Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polychaetes from Aysen Fjord, Chile: distribution, abundance and biogeographical comparison with the shallow soft-bottom polychaete fauna from Antarctica and the Magellan Province

This paper analyzes the composition, abundance and biogeographical relationship of the benthic polychaetes collected in three shallow subtidal locations (mouth of Cuervo and Condor rivers and Acantilada Bay) from Aysen Fjord, AF, Chile (45oS, 73oW), and provides a comparison with data on shallow soft-bottom polychaetes from Antarctica and other locations of the Magellan Province: Dalcahue Channel, DC (42o22´S, 73o39´W), Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi Channel, PC (44o43´S, 72o42´W) and Magellan Straits, MS. AF polychaete fauna comprises 38 species, the macrobenthic taxon being most representative in terms of abundance and species richness. The importance of polychaetes seems to be higher in fjords than in channels. Low numbers of common species were detected among DC, PC, MS and AF, indicating differences along the influence area of the Cape Horn Current or along the Magellan Province. The polychaetes from AF show low affinities with Antarctica; maximum number of common species was observed with the Antarctic Peninsula, whereas the lowest values were recorded from locations in the Ross and Weddell Seas. Coincidence in some ecological attributes between AF and Antarctica indicate that polychaetes may play an important and similar ecological role in both environments.
Automatic Measurement of Dimensions of 3D Foot Scan Data

Recent trend of user-customization of the foot wears draws attention to the importance of digitized foot measurement due to its accuracy and efficiency. Conventional methods of measuring the foot dimensions, however, are not attractive in a sense that they usually take a lot of time for manually determining the landmark feature points, and that they are too much dependent on the subjective opinion of examiners and thus not reproducible. Also in the way to measure the foot dimensions from 3D scan data of a foot, landmarks still need to be manually determined by human investigator before or after scanning. Moreover, definitions of the foot dimensions and the way to measuring them are so much different from researchers to researchers so that it may confuse examiners to perform their tasks. In this paper, to solve these problems, we are to summarize previous works in literature and to propose the standards for measuring foot size dimensions. Further, by employing the computational geometry algorithms that automatically localizes the landmark points we overcome the limitations of the manual localization. As a result, an algorithm that takes raw 3D scan data of subject’s foot and returns the locations of the landmark points and the virtually-measured foot dimensions. To examine our method, we tested 325 foot scan data that are randomly collected from our foot shape database. The algorithm aligned the data to have same position and orientation, and automatically found the landmark positions according to the geometric property. Then, the foot dimensions are measured by computing the lengths, circumferences, angles defined upon the landmarks. As a result we could find that those results are perfectly reproducible so that they are always the same for every trial. Further, we could also find that the algorithm localizes the landmark points consistently from model to model, and therefore it can be served as a standard foot measurement method. Moreover, since our method is fully automatic, it is needless to say that it took extremely short time and does not require any tiresome labor.
Long-distance attachments and implications for tourism development: the case of the Western Ukrainian diaspora

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the perspectives of roots tourism through the experiences of Western Ukrainian diaspora members. Their sense of attachment to the ancestral homeland and their visits to the places of origin are investigated, together with the views by tour operators specialized in roots tourism and public authorities dealing with tourism in the region, evaluating the actual or potential impact in terms of tourism development opportunities. The peculiar history of this territory makes it a distinct research target, with dynamics that are different from the rest of the country. The desire to turn Western Ukraine into a solid tourist destination and the aim of stimulating economic development in a region that is still struggling to re-emerge from its marginality are widespread and form a fertile basis for the growth of diaspora tourism as a solid asset. Lights and shadows emerge from the diaspora tourists’ experiences and perceptions. Specialized tour operators clearly see the enhancement of this form of tourism as an important business opportunity, while public authorities are not currently focusing on this segment, preferring general tourism promotion.
Proactive Detection of Insider Attacks

Insider attacks are a significant threat to IT infrastructures and are difficult to detect. The problem is exacerbated if the attacker explicitly tries to masquerade as a legitimate user and evade detection. In this paper, we describe a novel approach for detecting these attacks, where the intrusion detection system (IDS) proactively influences the user’s perception of the system. The IDS does so by switching among a set of situational contexts and observing the user’s reaction to these changes. This is done in a way that poses no significant problem to legitimate users, but creates difficulties for attackers that have learned the system in specific contexts, and therefore cannot improvise well enough to avoid being detected. We present a framework for a generic proactive IDS that shows promising experimental results, suggesting that this method can indeed be effective in detecting masquerade attacks in a variety of domains. We also present an implementation of this idea in a behavioral biometrics domain, where we show that making the IDS proactive enables detection of masquerades.
Sampling , Conditionalizing , Counting , Merging , Searching Regular

We present a sampling algorithm for a regular vine on n variables which starts at an arbitrary variable. A sampling order whose nested conditional probabilities can be written as products of (conditional) copulas in the vine and univariate margins is said to be implied by the regular vine. We show that there are 2n−1 implied sampling orders for any regular vine on n variables. We show that two regular vines on n and m distinct variables can be merged in 2n+m−2 ways. This greatly simplifies the proof of the number of regular vines on n variables. A notion of sampling proximity based on numbers of shared implied sampling orders is introduced, and we use this notion to define a heuristic for searching vine space that avoids proximate vines.
THE IMPACT OF FRESH SAWDUST AND DRY PIG MANURE PRODUCED ON SAWDUST BEDDING APPLICATION ON THE NUTRIENTS MOBILITY IN SOIL AND SUGAR BEET YIELD

The objective of the pot trial carried out at the area of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra was to determine the impact of dry pig manure produced on the sawdust bedding and sawdust litter on the level of nutrients’ mobility in the soil and sugar beet yield. The achieved results showed that one month after the sawdust and manure application to the soil, the contents of mobile nutrients (N an , P, K, Ca, Mg) in soil were lower than in the control unfertilized treatment. The sawdust litter immobilized nutrients more considerably than manure. Four months after the manure application into soil, its immobilization effect was not evident. On the contrary, the manure increased the mobile nutrients content in soil. In the second year of experiment the immobilization effect of sawdust litter was proved even four months after its application into soil. The application of manure increased considerably the beet root yield. The maximum root yield was determined in the treatment where the highest dose of manure was applied. The minimum root yield was detected in the treatment where the highest dose of sawdust litter was applied.
Optical Fiber Lightening for Fluorescence Signal Detection with Thermal Stability in Dentistry

Dental caries diagnosis system has been made with a fiber lighting, camera module and band pass filter. By simply aligning a 405 nm LED (Light Emitting diode) chips directly connected polymer fibers, a compact lighting for dental fluorescence imaging could be implemented. Special designed fiber holder with proper hole diameter was fabricated to directly connect polymer fibers with 1 mm fiber diameter and increased coupling efficiency between fibers and LEDs. Fibers connected to fiber holder were polished by polishing machine to reduce insertion loss of the fiber. Experimentally, an optical insertion loss of the fiber bundle of up to 0.8 dB was achieved. Further, LED array module was packaged with equally spaced LED chips with fiber holder on metal. Fiber lightening was fabricated with directly coupled between LED array module and fiber bundle by UV epoxy without focusing lens in order to lower the lightening temperature of intraoral camera in the human mouth. The measured temperature of fabricated fiber lightening was about 25 degree celcius. To achieve a fluorescence image and dental caries diagnosis, the proper optical filter, camera module, 405 nm fiber bundle lighting and software were investigated. The performance of the fluorescence intraoral camera with fiber lightening is confirmed by fluorescence image of human tooth.
Comparing Sequential Steps For Detection Of Circulating Tumor Cells : More Specific Or Just Less Sensitive ?

Background: We compared two surface epithelial antigen (EpCAM)-based approaches for the detection of breast cancer cells present in the circulation. Methods: Blood from 20 breast cancer patients was drawn into standard blood collection tubes (SBCT) and of 7 of these additionally into CellSave tubes. After erythrocyte lysis of the samples from both systems, cells were stained with FITC-anti-EpCAM and propidium iodide, quantified with an automated microscope and intact cells counted. Results: EpCAM-positive events from 1ml of blood ranged between 2051 and 28875/ml and from SBCT (MAINTRAC approach) as compared to between 97 and 2343/ml from the CellSave tubes, indicating a more than 10-fold reduction in EpCAM accessibility by the preservative. Duplicate cell preparations showed a high correlation of R=0.89 (MAINTRAC) from SBCT vs. a moderate correlation of R=0.81 from CellSave tubes, but a good correlation (R=0.91) between the events detected from both systems. Between 1/2 and 1/5 of the positive events were viable cells in the MAINTRAC approach with unequivocal morphology, and a good (R=0.89) correlation to total events; by contrast, 1/10 to less than 1/100 of the events in the CellSave tubes were perhaps cells with equivocal morphology no correlation to total events most positive events being non-recognizable cells. Still 30 to 100-fold more cells were recovered than with the CellTrack Analyzer. Conclusions: The approach without fixative detects considerably more EpCAM-positive events with good cell morphology as compared to the CellSave fixation where cell morphology is poor. Magnetic bead enrichment further reduces the number of retrieved cells.
Avifaunal Use of Wooded Streets in an Urban Landscape

Abstract: Birds in urban landscapes primarily occupy parks ( forest fragments), wooded streets ( linear strips connecting fragments), or the urban matrix. I studied the effects of street location in the landscape, vegetation structure, and human disturbance ( pedestrian and automobile load) within wooded streets on bird species richness, temporal persistence, and density of feeding and nesting guilds, and on the probability of street occupation by individual species in Madrid during two consecutive breeding seasons. The number of species recorded increased from the least suitable (control streets without vegetation) to the most suitable habitats (urban parks), with wooded streets being intermediate landscape elements. Fourteen species, belonging to four of the eight guilds identified in this system, were recorded in wooded streets in both years. Streets that connected urban parks, along with vegetation structure, positively influenced the number of species within wooded streets, species persistence, guild density, and probability of occupation of streets by individual species. Human disturbance exerted a negative influence on the same variables. Wooded streets potentially could function as corridors, allowing certain species—particularly those feeding on the ground and breeding in trees or tree holes—to fare well by supporting alternative habitat for feeding and nesting. Local improvements in corridor quality, through increased vegetation complexity and reduced human disturbance, could exert a positive influence on the regional connectivity of the system. Because of differential use of corridors by species with different habitat requirements, however, corridor implementation should also take into account the target species of management.
Influence of Screw Speed on Texture, Colour and Microstructure of String Cheese

An understanding of factors that affect cheese microstructure is important, as this microstructure influences cheese physical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of screw speed on texture, colour, fat particle size and microstructure of cheese samples during the manufacture of string cheese. Moisture, protein and fat decreased and pH value increased after curds were stretched. The SS40 samples had consistently highest hardness, cohesiveness gumminess, chewiness and resilience values. The fat particle size of string cheese was significantly influenced by the screw speed. Stretched cheeses showed lower L*, a*, b* and C values than control cheese. Scanning electron microscopy of string cheese indicated that cheese microstructure changed from amorphous three-dimensional structure into a near-linear parallel fibrous structure after stretching. Results from this study indicate that the stretching treatment does decrease expressible serum and results in a more firmer protein matrix.
A novel printed multiband low cost antenna for WLAN and WiMAX applications

In this paper, a star-shaped microstrip patch antenna with modified ground structure consisting of an F-shaped slot printed in the ground is presented. The purpose of this design is to achieve and validate this microstrip multiband antenna. The entire area of the proposed antenna is 50x50mm and is printed on an FR-4 substrate and fed by a 50 Ohm microstrip line. This antenna has been analyzed and simulated for the WLAN and WiMAX applications. Simulation results show that the antenna has a good matching input impedance bandwidths for, S11<=-10 dB, covering the WLAN at 2.4/5.2 GHz and WiMAX at 3.5 GHz. Simulation has been done by using three different electromagnetic solvers for comparison CST-MW, Ansoft’s HFSS and ADS. After the realization, we have tested and validated this antenna. The measurement results of the antenna present a good agreement with the numerical results.
Analysis determinants of social media acceptance in higher educational institution of Pakistan

Seen through the lens of the education sector social media grew a ital source of academic learning. The learning through social media occurs mainly through the collaborative approach to information sharing, where the web-based social networking sites provide the optimal platform for knowledge enhancing among colleagues, co-workers, and others. Developed economies have already recognized the significant value of learning through social media. However, developing economies such as Pakistan did not yet interpret future implications and real benefits of social aided learning. This research focuses on determining significant factors through an integrated framework that features broadly recognized technology models such as technology acceptance model (TAM) and innovation diffusion theory (IDT). The subjects of framework tested were students in higher education institutions that use social media, and the sample size was 350 students. Data analysis results, reached via SPSS software, were substantially in fever of extended model. Results reached through this study, in terms of factors with a significant influence on social media acceptance rate in Pakistani higher education institutions, are particularly crucial for students in the filed of education, located in developing countries. This should assist the increasing acceptance and use of technological solutions, benefiting both faculty and students.
Hypersonic Glider Autopilot Using Adaptive Higher Order Sliding Mode Control with Impulsive Actions

Hypersonic glider designs often exhibit limited control authority and poor transversal stability. Furthermore, the methods used for aerodynamic performance estimation at high flight altitudes and hypersonic speeds are inevitably inaccurate and uncertain. Hypersonic Glider performance could be severely degraded by using traditional control and autopilot techniques that rely on an accurate knowledge of the aerodynamic coefficients. A new autopilot and control approach, presented in this paper, is based on recently developed special Higher Order Sliding Mode Control (HOSMC) algorithms that are mostly based on relative degrees but not on the glider’s mathematical model. Specifically, this autopilot and control approach includes robust continuous aerodynamic control augmented by impulsive reaction control thrusters. Control gain-adaptation allows addressing the vehicle bounded uncertainties and perturbations without overestimating the control gains. The impulsive augmentation of the continuous Higher Order Sliding Mode control provides almost instantaneous convergence thereby mitigating the risk of control loss caused by sideslip angle departures due to poor transversal stability and small lateral control authority. While Higher Order Sliding Mode control algorithms are inherently insensitive to the matched uncertainties and disturbances, the observers embedded in the Continuous Higher Order Sliding Mode Control algorithms reduce the time response of the control compensation. Simulation of a representative hypersonic glider executing normal and bank-to-turn maneuvers and controlled by the studied algorithms demonstrate excellent performance in the presence of significant model uncertainties and perturbations.
Computerized Scheme for Automated Adjustment of Display Conditions in Brain Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Images and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Maps with Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke

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Title Quantification of the Feedback between Phytoplankton and ENSO in the Community Climate System Model Permalink

The current coarse-resolution version of the Community Climate System Model is used to assess the impact of phytoplankton on El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The experimental setup allows for the separation of the effects of climatological annual cycle of chlorophyll distribution from its interannually varying part. The main finding is that the chlorophyll production by phytoplankton is important beyond modifying the mean and seasonal cycle of shortwave absorption; interannual modifications to the absorption have an impact as well, and they dampen ENSO variability by 9%. The magnitude of damping is the same in the experiment with smaller-than-observed, and in the experiment with larger-than-observed, chlorophyll distribution. This result suggests that to accurately represent ENSO in GCMs, it is not sufficient to use a prescribed chlorophyll climatology. Instead, some form of an ecosystem model will be necessary to capture the effects of phytoplankton coupling and feedback.
A Generalized Dynamic Conditional Correlation Model: Simulation and Application to Many Assets

In this article, we put forward a generalization of the Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC) Model of Engle (2002). Our model allows for asset-specific correlation sensitivities, which is useful in particular if one aims to summarize a large number of asset returns. We propose two estimation methods, one based on a full likelihood maximization, the other on individual correlation estimates. The resultant generalized DCC (GDCC) model is considered for daily data on 39 U.K. stock returns in the FTSE. We find convincing evidence that the GDCC model improves on the DCC model and also on the CCC model of Bollerslev (1990).
An Empirical Study of Problems in Implementation of Electronic Commerce in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This research paper has examined the statistical significance of various problems in implementation of e-commerce solution in business organizations in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) has witnessed substantial progress in the field of ICT related infrastructural development in the first decade of 21 st century. However, despite these positive developments and abundant resources, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in particular and GCC member countries in general have not been able to catch up with the pace of digital development in the rest of the world. The research paper attempts to identify the problems in implementing e-commerce in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This research paper on the basis of analysis of data through hierarchical multiple regression modeling and multiple response analysis of the data has identified statistically significant problems in implementation of e-commerce in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and outlined key policy options that this country as well as other GCC nations can consider in formulation of policies to stimulate, support and maximize the effect e-commerce has on their economies.
Diurnal and nocturnal behaviour of ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca at Lac des Oiseaux, northeast Algeria

Aims: There have been few studies on the behaviour and ecological requirements of the ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca in the Mediterranean region. In order to fill this gap, the diurnal activities of the species were monitored over a period of four years. In addition, data were collected on its nocturnal behaviour during the wintering season 1999-2000. Location: Lac des Oiseaux, northeast Algeria. Results and Discussion: Results indicated sleeping as the main diurnal activity whereas feeding dominated during the night. Diurnal feeding, peaking at the start of the wintering period, exhibited a marked seasonal decline, mirrored by an increase in sleeping and swimming. Nocturnal feeding and sleeping were inversely correlated and they displayed, respectively, a progressive increase and decrease between October and March. Feeding peaked in the middle of the night when sleeping reached its lowest values. Flight was most prominent around dawn.