Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ADGAN: Protect Your Location Privacy in Camera Data of Auto-Driving Vehicles

Computer vision and deep neural networks have been significantly promoting the development of visual perception in these years. Particularly, for autonomous vehicles, real-time image/video data is captured by onboard cameras and analyzed by computer vision techniques in many real applications. In the captured camera data, some contents can be used as auxiliary information to infer individuals’ locations and trajectories, which leads to severe privacy leakage but has been rarely studied. Thus, the goal of this article is to protect individuals’ location privacy by hiding side-channel information in the captured data while preserving the data utility for downstream applications. To this end, the technology of generative adversarial networks (GAN) is utilized to design two novel models, named ADGAN-I and ADGAN-II, both of which can take the original camera data as inputs and generate privacy-preserving outputs according to predefined sensitive object class. Thus, the processed camera data can defend location inference attack from adversaries in offline applications. Moreover, in ADGAN-I and ADGAN-II, the tradeoff between location privacy and data utility can be effectively balanced. Finally, the results of extensive real-data experiments validate the superiority of our proposed models over the state of the arts in utility preservation and privacy protection for autonomous vehicles’ images and videos.
Financial performance analysis of select Indian Public Sector Banks using Altman's Z-Score model

This study aims to assess the financial performance of select public sector banks, having the highest level of gross non-performing assets, using the Altman's Z-Score model. It was found that all the select banks were in the safe zone, with the average Altman's Z-Score value being higher than the prescribed safe zone cut-off limit of 2.9. The Altman's Z-Score values differed significantly between the banks, possibly due to their varying asset sizes. However, when considered individually for each bank, the Altman's Z-Score did not exhibit statistically significant variation between the years, in the ten year study period. The Altman's Z-Score value, for the first five year period, was found to be statistically different from the last five year period when all the banks were pooled together. This may be on account of the increase in the non-performing assets in the last five year period. The results of linear regression analysis indicated that for every 1% increase in the gross non-performing assets, the Altman's Z-Score decreased by about 3.1%. However, for every 1% increase in the net profits, the Altman's Z-Score increased by about 15.31%. Hence the public sector banks not only have to keep their non-performing assets under control but also devise innovative ways to increase their profits.
Residential Satisfaction in a Mining-Induced Displacement and Resettlement in Ghana

Housing challenges associated with Mining-Induced Displacement and Resettlement have not been examined in literature as much as relocations due to physical development projects like the construction of dams. This study, therefore, endeavours to fill this gap by contributing to discussions on displacements and resettlements communities due to mining activities from the perspective of residential satisfaction. A questionnaire survey was administered to 229 household-heads at Salman, a rural community in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region in Ghana, to investigate the determinants of residential satisfaction in a Mining-Induced Displacement and Resettlement. Residents’ assessed their satisfaction based on the physical features of the dwelling units, community facilities, social/neighbourhood environment, and infrastructural services. Data were analysed using mathematical equations to attain residential satisfaction and habitability indices. The study revealed moderate residential satisfaction with the overall resettlement housing. Satisfaction with physical features of the dwelling units was high, while satisfaction with community facilitates and social/neighbourhood environment was moderate. The satisfaction level with infrastructure services was, however, shallow. The study avers that there exist opportunities for real residential satisfaction after permanent mining-induced relocation of communities. Keywords: Residential satisfaction, Mining-Induced Displacement and Resettlement, Dwelling units, Community facilities, Neighbourhood. DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-9-05 Publication date: September 30 th 2020
A Core Reference Hierarchical Primitive Ontology for Electronic Medical Records Semantics Interoperability

A CORE REFERENCE HIERARCHICAL PRIMITIVE ONTOLOGY FOR ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS SEMANTICS INTEROPERABILITY Ziniya Zahedi Old Dominion University, 2020 Director: Dr. T. Steven Cotter Currently, electronic medical records (EMR) cannot be exchanged among hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, and insurance providers or made available to patients outside of local networks. Hospital, laboratory, pharmacy, and insurance provider legacy databases can share medical data within a respective network and limited data with patients. The lack of interoperability has its roots in the historical development of electronic medical records. Two issues contribute to interoperability failure. The first is that legacy medical record databases and expert systems were designed with semantics that support only internal information exchange. The second is ontological commitment to the semantics of a particular knowledge representation language formalism. This research seeks to address these interoperability failures through demonstration of the capability of a core reference, hierarchical primitive ontological architecture with concept primitive attributes definitions to integrate and resolve noninteroperable semantics among and extend coverage across existing clinical, drug, and hospital ontologies and terminologies.
Integrated Multiport DC Power Flow Controller With DC Circuit Breaker

Power flow controllers and circuit breakers are important devices in a DC grid, and combining them and expanding their ports can save many components. This paper proposes an integrated multiport DC power flow controller with a DC circuit breaker that can achieve power flow control and fault removal on multiple DC lines during steady and fault states, respectively. First, the device's topology based on modular multilevel converters is proposed, and the principles of power flow control and self-power balance based on bridge arm voltage are introduced. Second, it is improved by adding a fault removal capability. The equivalent circuit and fault currents in different time sequences are analyzed, and the component parameter selection method is designed. Third, in the PSCAD/EMTDC, the power flow control and fault removal capabilities are verified using three conditions: flow control, line fault, and bus fault. Finally, the number of components and steady-state losses are analyzed. Overall, the proposed device has power flow control and fault removal functions as well as a certain limiting effect on the fault current, which greatly reduces the system construction cost.
Effect of Extracts of Cupressus macrocarpa and Alpinia officinarum on Expression of Chitinase and FGF Receptor Genes in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 Cell Line

Hesham M. Abd El Halim1, Maysa M. Hegazy1,2, Aishah Alatawi3, Imtiaz Ali Khan4 and Munawar Saleem Ahmad5* 1Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt. 2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 3Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, 71491 Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 4University of Swabi, Swabi 22621, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 5Department of Zoology, University of Swabi, Swabi 22621, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Article Information Received 17 July 2019 Revised 12 April 2020 Accepted 07 July 2020 Available online 21 October 2020
Efficient Anomaly Detection in a Laser-Surface Heat-Treatment Process via Laser-Spot Tracking

This article proposes a novel algorithm to detect anomalies during a laser-surface heat-treatment process recorded using a high-speed thermal camera. Our approach detects anomalies by tracking the movement of the laser spot along the surface of a production artifact. No previous knowledge of the anomalies is assumed. The model attempts to learn the behavior of a normal process so that anomalous video frames can be detected when the test data differ significantly from the learned model. The model is trained using real process data provided by a company operating in the automotive sector. First, laser-spot movements are obtained by computing a sequence of their positions. Second, the expected movement of the laser spot is accurately determined from the nonanomalous data by using a model based on training multiple kernel density estimation models. Finally, an anomaly score is introduced to classify a workpiece as normal or anomalous using the trained model. Furthermore, our methodology is computationally efficient when compared to other techniques. Additionally, our objective is to perform in-process classification, that is, to perform the classification within a short period after the laser-surface heat-treatment process ends.
Chlorinated lipid induce inflammatory responses in the microcirculation

Previous studies from our research group have shown that chlorinated lipid, generated from the neutrophil-myeloperoxidase (MPO) system, are elevated in a rat sepsis model as well as in plasma of septic patients. Other work reported in multiple experimental studies and human trials have shown that microcirculatory dysfunction is a hallmark of sepsis. However, whether and how chlorinated lipid contribute to microcirculatory dysfunction are still unclear. In the current study, we hypothesized that compared to non-chlorinated lipid, chlorinated lipid could elicit inflammatory responses in the microcirculation. To test this postulate, a specific rat intravital model was developed. Briefly, male Sprague Dawley rats (250-300g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: 2-chloropalmitic acid (2-ClPA) group, 2-chloropalmitaldehyde (2-ClHDA) group, non-chlorinated palmitic acid (PA) group and palmitaldehyde (HDA) group (n=6). Rat mesenteries were exteriorized and superfused with 10 μM of 2-ClPA or 2-ClHDA, respectively. Equimolar concentrations of PA and HDA were applied as controls. Via use of our intravital microscopic approach, the indicators of microcirculatory dysfunction, leukocyteendothelial interactions (leukocyte rolling and adhesion), mast cell degranulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and albumin leakage were evaluated at 0 min (baseline),
Egg masses on the move: corixid oviposition on terrapin shells

Abstract In a very dry year, when aquatic habitats were scarce, we observed exceptionally massive corixid oviposition on terrapin shells in Doñana National Park, southwestern Spain. Most terrapins inhabiting a large pond devoid of aquatic vegetation exhibited a dense cover of corixid eggs, whilst terrapins from vegetated ponds had no egg cover. Corixid oviposition had also been observed on terrapin shells in previous periods of severe drought. Considering that terrapins frequently alternate between aquatic and terrestrial environments, we experimentally assessed the viability of corixid eggs in varying degrees of dry-exposure. A significant proportion of corixid eggs did not hatch when they were occasionally dried under sun exposure, but egg mortality was lower when they were dried in the shade. The massive oviposition on terrapin shells was probably a consequence of the limited availability of adequate oviposition sites, and it might increase the odds of egg survival when terrapins migrate to other ponds.
Low-Profile High-Directivity Circularly-Polarized Differential-Fed Patch Antenna With Characteristic Modes Analysis

A low-profile high-directivity circularly polarized patch antenna is proposed in this article. Two orthogonal slots are etched out in the middle of a square patch. As a result, radiation patterns of original TM12/21 modes are reshaped to the desired ones that are similar to those of TM10/01 modes, leading to significant enhancement of broadside radiation. To accommodate the modified current distributions of the two operating modes, a pair of perturbed stubs is proposed and then loaded on the slot-loaded patch, which leads to the quadrature-phase difference. In order to suppress unwanted modes that tilt the radiation pattern away from broadside direction, differential-fed configuration instead of single-fed one is adopted to excite modified TM12/21 modes. Characteristic modes theory (CMT) is used to analyze the input impedance of differential-fed patch antenna and determine the two feeding positions. Next, the proposed antenna is compared with three conventional ones, which reveals its superiority in the highest directivity. Besides, it is also discussed how to determine the size of the finite ground plane. We find that the size of $1.5\lambda _{0} \times 1.5\lambda _{0} $ can increase directivity slightly and effectively prevent radiation pattern from tilting tendency. Finally, a prototype antenna is fabricated and measured for validation.
An Evaluation of Organizational Culture as Regressor of Accounting Procedure: A Case Study at National Investment Bank, Western Region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of organisational culture on accounting procedures at National Investment Bank (NIB), focusing on the various branches in the Western Region of Ghana. The study adopted the quantitative approach. The design employed the descriptive survey design. The study population was 62 permanent staff who were all considered for the study using the census method. Auxiliary employees such as cleaners, security staff and drivers were not considered. Questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.857 was the instrument used. The data were analysed using means, standard deviations, and linear multiple regression analysis. The findings show that staff of the bank perceived the organisational culture of the bank positively. Also, staffs were satisfied with the culture of the bank. The study found that though NIB’s organisational culture relates positively to staff level of satisfaction; it does not predict accounting procedures of the bank strongly. It does so through staff level of satisfaction. The study, therefore, conclude that organisational culture of the bank has significant influence on the bank’s adopted accounting procedures. It is recommended to board of directors and management of the bank to ensure that the bank nurture and regularised the internal control culture and roles of staff appropriately through the bank’s strategic planning. This will lead to high level of staff satisfaction in the bank’s culture. This condition will in the long run lead to the general improvement in the accounting procedures of the bank. Keywords: Accounting procedures, Bank, Organisational culture, Staff satisfaction DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-27-10 Publication date: September 30 th 2020
Green Innovation and the Value of Multinationality

When do multinational corporations (MNCs) derive the most from internalizing the transfer of proprietary technological know how? We revisit this question, which lies at the core of theories on multinationality and performance, from the perspective of corporate strategy involving the mix of green versus non-green innovation effort and a foreign operations focus on countries with high-versus-low environmental standards. We find that high exposure to foreign markets with more stringent environmental regulations stimulates MNCs’ green patent applications. We further show that MNCs’ environmental competitive advantage obtained through green innovation activities, coupled with exposure to foreign countries with high environmental standards, increases firm value in the long run. However, this long-run advantage produces economic rents only when foreign countries have a common-law legal system, effective government, and high growth. Finally, the pursuit of green (or even non-green) innovation while competing in polluting industries is positively associated with market value. Overall, our study highlights that green technology development is a main source of value creation for multinationals.
Early genome activation in Drosophila is extensive with an initial tendency for aborted transcripts and retained introns

Control of metazoan embryogenesis shifts from maternal to zygotic gene products as the zygotic genome becomes transcriptionally activated. In Drosophila, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) begins with a minor wave, but technical challenges have hampered the identification of early transcripts or obscured the onset of their transcription. Here, we develop an approach to isolate transcribed mRNAs and apply it over the course of the minor wave and the start of the major wave of Drosophila ZGA. Our results increase known genes of the minor wave by nearly 10 fold and show that this wave is continuous and gradual. Transposable-element mRNAs are also produced, but discontinuously. Genes in the early and middle part of the minor wave are short with few if any introns, and their transcripts are frequently aborted and tend to have retained introns, suggesting that inefficient splicing as well as rapid cell divisions constrain the lengths of early transcripts.
Differential gene expression analysis of metolachlor treated human liver cells by microarray

Metolachlor is one of the most common pre-emergent pesticides used by Iowa farmers. It is used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in the fields of corn and soybean. It is a frequent contaminant of groundwater and surface water due to runoff after application. It has been shown to inhibit protein and chlorophyll synthesis in plant cells, but its effect on mammalian cells has not been consistently conclusive. As metolachlor and other herbicides have been shown to be associated with harmful health effects in non-target organisms it is very important to determine a mechanism of action on non-target cells, especially human cells. Previous work from our lab studying the effects of metolachlor on human cells demonstrated that low-level metolachlor exposure can inhibit growth in several human cell types such as fibroblasts, HepG2 liver cells and THP-1 alveolar monocytes and alter the expression level of several proteins involved in cell cycle control. While we have shown that metolachlor can have an effect on cellular macromolecules involved in cell growth, is not clearly understood is if there are other cellular processes, genes and proteins that may be altered by exposure to metolachlor. Microarray analysis was used in this study to determine if there are groups or families of genes that participate in a biological process which may be altered after herbicide exposure, and if one or several specific cellular functions are affected or altered after this exposure. Microarray analysis was performed after isolating total RNA from HepG2 cells exposed to varying levels (200 ppb, 500 ppb, and 1000 ppb) of metolachlor for varying times (24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours) and comparing expression to that of control (0 ppb) cells for each of the time points. To demonstrate a significant amount of differential gene expression, cells needed 1000 ppb of metolachlor at 24 hours exposure. Whereas at 48 hours of exposure, differential gene expression between control and metolachlor treated cells was observed at all three concentrations, suggesting that 48 hours of exposure may be an important and perhaps optimal time point for altered gene expression between control and metolachlor treated cells. Very little level of differential gene expression was observed at 72 hours of exposure time. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, using the GOrilla tool of genes that were differentially expressed between control and metolachlor treated HepG2 cells showed significant enriched clusters in the processes of DNA replication and repair, cellular response to stimuli and cell cycle regulation. Metolachlor exposure for 48 hours at 500 ppb showed eight biological processes were enriched while 1000 ppb metolachlor resulted in thirteen biological processes that were enriched. DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF METOLACHLOR TREATED HUMAN LIVER CELLS BY MICROARRAY A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirement for the Degree Master of Science Navinder Paul Kaur Brar University of Northern Iowa December 2017
CHANGES IN YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THREE-YEAR-OLD SHORT-ROTATION PLANTATIONS OF Dipteryx panamensis IN COSTA RICA

ABSTRACT Research and implementation of energy crops using short-rotation woody species (SRWC) are increasing in Latin America, especially for biomass production and use in bioenergy. For this purpose, one of the main factors to consider is species assessment. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the growth characteristics, the production and distribution of biomass, and the chemical, physical, and energetic properties of the biomass of three-year-old Dipteryx panamensis plantations in SRWC in three different spacings (1.0x2.0 m, 1.0x0.5 m and 1.0x1.0 m) and establish the best spacing condition for this tropical species. The results showed that the production of biomass varies between 1.1 and 42.36 t.ha-1, and that 33-44% of the production are concentrated in the leaves. At three years, the SRWC presented 50% mortality, with a diameter of 4.8 cm at 30 cm-height from the ground, with total tree heights ranging from 5.17 to 6.98 meters. The evaluation of the biomass showed a calorific value between 18.9 and 19.4 MJ/kg, less than 1.81% of ash content and 86% of volatile content. As for the effect of the spacing, the green density of the wood and the moisture content increased with increasing spacing, while spacings of 1.0x1. 0 m and 1.0x0. 5 m showed the best behaviour regarding annual biomass production.
Silver nitrate and chlorhexidine gluconate – effective surface sterilization agents in disinfection procedures at initiation of woody shoot tip and embryo culture

The surface sterilization of explants in chemical solutions is an important step to remove contaminants with minimal damage to plant cells. Woody and mature plants growing in the open field are known to harbor a large amount of microflora and are very difficult to sterilize. The routinely used surface sterilization procedures with solution of Ca(OCl)2 had proven to be relatively unsuccessful with Taxus baccata and some other woody fruit and ornamental species. The objective of the present study was to propose and to verify new procedures of surface-sterilization of Ginkgo and plum shoot tip explants from old trees as well as sweet cherry embryos employing silver nitrate or chlorhexidine gluconate in different concentration and periods of exposure. According to the results obtained in the present experiments we could recommend silver nitrate and chlorhexidine gluconate as effective surface sterilization agents in disinfection procedures at initiation of woody shoot tip and embryo culture.