Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Underwater acoustic object imaging using spatial matched filtering

The underwater object imaging is an important task for the surveillance and monitoring of underwater environment in a non-intrusive manner. The acoustic methods have been proved to be very powerful for the detection and localization of underwater objects. This paper proposes a new method for object imaging based on an acoustic system that uses multiple elements. The image is obtained using two main principles: the time-spectral diversity and the spatial diversity of the acoustic system.
Appraisal Process Modeling Using IDEF0 Method "Case Study of Sudanese Real Estate Bank"

9 Methodology 10 Chapter (1) General Background about Sudan" Ethnic, Culture, Politics and Economic overview” 1.1 Background 12 1.2 Ethnic, Religion & Culture 12 1.2 Climate 13 1.4 Economy Overview 15 1.5 Economy Performance 18 1.6 The Ills of Sudan Economy 22 1.7 Sudan Civil War 23 1.8 The War in the Southern Sudan 24 1.9 War Impacts 26 1.10 Further Conflicts 27 Chapter (2) Sudanese Economy Performance Analysis 2.
Theta and Alpha Oscillations during the Retention Period of Working Memory by rTMS Stimulating the Parietal Lobe

Studies on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have shown that stimulating the parietal lobe, which plays a role in memory storage, can enhance performance during the “retention” process of working memory (WM). However, the mechanism of rTMS effect during this phase is still unclear. In this study, we stimulated the superior parietal lobe (SPL) using 5-Hz rTMS in 26 participants and recorded electroencephalography (EEG) while they performed a delayed-recognition WM task. The analyses included the comparisons of event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) value variations in theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–14 Hz) band frequencies between conditions (rTMS vs. sham), as well as the correlations between different brain areas. Following rTMS, the ERSP values of theta-band oscillations were significantly increased in the parietal and occipital-parietal brain areas (P < 0.05*), whereas the ERSP values of alpha-band oscillations were significantly decreased in the parietal area (P < 0.05*). The ERSP value variations of theta-band oscillations between the two conditions in the left parietal and left prefrontal areas were positively correlated with the response time (RT) variations (by using rTMS, the more subject RT decreased, the more ERSP value of theta oscillation increased). The ERSP value variations of alpha-band oscillations in the left parietal and bilateral prefrontal areas were negatively correlated with RT variations (by using rTMS, the more RT of the subject decreased, the more ERSP value of alpha oscillation decreased). Inter-sites phase synchronization of theta-band EEG between the left parietal and left prefrontal areas, as well as alpha-band EEG between the left parietal and bilateral prefrontal areas were enhanced by rTMS. These results indicated that activities of both parietal and prefrontal areas were required for information storage, and these activities were related to the behavioral responses. Moreover, the connectivity between these two regions was intensified following rTMS. Thus, rTMS may affect the frontal area indirectly via the frontal parietal pathway.
Natural resources and local livelihoods in the Great Lakes region of Africa: a political economy perspective

There is a considerable literature examining the relationship between natural resources and local livelihoods in Africa. Neoclassical perspectives have used their rigorous quantitative methodologies to argue that within the African context, natural resources have been a ‘curse’ on national economic development and thus on local livelihoods. Heterodox perspectives have stressed that the relationship between natural resources and local livelihoods is very complex and deeply rooted in the political economy, social fields and class structures. This book is in the heterodox tradition. It focuses on the Great Lakes region and makes an important contribution to the ongoing discussion on resources, social dynamics and development in Africa. The book is organised in two parts. Part 1 contains seven chapters addressing themes in land relations in the post-conflict societies of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Part 2 contains five chapters and examines the intersection of mining, local livelihoods and international relations in the context of mineral resources in the DRC. Qualitative research methods including interviews and field observations form the methodological foundation of this book. The methodology is appropriate since the focus is on postconflict societies where good quality official data is often non-existent. The main themes of Part 1 are that land is scarce and that ambiguous land tenure systems rooted in the history, customs and practices of the region further complicate land relations as the region emerges from a recent past marred by conflict. The scarcity of land is evident because of the extremely high population density, one of the highest in the world (p. 4). Land relations are also strained by the legacy of colonisation and conflict, particularly in Rwanda, Burundi and the eastern DRC. In addition, neoliberal policies of land consolidation to achieve economies of scale in a context of ambiguous land tenure have pushed small-scale farmers out of agriculture at an astonishing rate while consolidating wealth and power in the hands of a small group of capitalist farmers (p. 15). Furthermore, policy space as regards land and agriculture is wide open as ‘the struggle for land is also a struggle for authority and political control’ (p. 78). This part of the book stresses the weakness of the state, and the emergence of ‘open moments’ in the land policy arena which allow various actors to define and implement what, given their political and military connections, they believe to be appropriate land policy. ‘Alleged customary leaders link up strategically with state actors to reappropriate public agricultural land and sell it for their own profit’ (p. 78), thereby perpetuating their social and economic status in society. The authors show how the formalisation of property rights in land further entrenches social divisions by increasing the control customary leaders have over communal land. Overall, the authors of this part of the book stress that land in the Great
Identification of genes putatively involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas by integrative genomics

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are highly heterogeneous with regard to clinical presentation and outcome. DLBCL copy number aberrations have been identified previously, of which the deletion at 6q21‐24 was significantly associated with a highly favorable clinical response to chemotherapy. In this study, we aimed to identify genes implicated in this and other genomic regions with recurrent losses and/or gains. To identify implicated genes, we superimposed array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data onto a microarray expression dataset of 42 clinically well‐characterized primary nodal DLBCL biopsies. We confirmed that loss of 6q21‐24 is significantly associated with a highly favorable clinical response to chemotherapy. Our approach identified 316 significant genes restricted to 32 chromosomal regions, including 24 genes identified at 6q21‐24. In an independent dataset, 18% of overexpressed genes in gained regions and 55% of down‐regulated genes in deleted regions were validated. In summary, using integrative genomics novel onco and tumor suppressor genes were identified in DLBCL that were not recognized by expression profiling alone. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From a hierarchy to a heterarchy of strategies: adapting to a changing context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to question the continued usefulness of the hierarchy of strategies framework and to propose a new approach.Design/methodology/approach – The study reviews extant literature and theorizes a new approach.Findings – The paper finds that the hierarchy of strategies was a useful framework when it was first proposed, but since then a changed business context has made this framework obsolete. What is needed instead is a framework around a heterarchy of strategies. The locus of decision making is no longer hierarchical and corporate, business and functional strategies are far more interdependent and interlinked than they have been in the past.Research limitations/implications – Research on a hierarchy of strategies has run its course. Future empirical and theoretical work should focus on a heterarchy of strategies.Practical implications – The paper provides a framework for managers whether from corporate, business divisions or functions to help with the continuous renewal o.
Inventory replenishment policies for deteriorating items in a declining market

Abstract In this paper two mathematical models are developed for an inventory system in which the units are deteriorating at a constant rate and the demand rate decreases negative exponentially. In the first model it is assumed that replenishment orders are placed at equal intervals while in the second model the replenishment times are also variables and hence there is no need for the replenishment orders to be placed at equal intervals. Optimal replenishment policies are determined for both cases. A numerical example is used to illustrate the theory. Computational results indicate that the constant replenishment period policy leads to a higher total cost.
Phosphorylation of a New Brain-specific Septin, G-septin, by cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase*

The septins are a family of GTPase enzymes, some of which are required for the cytokinesis stage of cell division and others of which are associated with exocytosis. We purified and cloned the cDNA for a 40-kDa protein from rat brain that is a substrate for type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). The amino acid sequences of two tryptic peptides of P40 showed high homology to the septins. Molecular cloning revealed the 358-amino acid P40 to be a new member of the septin family. P40 was named G-septin, as it is phosphorylated in vitro by PKG, but relatively poorly by the related cAMP-dependent protein kinase and not by protein kinase C. Two splice variants of G-septin (α and β) were found with distinct N and C termini, but a common GTPase domain. G-septin lacks the C-terminal coiled-coil domain characteristic of all other mammalian septins and uniquely has two predicted phosphorylation site motifs for type I PKG. Photoaffinity labeling with [α-32P]GTP confirmed that G-septin is a GTP-binding protein. Northern blotting showed that G-septin mRNA (5.0 kilobases) is highly expressed in brain and undetectable in 12 other tissues, indicating that the G-septins are primarily neuronal proteins. Very low levels of 6.0-, 3.4-, and 2.6-kilobase transcripts were found in testis. Our results reveal a new class of brain-specific septins that may be regulated by PKG in neurons.
An immortalized human fibroblast cell line is permissive for human cytomegalovirus infection

Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) were immortalized via retrovirus-mediated gene transfer of the E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 16. An immortalized fibroblast (IF) cell line which was morphologically akin to the parental cell line was isolated. The IF cell line was evaluated for permissiveness to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection after the IF cell line surpassed the normal passage limitation of diploid fibroblasts. Western immunoblot analysis of representative HCMV-encoded immediate-early (72-kDa), early (gB), and late (gH) gene products demonstrated that the IF cell line produced these proteins analogous to those produced by the parental HFF cells. Similar quantities of infectious virus were produced in the IF and HFF cell lines as determined in one-step growth curve experiments. Compared with the HFF cells, morphologically identical plaques were produced in the IF cell line in approximately 10 to 12 days postinfection. These findings indicate that fibroblast cell lines immortalized with transforming genes of human papillomavirus retain complete permissiveness to HCMV infection and support plaque formation. The IF cell line will be useful for future genetic analysis of HCMV.
A Comparison Study of the Model Based SOC Estimation Methods for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Four model based SOC estimation methods for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are studied and compared in this paper. The equivalent model of the battery is described and the state function of the model is deduced. The analysis of the four model based SOC estimation methods are given. The simulation is established to evaluate the four methods. The urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS) current profiles are applied to simulate the drive situations of an electrified vehicle. Simulation results are depicted and analyzed to compare the four model based SOC estimation methods.
Equity Prices, Dividends and Gilt Yields in the UK: Cointegration, Error Correction and 'Confidence.'

This paper finds that equity prices, dividends and gilt yields are cointegrated, having a unique cointegrating vector. From the associated error correction formulation, it is found that gilt yields are exogenous and that equity prices respond quickly, and negatively to a gilt shock. Restriction can be placed on the cointegrating vector that enables the equilibrium relationship to be one in which gilt and dividend yields are in constant proportion to each other. This ratio is equivalent to the "confidence factor" used by investment analysts in the 1950s and provides control limits for monitoring the movement of equity prices. Copyright 1991 by Scottish Economic Society.
Evidence for common features in G7 macroeconomic time series

Systems of economic data potentially exhibit a number of common features, which aid both econometric modelling and economic interpretation. This paper surveys a variety of common features and applies the corresponding testing and estimation techniques to systems of macroeconomic time series in the G7 countries. Strong evidence is found of common trends and common or co-dependent cycles in the data, and, for two countries, empirical support for common non-linearities.
The development of an ideal kindergarten through concept engineering/quality function deployment

This paper summarizes the application of quality planning tools to the development of an ideal kindergarten, built from the needs and perceptions identified for different sorts of customers (children, teachers and parents). For that purpose, intensive fieldwork was conducted on site at a rich sample of seven kindergartens, including 62 exploratory interviews. By adopting concept engineering and quality function deployment techniques, the several stakeholders were given the chance of freely expressing their ideas and expectations about an ideal kindergarten. In order to explore all the richness associated with all the qualitative data collected, tools such as MPM, KJ and Kano analysis were applied. Then, using the Pugh methodology, we built and determined an ideal kindergarten concept. Finally, the House of Quality was built to define the kindergarten specifications, identify adequate measurement instruments and assign targets to the most important parameters. The combined and creative use of these approaches resulted in a strongly customer-oriented kindergarten that actively encourages the involvement of the whole community and family generations in educational activities, and promotes interaction with its surrounding environment.
Education and Fertility: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

In many developed countries a decline in fertility has occurred. This development has been attributed to greater education of women. However, establishing a causal link is difficult as both fertility and education have changed secularly. The contribution of this paper is to study the connection between fertility and education over a woman’s fertile period focusing on whether the relationship is causal. We study fertility in Norway and use an educational reform as an instrument to correct for selection into education. Our results indicate that increasing education leads to postponement of first births away from teenage motherhood towards having the first birth in their twenties and, for a smaller group, up to the age of 35-40. We do not find, however, evidence that total fertility falls as a result of greater education.
Variation in the spike protein of the 793/B type of infectious bronchitis virus, in the field and during alternate passage in chickens and embryonated eggs

The degree of variation exhibited within the 793/B serotype (also known as 4/91 and CR88 serotypes) was investigated with nine French and 10 British isolates, collected between 1985 and 1994. The S1 part (1644 nucleotides) of the spike protein gene of the first known isolate of this serotype, FR/CR85131/85, had 95.9% to 97% nucleotide identity with the other isolates. Partial sequencing of isolates from Iran and Saudi Arabia, isolated in 2000, revealed approximately 95% nucleotide identity with European isolates, including the two live 793/B vaccinal strains, showing that they were not re-isolations of vaccinal virus. The data indicates that strains within the 793/B serotype have ≥96% nucleotide identity within the whole S1 gene and ≥93% nucleotide identity within the first 560 nucleotides, and ≥92% and ≥86% amino acid identities in the corresponding protein regions. This is similar to the identities exhibited within the Massachusetts serotype. Sequence analysis of a 793/B field isolate after passage in embryonated eggs, then in chickens and then again in eggs revealed selection for a serine and alanine at S1 amino acid position 95 in chicken-passaged and egg-passaged virus, respectively. There was no change in pathogenicity. This is the first demonstration at gene sequence level of host-driven selection for infectious bronchitis virus.
Production Efficiency in the South African Banking Sector: A Stochastic Analysis

Abstract Econometric estimates of the level of efficiency at bank branches are likely to provide detailed insight into the overall level of efficiency in banking. Therefore this paper uses Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis to assess the production efficiency of 61 bank branches in the nine provinces of the Republic of South Africa. We find that every branch is operating at increasing returns to scale and that the level of production efficiency of bank branches is lower than it could be. We also find that at current levels of output, on average, bank branches can reduce their costs by about 17% if they improve the level of efficiency. In addition, we find that Gauteng Province has the lowest average level of returns to scale, while the Free State Province has the highest average level of the nine provinces. In addition, via estimates of the posterior mean for shares and price elasticities, we find that the price of capital is the largest predicted proportion of costs. These findings suggest that bank branches could also obtain cost reductions by increasing the level of output. Regulatory policy reforms and competitive incentives to enable banks to meet this objective should be encouraged.
Feruloyl-CoA 6′-Hydroxylase1-Dependent Coumarins Mediate Iron Acquisition from Alkaline Substrates in Arabidopsis1[C][W][OPEN]

The release of F coumarins is a component of the reduction-based iron acquisition machinery that helps plants to mobilize iron under alkaline conditions. Although iron (Fe) is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust, its low solubility in soils restricts Fe uptake by plants. Most plant species acquire Fe by acidifying the rhizosphere and reducing ferric to ferrous Fe prior to membrane transport. However, it is unclear how these plants access Fe in the rhizosphere and cope with high soil pH. In a mutant screening, we identified 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase Feruloyl-CoA 6′-Hydroxylase1 (F6′H1) to be essential for tolerance of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to high pH-induced Fe deficiency. Under Fe deficiency, F6′H1 is required for the biosynthesis of fluorescent coumarins that are released into the rhizosphere, some of which possess Fe(III)-mobilizing capacity and prevent f6′h1 mutant plants from Fe deficiency-induced chlorosis. Scopoletin was the most prominent coumarin found in Fe-deficient root exudates but failed to mobilize Fe(III), while esculetin, i.e. 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, occurred in lower amounts but was effective in Fe(III) mobilization. Our results indicate that Fe-deficient Arabidopsis plants release Fe(III)-chelating coumarins as part of the strategy I-type Fe acquisition machinery.
POLICY-MAKING BEYOND POLITICAL IDEOLOGY: THE ADOPTION OF SMOKING BANS IN EUROPE

Policy-making is embedded in politics, but an increasing number of issues, like obesity, tobacco control, or road safety, do not map well on the major dimensions of political conflict. This article analyzes the enactment of restrictions on smoking in bars and restaurants in 29 European countries – a conflictual issue which does not fit easily traditional party ideologies. Indeed, the comparative empirical analyses demonstrate that government ideological positions are not associated with the strictness and the timing of adoption of the smoking bans. On the other hand, economic factors like the scale of tobacco production in a country, smoking prevalence in society and public support for tough anti-smoking policy are all significantly related to the time it takes for a country to adopt smoking bans, and to the comprehensiveness and enforcement of these restrictions. In addition, horizontal policy diffusion is strongly implicated in the pattern of policy adoptions.
Cytoarchitectural, behavioural and neurophysiological dysfunctions in the BCNU‐treated rat model of cortical dysplasia

Cortical dysplasias (CDs) include a spectrum of cerebral lesions resulting from cortical development abnormalities during embryogenesis that lead to cognitive disabilities and epilepsy. The experimental model of CD obtained by means of in utero administration of BCNU (1‐3‐bis‐chloroethyl‐nitrosurea) to pregnant rats on embryonic day 15 mimics the histopathological abnormalities observed in many patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioural, electrophysiological and anatomical profile of BCNU‐treated rats in order to determine whether cortical and hippocampal lesions can directly lead to cognitive dysfunction. The BCNU‐treated rats showed impaired short‐term working memory but intact long‐term aversive memory, whereas their spontaneous motor activity and anxiety‐like response were normal. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, made after behavioural tests, revealed the disrupted integrity of neuronal populations and connecting fibres in hippocampus and prefrontal and entorhinal cortices, which are involved in memory processes. An electrophysiological evaluation of the CA1 region of in vitro hippocampal slices indicated a decrease in the efficiency of excitatory synaptic transmission and impaired paired pulse facilitation, but enhanced long‐term potentiation (LTP) associated with hyperexcitability in BCNU‐treated rats compared with controls. The enhanced LTP, associated with hyperexcitability, may indicate a pathological distortion of long‐term plasticity. These findings suggest that prenatal developmental insults at the time of peak cortical neurogenesis can induce anatomical abnormalities associated with severe impairment of spatial working memory in adult BCNU‐treated rats and may help to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction that is often associated with epilepsy in patients with CD.