needs to be further explored in the paper.
Effect of an Exogenous Phytase on Growth Performance in Growing Holstein Calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the productive performance, apparent digestibility of DM, serum phosphorus and phosphorus balance in Holstein calves which received a high concentrate diet with different doses of exogenous phytase for a period of 60d. The experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design with three treatments of eight calves each, the treatment included dietary supplementation of exogenous phytase at 0, 12 and 24 g/ton. Phytase inclusion increased (P 0.05) on DM intake, feed conversion and DM digestibility. Adding phytase in the diet decreased phosphorus excretion in faeces (P<0.05) showing a significant linear increase with increasing level of supplementation (the values being 9.96, 9.14 and 8.13 g/d) which, in turn, increased the P retention (4.69, 5.37 and 6.45 g/d, resectively, for the three groups). In conclusion, supplementation of phytase could improve the growth performance of calves without any discernible effects on feed intake or digestibility of nutrients.
Dynamic Parameter Update for Robot Navigation Systems through Unsupervised Environmental Situational Analysis

A robot’s local navigation is often done through forward simulation of robot velocities and measuring the possible trajectories against safety, distance to the final goal and the generated path of a global path planner. Then, the computed velocities vector for the winning trajectory is executed on the robot. This process is done continuously through the whole navigation process and requires an extensive amount of processing. This only allows for a very limited sampling space. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to automatically detect the type of surrounding environment based on navigation complexity using unsupervised clustering, and limit the local controller’s sampling space. The experimental results in 3D simulation and using a real mobile robot show that we can increase the navigation performance by at least thirty percent while reducing the number of failures due to collision or lack of sampling.
A Simplified, Fabrication-Friendly Acoustophoretic Model for Size Sensitive Particle Sorting

 Abstract — In Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) microfluidics, the throughput of particle sorting is dependent on the complex interplay between the geometric configuration of the channel, the size of the particles, and the properties of the fluid medium, which therefore calls for a detailed modeling and understanding of the fluid-particle interaction dynamics under an acoustic field, prior to designing the system. In this work, we propose a simplified Bulk acoustophoretic system that can be used for size dependent particle sorting. A Finite Element Method (FEM) based analytical model has been developed to study the dependence of particle sizes on channel parameters, and the sorting efficiency in a given fluid medium. Based on the results, the microfluidic system has been designed to take into account all the variables involved with the underlying physics, and has been fabricated using an additive manufacturing technique employing a commercial 3D printer, to generate a simple, cost-effective system that can be used for size sensitive particle sorting.
FE Analysis of Rock with Hydraulic-Mechanical Coupling Based on Continuum Damage Evolution

A numerical finite element (FE) analysis technology is presented for efficient and reliable solutions of rock with hydraulic-mechanical (HM) coupling, researching the seepage characteristics and simulating the damage evolution of rock. To be in accord with the actual situation, the rock is naturally viewed as heterogeneous material, in which Young’s modulus, permeability, and strength property obey the typical Weibull distribution function. The classic Biot constitutive relation for rock as porous medium is introduced to establish a set of equations coupling with elastic solid deformation and seepage flow. The rock is subsequently developed into a novel conceptual and practical model considering the damage evolution of Young’s modulus and permeability, in which comprehensive utilization of several other auxiliary technologies, for example, the Drucker-Prager strength criterion, the statistical strength theory, and the continuum damage evolution, yields the damage variable calculating technology. To this end, an effective and reliable numerical FE analysis strategy is established. Numerical examples are given to show that the proposed method can establish heterogeneous rock model and be suitable for different load conditions and furthermore to demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability in the seepage and damage characteristics analysis for rock.
McKay correspondence and tautological bundles on ALE crepant resolutions

So far analytic techniques have not proved very useful for obtaining results about crepant resolutions of Calabi-Yau orbifolds in higher dimension. In this article we show how an interplay of analytical and algebraic techniques can be used to obtain new insights into the geometry and topology of ALE crepant resolutions of C/G. Specifically, we establish a higher dimensional analogue of Kronheimer and Nakajima’s geometric McKay correspondence. Along the way we prove a rigidity result for certain Hermitian–Yang–Mills connections on tautological bundles over such ALE crepant resolutions.
A FUZZY ADAPTIVE HYSTERESIS BAND CURRENT CONTROL FOR SINGLE PHASE SHUNT ACTIVE POWER FILTERS

Over the recent years, active filtering has become a mature technology for harmonic mitigation and reactive power compensation in single phase systems. However, the performance of the active filter depends on the reference current extraction methods and the PWM technique used. In this paper, a new fuzzy adaptive hysteresis band controller is proposed for active power filters. The results of the simulation study are found quite satisfactory in order to keep the switching frequency constant, eliminate current harmonics and reactive power in single phase electrical systems.
COMPRESSED SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR IMAGING BASED ON MAXWELL EQUATION

Within few years backward, researches had presented the ability of compressive sensing to handle the large data problem on high resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. The main issue on CS framework that should be dealt with the SAR imaging is on the requirement of linearization on the measurement system. This paper proposes a new approach on formulating the compressed SAR echo imaging system which is derived from the Maxwell’s equations with continuous signal along the SAR antenna movement. Born approximation is applied to approximate the linear form of the SAR echo imaging system. In addition, the compressed sampling is formed by reducing the sampling rate of received radar signals randomly simultaneously on both of low sampling of fast time and slow time signals and by reducing the pulse period interval of transmitted signals. The simulation’s result shows that a better focused reconstructed sparse target can be achieved compared with the conventional match filter based Range Doppler (RD) method.