Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of DEM Data to Landsat Image Classification: Evaluation in a Tropical Wet-Dry Landscape of Thailand

Integration of ancillary data in digital image classification has been shown to improve land-use/land-cover discrimination and classification accuracy. Studies demonstrating such techniques in the context of the tropical landscape are lacking. Cloud related problems limiting data acquisition during the crop season are frequently encountered in the humid tropics. Generally, cloud-free data are obtained during the dry season. The reason for carrying out this study was to explore and evaluate the use of ancillary data, such as elevation, in Landsat thematic mapper classification to produce a land-use/landcover map of the Sakae Krang watershed of Thailand. Altogether, 12 feature sets containing the TM original bands, ratios, normalized differential vegetation index, principal components, and a digital elevation model were tested using unsupervised ISODATA clustering. Incorporation of elevation data was found to improve land-cover discrimination with relatively higher classification accuracy (77.5 percent) compared to TM data alone (65.3 percent). Further improvement in the classification accuracy (84.3 percent) was obtained when using elevation data under a supervised technique. The study also indicated that the classification results can be further improved by incorporating other geomorphometric variables, such as slope and soil moisture regime.
ICT strategies of democratic intermediaries: A view on the political system in the digital age

A conceptual framework is proposed for discussing the ICT strategies of intermediaries and their effects on democratic intermediation. The main line of reasoning is that both ‘disintermediation’ and ‘re-intermediation’ have to be related to specific models of democracy and styles of citizenship. The linkage strategies of preference intermediaries, the supportive strategies of information intermediaries and the facilitative strategies of interaction intermediaries are discussed. The quality of democracy would be dependent on the interplay between different democratic practices, types of citizenship and intermediaries.
Agency Theory in Practice: A Qualitative Study of Hedge Fund Activism in Japan

We look at the reaction to hedge fund activism of managers and shareholders in Japanese firms and explore the implications of our findings for agency theory. We use a qualitative research design which treats the standard agency-theoretical model of the firm as only one possible approach to understanding corporate governance, to be tested through empirical research, rather than as an assumption built into the analysis. We find that Japanese managers do not generally regard themselves as the shareholders’ agents and that, conversely, shareholders in Japanese firms do not generally behave as principals. Our findings suggest that the standard principal-agent model may be a weak fit for firms in certain national contexts.
Efficacy of Wii-Fit on Static and Dynamic Balance in Community Dwelling Older Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Background/Objectives. Balance problems are well-established modifiable risk factors for falls, which are common in older adults. The objective of this study was to establish the efficacy of a Wii-Fit interactive video-game-led physical exercise program to improve balance in older Veterans. Methods. A prospective randomized controlled parallel-group trial was conducted at Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Thirty community dwelling Veterans aged 68 (±6.7) years were randomized to either the exercise or control groups. The exercise group performed Wii-Fit program while the control group performed a computer-based cognitive program for 45 minutes, three days per week for 8-weeks. The primary (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)) and secondary outcomes (fear of falling, physical activity enjoyment, and quality of life) were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Results. Of 30 randomized subjects, 27 completed all aspects of the study protocol. There were no study-related adverse events. Intent-to-treat analysis showed a significantly greater improvement in BBS in the exercise group (6.0; 95% CI, 5.1–6.9) compared to the control group (0.5; 95% CI, −0.3–1.3) at 8 weeks (average intergroup difference (95% CI), 5.5 (4.3–6.7), p < 0.001) after adjusting for baseline. Conclusion. This study establishes that the Wii-Fit exercise program is efficacious in improving balance in community dwelling older Veterans. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02190045.
Parallel processing in the brain's visual form system: an fMRI study

We here extend and complement our earlier time-based, magneto-encephalographic (MEG), study of the processing of forms by the visual brain (Shigihara and Zeki, 2013) with a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, in order to better localize the activity produced in early visual areas when subjects view simple geometric stimuli of increasing perceptual complexity (lines, angles, rhombuses) constituted from the same elements (lines). Our results show that all three categories of form activate all three visual areas with which we were principally concerned (V1–V3), with angles producing the strongest and rhombuses the weakest activity in all three. The difference between the activity produced by angles and rhombuses was significant, that between lines and rhombuses was trend significant while that between lines and angles was not. Taken together with our earlier MEG results, the present ones suggest that a parallel strategy is used in processing forms, in addition to the well-documented hierarchical strategy.
Stereo calibration method using mirrored images containing a camera

This paper proposes a stereo calibration method using mirrored images that contain a camera and measurement objects. In stereo methods, the measurement accuracy can be seriously affected by rotational errors in the calibration between cameras. Our method performs the calibration by using the geometrical relationship between a reference point on the camera and the reference point in its mirrored image. Compared to conventional stereo methods, this method greatly improves the accuracy of stereo measurements. Additionally, our method does not require a time-consuming setup, and it works in an environment where only a few feature points can be obtained. By performing experiments, we evaluate the measurement accuracy of our method and compare it with a conventional method.
Design and Synthesis of QPSK: A Subsystem Module of Digital Communication using Reversible Logic

In this paper we are implemented BPSK modulation technique, a subsystem module of digital communication using reversible logic. Later on we have implemented a QPSK modulation technique using reversible logic and The QPSK modulator unit will be modelled using HDL code and simulation will be done by ModelSim 6.0 simulator to verify their functionality in the system. The digital system of QPSK is designed using a reversible logic gates which yields in low power, less required area and less amount of delay. Reversible logic is mainly used to construct low power circuits and also used in quantum computing, optical computing and DNA computing to produce zero power dissipation. QPSK is widely used modulation technique in satellite radio applications.
Heritability of human cranial dimensions: comparing the evolvability of different cranial regions

Quantitative craniometrical traits have been successfully incorporated into population genetic methods to provide insight into human population structure. However, little is known about the degree of genetic and non‐genetic influences on the phenotypic expression of functionally based traits. Many studies have assessed the heritability of craniofacial traits, but complex patterns of correlation among traits have been disregarded. This is a pitfall as the human skull is strongly integrated. Here we reconsider the evolutionary potential of craniometric traits by assessing their heritability values as well as their patterns of genetic and phenotypic correlation using a large pedigree‐structured skull series from Hallstatt (Austria). The sample includes 355 complete adult skulls that have been analysed using 3D geometric morphometric techniques. Heritability estimates for 58 cranial linear distances were computed using maximum likelihood methods. These distances were assigned to the main functional and developmental regions of the skull. Results showed that the human skull has substantial amounts of genetic variation, and a t‐test showed that there are no statistically significant differences among the heritabilities of facial, neurocranial and basal dimensions. However, skull evolvability is limited by complex patterns of genetic correlation. Phenotypic and genetic patterns of correlation are consistent but do not support traditional hypotheses of integration of the human shape, showing that the classification between brachy‐ and dolicephalic skulls is not grounded on the genetic level. Here we support previous findings in the mouse cranium and provide empirical evidence that covariation between the maximum widths of the main developmental regions of the skull is the dominant factor of integration in the human skull.
Validation of Turandot, a fast processor model for microarchitecture exploration

We describe the results in validating the performance projections from a parameterized trace-driven simulation model of a speculative out-of-order superscalar processor which has been developed with the objective of acting as a microarchitecture exploration tool. Because of its objective, the model-called Turandot-has been designed to deliver much higher simulation speed than what is achieved from detailed (RTL) processor models. We summarize the validation methodology used, and present experimental data gathered in the calibration of one processor organization modeled with Turandot against a detailed reference model. The results indicate that, on the average for SPECint95 sampled traces, Turandot is within 5% of the results reported by the reference model while exhibiting a speed-up factor of about 70.
Early Delivery of Misfolded PrP from ER to Lysosomes by Autophagy

Prion diseases are linked to the accumulation of a misfolded isoform (PrPSc) of prion protein (PrP). Evidence suggests that lysosomes are degradation endpoints and sites of the accumulation of PrPSc. We questioned whether lysosomes participate in the early quality control of newly generated misfolded PrP. We found PrP carrying the disease-associated T182A mutation (Mut-PrP) was delivered to lysosomes in a Golgi-independent manner. Time-lapse live cell imaging revealed early formation and uptake of GFP-tagged Mut-PrP aggregates into LysoTracker labeled vesicles. Compared with Wt-PrP, Mut-PrP expression was associated with an elevation in several markers of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, and it extensively colocalized with the autophagosome-specific marker, LC3B. In autophagy deficient (ATG5−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, or in normal cells treated with the autophagy-inhibitor 3-MA, Mut-PrP colocalization with lysosomes was reduced to a similar extent. Additionally, 3-MA selectively impaired the degradation of insoluble Mut-PrP, resulting in an increase in protease-resistant PrP, whereas the induction of autophagy by rapamycin reduced it. These findings suggest that autophagy might function as a quality control mechanism to limit the accumulation of misfolded PrP that normally leads to the generation of PrPSc.
Constrained equational reasoning

We describe and give the foundation for constrained equational reasoning. Equational reasoning is based on replacement of equal by equal and these replacements use substitutions determined as solutions of equations. Constrained equational reasoning takes advantage from the information contained into the equation itself to develop equational reasoning, avoids instantiations as much as possible and solve constraints as late as possible. For theories like associativity-commutativity this can lead to a considerable reduction of the substitution computation overhead, bringing some problems, untractable in practice, to the realm of computational reality.
Genetic Diversity under Soil Compaction in Wheat: Root Number as a Promising Trait for Early Plant Vigor

Soil compaction of arable land, caused by heavy machinery constitutes a major threat to agricultural soils in industrialized countries. The degradation of soil structure due to compaction leads to decreased (macro-) porosity resulting in increased mechanical impedance, which adversely affects root growth and crop productivity. New crop cultivars, with root systems that are adapted to conditions of increased soil strength, are needed to overcome the limiting effects of soil compaction on plant growth. This study aimed (i) to quantify the genetic diversity of early root system development in wheat and to relate this to shoot development under different soil bulk densities and (ii) to test whether root numbers are suitable traits to assess the genotypic tolerance to soil compaction. Fourteen wheat genotypes were grown for 3 weeks in a growth chamber under low (1.3 g cm-3), moderate (1.45 g cm-3), and high soil bulk density (1.6 g cm-3). Using X-ray computed tomography root system development was quantified in weekly intervals, which was complemented by weekly measurements of plant height. The development of the root system, quantified via the number of axial and lateral roots was strongly correlated (0.78 < r < 0.88, p < 0.01) to the development of plant height. Furthermore, significant effects (p < 0.01) of the genotype on root system development and plant vigor traits were observed. Under moderate soil strength final axial and lateral root numbers were significantly correlated (0.57 < r < 0.84, p < 0.05) to shoot dry weight. Furthermore, broad-sense heritability of axial and lateral root number was higher than 50% and comparable to values calculated for shoot traits. Our results showed that there is genetic diversity in wheat with respect to root system responses to increased soil strength and that root numbers are suitable indicators to explain the responses and the tolerance to such conditions. Since root numbers are heritable and can be assessed at high throughput rates under laboratory and field conditions, root number is considered a promising trait for screening toward compaction tolerant varieties.
Q0045-3337: Models including strong lensing by a spiral galaxy

Aims. Falomo et al. (2005, A&A, 434, 469) discovered a disk-like galaxy at ∼1.2 arcsec from the QSO Q0045-3337 by means of ESO VLT adaptive optics. They estimated a galaxy Einstein radius (for a point mass) of comparable size, thus suggesting the existence of a new, rare, spiral lens candidate, despite no evident image splitting. We discuss the possible lensing effect of the galaxy in more detail. Methods. We performed two-dimensional surface photometry on the VLT image of the galaxy, confirming its spiral nature. We then verified if simple mass models, partially constrained by observational data, require unrealistic parameters to produce a still hidden second quasar image. We also evaluated the viability of an instrumental or a lensing origin of the observed QSO deformation. Results. After galaxy model subtraction, we found a residual image, which we consider unlikely to be related to gravitational lensing. Existing data are not sufficient to assess the presence of image splitting, nor to constrain the number of images or discriminate between galaxy mass models. Conclusions. Further observations are mandatory to progress in the study of this remarkable system, which could shed more light on the lensing behavior of spiral galaxies.
ENERGY EFFICIENT ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE USING 3 G NETWORK

An Energy Efficient Advanced Metering infrastructure (EEAMI) is proposed for meter data collection and energy management. The best solution for collecting data from electronic/digital energy meters, based on displacement of public, tends to be replaced by modern solutions: Automated Meter Reading (AMR). AMR means to automatic collection of data from meters and send them to a central station. An Energy efficient Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an AMR infrastructure with bidirectional meters. These meters are called smart meters they are connected to the gateway through power lines and gateway communicates to the central station which can be a computer. The central station communicates through GSM.
The Effects of Induced and Naturally Occurring Dysphoric Mood on Biases in Self-evaluation and Memory

Biases in self-evaluation and memory were compared across nondysphoric (ND), experimentally dysphoric (ED), and naturally dysphoric (DYS) subjects. First, subjects judged the self-descriptiveness of a series of negative and positive adjectives, and were then given an incidental memory test. Next, subjects performed an intentional memory task with negative and neutral materials. Across measures of endorsement, judgement latency, and memory, both ED and ND subjects showed positive biases, whereas DYS subjects exhibited ``even-handed’’ processing. These ® ndings suggest that dysphoric mood (at least of brief duration) cannot be solely responsible for the erosion of positive biases that appear to characterise depression.
Ingrid, Geraldine and Amidala – Competent Agents for Pen Gestures Interactivity

There are several factors that make delivering lessons on digital boards uptight. Among them, focus on the subject is lost to the time taken for tutors to acquaint with the technology infrastructure, and that students’ concentration on the tutor’s chain of thoughts are interrupted by watching them running up and down the length of the classroom hunting for the mouse (or keyboard) to perform commands to the UI. Based on intelligent agent interfaces, this paper presents an innovative way to ease the above drawbacks and assist tutors by proactively anticipating their commands, through ubiquitously analysing their ink-traces. The conceptual breakdown of ideas and our basic design principles of the generic interactivity framework are highlighted in detail with two application examples. We also show that it is advantageous to utilise goal-oriented agents in domains similar to eLearning, where handling digital ink is an important aspect.
Power distribution techniques for dual VDD circuits

Extensive research has proposed the use of multiple on-die power supplies (VDD) for reducing power consumption in CMOS circuits. We present a detailed study and design techniques for power delivery systems in dual VDD CMOS circuits. We first show that the total current to be delivered by the voltage supplies is significantly reduced (by 27%-46%) in dual VDD circuits. This current reduction prompts various design strategies that can be employed to design the power delivery system. We describe issues that arise at the system, board and package levels and propose a high-level model for the same. We then provide a new placement driven approach for designing on-die dual VDD power grids. Compared to already existing methods, the dual VDD grids generated by our approach reduce the worst case and average voltage drop by up to 12.3% and 6.8% respectively with no area overhead and sometimes improving wire congestion. We also show that dual VDD circuits can afford lower on-die decoupling capacitance budgets
Treatment of Danish Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse—A Cohort Study

Objective: To investigate the changes in psychological and social domains associated with treatment in survivors of child sexual abuse. Method: Participants from four centers were assessed at baseline and were followed up after six and 12 months. The battery covered posttraumatic and general distress symptoms, attachment, coping styles, self-worth, and social support. Results: The estimated prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was 78% at baseline; this rate declined to 40% after one year. There were no differences in outcome measures across the different centers or between the individual and group treatments. Half of the PTSD variation at 12 months was explained by four factors: education, avoidance attachment, emotional coping, and social support. Conclusion: The findings in this study indicated a substantial reduction in mental health problems in survivors following 12 months of treatment and identified personality and social factors important for recovery.
Bipartite output consensus of power integrator multi-agent systems with input noises

Underactuated and weakly coupled mechanical systems of power integrators is ubiquitous in physical implementations. Due to the presence of negative communication weights, whether bipartite output consensus can be reached remains unknown. Thus, it is of practical significance to investigate this issue. Furthermore, with input noises, an adaptive disturbance compensator, along with the technique of adding power integrators, is established for the complex multi-agent systems to improve the stability and robustness performance of the system.
Development economics : from the poverty to the wealth of nations

1. A Theoretical Framework for Economic Development 2. A Comparative Perspective on Developing Economies 3. Population Growth and the Constraint of Natural Resources 4. Breaking the Resource Constraint 5. Capital Accumulation in Economic Development 6. Patterns and Sources of Technological Progress 7. Income Distribution and Environmental Problems 8. Market and State 9. The Role of Community in Economic Modernization 10. Tradition and Modernization: A Concluding Remark
Live Database Migration for Elasticity in a Multitenant Database for Cloud Platforms

The growing popularity of cloud computing as a platform for deploying internet scale applications has seen a large number of web applications being deployed in the cloud. These applications (or tenants) are typically characterized by small data footprints, different schemas, and variable load patterns. Scalable multitenant database management systems (DBMS) running on a cluster of commodity servers are thus critical for a cloud service provider to support a large number of small applications. Multitenant DBMSs often collocate multiple tenants’ databases on a single server for effective resource sharing. Due to the variability in load, elastic load balancing of tenants’ data is critical for performance and cost minimization. On demand migration of tenants’ databases to distribute load on an elastic cluster of machines is a critical technology for elastic load balancing. Therefore, efficient live database migration techniques with minimal disruption and impact in service is paramount in such systems. Unfortunately, most popular DBMSs were not designed to be nimble enough for efficient migration, resulting in downtime and disruption in service when the live databases need migration. We focus on this problem of live database migration in a multitenant cloud DBMS. We evaluate different database multitenancy models in the context of migration and propose an efficient technique for live migration of a tenant’s database with minimal downtime and impact on performance. We implement the proposed migration technique in a database system designed for the cloud. Our evaluation using standard OLTP benchmarks shows that our proposed technique can migrate a live tenant database with as low as 70 ms service disruption; an order of magnitude improvement compared to known heavy weight techniques for migrating a database.