Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Object Detection from a Vehicle Using Deep Learning Network and Future Integration with Multi-Sensor Fusion Algorithm

Accuracy in detecting a moving object is critical to autonomous driving or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). By including the object classification from multiple sensor detections, the model of the object or environment can be identified more accurately. The critical parameters involved in improving the accuracy are the size and the speed of the moving object. All sensor data are to be used in defining a composite object representation so that it could be used for the class information in the core object’s description. This composite data can then be used by a deep learning network for complete perception fusion in order to solve the detection and tracking of moving objects problem. Camera image data from subsequent frames along the time axis in conjunction with the speed and size of the object will further contribute in developing better recognition algorithms. In this paper, we present preliminary results using only camera images for detecting various objects using deep learning network, as a first step toward multi-sensor fusion algorithm development. The simulation experiments based on camera images show encouraging results where the proposed deep learning network based detection algorithm was able to detect various objects with certain degree of confidence. A laboratory experimental setup is being commissioned where three different types of sensors, a digital camera with 8 megapixel resolution, a LIDAR with 40m range, and ultrasonic distance transducer sensors will be used for multi-sensor fusion to identify the object in real-time.
Mechanism, of Biophysicochemical Interactions and Cellular Uptake at the Nano-Bio Interface: A Review

Although numerous studies have investigated the interaction between nanoparticles and biological systems (proteins, cells, tissues, membrane etc.), and the growing interests of nanotoxicity of these engineered nanoparticles, much remains to be investigated. First, there are various factors to be explored, such as the physical or chemical properties of materials, different cell lines, and the systematic study of specific materials. Secondly, architectural structure (shape) conditions of NPs have not been well investigated and undestood. Third, the variations in cell line result in different cell uptake, toxicity, or transportation in the same materials, but systematic studies of this phenomenon are scanty. Fourth, the nanotoxicity issue and the accumulation of non-degradable materials relating to biosafety are yet to be understood. Fifth, the transformation of NMs’ surface chemistry in living creatures is too complicated to investigate. In this article, we review the biophysicochemical mechanisms of the various interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems (proteins, cells, membrane). With the rapid increase in studies related to nanotechnology, investigations on nanomaterials can be more beneficial than others because of their size. A comprehensive understanding of nano-bio interactions can serve as a foundation for future biomedical applications.
Cost-benefit analysis of multifunctional agriculture in Finland

This study aims at assessing the costs and benefits of multifunctional agriculture, and it is one of the very first studies using a quantitative approach to this new subject. The starting point is that if current farm subsidies are regarded as means to maintain the multifunctional characteristics of agriculture, what happens if subsidies are reduced. The effects of the decline in agricultural support on multifunctional characteristics of agriculture in Finland are estimated using the cost-benefit analysis (CBA). Only a part of the consequences can be assessed by the CBA due to lack of data on the economic value of many elements of multifunctional agriculture. Hence, the results should not be generalised too strongly, but they still provide useful information for the political decision-making. Concerning further research, we should study, inter alia, what the so-called correct level of compensation for the adequate supply of public goods would be, and what kind of means of agricultural policy are the most efficient to unambiguously enhance the multifunctional character of agriculture.
Macroculture , Athletics and Democracy in ancient Greece Emmanouil

In the present essay we examine whether and how sports affected the emergence of democracy as a political phenomenon in Classical Greece. To achieve this we introduce in a model the concept of macroculture as a complex of mutually supporting values, norms and beliefs in various areas of human activity, like athletics, war, politics, etc. Then, we proceed through a historical review on the history of sports in Ancient Greece and we investigate various aspects of how and under which terms athletics performed during classical Greece, predominantly, in ancient Athens. We found that the values that gradually emerged through sports during an extended period that goes back as far as the Bronze Age times, led to the development of an environment of mutually supporting norms and values such as equality and trust, that by being correlated and coordinated each other, led to the creation of new values and norms, as the theory of macroculture proposes. We also found that these new values were “diffused” from athletics to the field of politics and played a key role to the emergence of democracy. JEL Classification: D71 • I28 • P11• Z13
Statistical downscaling model based on canonical correlation analysis for winter extreme precipitation events in the Emilia‐Romagna region

Optimum statistical downscaling models for three winter precipitation indices in the Emilia‐Romagna region, especially related to extreme events, were investigated. For this purpose, the indices referring to the number of events exceeding the long‐term 90 percentile of rainy days, simple daily intensity and maximum number of consecutive dry days were calculated as spatial averages over homogeneous sub‐regions identified by the cluster analysis. The statistical downscaling model (SDM) based on the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was used as downscaling procedure. The CCA was also used to understand the large‐/regional‐scale mechanisms controlling precipitation variability across the analysed area, especially with respect to extreme events. The dynamic (mean sea‐level pressure‐SLP) and thermodynamic (potential instability‐δQ and specific humidity‐SH) variables were considered as predictors (either individually or together). The large‐scale SLP can be considered a good predictor for all sub‐regions in the dry index case and for two sub‐regions in the case of the other two indices, showing the importance of dynamical forcing in these cases. Potential instability is the best predictor for the highest mountain region in the case of heavy rainfall frequency, when it can be considered as a single predictor. The combination of dynamic and thermodynamic predictors improves the SDM's skill for all sub‐regions in the dry index case and for some sub‐regions in the simple daily intensity index case.
The Influence of Income Shifting Incentives towards The Tax Haven Country Utilization: Case Study on the Companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange

This study aims to determine the association between a series of income shifting incentives, including multinationality, transfer pricing aggressiveness, thin capitalization, intangible assets, and tax haven country utilization. This study is based on a sample of 78 multinational companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange over 2012–2016 period (390 firm-year). The results prove that, multinationality, thin capitalization, intangible asset are positively associated with tax haven utilization, while transfer pricing aggressiveness is not positively associated with tax haven utilization. Based on the additional analysis, basic and chemicals sectors have the highest association between a series of income shifting incentives and tax haven utilization among other industrial sectors and each industry sector has different ways of utilizing tax haven country. The findings of this study are expected to provide input to the Directorate General of Taxes the importance of reviewing debt to equity ratio rule which turned out to be one gap for the taxpayer and in making the proposed inspection plan and the potential thematic exploration related to profit shifting incentives more focused on basic industry and chemicals sector. The Directorate General of Taxes also needs to raise awareness of the taxpayers of agriculture, mining, basic and chemicals, and trade, service and investment, which has a growing number of subsidiaries in tax haven country. Increased supervision of intangible assets transfers in the agriculture and infra­structure, utilities & transportation sectors also needs to be done.
Ozone stress as a driving force of sesquiterpene emissions: a suggested parameterisation

Abstract. Sesquiterpenes (C15H24) are semi-volatile organic compounds emitted by vegetation and are of interest in atmospheric research because they influence the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere and contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols. However, little is known about their emission pattern and no established parameterisation is available for global emission models. The aim of this study is to investigate a Central European spruce forest and its emission response to meteorological and environmental parameters, looking for a parameterisation that incorporates heat and oxidative stress as the main driving forces of the induced emissions. Therefore, a healthy ca. 80 yr old Norway spruce (Picea abies) tree was selected and a dynamical vegetation enclosure technique was applied from April to November 2011. The emissions clearly responded to temperature changes with small variations in the β-factor along the year (βspring = 0.09 ± 0.01, βsummer = 0.12 ± 0.02, βautumn = 0.11 ± 0.02). However, daily calculated values revealed a vast amount of variability in temperature dependencies ((0.02 ± 0.002) By separating the complete dataset in 10 different ozone regimes, we found that in moderately or less polluted atmospheric conditions the main driving force of sesquiterpene emissions is the temperature, but when ambient ozone mixing ratios exceed a critical threshold of (36.6 ± 3.9) ppbv, the emissions become primarily correlated with ozone. Considering the complete dataset, cross correlation analysis resulted in highest correlation with ambient ozone mixing ratios (CCO3 = 0.63 ± 0.01; CCT = 0.47 ± 0.02 at t = 0 h for temperature) with a time shift 2–4 h prior to the emissions. An only temperature dependent algorithm was found to substantially underestimate the induced emissions (20% of the measured; R2 = 0.31). However, the addition of an ozone dependent term improved substantially the fitting between measured and modelled emissions (81% of the modelled emissions could be explained by the measurements; R2 = 0.63), providing confidence about the reliability of the suggested parameterisation for the spruce forest site investigated.
Comparative study of single incision versus conventional three port laparoscopic appendectomy

Background: Appendicitis is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults with a peak incidence in the second and third decades of life. Appendectomy for appendicitis is the most commonly performed emergency operation in the world.For more than a century, open appendectomy remained the gold standard for the treatment of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic surgery has become popular universally during the last couple of decades. Efforts are still being made to decrease abdominal incision and visible scars after laparoscopy. Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a new innovation allowing minimal access surgery to be performed through a single umbilical incision.Methods: It was a prospective study carried out on 50 patients diagnosed as acute appendicitis. They were divided into two groups of 25 each. One group underwent Conventional Laparoscopic Appendectomy (CLA) and other group underwent Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS). Results were compared with regard to mean operative time, complications, post-operative pain and discomfort (vas score at 12 hours), post-operative morbidity, duration of hospital stay and condition at discharge and cosmesis.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to the parameters like postoperative pain, hospital stay and complication profile. However, operative time for SILS appendectomy were found to be significantly higher compared to conventional group.Conclusions: Single incision laparoscopic appendectomy using standard laparoscopic instruments is safe and effective, feasible surgery with better cosmetic results.
Legal Quality, Inequality, and Tolerance

Previous findings suggest that income inequality leads to lower legal quality. This paper argues that voters’ tolerance of inequality exerts an additional influence. Empirical findings suggest that inequality leads to lower legal quality due to its effect on trust while the tolerance of inequality, proxied by the political ideology of the median voter, exerts an independent influence.
Forest Degradation in the Himalayas: Determinants and Policy Options

This paper summarizes findings from a decade-long project on forest degradation in the mid-Himalayan region of India and Nepal. The analysis is based on LSMS data for Nepal and field work in Indian states of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh comprising sample surveys of forests, households and village communities, besides commissioned anthropological studies for select villages. The purpose was to ascertain the nature and magnitude of deforestation and degradation from ground-level forest measurements, its implications for living standards of local communities, the contribution of different factors commonly alleged such as local poverty, inequality, economic growth, demographic changes, property rights and lack of collective action by local communities. Principal findings, policy implications and questions for future research are discussed.
Molecular Identification of Delphinids and Finless Porpoise (Cetacea) from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal

The exact number of extant delphinid species from seas around India is still debated and the lack of adequate field keys and reliable inventory has resulted in misidentification of several species. As a part of a project to develop a molecular taxonomy of cetaceans from this region, partial sequences of mtDNA cytochrome b were generated from accidentally caught/stranded delphinids and finless porpoise. Species were identified by phylogenetic reconstruction of sample sequences with the reference sequences available in portals GenBank (NCBI) and the web-based program DNA Surveillance. A comparison was made with the homologous sequences of corresponding species from other seas of the world. Our molecular investigations allowed us to identify five species of cetaceans from Indian coasts, including Delphinus capensis, previously reported as D. delphis. We detected unique haplotypes in Indo pacific humpbacked dolphin (Sousa chinensis; n = 2) and finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides; n = 12) from Indian coast. On the other hand, some haplotypes were shared with other regional populations in spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris; n = 16) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus; n = 3). Common dolphins (Delphinus capensis; n = 2) had both unique and shared haplotypes including one highly divergent sequence.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT PINCHING APPROACHES ON VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE GROWTH OF CARNATION (Dianthus caryophyllus)

-1 were sprayed for the purpose. Plants were compact and dwarf with increased number of shoots and maximum number of flowers, when treated with higher level of cycocel (1000 mg L -1 ) but leaf count and flower size were negatively affected. Dwarfness, number of branches and reduction in leaf area were directly correlated with the concentration of chemicals. Branch size increased with a concomitant reduction in number of branches plant -1 . Pinching delayed flowering and shortened the blooming period, while pinching and both chemicals decreased flower size considerably. Lower level of alar (200 mg L -1 ) proved ineffective but higher concentration (400 mg L -1 ) had remarkable effects on different vegetative and floral
Inter- and intra-specific responses of coccolithophores to CO 2 -induced ocean acidification

Oceanic uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is altering the seawater chemistry of the world's oceans with consequences for marine bioregions, especially calcareous organisms such as corals, foraminifera and coccolithophores. The coccolithophores, one of the most abundant and widespread groups of calcifying plankton, are responsible for a large proportion of modern oceanic carbonate production. However, culture experiments examining the response of coccolithophores to elevated CO 2 partial pressure ( p CO 2 ) have mostly been based on investigations of a single strain and have yielded contradictory results from different experiments between and even within species. Here, four strains of the coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi ( E. huxleyi ) and Gephyrocapsa oceanica ( G. oceanica ), which contained separately naked and calcifying strains, were investigated simultaneously for the first time in a bubbling batch culture at four CO 2 grades ranging from approximately 380 to 2000 μatm. We synchronously determined multiple physiological parameters of four coccolithophore strains involving growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen uptake, elemental compositions and calcification efficiency in the process of cultivation. The results did not show a uniform response from different strains to elevated p CO 2 up to 2000 μatm, and the naked strain E. huxleyi (N-E) was seriously suppressed, in sharp contrast to the positive response of the different levels of the other three algae. In addition, we fitted nitrogen uptake rate response curves relative to changing p CO 2 for the four strains and applied kinetic constants from the response curves to further analyze the hypostatic difference among different strains, which reflected the same variational trend of the four stains above vs. increasing CO 2 . We determined that the responses of coccolithophores to ocean acidification are inter- and intra-specific, and this variation may cause changes to biodiversity and other ecosystem processes in the future ocean.
Kesenjangan Upah Antargender di Indonesia: Bukti Empiris di Sektor Manufaktur

Theoretically, in the labor market without discrimination, wages should be paid according to productivity. Unlike other studies that use worker level data, this study will identify gender wage discrimination using ﬁrm-level data. Using Industrial Survey Data in 1996 and 2006, the gender wage ratio and gender productivity ratio were estimated simultaneously using the nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression (NLSUR) with least square estimator. We ﬁnd that there is wage discrimination against women in the manufacturing sector. After disaggregating the ﬁrms by trade orientation, we show that wage discrimination against women occurs in non-exporting ﬁrms. While in exporting ﬁrms there is no wage discrimination. ========================= Secara teori, di pasar kerja yang tidak ada diskriminasi, seharusnya upah dibayar sesuai dengan produktivitas. Berbeda dengan penelitian lain yang menggunakan data level pekerja, penelitian ini akan mengidentiﬁkasi diskriminasi upah antargender dengan menggunakan data di level perusahaan. Dengan menggunakan data Industri Besar dan Sedang tahun 1996 dan 2006, rasio upah gender dan rasio produktivitas gender diestimasi secara simultan menggunakan metode non-linear seemingly unrelated regression (NLSUR) dengan estimator least square. Penelitian ini menemukan bukti ada diskriminasi upah terhadap perempuan di sektor manufaktur. Setelah mendisagregasi perusahaan berdasarkan status ekspor, diskriminasi upah terhadap perempuan ditemukan di perusahaan non-eksportir, sedangkan di perusahaan eksportir tidak ditemukan diskriminasi upah.
ATM kinase inhibitor KU-55933 contribution in cisplatin mediated HeLa proliferation

Several approaches including chemotherapy and radiation therapies are being at the forefront to treat various types of cancer including cervical cancer. However, the success and failure of genotoxic based therapy is attributed to aberrant ability of carcinoma to patch up genomic breaks. Here, we have used cisplatin as a genotoxic drug model and HeLa as in vitro carcinoma model due to less responsiveness and resistance of HeLa against cisplatin. Here, attempts are made to investigate the effects of DNA double strand break inhibitor KU-55933 against the cisplatin cell growth and cytotoxicity. Following experiments namely in vitro plasmid DNA metabolizing, Trypan blue dye exclusion, MTT, and PI based Flow cytometery PI assays were conducted to study cell growth and cytotoxicity effects. Based on the cell viability and PI based staining data, results remarked that KU-55933 combined with cisplatin could bring convincing cell growth arrest in HeLa. The reduction in HeLa proliferation was noticed from 70% to 30% in case of KU-55933 added with cisplatin over cisplatin alone. However, we noticed none apoptosis based cell cytotoxicity in case of cisplatin alone or combined with the inhibitors. We also observed significant DNA instability in case of KU-55933 treated HeLa lysates added to plasmid DNA substrate over HeLa lysate without KU-55933 treatment. In conclusion, KU-55933 can potentiate low dose of cisplatin response against HeLa. The effect of KU-55933 may not be attributed due to its enhancing the apoptosis way, rather than through cell growth arrest mechanism due to extensive DNA breaks.
A search for optical bursts from the repeating fast radio burst FRB 121102

We present a search for optical bursts from the repeating fast radio burst FRB 121102 using simultaneous observations with the high-speed optical camera ULTRASPEC on the 2.4-m Thai National Telescope and radio observations with the 100-m Effelsberg Radio Telescope. A total of 13 radio bursts were detected, but we found no evidence for corresponding optical bursts in our 70.7-ms frames. The 5-sigma upper limit to the optical flux density during our observations is 0.33 mJy at 767nm. This gives an upper limit for the optical burst fluence of 0.046 Jy ms, which constrains the broadband spectral index of the burst emission to alpha < -0.2. Two of the radio pulses are separated by just 34 ms, which may represent an upper limit on a possible underlying periodicity (a rotation period typical of pulsars), or these pulses may have come from a single emission window that is a small fraction of a possible period.
The nexus between FDI and Total Factor Productivity Growth in Sub Saharan Africa

In this study we construct an alternative analytical framework aimed at investigating the nexus between FDI inflow and productivity growth within the externalities type endogenous growth theory. The competitive equilibrium of our model indicates that a technological spillover from FDI has positive effect on the total factor productivity of the host economy. To empirically test the model, we employed panel data for 22 Sub-Saharan African countries covering the period 1970-2000. We estimated the fixed effect model and the dynamic panel model and the results from both models, inline with the solution of analytical model and empirical results of some of the recent studies, show that FDI inflow has negative short-term effects and positive long-run effects on total factor productivity.