Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An End-to-End Traffic Visibility Regression Algorithm

Traffic visibility detection plays a vital role in intelligent transportation, autonomous driving, safe driving, etc. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based regression and classification algorithms have been shown competitive performance in many applications, but little attention has been paid to traffic visibility identification. In this paper, we propose a trainable end-to-end system called traffic visibility regression network (TVRNet). TVRNet takes a road image as input and outputs its visibility value. TVRNet adopts CNNs based deep architecture, uses appropriate filters to extract fog density-related features, and exploits the parallel convolution for multi-scale mapping. Later, a new type of non-linear activation function called Modified_sigmoid function is used. We synthesize labeled visibility datasets comprised of multi-scene and single-scene based on the actual road sense to train the visibility regression network. Extensive experiments and comparisons with other popular algorithms are performed to verify our method in road visibility estimation.
Is it possible to forecast KOSPI direction using deep learning methods?

Deep learning methods have been developed, used in various ﬁelds, and they have shown outstanding performances in many cases. Many studies predicted a daily stock return, a classic example of time-series data, using deep learning methods. We also tried to apply deep learning methods to Korea’s stock market data. We used Korea’s stock market index (KOSPI) and several individual stocks to forecast daily returns and directions. We compared several deep learning models with other machine learning methods, including random forest and XGBoost. In regression, long short term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) models are better than other prediction models. For the classiﬁcation applications, there is no clear winner. However, even the best deep learning models cannot predict signiﬁcantly better than the simple base model. We believe that it is challenging to predict daily stock return data even if we use the latest deep learning methods.
Expanding the epidemiological understanding of hepatitis C in South Africa: Perspectives from a patient cohort in a rural town.

BACKGROUND The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population of South Africa (SA) is incompletely understood. A high HCV prevalence in key populations is known, but data are limited in terms of a broader understanding of transmission risks in our general population. OBJECTIVES To investigate a patient cohort with HCV infection clustering in a rural SA town, in order to identify possible HCV transmission risks, virological characteristics, phylogenetic data and treatment outcomes. METHODS A cluster of patients with positive HCV serology, previously identified from laboratory records, were contacted by a local district hospital and offered confirmatory testing for HCV viraemia where needed. Those with confirmed HCV RNA were invited to a local hospital visit, where relevant demographic information was recorded, clinical assessment performed and a confidential questionnaire administered. HCV population-based sequencing was performed on HCV NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B using polymerase chain reaction-specific or M13 universal primers, and sequences were aligned using BioEdit 7.2. 5. Phylogenetic trees were constructed. Clinical assessments included liver fibrosis determination with FibroScan (cut-off ≥12.5 kPa = F4). Patients were offered treatment, and sustained virological response (SVR) was confirmed by undetectable HCV RNA at least 12 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS Twenty-one patients, all from the same town, median (interquartile range (IQR)) age 64 (59 - 70) years, 57% female, were evaluated. Of these, 24% (n=5) were HIV co-infected, stable on antiretrovirals. The median (IQR) alanine aminotransferase level was 51 (31 - 89) U/L, with fibrosis distribution including 29% F1, 29% F2, 9% F3 and 33% F4 METAVIR fibrosis. Virologically, two genotypes were observed: 62% (n=13) genotype (GT) 1b and 38% (n=8) GT5a. No patient had ever used injecting drugs, 14% (n=3) had received blood products before 1992, and 9.5% (n=2) had undergone traditional healer-administered scarification. All (n=21) reported attendance at a single primary care clinic in the past, with most (n=20) recalling having received parenteral therapies at the clinic. Phylogenetic analysis of the HCV NS5A and NS5B regions confirmed GT1b and GT5a genotypes and formed two separate clusters within their respective genotypes, suggesting a common source for each genotype infection. Most patients received treatment with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, 1 was treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, and 1 was re-treated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir. Per protocol SVR was 95%, with the non-SVR patient successfully re-treated. CONCLUSIONS Data from a rural town cluster of patients suggest parenteral medical exposure as the probable common source of hepatitis C transmission risk. The cohort was of older age with a significant number having advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, suggesting HCV acquisition in the distant past. Using a simplified care approach, treatment outcomes were very good.
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE VARIABLES IN SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ LISTENING COMPREHENSION: APTITUDE AND METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS

ABSTRACT The influence of individual difference variables on second language (L2) listening comprehension has been an area of research that has been gaining renewed attention in recent years. The current study investigated the effects of two cognitive variables, aptitude and metacognitive awareness, on 107 native-Korean, English as a foreign language learners’ listening comprehension. Moreover, the study examined whether metacognitive awareness mediated the relationship between aptitude and L2 listening comprehension. Both aptitude and metacognitive awareness were found to have statistically significant positive correlations (r = .58 and .37, respectively) with L2 listening comprehension, and they were also significant predictors of L2 listening, collectively explaining 41% of the variance in L2 listening performance. Furthermore, metacognitive awareness mediated the relationship between aptitude and L2 listening comprehension. These findings suggest that cognitive learner variables play a significant and interdependent role in L2 listening comprehension.
The Paradox of Awards: How Status Ripples Affect Who Benefits from CEO Awards

Distinguishing between status spillovers and status ripples, we argue that sudden positive status shifts create status ripples when the social actors experiencing the status shifts are more constrained from exploiting their higher status than the social actors to whom they are affiliated. Specifically, we examine the status ripple paradox that the status effects experienced by the affiliated actors sometimes are as strong, or even stronger, as the direct status effects experienced by the ascending actors themselves. Focusing empirically on prestigious CEO awards from U.S. news magazines, we examine the consequences of positive status shifts for the awarded CEOs and the CEOs who are on the boards of directors of the awarded CEOs’ firms. We find evidence of status ripples in CEO compensation by showing that awarded CEOs have relatively greater immediate but smaller subsequent increases in compensation, which results in lower overall compensation effects for the awarded CEOs. Moreover, we provide empirical evidence of the theoretical mechanisms behind the status ripple paradox by showing that external constraints in the form of increased media and analyst attention and increased expectations affect the status ripple effect.
A new formulation for kinetic dynamic relaxation method based on the Lagrangian interpolation

Abstract This research presents a new algorithm for the Dynamic Relaxation (DR) method with kinetic damping by utilizing Lagrangian interpolation functions to derive new iterative kinetic DR equations. This procedure leads to an algorithm that, unlike the ubiquitous DR methods, does not require the calculation of nodal velocities, thereby marching forward only through successive nodal displacement. Also, the power iteration method is used to determine the optimal time step ratio. By utilizing this time step, the restarting analysis phase, which is one of the drawbacks of the kinetic DR strategy, is eliminated. In order to evaluate the performance and efficiency of the proposed method, some truss and frame structures with geometrically nonlinear behavior are analyzed. Results prove that the number of convergence iterations and analysis duration is reduced in the new kinetic DR scheme compared to other conventional DR methods.
Sharing the hate? Memes and transnationality in the far right’s digital visual culture

ABSTRACT Current research on visual media and the far right creates two expectations: that memes play an increasingly salient role in the far right’s digital visual culture, and that the visual and participatory dimensions of internet culture facilitate greater transnationality. We explore these expectations with a comparative research design, situating memes in relation to other genres of visual content and across different country contexts. Taking a mixed methods approach, this article examines the digital visual culture of 25 far-right alternative media and other non-party organisations in Australia, Italy, Germany, and the United States. We assess the salience of memes and other visual genres, as well as three forms of transnationality: the circulation of images, direct communicative references, and transnational similarities. Unexpectedly, we find that memes play only a limited role in the digital visual culture of far-right non-party organisations, with their uneven concentration in Anglophone alt-media suggesting the potential pitfalls of assumptions about ‘global’ internet culture. We also find little evidence of transnationality through the circulation of the same visuals across countries, whether memes or other genres. Instead, transnationality works through transnational references within the images themselves and through more parallel practices of reproducing visuals in similar ways with similar themes, but with elements specific to an organisation’s national and political context. Within this, we identify three distinct visual discourses – fascist continuity, western civilisational identity, and pop cultural appropriation – which highlight different practices of transnationality and collective identity construction within the far right online.
Ignorance and the regulation of artificial intelligence

Abstract Much has been written about the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). This article is interested not only in what is known about these risks, but what remains unknown and how that unknowing is and should be approached. By reviewing and expanding on the scientific literature, it explores how social knowledge contributes to the understanding of AI and its regulatory challenges. The analysis is conducted in three steps. First, the article investigates risks associated with AI and shows how social scientists have challenged technically-oriented approaches that treat the social instrumentally. It then identifies the invisible and visible characteristics of AI, and argues that not only is it hard for outsiders to comprehend risks attached to the technology, but also for developers and researchers. Finally, it asserts the need to better recognise ignorance of AI, and explores what this means for how their risks are handled. The article concludes by stressing that proper regulation demands not only independent social knowledge about the pervasiveness, economic embeddedness and fragmented regulation of AI, but a social non-knowledge that is attuned to its complexity, and inhuman and incomprehensible behaviour. In properly allowing for ignorance of its social implications, the regulation of AI can proceed in a more modest, situated, plural and ultimately robust manner.
Premature Ejaculation Symptoms Are Associated with Sexual Excitability: Empirical Support for the Hyperarousability Model

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual complaint among men, but its etiology is poorly understood. Previous studies on the dual control model of sexuality has revealed that propensities for sexual excitation and inhibition can contribute to sexual dysfunctions, but few studies have included a measure of premature ejaculation. We sought to explore whether PE is associated with sexual excitation or inhibition. We applied structural equation models to data from a large population-based sample of Finnish adult men. The analyses supported a four-factor solution for the sexual inhibition/sexual excitation short-form scale. The clearest result was that increased symptoms of PE were associated with a greater propensity for sexual excitation (β = 151, p < 001, n = 2953). Importantly, this excitation was intrapersonal, as opposed to stemming from social activities. The results imply that men with PE may have stronger and more rapid reactions to sexual stimuli, which in turn may lead to ejaculating earlier than desired.
Does Residing in Environments of Different Metropolises in a Developing Country exert an Impact on Disability after Stroke?

Purpose: The study aimed to analyse the association between the environment in two different Brazilian metropolises (Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte) and disability after a stroke. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving individuals with chronic hemiparesis resulting from a stroke and residing in either Sao Paulo or Belo Horizonte. The environment (city of residence) was considered an independent variable and disability (modified Rankin scale) was the dependent variable. The following clinical and demographic covariates were considered: age, number of comorbidities, socio-economic class, motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer scale), emotional functioning (Geriatric Depression Scale) and walking ability (10-metre walk test). Results: A total of 114 individuals were analysed - 51 from Sao Paulo (SP) and 63 from Belo Horizonte (BH). No association was found between the environment in which the individual resides and the degree of disability (OR = 1.436; 95%CI: 0.547 - 3.770; p = 0.46). However, the following variables were predictors of post-stroke disability: motor impairment (OR = 0.216; 95% CI: 0.090 - 0.520; p Conclusion: Living in different Brazilian cities had no impact on post-stroke disability. In contrast, motor impairment and walking ability were responsible for 77.9% of the disability found in the sample. The study findings identify possible causes of disabilities after stroke; these could facilitate the most appropriate actions to be taken during rehabilitation.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF SPENT COFFEE GROUND (SCG) EXTRACTED USING ULTRASONIC-ETHANOL ASSISTED EXTRACTION METHOD

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) a by-product from coffee industries, coffee shops and domestic users contain large amounts of organic compounds which could be re-used as source antioxidants for foods or cosmetics. This project aims to study the antioxidant activity of three different spent ground coffee varieties (Robusta, Liberica and Arabica) extracted using ultrasonic-ethanol assisted extraction method utilizing 60% ethanol. The extracted samples were analysed using DPPH, FRAP, FTC and TBA, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and also individual flavonoids to measure the quality and quantity of antioxidative activity in spent coffee. Robusta and Liberica SCGs exhibited similar activity (p>0.05) towards DPPH scavenging and ferric reducing reaction. Both showed 77.99±0.92 and 77.75±0.04%, respectively for DPPH, and 26.82±2.92 and 24.41±0.49 mg TE/g dry sample, respectively for FRAP. In FTC and TBA analyses, Robusta SCG was found to have the least activity with 61.07±2.43% and 2.9±0.14% respectively. Spent Arabica has similar inhibition percentage (p>0.05) as Liberica SCG in FTC (57.08±0.9 and 50.54±4.23% respectively), yet has different inhibition activity (p<0.05) in TBA (4.3±0.14 and 7.4±1.41% respectively). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found to be the highest in Arabica SCG with 941.04±37.25 mg GAE and 78.21 mg QE/g dry sample, respectively. Liberica and Robusta SCGs contain a total of phenolic content of 661.14±2.86 and 547.51±59.5 mg GAE/g dry sample, respectively and a total of flavonoid content of 71.64±1.85 and 20.66±7.82 mg QE/g dry sample. Individual flavonoids of luteolin and quercetin were present in all the three spent ground coffee varieties. Results from the study illustrated that the three different varieties of SCGs showed different extract yields as well as diverse traits of antioxidant activity that could serve as a good antioxidant.
Effects of dietary lysozyme on immune response and fecal microflora in both sows and their offspring

ABSTRACT Two studies were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lysozyme on immune response, fecal microflora in sows and their offspring fed lysozyme from late gestation to the onset of lactation, and growth performance in weaned piglets. Four antibiotic-based treatments (chlortetracycline, colistin, and lysozyme) were applied in experiment 1. Lysozyme addition significantly increased final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, improved feed:gain ratio (F:G), and decreased diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. In experiment 2, postpartum [. ]
Determinant Factors of Financial Management Behavior Among People in Jakarta During COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of Financial Knowledge, Financial Attitudes, and Financial Literacy on Financial Management Behavior for the people in Jakarta during COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many business activities have been exposed to tight restriction by the government, hence the purchasing power of people will be decreased. To examine the alternative hypothesis, this research uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Smart PLS. The research sample was collected by using an online Google Form Questionnaire with a purposive non-probability sampling type with a total of 185 respondents. The result of this research indicates that Financial Knowledge, Financial Attitudes, and mainly Financial Literacy have significant influences on Financial Management Behavior. Therefore, it can be concluded that the financial management behavior based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Ajzen & Fishbein remains consistent during COVID-19 pandemic. This research has contributed that in the COVID-19 pandemic, the purchasing power of people will not decrease evidently. Overall, this research suggests that every person should behave financially well and wise in managing their finances, investment, and business activities. With the increase of financial literacy of people during COVID-19 pandemic as Deficit Spending Units (DSUs), then its counterpart in Financial System i.e. Surplus Income Units (SIUs) will also work effectively.
Morphometric and Nutritional Characterization of the Main Spanish Lentil Cultivars

Nowadays, there is a growing demand for high-quality vegetal protein food products, such as pulses and lentils in particular. However, there is no scientific evidence on the nutritional and morphometric characterization of the main lentil cultivars in the Western Mediterranean area. For this reason, the aim of this work is to carry out a morphometric and nutritional characterization of the main Spanish lentil cultivars. Nutrient content assessment was performed on dry matter. The results showed that all studied cultivars are large and heavy lentils, except for the cultivar “Pardina”. They have high protein levels, ranging from 21% to 25%, which is higher than those found in any other pulse, as well as a high carbohydrate content, greater than 59% in all cases. Fiber content was higher than expected in “Armuña” and “Rubia Castellana” cultivars, ranging from 6% to 6.6%, and exceptionally high in the case of the cultivar “Pardina”, which reached 7.8%. Conversely, very low values were found for fat content, varying between 0.5% and 0.9%. Ca, Fe and Mg levels were remarkably higher (from 550 ppm to 851 ppm, from 98 ppm to 139 ppm and from 790 ppm to 989 ppm, respectively) than those found for other lentil cultivars, especially the high Mg content in the cultivars “Jaspeada” and “Microjaspeada”, both above 955 ppm. Clear differentiation was found between the cultivars “Rubia Castellana”, “Pardina” and those included in the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) “Lenteja de la Armuña”. Overall, lentil cultivars included in the PGI “Lenteja de la Armuña” showed better morphometric and nutritional characteristics than cultivars “Pardina” or “Rubia Castellana”.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites prepared by wet transfer method

Abstract To enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes, graphene was transferred on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes by wet transfer method. The results showed that the introduction of graphene reduced the band gap of composites and inhibited the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. Therefore, the degradation rate of the graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites is about 44% higher than that of the TiO2 nanotubes. It was proved that the photoinduced holes play an important role in the degradation process of methylene blue by trapping experiments. This work provides a new pathway for preparing semiconducting TiO2 based catalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity. Highlights The graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites were prepared by simple anodic oxidation and wet transfer method, which is convenient for large-scale production. The introduction of graphene can effectively reduce the band gap and inhibit the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. The photocatalytic performance of graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites is obviously higher than that of TiO2 nanotubes. The results of trapping experiments showed that the photoinduced holes play an important role in the degradation of methylene blue.
Subsidence Monitoring Base on SBAS-InSAR and Slope Stability Analysis Method for Damage Analysis in Mountainous Mining Subsidence Regions

Surface subsidence caused by coal mining has a great impact on the geological and ecological environments and causes damage to houses, roads, and industrial buildings. In order to understand the subsidence pattern in the mountainous mining regions, three mining faces of the Zhangjiamao mining area in the north of Shaanxi province, northwestern China are taken as case study. Firstly, the small baseline subset (SBAS) technology is used to process 12 images obtained in the mining area to investigate the subsidence data from December 2019 to April 2020. The boundary of surface deformation of the mining area interpreted by the SBAS-InSAR technology is inconsistent with the theoretical boundary suggested by coal mine subsidence theories. Especially, there are some areas in which the real subsidence are larger than estimated area. This discrepancy must be corrected as steep slopes near the theoretical boundary may increase the likelihood of landslides. Our research indicates that: (1) The accumulated displacement and the maximum deformation rate reached −120.759 mm and −270.012 mm/yr in the study area, and the subsidence boundary of the three mining faces is revealed; (2) the combination of the predicted boundary and slope stability analysis can effectively identify the landslide region at the edge of subsidence boundary; (3) the field surveys have proved the effectiveness of this method. The mining area subsidence revealed by our research helps to further understand the impact of land subsidence caused by mining in the mountainous areas and provides a practical method to predict subsidence boundaries and the likelihood for landslides.