Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attention-TransBTS: A Novel Transformer-Unet Architecture for MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation

This paper presents a novel model termed as Attention-TransBTS, designed for MRI brain tumor volumetric segmentation. The proposed model synergizes Transformer and CNN architectures, capitalizing on the comprehensive global modeling prowess of Transformer to mitigate the intrinsic limitations of CNN's local context comprehension. Simultaneously, it harnesses 3D CNN to extract spatial voxel features, thereby considerably preserving the spatial context intricacies embedded within MRI image data. Addressing the intricate challenge of uncertain tumor region localization and complex structural morphology within MRI images, we introduce a pioneering 3D CBAM attention module. This module systematically amplifies the feature extraction prowess of the segmentation network, specifically for irregular lesion domains, thereby meticulously achieving precision in the segmentation of tumor regions within MRI images. The 3D CBAM module, an evolutionary iteration of the CBAM module, adeptly expands its purview into three dimensions, effectively tailoring its applicability for 3D volumetric segmentation tasks. Experimental results on BraTS 2019 datasets demonstrate that our Attention-TransBTS outperforms the current state-of-the-art 3D methods for brain tumor segmentation on 3D MRI scans.
From ‘Quality-of-Service’ and ‘Quality-of-Design’ to ‘Quality-of-Experience’: A holistic view on future interactive telecommunication services

Telecommunications research can no longer be considered to be pure communications engineering. The convergence of fixed-line and mobile telephony with the Internet together with the rise of novel technologies for rapid service creation has made economic efficiency and user acceptance/usability to crucial factors for the success of the telecommunication business as such. In the emerging new paradigm, a holistic view onto the entire value chain from basic architectural concepts over the efficient design and implementation of new services and applications up to the end customer is becoming indispensable. Within this broad interdisciplinary field, the present paper focuses on the evolution of corresponding concepts for service quality. Whereas the traditional notion of 'QoS' (Quality-of-Service) is already well-established and has led to a plethora of research work mainly in the area of network architectures and protocols, the quality of service design ('QoD') has by far not received comparable attention in the research community. Nevertheless, we argue that both concepts are equally important for achieving a sufficient quality of user experience ('QoE') which eventually leads to both economic viability and user satisfaction. To illustrate our claim, we discuss recent developments in the area of QoS-enabled next generation network architectures as well as novel user-centric service design paradigms, examples for the resulting QoE evaluations and a novel HCI lab approach which allows flexible user tests of mobile applications "in the wild".
Exports, Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: An Empirical Application for Nigeria

The paper examines the relationship among exports, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1960-2009. The time series properties of the variables are examined using the Phillips-Peron technique due to its robustness to a wide variety of serial correlation and heteroscedasticity. The results of Johansen cointegration test indicate existence of at least six cointegrating vectors. The error correction coefficient shows that deviation from long run RGDP path is corrected by about 48% over the following year. As a way of correcting for multicollinearity, we re-estimate the models of the static regression using a Fully Modified Least Squares Method (FMOLS) and error correction coefficient. We find out that the removal of Degree of openness (DOP) variable may be detrimental even though the percentage deviation from equilibrium does not seem to change. The paper therefore concludes by shedding more light on the relevance of the degree of openness and this can facilitate more FDI inflows capable of accelerating the growth process. The paper thus recommends immediate focus on more reforms/policies that will create enabling environment for FDI inflows and export growth thereby reducing the growth and development barriers in Nigeria.
Total lightning observations of severe convection over North Texas

Total Lightning Observations of Severe Convection Over North Texas. (August 2008) Christopher Michael McKinney, B.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Lawrence D. Carey Dr. Richard E. Orville Five severe convective cells over North Texas from three separate dates were examined to determine what three dimensional, or “total” lightning data can add to the understanding of a convective cell’s intensity, propagation, and severe weather potential. Total lightning data were obtained from Vaisala Inc.’s Dallas/Fort Worth (D/FW) Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) network. Radar data from two Weather Surveillance Radar – 1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) sites were used for position data and information regarding the intensity and kinematic properties of each cell. Total lightning products used by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas were compared to total lightning flash rate; a quantity that has been shown to be correlated to changes in cell intensity inferred from other sources, such as radar and satellite data. These products, specifically flash extent density (FED) were also compared to CG flash rate and radar derived measures from the WSR-88D sites. The results of this work show that FED and total flash rate are well correlated, with an average Pearson correlation value of 0.73, indicating that previous total flash rate results may also apply to FED. Lightning hooks, holes, and notches in FED displays indicated likely updraft regions, while appendages were observed to develop prior to
Texture Segmentation Based on Multifractal Dimension

Texture segmentation can be considered the most important problem, since human can distinguish different textures quit easily, but the automatic segmentation is quit complex and it is still an open problem for research. In this paper focus on implement novel supervised algorithm for multitexture segmentation and this algorithm based on blocking procedure where each image divide into block (16×16 pixels) and extract vector feature for each block to classification these block based on these feature. These feature extract using Box Counting Method (BCM). BCM generate single feature for each block and this feature not enough to characterize each block ,therefore, must be implement algorithm provide more than one slide for the image based on new method produce multithresolding, after this use BCM to generate single feature for each slide.
Quantifier Structure in Search-Based Procedures for QBFs

The best currently available solvers for quantified Boolean formulas (QBFs) process their input in prenex form, i.e., all the quantifiers have to appear in the prefix of the formula separated from the purely propositional part representing the matrix. However, in many QBFs derived from applications, the propositional part is intertwined with the quantifier structure. To tackle this problem, the standard approach is to convert such QBFs in prenex form, thereby losing structural information about the prefix. In the case of search-based solvers, the prenex-form conversion introduces additional constraints on the branching heuristic and reduces the benefits of the learning mechanisms. In this paper, we show that conversion to prenex form is not necessary: current search-based solvers can be naturally extended in order to handle nonprenex QBFs and to exploit the original quantifier structure. We highlight the two mentioned drawbacks of the conversion in prenex form with a simple example, and we show that our ideas can also be useful for solving QBFs in prenex form. To validate our claims, we implemented our ideas in the state-of-the-art search-based solver QuBE and conducted an extensive experimental analysis. The results show that very substantial speedups can be obtained
CD69 expression on neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Since the early activation antigen CD69 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some inflammatory diseases, we evaluated the expression of the molecule on peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) neutrophils obtained from RA patients and its possible correlation with PB and SF cytokine concentration. METHODS CD69 membrane expression (and CD11b as control marker) was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis on purified PB and SF neutrophils. Cytokine levels (GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) in plasma and SF supernatants were measured by ELISA. RESULTS CD69 was absent on control neutrophils, while it was expressed on PB neutrophils from RA patients although no detectable GM-CSF, IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha was observed in their plasma. CD69 expression was still more evident on SF neutrophils from RA patients; 59% had detectable levels of INF-gamma in their SF while GM-CSF and TNF-alpha were detectable in SF from 95% and 33% of RA patients, respectively. However, no correlation was observed between cytokine concentrations and CD69 expression on SF neutrophils. SF but not PB neutrophils from RA patients expressed increased amounts of CD11b when compared to control PB neutrophils without any correlation with CD69 membrane expression. CONCLUSION The activation antigen CD69 is significantly expressed on PB and SF neutrophils from RA patients. However, the mechanism(s) of induction and its possible role in the pathogenesis of RA remain to be defined.
Alertness and Cognitive Control: Testing the Early Onset Hypothesis

Previous research has revealed a peculiar interaction between alertness and cognitive control in selective-attention tasks: Congruency effects are larger on alert trials (on which an alerting cue is presented briefly in advance of the imperative stimulus) than on no-alert trials, despite shorter response times (RTs) on alert trials. One explanation for this finding is the early onset hypothesis, which is based on the assumptions that increased alertness shortens stimulus-encoding time and that cognitive control involves gradually focusing attention during a trial. The author tested the hypothesis in 3 experiments by manipulating alertness and stimulus quality (which were intended to shorten and lengthen stimulus-encoding time, respectively) in an arrow-based flanker task involving congruent and incongruent stimuli. Replicating past findings, the alerting manipulation led to shorter RTs but larger congruency effects on alert trials than on no-alert trials. The stimulus-quality manipulation led to longer RTs and larger congruency effects for degraded stimuli than for intact stimuli. These results provide mixed support for the early onset hypothesis, but the author discusses how data and theory might be reconciled if stimulus quality affects stimulus-encoding time and the rate of evidence accumulation in the decision process.
A piece of cake.

I became a member of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) in 1995, 2 years after its foundation. By searching through the ESTS archives handed over to me by Detlev Branscheid, I came across my own application form as it was transmitted by fax to the secretariat in Heidelberg (Fig. 1). My sponsors were Toni Lerut and Jean-Marie Wihlm, the first and the second treasurer of this society, respectively. The signature of Jean-Marie was still missing and I do not know whether he has ever completed my form. So I may not have been a full ESTS member at all. I had the honour of serving this distinguished society for the past 11 years, first as a regent for Belgium from 2002 to 2004, then as a councillor from 2003 to 2005, as general secretary from 2006 to 2012 and finally as your president since our 2012 meeting in Essen. These have been wonderful years that gave me the opportunity to develop my personal skills, to broaden my horizons and to meet and become close friends with many thoracic surgeons from Europe and all over the world. I have enjoyed participating in many educational events of the society in past years and meeting with younger colleagues during training courses in Antalya, Elancourt and Kazan. I was able to travel many miles around the globe to represent the society at various national and international meetings during my presidency from Los Angeles (STS), to Kobe (ASCVTS) and Minneapolis (AATS).
Scaling Laws of Multicast Capacity for Power-Constrained Wireless Networks under Gaussian Channel Model

We study the asymptotic networking-theoretic multicast capacity bounds for random extended networks (REN) under Gaussian channel model, in which all wireless nodes are individually power-constrained. During the transmission, the power decays along path with attenuation exponent α >; 2. In REN, n nodes are randomly distributed in the square region of side length √n. There are n<sub>s</sub> randomly and independently chosen multicast sessions. Each multicast session has n<sub>d</sub> + 1 randomly chosen terminals, including one source and n<sub>d</sub> destinations. By effectively combining two types of routing and scheduling strategies, we analyze the asymptotic achievable throughput for all n<sub>s</sub> = ω(1) and nd. As a special case of our results, we show that for n<sub>s</sub> = Θ(n), the per-session multicast capacity for REN is of order Θ(1/√n<sub>d</sub>n) when nd = O(n/(log n)<sup>a+1</sup>) and is of order Θ(1/n<sub>d</sub> · (log n)<sup>-n/2</sup>) when n<sub>d</sub> = Ω(n/log n).
Physical activity limitation as measured by accelerometry in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND The 6-min walk test, commonly used to assess exercise capacity and response to therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has many well-described limitations. Sedentary time is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and reduced quality of life, and measuring sedentary time and physical activity using accelerometry is another potential way to quantify exercise capacity in PAH. Whether sedentary time is different in patients with PAH vs control subjects is unknown. METHODS Physical activity was measured in 20 patients with PAH and 30 matched healthy control subjects using accelerometry for 7 consecutive days. Patients with PAH completed standard 6-min walk testing, and baseline demographics were recorded for all study participants. Total daily activity counts, sedentary time, and proportion of time at various activity levels were compared between groups. RESULTS Sedentary time was significantly higher in patients with PAH (mean, 92.1% daily activity; 95% CI, 89.5-94.8%) than in control subjects (mean, 79.9% daily activity; 95% CI, 76.4%-83.5%; P < .001), and all levels of physical activity were reduced in the PAH group compared with the control group ( P < .01 for all). Daily moderate to vigorous physical activity was reduced in the PAH group (7.5 min; 95% CI; 0.8-15.6 min) compared with the control group (mean, 64.7 min; 95% CI, 51.1-78.2 min; P < .001). Activity counts correlated with 6-min walk distance in the PAH group (Spearman rank correlation 5 0.72, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Sedentary time is increased in patients with PAH and may lead to increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity. Quantitation of daily activity and sedentary time using accelerometry may be a novel end point for PAH management and clinical trials.
An Accurate Approach to calculate the Voltage Distribution on the Transformer winding under Inter - turn short circuit Faults

The knowledge of the voltage distribution of the transformer winding is one of the important concerns, as the transformer specification and insulation coordination is based on this voltage distribution. The non-uniform voltage under transient, very fast transient and fault cases is considered as a basic cause of the breakdown of the insulation of the transformer. In this work, a methodology to determine the capacitance matrix of the transformer winding under inter-turn short circuit fault using COMSOL Multiphysics software is presented. This method guarantees accurate values of the capacitance under the fault case, as the leakage flux effects are taken into account. Then this capacitance matrix is processed using the Multi-Transmission Line Model (MTLM) to calculate the voltage distribution on the winding. The MTLM has the merit of the simulation of the very fast transients accurately. The results of this work are consistent with the results calculated in this field test in the healthy case. Moreover, this model calculates the voltage distribution on the winding under inter-turn short circuit faults.
Value potential and challenges of service-oriented architectures - A user and vendor perspective

This article summarizes the results of 25 expert interviews, regarding the value potential and challenges of the Service-oriented Architecture (SoA) paradigm for users and software vendors. On the user side, the SoA value potential most often mentioned by experts was agility, followed by process optimization. Cost reduction, through a more efficient development, or consolidation of redundant IS landscapes are also seen as a value potential. In contrast to the literature, reuse of services seems not that significant and is highly debated among the experts. In order to realize the value potentials, users have to overcome certain challenges. Here, the experts mention the financing of the investments, the setting up of a proper governance and the creation of a common understanding of the SoA paradigm as biggest hurdles. For the software vendors, experts mention that SoA-based solutions create new market opportunities as lock-in-effects are lowered and offerings can be easier enhanced by third-party services. Regarding cost, there is potential to harmonize existing product portfolios or integrate acquisitions more easily. Development cost reduction is less evident at the current stage of adoption. It is assumed that lower lock-in effects also lead to increased competition, which could become a major challenge especially for established vendors.
Impact of Audit Committee Characteristics on the Intellectual Capital Disclosure in the Commercial Banks Listed on the Bahrain Bourse

This research aimed to identify the influence of attributes of the audit committee (AC) on the disclosure of intellectual capital (IC) in the conventional banks listed on the Bahrain Bourse from 2012 to 2020. Based on the findings from the research hypothesis, there is a statistically significant relationship between the extent of IC disclosure and the AC's independence and the expertise of its members. In addition, it is found that there was no effect of the size of the AC, as the result of the regression analysis was not significant for this variable. The study recommended the need to increase banks awareness of the importance of disclosing IC through concerned authorities and organizations such as the Central Bank of Bahrain issuing guidelines and organizing training courses that clarify the importance of disclosing IC in achieving competitive advantages.
Effect of nutrient management approaches on the quality of soil and crops, sustainability of yield in maize – chickpea sequential cropping system

Field experiments were conducted during 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Agricultural Research Station, Raddewadagi, Jewargi taluk, Kalaburagi district, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur to study the nutrient management approaches on the quality of soil and crops, sustainability of yield in maize-chickpea sequential cropping system involving SSNM and STCR targeted yield of 7 or 8 t ha in clayey soils of Vertisol of UKP area. The application of nutrients through SSNM approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha produced significantly higher grain yield and sustainability yield index (8.62 and 0.80, respectively) as compared to absolute control, farmers practice, state recommendation and STL method and it was at par with STCR approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha (8.37 t ha and 0.77, respectively), SSNM approach for targeted yield of 7.0 t ha (7.59, t ha and 0.68, respectively), STCR approach for targeted yield of 7.0 t ha (7.46 t ha and 0.67, respectively), 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha (6.45 t ha and 0.55, respectively) and 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 7.0 t ha (6.35, t ha and 0.54, respectively). Organic carbon content was non-significant in maize-chickpea sequence cropping system. However, significantly higher available N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O (301.05, 62.93 and 439.38 kg ha, respectively) were noticed with nutrients applied through 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha as compared to absolute control, farmers practice, state recommendation, STL method and 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 7.0 t ha after harvest of second crop in maize-chickpea sequence cropping system and it was at par with SSNM or STCR approach for targeted yield of 7.0 or 8.0 t ha. Application of nutrients through SSNM approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha recorded significantly higher protein (6.59%) and protein yield (568.01 kg ha) and also its residual effect was recorded significantly higher protein content (20.28%) and protein yield (606.31 kg ha) in chickpea as compared to other treatments.
Bearings-only TMA without observer maneuver

This paper addresses the problem of bearings-only target motion analysis) of a maneuvering source, whose trajectory is composed by two legs at constant velocity. Under very large assumptions, the target trajectory is proved observable from a non-maneuvering platform. Two cases are considered: first, the time of the target maneuver (tM) is perfectly known. Secondly, tM is unknown. In both cases, a batch estimator is proposed and its performance is compared with the classic cramer-rao lower bound (CRLB). Monte-Carlo simulations reveal the efficiency of the estimator.
Graph-Constrained Group Testing

Nonadaptive group testing involves grouping arbitrary subsets of n items into different pools. Each pool is then tested and defective items are identified. A fundamental question involves minimizing the number of pools required to identify at most d defective items. Motivated by applications in network tomography, sensor networks and infection propagation, a variation of group testing problems on graphs is formulated. Unlike conventional group testing problems, each group here must conform to the constraints imposed by a graph. For instance, items can be associated with vertices and each pool is any set of nodes that must be path connected. In this paper, a test is associated with a random walk. In this context, conventional group testing corresponds to the special case of a complete graph on n vertices. For interesting classes of graphs a rather surprising result is obtained, namely, that the number of tests required to identify d defective items is substantially similar to what is required in conventional group testing problems, where no such constraints on pooling is imposed. Specifically, if T(n) corresponds to the mixing time of the graph G, it is shown that with m = O(d2T2(n) log(n/d)) nonadaptive tests, one can identify the defective items. Consequently, for the Erdos-Rényi random graph G(n, p), as well as expander graphs with constant spectral gap, it follows that m = O(d2 log3 n) non-adaptive tests are sufficient to identify d defective items. Next, a specific scenario is considered that arises in network tomography, for which it is shown that m = O(d3 log3 n) nonadaptive tests are sufficient to identify d defective items. Noisy counterparts of the graph constrained group testing problem are considered, for which parallel results are developed. We also briefly discuss extensions to compressive sensing on graphs.