Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seamless and Fast Panoramic Image Stitching

In this paper, a novel panoramic imaging method is presented which can compensate tone differences between images precisely by estimating ghost pixels in the overlap area. The method compensates the overlapped images bilaterally, then it prevents a panoramic image from getting darker or lighter as images are stitched. Therefore, the proposed method allows the overall panorama to keep the proper mid-tone, offering a high-speed panorama system with only software implementation in spite of its outstanding performance. Experimental results show that the proposed method can correct 95% serious corner cases taking less time than existing methods.
Characterization of mussel H2A.Z.2: a new H2A.Z variant preferentially expressed in germinal tissues from Mytilus.

Histones are the fundamental constituents of the eukaryotic chromatin, facilitating the physical organization of DNA in chromosomes and participating in the regulation of its metabolism. The H2A family displays the largest number of variants among core histones, including the renowned H2A.X, macroH2A, H2A.B (Bbd), and H2A.Z. This latter variant is especially interesting because of its regulatory role and its differentiation into 2 functionally divergent variants (H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2), further specializing the structure and function of vertebrate chromatin. In the present work we describe, for the first time, the presence of a second H2A.Z variant (H2A.Z.2) in the genome of a non-vertebrate animal, the mussel Mytilus. The molecular and evolutionary characterization of mussel H2A.Z. 1 and H2A.Z. 2 histones is consistent with their functional specialization, supported on sequence divergence at promoter and coding regions as well as on varying gene expression patterns. More precisely, the expression of H2A.Z. 2 transcripts in gonadal tissue and its potential upregulation in response to genotoxic stress might be mirroring the specialization of this variant in DNA repair. Overall, the findings presented in this work complement recent reports describing the widespread presence of other histone variants across eukaryotes, supporting an ancestral origin and conserved role for histone variants in chromatin.
Recent Developments in the Intertemporal Modeling of Uncertainty

Time and uncertainty constitute essential ingredients to many of the most challenging resource problems. With respect to the time dimension, agents are generally assumed to have a pure time preference as well as a preference for smoothing consumption over time. With respect to risk, agents are generally assumed to be Arrow-Pratt risk averse. The discounted expected utility model assumes that aversion to risk and aversion to intertemporal fluctuations coincide. This review discusses models and concepts that aim at disentangling time and risk attitude and briefly sketches a generalization of risk attitude to situations where uncertainty is not captured by unique probability measures. This paper reviews resource economic applications and relates the concepts to the debate on the social discount rate.
2-Keto-3-deoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-nononic Acid (KDN)- and N-Acetylneuraminic Acid-cleaving Sialidase (KDN-sialidase) and KDN-cleaving Hydrolase (KDNase) from the Hepatopancreas of Oyster, Crassostrea virginica *

KDN (2-keto-3-deoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-nononic acid), a sialic acid analog, has been found to be widely distributed in nature. Despite the structural similarity between KDN and Neu5Ac, α-ketosides of KDN are refractory to conventional sialidases. We found that the hepatopancreas of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica, contains two KDN-cleaving sialidases but is devoid of conventional sialidase. The major sialidase, KDN-sialidase, effectively cleaves α-ketosidically linked KDN and also slowly cleaves the α-ketosides of Neu5Ac. The minor sialidase, KDNase, is specific for α-ketosides of KDN. We were able to separate these two KDN-cleaving enzymes using hydrophobic interaction and cation-exchange chromatographies. The rate of hydrolysis of 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-KDN (MU-KDN) by KDN-sialidase is 30 times faster than that of MU-Neu5Ac in the presence of 0.2 mNaCl, whereas in the absence of NaCl this ratio is only 8. KDNase hydrolyzes MU-KDN over 500 times faster than MU-Neu5Ac and is not affected by NaCl. KDN-sialidase purified to electrophoretically homogeneous form was found to have a molecular mass of 25 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.4. One of the three tryptic peptides derived from KDN-sialidase contains the consensus motif, SXDXGXTW, that has been found in all conventional sialidases. Kinetic analysis of the inhibition of the hydrolysis of MU-KDN and MU-Neu5Ac by 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-KDN (KDN2-en) and 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-(Neu5Ac2-en) suggests that KDN-sialidase contains two separate active sites for the hydrolysis of KDN and Neu5Ac. Both KDN-sialidase and KDNase effectively hydrolyze KDN-GM3, KDNα2→3Gal β1→4Glc, KDNα2→6Galβ1→4Glc, KDNα2→6-N-acetylgalactosaminitol, KDNα2→6(KDNα2→3)N-acetylgalactosaminitol, and KDNα2→6(GlcNAcβ1→3)N-acetylgalactosaminitol. However, only KDN-sialidase also slowly hydrolyzes GM3, Neu5Acα2→3Galβ1→4Glc, and Neu5Acα2→6Galβ1→4Glc. These two KDN-cleaving sialidases should be useful for studying the structure and function of KDN-containing glycoconjugates.
The DSFPN, a new neural network for optical character recognition

A new type of neural network for recognition tasks is presented in this paper. The network, called the dynamic supervised forward-propagation network (DSFPN), is based on the forward only version of the counterpropagation network (CPN). The DSFPN, trains using a supervised algorithm and can grow dynamically during training, allowing subclasses in the training data to be learnt in an unsupervised manner. It is shown to train in times comparable to the CPN while giving better classification accuracies than the popular backpropagation network. Both Fourier descriptors and wavelet descriptors are used for image preprocessing and the wavelets are proven to give a far better performance.
An analysis of the time series properties of the UK ex-post real interest rate: fractional integration, breaks or nonlinear

In this article we examine the persistent nature of the 3-month UK real interest rate for the period 1957:Q2 to 2008:Q2. We employ unit root and cointegration tests, confidence intervals for the sum of the Autoregressive (AR) coefficient, fractional integration tests, structural break tests and threshold modelling. Evidence from both unit root tests and AR modelling support the view that the real rate is nonstationary. Similarly, and in contrast to previous literature, the fractional integration test supports covariance nonstationarity, although there is evidence of mean reversion. Evidence from structural break tests support stationary behaviour, but only if we allow for three or more breaks, which may not be defendable on economic grounds. Finally, stationary behaviour is supported by a nonlinear exponential smooth transition model, which suggests that the real rate behaves in a random walk fashion when the rate is close to equilibrium but exhibits strong mean reversion when the disequilibrium becomes large.
Two Sides of the Same Coin

This paper questions findings indicating that when organizations are hard to classify they will suffer in terms of external evaluations. Here, I suggest this depends on the audience evaluating the organization. Audiences that are “market-takers” consume or evaluate goods and use market labels to find and assess organizations; for them, ambiguous labels make organizations unclear and therefore less appealing. “Market-makers” are interested in redefining the market structure, and as a result, this type of audience sees the same ambiguity as flexible and therefore more appealing. I tested these ideas in a longitudinal analysis of U.S. software organizations between 1990 and 2002. As predicted, organizations that claim ambiguous labels are less appealing to consumers, an audience of market-takers, but more appealing to venture capitalists, who are market-makers. Further, when labels are ambiguous, aversion to or preference for ambiguity arises from the label itself. Identifying with multiple ambiguous labels does not make an organization even less appealing to a consumer or more appealing to a venture capitalist. Finally, all types of venture capitalists are not alike in how they react to a label’s ambiguity. Independent venture capitalists act as market-makers and prefer organizations with ambiguous labels, while corporate venture capitalists act as market-takers and avoid them.
Epilepsy: Transition from pediatric to adult care. Recommendations of the Ontario epilepsy implementation task force

The transition from a pediatric to adult health care system is challenging for many youths with epilepsy and their families. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Long‐Term Care of the Province of Ontario, Canada, created a transition working group (TWG) to develop recommendations for the transition process for patients with epilepsy in the Province of Ontario. Herein we present an executive summary of this work. The TWG was composed of a multidisciplinary group of pediatric and adult epileptologists, psychiatrists, and family doctors from academia and from the community; neurologists from the community; nurses and social workers from pediatric and adult epilepsy programs; adolescent medicine physician specialists; a team of physicians, nurses, and social workers dedicated to patients with complex care needs; a lawyer; an occupational therapist; representatives from community epilepsy agencies; patients with epilepsy; parents of patients with epilepsy and severe intellectual disability; and project managers. Three main areas were addressed: (1) Diagnosis and Management of Seizures; 2) Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs; and 3) Financial, Community, and Legal Supports. Although there are no systematic studies on the outcomes of transition programs, the impressions of the TWG are as follows. Teenagers at risk of poor transition should be identified early. The care coordination between pediatric and adult neurologists and other specialists should begin before the actual transfer. The transition period is the ideal time to rethink the diagnosis and repeat diagnostic testing where indicated (particularly genetic testing, which now can uncover more etiologies than when patients were initially evaluated many years ago). Some screening tests should be repeated after the move to the adult system. The seven steps proposed herein may facilitate transition, thereby promoting uninterrupted and adequate care for youth with epilepsy leaving the pediatric system.
Fighting for survival? The financial management of football clubs outside the ‘top flight’ in England

There has been an increasing interest in the ‘business’ of professional football in recent years, with a number of refereed journal articles and edited and single-authored texts addressing the subject. However, almost all of this activity, which is largely UK based, has focused on the ‘elite’ end of the business: namely, the FA Premier League. This paper addresses the very different business and financial management issues faced by those professional clubs outside of the ‘top flight’ in England. It does this by examining the range of potential and actual management responses of clubs to financial pressures, prior to an analysis of a lead case study of Lincoln City FC, which has emerged relatively successfully from a period in administration, supplemented by perspectives from other clubs that have entered administration in the last ten years. In conclusion, the paper discusses some of the barriers facing clubs in adopting sustainable financial management strategies, and discusses the potentially central role that the Supporters Trust movement can play in ensuring financial prudence.
Cancer Incidence among a Cohort of Female Farm Residents in New York State

Abstract A retrospective cohort study of cancer incidence among 6,310 female farm residents who were New York Farm Bureau members, or members' spouses or relatives, was conducted from 1980 through 1993. Similar to the previous findings for New York State male farmers, the female farm resident cohort experienced significantly lower cancer rates for all cancers combined, and for lung cancer, compared with rural nonfarm female residents. In addition, significantly low rates for colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer were found among the female cohort members. Nonsignificant excesses were found for thyroid and liver cancers. The findings suggest that female farm residents in this cohort might have experienced some of the same cancer-protective factors as male farmers.
Group exercise, education, and combination self-management in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Self-management has increasingly been recommended as part of standard care for fibromyalgia, a common, poorly understood condition with limited treatment options. Data that assess popular self-management recommendations are scarce. We evaluated and compared the effectiveness of 4 common self-management treatments on function, symptoms, and self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS A total of 207 women with confirmed fibromyalgia were recruited from September 16, 2002, through November 30, 2004, and randomly assigned to 16 weeks of (1) aerobic and flexibility exercise (AE); (2) strength training, aerobic, and flexibility exercise (ST); (3) the Fibromyalgia Self-Help Course (FSHC); or (4) a combination of ST and FSHC (ST-FSHC). The primary outcome was change in physical function from baseline to completion of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included social and emotional function, symptoms, and self-efficacy. RESULTS Improvements in the mean Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score in the 4 groups were -12.7 for the ST-FSHC group, -8.2 for the AE group, -6.6 for the ST group, and -0.3 for the FSHC group. The ST-FSHC group demonstrated greater improvement than the FSHC group (mean difference, -12.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], -23.1 to -1.7). The ST-FSHC (mean difference, 13.6; 95% CI, 2.3 to 24.9) and AE (mean difference, 13.1; 95% CI, 1.6 to 25.6) groups had similar improvements in physical function scores on the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Bodily pain scores on the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey improved in the ST-FSHC (14.8), AE (13.2), and ST (5.7) groups. Social function, mental health, fatigue, depression, and self-efficacy also improved. The beneficial effect on physical function of exercise alone and in combination with education persisted at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Progressive walking, simple strength training movements, and stretching activities improve functional status, key symptoms, and self-efficacy in women with fibromyalgia actively being treated with medication. The benefits of exercise are enhanced when combined with targeted self-management education. Our findings suggest that appropriate exercise and patient education be included in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
The Commitment Effect versus Information Effect of Disclosure—Evidence from Smaller Reporting Companies

ABSTRACT : We examine the commitment effect provided by mandatory disclosure and the information effect of voluntary disclosure on market illiquidity by exploring a regulatory change that allows smaller reporting companies to reduce the disclosure of certain information in their SEC filings. This regime change allows us to separate the commitment effect provided by mandatory disclosure from the information effect of voluntary disclosure. We find that firms that are eligible to reduce their disclosure, but voluntarily maintain their disclosure level, experience an increase in market illiquidity. We also find that the increase in illiquidity is more pronounced for firms with higher agency costs. These findings suggest that mandatory disclosure serves as a credible commitment mechanism and that losing such commitment by disclosure deregulation is costly in the absence of a loss of information. Our study suggests that while voluntary disclosure is effective in reducing information asymmetry, it cannot replace.
Serum concentration and kidney expression of salusin-α and salusin-β in rats with metabolic syndrome induced by fructose

Abstract Salusins expressed in a variety of tissues exert a hypotensive effect owing to their vasodilator action. They are found in serum and tissues in two different forms: salusin-α and salusin-β. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important public health problem characterized by diabetes, obesity, abnormal blood lipid levels and high blood pressure. We investigated how salusins in the circulation and in kidney tissues change in relation to MetS. Experiments were conducted on 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats assigned to either a control group or a MetS group. Controls were fed standard rat food and water ad libitum, while the MetS group was fed standard food with 10% fructose solution added to their drinking water for three months. After three months, all animals were sacrificed after a one night fast. Blood and tissues were collected and stored appropriately. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the Konelab 60 auto-analyzer. Salusin-α and salusin-β levels in the blood and kidneys were studied using the ELISA method. The salusin expression in the renal tissue was shown by immunohistochemical staining. Compared to the control group, the MetS group showed elevated uric acid and other lipid parameters for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum salusin-α and salusin-β levels were decreased; however, salusin levels/mg kidney tissue were elevated. Immunohistochemical analysis of salusins in kidney tissue revealed their presence in the epithelium cells of the glomeruli, and proximal and distal tubule cells. The expression of both peptides in renal tissues was greater in the MetS group than in the control group. We believe that salusins are critical mediators in the etiopathology of MetS. Altered salusin levels are thought to regulate hypertension, which is a component of MetS.
Preparing for the Next Generation at Manitoba Hydro

This paper presents the design and implementation of a computer-based instrument to virtually monitor the quality of voltage, current and power in electric power systems. The proposed instrument is capable of performing online measurement functions, including data acquisition, display, and analysis, as well as data archiving. The analysis of concurrent voltage and current waveforms is performed using the wavelet packet transform (WPT) technique to provide the value of power quality (PQ) indices. In particular, the instrument also enables the display of both the temporal and spectral relationship of the original waveforms. Results of actual data are reported to validate the performance of the developed instrument.
Graduated work incentives and how they affect marital stability: the Canadian evidence

This paper examines how NIT payments might destabilize marriages by enhancing the economic quality of alternatives to married life. Data from Canada's MINCOME experiment indicates that the various levels of GAI support did have a stabilizing influence on its participants' marriages. This suggests that the nature of a support programme may influence the stability of low-income households, thereby making a much needed dent in the cycle of marital dissolution.
The Aftermarket Pricing Performance of Initial Public Offers: Insights from India

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the underpricing of initial public offers (IPOs), which were announced by Indian firms for the period 2007 through 2009. It is motivated by the fact that a well-developed capital market is a function of economic growth and a reflection of the financial system. Thus, this study investigates aftermarket pricing performance of IPOs during the recent global financial crisis.Design/methodology/approach – This paper studies the underpricing of 133 IPOs in three groups, namely, house-full collections, short-run and long-run periods. To do so, it uses event study method to observe underpricing, which is examined in various window periods. Further, industry- and year-wise offers are analyzed and interpreted. Accordingly, hypotheses are being developed and tested through a static “analysis of variance”. Findings – The study explores that post-listing IPOs assure positive returns in the short run, but they tend to plunge and become negative in the long run. In particular, highest returns have been observed in the first week of post-listing.Research limitations/implications – Limitations include, the study does not compute market-adjusted returns to find abnormal performance of stocks, and does not apply regression statistic to examine the factors that affect underpricing.Practical implications – Eventually, conclusions are drawn from India – international results, and thus it would add some new insights on investor perspectives (e.g. price signalling) to the existing IPOs literature, especially from Asian markets context.Originality/value – This paper is an original research that examines the underpricing of Indian IPOs during the recent financial crisis, particularly in three groups: house-full collections, short-run and long-run periods.
Unemployment insurance and workers' mobility

This paper analyses the effects of unemployment insurance (UI) in a model with two sectors where one sector is more risky than the other, in the sense that the probability of becoming unemployed is higher. With risk-averse agents it is the case that, over a range of values of UI, increasing UI increases workers' mobility from the safe to the risky sector, thereby increasing both unemployment and income.
Tourism Image: Attribute Measurement of State Tourism Products Using Multidimensional Scaling Techniques

State tourism image is a complex combination of various products and associated attributes . Attribute identification, along with state tourism product position, was inves tigated using multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS). Two-dimensional analysis on image data collected for the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah revealed salient attributes together with state touristic product images. The MDS procedure allowed for subjective interpretation of data, resulting in marketing implications for redirecting state image and modifying promotional campaigns. It was suggested that MDS analysis provides for alternative assessments of state tourism image, but before product reposition ing efforts are undertaken , individuals possessing intimate familiarity with the destination area be consulted for assistance in data interpretation.
PROVIDING “BETTER” DATA Not as Simple as It Might Seem

Abstract The State of the Nation's Ecosystems project was created to provide a “just the facts” report on the status of U.S. ecosystems-intended to inform opinion leaders and policy makers in much the same way statistics on unemployment and inflation provide data for economic policy debates. This article provides insight into the process behind the report's creation, outlining the challenges and rewards that came with combining so many different (and often competing) perspectives.