Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global River Basin Modeling and Contaminant Transport

Using geographic information system techniques, elevation derived datasets such as flow accumulation, flow direction, hillsope and flow length were used to delineate river basin boundaries and networks. These datasets included both HYDRO1K (based on 1 kmresolution DEM) and HydroSHEDs (based on100 meterShuttle Radar Topography Mission). Additional spatial data processing of global landuse and soil type data were used to derive grids representing soil depth, texture, hydraulic conductivity, water holding capacity, and curve number. These grids were input to the Geospatial Stream Flow model to calculate overland flow (both travel time and velocity). The model was applied to river basins across several continents to calculate river discharge and velocity based on the use of satellite derived rainfall estimates, numerical weather forecast fields, and geographic data sets describing the land surface. Model output was compared to historical stream gauge observations as a validation step. The stream networks with associated discharge and velocity are used as input to a riverine water contamination model.
Development of Battery Parallel Operation for Improving Battery Service Life and Flexibility in Electric Vehicles

This paper is a novel method for connecting in parallel old batteries, new batteries, batteries of various types, batteries with various voltages, batteries with different capacities and batteries with various States of Charge (SOC) to improve the flexibility of their use and their service life. The percentage load share for each battery is determined by its SOC, voltage and actual capacity. When the capacity of the battery in an electric vehicle is degraded so that it cannot function over the originally specified number of kilometers, the battery can be connected in parallel to another battery with a smaller capacity to extend its service life without the need to replace it. Experimental results reveal that the life of batteries can be improved by more than 50% in this way. 
A Novel Enhancement Algorithm Combined with Improved Fuzzy Set Theory for Low Illumination Images

A novel enhancement method of global brightness modulation and local contrast enhancement combined with the improved fuzzy set theory is proposed for color image contrast enhancement. The proposed method consists of three stages. Firstly, putting forward nonlinear global brightness mapping model adjusts dynamic range of images for luminance component of color space. Secondly, membership function is established in stages to adjust local contrast of image details nonlinearly based on fuzzy set theory. Finally, the enhanced images are transformed from color space into color space. The experiments further show that the proposed method has the shortest processing time, the highest AIC values, and the least NIQE values among the other four conventional methods. It has excellent effect, which can enhance the global brightness and local contrast, and advance visibility of low illumination images.
A Posteriori Error Estimates for the Laplace-Beltrami Operator on Parametric C2 Surfaces

We prove new a posteriori error estimates for surface finite element methods (SFEM). Surface FEM approximate solutions to PDE posed on surfaces. Prototypical examples are elliptic PDE involving the Laplace-Beltrami operator. Typically the surface is approximated by a polyhedral or higher-order polynomial approximation. The resulting FEM exhibits both a geometric consistency error due to the surface approximation and a standard Galerkin error. A posteriori estimates for SFEM require practical access to geometric information about the surface in order to computably bound the geometric error. It is thus advantageous to allow for maximum flexibility in representing surfaces in practical codes when proving a posteriori error estimates for SFEM. However, previous a posteriori estimates using general parametric surface representations are suboptimal by one order on $C^2$ surfaces. Proofs of error estimates optimally reflecting the geometric error instead employ the closest point projection, which is defined using the signed distance function. Because the closest point projection is often unavailable or inconvenient to use computationally, a posteriori estimates using the signed distance function have notable practical limitations. We merge these two perspectives by assuming {\it practical} access only to a general parametric representation of the surface, but using the distance function as a {\it theoretical} tool. This allows us to derive sharper geometric estimators which exhibit improved experimentally observed decay rates when implemented in adaptive surface finite element algorithms.
Optimization by kriging of a 2 D vertical channel asymmetrically heated

On étudie un écoulement de convection naturelle d’air dans un canal vertical asymétriquement chauffé à flux constant présentant une ouverture sur sa paroi non-chauffée. L’influence de l’ouverture sur la dynamique et la thermique de l’écoulement est caractérisée. La méthode de krigeage est utilisée afin de construire un méta-modèle permettant de prédire le comportement du canal. Plusieurs configurations optimales du point de vue de la position et de la dimension de l’ouverture sont alors proposées afin de répondre à des objectifs précis (maximiser le transfert de chaleur, le débit du fluide aspiré par le bas). Les résultats sont présentés pour un nombre de Rayleigh de 5.105 et comparés avec une configuration sans ouverture.
THE TIME DELAY CONTROL OF A CAN NETWORK WITH MESSAGE RECOGNITION

Due to the quick evolution of manufacturing processes, the demand for more flexible automation systems is on the rise. To answer to these requirements, distributed control architecture based on intelligent drives and CAN networks tends more and more to replace the traditional solutions. CAN was designed and applied in car networking in order to reduce the complexity of the related wiring harnesses. The traditional CAN application technique must be changed in order to achieve the real-time communication constraints of a distributed control system. In this paper is designed a special purpose scheduler for CAN, which ensures a message transmission time smaller than a value estimated from the design stage. Furthermore, the designed architecture has a message recognition mechanism.
Assessing the Mechanistic Basis for Fine Sediment Biomonitoring: Inconsistencies among the Literature, Traits and Indices

Classification of species sensitivity for biomonitoring has been approached under two different frameworks, using either empirical data or expert opinion. Two tools for fine sediment (i.e. clogging and colmation) biomonitoring in the UK tend towards these contrasting approaches. The Proportion of Sediment‐sensitive Invertebrates (PSI) index was developed using expert judgement. Empirical weightings were subsequently added at genus or species (EPSI) and mixed (EPSImixed) taxonomic levels, but scores remain constrained by the original categories. In contrast, the Combined Fine Sediment Index, composed of separate taxon scores along organic matter and total fine sediment gradients, was developed using a purely empirical approach. We tested the mechanistic bases for these indices by relating taxon scores to species traits. We compared the results with those for the well‐established Whalley Hawkes Paisley Trigg index of organic pollution. After controlling for varying sample sizes, Whalley Hawkes Paisley Trigg could be better predicted by a linear combination of all available traits (mean R2 = 0.92) than any of the fine sediment indices (0.68 < mean R2 < 0.76). When only traits expected to respond to fine sediment were offered as independent variables, the goodness of fit was substantially reduced for all fine sediment indices (0.27 < mean R2 < 0.46). Our findings demonstrate the lack of integration between the literature on macroinvertebrate responses to fine sediment, the available trait data and taxon scores. Refinement of the trait database is recommended to build on the valuable work performed to date. As the UK has taken the lead in embedding fine sediment into routine biomonitoring programmes, these findings have important international implications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppressive Effects of Fucoxanthin on Degranulation in IgE-antigen complex-stimulated RBL-2H3 Cells

The marine carotenoid fucoxanthin can be found in marine brown seaweeds, macroalgae, diatoms, and microalgae, and has remarkable biological properties. Numerous studies have shown that fucoxanthin has considerable potential and promising applications in human health, but the underlying mechanisms involved in its anti-allergic activity are not fully understood. We here investigated the mechanisms by anti-allergic activity of fucoxanthin fraction from Eisenia bicyclis in immunoglobulin E-antigen complex (IgE/DNP-BSA)-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells. This study we found that the fucoxanthin inhibits the release of β-hexosaminidase and suppressed not only transcriptional activation of NF-κB, but also phosphorylation of ERK and JNK in IgE/DNP-BSA-treated RBL-2H3 cells. Fucoxanthin may be useful for preventing allergic diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis.
ICT developments and utilization in the Omani banking sector

While adopting information and communication technologies (ICT) has become inevitable, the next-level challenge to organizations is how well they are utilizing this technology asset. Almost two decades earlier, which is not a noticeable span of time of the human history, the research focus was on how beneficial adopting technology by organizations was. Nowadays, the focus of the research is shifted primarily to how well the technology should be managed and tuned to achieve the business strategic goals and attain its competitive advantage or secure survival at minimum. This study takes the commercial banking sector in Oman as a sample of a highly ICT-infused sector in the service industry. Its aims to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of managing the information systems run by a sector closely linked to its performance. The performance is the determinant of the competitiveness/surviving level of any organization; banks are no exception. The research methodology comprises of a self-administered questionnaire and an interview. The study was conducted over 6 months. The exploratory nature of this research and the relevant type of data collected (categorical and ordinal) has led to use the descriptive statistics including central-tendency measures. The interviews have triangulated and confirmed the quantitative data collected. The study finds that the selected sector has adopted latest ICT infrastructure in conducting both back-office and front-office business which are adopted by common competitors worldwide. However, the study finds that while the IT infrastructure follows the latest technologies in the field, there is still room to optimize the utilization of this infrastructure by improving its administrative as well as technical management of it. KEYWORDS: ICT infrastructure, ICT management, banking sector, management IS
Molecular Detection of Per-1 Type Extended Spectrum Β-Lactamase among Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Baghdad Hospitals

This study was aimed to determine the presence of PER-1 type Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBLs) in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia in Baghdad. During a period extended for three months ((July- September, 2014), 26 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from two hospitals in Baghdad (Fattima-AL-Zahra hospital for pediatric and obstetric and Baghdad Teaching Hospital). Out of these 26 isolates, 11 isolates from blood, 7 from urine, 6 from sputum and 2 from wound. All isolates had 100% resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin while the most effective antibiotics were imipenem and meropenem with high sensitivity rate (92.31%). Out of 26 K. pneumoniae isolates, 17(65.38%) isolates were positive ESBL producing isolates phenotypes and 9(34.62%) isolates were negative ESBL producing isolates (non ESBLs) . Genotypic Detection of blaPER-1 gene by polymerase chain reaction showed that out of all seventeen ESBL-producing K. Pneumoniae isolates by phenotypic detection, 6 isolates (13.8%) were contained blaPER-1 gene (925bp). Keywords: Klebsiella pneumonia , Bla per-1 gene , Extended-spectrum β -lactamases (ESBLs).
Simulation of Congestion Phenomena and Strategic Passenger Behaviour on Transit Networks

Abstract This article focuses on the simulation of transit networks, including passengers’ congestion phenomena and strategic behaviour, as a tool for planning and operation. Specifically, it describes a model of user equilibrium on large-scale transit networks considering on-board overcrowding, queuing at stops and dwelling delay, and representing in addition the effects of random events, such as the availability of seats and the waiting of vehicles, through hyperarcs. The assignment algorithm computes a strategy-based user equilibrium with implicit hyperpath enumeration by solving a fixed-point formulation, through a gradient projection method, which highly improves convergence performance. The model was implemented in . net as a dll that uses the software PTV Visum as I/O source. This article will focus on the model formulation and its capability of reproducing the target phenomena, while the results of model validation and testing will be described in a following paper.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION LABEL USAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF OBESITY: A CROSS-COUNTRY STUDY OF THE USA AND TURKEY

OF THESIS THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION LABEL USAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF OBESITY: A CROSS-COUNTRY STUDY OF THE USA AND TURKEY Obesity, the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., and related health problems increase people’s concerns about healthy food consumption. The increased prevalence of obesity is a major concern of societies both in developed and developing countries. Nutrition label usage has been increasing due to the link between diet and health. This study intends to provide a framework for describing profiles of consumers who are more likely to use nutrition labels in USA and Turkey, a developing country with increasing obesity rates in recent years. Empirical results present similarities and differences between consumers’ attributes for food label usage in two countries. The main contribution of this study is to investigate the relationship between the importance of serving size, while the number of expanded portion sized products in the market is increasing, and rising obesity rates. Ordered probit model analysis is used to identify the effects of demographics, health status and other components of the nutrition facts panel on selected dependent variables. Better understanding consumers’ responses to nutrition labels may guide consumers and manufacturers to broaden the communication channels through nutrition labels. The findings of this study can provide useful information to policy makers, agribusinesses, manufacturers and marketing professionals.
Transfer Pricing of Intangibles A multi-case study of transfer pricing of intangibles within Swedish multinational manufacturing companies

This paper investigates the determinants of transfer pricing of intangible assets within Swedish multinational manufacturing companies. A special focus is put on the interdependencies between the transfer pricing system and the operations. In the literature, there is currently a lack of empirical data on companies’ transfer pricing system especially with regards to intangible assets and the Swedish business environment. This paper contributes to the empirical evidence through an explorative multi-case study analysis of six Swedish multinational manufacturing companies. The theoretical foundation for this study is mainly provided by contingency and behavioral theory. We find that all analyzed companies pursue similar objectives in transfer pricing and prioritize supporting their operations and being tax compliant over achieving tax optimization in transfer pricing. Their objectives are mostly contingent on the external environment. However, differences in the design of the transfer pricing systems are observed and can be attributed to differences in the operations, strategy and history of the companies. We find that transfer pricing of intangible assets is closely linked to the overall transfer pricing system. Furthermore, most companies avoid influences of the transfer pricing system on performance measurement either by separating the books or making adjustments below the line for performance evaluation. Finally, we develop a theoretical model to illustrate the influences of contingent factors within the transfer pricing of intangible assets.
Globalization and Risk Sharing

This paper presents a theoretical study of the effects of globalization on risk sharing and welfare. We model globalization as a gradual and exogenous increase in the fraction of goods that are tradable. In the absence of frictions, globalization opens new goods markets and raises welfare. We assume, however, that countries cannot commit to pay their debts. Unlike the previous literature, and motivated by changes in the institutional setup of emerging-market borrowing, we also assume that countries cannot discriminate between domestic and foreign creditors when paying their debts. Although globalization still opens new goods markets, we find that it can also open or close some asset markets. The net effect on risk sharing and welfare of this process of creation and destruction of markets might be either positive or negative depending on a variety of factors that the theory highlights.
The postspinel boundary in pyrolitic compositions determined in the laser‐heated diamond anvil cell

In situ multianvil press (MAP) studies have reported that the depth and the Clapeyron slope of the postspinel boundary are significantly less than those of the 660 km discontinuity inferred from seismic studies. These results have raised questions about whether the postspinel transition is associated with the discontinuity. We determined the postspinel transition in pyrolitic compositions in the laser‐heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) combined with in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. The Clapeyron slope was determined to be −2.5 ± 0.4MPa/K and did not vary significantly with compositions and used pressure scales. Using Pt scales, our data indicate that the postspinel transition occurs in pyrolitic compositions at 23.6–24.5GPa (1850K). The transition pressure and slope are consistent with the depth and topography of the 660 km discontinuity. Our data reveal that inaccuracy in pressure scales alone cannot explain the discrepancy and technical differences between MAP and LHDAC contribute significantly to the discrepancy.
Face Recognition in Visible and Infra-Red Imagery - Comparison of Methods

The paper is concerned with the recognition of faces represented by the visible and infra-red images. Different methods of image feature generation at application of different classifiers will be studied and compared for both types of face imagery. The investigated approaches include the linear and nonlinear methods of transformation: principal component analysis (PCA), Kernel PCA, Sammon transformation and stochastic neighbor embedding with t-distribution (tSNE). The representation of the image in the form of limited number of main components of transformation is applied to the input of support vector machine classifier and random forest. The numerical results of experiments will be presented and discussed. Streszczenie. Praca przedstawia porownanie metod rozpoznawania twarzy na podstawie dwu rodzajow obrazow: widzialnego oraz w podczerwieni. Zbadano kilka metod przetwarzania obrazu w cechy diagnostyczne: metode opartą na PCA, nieliniową metode KPCA, odwzorowanie Sammona oraz transformacje stochastyczną tSNE. Kazda z tych metod generuje inny zestaw cech diagnostycznych uzytych jako atrybuty wejściowe dla klasyfikatora. W pracy zastosowano zespol klasyfikatorow stosujących siec SVM oraz las losowy Breimana . Przedstawiono wyniki rozpoznania kazdego z tych klasyfikatorow wspolpracujących z odpowiednim zestawem atrybutow wejściowych oraz wynik fuzji poszczegolnych rezultatow. Jako jednostke integrującą zespol zastosowano las drzew losowych. Wyniki pokazują, ze zastosowanie wielu metod przetwarzania obrazu w cechy diagnostyczne i rownoleglego obrazowania twarzy w postaci widzialnej i w podczerwieni pozwala zwiekszyc efektywnośc rozpoznania o okolo 30%. (Rozpoznawanie twarzy w podczerwieni i w świetle widzialnym - porownanie metod).
Air pollution forecast in Portugal: a demand from the new air quality framework directive

This work aims at developing and validating a numerical air quality operational forecasting system that will be applied over Portugal. The CHIMERE model was chosen for the chemistry-transport simulation using the meteorological parameters supplied by the MM5 mesoscale meteorological model, forced by the AVN/NCEP global forecasts. An experiment of 48-hour real-time forecast simulations was performed, on a daily basis, during the four summer months of 2003. The numerical model system is then evaluated against hourly time series of basic meteorological variables and of ozone and NO2 concentrations, collected in several Portuguese monitoring stations included in meteorological and air quality network. Statistical skill scores are discussed and compared with previous studies. The results point this developed model system as a useful tool that can be used and implemented to anticipate pollution episodes, to local and regional air quality management and for population information purpose.
GPUs parallel computing exploitation for neuroimaging

Poster: "ECR 2017 / C-1125 / GPUs parallel computing exploitation for neuroimaging" by: "A. Giuliano, S. Arezzini, P. Bosco, A. Ciampa, S. Coscetti, D. Fabiani, M. E. Fantacci, E. Mazzoni, A. Retico; Pisa/IT"
Generative participatory design for interactive medical devices

This paper covers the use of a novel, early stage, Participatory Design technique used within a wider User Centred Design process for the generative stage of the design of interactive medical devices. Two commercial projects that concentrate on the interfaces for new medical products are used as case studies to illustrate the participatory design approach. The projects were conducted within a centre for design research and undertaken for two separate companies that intend to launch commercial products. This gives important contextual value to the research aspects of the work presented here.
Immatures of Chironomidae (Insecta – Diptera) under the action of pesticides in irrigated rice field

Abstract We collected 589 larvae distributed among a control treatment and seven pesticide treatments (Only®, Imazethapyr, Imazapic, Clomazone, Quinclorac, Carbofuran and Fipronil). The most abundant genera were Kiefferulus spp. , Chironomus spp. and Dicrotendipes spp. ANOVA showed a significant difference (p
Securing Fingerprint Based Biometric System

Nowadays biometric systems are in great demand. Biometric security systems are used to authenticate and provide access to a facility depending on the individual’s physical characteristics. These characteristics which are stored in the database can be prone to theft. Hence there is a need to secure this identity which is stored in the database. Therefore in order to obtain a secure biometric system, two stages have been brought up. First stage is the enrollment stage, where two different fingerprints are taken and then two different features from each of these fingerprints are extracted. These two features are then fused to form a combined template and are stored in the database. In the authentication stage, the two query fingerprints are matched against the combined template which is produced in the enrollment. It is seen that the combined template is more secured and less prone to attacks.