Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy set-based distant cluster identification

This presents a method to identify distant clusters for a data set using fuzzy techniques. The proposed method first applies a fuzzy clustering algorithm to the data set. It introduces a fuzzy membership function called distance membership function which transforms metric distance between two objects into the degree of farness. In order to measure the degree of farness between two fuzzy clusters, it defines the cluster farness measures which incorporate distance membership function and fuzzy clusters. It uses the measures to construct a fuzzy distant relation for clusters from which the distant clusters are identified.
Dem Reconstruction Using Light Field and Bidirectional Reflectance Function from Multi-View High Resolution Spatial Images

This paper presents a method for dense DSM reconstruction from high resolution, mono sensor, passive imagery, spatial panchromatic image sequence. The interest of our approach is four-fold. Firstly, we extend the core of light field approaches using an explicit BRDF model from the Image Synthesis community which is more realistic than the Lambertian model. The chosen model is the Cook-Torrance BRDF which enables us to model rough surfaces with specular effects using specific material parameters. Secondly, we extend light field approaches for non-pinhole sensors and non-rectilinear motion by using a proper geometric transformation on the image sequence. Thirdly, we produce a 3D volume cost embodying all the tested possible heights and filter it using simple methods such as Volume Cost Filtering or variational optimal methods. We have tested our method on a Pleiades image sequence on various locations with dense urban buildings and report encouraging results with respect to classic multi-label methods such as MIC-MAC, or more recent pipelines such as S2P. Last but not least, our method also produces maps of material parameters on the estimated points, allowing us to simplify building classification or road extraction.
Botswana: Future Prospects and the Need for Broad-based Development

Botswana stands out in the SADC region, and globally, as a country that has experienced remarkable and consistent growth – “the highest level of per-capita growth of any country in the world in the last 35 years” – and it is widely recognised for its prudent macroeconomic management. This recognition has taken the form of credit ratings that place it on a par with some of the best performing emerging market economies.
An ounce of prevention: cost‐effectiveness of coral reef rehabilitation relative to enforcement

Blast fishing has destroyed many coral reefs in Southeast Asia by creating large fields of dead coral rubble where new coral recruits settle but cannot survive and grow. Possible management responses include reef rehabilitation of damaged areas, and/or increased enforcement to protect still‐living ones. Here we show that in Komodo National Park, Indonesia, rehabilitation by installing locally‐quarried rocks on blasted rubble fields can be relatively low cost (∼US$4.80 per m2) and simple, but it is not economically viable at large scales. Although rehabilitation without enforcement is unlikely to be effective, we compared rehabilitation data (costs and coral growth over 8 years) and enforcement costs to conduct two economic analyses: cost‐per‐area calculations and a cost‐effectiveness model over 7 years, and found that rehabilitation costs ∼70 and ∼5‐times more, respectively, than marine patrols to enforce blast fishing bans. Hence, we recommend that marine protected area managers prioritize investment in achieving compliance with regulations above investment in rehabilitation to ensure that reefs continue to generate biodiversity and fisheries benefits and tourist revenues.
Profile of Catfish (Clarias sp) Oocyte Exposed by Laserpuncture

An exposure of low-powered laserpuncture at reproductive acupoint of c atfish br o od stock is known stimulate oocyte maturation. However, the profile of oocyte resulted from laserpuncture exposure has not been known. The present study aimed to identify the profile of catfish ( Clarias sp. ) oocyte in post-exposure laserpuncture . A total of 48 catfishes with ages of 8-9 months was grouped into two, i.e. fishes were exposed with laserpuncture and without exposure to laserpuncture (control) with 3 replications. Laserpuncture exposure was conducted once a week until the brood stock matured. Profile of oocyte such as, the GSI value, egg diameter, total of oocytes and the gonad maturity stage were examined. The results showed that laserpuncture exposure at the catfish reproductive acupoint could trigger the oocyte development without reducing quality of the oocyte indicated by the increase of gonadosomatic index (GSI), oocyte diameter, total of oocytes and gonad maturity stage similar to control. Moreover, laserpuncture exposure accelerated the gonad maturation, three weeks faster than control.
Monitoring on the Presence of Ascorbic Acid in Not Prepacked Fresh Meat Preparations by a Validated HPLC Method

Ascorbic acid is a commonly-used food additive permitted in prepacked fresh meat preparations. Consequently, the addition of this antioxidant is subject to a specific packaging authorization. In this survey 180 samples of not prepacked fresh meat preparations have been analyzed in order to evaluate the diffusion of not authorized ascorbic acid additions. The ascorbic acid has been determined by a high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection method, validated according to the European Legislation. Quantifiable concentrations of ascorbic acid (> LOQ = 20.1 mg · kg -1 ) were registered in 33 samples confirming a wide diffusion of not authorized additions. Moreover, low concentrations not attributable to a additives additions were detected in 14 samples. Ascorbic acid sources (tomato) were declared on the label of these samples. Considering that the addition of this food additive is generally considered safe, these low concentrations registered may be useful for the determination of an allowable limit for the ascorbic acid in not prepacked fresh meat preparations.
Certified grammar transformation to Chomsky normal form in f

Certified programming allows to prove that the program meets its specification. The check of correctness of a program is performed at compile time, which guarantees that the program always runs as specified. Hence, there is no need to test certified programs to ensure they work correctly. There are numerous toolchains designed for certified programming, but F* is the only language that support both general-purpose programming and semi-automated proving. The latter means that F* infers proofs when it is possible and a user can specify more complex proofs if necessary. We work on the application of this technique to a grammarware research and development project YaccConstructor. We present a work in progress verified implementation of transformation of Context-free grammar to Chomsky normal form, that is making progress toward the certification of the entire project. Among other features, F* system allows to extract code in F# or OCaml languages from a program written in F*. YaccConstructor project is mostly written in F#, so this feature of F* is of particular importance because it allows to maintain compatibility between certified modules and those existing in the project which are not certified yet. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of such approach and formulate topics for further research.
The histology of two female Early Cretaceous birds

We conduct histological analysis of two sexually mature fossil birds from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group referable to Jeholornis sp. and Enantiornithes indet. Histology confi rms that in these lineages of basal birds,sexual maturity was achieved before skeletal maturity. The samples reveal structural differences from previously described relevant specimens,indicating that the ontogenetic changes in bone tissue that occur in Mesozoic birds are more complicated than previously recognized. The female specimen of Jeholornis sectioned here is more vascularized than previously described specimens,with both reticular and longitudinal canals. The enantiornithine bone tissue is most similar to that reported for the Early Cretaceous Concornis,primarily formed by parallel-fibered bone but more vascularized than other reported adult enantiornithine specimens. The bone shows a distinct decrease in the rate of bone deposition,inferred to represent the onset of sexual maturity.
Cognitive Predictors Of Academic Achievement At High School Age: Cross-Cultural Study

The aim of the study is to investigate the role of cognitive characteristics (processing speed, working memory and sense of number) and general (nonverbal intelligence) in the individual differences in academic achievement on the samples of high school children from Russia and Kyrgyzstan. These countries are characterized, on the one hand, by similarities in the organization of the national education system, and, on the other hand, differences in socioeconomic status and effectiveness of public education. The study involved 514 schoolchildren at Grades 10 & 11 from two state educational institutions. The samples were balanced by the educational microenvironment. The Russian sample was represented by 205 pupils from 15.8 to 18.8 years (41.9% of boys). The Kyrgyz sample included 309 schoolchildren from 15.3 to 18.8 years (36.4% of boys). It is shown that both in Russia and in Kyrgyzstan, the best model fit was for the speed of information processing as a key predictor of intelligence, working memory and a number sense, which in turn explained variation in the academic achievement. At the same time, we found cross-cultural differences in the interrelationships between certain cognitive development factors and academic achievement. Thus, in less favorable socioeconomic conditions, the greatest functional weight was obtained for the correlation between the speed of processing information and academic achievement through working memory and nonverbal intelligence. On the contrary, under more favorable conditions, the contribution of cognitive characteristics to the development of individual differences in academic achievement was not significant. © 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy. org.UK
Estimating the Uncertainty of Hydrological Predictions through Data-Driven Resampling Techniques

AbstractEstimating the uncertainty of hydrological models remains a relevant challenge in applied hydrology, mostly because it is not easy to parameterize the complex structure of hydrological model errors. A nonparametric technique is proposed as an alternative to parametric error models to estimate the uncertainty of hydrological predictions. Within this approach, the above uncertainty is assumed to depend on input data uncertainty, parameter uncertainty and model error, where the latter aggregates all sources of uncertainty that are not considered explicitly. Errors of hydrological models are simulated by resampling from their past realizations using a nearest neighbor approach, therefore avoiding a formal description of their statistical properties. The approach is tested using synthetic data which refer to the case study located in Italy. The results are compared with those obtained using a formal statistical technique (meta-Gaussian approach) from the same case study. Our findings prove that the nea.
The influence of physical state on shikimic acid ozonolysis: a case for in situ microspectroscopy

Abstract. Atmospheric soluble organic aerosol material can become solid or semi-solid. Due to increasing viscosity and decreasing diffusivity, this can impact important processes such as gas uptake and reactivity within aerosols containing such substances. This work explores the dependence of shikimic acid ozonolysis on humidity and thereby viscosity. Shikimic acid, a proxy for oxygenated reactive organic material, reacts with O 3 in a Criegee-type reaction. We used an environmental microreactor embedded in a scanning transmission X-ray microscope (STXM) to probe this oxidation process. This technique facilitates in situ measurements with single micron-sized particles and allows to obtain near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra with high spatial resolution. Thus, the chemical evolution of the interior of the particles can be followed under reaction conditions. The experiments show that the overall degradation rate of shikimic acid is depending on the relative humidity in a way that is controlled by the decreasing diffusivity of ozone with decreasing humidity. This decreasing diffusivity is most likely linked to the increasing viscosity of the shikimic acid–water mixture. The degradation rate was also depending on particle size, most congruent with a reacto-diffusion limited kinetic case where the reaction progresses only in a shallow layer within the bulk. No gradient in the shikimic acid concentration was observed within the bulk material at any humidity indicating that the diffusivity of shikimic acid is still high enough to allow its equilibration throughout the particles on the timescale of hours at higher humidity and that the thickness of the oxidized layer under dry conditions, where the particles are solid, is beyond the resolution of STXM.
Applying PPE Model Based on RAGA in Evaluating the Soil Quantity Variation

The author apply a new technique of falling dimension named projection pursuit to soil study, through using the improved real coding based accelerating genetic algorithm to optimize the projection direction. Thus, it can transfer multi-dimension data into one dimension data, through searching for the optimum projection direction to realize the soil classification and its grade evaluation. So, the method can avoid the artificial disturb, and acquire preferably effect. Thus, the paper provides a new method to the research of soil classification and grade evaluation.
Tracking Secondary and Temporary Concrete Construction Objects Using 3D Imaging Technologies

Recent research efforts to improve construction progress tracking has focused on employing emerging technologies such as three dimensional (3D) imaging, including digital photogrammetry and 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). Previous research has shown that “Scan-vs-BIM” object recognition systems, which fuse 3D TLS and 4D project BIM, provide valuable information for tracking structural works. However, until now these systems have focused on tracking progress for permanent structures only; none of them has considered progress of secondary or temporary structures. In the context of structural concrete work, temporary structures include formwork, scaffolding and shoring, while secondary components include rebar. The value of tracking temporary and secondary elements is that it would add veracity and detail to the progress tracking process, and consequently to billing. This paper presents two different techniques for detecting concrete construction secondary and temporary objects in TLS point clouds, one of which is based on a Scan-vs-BIM object recognition system. Both techniques are tested using real-life data collected from a reinforced concrete building construction site. The preliminary experimental results show that it is feasible to detect and track secondary and temporary objects in 3D TLS point clouds with high accuracy. This will help to improve progress estimation and tracking.
A novel quantitative trait loci for fusarium head blight resistance in wheat chromosome 7A

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is an important cereal disease in humid and semi-humid wheat growing regions. In recent FHB epidemics in the USA, FHB dramatically reduced wheat yields and grain quality due to mycotoxin contamination. Five types of FHB resistance have been reported, but resistance to disease spread within a spike (Type II) and low deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation in infected kernels (Type III) have drawn the most attention. A Chinese Spring-Sumai3 chromosome 7A substitution line (CS-SM3-7ADSL) was reported to have a high level of Type II resistance, but quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 7A has never been mapped. To characterize QTL on chromosome 7A, we developed 191 Chinese Spring-Sumai3-7A chromosome recombinant inbred lines (CRIL) from a cross between Chinese Spring and CS-SM3-7ADSL and evaluated the CRIL in a greenhouse for both types of resistance in three experiments. Two major QTL with Sumai 3 (SM3) origin, conditioning Type II and Type III resistance were mapped in chromosomes 3BS and 7AC. QTL on chromosome 3BS corresponds to Fhb1, previously reported from SM3, whereas 7AC QTL, designated as Fhb5, is a novel QTL identified from SM3 in this study. Fhb5 explains 22% phenotypic variation for Type II resistance and 24% for Type III resistance. Marker Xwmc17 is the closest marker to Fhb5 for both types of resistance. Fhb1 and Fhb5 were additive and together explained 56% variation for Type II and 41% for Type III resistance and resulted in 66% reduction in FHB severity and 84% in DON content. Both QTL showed significant pleiotropy effects on Type II and Type III resistance, suggesting both types of resistance may be controlled by the same gene(s). Haplotype analysis of SM3‟s parents revealed that Fhb5 originated from Funo, an Italian cultivar. A survey of worldwide germplasm collection of 400 accessions showed that Fhb5 is present mainly in Chinese cultivars, especially in Funo-related accessions. Further, Fhb5 is the second major QTL from SM3 and have potential to be used in improving wheat cultivars for both types of resistance.
Author Guidelines for ACES Journal Paper (16 pt bold)

─ We introduce an algebraic recursive multilevel approximate inverse-based preconditioner, based on a distributed Schur complement formulation. The proposed preconditioner combines recursive combinatorial algorithms and multilevel mechanisms to maximize sparsity during the factorization. Index Terms ─ Approximate inverse preconditioners, computational electromagnetics, Krylov subspace methods, sparse matrices.
Optimal Induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor Production in Human Monocytes Requires Complete S-Form Lipopolysaccharide

Optimal activation of human monocytes in vitro for the biosynthesis of tumor necrosis factor was achieved only with complete S-form lipopolysaccharide. Endotoxin preparations with shorter carbohydrate chains or the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide were not able to induce release of comparable amounts of tumor necrosis factor by monocytes under the conditions described. The same differences in the level of tumor necrosis factor mRNA were observed. Moreover, addition of these agents to appropriate monocyte-activating substances inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor. The regulatory implications of this phenomenon are discussed.
A supply curve analysis for the Icelandic Housing Financing Fund bond market

Risk management deals with three types of financial risks: market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Much has been written about both ma rket and credit risk but substantially less has been written about liquidity risk. Liquidity ri sk has been modelled for securities as a supply curve where the price obtained in a trade of a given security is reflected not only in the time of the trade but also in the size and directio n (buy or sell orders). In this thesis, data provided by the Icelandic Stock Exchange is used to examine the supply curve, and thus the liquidity, of three bonds traded in Iceland. Four d ifferent models for the supply curve will be presented and fitted to actual data. The supply cur ve is shown to exist and therefore it is shown that size and direction of a trade does affec t the price obtained in a trade. In conclusion, the model most likely to be the best to describe the liquidity for the given bonds is selected. The model that best fitted the provided d ata was the S-shaped logarithmic model where the rather high bid-ask spread and market par ticipants’ tendency to place their orders alongside other orders were well captured.
Measurement of performance at institutions of higher learning: the balanced score card approach

Organisations have to confront with new developments brought about by the shift of industrial age competition to information age competition. As a result of this, certain assumptions with regard to the running and measurement of organisational performance have become obsolete. Information becomes essential to bring about new capabilities for competitive success. In the information age, it is vital for organisations to attempt to create future value through investments in customers, suppliers, employees, processes, technology and innovation (Kaplan and Norton, 1998a). Therefore, in information age, organisations need to formulate and utilise performance measurement tools that can be used to develop strategies, not only to create value for the current and future customers, but also to enhance current and future capabilities necessary to improve future performance. The tools are not only to be used to control behaviour and to evaluate past performances, but also to articulate and communicate future strategies. In brief, the objectives of this research study are: evaluate performance measurement at institutions of higher learning; assess the level of awareness and knowledge of balanced scorecard as a measure.
Consistency Tests in Estimating the Completeness of the Fossil Record: A Neo-Popperian Approach to Statistical Paleontology

Most educated persons today, who have been repeatedly exposed since childhood to pictures of the famous "horse series," are likely to think of it, or of the fossil dinosaurs they have seen in museums, rather than other lines of evidence for the theory of evolution. They differ in this respect from Charles Darwin, who did not consider the fossil data to be supportive of his theory. On the contrary, he viewed the paleontological findings available in his day as perhaps presenting "the gravest objection which can be urged against my theory" (Darwin 1859, p. 280), emphasizing the fossil record's failure to provide the "infinitely numerous transitional links" (p. 310) that would illustrate the "slow and steady operation of natural selection". (Eldredge and Gould 1972, p. 87) Because he thought of the fossil record as adverse rather than supportive, his chapter on the record is appropriately titled by reference to its imperfection, and appears toward the end of the book, following the general chapter on "difficulties of the theory. " Philosophers of science, and psychologists of certain persuasions (e.g., Freudians who wish to defend the "scientific" status of psychoanalytic doctrine against super-operational critics), have sometimes invoked the theory of organic evolution as a paradigm case of a theory that is generally admitted to be empirical and scientific but that mostly offers after-the-fact explanations of data without being able to make predictions of those data. One thinks of evolutionary theory as explaining that there is such a creature as the rhinoceros, but nobody has ever claimed, given the general postulates of evolutionary theory, to derive the empirical statement that an animal of such-and-such rhinoceroid properties would evolve. Sir Karl Popper (1974, pp. 133-143), with his emphasis on falsifiability as a criterion of scientific theories, has gone so far as to suggest that we should look upon