Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Haze removal based on advanced haze-optimized transformation (AHOT) for multispectral imagery

Ever-present spatially varying haze contamination in satellite scenes limits applications using visible and near-infrared bands of low-temporal-resolution multispectral satellite images. A relative atmospheric correction technique, the virtual cloud point (VCP) method, which is based on advanced haze-optimized transformation (AHOT), is developed for haze removal. It is an improved algorithm of the previous dark-object subtraction (DOS) based on haze-optimized transformation (HOT). In AHOT, extra steps are added to HOT to remove confusion caused by some land-cover types. The VCP method uses the upper bound of the histogram, as well as the lower bound, so that it enlarges the digital number (DN) variance reduced by haze, which is not considered in DOS. To evaluate this algorithm, hazy subsets of one Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and one QuickBird image are employed. Through before-and-after comparison using true-colour images and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), it proves that the VCP method based on AHOT is apparently better than DOS based on HOT, when haze is distributed over urban areas where vegetation is sparse.
Independent manipulation of histone H3 modifications in individual nucleosomes reveals the contributions of sister histones to transcription

Histone tail modifications can greatly influence chromatin-associated processes. Asymmetrically modified nucleosomes exist in multiple cell types, but whether modifications on both sister histones contribute equally to chromatin dynamics remains elusive. Here, we devised a bivalent nucleosome system that allowed for the constitutive assembly of asymmetrically modified sister histone H3s in nucleosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The sister H3K36 methylations independently affected cryptic transcription in gene coding regions, whereas sister H3K79 methylation had cooperative effects on gene silencing near telomeres. H3K4 methylation on sister histones played an independent role in suppressing the recruitment of Gal4 activator to the GAL1 promoter and in inhibiting GAL1 transcription. Under starvation stress, sister H3K4 methylations acted cooperatively, independently or redundantly to regulate transcription. Thus, we provide a unique tool for comparing symmetrical and asymmetrical modifications of sister histone H3s in vivo.
Sustainability of collaborative networks in healthcare: a resources and capabilities perspective

x Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.1 Rationale for the Research 1 1.2 Research Aim 2 1.3 Research Context: Collaborative Networks in Healthcare 3 1.4 Structure of the Thesis 7 Chapter 2: Literature Review 9 2.1 Inter-Organizational Relationships 9 2.1.1 Inter-Organizational Networks 11 2.2 Theoretical Perspectives for Understanding Inter-organizational Networks 12 2.2.1 A Resource-Based View 12 2.2.2 A Dynamic Capabilities View 14 2.2.3 Transaction Cost Economics 15 2.2. 4 A Network Perspective 17 2.3 Collaborative Networks 20 2.3.1 Sustained Collaborative Networks 21 2.3.2 Studying Sustained Collaborative Networks 26 2.6 Resources 27 2.6. 1 Technological Resources: Supporting Communication and Co-ordination 28 2.6. 2 Relational Resources: Increasing Connectedness 34 2.6. 3 Governance Resources: Regulating the Relationship 39 2.7 Capabilities 43 2.7. 1 Technological Capability: Effectively Co-ordinating Collaboration 45 2.7. 2 Relational Capability: Learning to Collaborate 46 2.7. 3 Governance Capability: Developing Effective Network Governance 47 2.8 Conceptual Framework 49 Chapter 3: Methodology 54 3.1 Research Structure 54 3.2 Research Purpose 54 3.3 Research Philosophy 55 3.4 Research Methodology 57 3.4. 1 This Study 59
An Exploration of the Potential for Opti-Acoustic Seabed Classification

Abstract : Seabed classification is the organization of the seafloor and shallow subsurface sediment into classes based on defined characteristics (Collins et al. 1996). Optical and acoustical data processing are two powerful remote sensing techniques for sea floor classification. Our research goal is to explore the potential for the fusion of these two data sets to extend classification capabilities beyond traditional methods.
The management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants (European Consensus Guidelines—2013 update)

In May 2013, a European panel of expert neonatologists published a consensus guideline on the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the Journal of Neonatology . 1 The aim of the guideline was to provide recommendations based on the most up-to-date evidence in the perinatal management of RDS to maximise survival while minimising potential adverse effects. The first edition of the European Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Neonatal RDS was published in 2007 in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine . 2 The recommendations were subsequently updated, and a second edition was published in 2010 in the Journal of Neonatology . 3 This third edition of the guidelines incorporates evidence published up to the end of 2012. A system for grading the scientific evidence (GRADE) has been used.4 The European Association of Perinatal Medicine has endorsed all three guideline editions. Controversial and key issues that the guideline addresses:
Studies on the brain of the guinea pig. I. The nuclear pattern of certain basal telencephalic centers

The present investigation was undertaken to establish the structural relations of the olfactory formation, accessory olfactory formation, septa1 area, tuberculum olfactorium, and amygdala in the guinea pig. This description is to provide a basis for experimental studies on the fiber connections of these centers. The topography and nuclear configuration of the thalamus has been described by Gerebtzoff ( '40) and Hess ( '55). Dankmeijer and Nauta ('45) reported on the hypothalamus and Castaldi ( '23, '24, and '25) has described the structure and fiber connections of the midbrain. Other investigators have used the guinea pig in their experimental work to establish the fiber connections of certain pathways (tractus solitarus), cerebellar connections, visceral bulbospinal pathway (Allen, '23, '22, and '27) and hypothalamic pathways (Morin, '50). The rodent forebrain has been studied by Gurdjian ('25) for the rat and Young ( '36) for the rabbit. Papers on the mammalian telencephalon of other forms include the work of Loo ( '31) for the opossum, Humphrey ( '36) for the bat, Fox ('40)
Diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with lymphoma of the parotid gland

Lymphoma of the parotid gland (LPG) is a rare disease. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, due to a lack of specific symptoms and findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic workup based on the analysis of our cases of LPG and to present the stage‐dependent treatment outcome.
New Empirical Evidence on the Debt Maturity Choice and the Role of Credit Risk

Using cross-sectional time series data on 710 US firms over the period from 1995 to 1998 this paper firstly employs a new approach to estimate the maturity of a firm's total debt based on debt level and flow data. We secondly provide new insights into the role of credit risk in the debt maturity choice. Consistent with theory our results confirm the nonmonotonic relation between credit rating and debt maturity. However, in contrast to previous studies we observe a considerable deviation in the debt maturity structure for unrated firms and for firms with medium credit ratings. Introducing alternative measures for credit risk our results show that the predicted screen-out of firms with low credit quality from the long-term maturity market is less pronounced based on these alternative measures.
Bimodal Stimulation in Prelingually Deaf Children

Objective (1) To survey the use of bimodal stimulation by prelingually deaf children receiving unilateral cochlear implantation and (2) to investigate demographic and audiologic factors explaining the use of bimodal stimulation. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Tertiary care institution. Subjects and Methods The study included 44 unilaterally implanted prelingually deaf children from a single institution, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. During routine follow-up visits, an examiner interviewed parents on their children’s use of bimodal stimulation. At the same time, residual hearing and hearing aid gain in the contralateral ear were assessed. Results Approximately half of patients (52%) used bimodal stimulation. On average, bimodal users showed better mean unaided and aided thresholds than nonbimodal users (P < .001). A mean 250- to 500-Hz unaided threshold ≤90 dB HL in the contralateral, nonimplanted ear was associated with a higher probability of bimodal use (P = .008). Parental satisfaction with the contralateral hearing aid was inversely correlated with mean 125- to 500-Hz and 1000- to 4000-Hz unaided thresholds (P < .001) and mean 250- to 500-Hz and 1000- to 4000-Hz aided thresholds (P < .001). Conclusions A mean 250- to 500-Hz unaided threshold ≤90 dB HL is associated with a higher probability of bimodal use by prelingually deaf children. Better residual hearing is associated with a higher degree of parental satisfaction with the contralateral hearing aid. This information could be useful to counsel parents of prelingually deaf children, when deciding between bimodal stimulation and simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation.
Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory Among Chinese University Students

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a multidimensional measure of narcissistic pathology. This study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the PNI in a sample of Chinese university students in Hong Kong. Eight hundred and thirty-one students completed an online battery of questionnaires assessing narcissistic pathology, self-esteem, unstable sense of self, and maladaptive self-defense strategies. Results replicated the 7 first-order factors and the 2 second-order factors of the PNI. Each of the 7 first-order factors and the 2 second-order factors had good internal consistency. Preliminary findings also supported the concurrent validity of the PNI. The PNI appeared to be a valid measure of narcissistic pathology among Chinese. Findings of this study suggest that the core pathology of pathological narcissism might involve an inflated sense of self-importance that is not substantiated by actual achievement, and bearing this unsubstantiated sense of self-importance renders narcissists highly susceptible to self-deflation when their narcissistic needs are not met.
Continuous usage of social networking sites: The effect of innovation and gratification attributes

– Although increasing numbers of users have begun to use social networking sites (SNSs), the user growth of a few SNSs continues to decrease. Therefore identifying factors that influence users' intention to adopt and continuously use a particular SNS is a critical issue. To explore the factors, this study aims to apply the theories of reasoned action, uses and gratifications, and innovation diffusion to explain why people continue to join SNSs. , – The study participants were members of Facebook in Taiwan. An online questionnaire was used to conduct empirical research, and the data of 348 respondents were analysed using the partial least squares regression approach. , – It was found that the reasons why people continuously use SNSs vary with different innovation diffusion stages. In particular attitude toward SNSs had the strongest direct effect on continuous intention while the impact of social norms was not significant in the different innovation diffusion stages. , – From a practical perspective, insights provided by the study can help SNS developers understand user motivation and thus design more effective marketing strategies. , – The proposed model provides an improved understanding of the needs of different SNS users, and testing verified the effects of the factors related to gratification and innovation diffusion.
Drug concentrations and anti-drug antibodies during treatment with biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13) in routine care

The Danish Rheumatologic Biobank, the DANBIO Registry and Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, Gentofte and Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark The Danish Rheumatologic Biobank, Department of Pathology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway Department of Rheumatology, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark King Christian X’s Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Graasten, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Svendborg Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway The Danish Rheumatologic Biobank, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Norway Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Institute for Inflammation Research (IIR), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark Zitelab, Copenhagen, Denmark Department of Medicine and Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
Effect of rasagiline as adjunct therapy to levodopa on severity of OFF in Parkinson’s disease

Background: The LARGO study demonstrated that rasagiline 1 mg/day as adjunct to levodopa significantly reduces OFF time to the same magnitude as adjunct entacapone. This substudy of LARGO aimed to assess the effect of rasagiline and entacapone on the motor symptoms of PD during the practically defined OFF state.
Relation of thymidine index to pulmonary tumor response in mice receiving urethan and other carcinogens.

In strain A mice, urethan, 1 mg/gm body weight, produces a decrease in the thymidine index of the lung within 1 day, with recovery and rebound by 7 days. These events are not seen with 0.25 mg/gm urethan although this dose also produces pulmonary tumors in 100% of strain A mice. The initial decrease in the thymidine index is seen also with 3-methylcholanthrene and nitrogen mustard, with the nadir at 3 days. Inhibition at 1 day occurs also in strains C3H and C57BL following 1 mg/gm urethan, but the rebound is less than in strain A. Urethan inhibition of labeled cells is accentuated by actinomycin D, cytosine arabinoside, and puromycin; pulmonary carcinogenesis is also slightly inhibited. It is suggested that the inhibition of DNA synthesis, as manifested by the thymidine index, may represent a toxic side effect rather than a key event in carcinogenesis.
Derivatives reporting : the implications of recent accounting standards for corporate governance and accountability

This dissertation investigates the implementation of FRS 13 by UK non-financial conlpanies, and assesses the impact of the Standard on both users and preparers of Annual Reports. The investigation involves (i) a content analysis of the reporting practices of companies on their derivatives usage before and after the introduction of FRS 13. in order to ascertain whether the standard had any significant effect on the contents of company financial statements, and (ii) interviews with both the preparers (treasurers) and the users (fund managers) of the information provided under FRS 13, in order to facilitate an understanding of the implications of the standard for their operations. The study focuses in particular on the effects of the increased derivatives-related disclosures for corporate governance structures and accountability relationships. The results suggest that the amount of disclosure in company annual reports increased significantly following the introduction of the standard; companies were now disclosing far more about their hedging and risk management activity than they had before. In general, treasurers responded favourably to the standard, and considered the narrative disclosures to be particularly useful. The numerical disclosures \vere considered to be very detailed and specialised; interviewees thought that users might have difficulty in understanding them. However, the implementation of lAS 39, which will be mandatory for all EU companies from 2005, was causing treasurers far more concern. Many treasurers expected to purchase expensive new systems and establish sophisticated procedures in order to comply with the hedge accounting rules of lAS 39. In general, the institutional investors interviewed expressed similar views to those of the treasurers; they
Speed of Learning About Firms' Profitability and Their Price Multiples: A Global Perspective

We present direct global evidence of declining analyst forecast errors, return volatility, and M/B ratio with progression in a firm’s age in the context of a learning model which focuses on the positive numerator effects of uncertainty about the firm’s profitability. The convex relation between a firm’s age and its M/B is pervasive over time and across countries after controlling for future growth rate, leverage, size, dividend policy, and future return. Strict enforcement of insider trading laws, higher feasibility of short selling, and dominance of local versus foreign investors increase the learning speed and fuel quicker achievement of long run equilibrium valuations.
Mechanism Design with Incomplete Information: A Solution to the Implementation Problem

The main result of this paper is that the multiple equilibrium problem in mechanism design can be avoided in private-value models if agents do not use weakly dominated strategies in equilibrium. We show that in such settings, any incentive-compatible allocation rule can be made the unique equilibrium outcome to a mechanism. We derive a general necessary condition for unique implementation that implies that the positive result for private-value models applies with considerably less generality to common-value settings.
Comparative Study of Online Open Circuit Voltage Estimation Techniques for State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Online estimation techniques are extensively used to determine the parameters of various uncertain dynamic systems. In this paper, online estimation of the open-circuit voltage (OCV) of lithium-ion batteries is proposed by two different adaptive filtering methods (i.e., recursive least square, RLS, and least mean square, LMS), along with an adaptive observer. The proposed techniques use the battery’s terminal voltage and current to estimate the OCV, which is correlated to the state of charge (SOC). Experimental results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methods in online estimation at different charge/discharge conditions and temperatures. The comparative study illustrates the advantages and limitations of each online estimation method.
Experiencing Interactive Advertising beyond Rich Media

ABSTRACT Theories from social psychology, consumer psychology, and Human Computer Interaction suggest that 3D gaming Virtual Environments increase users affective engagement with the stimuli/environment content due to their particular structural features (high immersion, presence, etc.). This, in turn, modifies the way in which embedded advertisements are processed by providing a direct, although virtual, brand experience. At the same time, product placements and blatant advertisements (i.e., virtual 3D billboards) were previously shown to be processed differently, given the increased reactance of media users toward messages identified as ads. A 2 (ad type: billboard vs. product placement) × 2 (IVE arousability level: high vs. low arousing 3D worlds) mixed factorial design was employed to test the effects of 3D billboards and product placements embedded within a 3D gaming Virtual Environment on brand recall and recognition, and brand preference.
Role of the Membrane Localization Domain of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Effector Protein ExoU in Cytotoxicity

ABSTRACT ExoU is a potent effector protein that causes rapid host cell death upon injection by the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The N-terminal half of ExoU contains a patatin-like phospholipase A2 (PLA2) domain that requires the host cell cofactor superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) for activation, while the C-terminal 137 amino acids constitute a membrane localization domain (MLD). Previous studies had utilized insertion and deletion mutations to show that portions of the MLD are required for membrane localization and catalytic activity. Here we further characterize this domain by identifying six residues that are essential for ExoU activity. Substitutions at each of these positions resulted in abrogation of membrane targeting, decreased ExoU-mediated cytotoxicity, and reductions in PLA2 activity. Likewise, each of the six MLD residues was necessary for full virulence in cell culture and murine models of acute pneumonia. Purified recombinant ExoU proteins with substitutions at five of the six residues were not activated by SOD1, suggesting that these five residues are critical for activation by this cofactor. Interestingly, these same five ExoU proteins were partially activated by HeLa cell extracts, suggesting that a host cell cofactor other than SOD1 is capable of modulating the activity of ExoU. These findings add to our understanding of the role of the MLD in ExoU-mediated virulence.
Predictors of return to work in patients sick listed for sub-acute low back pain: a 12-month follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether personal and work-related factors, physical performance and back-specific questionnaires predict return to work. A prospective study identifying prognostic factors for return to work. SUBJECTS Ninety-three patients sick-listed for 8-12 weeks for non-specific sub-acute low back pain included in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS Patients were examined with regard to demographic variables, a battery of back-specific questionnaires and physical tests before entering a randomized controlled trial. A stepwise backward Cox regression model was established to identify the most powerful predictors. RESULTS During follow-up 78.5% of the patients have returned to full-time work. Fear-avoidance beliefs for work (relative risk (RR) for 1 SD change 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.64), disability (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02-1.88) and cardiovascular fitness (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.79) were identified as the best predictors for return to work. The prevalence of correct predictions was 69.3%. CONCLUSION The predictors identified in the present study may reflect personal risk factors in a patient who gets acute low back pain. On the other hand, they may support that fear of pain and injury may be more disabling than pain itself, and that deconditioning is a result of altered behaviour reflecting attitudes towards low back pain in society, and information and advice given in primary healthcare.
Locally managed irrigation systems: Essential tasks and implications for assistance, management transfer, and turnover programs

This monograph examines the construction, operation and maintenance tasks that shape the nature of locally managed irrigation systems. The objective of the book is to identify relevant experiences and lessons for staff who are responsible for working with locally managed systems in three types of programs: direct assistance to existing locally managed irrigation systems, turnover of public owned systems to local management, and transfer of partial management to farmer groups within larger systems that remain publicly controlled.