Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning for Skeleton-Based Human Action Recognition

H uman action recognition from videos has a wide range of applications, including video surveillance and security, human-computer interaction, robotics, health care, etc. Nowadays, 3D skeleton-based action recognition has drawn increasing attention thanks to the availability of low-cost motion capture devices, and accessibility of large-scale 3D skeleton datasets, in addition to real-time skeleton estimation algorithms. In the first part of this thesis, we present a novel representation of motion capture sequences for Three Dimensions (3D) skeleton-based action recognition. The proposed approach consists of representing the 3D skeleton sequences into RGB image-like data and leveraging recent convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to model the long-term temporal and spatial structural information for action recognition. Extensive experiments have shown the superiority of the proposed approach over the state-of-the-art methods for 3D skeleton-based action recognition. In order to extract skeleton sequences, different devices extract first the depth information using multiple technologies (stereo, time-of-flight, etc.), then 3D skeleton poses are extracted using different algorithms. In the very late years, new researches proposed to extract skeleton sequences directly from Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) videos. The most precise methods extract Two Dimensions (2D) skeletons in real-time and with high accuracy.
Environmental complexity during early life shapes average behavior in adulthood

Personality has been identified in a range of animal taxa during the last few decades, with important ecological and evolutionary implications. Investigating the effects of environmental factors during early life can provide important insights into the ontogeny of animal personality. We reared newborn mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, in tanks of different structural complexities, and measured their behavioral traits (i.e., shyness, exploration, and sociability) when they reached sexual maturity. Univariate linear mixed-effects models were fitted to test the effects of environmental complexity and sex on population-average behavior, whereas multivariate models were fitted to quantify behavioral repeatability (i.e., personality) and among-individual correlations (i.e., behavioral syndromes). On average, females were shyer and more social than males, and the fish reared in complex environments were shyer, less explorative, and more social than those reared in open environments. Among-individual differences were consistently large across trials for all behaviors, indicating that personality variation was present in mosquitofish of both sexes reared in different environments. Repeatability did not differ among behaviors, and there were no differences in repeatability in any behavior between sexes or among environments. A negative correlation between shyness and exploration was found in mosquitofish from all treatments at both phenotypic and among-individual levels, with the latter indicating a strong shyness–exploration behavioral syndrome. Our study provides robust evidence that average levels of personality might vary when mosquitofish are raised in different levels of structural complexity during early life.
The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) Captures the Ecohydrologic Sensitivity of a Semiarid Mixed Conifer Forest

At the seasonal time scale, daily photochemical reflectance index (PRI) measurements track changes in photoprotective pigment pools as plants respond to seasonally variable environmental conditions. As such, remotely sensed PRI products present opportunities to study seasonal processes in evergreen conifer forests, where complex vegetation dynamics are difficult to capture due to small annual changes in chlorophyll content or leaf structure. Because PRI is tied explicitly to short‐ and long‐term changes in photoprotective pigments that are responsible for regulating stress, we hypothesize that PRI by extension could serve as a proxy for stomatal response to seasonally changing hydroclimate, assuming plant functional responses to stress covary in space and time. To test this, we characterized PRI in a semiarid, montane mixed conifer forest in the Madrean sky islands of Arizona, USA, during the monsoon growing season subject to precipitation pulse dynamics. To determine the sensitivity of PRI to ecohydrologic variability and associated changes in gross primary productivity (GPP), canopy spectral measurements were coupled with eddy covariance CO2 flux and sap flow measurements. Seasonally, there was a significant relationship between PRI and sap flow velocity (R2 = 0.56), and multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a PRI response to dynamic water and energy limitations in this system. We conclude that PRI has potential to serve as a proxy for forest functional response to seasonal ecohydrologic forcing. The coordination between photoprotective pigments and seasonal stomatal regulation demonstrated here could aid characterization of vegetation response to future changes in hydroclimate at increasing spatial scales.
The Effect of Job Characteristics on Organizational Commitment: The Role of Growth Need Strength in Nepali IT Companies

Organizational commitment is one of the critical problems faced by the organizations, today. The outcomes related to commitment i.e. turnover and absenteeism can be resolved through enriched jobs. However, there is limited knowledge availability both from practical and academic aspects regarding the effect of job characteristics on organizational commitment, and keeping this perspective in mind this study examined the effect of job characteristics on organizational commitment in Nepali IT companies along with the moderating effect of growth need strength. Altogether 167 responses were collected from employees using survey questionnaire. Regression analysis and multiple moderated regression analysis were carried out to examine the hypothesized relationship. The results indicated that job characteristics had a significant positive effect on organizational commitment and among the five dimensions of job characteristic only skill variable had a non-significant effect on organizational commitment. However, the moderating effect of growth needs strength on job characteristics and organizational commitment relationship could not be established. Research implications along with the limitations of this study are discussed.
Experimental Investigations on Electrical Charge of Precracked Rock Specimens under Uniaxial Compression

The electrical charge characteristic of rock materials under compression is an important index for predicting the development of rock fractures and the failure of engineering structures. However, the charge behaviours of a preexisting rock sample have not been studied in depth. In this study, sandstone samples with a single fabricated precrack at different angles of inclination are prepared. The uniaxial compression tests are performed to study the charge behaviours associated with the initiation and propagation of secondary cracks, the mechanical properties, and the progressive failure of stressed rock samples. An improved analytical model based on the maximum tensile stress failure theory for brittle materials is also proposed for determining the crack growth paths of the single precrack rock samples under uniaxial compression. The friction factors of crack surfaces are computed. The results show that the step functions on the curves of charge accumulation over time correspond to the fluctuation of stress, indicating the initiation of microcracks. The sample with a crack inclination angle of π / 4 shows the largest amount of both the first charge and the total accumulation. The analytical model shows a positive relationship between the crack face friction factors and the charge accumulation. The analytical solution of the crack development angles shows good agreement with the experimental results. This work may provide reference for the similar studies regarding the correlation of charging behaviours to the compressed rock materials.
Identification of nonlinear time‐varying systems using wavelet neural networks

The dynamic model of an aircraft changes significantly by altering the flight speed and the vehicle altitude. Thus, a conventional aircraft has a nonlinear time‐varying dynamic model in different regions of the flight envelope, and a dynamic model developed for a specific operating point is not valid in the entire flight envelope. This paper presents a novel identification approach that can deal with nonlinear and time‐varying characteristics of complex dynamic systems, especially an aerial vehicle in the entire flight envelope. In this regard, a set of local submodels are first developed at different operating points of the system, and subsequently, a multimodel structure is introduced to aggregate the outputs of the local models as a single model. Wavelet Neural Networks (WNNs), which combine both the universal approximation property of neural networks and the wavelet decomposition capability, are used as the local models of the proposed scheme. Also, three different approaches for determining the validity functions of the local models are introduced to allow for identifying the time‐varying dynamics of the system. The simulation results obtained for the Generic Transport Model aircraft suggest that the proposed WNN‐based multimodel structure can be used satisfactorily as the prediction model of model‐based flight control systems for long prediction horizons.
Nanostructured Multilayer Tailored-Refractive-Index Antireflection Coating for Glass with Broadband and Omnidirectional Characteristics

The design, fabrication, and characterization of a broadband, omnidirectional, graded-index anti-reflection (AR) coating on a glass substrate, fabricated by using nanostructured low-refractive-index (n = 1.05–1.40) silica, is reported. The AR coating is designed by using a genetic algorithm and fabricated by using oblique angle deposition. The AR coating is designed for the wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm and 0 to 40° angle of incidence. The measured average optical transmittance between 1000 and 2000 nm is improved from 92.6 to 99.3% at normal incidence by using a two-layer AR coating deposited on both surfaces of the glass substrate.
A synthesis of the coast‐wide decline in survival of West Coast Chinook Salmon (
 Oncorhynchus tshawytscha,
 Salmonidae)

We collated smolt-to-adult return rate (SAR) data for Chinook salmon from all available regions of the Pacific coast of North America to examine the large-scale patterns of salmon survival. For consistency, our analyses primarily used coded wire tag-based (CWT) SAR estimates. Survival collapsed over the past half century by roughly a factor of three to ca. 1% for many regions. Within the Columbia River, the SARs of Snake River populations, often singled out as exemplars of poor survival, are unexceptional and in fact higher than estimates reported from many other regions of the west coast lacking dams. Given the seemingly congruent decline in SARs to similar levels, the notion that contemporary survival is driven primarily by broader oceanic factors rather than local factors should be considered. Ambitious Columbia River rebuilding targets may be unachievable because other regions with nearly pristine freshwater conditions, such as SE Alaska and northern BC, also largely fail to reach these levels. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag-based SAR estimates available for Columbia River Basin populations are generally consistent with CWT findings; however, PIT tag-based SARs are not adjusted for harvest which compromises their intended use because harvest rates are large and variable. More attention is needed on how SARs should be quantified and how rebuilding targets are defined. We call for a systematic review by funding agencies to assess consistency and comparability of the SAR data generated and to further assess the implications of survival falling to similar levels in most regions of the west coast.
Class Coalitions and Social Protection: The Labouring Classes and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Eastern India

Abstract Dramatic differences in the quality of human life are a prominent feature of today’s world. Poverty and inequality mutilate the life chances of millions around the globe, notwithstanding otherwise impressive economic achievements. To offset the challenges posed by the persistence and production of poverty and inequality, many governments and international development agencies have begun to formulate and implement agendas for social protection. Nevertheless, even as governments institute social protection programmes to ameliorate human misery, the outcomes of such initiatives remain vastly varied. Understanding the factors for such variations assumes urgent relevance. What explains such variations? In this paper, I contribute to the growing body of scholarship that seeks to reignite interest in class politics as shaping the implementation of social protections. I build on and develop a discussion of politics that takes seriously class politics, especially the ensemble of collaborations and competitions between classes. I nuance existing perspectives on class politics by emphasising the importance of both collaboration as well as conflict between social classes.
Optimal Design of Fixture Layout for Compliant Part With Application in Ship Curved Panel Assembly

In a ship assembly process, a large number of compliant parts are involved. The ratio of the part thickness to the length or the width is typically 0.001–0.012. Fixture design is a critical task in the ship assembly process due to its impact on the deformation and dimensional variation of the compliant parts. In current practice, fixtures are typically uniformly distributed under the part to be assembled, which is non-optimal, and large dimensional gaps may occur during assembly. This paper proposed a methodology for the optimal design of the fixture layout in the ship assembly process by systematically integrating direct stiffness method and simulated annealing algorithm, which aims to minimize dimensional gaps along the assembly interface to further improve the quality and efficiency of seam welding. The case study shows that the proposed method significantly reduced the dimensional gaps of the compliant curved panel parts in a ship assembly process.
Hydrothermal synthesis of graphene/Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanowire composites with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

In this study, a hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanowires (Fe-NWs) followed by the fabrication of graphene/Fe3+-doped TiO2 nanowire composites (GR/Fe-NWCs). Graphene oxide (GO) was reduced to reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which was uniformly covered with a large number of anatase Fe-NWs simultaneously. As controls, TiO2 Degussa P25 nanoparticles (NPs) were converted to TiO2 nanowires (NWs) by an alkaline hydrothermal process, and graphene/TiO2 nanoparticle composites (GR/NPCs) and graphene/TiO2 nanowire composites (GR/NWCs) were also synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results confirmed the graphene nature of RGO in the GR/Fe-NWCs and Fe3+ doping into NWs. Additionally, it was found that Fe3+ doping could improve the response of TiO2 nanowires under visible light irradiation and that Fe-NWs have more uniform dispersion on graphene with less agglomeration in comparison with NPs, resulting in more direct contact between TiO2 and graphene, and hence further improved electron–hole pair separation and transportation. The photocatalytic performance of GR/Fe-NWCs was evaluated for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The GR/Fe-NWCs showed the highest photocatalytic activity among the tested photocatalysts, with about a 3-fold increase in photocatalytic efficiency over NPs. The mechanism of high photocatalytic activity was also discussed.
The Analysis of the Effectiveness of Emotional Processing Strategies on Academic Adjustment and Academic Engagement of the Students in Kerman City, Iran

Background: Emotions accompany humans from the old days and have played their roles in the lives of human beings; a wide range of emotional instability and extremity and the adjusting dimensions of emotion have formed a series of behaviors. Besides, everyone's belief and cognition about one's abilities affect each moment of the educational and life stages. The present paper aimed to analyze emotional processing strategies' effectiveness on students' academic adjustment and engagement. Materials and Methods: The research method is a quasi-experimental one with a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design; the research community includes all the boy students in the first grade of high school in the academic year 2019-2020. Thirty cases were chosen randomly and substituted in two groups of 15 cases (an experimental group and a control group). The experimental group then received instruction and intervention for eight sessions, but the control group received no instruction. After the end of the instructional sessions, the posttest had been taken. The used instrument in this research includes the adjustment questionnaire of Singha and Singh's (1993), and Zerang academic engagement questionnaire (2012). For considering the validity and the data analysis, Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANCOVA), and SPSS V.22 were used. Results: The results have shown that the strategies embedded with emotional processing have more effectiveness in improving academic adjustment compared to academic engagement. The results also have shown that emotional processing strategies' effectiveness has significant relationships with academic engagement and adjustment at p <0.05. Conclusion: According to the research findings, teaching interventional strategies of emotional processing helps increase the students' academic adjustment and engagement.
Study of The Optical Constants of the PMMA/PC Blends

The aim of the present work is concerned with the study of the optical constants of the PMMA/PC blend at different concentrations. The samples are casted as films from the PMMA and PC homopolymers and blend. These polymer systems are evaluated spectrophotometically. The absorption spectra of homopolymers and PMMA/PC blends at different concentration showed absorption changes in the wavelength range, which depends on the polymer type, and the concentration of the polymer blends. It was found that 50% ratio from these polymers showed higher absorption values in comparison with the homopolymers, besides, the absorption spectroscopy of the polymer blends did not always effect the similar information obtained from the spectroscopy of the homopolymers. A phenomenon was attributed to immiscibility or phase separation as associated with the blends formation. The results of the optical constant proved that 50%ratio was the best, which was attributed to the lowest energy gap (2.5 eV). Morphological investigations for the casted polymer systems were introduced.
Assessment of Crude Oil Degradation by Mixed Culture of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at Different Concentrations

Petroleum hydrocarbon (PHCs) contamination of soil, freshwater and air is of global concern. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of crude oil degradation by mixed bacterial culture of different crude oil concentrations using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Seven oil samples were collected from petroleum-contaminated fields in Kano state, Nigeria, and screened for crude oil utilizing bacteria. A control sample of soil from an ecological garden (control soil) was also analyzed. Crude oil-degrading bacteria were isolated, enumerated and identified using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, and screened for their ability to utilize Bonny Light Oil as a source of carbon and energy. Bacteria with the highest potential to utilize crude oil were selected and subjected to bioremediation studies at three different pollution levels (5%, 10% and 15%) for 56 days. The residual crude oil was assessed using GCMS. The results revealed that the mixed culture completely degraded eighteen components ranging from C10 to C25 at 5% crude oil concentration while only C8 to C11 and C8 to C9 were degraded at 10 and 15% respectively. The results of this study indicated the potential of B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa in bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil.
Exploratory Behavior and the Temporal Structure of Soccer Small-Sided Games to Evaluate Creativity in Children

ABSTRACT In this work, the position of the goals was modified to analyze the effects on the exploratory behavior and the team tactical pattern, which can be meaningful variables to study creativity in team sports. Twenty-four male soccer school players under the age of 12 participated in this study. Participants were divided into four teams of one goalkeeper and 5 players. Each team played six small-sided games of 5 min in three different goals positioning situations. The positioning-derived data of each player were collected using 10 Hz GPS units, were exported, and then computed using Matlab® dedicated routines. The positioning-derived variables were: team length and width, sector and corridor, centroid speed and its distance to the own goal, the centroid angle, and the speed of spread rate. They were analyzed by means of a PCA and the dynamic overlap order parameter. Results showed that changing the position of goals did not affect significantly the exploratory behavior. PCA analysis and Tucker’s Congruence Coefficient revealed that the task constraints could be characterized by a high mutual atypicality, and hence, originality. The use of the dynamic overlap, the PCA, hPCA, andTucker’s Congruence Coefficient to assess the degree of creativity in team sports were discussed. In conclusion, modifying the position of the goals can foster original behaviors of young athletes and increase the tactical repertoire of players.
Sonority Principle in French Nominal Loanwords into Moroccan Arabic: An Optimality-theoretic Analysis

This paper examines the adaptation of French nominal loans into Moroccan Arabic by adopting the framework of optimality theory. The focus is to unveil the phonological and morphological repair strategies enforced by the phonotactic constraints of the borrowing language to resolve sonority principle in complex codas. The investigated phonological strategy is schwa and a high vowel epenthesis. Schwa epenthesis is triggered to split final biconsonantal codas that violate sonority principle. In three consonantal coda clusters, schwa insertion is conditioned by the sonority value of the consonants, where it is consistently epenthesized before the most sonorous segment. A high vowel behaves differently; it is epenthesized in the final position without splitting the coda cluster, and enforces the cluster to be syllabified as an onset instead of a coda, and as such sonority principle is satisfied. It is also argued that the addition of the morphological marker {-a}, which is primarily morphologically driven, indirectly satisfies sonority principle; by doing so, it blocks the application of schwa or a high vowel epenthesis, which points to the fact that such phonological and morphological strategies conspire to satisfy sonority principle. The study also provides further support for the phonological stance on loanword adaptation.