Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tree Species Classiﬁcation in Temperate Forests Using Formosat-2 Satellite Image Time Series

: Mapping forest composition is a major concern for forest management, biodiversity assessment and for understanding the potential impacts of climate change on tree species distribution. In this study, the suitability of a dense high spatial resolution multispectral Formosat-2 satellite image time-series (SITS) to discriminate tree species in temperate forests is investigated. Based on a 17-date SITS acquired across one year, thirteen major tree species (8 broadleaves and 5 conifers) are classiﬁed in a study area of southwest France. The performance of parametric (GMM) and nonparametric (k-NN, RF, SVM) methods are compared at three class hierarchy levels for different versions of the SITS: (i) a smoothed noise-free version based on the Whittaker smoother; (ii) a non-smoothed cloudy version including all the dates; (iii) a non-smoothed noise-free version including only 14 dates. Noise refers to pixels contaminated by clouds and cloud shadows. The results of the 108 distinct classiﬁcations show a very high suitability of the SITS to identify the forest tree species based on phenological differences (average κ = 0.93 estimated by cross-validation based on 1235 ﬁeld-collected plots). SVM is found to be the best classiﬁer with very close results from the other classiﬁers. No clear beneﬁt of removing noise by smoothing can be observed. Classiﬁcation accuracy is even improved using the non-smoothed cloudy version of the SITS compared to the 14 cloud-free image time series. However conclusions of the results need to be considered with caution because of possible overﬁtting. Disagreements also appear between the maps produced by the classiﬁers for complex mixed forests, suggesting a higher classiﬁcation uncertainty in these contexts. Our ﬁndings suggest that time-series data can be a good alternative to hyperspectral data for mapping forest types. It also demonstrates the potential contribution of the recently launched Sentinel-2 satellite for studying forest ecosystems.
Simultaneous solution

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest potential source of future sea-level rise. Mass loss has been increas-ing over the last 2 decades for the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) but with signiﬁcant discrepancies between estimates, especially for the Antarctic Peninsula. Most of these estimates utilise geophysical models to explicitly correct the observations for (unobserved) processes. Systematic errors in these models introduce biases in the results which are difﬁcult to quantify. In this study, we provide a statistically rigorous error-bounded trend estimate of ice mass loss over the WAIS from 2003 to 2009 which is almost entirely data driven. Using altimetry, gravimetry, and GPS data in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, we derive spatial ﬁelds for ice mass change, surface mass balance, and glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) without relying explicitly on forward models. The approach we use separates mass and height change contributions from different processes, reproducing spatial fea-tures found in, for example, regional climate and GIA forward models, and provides an independent estimate which can be used to validate and test the models. In addition, spatial error estimates are derived for each ﬁeld. The mass loss estimates we obtain are smaller than some recent results, with a time-averaged mean rate of − 76 ± 15 Gt yr − 1 for the WAIS and Antarctic Peninsula, including the major Antarctic is-lands. The GIA estimate compares well with results obtained from recent forward models (IJ05-R2) and inverse methods (AGE-1). The Bayesian framework is sufﬁciently ﬂexible that it can, eventually, be used for the whole of Antarctica, be adapted for other ice sheets and utilise data from other sources such as ice cores, accumulation radar data, and other measurements that contain information about any of the processes that are solved for.
A basic study on merchandisers ’ mental factors for choosing payment methods

— Visiting market stalls is a popular activity for tourists who visit Japan. Many tourists enjoy market stalls in several events, called Matsuri . Meanwhile, it is said that Japanese prefer to use cash for shopping. Generally, many small shops do not have equipment for cashless payments. In many cases, market stalls also accept only cash. Therefore, we cannot use other methods for payments, and it inconveniences tourists from overseas. Recently, Japanese government is carrying out policy measures required for promoting cashless payments. However, it is not so popular yet in Japan. In this paper, a model of merchandisers ’ mental factors for choosing payment method is proposed in order to investigate the reasons. The model has been developed by means of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on the UTAUT model. In order to investigate the validity of the model, an experiment has been conducted. As the result, it became clear that the basic idea of the proposed model is acceptable.
THYROID HORMONE STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION

Background: Severe Acute malnutrition (SAM)continues to be a major public health problem throughout the developing world. It affects several aspects of secretion and metabolism of thyroid hormones. The present study has been conducted to study the effect of SAM on thyroid hormone. Methods: Present study was a cross sectional hospital based study. 50 children with SAM, equal number of controls of age group 1-5 years were included in the study; details were collected in predesigned proforma. Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were estimated. The parameters were compared among cases and controls using appropriate statistical tool. Results: T3 and T4 levels were significantly low in SAM children as compared to controls. TSH levels were similar in both groups. Conclusions: SAM is associated with reduction in T3 and T4 levels without any alteration in TSH levels. The altered thyroid hormone status in children with PEM is perhaps a defense mechanism against excessive metabolic stimulation and energy consumption.
Profiling Circulating Tumour Cells for Clinical Applications Profiling Circulating Tumour Cells for Clinical Applications

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) refer to cells found in the peripheral blood, which are derived from the primary or secondary tumour. They serve as an alternative to study the biology of the primary tumour especially when tissue biopsy is not available. However, major challenges in CTC analysis are the rarity of these cells and the purity of the isolated population. The advancement in technologies allows detection and enrichment of suf- ficiently pure CTCs at the single-cell level, facilitating downstream molecular charac -terisation. Single CTC analysis allows detection of key mutations that may be critical to disease management and helps to address the intercellular differences among tumour cells. In this chapter, we discuss the technologies for CTC isolation and the use of CTCs in achieving early detection and prognosis of cancer, real-time monitoring of cancer therapy and tailoring of personalised treatments.
Temporary layo ﬀ s, short-time work and COVID-19: the case of a dual labour market Case of a dual labour market

Purpose – This paper aims to study the type of short-time work (STW) schemes implemented in Spain to preserve jobs and workers ’ incomes during the COVID-19 crisis and the corresponding labour market outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – A dynamic macroeconomic model of job creation and destruction of thesearchandmatchingtype in a dual labourmarket. Findings – The model shows that the availability of STW schemes does not necessarily prevent a large increase in unemployment and job destruction. The quantitative effects depend on the degree of subsidization of payroll taxes and on the design of the policy. A scenario with a moderate degree of subsidization and where the subsidy is independent of the reduction in hours worked is the least harmful for both welfare and ﬁ scal de ﬁ cit. The cost of such a strategy is a higher unemployment rate. Concerning heterogeneous effects, the unemployed aretheones whoexperience thestrongest distributional changes. Originality/value – The effectiveness of STW schemes in dual labour markets using a search and matching model in the context of the COVID-19 crisis has not been analysed elsewhere. The literature has emphasized the importance of dynamics, labourmarketinstitutionsandworkers ’ heterogeneityto understand workforce adjustment decisions in the face of temporary shocks to de- mand especially when ﬁ rms ’ human capital is relevant. These elements are present in the model. In addition, this paper computes welfare and distributionaleffectsandthe costof thesepolicies.
Estradiol-17 (cid:2) Upregulates Pyruvate Kinase M2 Expression to Coactivate Estrogen Receptor- (cid:3) and to Integrate Metabolic Reprogramming With the Mitogenic Response in Endometrial Cells

Context: Proliferating cells reprogram their cellular glucose metabolism to meet the bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands and to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Pyruvate kinase M (PKM) is a critical regulator of this metabolic reprogramming. However, whether estradiol-17 (cid:2) (E2) re-programscellularmetabolismtosupportproliferationofhumanprimaryendometrialstromalcells (hESCs) and the molecular basis of this reprogramming are not well understood. Objectives: Our objectives were to study whether E2 induces reprogramming of glucose metabolism in hESCs and to investigate the potential
Strategic Change: Briefings in Entrepreneurial Finance INCREASING PROFITABILITY WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL FINANCE

Venture capital is a potent source of R&D financing which contributes significantly to technological innovation output in the form of patented inventions. Scholars have argued that tighter protection of intellectual property rights reduces expropriation risks and encourages venture capitalists to invest in technology firms. Prior studies have showed that early stage technology investors give much weight to investment selection criteria related to innovation e.g. protection of intellectual property, platform and uniqueness. However, VC investors generally receive little on their investments until a liquidation event occurs – IPO and M&A (trade sale) exits define venture capital performance. A review of the literature indicates that few empirical studies have examined the influence of patented innovation on the exit performance of VC-backed technology firms. This paper seeks to address this specific knowledge gap in venture capital research and practice. It builds on resourcebased view (RBV) theory which argues that technological innovation is an important strategic resource of the entrepreneurial firm that can attract VC investment, provide competitive advantage and produce superior performance. This study is based on matched data compiled from VentureXpert, Delphion and NBER/USPTO databases. The resulting unique and proprietary dataset consists of 1504 U.S. VC-backed exits across 7 technology sectors in the 20 years from 1980-2000, 961 IPOs and 543 M&As. The influence of technological innovation on the exit performance of VC-backed technology firms is examined. As predicted by RBV theory, technology firms engaged in patenting activity were found more likely to be associated with the more profitable IPO exit route, higher VC investment and exit value. 1 JEL classification codes: G24, G32, M13, O31, O32. 2 Colleagues at Birkbeck supplied useful comments. In particular, I thank Carlo Milana and Helen Lawton-Smith for their suggestions. I gratefully acknowledge research funding from Birkbeck College Research School.
Stability and Instability in the Lysogenic State of Phage Lambda (cid:1) §

Complex gene regulatory circuits exhibit emergent properties that are difﬁcult to predict from the behavior of the components. One such property is the stability of regulatory states. Here we analyze the stability of the lysogenic state of phage (cid:1) . In this state, the virus maintains a stable association with the host, and the lytic functions of the virus are repressed by the viral CI repressor. This state readily switches to the lytic pathway when the host SOS system is induced. A low level of SOS-dependent switching occurs without an overt stimulus. We found that the intrinsic rate of switching to the lytic pathway, measured in a host lacking the SOS response, was almost undetectably low, probably less than 10 (cid:2) 8 /generation. We surmise that this low rate has not been selected directly during evolution but results from optimizing the rate of switching in a wild-type host over the natural range of SOS-inducing conditions. We also analyzed a mutant, (cid:1) prm240 , in which the promoter controlling CI expression was weakened, rendering lysogens unstable. Strikingly, the intrinsic stability of (cid:1) prm240 lysogens depended markedly on the growth conditions; lysogens grown in minimal medium were nearly stable but switched at high rates when grown in rich medium. These effects on stability likely reﬂect corresponding effects on the strength of the prm240 promoter, measured in an uncoupled assay system. Several derivatives of (cid:1) prm240 with altered stabilities were characterized. This mutant and its derivatives afford a model system for further analysis of stability. JL5932 and IPTG respectively, lysogen level, ( (cid:2) 0.2 lysogen level) JL6112 of expression levels wild-type and (cid:1) prm240 lysogens, P (cid:8) wild-type lysogen (panel IPTG, of prm240 expression in (cid:1) prm240 lysogen.
Dualisation of Rhythmic Patterns

This thesis examines the concept of dualisation of rhythmic patterns, the representation of a rhythm using only two voices. From different literatures and discussions with professional musicians, it is suspected that from the perspective of a musician, this concept holds a certain degree of meaningfulness, replicable to produce similar dualisations, and the concept is universally applicable to different drummers. The aim of this dissertation is to verify these claims from musicians empirically. In order to obtain data for analysis, dualisation of rhythmic patterns are collected from experienced percussionists. A total of 19 hours of data were collected, and by analysing them a correlation between dualisations and the perception of the concept can be drawn. Several properties of dualisation can be confirmed, such as the meaningfulness and the replicability of dualisation from the same drummer; however, some original claims remain disputable, noticeably the universality of dualisation.
IOT Based Moisture Measurement and Conveyor Belt Monitoring in Yarn Mill

Yarn manufacturing in spinning mills is done when the twisted length of fiber goes to cheese, doubling, and winding machines. The humidity and temperature must be maintained to ensure the yarn quality. The conveyor belts have to be monitored continuously to avoid the interruption of the belts. This paper provides a solution to maintain the precise range of humidity and temperature and also to surveil the conveyor belts. The system contains a DHT sensor and an IR sensor. If the DHT sensor detects the increase in the moisture level or temperature, the signal is sent to the controller, and using a relay, either the heater or the cooler is activated respectively. The humidity level and the temperature of the yarn are displayed on the LCD. Simultaneously, the values can also be viewed on the user’s mobile application Blynk using an IoT. Another feature of this application is the continuous monitoring of the conveyor belt. If the belt stops, the IR sensor detects it, and the user is alarmed by a buzzer indicating that action is required to restart. This method reduces yarn breakage and improves the quality of the yarn. It provides continuous monitoring; the IoT application provides real-time values.
Manifestation of Gravitational Settling in Coronal Mass Ejections Measured in the Heliosphere

Elemental composition in the solar wind reflects the fractionation processes at the Sun. In coronal mass ejections (CMEs) measured in the heliosphere, the elemental composition can vary between plasma of high and low ionization states as indicated by the average Fe charge state, 〈QFe〉. It is found that CMEs with higher ionized plasma, 〈QFe〉 greater than 12, are significantly more enriched in low first ionization potential (FIP) elements compared to their less ionized, 〈QFe〉 less than 12, counterparts. In addition, the CME elemental composition has been shown to vary along the solar cycle. However, the processes driving changes in elemental composition in the plasma are not well understood. To gain insight into this variation, this work investigates the effects of gravitational settling in the ejecta to examine how that process can modify signatures of the FIP effect found in CMEs. We examine the absolute abundances of C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, and Fe in CMEs between 1998 and 2011. Results show that the ejecta exhibits some gravitational settling effects in approximately 33% of all CME periods in plasma where the Fe abundance of the ejecta compared to the solar wind (Fe/HCME:Fe/HSW) is depleted compared to the C abundance (C/HCME:C/HSW). We also find gravitational settling is most prominent in CMEs during solar minimum; however, it occurs throughout the solar cycle. This study indicates that gravitational settling, along with the FIP effect, can become important in governing the compositional makeup of CME source regions.
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL)

Despite a broad range of collaboration tools already available, enterprises continue to look for ways to improve internal and external communication. Microblogging is such a new communication channel with some considerable potential to improve intra-firm transparency and knowledge sharing. However, the adoption of such social software presents certain challenges to enterprises. Based on the results of four focus group sessions, we identified several new constructs to play an important role in the microblogging adoption decision. Examples include privacy concerns, communication benefits, perceptions regarding signal-to-noise ratio, as well codification effort. Integrating these findings with common views on technology acceptance, we formulate a model to predict the adoption of a microblogging system in the workspace. Our findings serve as an important guideline for managers seeking to realize the potential of microblogging in their company.
Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on the Quality of Life in Subjects with Asthma: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with an increasing prevalence globally by 50% every decade. Asthma not only affects the emotional and social dimensions, but also involves the physical aspects of health related quality of life. Despite breathing techniques occupy a major role in the non-pharmacological management of asthma; the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise alone in asthmatics with an impaired quality of life has not been studied. Results of this randomized pilot trail showed improvement in Asthma Quality of Life score in the intervention group with a mean difference of 1.0 at the end of 4 weeks, which is more than 0.5, the clinically important threshold for change in an individual patient. Significant improvement in respiratory rate and chest expansion were also noted. Despite the total AQLQ score did not change with 4 weeks of intervention, it demonstrated improvement in the activity levels compared to those in the control group. Thus, clinical practitioners may consider recommending diaphragmatic breathing exercise to asthmatics during the asymptomatic phase. approaches and the most commonly used forms approaches acupuncture, products, and positive therapy,
Adhesion to Zirconia Restorations a Problem Can Be Solved

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a chemically conditioning intaglio zirconia surface onmicro-shear bond strength of the dual cure resin cement bonded to the four types of yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics as well as the effect of such conditioning on the topography of that surface. Fifteen plate for (M-SBS test)and nine plates for (AFM test)from each zirconia material milled by a CAD/CAM system, sintered and randomly divided into three groups. For each group, a different surface conditioning was applied: 30% Hydrogen Peroxide, 30%Citric acid and a control group. M-SBStest for aluting cement adherence to zirconia and the AFM test for the zirconia topography was determined and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test(p ≤ 0.001). Significant differences were found for the Citric acid in compared to Hydrogen Peroxide and control groups in relation to the cement adhesion value as well as the surface roughness significantly increased when the intaglio surface of the UPCERA and Multilayer zirconia plates conditioned with Citric acid in compered to other types of zirconia tested.
How to Profit from Mutual Fund Performance Persistence?

This thesis demonstrates that mutual fund performance persistence can be profitably exploited with a simple investment strategy. Funds are invested based on the top decile of an ex-ante raw returns rank. Strategy was tested under diverse circumstances and in different fund categories. It is demonstrated that strategies with shorter estimation and rebalancing periods – up to 1 year and 6 months respectively – consistently outperform the respective benchmarks, reaching annualized returns and Sharpe ratios of up to 24.3% and 0.89 respectively. Results are robust across all fund categories with over 42% of the risk-adjusted results being statistically significant. Robustness was also confirmed in expansion and recession periods, with weaker results in the later. It was shown that with transaction costs strategy returns are partially eroded, being the shorter rebalancing strategies – 1 month - the most affected. However it is proved that under realistic circumstances the best performing strategies still outperform by far the respective benchmarks. excess returns of 11.64% (roughly 12% total return) with a Sharpe Ratio of 0.55 and annualized Carhart’s α of 0.48%. These results can be compared with the North America sample in the correspondent estimation and rebalancing periods, being very similar with the exception of the Carhart’s α derived from the fact that world factors were