Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expert Systems With Applications

Automatic traﬃc sign detection and recognition play crucial roles in several expert systems such as driver assistance and autonomous driving systems. In this work, novel approaches for circular traﬃc sign detection and recognition on color images are proposed. In traﬃc sign detection, a new approach, which utilizes a recently developed circle detection algorithm and an RGB-based color thresholding technique, is proposed. In traﬃc sign recognition, an ensemble of features including histogram of oriented gradients, local binary patterns and Gabor features are employed within a support vector machine classiﬁcation framework. Per-formances of the proposed detection and recognition approaches are evaluated on German Traﬃc Sign Detection and Recognition Benchmark datasets, respectively. The results of the experimental work reveal that both approaches offer comparable or even better performances with respect to the best ones reported in the literature and are compatible to real-time operation as well.
In vivo induction of interferon-α in pig by non-infectious coronavirus: tissue localization and in situ phenotypic characterization of interferon-α-producing cells

SHORT COMMUNICATION
IFRS: Italian Experience on Impairment Test of Goodwill

The introduction of IAS/IFRS and recent vicissitudes in financial markets have prompted to the need for companies to pay particular attention to the application of impairment rules and to the disclosure offered by financial statements. The study contributes to the debate on the necessity to improve the quality of financial statements required after this change and evolution, in order to provide stakeholders with adequate evidence on which to base their decisions. This need is particularly evident with regard to intangible assets and goodwill, of which it is necessary to supply a correct balance sheet representation and valuation, particularly since intangible assets are today one of the main productive factors that allow companies to gain a competitive advantage and hence create value. The research, divided into two sections, has set, as its main objective, ascertaining the accuracy of the information offered by consolidated financial statements of Italian companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, together with the analysis of impairment disclosure of all the entities belonging to FTSE MIB and FTSE MID CAP indices and to the Italian banking system. For this purpose, some international and national legislative provisions have been considered: for each aspect, we proceed to state what legislative provisions require and then we expound our findings and observations.
Second ligand-directed self-assembly of lanthanide(III) coordination polymers with 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylate

Under hydrothermal conditions, 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H2NDC) reacts with lanthanide(III) chloride to form the coordination polymers [Ln2(NDC)3(H2O)2]·nH2O [n = 2, Ln = Eu (1); n = 1.5, Ln = Gd (2)]. If a second ligand, 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy), is added to the reaction mixture, the coordination polymers [Ln2(NDC)3(4,4′-bpy)0.5(H2O)3]·(4,4′-bpy) [Ln = Eu (3); Ln = Yb (4)] are obtained. 1 and 2 are isostructural and they possess a porous 3D network with the lanthanide(III) ions bridged only by NDC anions. 3 and 4 are unprecedented lanthanide coordination polymers of polycarboxylate with 4,4′-bpy. They possess a 3D porous structure assembled by lanthanide ions with the linkers NDC and 4,4′-bpy, while lattice molecules of 4,4′-bpy are enclathrated in the cavities. The photophysical properties of 3 and the magnetic properties of 2 were investigated, and the thermogravimetric analyses of 1 and 3 were also carried out.
Confidence and Ambiguity

This paper proposes a model of the decision-maker's confidence in his probability judgements, in terms of an implausibility measure – a real-valued function on the set of probability functions. A decision rule is axiomatised according to which the decision-maker evaluates acts using sets of probability functions which vary depending on the agent's implausibility measure and on what is at stake in the choice of the act. The framework proposed yields a natural notion of comparative aversion to lack of confidence, or ambiguity aversion, and allows the definition of an ambiguity premium. It is shown that these notions are equivalent and can be characterised in terms of the implausibility measure representing the agent's confidence. A simple portfolio example is presented.
Prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes among the antenatal women attending a tertiary care center

Background: Number of pregnant women with preexisting diabetes is increasing. Hence the detection and management of diabetes from the beginning of pregnancy itself will help to improve the fetal and maternal outcome. Aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes among the antenatal women attending a tertiary care center and to study the associated factors. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in SAT hospital, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India for one year. HbA1C was the test used to diagnose diabetes. 400 women attending the OP in their first trimester were selected after informed consent. Socio demographic factors assessed by a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for HbA1C. Diagnosis of diabetes was made at levels of HbA1C ≥6.5%. Statistical tests used were mean, standard deviation, chi-square and odds ratio. Results: Prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes was 3.8%. in our study. Main associations were age more than 25 years, body mass index, family history of diabetes, history of intra uterine death, gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy, candidiasis and thyroid disease. Conclusions: Screening of all pregnant women in first trimester itself for diabetes will help in early detection of pre-gestational diabetes, so that anticipation of adverse outcomes and proper management can be done in such cases.
GENETIC ANALYSIS FOR TERMINAL HEAT STRESS IN BREAD WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L. EM THELL)

High temperature during reproductive and grain filling phages causes significant yield losses to wheat in South Asia and many other parts of the world. In present investigation out of 54 wheat cultivars/lines screen for terminal heat stress ten cultivars/lines classified as highly tolerant, tolerant, moderately tolerant, and susceptible to heat stress were mated in diallel fasion to generate 45 F 1 hybrids which were evaluated using RBD in both normal and heat stress conditions at BHU, Varanasi, India. Genetic parameters for morpho-physiological traits viz. days to 50% heading, plant height, 1000 grain weight, grain yield plant -1 , canopy temperature depression (CTD), cell membrane thermostability (CMS) and heat susceptibility index (HSI) were estimated. Parents HUW-234 followed by PBW-175, HD-2888 and DBW-14 in both normal and stress environment having good GCA along with high per se performance for canopy temperature depression and cell membrane themotability could be used as donor for terminal heat tolerance in breeding programme. For CTD and CMS h2(ns) estimate were high. Since the identified genotypes can cope up the effect of heat stress, they can be utilized for developing heat tolerant genotypes.
Inefficient feeding by Calanus helgolandicus and Temora longicornis on Coscinodiscus wailesii: quantitative estimation using chlorophyll-type pigments and effects on dissolved free amino acids

Inefficient or 'sloppy' feeding behavior by copepods results in algal cell fragmentation and ingestion of only a fraction of the debris produced. In this work, 2 copepod species, Calanus helgolandicus and Ternora longicornis, were fed the large diatom Coscinodiscus wailesii to investigate this process in the laboratory. Conditions favoring sloppy feeding (large prey size and high food concentration) were used to set the upper limits of such effects. Chlorophyll-type pigments tracked particulate debris production. Influence of food cell breakage upon dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) was also assessed. Serial filtrations following food and grazer removal after short grazing sessions showed that, for C. helgolandicus and T longicornis respectively, 26 % and 35 O/ O of the pigments contained in the cells removed during feeding were recovered as > 0.7 pm particulate debris (most debris were < 10 km). Debns were composed only of cell fragments as feces were absent due to the short grazing session. DFAA total concentration and extracellular composition were not modified significantly by copepod grazing action, suggesting a rapid and selective uptake of amino acids by bacteria and cells. Analysis of pigments in the experimental specimens indicated low levels (S to 20 O/O) compared to levels of chlorophyll ingested (estimated on the basis of cell disappearance), suggesting further losses in debris smaller than 0.7 p m or pigment transformations in the copepods.
Impact of cropping systems on soil properties, nutrient availability and their carbon sequestration potential in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh

The impact of cropping systems on soil properties, nutrient availability and their carbon sequestration potential was studied during the years 2014 and 2015 in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh. The four commonly occurring cropping systems namely vegetable, fruit, cereal crop and agroforestry were selected. Uncultivated land in the region was considered as control. In total, there were five treatments which were replicated six times under randomized block design. The study indicated that the cropping systems in the Shiwalik hills varied significantly (P=0.05) with respect to their impact on soil properties, nutrient availability and carbon sequestration potential. The pH and EC was in the range of 6.04 to 6.90 and 0.094 to 0.138 dSm-1, respectively and were normal in range. Organic carbon and bulk density in surface soils ranged from 8.06 to 9.70 g kg-1 and 1.19 to 1.34 Mg m-3, respectively. The available NPK was highest (267.21, 19.99, 172.42 kg ha-1) under vegetable based cropping system as compared to other systems. Carbon density in surface soil ranged from 11.33 to 15.39 Mg C ha-1 and total carbon sequestered upto 30cm soil depth ranged from 601.96 to 12646.29 Gg. The study indicated that in Shiwalik hills of Himachal Pradesh, the commonly occurring cropping systems did not influence the soil properties and nutrient availability adversely. Agroforestry based cropping system is having highest potential of sequestering soil carbon in Shiwalik hills. Therefore to adapt to changing climatic situation and to mitigate its effect in the region, agroforestry based cropping system need to be encouraged.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Belimbing Dayak (Baccaurea angulata) Juice Beverages

This study was conducted to evaluate some physicochemical parameters of underutilized tropical fruit namely belimbing dayak (Baccaurea angulata). Several parameters were identified including pH, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sugar-acid-ratio (TSS:TA), ash and calcium composition at different concentrations and conditions of belimbing dayak juice. The conditions are juices without addition of sugar and juices added with sugar. These juices were prepared at concentrations of low (LC), medium (MC) and high (HC). The highest pH was observed in LC added with sugar (3.43) while the lowest pH can be detected at HC with sugar (3.03). The TSS value vary widely where the highest TSS value for juices without sugar was 1.05°Brix while for the juices with sugar the highest TSS value was 7.95°Brix. TA readings pattern was observed to be increase as the concentration increasing for both conditions. From the analysis of ash, the content for both conditions are the same where the reading for LC and MC was 0.02g/100ml of juice and for HC the value was 0.05g/100ml of juice. Most of the parameters interested showed statistically difference (p<0.05). The calcium content was ranging from 4.88 to 10.96mg/L. The results contribute to the important information on physicochemical properties of belimbing dayak.
Study of ECG changes in patients with acute stroke: a hospital based cross sectional study

Background: Physicians are confronted on having ECG in patients with acute stroke as it can mimic that of myocardial infarction/ischemia. They should be aware of these changes taking place in patients with acute stroke and not due to myocardial infarction/ischemia. The objective of the present study was to study ECG changes in patients with acute stroke. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months at Malla Reddy Hospital. A total of 100 patients were included who were eligible for the presents study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed clinical examination, history, lipid profile, blood pressure, BMI, addictions, RBS and ECG were done for all selected patients. Data was analysed using means, proportions. Statistical tests like chi square test and t test were used. Results: Majority of patients with acute stroke were above 60 years of age, males, urban residents, professional and skilled persons, and alcoholics. Based on the study of ECG among patients with acute stroke it was found that T wave inversion was the most common ECG change found in 33% and this was more in females (36.1%) compared to 31.3% in males. LVH was next common condition found on ECG of acute stroke patients but this time its incidence was more in males (25%) compared to females with only 13.9%. Factors like age, BMI, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, HDL, addictions, residence, sex, family history were not found to be associated with ECG changes. Conclusions: T wave inversion and left axis deviation along with left ventricular hypertrophy were common ECG changes in patients with acute stroke. No studied factor was found to be associated with ECG changes in patients with acute stroke.
Understanding the Consumption Experience of Chinese Tourists: Assessing the Effect of Audience Involvement, Flow and Delight on Electronic Word-of-mouth (eWOM)

UNDERSTANDING THE CONSUMPTION EXPERIENCE OF CHINESE TOURISTS: ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT, FLOW AND DELIGHT ON ELECTRONIC WORD-OF-MOUTH (EWOM) Hejie Zhang Advisor: University of Guelph, 2017 Dr. HS Chris Choi This study develops and tests an integrated model to examine the relationships among audience involvement, flow experience, customer delight and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) behaviors on social network sites (SNSs), for Chinese tourists visiting filming location in Korea after watching K-dramas. This study uses a quantitative research approach and collects data using a survey research method. The results show that, first, audience involvement positively and significantly influences tourist flow experiences. Second, audience involvement has a positive impact on eWOM behaviors. Third, flow experiences stimulate tourists to positive eWOM behaviors on SNSs. Theoretical and practical implications are interpreted and limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Insecticide Susceptibility of the Brown Planthopper and the White-backed Planthopper Collected from Southeast Asia

1989～1992年に東南アジアと日本で採集したトビイロウンカとセジロウンカの感受性を比較した. トビイロウンカ: 1989, 1990年に採集したマレーシア個体群のマラソン感受性は日本のそれの約1/7と低く, ダイアジノン, カルボスルファン感受性も若干低い傾向が認められた. また1992年の検定結果では, ベトナム南部及びタイ個体群のマラソン感受性は, 日本及びベトナム北部のそれより若干低かった. しかし, 他の薬剤に対する感受性はこれらの個体群間で大きな差はなかった. セジロウンカ: 1989～1990年個体群の薬剤感受性を比較した結果, マレーシア個体群のマラソン感受性は日本のそれの約1/6と低かった. しかし, 他の薬剤に対する感受性はこれらの個体群間でほとんど差はなかった. また, 熱帯地域においてもこれら2種のウンカは1977～1992年の間に各種薬剤に抵抗性が発達したことが確認された.
Income Determination and Income Discrimination in Shenzhen

Shenzhen is not only one of the fastest-growing urban agglomerations in mainland China, Shenzhen also stands for a unique, most rapid and successful transformation into an urban market economy. How important are personal characteristics, social norms and policy-related discriminatory factors for income determination in such an extraordinary city? This paper estimates the income effect of non-productivity-related discriminatory factors (like personal characteristics, social norms and policies), compared with productivity-related returns on human capital. The design of the Shenzhen Household Survey 2005 enables the inclusion of a large set of discriminating factors in a Mincer Becker type of income model, together with a unique look at the migrant population in this urban centre. The results show that the human capital approach holds. Strong evidence is also found of a significant influence of social norms and policies, which is particularly relevant in a developing and transitional economy, even in such an exceptional city. The most important discriminating factor appears to be the hukou registration system. The on-going existence of these non-productivity-related discriminating factors can be regarded as indicative of an on-going process of transition towards a fully functioning market economy.
Neurophysiologic and neurobehavioral evidence of beneficial effects of prenatal omega-3 fatty acid intake on memory function at school age.

BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of prenatal and early postnatal intakes of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on cognitive development during infancy are well recognized. However, few studies have examined the extent to which these benefits continue to be evident in childhood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the relation of n-3 PUFAs and seafood-contaminant intake with memory function in school-age children from a fish-eating community. DESIGN In a prospective, longitudinal study in Arctic Quebec, we assessed Inuit children (n = 154; mean age: 11.3 y) by using a continuous visual recognition task to measure 2 event-related potential components related to recognition memory processing: the FN400 and the late positive component (LPC). Children were also examined by using 2 well-established neurobehavioral assessments of memory: the Digit span forward from Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, 4th edition, and the California Verbal Learning Test-Children's Version. RESULTS Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed that children with higher cord plasma concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is an important n-3 PUFA, had a shorter FN400 latency and a larger LPC amplitude; and higher plasma DHA concentrations at the time of testing were associated with increased FN400 amplitude. Cord DHA-related effects were observed regardless of seafood-contaminant amounts. Multiple regression analyses also showed positive associations between cord DHA concentrations and performance on neurobehavioral assessments of memory. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this study provides the first neurophysiologic and neurobehavioral evidence of long-term beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA intake in utero on memory function in school-age children.
Productivity And Economic Growth: An Empirical Assessment Of The Contribution Of Fdi To The Chinese Economy

We estimate the contribution of FDI to the efficiency and productivity growth in a cross-region regression framework, utilising Chinai¯s provincial data from 1984 to 1997. We find a bidirectional causal linkage between FDI and productivity growth across the regions in China, suggesting that changes in FDI intensity Granger-cause changes in productivity, and vice versa. Chinai¯s economic growth is found largely due to the rapid expansion of investment in fixed assets. Human capital development becomes increasingly important to the labour productivity growth, and FDI has certain effects on labour productivity but not so strong and significant. Thus, the contribution of FDI to Chinai¯s technological progress through technology transfer is still not noticeable, and many regions in China still experience inefficiency. This raised the concern over the issue of how to improve economic efficiency and technology transfer in order to sustain Chinai¯s rapid growth in the long run. It also concerns what kinds of development strategy and industrial policy toward FDI that China is to form.
Determination of the Window to Return to the Equilibrium after the Listing Period

This work provides an analysis of the equilibrium value after listing, reflecting the window to return to equilibrium. Our study examined a sample of 103 French companies during 2005-2008. The results show that the underperformance is confirmed in the three years following the IPO. The results allow us to see that investor demand is a good indicator of the timing necessary to return to the equilibrium value after listing. On average, the speed of adjustment of prices after listing is between 20 and 30 trading days (approximately three weeks of negotiations). Thus, the negative and significant relationship between the oversubscription rate and the performance during the three years following the listing can be attributed to over optimism or pessimism of investors from the prospects of the IPO firm.
Individual differences in cognitive abilities.

INTRODUCTION . 604 TRAITS, PROCESSES, AND COMPETENCE PHENOMENA IN COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY . 606 STUDIES OF BROAD ABILITY DOMAINS . 608 Standardized Intelligence Tests . 608 Factor-Analytic Studies of Broad Ability Domains . 609 Multi/actorial Test Batteries . 609 Factor Models of Cognitive Abilities . 610 Learning-Ability Relationships . 6 1 1 Individual Differences Studied in Experimental Cognitive Psychology . 611 ABILITIES IN PARTICULAR DOMAINS . 613 Language Abilities and Skills . 6 1 3 Creativity and Fluency o f Ideation . 615 Thinking, Reasoning, and Problem Solving . 6 1 6 Abilities Concerned with Number and Quantity . 6 1 8 Perceptual Skills and Processes in Vision and Audition . 6 1 8 Memory Skills and Capacities . 621 Cognitive Speed . 622
Immunotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

The development of efficacious treatments targeting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) aetiology has been proved an extensive, time consuming task. Currently prescribed therapies, primarily acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and the NMDAreceptor antagonist memantine, concentrate on the improvement of symptoms such as cognitive decline and memory loss, however, do not address the underlying pathology of the condition. More recently, efforts have focused on developing drugs that target the hallmarks of AD, amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles. Many clinical trials focusing on the removal of these proteins are presently ongoing, primarily exploring immunotherapeutic avenues such as the antibody aducanumab (targeting Aβ) and the vaccine AADvac-1 (targeting tau). However, the incomplete understanding of AD progression presents a challenge, and further studies focusing on the development of the disease are essential to the expansion of novel, efficient therapeutic routes.