Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Watermarking – A Novel Approach

The major growth of information technology is based on the growth of computer networks. The computer network diminished the entire global in a nutshell, via the internet and the intranet capabilities. In the recent year, communicating information within authenticated groups in the text, image and video formats are highly unavoidable one. And in the same manner, there are more possibility that the communicated information to be hacked by the anonymous hacker. The hacker may be passive or active; it is highly risk for many engineering applications like military network. Hence, digital watermarking is merged to rectify the above pitfalls. Watermarking techniques developed for images are mainly classified into visible and invisible approaches. The study further analyses the modern digital watermarking system.
AN INTERACTIVE DESIGN OF THE WINDING LAYOUT IN PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINES

This paper presents a winding design technique for three phase permanent magnet (PM) motors. The winding factor and the emf total harmonic distortion are provided. A computer-aided design (CAD) program was developed and implemented using the Visual Basic language. Finite element analysis (FEA) program was linked into the CAD program to calculate the motor performances.
Genetic algorithm for optimization in adaptive bus signal priority control

This paper firstly proposes an improved genetic algorithm (GA) for optimization in adaptive bus signal priority control at signalized intersections. Unlike conventional genetic algorithms with slow convergence speed, this algorithm can increase the convergence speed by utilizing the compensation rule between consecutive signal cycles to narrow new possible generated population spaces. Secondly, the paper would like to present a way to apply the algorithm to a simple adaptive bus signal priority control as well as compare how much the computation time is saved when applying the improved algorithm. Then the research thirdly investigates the efficiency of the proposed algorithm under various flow rate situations. The results show that the improved genetic algorithm can reduce the computation time considerably, by up to 48.39% for the studied case. With high saturation degrees on the cross street, the convergence rate performance of the improved genetic algorithm is significantly good. The figure can be up to 36.2% when compared with the convergence rate of the conventional GA.
Does the Learning Effect of Housing Policies Affect Anomalies in the Apartment Market? Evidence from Korea

This paper examines whether the learning effect of housing policies could empirically affect anomalies in the apartment market in Korea. We find that a learning effect exists in apartment market anomalies, but depending on area, estimation period and size, investors behave differently to anomalies in an apartment market that is affected by housing policies. Furthermore, we confirm that in order to explain anomalies in detail with housing policies, we need to consider economic factors. Of these economic factors, surprisingly, oil price plays the most important role in explaining the anomalies.
High resolution true velocity mapping with a 50 MHz pulsed wave Doppler system for dermatology

Besides morphological imaging blood flow imaging in the skin is of growing interest in dermatology. However, high resolution and sensitive detection techniques have to be applied in order to account for the small vessel diameters and the low flow velocities in the microcirculatory system of the skin. We propose a method for true velocity mapping with high spatial and high velocity resolution to consider the complex vessel structure with different flow directions. With our approach we combine a high resolution strategy for the estimation of the axial velocity and a procedure for transversal flow detection based on the weighting of the echo signal by the point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system are combined. Results from simulations and flow phantom measurements are presented.
Empirical test of the Ricardian Equivalence in the Kingdom of Lesotho

Abstract The objective of this paper is to test the existence of Ricardian Equivalence in Lesotho using annual data for two sample periods, 1980–2014 and 1988–2014. This proposition is important and has crucial implications for tax policy. Household consumption, government debt, government expenditure, GDP per capita, population growth and inflation are variables which are used for this analysis. The study used ARDL cointegration approach to investigate the relationship between these variables. The study found that there is long run equilibrium relationship among the variables in two sample periods. The results show that an increase in government debt or government expenditure will decrease household consumption per capita. This implies that the Ricardian Equivalence does hold for Lesotho. The results also imply that fiscal policy is an ineffective tool to stabilize the economy. Lesotho has limited fiscal flexibility, and it will be difficult or challenging to increase private consumption and economic growth, particularly during economic downturn.
PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBIT FED GRADED LEVELS OF SHEEP BLOOD-RUMEN CONTENT MIXTURE

A ten-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth and economic performance of growing rabbits fed sheep blood-rumen content mixture (SBRCM). The SBRCM which contained 36.70% crude protein and 24.00% crude fibre was included at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% levels in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively to replace groundnut cake and maize in the diets. Forty-five crossbred (Dutch x New Zealand white) rabbits between 5 and 6 weeks old were randomly allocated to the 5 treatments in groups of 9 rabbits and allowed unlimited access to the feed and drinking water throughout the experimental period. The average daily weight gain was not statistically different (P>0.05 among the dietary treatments. The mean daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatments. Rabbits on the SBRCM-based diets consumed more feed than the control (0% SBRCM). The feed cost per kg and feed cost per kg of weight gain decreased as the level of SBRCM increased in the diets. This led to lowered feed cost and hence cost of production. Therefore, the results of this experiment shows that sheep blood-rumen content mixture (SBRCM) could replace up to 40% of maize –groundnut cake in rabbit diets without detrimental effects on growth performance. However, best economic returns was obtained at 30% level of SBRCM.
Application of ground‐penetrating radar imagery for three‐dimensional visualisation of near‐surface structures in ice‐rich permafrost, Barrow, Alaska

Three‐dimensional ground‐penetrating radar (3D GPR) was used to investigate the subsurface structure of ice‐wedge polygons and other features of the frozen active layer and near‐surface permafrost near Barrow, Alaska. Surveys were conducted at three sites located on landscapes of different geomorphic age. At each site, sediment cores were collected and characterised to aid interpretation of GPR data. At two sites, 3D GPR was able to delineate subsurface ice‐wedge networks with high fidelity. Three‐dimensional GPR data also revealed a fundamental difference in ice‐wedge morphology between these two sites that is consistent with differences in landscape age. At a third site, the combination of two‐dimensional and 3D GPR revealed the location of an active frost boil with ataxitic cryostructure. When supplemented by analysis of soil cores, 3D GPR offers considerable potential for imaging, interpreting and 3D mapping of near‐surface soil and ice structures in permafrost environments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public demand for eco-efficient concepts in urban development

Global warming has brought new challenges to urban development worldwide. Built environment and cities are estimated to cause some 40-70% of the environmental impacts. This questions our current urban development practises and challenges us to find new solutions to manage the issues. The purpose of this study is to identify feasible eco-efficient concepts that can be implemented in the urban development process. These concepts are identified with a constructive research method, where potential concepts are originally identified from literature and further enhanced with thematic expert interviews, and finally, the suggested concepts are tested with a questionnaire and presented in an integrated framework for the eco-efficient concepts to better understand the requirements and opportunities in public urban development. The results showed that the urban development concepts that were most appealing to public stake holders were; an integrated design process, eco-efficient traffic and transportation solutions, and eco-efficient complementary development. Local energy procurement and management was also perceived as relatively lucrative services when developing eco-efficient urban areas. This study provides an extensive information platform (different ideas, themes, and concepts) to promote eco-efficiency in urban development in order to maintain and improve the sustainable quality of life and welfare in our urban society.
Quantum Google Algorithm Construction and Application to Complex Networks

We review the main findings on the ranking capabilities of the recently proposed Quantum PageRank algorithm [1,2] applied to large complex networks. The algorithm has been shown to identify unambiguously the underlying topology of the network and to be capable of clearly highlighting the structure of secondary hubs of networks. Furthermore it can resolve the degeneracy in importance of the low lying part of the list of rankings. Examples of applications include real world instances from the WWW, which typically display a scale-free network structure and models of hierarchical networks. The quantum algorithm has been shown to display an increased stability with respect to a variation of the damping parameter, present in the Google algorithm, and a more clearly pronounced power-law behaviour in the distribution of importance among the nodes, as compared to the classical algorithm. PACS. 03.67. Ac Quantum algorithms, protocols, and simulations – 03.67. Hk Quantum communication – 89.20. Hh World Wide Web, Internet – 05.40. Fb Random walks and Levy flights
Effects of Chair-Based Exercises for Older People on Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Sleep Problems and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of chair based exercises (CBE) with no exercise group on the physical fitness, physical activity, sleep problems and quality of life of older people. Material and Methods: Forty eight community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older were randomly enrolled and divided into two groups: CBE or control group. CBE group participants performed 20 different exercises at sitting position, three times a week for 6 weeks. Physical fitness level was evaluated using Senior Fitness Test Protocol. Physical activity levels were evaluated by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Muscle strength was mesaured with digital dynamometer. Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to evaluate health-related quality of life. Sleep Quality was determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: The change in 6 minutes walk distance (p=0.01), two minutes step (p=0.00), arm curl (left) (p=0.00), chair sit-reach (p=0.04), and back scratch (right) (p=0.00) tests, muscle strength of iliopsoas (left) (p=0.00), deltoideus-anterior (right) (p=0.02), deltoideus-anterior (left) (p=0.04) muscles, IPAQ moderate intensity activity (p=0.00) and total scores (p=0.00), SF-36 pain (p=0.00) and physical role limitation (p=0.01) scores significantly differed between two groups. Conclusion: CBE may be appropriate for elderly population who has activity limitation and may be useful for those who cannot participate in other form of exercise.
Biodesulfurization of Sour Crude Oil

Crude oil is one of the most important types of fossil fuel in the world. It is an economically important commodity that is massively used in many industrial activities. The poor quality of crude oil is related to high sulfur content, which translates to lower profit margins and negatively impacts air quality standards. Polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs) that exist in crude oil requires an efficient reduction method to achieve significant desulfurization levels. Recently, biodesulfurization (BDS) is gaining greater attention attributed to its environmentally benign bioprocess; possible benefits of BDS include lower capital and processing costs. Studies have reported that BDS is urgently needed for desulfurization of recalcitrant organic sulfur relative to traditional approach, hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The establishment of commercial scale biorefining technology relies on major advancement with respect to less expensive and sufficient production of highly active and stable biocatalysts that can be adapted to intense conditions encountered in petroleum refineries. In this paper, a review on BDS processes for removing recalcitrant thoiphenic components from sour crude oil is conducted, covering the aim of most studies concerning desulfurizing bacteria, which enables a deep desulfurization of organosulfur compounds by 4S pathway, maintaining the caloric value of fuel.
Superconducting nanowire detector jitter limited by detector geometry

Detection jitter quantifies variance introduced by the detector in the determination of photon arrival time. It is a crucial performance parameter for systems using superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs). In this work, we have demonstrated that the detection timing jitter is limited in part by the spatial variation of the photon detection events along the length of the wire. We define this jitter source as a geometric jitter since it is related to the length and area of the SNSPD. To characterize the geometric jitter, we have constructed a differential cryogenic readout with less than 7 ps of an electronic jitter that can amplify the pulses generated from the two ends of an SNSPD. By differencing the measured arrival times of the two electrical pulses, we were able to partially cancel out the difference of the propagation times and thus reduce the uncertainty of the photon arrival time. We proved that the variation of the differential propagation time was a few ps for a 3 μm × 3 μm devi.
On the theory of MAG waves and a comparison with sunspot observations from CDS/SoHO

We examine the influence of non-adiabatic effects on the modes of an isothermal stratified magnetic atmosphere. We present new solutions for magneto-acoustic-gravity (or ) waves in the presence of a radiative heat exchange based on Newton's law of cooling. An analytic expression for the dispersion relation is derived, which allows the effect of a weak magnetic field on the modes to be studied. The insight so gained proves useful in extending the computations to the moderate- high field case. In the second part we present observations of two sunspots obtained in the  wavelength range with the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer () on SoHO. We examine the time series for the line intensities and relative velocities and calculate their power spectra using wavelet transforms. We find oscillations in the chromosphere and transition region above the sunspots in the temperature range log T = 4.6-5.4 K. Most of the spectral power above the umbra is contained in the 5-7 mHz frequency range. When the  slit crosses the sunspot umbra a clear 3 min oscillation is observed. The observed oscillation frequencies are compared with the computed frequencies and the observations are interpreted in terms of the slow magneto-acoustic waves.
In vivo monitoring of therapy-induced apoptotic process in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND: The level of spontaneous apoptosis, the maximal response by apoptosis and the time when maximal apoptotic response is established are significant prognostic parameters that correlate with the therapeutic response of patients with malignant diseases. METHODS: Our study included 12 patients with B-CLL (I group of 7 patients) and ANLL (II group of 5 patients). Detection of apoptotic parameters on semifine section of peripheral blood was performed. Bcl 2 and mutated p53 expression were analyzed using the monoclonal antibodies by APAAP techniques. RESULTS: In our work, the established levels of spontaneous and therapy induced apoptosis correlate with clinical response of patients. All patients were bcl 2 strongly positive. Expression of p53 protein was not detected in these patients. The ultra structural analysis of the malignant cells has shown that a great number of cells react to antineoplastic agents’ effect either by activating the cell response to stress or by apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The results of our pilot study have shown that the established levels of spontaneous and therapy induced apoptosis are in correlation with the clinical response of the patients to the applied therapy and that the measurable apoptotic parameters can represent prognostic parameters in treatment of hematologic neoplasms.
Game Theoretic Analysis for Cooperative Video Transmission over Heterogeneous Devices: Mobile Communication Networks and Wireless Local Area Networks as a Case Study

This chapter presents a mechanism for cooperative video transmission based on game theory for heterogeneous devices during broadcasting. Broadcasting is a multipoint delivery of transmission that sends data from a source to multiple destinations. The terminal is involved in cooperative transmission when the station broadcasts video data. To enhance performance, the heterogeneity and forwarding capabilities should be considered. This work studies power control and allocation in a collaborative transmission based on game theory, which provides an effective strategy when network resources are limited. First, a novel power-allocation model of the base station (BS) based on noncooperative game theory and bidding is presented in this study. Additionally, we also propose a utility function of Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNRs) along with Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIRs). Subsequently, based on such noncooperative game theory with a utility function, the model of the power distribution of terminals in cooperative transmission can be built. Experiments on the System-in-the-Loop (SITL) mode in OPNETs have proven the correctness of the designed model and superiority, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed power-control idea. Game Theoretic Analysis for Cooperative Video Transmission over Heterogeneous Devices: Mobile Communication Networks and Wireless Local Area Networks as a Case Study Wen Ji Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Bo-Wei Chen Princeton University, USA Yiqiang Chen Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Shaojie Kang Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Particle Simulation of Charging Characteristic of a Micro-sized Dust Particle Immersed into Low Temperature Plasma

The charging characteristic of micro-sized particulates immersed into low temperature argon plasma was studied via particle simulation employing Particle-in-Cell (PIC) and Monte-Carlo (MC) hybrid method. The net charge of a dust particle was determined by counting the number of electrons and ions reached the particle surface. The electric potential of particle surface was evaluated by the capacitor model. Meanwhile, the profiles of charged particle number densities and self-consistent electric field were obtained. Both electron and ion number densities dramatically varied near the particle surface within the sheath. The simulation was verified by comparing the computational results with the data from existing simulation and theoretical analysis. The comparison showed that the numerical model overestimating the charge number for micro-sized particles. The research indicates that the charge of a particle is proportional to its radius and the electron temperature. However, the relationship is not strictly linear. Keywordsdust particle; charging; low temperature plasma; particle simulation
Clonality and Genetic Diversity Revealed by AFLPs in Schisandra glabra (Brickell) Rheder (Schisandraceae), a Rare Basal Angiosperm

I am submitting herewith a thesis written by Matthew J. Valente entitled “Clonality and Genetic Diversity Revealed by AFLPs in Schisandra glabra (Brickell) Rheder (Schisandraceae), a Rare Basal Angiosperm. ” I have examined the final electronic copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, with a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Phenotypic Correlation of Genetic Mutations with Ventricular Arrhythmias

Much progress has been made in identifying genetic loci linked to hereditary arrhythmia syndromes over the past decade and a half. Linkage analyses for Mendelian diseases have been powerful in the discovery phases. Considerable challenges remain however, for the clinician faced with individual patients and families when the clinical symptoms are atypical or intermediate and when novel mutations or polymorphisms are reported in the course of genetic testing. To unambiguously define the deleterious nature of any given mutation, additional functional analyses are required. Such studies should not only detect the functional consequence of mutations but also the degree of severity and mechanisms that bring about the deleterious behavior. These principles apply not only to cardiac arrhythmia syndromes but also to any hereditary genetic disease. In practice, this is not always feasible or possible with current technology. This is particularly problematic when standard genetically manipulable animals (mouse) differ considerably from human, as they do in cardiac electrophysiology. An additional obstacle occurs when the target organ is not amenable to biopsy without considerable risk (e.g. heart, brain, etc.). For evaluation of genetic mutations in cardiac arrhythmia syndromes, heterologous expression of affected genes has helped tremendously. Hereditary arrhythmia syndromes include: the long QT syndrome, the Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, the short QT syndrome, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. We will restrict our discussion to the long QT syndrome; however, the basic principles of verifying functional consequences of mutations also applies to the other syndromes. In this chapter we will review the progress in characterizing arrhythmia-linked genetic mutations. Several areas of recent technical advancement have been achieved which we will discuss in detail. We will also highlight how biophysical, biochemical and cell-biological studies may be used to help inform clinicians in managing the more subtle and varied aspects of patients with specific mutations. Lastly, we will discuss how such studies may eventually point to therapeutic modalities that will lead to gene-specific, or personalized medicine.