Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Multitask Learning Encoder-Decoders Framework for Generating Movie and Video Captioning

Learning visual feature representations for video analysis is non-trivial and requires a large amount of training samples and a proper generalization framework. Many of the current state of the art methods for video captioning or movie description rely on encoding mechanisms through recurrent neural networks to encode temporal visual information extracted from video data. In this paper, we introduce a novel multitask encoder-decoder framework for generating automatic semantic description and captioning of video sequences. In contrast to current approaches, at training time our method relies on multiple distinct decoders to train a visual encoder in a multitask fashion. Our method shows improved performance over current state of the art methods in several metrics on both multi-caption and single-caption datasets. Our method is the first method to use a multi-task approach for encoding video features. Furthermore, our method demonstrates its robustness on the Large Scale Movie Description Challenge (LSMDC) 2017 where our method won the movie description task. Based on human subject evaluations from the competition, our method was ranked as the most helpful algorithm for the visually impaired. 1
Ja n 20 19 INDIFFERENCE PRICING OF PURE ENDOWMENTS VIA BSDES UNDER PARTIAL INFORMATION

In this paper we investigate the pricing problem of a pure endowment contract when the insurer has a limited information on the mortality intensity of the policyholder. The payoff of this kind of policies depends on the residual life time of the insured as well as the trend of a portfolio traded in the financial market, where investments in a riskless asset, a risky asset and a longevity bond are allowed. We propose a modeling framework that takes into account mutual dependence between the financial and the insurance markets via an observable stochastic process, which affects the risky asset and the mortality index dynamics. Since the market is incomplete due to the presence of basis risk, in alternative to arbitrage pricing we use expected utility maximization under exponential preferences as evaluation approach, which leads to the so-called indifference price. Under partial information this methodology requires filtering techniques that can reduce the original control problem to an equivalent problem in complete information. Using stochastic dynamics techniques, we characterize the indifference price of the insurance derivative via the solutions of suitable backward stochastic differential equations.
THE IMPACT OF GROCERY STORE PODCASTS IN THE DELIVERY OF NUTRITION EDUCATION TO IMPROVE SHOPPING BEHAVIORS, PARTICULARLY THE PURCHASE OF OMEGA-3 RICH FOODS

of the Dissertation . ii Acknowledgements . iv Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Study Hypotheses. 3 Dissertation Format . 4 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 5 Omega-3s and Nutrition . 5 The Health Benefits of Omega-3s. 8 Omega-3 Consumption Recommendations . 13 Misinformation about Omega-3s in the Media . 15 Nutrition Intervention at Point of Purchase . 17 Technology and Grocery Shopping . 19 Theory of Reasoned Action . 20 Summary . 22 Chapter 3: Methods . 24 Formative Research . 24 Primary Podcast Study . 26 Data Analyses . 27
Scalable Robust Model Predictive Control for Linear Sampled-Data Systems

We propose a robust reachable-set-based model predictive control method for constrained linear systems. The systems are described by sampled-data models, where a continuous-time physical plant is controlled by a discrete-time digital controller. Thus, the state measurement and the control input are only updated at discrete sampling times, while the constraint satisfaction must be guaranteed not only at, but also between two consecutive time steps. By considering the computation time and using scalable reachability analysis and convex optimization tools, we compute real-time controllers that ensure constraint satisfaction for an infinite time horizon. We demonstrate the applicability of our proposed method using a vehicle platooning benchmark.
Distribution of zinc fractions and their relationship with soil properties in different soil series of Haryana

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the distribution of Zinc fractions and their relationship with soil properties in different soil series of Haryana. Surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from each soil series using Global Positioning System (GPS). The soil samples were processed and analyzed for the determination of total Zn and zinc fractions (exchangeable, organic bound, calcium carbonate bound and residual). Zinc fractions were analyzed by sequential extraction procedure. Results showed that total amount of the Zn ranged from 36.02 to 72.45 mg kg in all the soil series. The amount ExZn, OMZn and CaCO3Zn, comprised 0.4-1.9, 2.1-7.7 and 3.5-17.6% of total Zn, respectively. The highest fraction of the total Zn (74.0-90.4%) was present in the residual fraction. The residual fraction varied from 30.68 to 50.02 mg kg with a mean value of 39.30 mg kg in soil series of Aeolian Plain while it ranged from 27.23 to 59.75 mg kg with a mean value of 42.48 mg kg in soil series of Alluvium Plain. The Sohna soil series of Aravali Hills had 39.60 mg kg residual Zn. Different Zn fractions followed the order: Res> CaCO3>OM> Exin Aeolian Plain and Alluvial Plain while in Aravali Hills soils order: Res> CaCO3~ OM> Exwas followed. Results reflected that soil properties influence the distribution of different Zn fractions in soils.
Design & Analysis of RF Energy Harvesting System for Energizing Low Power Device

Finite electrical battery life is encouraging the companies and researchers to come up with new ideas and technologies to drive wireless mobile devices for an infinite or enhance period of time. Common resource constrained wireless devices when they run out of battery they should be recharged. For that purpose main supply & charger are needed to charge drained mobile phone batteries or any portable devices. Practically it is not possible to carry charger wherever we go and also to expect availability of power supply everywhere. To avoid such disadvantages some sort of solution should be given and that can be wireless charging of mobile phones. [4] If the mobile can receive RF power signals from the mobile towers, why can‟t we extract the power from the received signals? This can be done by the method or technology called RF energy harvesting. RF energy harvesting holds a promise able future for generating a small amount of electrical power to drive partial circuits in wirelessly communicating electronics devices. RF power harvesting is one of the diverse fields where still research continues. The energy of RF waves used by devices can be harvested and used to operate in more effective and efficient way.
Comparative effects of salinomycin and meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on lead induced impairment of reproductive function in male mice

Lead (Pb) directly targets testicular spermatogenesis and also the sperms in the epididymis inducing reproductive toxicity. In our study we compare the effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and tetraethylammonium salt of salinomycinic acid on Pb content and the endogenous levels of calcium, copper, zinc and iron in testis of mice, subjected to Pb intoxication. We present new data on the effect of both chelating agents on testis morphology and sperm count of mice, subjected to subacute Pb intoxication. Adult male ICR mice were orally subjected to Pb intoxication for 14 days (average daily dose 80 mg/kg b.w. Pb(NO3)2) followed by treatment with 20 mg/kg b.w. DMSA or tetraethylammonium salts of salinomycinic acid for another 2 weeks. Testes were used for histological and atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. Spermatozoa were isolated from both ductus deferens and counted. Both chelating agents considerably reduced Pb content in the testis compared to the toxic control. The administration of tetraethylammonium salt of salinomycinic acid ameliorated Pb induced alterations in Cu and Zn homeostasis and significantly restored endogenous Ca levels unlike DMSA. Testicular morphology of Pb intoxicated mice recovered to control after salinomycin treatment but sperm count remains 21% lower compared to the untreated mice. These results suggest the potential application of salinomycin as antidote for treatment of lead intoxications.
Percutaneous heart valve interventions: a South African perspective

Valvular heart disease represents a significant health care challenge in South Africa, mainly due to the prevalence of rheumatic fever. This review discusses the recent advances in percutaneous heart valve treatment, including heart valve replacement, as an alternative to open prosthetic valve replacement and it’s relevance in South Africa. Balloon mitral valvotomy is discussed with emphasis on patient selection, management during pregnancy and management in the presence of left atrial thrombus. Further developments regarding the percutaneous treatment of mitral valve disease include percutaneous treatment of mitral incompetence by annuloplasty via the coronary sinus and edge-to-edge repair with the aid of a mitral clip. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is the more developed procedure and two valves have the CE mark of approval. Both have good short to medium term data demonstrating efficacy but are technically difficult to insert, very expensive and patient selection remains a major problem. Their use is thus limited to patients turned down for conventional surgery. Percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement has good evidence to show efficacy but its use is largely limited to patients with degenerated pulmonary outflow tract conduits.
Detection of Legionella from Teaching Hospital Cooling Tower Water of Air Conditioning Systems in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of contamination of Legionella in the King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) cooling tower water of air conditioning system and other water supplies. A total of 300 samples were collected from various sites in KFHU. Water samples were collected from the cooling tower (88), hot-shower head (40), cold-shower head (59), engineering building (12) and drinking fountain (12). Swab samples were also collected from shower heads (44) and air ventilator (45). Overall Legionella was detected in only 5 (5.68%) out of 88 water samples and yielded 7 isolates. All other water samples that were collected from other sites were negative for the presence of Legionella. Culturing the hospital water supply for Legionella was the first step in the assessment of the risk for hospital-acquired Legionnaires' (LD). Legionella is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, especially for immunocompromised patients.
Screening of Indian herbs for haemostatic activity.

India is one of the important widespread geographic locations on mega biodiversity areas on earth. The rich cultural heritage of India is also associated with the use of available ethno medicinal flora and fauna since ages. To raise this traditional knowledge to global level and to serve the mankind using the same, a systematic modern approach has been adopted here to ascertain the rational use of traditionally applied Indian herbs for the purpose of healing wounds and controlling haemorrhage from cuts and bruises. In vitro clotting time of blood in presence and absence of various plant extracts was used as a guide to study haemostatic activityof the herbs under study. Of the ten plants evaluated, aqueous extracts of Quercus pubescens, Thevetia peruviana proved to have significant haemostatic activity at P<0.05 as judged by Chi Square goodness of fit test, whereas alcoholic extracts of Zingiber officinale, Zanthoxylum rhetsa and petroleum ether extracts of Psidum guajava, Terminalia chebula, Zanthoxylum rhetsa confirmed the same results. Keywords: Haemostatic, Indian herbs, Clotting time, Ehno medicine
Matrix Metalloproteinases as Novel Disease Markers in Takayasu Arteritis

Background—Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic vasculitis that primarily affects large elastic arteries. Monitoring of disease activity is crucial because the disease tends to progress despite treatment with glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressive agents. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have generally been used as disease activity markers, but these are nonspecific inflammatory markers and lack the sensitivity and specificity to accurately monitor the disease status. Given the histological findings characterized by destruction of elastic fibers, we hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) could be useful as markers of disease activity in TA. Methods and Results—A consecutive series of 25 patients with TA were enrolled in this study. According to the National Institutes of Health criteria of disease activity, 11 were in an active phase and the remaining 14 were in remission. Circulating levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were determined by ELISA in all patients with TA and controls. MMP-2 levels were higher in patients with TA than in controls, but no correlation was found between serum MMP-2 and disease activity score. In contrast, MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels in patients with active disease were higher than in patients in remission and controls, and a positive correlation was demonstrated between circulating levels of MMP-3 or MMP-9 and disease activity score. The high levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9 improved when patients underwent remission. Conclusions—The present results indicate that MMP-2 can be helpful in diagnosing TA and that MMP-3 and MMP-9 can be used as activity markers for TA.
Use of Social Media in Knowledge Sharing by the Research Scholars: A Case Study of Pondicherry University, India

The study explores the extent of use of social media tools that support knowledge sharing among the research scholars of Pondicherry University. A total of 125 research scholars randomly selected from 10 different schools of Pondicherry University were studied. The result indicates that most of the respondents are aware of almost all the social media tools such as Facebook (96%), Wiki (79.2%), ResearchGate (69.6%), Videoconference (68%), Blogs (67.2%) and Instant Message (60.8%). Interestingly, 93.6% of the respondents made use of social media tools for sharing research-related information. Facebook, Wiki, Research Gate, etc. were found to be the most preferred social media tools. The research scholars of Pondicherry University were able to realise the mutual benefit experienced by sharing research-related information with others.
Pediatrician's Communication skills: essential or complimentary? Mind the gap

OBJECTIVES: To provide empirical evidence and discuss the importance of Communication in everyday Pediatric practice through investigating the process by which parents select their children's pediatricians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A close-ended questionnaire has been administered to 500 parents in a EU country with a 95% response rate due to nature of the collection process (477 completed questionnaires) as the pediatrician was involved in the collection process. RESULTS: Our empirical results demonstrate that the parentsO selection priorities involve primarily the pediatriciansO communication skills, followed by their accessibility and much less other factors such as experience. More specifically, accessibility over the phone and ability to explain the course and treatment of the illness constitute significant priorities for the parents. CONCLUSIONS: Our study offers insight in the initial steps of obtaining child health care services, a relatively unexplored area of patient decision making and highlight the importance of communication skills and accessibility. Especially the triplet Listen Explain Persuade was found to be of paramount importance. Furthermore, we offer a Human Resources perspective, through a discussion of the implications of our findings on how private childcare clinics should recruit their specialists, as well as how they should train their specialists
Naso-Pharyngeal Gram-Negative Cocci in the Secretion of the Cervix Uteri of Prostitutes.

ABNORMAL sexual intercourse, specially buccal and linguo-vulvar coitus, have opened a new field of investigation for bacteriologists. Through this practice, normal saprophitic bacteria of the oral cavity and naso-pharynx and of the male and female genital organs may, under the present undetermined conditions, become virulent and give origin to pathological conditions in their new abode. In the current medical literature infection of the male genital tract through coitus buccalis has been described by Petrazie, of Kiel,. Ollive and Leguyer,2 etc. These last-mentioned authors found staphylococcus in the discharge of a patient suffering from acute urethritis " post coitum ab ore. " Some years ago one of US3 pointed out the possible buccal nature of the virus of lymphogranuloma inguinale, exposing in a later monograph a more detailed description of his theory, based on the clinical evidence of several cases 4. This same possibility has recently been accepted by Nicolau 5. The pathogenicity of buccal spirochaetes has also been recently pointed out 6. With the object of studying the pathogenic action of bucco-pharingeal bacteria, and on the evidence of a case of urethritis due to diplococcus pharyngeus flavus following a buccal coitus referred to us by Dr. Cambiasso, of Conception University Medical College, we decided to investigate the nature of Gram-negative cocci found in the secretion of the cervix uteri of prostitutes. Amongst the Gram-negative cocci of the naso-pharynx only micrococcus catarrhalis, described by Pfeiffer in I896, has been considered as pathogenic. In I902 Ghon and Pfeiffer related it to Weichselbaum's meningococcus,
A Parallel Method For Object Tracking

Computer Vision-based techniques are powerful tools for designing efficient control systems. Cameras provide information, through which an industrial manipulator can, for instance, have its trajectory corrected with respect to the target object. This paper proposes a real-time object tracking method that is both robust and able to deal with different environment circumstances and scenarios. It also deals with the quality level of the camera available and also the interest object’s nature itself, which may vary quite significantly from one application to another. The method relies on parallel processing for building the model that is best suited to the current scenario, thus dismissing heuristics for selecting the most adequate features. Two variants were devised to cope with a number of different scenarios, as well as equipments, which accounts for the likeness of the method to succeed in a great deal of applications. Keywords—point matching; NCC; LSM; SIFT; parallel processing.
Complex interactions in microbial food webs

The food web structure in some high mountain lakes deviates from the established tendency of high heterotrophic bacteria: phytoplankton biomass ratios in oligotrophic ecosystems. Thus, the microbial food web in La Caldera Lake is weakly developed, and bacteria constitute a minor component of the plankton community in terms of abundance, biomass and production. Autotrophic picoplankton is absent, and heterotrophic microbial food web is weakly developed compared to a grazing chain dominated by calanoid copepods and a phytoplankton community mainly composed of mixotrophic flagellates. In order to explain the singular food web structure of this lake, functional, stoichiometric and taxonomical approaches are followed to assess, on various temporal and spatial scales, the relevance of stressful abiotic factors (ultraviolet solar radiation and P-limitation) on the structure and functioning of this ecosystem. P-availability was the main factor controlling the algal biomass whereas bacterial Plimitation was a transient phenomenon. The algae-bacteria relationship was predominately commensalistic. In contrast to algae, full-sunlight radiation had no negative effect on bacterial growth but rather enhanced bacterial dependence on the carbon released by algae. The prevalence of the commensalistic-mutualistic relationship and the development of a more complex microbial food web were related to the stoichiometry of algae and bacteria (N:P ratios). The microbial food web only developed at balanced algal and bacterial N:P ratios, with the appearance of ciliates after a nutrient pulse. However, mixotrophic algae dominated the planktonic community under P-deficit conditions, and they were the main factor controlling bacterioplankton. Their regulatory effect has a dual nature: (i) a resource-based control, where bacteria depend on the photosynthetic carbon released by algae, i.e., a commensalistic interaction (“without you I cannot live”); and (ii) a predatory control, where bacteria is a prey for mixotrophs (“with you I die”). Hence, the niche of microheterotrophs (nanoflagellates and ciliates) is occupied by mixotrophs, and there is a resulting simplification of the planktonic structure. With respect to the carbon cycle, mixotrophic bacterivory constitutes a “by-pass” for the flux of C towards the grazing chain, precluding the development of a complex heterotrophic microbial food web. Mixotrophs thereby improve the energetic transfer efficiency in high mountain lakes through a reduction in the number of trophic levels. Antagonistic effects of UVR x P interactions on the algae-bacteria relationship were caused by an enhancement of dual (resource and predation) control. Based on these results, an alternative model for the flux of C in autotrophic high mountain lakes has been proposed.
State of the Art on: Transfer learning in reinforcement learning

Machine learning (ML) is a subfield of artificial intelligence whose aim is the design of algorithms able to learn from data exploiting statistical tools. In reinforcement learning (RL) an agent acts in an unknown or not completely known environment with the goal of maximizing an external reward signal (Sutton and Barto, 1998). Transfer learning (TL) is another ML subfield that focuses on exploiting knowledge or structure derived from a learning problem to enhance learning on a related problem. Many approaches have been proposed concerning transfer learning in reinforcement learning (TLRL), which depend on the type of structure it is possible to exploit, what it is retained useful to transfer, and the goal of the transfer step. As already shown in different studies, the importance of these methodologies is that they can be used to speed up learning in a very effective way. Looking at the expert’s opinions and at the attendance trends, for what concerns the general topic of artificial intelligence, some relevant conferences are AAAI and IJCAI. NeurIPS and ICML are instead focused on machine learning. Important journals are instead the Journal of Machine Learning Research (Microtome), Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (IEEE), Machine Learning (Springer). All of these mentioned conferences and journals are also highly valued in ranking portals, such as [1].