Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
a Robust Registration Algorithm for Point Clouds from Uav Images for Change Detection

Landslides are among the major threats to urban landscape and manmade infrastructure. They often cause economic losses, property damages, and loss of lives. Temporal monitoring data of landslides from different epochs empowers the evaluation of landslide progression. Alignment of overlapping surfaces from two or more epochs is crucial for the proper analysis of landslide dynamics. The traditional methods for point-cloud-based landslide monitoring rely on using a variation of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) registration procedure to align any reconstructed surfaces from different epochs to a common reference frame. However, sometimes the ICP-based registration can fail or may not provide sufficient accuracy. For example, point clouds from different epochs might fit to local minima due to lack of geometrical variability within the data. Also, manual interaction is required to exclude any non-stable areas from the registration process. In this paper, a robust image-based registration method is introduced for the simultaneous evaluation of all registration parameters. This includes the Interior Orientation Parameters (IOPs) of the camera and the Exterior Orientation Parameters (EOPs) of the involved images from all available observation epochs via a bundle block adjustment with self-calibration. Next, a semi-global dense matching technique is implemented to generate dense 3D point clouds for each epoch using the images captured in a particular epoch separately. The normal distances between any two consecutive point clouds can then be readily computed, because the point clouds are already effectively co-registered. A low-cost DJI Phantom II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was customised and used in this research for temporal data collection over an active soil creep area in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The customisation included adding a GPS logger and a Large-Field-Of-View (LFOV) action camera which facilitated capturing high-resolution geo-tagged images in two epochs over the period of one year (i.e., May 2014 and May 2015). Note that due to the coarse accuracy of the on-board GPS receiver (e.g., +/- 5-10 m) the geo-tagged positions of the images were only used as initial values in the bundle block adjustment. Normal distances, signifying detected changes, varying from 20 cm to 4 m were identified between the two epochs. The accuracy of the co-registered surfaces was estimated by comparing non-active patches within the monitored area of interest. Since these non-active sub-areas are stationary, the computed normal distances should theoretically be close to zero. The quality control of the registration results showed that the average normal distance was approximately 4 cm, which is within the noise level of the reconstructed surfaces.
Strategies to control nutritional

Nutritional iron deficiency is the most common deficiency disorder in the world, affecting more than one billion people. Two-thirds of children and of women of childbearing age in most developing nations are estimated to suffer from iron deficiency; one-third of them have the more severe form of the disorder, anemia. Furthermore, unlike many nutritional diseases, such as vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to blindness, and iodine deficiency, which can cause retardation and deafness, iron deficiency is found in all societies, developing and industrialized alike. In the United States, Japan, and Europe, for instance, between 10% and 20% of women of childbearing age are anemic (1, 2). Iron deficiency commonly remains unrecognized. Because of subtle symptoms, such as pallor, listlessness, and fatigue, the disorder is not regarded as life-threatening. Yet iron deficiency can have a multitude of effects and can even cause death. The main function of iron in the body is in erythropoiesis; thus, many of the problems of iron deficiency arise from anemia. Others are related to the shortage of iron in tissues, and sometimes to a combination of both. Thus, iron deficiency severe enough to produce anemia is associated with a substantial reduction in work capacity; impaired behavior and intellectual performance; impaired capacity to maintain body temperature in a cold environment; increased risk of lead poisoning, particularly in young children; and decreased resistance to infection. In fact, cell-mediated immunity is often found to be impaired before anemia can be detected and before overt dinical signs are observed (3). Because of the magnitude and consequences of the problem of nutritional anemia in the world, governments of the world committed themselves at the International Conference on Nutrition in Rome in December 1992 to reduce by the year 2000 the prevalence of iron deficiency in women of childbearing age by one-third compared with the levels in 1990 (4). For deficiencies of the other two micronutrients, vitamin A and iodine, the goal set was virtual elimination by the year 2000. This indicates the intractable nature of nutritional anemia. Basically, four approaches can be used to combat malnutrition of the three micronutrients: supplementation, fortification, dietary diversification, and public health measures (3). Problems of both efficacy and effectiveness reduce the success of programs to combat micronutrient malnutrition, including nutritional anemia (3). Efficacy can be defined as the relative success in achieving the desired goal under ideal conditions whereas effectiveness is the relative success also taking into account the ability to intervene. Four factors in particular are important in determining efficacy of nutritional anemia control programs: bioavailability of iron, availability of other nutrients that may affect hematopoiesis, increased red cell loss and
1 Gas hydrate estimate in an area of deformation and 2 high heat flow at the Chile Triple Junction 3

Large amounts of gas hydrate are present in marine sediments offshore Taitao Peninsula, 16 near the Chile Triple Junction. Here, marine sediments on the forearc contain carbon that is 17 converted to methane in a zone of very high heat flow and intense rock deformation above the 18 downgoing oceanic spreading ridge separating the Nazca and Antarctic plates. This regime enables 19 vigorous fluid migration. Here we present an analysis of the spatial distribution, concentration, 20 estimate of gas phases (gas hydrate and free gas) and geothermal gradients in the accretionary prism 21 and forearc sediments offshore Taitao (45.5° 47° S). Velocity analysis of Seismic Profile RC2901-751 22 indicates gas hydrate concentration values <10% of the total rock volume, and extremely high 23 geothermal gradients (<190 °Ckm-1). Gas hydrates are located in shallow sediments (90-280 meters 24 below the seafloor). The large amount of hydrate and free gas estimated (7.21x1011 m3 and 4.1x1010 25 m3, respectively), the high seismicity, the mechanically unstable nature of the sediments, and the 26 anomalous geothermal conditions, set the stage for potential massive releases of methane to the 27 ocean mainly through hydrate dissociation and/or migration directly to the seabed through faults. 28 We conclude that the Chile Triple Junction is an important methane seepage area and should be the 29 focus of novel geological and ecological research. 30
ISSSO , a new species-specif ic insertion-sequence-related element of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex Keywords : Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex , mobile elements , IS 990 , IS 3 family

Mycobacterial mobile DNA elements have been widely used as target sequences for DNA probe applications both in diagnosis of mycobacterial disease (Vary et al., 1990; Thierry et al., 1990a; Brisson-Noel et al., 1991; Noordhoek et al., 1995) and for the study of the epidemiology of infectious disease (RFLP typing) (Eisenach et al., 1988 ; Green et al., 1989; Hermans et al., 1990; McAdam et al., 1990; Collins & Stephens, 1991; Kunze et al., 1991,1992; Fomukong et al., 1992; van Embden et a/., 1993; Yuen et al., 1993; Sola et al., 1997). Mycobacterial insertion sequence (IS) elements (Collins & Stephens, 1991; Kunze et al., 1991; Moss et al., 1992; Hernandez Perez et al., 1994) have also been successfully exploited for insertional mutagenesis (Cirillo et al., 1991; Guilhot et al., 1994; Billman-Jacobe et al., 1996) and to integrate foreign genes in mycobacterial genomes (England et al., 1991 ; Dellagostin et al., 1993). The most commonly used IS element for RFLP typing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is IS6110, found in M . tuberculosis and in Mycobacterium bovis (Hermans et al., 1990; McAdam et al., 1990; Thierry et al., 1990b). Strains lacking IS6210 have been found in South-East Asia (Yuen et al., 1993) and recently in Europe (McFadden & Sajduda, 1996). Every investigated M . tuberculosis strain carries the IS1081 element (Collins & Stephens, 1991). However, this element has limited use for epidemio-
Lithospheric Structure of the Arabian Shield from the Joint Inversion of Receiver Function and Surface-Wave Dispersion Observations

Abstract : We estimate lithospheric velocity structure for the Arabian shield by modeling receiver functions and Love and Rayleigh group velocities from event recorded by the 1995-1997 Saudi Arabian Portable Broadband Deployment. Receiver functions are primarily sensitive to shear-wave velocity contrast and vertical travel times and surface-wave dispersion measurements are sensitive to vertical shear-wave velocity averages, so that their combination bridge resolution gaps associated with each individual data set. We incorporate depth-dependent smoothness constraints on the resulting velocity models utilizing a jumping inversion technique. Additional constraints for the upper mantle are placed during inversion to complement those provided in our data set. Our results show a 32-36 km thick crust consisting of a 10-12km thick upper crust containing a rapid velocity increase, a rather constant velocity, a rather constant velocity lower crust of 3.84\(+-O.04 km/s overlayed by a significant velocity gradient above 16-22 km depth. The upper mantle material is shown to have shear velocities ranging from 4.3 to 4.6km/s and the crust-to-mantle transition is imaged as a gradational transition zone (4-12 km thick) rather than a sharp discontinuity. Evidence for lateral variations in both crust and upper mantle is observed at some stations as well.
Approaches to Modeling the Gas-Turbine Maintenance Process

Discrete-event modeling has long been used for logistics and scheduling problems, while multi--agent modelling closely matches human decision-making process. In this paper a metric-based comparison between the traditional discrete-event and the emerging agent-based modeling approaches is reported. The case study involved the implementation of two functionally identical models based on a realistic, non-trivial, civil aircraft gas turbine global repair operation. The size, structural complexity, and coupling metrics from the two models were used to gauge the benefits and drawbacks of each modeling paradigm. The agent-based model was significantly better than the discrete-event model in terms of execution times, scalability, understandability, modifiability, and structural flexibility. In contrast, and importantly in an engineering context, the discrete-event model guaranteed predictable and repeatable results and was comparatively easy to test because of its single-threaded operation. However, neither modeling approach on its own possesses all these characteristics nor can each handle the wide range of resolutions and scales frequently encountered in problems exemplified by the case study scenario. It is recognized that agent-based modeling can emulate high-level human decision-making and communication closely while discrete-event modeling provides a good fit for low-level sequential processes such as those found in manufacturing and logistics.
Research , design and control of a remotely operated underwater vehicle

This paper will present the initial results of the design, construction and control a mini remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) for marine research, including hardware and software control. This ROV is equipped with gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, pressure sensors for performing underwater movement. It has six motors, two for vertical and four for horizontal movement. Control commands and feedback sensor are transferred using RS485 bus. PID controllers would control heading angle and depth of the system. Visual studio C# 2013 is used to design the controller interface.
Design and Evaluation of Future 5 G Mobile Network Transport Protocol

The past two decades TCP development was elevated at higher level mainly because of its poor performances in high speed networks. The Congestion Avoidance phase was studied and identified as the main reason for this behavior. A variety of TCP proposals were developed with the aim to improve protocol utilization in a high speed environment, most of them made changes of the initial TCP’s congestion control mechanism, with or without network layer relations. In this paper we present the novel transport protocol, designed to assure efficient data usage in future 5G mobile networks. This unique transport protocol is designed to prevent congestion collapses of the backhaul network traffic and to assure ultra-high data rates of up to 400Gbps.
Bacteriophages: effective alternative to antibiotics.

Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar; Division of Virology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar; Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar; Division of Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar; Immunology Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar,High Security Animal Diseases Labortary, Indian Veterinary Research Institute,Bhopal, India *Corresponding author: karthik_2bvsc@yahoo.co.in
Simultaneous pressure measurement and high-speed photography study of cavitation in a dynamically loaded journal bearing

Abstract : Cavitation of the oil film in a dynamically loaded journal bearing was studied using high-speed photography and pressure measurement simultaneously. Comparison of the visual and pressure data provided considerable insight into the occurrence and nonoccurrence of cavitation. It was found that (1) for the submerged journal bearing, cavitation typically occurred in the form of one bubble with the pressure in the cavitation bubble close to the absolute zero; and (2) for cavitation-producing operating conditions, cavitation did not always occur; with the oil film then supporting a tensile stress.
Suppression of Thermal Effect on Closed Loop Fiber Optic Gyroscope

Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG), an inertial sensor measures the angular rotation of an object based on the principle of Sagnac effect. FOG is subjected to various environmental disturbances such as temperature, vibration etc., when it is operated in real time. Temperature variation is the major factor that affects the gyro performance. In this paper, a novel compensation approach called temperature soaking method has been presented which makes the gyro insensitive to temperature. This method has been carried out for a 3-axis (Gx, Gy and Gz) FOG and its outputs (bias values) were taken at different temperature points. In order to reduce the bias drift of FOG output, this method uses linear curve fitting function to generate the bias error coefficients. The generated bias error coefficients are subtracted from the existing bias data, which in turn reduces the bias error. The bias values obtained for 3-axis gyro at temperature points from -20°C to +60°C before compensation is then compared with the bias values obtained for after compensation at same temperature points. Experimental results demonstrate that, after compensation the bias drift greatly reduced from 15 to 0°/hr approximately. This method effectively improves the stability and performance of a gyro and makes it to withstand to different environmental conditions which in turn increases the range of applications from military, navigation to space.
Entangled multi-knot lattice model of anyon current

We proposed an entangled multi-knot lattice model to explore the exotic statistics of anyon. This knot lattice model bears abelian and non-abelian anyons as well as integral and fractional filling states that is similar to quantum Hall system. The fusion rules of anyon are explicitly demonstrated by braiding on crossing states of the multi-knot lattice. The statistical character of anyon is quantified by topological linking number of multi-knot link. Long-range coupling interaction is a fundamental character of this knot lattice model. The short range coupling models, such as Ising model, fermion paring model, Kitaev honeycomb lattice model and so on, appears as the short range coupling case of the knot lattice model. We introduced link lattice pattern as geometric representation of the eigenstate of quantum many body model to explore the topological nature of quantum eigen-states. For example, a convection flow loop is introduced into the well-know BCS fermions pairing model to show the Pseudo-gap state in unconventional super-conducting state. The integral and fractional filling numbers in quantum Hall system is directly quantized by topological linking number. The quantum phase transition between different quantum states in quantum spin model is also directly quantified by the change of topological linking number, which revealed topological character of phase transition. This multi-knot lattice has a promising physical implementation by circularized photons in optical firbre network. It may also provide another different path to topological quantum computation.
Regional Variation in Tunel and BCL-2 Expression in the Trophoblastic Tissue of Normal Human Placenta with Aging and Estimation of the True Apoptotic Index Ratio

This study aimed to evaluate the Tunel and BCL-2 expression in syncytiotrophoblast and true apoptotic index ratio in preterm. Term, and postdate placenta in different placental regions (cord insertion, central and peripheral) were done. A significant variation in the number of Tunel stained positive cells at P≤0.05 was evident among age groups in cord insertion and peripheral region of placenta, and a significant variations in the number of BCL-2 stained cells at P≤0.05among groups were evident in all regions in preterm placenta. The apoptotic index ratio was evidently increased with aging in all placental regions. A significant positive correlations was found between Tunel stained positive cells and BCL-2 positive cells in postdate group in cord insertion region at r. 0.472, preterm group in central region at r.0. 601, and a significant negative correlation was found in postdate group in peripheral region at r.0. 57. These results indicated that Tunel and BCL-2 showed various modes of expression in syncytium in different placental regions with aging, and the apoptotic index ratio represent the true measure of apoptosis, this emphasize the importance of apoptosis in permitting normal physiological turnover of villous trophoblast and also exhibits the contribution of BCL-2 in maintaining syncitial integrity throughout normal pregnancy.
Does Lower Socio-Economic Status Make You Sick ? A Two-Period Life Cycle Setting and Evidence from Turkey

People at low socio-economic status (SES) suffer a heavier burden of poor health than their betteroff counterparts. However SES is not a one dimensional concept and knowing which aspect of it affects health and how much more rapidly health declines for some individuals than others over life cycle are key to policy debate for building retirement schemes and social security systems. In this respect by using cross section data from 2010 for Turkey, the contribution of this study to the literature is three-fold: i) we depict SES gradient in health over life course by using different aspects of SES such as income, education and work status. ii) we develop a basic two-period life cycle model that accounts for the effects of SES on health. iii) we try to test our two-period model by estimating endogeneity corrected equations. Results show that the bottom of SES hierarchy in Turkey are in much worse health than those at the top and average health among men is better than women. The health gradient exists whether income, education, work status or work type are used as indicators of SES. We observe relatively wide SES gradient in health in middle-ages and narrowing of it in old ages implying some mixture of cumulative advantage hypothesis and age-as-leveler hypothesis operates through life cycle. Second, our two-period theoretical setting shows that both labor and non-labor income have positive effects on health whereas the impact of education and work status depend on the relative sizes of the model parameters. Parameters being crucial in determination of health status would explain the differences among ages and genders. Lastly, estimation results present that age is the main determinant of health followed education and income. Furthermore reverse causality in income is not a major issue. Comparison between intensive and extensive margins of labor indicates that it is the change in employment, not work hours that changes the probability of good health when endogeneity correction is not applied. On the other hand when we estimate endogeneity corrected equations, the sign of intensive margin of labor becomes negative whereas the sign of extensive margin of labor stays positive. 1
1 Tail dependence

Tail dependence describes the amount of dependence in the tail of a bivariate distribution. In other words, tail dependence refers to the degree of dependence in the corner of the lower-left quadrant or upper-right quadrant of a bivariate distribution. Recently, the concept of tail dependence has been discussed in financial applications related to market or credit risk, Hauksson et al. (2001) and Embrechts et al. (2003). In particular, tail-dependent distributions are of interest in the context of Value at Risk (VaR) estimation for asset portfolios, since these distributions can model dependence of large loss events (default events) between different assets.
A Preliminary Investigation of Search Self ‐ Efficacy

This technical report describes initial investigations into one approach to measuring search expertise based on Bandura’s concept of self ‐ efficacy (1977), Compeau and Higgins’ (1995) use of this concept in their Computer Self ‐ Efficacy scale, and Debowski, Wood and Bandura’s (2001) use of it in their Search Self ‐ Efficacy scale. This report also describes a modified version of Debowski, et al.’s Search Self ‐ Efficacy scale and results of a preliminary investigation of how 23 undergraduates used the scale to characterize their search self ‐ efficacy.
Commodity Storage and the Market Effects of Biofuel Policies

Abstract Legislation passed in 2007 by the U.S. Congress increased by about 1.3 billion bushels the net amount of corn required to be processed annually into ethanol for motor‐fuel use. We estimate that corn prices were about 30% higher from 2006 to 2014 than they would have been without this demand increase. We develop a partially identified structural vector autoregression model. Our identification strategy is unique in the literature because it enables us to estimate the effects of transitory shocks, such as weather, separately from the effects of persistent shocks, such as the increased ethanol mandate. Moreover, by only partially identifying our model, we show how to generate robust conclusions without strong identifying assumptions. JEL codes: C32, Q41, Q11.