Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BUILDING BOUNDARY EXTRACTION FROM LIDAR DATA USING A LOCAL ESTIMATED PARAMETER FOR ALPHA SHAPE ALGORITHM

Abstract. The α-shape algorithm is a very common option to extract building boundaries from LiDAR data. This algorithm is normally executed in 2D space considering a parameter α as a binary classifier which controls the distinctiveness of points whether or not they belong to the object boundary. For point cloud data, this parameter is directly related to the local point density and the level of detail of building boundaries. Studies that have explored this concept usually consider a unique parameter α to extract all buildings in the dataset. However, the point density can have a considerable variation along the point cloud and, in this case, the use a global parameter may not be the best choice. Alternatively, this paper proposes a data-driven method that estimates a local parameter for each building. The method evaluation considered six test areas with different levels of complexity, selected from a LiDAR dataset acquired over the city of Presidente Prudente/Brazil. From the qualitative and quantitative analysis, it could be seen that the proposed method generated better results than when a global parameter is used. The proposed method was also able to withstand density variation among the LiDAR data, having a positional accuracy around 0.22 m, against 0.40 m of global parameter.
LncRNAs: The Ideal Composer of the Melody for Life

Long noncoding RNAs (lncNRAs), as major transcripts from the genome, are becoming indispensable keys to invisible doors linking to a new horizon, prompting a shift in the previous thoughts that lncRNAs are the transcriptional noises and by-products. The most puzzling fact, however, is that in spite of their pervasive regulation of many biological processes and diverse human diseases, their exact functions are still unclear. Here we review the regulations by lncRNAs at different levels, revealing some insights upon the molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of related diseases.
RECTIFIER TRANSFORMERS IN ELECTRIC TRACTION SUBSTATIONS - DIFFERENT DESIGNS

Abstract Electric traction in Poland is supplied with dc voltage which is obtained from the power grid via traction substations equipped with transformers and rectifiers. The paper gives the results of the investigation of different designs of these transformer‐rectfier sets ‐ namely, 12‐ and 24‐pulse systems. The comparison of electrical quantities such as ripple content, harmonic content of supply current and output voltage and utilisation of transformer secondary windings is provided.
Genetic diversity in two variants of Orobanche gracilis Sm. [var. gracilis and var. deludens (Beck) A. Pujadas] (Orobanchaceae) from different regions of Spain

The pattern of genetic variation among populations of two Orobanche gracilis Sm. taxa (var. gracilis and var. deludens (Beck) A. Pujadas) from Northern and Southern Spain growing on different hosts was analysed using RAPD markers. The diversity analysis within populations revealed a higher level of diversity in the populations from the North when compared to the Southern ones. The results of principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) based on Dice distances among samples clearly established the separation of samples according to the taxonomical variety and the geographical origin of each population. The Southern populations of both var. gracilis and var. deludens were more differentiated among them than those of var. gracilis from the North. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the lowest level of population differentiation was found in O. gracilis var. gracilis from the North, whereas in the case of O. gracilis var. deludens from the South most of the genetic diversity was attributable to differences among populations. Possible explanations for the distribution of variation in these populations are discussed.
The effect of organizational culture on deviant behaviors in the workplace

Abstract This study investigated the impact of organizational culture (OC) on deviant behaviors in the workplace (workplace deviant behaviors: WDB). We tested the hypothesis that different types of OC (according to the Competing Values Framework model) had an impact on WDB, in addition to the effect of Big Five personality traits. Survey research was undertaken with 954 employees of 30 enterprises in the public and private field, using a hierarchical model approach (HLM) to test the effects of four types of OC (Clan; Adhocracy; Market, Hierarchy) on WDB, over and above the effect of Five Personality traits. The HLM results partially supported our hypotheses, showing that the OC had a significant effect on WDB, with the adhocracy and clan cultures characterized by lower levels of WDB. Managerial implications about the importance of managing the OC are discussed.
An Invariant May Drive the Decision to Encroach at Unsignalized Intersections

This paper introduces a novel approach to understanding when and where drivers make the Go / No Go decision (not) to turn left and encroach upon an approaching car that has the right-of-way in an unsignalized intersection. The source of data is approximately 2,400 hours of video recordings at two intersections near Goteborg, Sweden. Automated image processing software extracted the trajectories of the pairs of cars involved in more than 14,000 left turns across traffic at the first intersection and 2,400 at the second. We subdivided the data into four different left-turn scenarios - where the approaching car arrives from the opposite direction, from the lateral direction, from the intended direction (merging), and while making its own left turn. For each scenario, we found the distances between the turning car and the approaching car at the time when we can assume the decision (not) to turn is made and conducted logistic regressions to identify the distances associated with the 50/50 acceptance probabilities for the decision (not) to turn. We also calculated the resulting encroachment distances (‘trailing buffers’) for every decision to turn. We expected to find wide variability in these buffers. Instead, we observed separations that were virtually the same across scenarios at each intersection but differed across intersections. Tacit, intersection-dependent knowledge of this invariant may drive the decision of whether or not to turn and encroach. We discuss the implications this finding has for the design of in-vehicle active safety systems.
Do IPO Charters Maximize Firm Value? Antitakeover Protection in Ipos

This article focuses on the widely held views that antitakeover charter and bylaw provisions (ATPs) increase agency costs, thereby reducing firm value, but that firms going public minimize agency costs, thereby maximizing firm value. We show that these views cannot comfortably coexist: ATPs are common in a sample of IPO-stage charters and are no less common when the firm is backed by venture capitalists or leveraged buyout funds. Moreover, ATP use is not explained by two efficiency explanations of ATP use with theoretical support--target firms' need for bargaining power when a bid is made and the threat of managerial myopia. Rather, we find evidence that antitakeover protection is used to protect management when takeovers are most likely and management performance most transparent. We find no evidence, however, that ATPs are explained by managers' desire to protect unusually high private benefits. Copyright 2001 by Oxford University Press.
Risk News Shocks and the Business Cycle

We identify a 'risk news' shock in a vector autoregression (VAR), modifying Barsky and Sims’s procedure, while incorporating sign restrictions to simultaneously identify monetary policy, technology and demand shocks. The VAR-identifed risk news shock is estimated to account for around 2%-12% of business cycle fluctuations depending on which risk proxy we use; regardless, contemporaneous risk and risk news shocks together account for about 20%. This is substantially lower than the 60% reported in Christiano, Motto, and Rostagno’s full-information exercise. We fit a DSGE model with financial frictions to these impulse responses and find that, in order to match the fall in consumption recorded by the VAR, we have to allow for 75% of consumers to be living hand-to-mouth.
Polarized 129Xe optical pumping/spin exchange and delivery system for magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging studies

We describe the design and construction of a laser-polarized 129Xe production and delivery system that is used in our in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments. The entire apparatus including lasers and optics, rapidly actuated valves, heating and cooling, and transport tubing lies in the high magnetic field environment of a 2 T MRI magnet. With approximately 7.5% 129Xe polarization, 157 cc atm of xenon gas is produced and stored as xenon ice every 5 min. Large quantities of polarized 129Xe can be obtained by cycling this process. The xenon is subsequently delivered in a controlled fashion to a sample or subject. With this device we have established the feasibility of using laser-polarized 129Xe as a magnetic tracer in MRI. This reliable, effective, and relatively simple production method for large volumes of 129Xe can be applied to other areas of research involving the use of laser-polarized noble gases.
Eddy-covariance data with low signal-to-noise ratio: time-lag determination, uncertainties and limit of detection

Abstract. All eddy-covariance flux measurements are associated with random uncertainties which are a combination of sampling error due to natural variability in turbulence and sensor noise. The former is the principal error for systems where the signal-to-noise ratio of the analyser is high, as is usually the case when measuring fluxes of heat, CO2 or H2O. Where signal is limited, which is often the case for measurements of other trace gases and aerosols, instrument uncertainties dominate. Here, we are applying a consistent approach based on auto- and cross-covariance functions to quantify the total random flux error and the random error due to instrument noise separately. As with previous approaches, the random error quantification assumes that the time lag between wind and concentration measurement is known. However, if combined with commonly used automated methods that identify the individual time lag by looking for the maximum in the cross-covariance function of the two entities, analyser noise additionally leads to a systematic bias in the fluxes. Combining data sets from several analysers and using simulations, we show that the method of time-lag determination becomes increasingly important as the magnitude of the instrument error approaches that of the sampling error. The flux bias can be particularly significant for disjunct data, whereas using a prescribed time lag eliminates these effects (provided the time lag does not fluctuate unduly over time). We also demonstrate that when sampling at higher elevations, where low frequency turbulence dominates and covariance peaks are broader, both the probability and magnitude of bias are magnified. We show that the statistical significance of noisy flux data can be increased (limit of detection can be decreased) by appropriate averaging of individual fluxes, but only if systematic biases are avoided by using a prescribed time lag. Finally, we make recommendations for the analysis and reporting of data with low signal-to-noise and their associated errors.
Essential sesquiterpene oil(s) in Khus-Khus (Vetiveria zizanoides Nash.) on roots diameter circumference positions for commercial usage

The culturing Khus in controled glasshouse condition in sand cultures for maximum essential monoterpene oil(s) was found (0.21%) in young developed middle position circumferences of roots. At middle position of leaf, net photosynthetic and contents of chlorophyll were affected. The maximum peroxidase activity was obtained at middle position of leaf and roots circumferances area, with the maximum production of biomolecule of khusimol and khusinol at 250 mg Zn/L. The maximum of monoterpene oil(s) (0.21%) was also found at middle position of developed roots. However, the relative contents of khusimol and Khusinol, which varied at different circumferanceal area of positions. As a result of different root developmental positions, the contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were smaller in quantity in Vetiver. Their maximum contents were observed at middle positions of developed root‘s. Thus, the value addition of essential monoterpene oil(s) seems for commercial exploitation at large scales to be for the collection of developed roots position at middle levels (roots area of 5th positions developments) for better quality of total essential oil of Khus. Key words: Chlorophyll, dry mass, leaf area, net photosynthetic rate, plant height, saccharides, Zn.
Continued Deficits of the Perceived Harms of Cigarette Smoking Among Young Adults: Insights from Participants on Amazon Mechanical Turk

Young adults are an age group that has been the target of multiple education campaigns regarding the harms of cigarette smoke exposure. Although smoking rates of conventional cigarettes have declined in the US, continued usage is noted among a select subset of the population aged 18 –30 years. This group either serves as current or soon-to-be future caretakers of young children who will likely spend a significant amount of time exposed to their cigarette byproducts. Understanding their current knowledge base of the dangers of secondhand smoke and the means to address these risks are of major importance for the welfare of young children. We had utilized a brief and limited sample size survey to explore the utility of using an online task marketplace on Amazon.com® to assess secondhand smoking beliefs and financial incentives among young adults. The pilot study had a particular focus on the perception and means to minimize smoke exposure among children residing with young adults serving as their primary caretaker or fellow home residents.
LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STOCK MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTH ASIA: PANEL DATA & ARDL MODEL ESTIMATIONS

This paper aims to explore the contribution of stock market development towards economic growth in case of four South Asian economies, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the period 1990 to 2011. Using panel data to determine the long run (LR) as well as the short run (SR) relationship, we constructed an index by combining the components of stock market development by using the method of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Our results suggest that stock market development leads to economic growth in the LR as well as in the SR and 88% percent disequilibrium is corrected within one year and the LR equilibrium is achievable in almost one year.
Export Requirements and Special Features of Inward Foreign Direct Investment in China

The paper investigates the relationship between the policy of export requirements and special features of China's inward foreign direct investment (FDI), and examines how trade-related investment measures affect the investment decisions of multinational firms. A theoretical model is constructed that allows us to analyse how location advantages affect the equilibrium regime under which multinational firms and government policy toward FDI co-exist endogenously. The model also exam the welfare effects of export requirements policy by comparing with an alternative policy - production tax. The findings from this study accord well with the evidence regarding China's inward FDI. The main results indicate that the policy of export requirements is sub-optimal.
Modeling implications of food resource aggregation on animal migration phenology

The distribution of poikilotherms is determined by the thermal structure of the marine environment that they are exposed to. Recent research has indicated that changes in migration phenology of beluga whales in the Arctic are triggered by changes in the thermal structure of the marine environment in their summering area. If sea temperatures reflect the spatial distribution of food resources, then changes in the thermal regime will affect how homogeneous or clumped food is distributed. We explore, by individual-based modelling, the hypothesis that changes in migration phenology are not necessarily or exclusively triggered by changes in food abundance, but also by changes in the spatial aggregation of food. We found that the level of food aggregation can significantly affect the relationship between the timing of the start of migration to the winter grounds and the total prey capture of individuals. Our approach strongly indicates that changes in the spatial distribution of food resources should be considered for understanding and quantitatively predicting changes in the phenology of animal migration.
Predicting the permeability function for unsaturated soils using the soil-water characteristic curve

The coefficient of permeability for an unsaturated soil is primarily determined by the pore-size distribution of the soil and can be predicted from the soil-water characteristic curve. A general equation, which describes the soil-water characteristic curve over the entire suction range (i.e., from 0 to 106 kPa), was proposed by the first two authors in another paper. This equation is used to predict the coefficient of permeability for unsaturated soils. By using this equation, an evaluation of the residual water content is no longer required in the prediction of the coefficient of permeability. The proposed permeability function is an integration form of the suction versus water content relationship. The proposed equation has been best fit with example data from the literature where both the soil-water characteristic curve and the coefficient of permeability were measured. The fit between the data and the theory was excellent. It was found that the integration can be done from zero water content to the sa.
Characterization of the seed reserves in Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) and ultrastructural aspects of their use at germination

Abstract The nature and the use of the reserves accumulated in the seed of Tillandsia, a markedly epiphyte genus, are especially important in consideration of the subsequent seedling development. As a matter of fact, the embryo radicle degenerates precociously without emerging at the germination and the sole function of the root system is that of anchoring to the substratum. The present cytochemical and ultrastructural study carried out on mature seeds has highlighted the presence of proteins and lipids, in both the endosperm and in the cotyledon, which are both well–developed; in addition, the endosperm contains starch and calcium oxalate. At germination the reserves, broken–down by enzymes, are absorbed by the cotyledon in whose epidermis ultrastructural modifications, correlated with this austorial function, appear. A part of the nutrients absorbed is initially stored in the large vacuoles, of aleuronic origin, of the cotyledon parenchyma. The result is a water uptake. It is in this manner that the water and necessary nutrient needs of the seedling are satisfied during early development.
I-V performance characterisation of perovskite solar cells

Interlaboratory comparisons of I-V performance measurements of perovskite solar cells have highlighted a clear need for development in application of measurement routines to deliver repeatable and comparable results. This work investigates the impact of applied measurement methodologies and conditions on I-V performance. Dependencies on light soaking, temperature effects and I-V curve trace speed are investigated. Furthermore, the problems faced with tracking the maximum power point are detailed. Measurement results on slow responding perovskite solar cells highlight the problems when tracing the I-V curve and show that maximum power point trackers can easily fail to track the real maximum output. Best practice advice is given with the aim to achieve realistic and reproducible characterisation results that are comparable among laboratories.
Taxonomy of the poorly known Quedius mutilatus group of wingless montane species from Middle Asia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini)

The Quedius mutilatus group, a very poorly known presumably monophyletic complex of wingless, possibly hypogean species confined to the Tien-Shan Mountains, is characterized as such for the first time. Newly available material clarified the identity of Q. mutilatus Eppelsheim, 1888 and Q. kalabi Smetana, 1995, each hitherto known from a handful of non-conspecific and vaguely georeferenced specimens only. Additional material is reported for Q. equus Smetana, 2014 and one species, Quedius kungeicus sp. nov., is described. All available data on the taxonomy, distribution and bionomics for all these four species of the group are summarized.
Nonparametric Approach to Patent Citations

The present article reexamines some of the issues regarding the benchmarking of patents using the NBER data base on U.S. patents by generalizing a parametric citation model and by estimating it using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) methodology. The main conclusion is that the estimated effects differ considerably from sector to sector, and the differences can be estimated nonparametrically but not by the parametric dummy variable approach.
The Courts, the NAS, and the Future of Forensic Science

On a recent flight, the person next to me on the crowded airplane began to chat with me. When I told her about what I researched and studied, she looked at me with a big grin. “I LOVE forensic science,” she said. “I watch CSI whenever I can. They can do such amazing things. It’s all so high tech—and incredibly accurate! It’s almost like magic, isn’t it? ” She leaned in a bit closer and looked at me intently. “Tell me, is it like that in real life? ” I looked at her for a moment before answering. I felt a bit like the older child on the playground about to reveal to her younger friend that Santa Clause doesn’t really exist. I shook my head. “No, I wouldn’t say that CSI’s depiction is entirely realistic. In the real world, forensic science isn’t nearly so glossy. It isn’t nearly so speedy. And most important, it isn’t nearly so foolproof, either. ” “Really? That’s too bad,” she told me. She looked at me directly for a brief moment, shook her head, and then looked away. “Well, to tell you the truth, I think I’d rather just keep believing in the television version. ” Figuring that reality was not going to be any match for CSI, I shrugged, and went back to the book I was reading. In fact, that casual exchange on an airplane captures something quite important about the traditional forensic sciences, which find themselves at a crossroads. For many longused types of forensic science, including fingerprint identification, firearms identification, handwriting