Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Instance Re-Identification Flow for Video Object Segmentation

In this work, we propose an Instance Re-Identification Flow (IRIF) for video object segmentation. For the instance re-identification task, we focus on two main categories: human and non-human object instances. We track each instance and detect it when it re-appears to determine its corresponding bounding box in video frames. When a nonhuman object re-appears, we use a list of recent SVM classifiers to segment that object. Otherwise, we use Pyramid Scene Parsing (PSP) Network to automatically segment that person as an initial mask to continue mask propagation. In particular, we use object detector, Faster R-CNN, to detect person and extract person attribute as a key feature for both tracking and re-identification. In addition, DeepFlow and Deformable Part Model (DPM) are utilized to track and detect non-human objects. Regarding object segmentation, we adopt multi-SVM classifiers embedding history reference with several unary components, namely, saliency, CNN features, location and color, to segment each object instance within its possible bounding box in each frame. Note that we also estimate the z-order of each instance to enhance the later instance tracking and mask propagation. Boundary snapping is adopted to further refine instance shapes. Finally, our IRIF method achieves very competitive results in DAVIS Challenge 2017, namely, 0.615, 0.662, and 0.638 in terms of region similarity (Jaccard index), contour accuracy (F-measure), and global score, respectively. Corresponding author. Email: ltnghia@nii.ac. jp
CuS@Corn Stalk/Chitin Composite Hydrogel for Photodegradation and Antibacterial

Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) have recently attracted extensive attention in various fields due to their excellent optical and electrical properties. However, CuS NPs are easy to agglomerate in their preparation on account of the high surface activity. In this study, uniform dispersion of CuS NPs were fabricated with corn stalk as a template and stabilizer, further CuS@corn stalk/chitin composite hydrogel was obtained by crosslinking with chitin. The results reveal that the CuS NPs were evenly dispersed into the composite hydrogels with a three-dimensional network structure, which were verified by the UV-vis spectrum, XRD, FT-IR spectra and SEM. In addition, the as-prepared composite hydrogel with the traits of peroxidase-like activity can convert H2O2 into an extremely oxidative and toxic ·OH, which manifested good effects for photodegradation of RhB and antibacterial against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, the composite hydrogels could be used for photocatalytic treatment and sterilization of wastewater, which provides a new idea for the functional application of CuS NPs.
Kainate Receptor-Mediated Depression of Glutamate Release Involves Protein Kinase A in the Cerebellum

Kainate (KA) receptors (KAR) have important modulatory roles of synaptic transmission. In the cerebellum, the action mechanisms of KAR-mediated glutamatergic depression are unknown. We studied these mechanisms by recording evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) from cerebellar slices using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. We observed that 3 μM KA decreased the amplitude of eEPSCs and increased the number of failures at the synapses established between parallel fibers (PF) and Purkinje neurons, and the effect was antagonized by NBQX under the condition where AMPA receptors were previously blocked. The inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) suppressed the effect of KAR activation on eEPSC, and effect was not prevented by protein kinase C inhibitors. Furthermore, in the presence of Pertussis toxin, the depression of glutamate release mediated by KAR activation was prevented, invoking the participation of a Gi/o protein in this modulation. Finally, the KAR-mediated depression of glutamate release was not prevented by blocking calcium-permeable KARs or by treatments that affect calcium release from intracellular stores. We conclude that KARs present at these synapses mediate an inhibition of glutamate release through a mechanism that involves the activation of G-protein and protein kinase A.
Immunotherapy-Based Targeting and Elimination of Leukemic Stem Cells in AML and CML

The concept of leukemic stem cells (LSC) has been developed with the idea to explain the clonal hierarchies and architectures in leukemia, and the more or less curative anti-neoplastic effects of various targeted drugs. It is now widely accepted that curative therapies must have the potential to eliminate or completely suppress LSC, as only these cells can restore and propagate the malignancy for unlimited time periods. Since LSC represent a minor cell fraction in the leukemic clone, little is known about their properties and target expression profiles. Over the past few years, several cell-specific immunotherapy concepts have been developed, including new generations of cell-targeting antibodies, antibody–toxin conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cell-based strategies. Whereas such concepts have been translated and may improve outcomes of therapy in certain lymphoid neoplasms and a few other malignancies, only little is known about immunological targets that are clinically relevant and can be employed to establish such therapies in myeloid neoplasms. In the current article, we provide an overview of the immunologically relevant molecular targets expressed on LSC in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In addition, we discuss the current status of antibody-based therapies in these malignancies, their mode of action, and successful examples from the field.
Geostrategic Imperative of the Indo-Pacific Region Emerging Trends and Regional Responses

The global economic power shift from the West to East (Asia) and the increasing geostrategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region has resulted in cooperation and competition among the established and rising powers in the region. While the economic cooperation between them has significantly grown in recent past, the geostrategic and geopolitical frameworks remain very uncertain. In essence, the emerging trends and issues in the Indo-Pacific offer unique opportunities as well as daunting challenges to the nations. These developments have generated great interest and debate among the researchers, academics as well as policymakers circles across the world. While David Michel and Ricky Passarelli, in their 2014 book, have analysed the maritime policy challenges and opportunities arising across the Indian Ocean and the
The impact of the nodal status and resection margin on the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer: It calls for more careful evaluation

To the Editor, With great interest, we read the recent article by Nicola Flaum MbBCh et al, titled “Adjuvant chemotherapy and outcomes in patients with nodal and resection margin‐negative pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. ” The authors demonstrated that pancreatic cancer patients with a positive or negative lymph node (LN) status and with R0 or R1 resections could achieve similar benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy. The results of the study are noteworthy. However, from our perspective, we have found a few problems with this study. Above all, the use of different effect models is conditional in a meta‐ analysis. In this meta‐analysis, heterogeneity seemed to exist when I≥50%. The fixed‐effects model should be adopted if significant heterogeneity exists; otherwise, a random‐effects model should be used. In this study, the author used the random‐effects model without distinction. In Figures 3 and 6, the fixed‐effects model should be used because the I of the meta‐analysis is less than 50%. In general, the random‐effects model is a general‐effects model, but the results obtained with the fixed‐effects model could be more persuasive when I < 50.
Fungal Tannase : A Journey from Strain Isolation to Enzyme Applications

Tannase is an important enzyme and plays an important role in plant polyphenol degradation as well as conversion to very important pharmaceutical products. Even though this enzyme is widely applied to different food and beverage industries, its industrial production, proper induction and catalysis mechanism still remain limited. This review presents an illustrated revision on fungal tannase. Emphasis had been laid on fungal strains which can produce tannase, different fermentation processes of tannase production, tannase purification, structural and functional characteristics of this enzyme, different enzyme assay techniques and applications of this enzyme. A probable mechanism of tannin degradation by fungus is briefly described. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Formulation and evaluation of UV protective synbiotic skin care topical formulation

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of current study to investigate the photo protective potential of synbiotic formulation comprising of prebiotic and probiotic. Methods: Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method and investigated for physical-chemical properties including morphology, physical state, and free radical scavenging potential. Selection of probiotic biomass was made on the free radical scavenging potential by using NO assay. A topical w/o emulsion-based cream was prepared with screened ingredients to achieve a stable product with optimum free radical scavenging potential. The finished product was investigated for various mechanical, physiochemical, and viscoelastic characteristics. The SPF of optimized formulation was determined in UV-stimulated Wistar rat model. Results: Results indicated that the finished product shows nanoscale feature of elemental selenium. Cream comprising of potential free radical reagent (Selenium nanoparticles with IC50 50.097 µg/ml and biomass of Lactobacillus rhamnosus have IC50 61.63 µg/ml) exhibits a SPF of 29.77. Optimized skin care formulation has desirable physiochemical and viscoelastic properties required for topical application. Histopathology and Draize test indicated the finished product does not show any sign of skin toxicity. Conclusion: Results inferred that topical formulation combining the features of selenium and probiotic biomass offer an effective alternative for the treatment of sunburn complications. Graphical Abstract
Exposure to Static and Extremely-Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Cellular Free Radicals

ABSTRACT This paper summarizes studies on changes in cellular free radical activities from exposure to static and extremely-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly magnetic fields. Changes in free radical activities, including levels of cellular reactive oxygen (ROS)/nitrogen (RNS) species and endogenous antioxidant enzymes and compounds that maintain physiological free radical concentrations in cells, is one of the most consistent effects of EMF exposure. These changes have been reported to affect many physiological functions such as DNA damage; immune response; inflammatory response; cell proliferation and differentiation; wound healing; neural electrical activities; and behavior. An important consideration is the effects of EMF-induced changes in free radicals on cell proliferation and differentiation. These cellular processes could affect cancer development and proper growth and development in organisms. On the other hand, they could cause selective killing of cancer cells, for instance, via the generation of the highly cytotoxic hydroxyl free radical by the Fenton Reaction. This provides a possibility of using these electromagnetic fields as a non-invasive and low side-effect cancer therapy. Static- and ELF-EMF probably play important roles in the evolution of living organisms. They are cues used in many critical survival functions, such as foraging, migration, and reproduction. Living organisms can detect and respond immediately to low environmental levels of these fields. Free radical processes are involved in some of these mechanisms. At this time, there is no credible hypothesis or mechanism that can adequately explain all the observed effects of static- and ELF-EMF on free radical processes. We are actually at the impasse that there are more questions than answers.
The effects of concurrent biomechanical biofeedback on novel skill acquisition

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the effects of concurrent biomechanical biofeedback on the ability of novices to modify relative knee, spine, and elbow motions during a rowing-type task. After six non-instructed practice sessions, novices were assigned to a biofeedback (BFb; n = 7) or control group (Con; n = 7), before six, ten-minute sessions of continuous rowing were performed over 2 weeks. The BFb group received concurrent, visual biofeedback for developing sequential timing of knee, spine, and elbow motions during the pull. Following the intervention, the BFb group demonstrated delayed elbow flexion initiation (pre-intervention, 46 ± 11% pull; post-intervention, 78 ± 3% pull; p = 0.001). The biofeedback further promoted the consecutive ending of joint rotations (BFb: knee, 69 ± 4% pull; spine, 73 ± 7% pull; elbow, 85 ± 3% pull; Con: knee, 79 ± 8% pull; spine, 28 ± 6% pull; elbow, 79 ± 4% pull) and a move towards the sequential sequencing pattern. Concurrent biomechanical biofeedback during short-term training altered technique, possibly by providing guidance towards the desired movement pattern and increasing error detection and correction capabilities.
VirtuosoNet : A Hierarchical Attention RNN for Generating Expressive Piano Performance from Music Score

Interpreting and performing of music score is a challenging task for computers. We propose a musically structured hierarchical attention network to generate expressive piano performance in MIDI format given symbolic music scores such as musicXML. The network takes a sequence of input features extracted from each note in the score and returns performance parameters for the note. The model can render various expressive elements in music performance, including tempo change, dynamics, micro-timing of individual notes, and pedal control.
Interplay Between Macroeconomic Factors and Equity Premium : Evidence Pakistan Stock Exchange

This paper examine the impact of macroeconomic factors on firm level equity premium. Following the concept of macro-based risk factor model, we consider macroeconomic variable set of equity premium determinant. The macroeconomic variables include interest rate, money supply, industrial production, inflation and foreign direct investment. The macroeconomic variables are not in control of the firm's management. These are the external factors which affect the company as well as the overall market returns. The Macro-based Multifactor Model is estimated for the whole sample. It is found that the market premium and the selected five macroeconomic factors significantly affect the firm level equity premium of non-financial firms. Increase in market premium, money supply, foreign direct investment and industrial production positively affect the firm level equity premium while increase in interest rate and inflation negatively affects the firm level equity premium. These findings are beneficial for the common shareholders, institutional investors and policy makers to find more specific insight about the relationship between macroeconomic variables and equity premium of non-financial sectors.
BASIC MODELING STRATEGIES FOR NEMATODE MANAGEMENT

Models, in any sense of the word, are simmodels. They might,for example,predictthereplifications of larger, more complex systems, lationship between the intensity of a monitoring structures, or events. They promote~understanding of the form and function of the system they represent. The model is a formal statement of hypothesis of system function or structure at a specified level of resolution. The hypothesis is usually developed as equations describing the processes and interactions within the system. Such formally stated hypotheses applied to agricultural pests are testable at the field level and can be reevaluated and refined based on field observations. Ultimately, they can be used as a rational basis for management decisions. Several types of models are in use in integrated pest management. Critical point models predict crop yield, crop loss or pest densities from a single observation of the state of the system at a particular time. Multiple-point models also make such predictions, but are based on monitoring the state of the system at a series of times. Such models frequently fall into the category of analytical models since they consist of one or a group of equations for which a closed-form solution is possible. They are often correlative rather than explanatory since they cannot be sufficiently complex to describe biological phenomena realistically. Simulation models, whose solution is determined by numerical integration techniques, are more complex. These models are generally mechanistically explanatory at a level of resolu-' tion compatible with the objectives of the modeling process. Other models of importance in integrated pest management fall into the category of management decision models. They may be extensions of analytical or simulation or sampling process and the associated precision of the pest-population estimate. Integrated pest management is, in practice, effective management of the crop and its associated community. The complexity of this process involves the understanding of how individual pest populations interact with the crop and with each other. Such understanding would allow prediction of repercussions throughout the system resulting from perturbation of one population or of one part of the system. The interaction among the individual populations is integrated essentially by the plant. The effects of this integration from a practical standpoint are reflected in yield and quality of the crop. A plant model is essential to the development of a multiple-pest mechanistic model. However, it may not be necessary for the simplistic analytical models, based on population assessment prior to planting, which are frequently used for nematode management.
Jumbo cups for repair of moderate-to-severe acetabular bone defects during revision of total hip arthroplasty : medium-term outcomes

Objective: To determine the medium-term clinical outcomes of revision surgery after total hip arthroplasty with jumbo cups in patients with Paprosky type II or type IIIA acetabular bone loss. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients (54 hips) who underwent unilateral hip revision using jumbo cups in our institution between January 2007 and August 2012. The patients underwent clinical and radiographic evaluations before the revision surgery and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the revision surgery and every year thereafter. Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) score, radiographic findings, and Kaplan-Meier implant-survivorship curves were evaluated. The operative findings and complications were also noted. Results: The patients were followed up for a mean of 5.3 years (range, 4-9 years). The mean HHS, HOOS, and SF-36 score had all significantly improved at the latest follow-up as compared with their preoperative values (P < 0.05). However, these scores did not significantly differ between patients with type II bone loss and those with type IIIA bone loss. Additionally, the HOOS and SF-36 score improved earlier than the HHS, indicating that the quality of life of the patients improved before hip-function recovery. The 5-year prosthesissurvival rate was 90.7%. Conclusion: Jumbo cups have similar satisfactory outcomes in both type II and type IIIA patients. The application of life-quality scales reveals early clinical improvement that may be useful to guide further recovery.
Software Test Case Reduction using Genetic Algorithm : A Modified Approach

Software test cases play an important role in Software Testing. A lot of test cases are developed while designing test cases that are of no use or redundant in nature. These types of test cases increase the effort and cost involved in testing and results in decrease of software testing efficiency. In this paper, a Genetic Algorithm based methodology has been proposed which can significantly reduce the test suite and leads to optimization of the efficiency of software testing. The testing efficiency can be increased by identifying the most critical paths. The proposed Genetic Algorithm based approach select the software path clusters that are weighted in accordance with the criticality of the path. Proposed algorithm has been evaluated by applying simple Genetic Algorithm and Fitness Scaling on a case study. GA with Fitness scaling helps in improving the efficiency of software testing by effectively reducing software test cases.
Electrical Power Production Engineering Analysis and Heuristic Decisive Electrical Energy Tariff Determination

| IJAPIE | ISSN: 2455–8419 | www.ijapie. org | Inn Des & Com Mod | Sp.Issue| 2017 | 42 | Abstract : There are six type of electrical power plants generating electrical power for residential, industrial and corporal uses. The solar, wind, nuclear, hydro, gas, and coal are the sources of energy utilized to generate electrical power by means of energy conversion. The principles of all the energy conversions are nearly same but mechanism and technologies are different. The electrical power tariff is the direct function of maintenance cost, generating cost, transmission cost and distribution cost, but indirectly involve with the several engineering operational factors. In this paper a brief analysis of electrical power plants operations and its influence in heuristic decisive electrical energy tariff determination is discussed. Among the six types of electrical power generation plants several engineering operational factors, engineering and scientific factor bases involve in the hydroelectric power estimation and influencing the operational power product design have been discussed. It is difficult to manually decide the electrical energy tariff, as the hundreds of factors are implicit or explicitly related on fixing electrical energy tariff. The real per-unit cost of generated electrical power is quite large, an affordable and reasonable heuristic decisive electrical energy tariff determination supportive literature reviewed.
Consequence-Cause Matching: How and Why People Look to the Consequences of Events to Infer the Causes of Events

We show that consumers non-normatively infer event causes from event consequences. For example, consumers inferred that a product failure (computer crash) had a large cause (malicious virus) if it had a large consequence (job loss), but that the identical failure had a smaller cause if the consequence was small, even though the consequences were objectively uninformative about the causes. Across experiments, participants regularly inferred that causes ―matched‖ consequences (in size or valence). Experiments further suggested that consequence-cause matching arises from a need to see the world as predictable and that matching can be reduced by priming a different causal schema.