Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of urban sprawl using remote sensing technology in the rapid urbanized region, China

Analyzing spatio-temporal characteristics of land use is essential for understanding ecological consequences of urbanization. More importantly, such analyses can provide basic information for sustainable management of land resources. The East Pearl River Delta (EPRD) in southern China, which has experienced a rapid urbanization process from 1979 to 2005, was taken as a study region to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban land use. Land use map with all of its land uses classified into 4 types which was generated based on Landsat images, together with local basic land-use information layers, were used to study the region's urban land use pattern and intensity. This analysis showed that the urban land area and intensity within the region increased dramatically during the study period.
Multi-resolution, pattern-based segmentation of very large raster datasets

GIScience 2016 Short Paper Proceedings Multi-resolution, pattern-based segmentation of very large raster datasets J. Jasiewicz 1,2 , J. Niesterowicz 1 , T. F. Stepinski 1 Space Infromatics Lab, University of Cincinnati, 401 Braunstein Hall, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0131, US Email: {niestejk; stepintz}@mail.uc. edu Instititute of Geoecology and Geoinformation, Adam Mickiewicz University, Dziegielowa 27, Poznan, Poland Email: jarekj@amu.edu. pl Abstract We present an algorithm which efficiently segments very large categorical rasters based on patterns of their categories. It operates on a grid of motifels – square blocks of raster cells representing a local pattern. Our algorithm is based on the seeded region growing principle but it uses a novel grid topology and seeds stack with individual thresholds. It has a single free parameter – the spatial scale of a pattern. Algorithm was proven to be robust on land cover data, topographic landforms data, and high resolution color-quantized RGB images. We present a multi-scaled segmentation of NLCD2011 as an example. Potential applications of the new algorithm include ecology, geomorphology, pedology, forestry, agriculture, and urban studies. 1. Introduction Segmentation is the process of partitioning a raster dataset into multiple homogeneous segments. The goal of segmentation is to spatially generalize a raster so it provides more insight and is easier to analyze. The bulk of the existing work (Zhang et al. 2008) has focused on segmentation of images of relatively small scenes. However, segmentation of datasets that originated from remote sensing and cover large, continental or even global-scale areas, are also important, but existing segmentation algorithms are ineffective for such large datasets and the custom algorithms are lacking. Examples of such datasets are the National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD), which covers the conterminous US (CONUS) with the resolution of 30 m, or the SRTM-based DEM, which has a world-wide extent at 90 m resolution. Segmentation of NLCD could yield landscape types – precursors to ecoregions, and segmentation of world-wide DEM could delineate physiographic regions. In this paper we describe a segmentation algorithm especially designed for very large rasters. Specificities of such datastes are as follows. (1) They are the mosaics of multiple datasets, thus it is better to segment a secondary product of uniform quality (for example, a land cover) rather than a montage of primary data of variable quality (for example, a montage of Landsat scenes). (2) They are large; for example, the NLCD consists of ~8 billion cells and has the size of ~16 GB. (3) The goal of the segmentation is to identify regions characterized by patterns which are homogeneous on the scale that is large in comparison to the resolution of the raster, since the need for pattern-based segmentation. To deal with a large size of the input the proposed algorithm is based on the concept of Complex Object-Based Image Analysis (COBIA) (Vatsavai 2013, Stepinski et al. 2015). In COBIA the
Characterization of Minaçu virus (Reoviridae: Orbivirus) and pathological changes in experimentally infected newborn mice

Minaçu virus was isolated from Ochlerotatus scapularis (Diptera: Culicidae) in Minaçu, Goiás State, Brazil, in 1996. In attempting characterization of virus serological (hemagluttination inhibition, HI; indirect immunofluorescence assay, IFA), physicochemical [test for deoxycholate acid (DCA) sensitivity; polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)] tests and ultrastructural studies were made. Virus was also assayed in suckling mice after intracerebral inoculation of 0.02 ml and in VERO and C6/36 cells with 0.1 ml of viral suspension containing 105 LD50/ml. Inoculated and control systems were observed daily. Every 24 h, one control and two inoculated animals were killed for tissue testing, including histopathological changes by haematoxylin and eosin (HE)‐stained sections, which were semi‐quantified. Research into viral antigen in the tissues of mice [central nervous system (CNS), liver, heart, lungs, spleen and kidneys] was carried out by the immunohistochemical technique using the peroxidase system. The virus only replicated in VERO cells, with antigen positive by IFA. Positive complement fixation tests were only obtained using antiserum of Minaçu virus. Minaçu virus is DCA resistant; haemagglutinating activity was negative. By electronic microscopy non‐enveloped virus particles were 75 nm in diameter. PAGE analysis showed Minaçu virus genome profile with 10 RNA segments. Infected, non‐killed animals died 7 days after inoculation. Tissue lesions were observed in all organs, except the lungs. Intense lesions were observed in the CNS and the heart, where neurone and cardiocyte necroses, respectively, were noted. The liver, spleen and kidneys had moderate tissue changes. Viral antigens were more abundant in the CNS and the heart, and absent in the lungs. In conclusion, Minaçu virus belongs to the family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus.
An Investigation into Irish Internet Users' Perception regarding the Data Privacy Policies of Virtual Firms operating in Ireland

The growth of the Internet and database technologies have raised questions about the analysis storage and use of user’s inputted data. The growth in the use of virtual companies (i.e. a company that does not have a physical footprint and exists mainly online) have introduced new elements of trust and risk. The purpose of this research study was to understand Irish consumer attitude toward on-line personal information requests, comfort and willingness to disclose information, the attitude toward the storage of the information, and to establish consumer knowledge as to their rights in relation to information storage and distribution. The research was undertaken using a positivist, quantitative approach, using a questionnaire conducted face-to-face, in selected cities and towns of various sizes around the south-east of Ireland to ensure a varied demographic. The findings revealed that Internet usage is high, with over 80% of the respondents using the Internet daily or weekly. 67.7% of the respondents who used the Internet had shopped on the virtual sites featured in the study, Amazon, Ryanair and Ticketmaster. The length of time respondents had been using the Internet, and the frequency of their use had an impact on their comfort levels when asked for information not related to their transaction. The longer and more frequently the respondent had used the Internet, the less comfortable they were in disclosing this information. Comfort levels in disclosing information were also impacted by the type of information requested, some service quality dimensions of the website, presentation elements and the virtual firms’ reputation. Privacy policies had little impact on comfort levels when disclosing personal information, just 30.6% of respondents had read a privacy policy. Respondents who had read a privacy policy indicated they were not easy to read or understand, and they did not always read one before using a website. Comfort levels and the beliefs expressed about use of information by companies suggest there is a consistent lack of consumer knowledge about the storage and use of personal information once it is disclosed.
eview n vivo growth of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus ngineered nsp 2 deletion mutants ay

Prior studies on PRRSV strain VR-2332 non-structural protein 2 (nsp2) had shown that as much as 403 amino acids could be removed from the hypervariable region without losing virus viability in vitro. We utilized selected nsp2 deletion mutants to examine in vivo growth. Young swine (4 pigs/group; 5 control swine) were inoculated intramuscularly with one of 4 nsp2 deletion mutants (r 727–813, r 543–726, r 324–523, r 324–726) or full-length recombinant virus (rVR-2332). Serum samples were collected on various days post-inoculation and analyzed by HerdChek* ELISA, PRRSV real time RT-PCR, gamma interferon (IFN) ELISA, and nucleotide sequence analysis of the entire nsp2 coding region. Tracheobronchial lymph node weight compared to body weight was recorded for each animal and used as a clinical measurement of viral pathogenesis. Results showed that all deletion mutants grew less robustly than full-length recombinant virus, yet all but the large deletion virus (r 324–726) recovered to parental viral RNA levels by study end. Swine receiving the r 727–813 mutants had a significant decrease in lymph node enlargement compared to rVR-2332. While swine infection with rVR-2332 caused a rapid rise in serum IFNlevels, the IFNprotein produced by infection with 3 of the 4 deletion mutant viruses was significantly reduced, perhaps due to differences in viral growth kinetics. The r 543–726 nsp2 mutant virus, although growth impaired, mimicked rVR-2332 in inducing a host serum IFNresponse but exhibited a 2-week delay. Targeted sequencing showed that all deletions were stable in the region coding for nsp2 after one swine passage. The data suggested that the selected nsp2 deletion mutants were growth attenuated in swine, altered the induction of serum IFN, an innate cytokine of unknown function in PRRSV clearance, and pointed to a domain that may influence tracheobronchial lymph node size. Published by Elsevier B.V.
An efficient sparse 8 × 8 orthogonal transform matrix for colour image compression

This paper presents an efficient orthogonal sparse 8 × 8 transform matrix for colour image compression particularly at lower bit rate applications. The transform matrix implemented in Xilinx XC2VP30 FPGA device indicates that a significant saving in computation and hardware resources over Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Signed Discrete Cosine Transform (SDCT), approximate DCT and matrix proposed by Bouguezel. By using various natural test images, it is demonstrated that the subjective and objective qualities are comparable with the above–mentioned transforms at lower bit rates. Furthermore, it outperforms SDCT by a large margin almost at all bit rates for most of the images.
Corporate Social Responsibility And Financial Performance Relationship: The Case Of Turkey

Having an increased attention from researchers corporate social responsibility is the starting point of this study. There several studies in the literature regarding the linkage between CSR and firm performance, however this study examines the situation of a developing country; Turkey. The main aim of this study is to investigate corporate social performance and financial performance relationship with accounting based performance measures. The results seem to support CSR causes better financial performance.
Photodechlorination of 3,3′‐dichlorobenzidine in water

Laboratory experiments have been conducted to elucidate the photochemical behavior of 3,3′‐dichlorobenzidine (DCB) and its congeners in aquatic systems. Photodechlorination of DCB was observed in aqueous samples that were irradiated with monochromatic radiation from a variable‐wavelength laser at several wavelengths in the range 300 nm ≤ λ ≤ 360 nm. Analytical measurements performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry revealed that 3‐chlorobenzidine (MCB) was produced as a transient intermediate in the photodechlorination process, with subsequent photodechlorination to yield benzidine as a stable photoproduct. Data obtained from these measurements also suggest the existence of other (unidentified) reaction pathways and products. The time‐course measurements of chlorobenzidine congener concentrations and irradiance history were combined with a simple reaction model to develop estimates of reaction kinetics. Model predictions were consistent with results obtained for all wavelengths investigated.
Automatic Emotion Recognition from Speech Using Artificial Neural Networks with Gender-Dependent Databases

Automatic Emotion Recognition (AER) from speech is one of the most important sub domains in affective computing. We have created and analyzed two emotional speech databases from male and female speech. Instead of using the phonetic and prosodic features we have used the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) technique for feature vector creation. Artificial neural network is used for pattern classification and recognition. We obtained a recognition accuracy of 72.055% in case of male speech database and 65.5% recognition in case of female speech database. Malayalam (one of the South Indian languages) was chosen for the experiment. We have recognized the four emotions neutral, happy, sad and anger by using Discrete Wavelet Transforms (DWT) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the performance for the two databases are compared.
Fine structure of erythrocytes of the common bloodworm Glycera dibranchiata.

a) Harvesting of cells: The coelomic fluid containing the erythrocytes was collected by forcing the fluid to the cephalic portion, incising the body wall and draining the fluid from the worm. The resulting cellular suspension was then filtered through gauze or glass wool to remove filamentous, non-erythrocytic ele ments. b) Preparation of cells for electron microscopy: An aliquot of cell suspen sion was mixed with an equal volume of Karnovsky's (formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde) fixative (1965), diluted 1:1 with 0.1M cacodylate buffer at pH 7.4. The cell suspen sion was fixed for 4 hours at room temperature before washing in 0.1M sodium cacodylate at 4•‹ overnight. After each washing, the specimens were centrifuged. Post fixation was carried out in cold Palade's osmium-veronal solution (Palade 1952 and Caulfield 1956) for 2 hours after which the specimens were dehydrated in alcohol, placed in a 50% propylene oxide and Epon mixture for 2 hours, and em bedded in Epon 812. Blocks were cut with a diamond knife on an LKB-2 ultra microtome, stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and examined with an RCA EMU-3H electron microscope under a 50KV beam. Some cells were also incubated for 30 mins at 4•‹ with filtered India ink (Pelikan Spezialtusche c/1 1731a Gunther Wagner, Hannover, Germany) prior to fixation.
Development of a 3D Printed Coating Shell to Control the Drug Release of Encapsulated Immediate-Release Tablets

The use of 3D printing techniques to control drug release has flourished in the past decade, although there is no generic solution that can be applied to the full range of drugs or solid dosage forms. The present study provides a new concept, using the 3D printing technique to print a coating system in the form of shells with various designs to control/modify drug release in immediate-release tablets. A coating system of cellulose acetate in the form of an encapsulating shell was printed through extrusion-based 3D printing technology, where an immediate-release propranolol HCl tablet was placed inside to achieve a sustained drug release profile. The current work investigated the influence of shell composition by using different excipients and also by exploring the impact of shell size on the drug release from the encapsulated tablet. Three-dimensional printed shells with different ratios of rate-controlling polymer (cellulose acetate) and pore-forming agent (D-mannitol) showed the ability to control the amount and the rate of propranolol HCl release from the encapsulated tablet model. The shell-print approach also showed that space/gap available for drug dissolution between the shell wall and the enclosed tablet significantly influenced the release of propranolol HCl. The modified release profile of propranolol HCl achieved through enclosing the tablet in a 3D printed controlled-release shell followed Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics with non-Fickian diffusion. This approach could be utilized to tailor the release profile of a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class I drug tablet (characterized by high solubility and high permeability) to improve patient compliance and promote personalized medicine.
Sequence-to-Set Semantic Tagging for Complex Query Reformulation and Automated Text Categorization in Biomedical IR using Self-Attention

Novel contexts, comprising a set of terms referring to one or more concepts, may often arise in complex querying scenarios such as in evidence-based medicine (EBM) involving biomedical literature. These may not explicitly refer to entities or canonical concept forms occurring in a fact-based knowledge source, e.g. the UMLS ontology. Moreover, hidden associations between related concepts meaningful in the current context, may not exist within a single document, but across documents in the collection. Predicting semantic concept tags of documents can therefore serve to associate documents related in unseen contexts, or categorize them, in information filtering or retrieval scenarios. Thus, inspired by the success of sequence-to-sequence neural models, we develop a novel sequence-to-set framework with attention, for learning document representations in a unique unsupervised setting, using no human-annotated document labels or external knowledge resources and only corpus-derived term statistics to drive the training, that can effect term transfer within a corpus for semantically tagging a large collection of documents. Our sequence-to-set modeling approach to predict semantic tags, gives to the best of our knowledge, the state-of-the-art for both, an unsupervised query expansion (QE) task for the TREC CDS 2016 challenge dataset when evaluated on an Okapi BM25–based document retrieval system; and also over the MLTM system baseline baseline (Soleimani and Miller, 2016), for both supervised and semi-supervised multi-label prediction tasks on the del.icio. us and Ohsumed datasets. We make our code and data publicly available.
Online homology modelling as a means of bridging the sequence-structure gap

For even the best-studied species, there is a large gap in their representation in the protein databank (PDB) compared to within sequence databases. Typically, less than 2% of sequences are represented in the PDB. This is partly due to the considerable experimental challenge and manual inputs required to solve three dimensional structures by methods such as X-ray diffraction and multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in comparison to high-throughput sequencing. This gap is made even wider by the high level of redundancy within the PDB and under-representation of some protein categories such as membrane-associated proteins which comprise approximately 25% of proteins encoded in genomes. A traditional route to closing the sequence-structure gap is offered by homology modelling whereby the sequence of a target protein is modelled on a template represented in the PDB using in silico energy minimisation approaches. More recently, online homology servers have become available which automatically generate models from proffered sequences. However, many online servers give little indication of the structural plausibility of the generated model. In this paper, the online homology server Geno3D will be described. This server uses similar software to that used in modelling structures during structure determination and thus generates data allowing determination of the structural plausibility of models. For illustration, modelling of a chemotaxis protein (CheY) from Pseudomononas entomophila L48 (accession YP_609298) on a template (PDB id. 1mvo), the phosphorylation domain of an outer membrane protein PhoP from Bacillus subtilis, will be described.
The forgotten indian pioneers of fingerprint science

When Henry took up the study of fi ngerprints, Haque and Chandra Bose were already working in the Anthropometric Bureau. These two police personnel played a leading role in formulating the classification method. Our research proves that the classification formula was actually worked out by them, while Henry shrewdly gave his name to the system. According to Haylock 3 :
Supporting "Omoiyari": A Design issue in Post-Ubiquitous Society

This paper presents our ongoing research into design issues in post-ubiquitous society. The description begins at the introduction of Mori's taxonomy of ubiquitous, then proceeds to discussion of design issues of ubiquitous society and post-ubiquitous societies. In the post ubiquitous society, interweaving a work-driven approach in design with a technology-driven approach becomes a key issue. Scenario-based design might bridge the gap between the two approaches. Examination of design methods, including scenario-based design for ubiquitous applications, raises issues related to designed artifacts. As an example, design process of the Familyware project is presented. In that process, the support of "exformation" and especially "omoiyari" are brought forward as design issues in a post-ubiquitous society
Ethical Considerations of Teaching Spirituality in the Academy

Despite evidence in college students indicating a hunger for spiritual insight and spirituality’s application in health care, there continues to be guardedness within the academy towards inclusion of curricula that address spirituality. The purpose of this article is to examine the ethical considerations of teaching spirituality in the academy by describing current trends, issues relevant to nursing education and practice, legitimate concerns of the academy, and the importance of an ethical instructional response when teaching about spirituality. Data supporting the interest and desire by students to explore meaning and purpose in the context of spirituality will be presented. Challenges and barriers inherent in teaching this topic will be described, including the affective response, the lack of a universally accepted definition of spirituality, and spirituality’s relationship to religion. Pedagogical strategies consistent with an ethical instructional response will be discussed as the key to eliciting trust within the academy. A model of teaching spirituality and health will be offered to illustrate these possibilities.
Dielectrophoresis based focusing in microfluidic devices

This document presents the mathematical model of a microfluidic device employing dielectrophoresis for purposes of 3D-focusing. The electrode configuration consists of multiple interdigitated transducer electrodes on either side of the bottom surface of the microchannel. The model consists of three equations of motion, one for each direction, equation of electric potential and electric field, and Navier-Stokes equation for fluid flow. The model accounts for forces such as inertia, gravity, buoyancy, and dielectrophoresis. The model is used for analyzing the influence of operating and geometric parameters on focusing. It is observed that the electrode configuration can achieve 3D-focusing irrespective of the radius and initial location of the micro-scale entity, volumetric flow rate, and applied voltage.