Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compacted sand-bentonite mixtures for hydraulic containment liners

Chalermyanont, T. and Arrykul, S. Compacted sand-bentonite mixtures for hydraulic containment liners Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. , 2005, 27(2) : 313-323 Sand is a pervious material in nature. Mixing sand with appropriate bentonite contents yields sandbentonite mixtures having low hydraulic conductivity that can be used as hydraulic containment liners. In this study, compaction tests were conducted to determine the optimum water content and maximum dry unit weight of compacted sand-bentonite mixtures. Direct shear and hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted to assess the shear strength parameters and hydraulic conductivity of compacted sand-bentonite mixtures. Test results indicate that hydraulic conductivity of mixtures decreases about four orders of magnitude when mixed with 5% bentonite or more. Mixing sand with bentonite, however, results in a decreased shear strength of the mixtures due to the swell of bentonite when soaked with water. For the mixtures with bentonite content varying from 0 to 9%, the hydraulic conductivity of the mixtures decreases from 3.60×10-5 to 4.13×10-9 cm/s; while the corresponding friction angle and swell ranges from 49 to 22 degrees and 0.85 to 10.32%, respectively. In addition, the compacted sand-bentonite mixture with 3% bentonite content could achieve low hydraulic conductivity of 1×10-7 cm/s which is a regular requirement for hydraulic containment liners, while still having relatively high shear strength.
Effects of Bank Branch Competition on Rural Firm Entry and Exit: Evidence from Hokkaido, Japan

This paper investigates the effects of bank branch competition on rural firm entry and exit in Hokkaido, the largest and northernmost prefecture in Japan. Using a panel dataset of 188 municipalities, we run a two-stage least squares regression to examine whether banking competition affects firm entry and exit, respectively. Although the empirical evidence does not strongly support the notion of simultaneously linked firm entry and exit, banking competition has a negative effect on firm exit rates. Furthermore, consistent results are obtained when running a seemingly unrelated regression. Our findings suggest that fierce competition among banks does not contribute to firm survival and region-based relationship banking in less competitive areas can deter firm exit.
A Dissipative Resource Distribution policy for SMT processors

The performance in simultaneous multithreading (SMT) processors is significantly influenced by how optimally the common resources are shared among all threads. However, the programs running on threads often take on changing complicated behavior at runtime. Existing resource distribution methods either rely mainly on front-end fetching policies, or make the resource distribution decision according to the restricted information from the pipeline instead of the direct in-flight performance. It's difficult for them to catch various resource requirements efficiently and obtain potential gain. This paper presents a dissipative resource distribution policy (DRD) for SMT processors, in which the resource allocations evolve targeting the direct runtime performance. The self-organization mechanism established for DRD and the introduction of additional chaos cooperate together to form the fluctuation in the distribution evolvement procedure, and maintain persistent evolvement in changing program behavior. Simulation results show that DRD benefits much from its dissipative structure, and obtains potential fairness gains as well as pleasing throughput IPC increments. The meaning and setting of important DRD parameters are also discussed.
Perceptually Driven Frame-Rate Manipulations

Rising popularity of high frame-rates (HFR) in the films has sparked a lot of debate. Proponents of the technology claim it to be more realistic, smoother, and sharper. While opponents claim that it looks too realistic and smooth, rendering the films “cheap” and “soap-operatic”. Some critics also complain that HFR looks sped-up. Variable framerate technology gives filmmakers more control on manipulating frame-rates. However, there is no method or guide for the selection of frame-rate. First part of this thesis investigates the urban legend that speed perception is dependent on frame-rate. To measure the dependence of frame-rate on speed perception, we performed three psychophysical experiments using basic stimuli (Gabor patches), animated content and real-world footage. The results show that there is no significant effect of frame-rate on speed perception. There was a lot of variation in participants’ responses. Inconsistencies in people’s opinions regarding HFR content is not new. There are studies which demonstrate the incongruity of participants’ opinions regarding HFR. This thesis concludes that frame-rate does not alter speed perception. Perhaps, lack of artifacts in HFR is some times being misconstrued by some imaginative viewers as difference in speed. Even if there is an effect, it is too small to be measured. Flicker can be defined as jittery motion due to temporal variation in pixels. Since flicker is the most prominent difference between two frame-rates, we propose that it is also a major contributor to the “film-look”. This work explores the relationship between frame-rate and flicker. Given an input video, we present a model to calculate per-pixel flicker. We also present a flicker driven guide to use variable frame-rate technology. For this purpose, we take input video and goal flicker visibility maps, and solve an optimization problem for spatially and temporally variable, and spatially and temporally smooth frame-rate maps, such that perceived flicker matches with the goal flicker. We use these frame-rate maps as an input for the method proposed by Templin et al. to produce output frames, which have required flicker. By manipulating flicker with our technique, filmmakers can reap the benefits of HFR, without incurring the unwanted “soap-operatic” effects.
Performance Analysis of Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Using Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

This paper presents particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to compute the optimum switching angles for five and seven level cascaded multilevel inverter (MLI). The expression of total harmonic distortion (THD) of inverter output voltage has been considered as objective function for PSO. While minimizing the objective function the individual selective harmonics like 5 PP, 7 PP, 11PP etc. can be controlled within the allowable limits by incorporating the constraints in PSO algorithm. In the presented paper the 5PP and 7PP harmonics of inverter output voltage have been eliminated. The PSO results are validated with numerical method.
Prediction approaches for improving energy efficiency of virtual force algorithms to the mobile sensor deployment problem

This paper considers the virtual force algorithms (VFAs) for addressing the deployment problem of mobile sensor networks. Via a sequence of iterations, each node will be lead to its destination by the virtual forces exerted on itself. However, a node consumes energy on its movement which is usually larger than other activities of its sensing application. Thus, we present prediction approaches to improve energy efficiency of VFAs. Our simulation resultsshow that the prediction approaches can reduce the number of stop-and-go movements and the total moving distance. Hence, the energy consumption on the deployment can be reduced.
An online inspection system of surface defects for copper strip based on computer vision

In this paper, an online system based on computer vision has been designed using modularized frame to inspect surface defects in copper strips which affect the quality of copper strips. First, a prejudgment algorithm is advocated to identify whether the copper strip's surface images captured by linear charged couple device camera have defects. Then multiple features such as invariant moment, breadth-length ratio, circular degree and rectangular degree are extracted as feature vector of defect. Then the type of defect is identified by multiple features fuzzy classifier and warning signals like light, sound, and so on, are given according to different defect ranks. Finally, defect information and video of copper strip are both stored into storage. The system is put into practice in a factory of copper strip and is also proved to be applicable and effective.
Thermodynamics of Born–Infeld black holes

We discuss the horizon structure for Born–Infeld black holes in the context of Einstein–Born–Infeld gravity. We show that the entropy function formalism agrees with a direct calculation of the entropy. With the entropy function formalism we also obtain the entropy when an axion–dilaton system as well as gravitational derivative corrections are included.
FISHES OF THE TE ARAI RIVER

The distribution of fishes at ten sites in the Te Arai River, a tributary of the lower Waipaoa River, is described and the impact on fishes of water abstraction for the Gisborne city supply is examined. The most widely distributed fish species was Cran's bully (Gobiomorphus basalis) which was found at all sites, followed by longfinned eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) at 8 sites and shortfinned eels (A. australis) at 5 sites. Common bullies (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) were found at two sites and inanga (Galaxias maculatus), smelt (Retropinna retropinna) and torrent fish (Cheimarrichthys fosteri) were found at one site. Cran's bullies were most numerous in runs and in the tails of pools, where water depth was 25 to 65 cm and current velocity was less than about 25 cm.s. Densities of eels and Cran's bully were lower above and immediately below the water supply intake than at a third site one kilometre downstream, below the confluences of two small streams where flow is permanent.
Internal finance and growth : microeconometric evidence on Chinese firms

Internal Finance and Growth: Microeconometric Evidence on Chinese Firms Does the availability of internal finance constrain firm growth? Or does it foster it? To answer these questions, we use a panel of 407,096 Chinese firms over the period 2000−2005. We estimate dynamic assets growth equations augmented with cash flow, and find that the growth of state owned enterprises is not affected by cash flow, while that of privately owned firms is most affected. Considering that they represent 62% of the observations in our sample and that, in spite of being typically discriminated against by financial institutions, private firms have experienced sensational growth rates, our results suggest that internal finance has fostered rather than constrained their growth. JEL Classification: D92
Executive Compensation and Systemic Risk: The Role of Non-Interest Income and Wholesale Funding

This paper analyzes whether the excessive overreliance on non-interest income and wholesale funding, which occurred in the banking industry during the last two decades and led to increases in systemic risk, could arise from the desire of bank managers to increase their variable compensation. Using a sample of U.S. bank holding companies during 1995 to 2010, our results show that non-interest income is positively associated to a larger proportion of variable compensation. Also, while exercised options are more sensitive to income trading activities, bonuses tend to be related to the revenues originated from investment banking and venture capital activities. Similarly, a greater reliance on short-term wholesale funding positively associates with higher levels of variable compensation and bonuses. After the financial crisis, variable compensation and bonuses increased with non-interest income, but decreased with the use of short-term wholesale funding.
A scale adaptive Kalman filter method based on quaternion correlation in object tracking

We proposed a scale adaptive Kalman filter algorithm based on quaternion correlation of color image. Kalman filter is used to predict the object motion direction and define the searching window. In the searching window, the correlation of object and the image is calculated to get the accurate position of the object. Scale adaptive method is efficient to the situation of object size changing. Experiments results showed that the algorithm can detect the object correctly even the size of the object changed.
Maternal Chronic Stress Induces Premature Telencephalic Vesicles Development

La exposicion a diferentes estresantes fisicos y/o psicologicos causa dano cerebral, que se manifiesta en alteraciones comportamentales minimas hasta diferentes grados de neurodegeneracion, y que implican la sobreproduccion de compuestos nitrosativos-oxidativos, apoptosis y proliferacion celular. En el presente trabajo hemos analizado el efecto del estres cronico por inmovilizacion, sobre el desarrollo embriologico del cerebro anterior en fetos de ratas prenadas. El analisis morfometrico estereologico demostro que en los fetos de 12 dias de gestacion de madres estresadas muestran un aumento del tamano de la vesicula telencefalica. El perimetro y el espesor del cerebro anterior demostraron diferencias significativas en relacion a los controles de la misma edad gestacional, pero, no fue asi con su forma. Este efecto provocado por el estres cronico se podria considerar reversible en los estadios gestacionales subsecuentes. Es el primer trabajo que demuestra una considerable aceleracion del desarrollo del sistema nervioso central inducido por el estres gestacional. Nuestro modelo provee una nueva herramienta para los estudios de los efectos del estres durante el desarrollo embriologico
Scheme Evolution and the Relational Algebra TR 87-003 Revised May 1988

In this paper we discuss extensions to the conventional relational algebra to support both aspects of transaction time, evolution of a database's contents and evolution of a database's scheme. We define a relation's scheme to be the relation's temporal signature, a function mapping the relation's attribute names onto their value domains, and class, indicating the extent of support for time. We also introduce copunands to change a relation, now defined as a triple consisting of a sequence of classes, a sequence of signatures, and a sequence of states. A semantic type system is required to identify semantically incorrect expressions and to enforce consistency constraints among a relation's class, signature, and state following update. We show that these extensions are applicable, without change, to historical algebras that support valid time, yielding an algebraic language for the query and update of temporal databases. The additions preserve the useful properties of the conventional algebra. A database scheme describes the structure of the database; the contents of the: database must adhere to that structure [Date 1976, Ullman 1982]. Scheme evolution refers to c;hanges to the scheme of a database over time. Conventional databases allow only one scheme to he in force at a time, requiring restructuring (also termed logical reorganization [Sockut & Goldb~rg 1979]) when the scheme is modified. With the advent of databases storing past states [McKenzie 1986], it becomes desirable to accommodate multiple schemes, each in effect for an interval of time in the past. In an earlier paper [McKenzie & Snodgrass 1987 A] we proposed extensions to the conventional relational algebra [Codd 1970] that model the evolution of a database's contents. We did not, however, consider the evolution of a database's scheme. In this paper, we provide further extensions to the conventional relational algebra that model the evolution of a database's scheme. The extensions that support evolution of a database's contents are repeated here for completeness and because the extensions supporting scheme evolution are best explained in concert with those earlier extensions.
Fuzzy Logic System Using Graphics Processing Units - A Survey

In this paper, a comprehensive survey on various applications of Fuzzy Logic system has been carried out. GPU (Graphics Processing Units) is used for speed up purpose, otherwise commonly used for graphics applications. However, recent trends show use of GPU in various other general computational applications to run them parallel to reduce overall execution time. In this paper, it is discussed that how GPU and fuzzy logic can together be helpful in solving problems of different domains for faster responses.
Working Towards Self-Assembling Robots at all Scales

From crystals to galaxies, self-assembly is evident throughout nature at all scales. Self-assembly in natural systems is primarily dictated by the morphology of the components within a system and the environmental conditions they are subjected to, as well as their component and environment physical and chemical properties. Several experiments are discussed that demonstrate how to harness these principles of self-assembly to create two-dimensional, physical, geometric mesoscale structures. Primarily, these experiments demonstrate how the relationship between component shape and an assembly protocol can be used to create defined entities of varying form, and could be used as a method for creating more sophisticated netted systems by leveraging the physical attributes of a system. Based on the successful results of these experiments, an evolutionary computation model for applying the principles of self-assembly in nature is also presented, as an approach for working towards the creation of self-assembling robots from the macroscale to the nanoscale.
Ewing Sarcoma Protein: A Key Player in Human Cancer

The Ewing sarcoma protein (EWS) is a well-known player in cancer biology for the specific translocations occurring in sarcomas. The EWS-FLI1 gene fusion is the prototypical translocation that encodes the aberrant, chimeric transcription factor, which is a landmark of Ewing tumors. In all described Ewing sarcoma oncogenes, the EWS RNA binding domains are completely missing; thus RNA binding properties are not retained in the hybrid proteins. However, it is currently unknown whether the absence of EWS function in RNA metabolism plays a role in oncogenic transformation or if EWS plays a role by itself in cancer development besides its contribution to the translocation. In this regard, recent reports have highlighted an essential role for EWS in the regulation of DNA damage response (DDR), a process that counteracts genome stability and is often deregulated in cancer cells. The first part of this review will describe the structural features of EWS and its multiple roles in the regulation of gene expression, which are exerted by coordinating different steps in the synthesis and processing of pre-mRNAs. The second part will examine the role of EWS in the regulation of DDR- and cancer-related genes, with potential implications in cancer therapies. Finally, recent advances on the involvement of EWS in neuromuscular disorders will be discussed. Collectively, the information reviewed herein highlights the broad role of EWS in bridging different cellular processes and underlines the contribution of EWS to genome stability and proper cell-cycle progression in higher eukaryotic cells.
Genetic Diversity of the Red Deer ( Cervus elphus L . ) in Hungary Revealed by Cytochrome b Gene

The genetic diversity of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Hungary was studied using а full-length cytochrome b gene (1140 bp). The haplotype structure of this species was evaluated in the three main partially geographically separated populations in this country. Throughout the country, the genetic diversity of the Red Deer was represented by individuals belonging to all the three distinct mitochondrial lineages of this species in Europe, i.e. western, eastern and Sardinian/Bulgarian. The presence of all the three mtDNA lineages in the Red Deer populations in Hungary implied the existence of an overlapping zone among them. The genetic distinction between Red Deer populations inhabiting this zone showed the highest levels of dissimilarity of the northeast population. The recorded population genetic peculiarities and the geographical variability of cytochrome b gene haplotypes in Hungarian Red Deer as well as clarification of its phylogenetic relationships to other genetically characterised populations allowed us to identify its intraspecific population differences in Hungary.
Death by Water: Precautionary Water Submersion for Intravitreal Injection of Retinoblastoma Eyes

There is growing interest in intravitreal injections of chemotherapy for retinoblastoma. However, concerns for potential tumor seeding through the needle track has prompted the use of risk-reducing precautionary methods. Presented here is a novel technique, which can be easily replicated, requires minimal sophisticated equipment and with laboratory data supporting its concept. Sterile distilled water submersion for 3 minutes renders retinoblastoma cells nonviable and can be employed as a precautionary method following intravitreal injection in the technique described here.
Heuristics for Minimum Spanning k-Trees

We present a class of greedy heuristics for the Minimum Spanning k-Tree Problem, a NPHard combinatorial optimization problem. This problem is a generalization of the Minimum Spanning Tree Problem, a very well known problem in graphs, for which there are a number of polynomial algorithms, among them is Prim's algorithm. Our heuristics are based on a generalization of this algorithm. Computational experiences tested on random graphs show the performance of three versions of the heuristic when it is applied to minimum spanning 2 trees instances. Resumo Apresentamos uma clase de heur sticas greedy para o problema da k arvore geradora de peso m nimo, um problema de otimiza c~ao combinatorial NParduo. Este problema e uma generaliza c~ao do problema da arvore geradora de peso m nimo, um problema en grafos muito conhecido, para o qual v arios algoritmos polinomiais tem sido disenhados, entre eles o algoritmo de Prim. Nossas heur sticas est~ao baseadas numa generaliza c~ao desse algoritmo. Testes computacionais sobre grafos aleatorios ilustram o desempenho das heur sticas quando s~ao aplicadas a instancias do problema da 2arvore geradora de peso m nimo.