Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Driver Interaction with Pedestrians at Intersections - Quantifying the influence of environmental factors on driver comfort boundaries

Active safety systems are constantly being enhanced, featuring more and more environmental factors and advanced algorithms. The system needs to be able to evaluate many different driving situations, and take appropriate action, at a safety critical moment. In this study, focus has been on quantifying factors’ influence on driver comfort boundaries when interacting with pedestrians at intersections. Seven factors, on two levels, were included in the study; Car speed, Pedestrian speed, Pedestrian size, Crossing angle, Crossing presence, Crossing entry and Lane width. The experiment was designed with a fractional factorial layout with the seven factors combined into 32 tasks. Additional 4 tasks were created, 3 to compare the study against two studies previously conducted, and another to analyze the learning/ adaptation effect. Participants were divided into two groups; Group 1, frequent drivers and Group 2, occasional drivers. Statistical analysis based on Linear mixed-effects models was carried out with a significance level of 0.01 for both group of drivers separately, and by combining the two groups. Factors Car speed and Crossing entry have a significant influence on Time To Collision (TTC) at brake onset for all group of drivers. The factors decreased TTC when changed from low to high level. Factors Pedestrian size and Lane width also had a significant influence on TTC at brake onset for all group of drivers. The factors increased TTC when changed from low to high level. The study was conducted with a low-fidelity simulator available at SAFER. Limitations of the simulator included participants’ lack of input from auditory and sensory sources and narrow field of view. Also, the expectancy of the pedestrian might have changed the comfort boundaries as there was only one pedestrian crossing the road in every scenario. However, even though the simulator was developed with open source software, still nearly 90% of the participants stated they experienced the environment to be natural or sort of natural and more than 95% said they behaved, or sort of behaved, as normally as they would have in a real traffic situation.
Winter precipitation effect in a mid-latitude temperature-limited environment : the case of common juniper at high elevation in the Alps

The area covered by boreal forests accounts for∼16%of the global and 22%of theNorthern Hemisphere landmass. Changes in the productivity and functioning of this circumpolar biome not only have strong effects on species composition and diversity at regional to larger scales, but also on the Earth’s carbon cycle. Although temporal inconsistency in the response of tree growth to temperature has been reported from some locations at the higher northern latitudes, a systematic dendroecological network assessment is still missing formost of the boreal zone. Here, we analyze the geographical patterns of changes in summer temperature and precipitation across northern Eurasia>60 °N since 1951 AD, as well as the growth trends and climate responses of 445 Pinus, Larix and Picea ring width chronologies in the same area and period. In contrast to widespread summer warming, fluctuations in precipitation and tree growth are spatiallymore diverse and overall less distinct. Although the influence of summer temperature on ring formation is increasing with latitude and distinctmoisture effects are restricted to a few southern locations, growth sensitivity to June–July temperature variability is only significant at 16.6% of all sites (p0.01). By revealing complex climate constraints on the productivity of Eurasia’s northern forests, our results question the a priori suitability of boreal tree-ring width chronologies for reconstructing summer temperatures. This study further emphasizes regional climate differences and their role on the dynamics of boreal ecosystems, and also underlines the importance of free data access to facilitate the compilation and evaluation ofmassively replicated and updated dendroecological networks. OPEN ACCESS
The buffering effect of family functioning on the psychological consequences of headache

Abstract The current study aimed to examine whether high family functioning mitigates the association between headache intensity and distress. The sample consisted of 124 patients with chronic or recurrent headache. Patients completed validated questionnaires about headache intensity, family functioning, and distress. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine the interaction between headache intensity and family functioning on distress. Headache intensity was positively associated with distress (r = .28, p = .002). As hypothesized, family functioning moderated this association (B = −.01, p = .023). More specifically, the positive association between headache intensity and distress was significant only among patients with lower family functioning (B = .01, p < .001) and not among patients with higher levels of family functioning (B = .006, p = .075). Functional families appear to buffer the distress level in patients; they showed relatively low levels of distress regardless of the severity of their headache. In contrast, patients with dysfunctional families who experienced more pain reported more distress, presumably because they did not receive adequate help and support from these families. This study underlines the importance of a broader perspective on family dynamics in coping with pain.
Do Trade Agreements Stimulate International Trade Differently? Evidence from 296 Trade Agreements

In a seminal paper, Rose (2004) found that the assumed positive impact of the WTO on international trade was questionable. This finding has been scrutinized and modified in subsequent research, using different datasets, econometric methods and separating the WTO from other forms of trade agreements. A key characteristic of this literature is the rather simplistic way in which trade agreements are treated whereby all trade agreements are lumped together. Trade agreements come, however, in many different forms and shapes. This paper addresses these differences in trade agreements. Using a unique database of 296 trade agreements, we distinguish 17 trade-related policy domains, 9 indicators of institutional quality and indicate whether the agreements contain legally enforceable commitments. This extensive and novel taxonomy of trade agreements enables us to allow for the possible heterogeneity of the impact of trade agreements on international trade. Using a gravity model, we find that trade agreement heterogeneity indeed matters for international trade, both positively and negatively.
An Improved Differential Evolution Optimization Based on P System

Membrane computing (P system) is a new computing model; it comes from the research of the basic function and structure of creatures cell membrane. It has complex structure and multi-level. It converges quickly and has high quality of the optimal results. In this article, discussed the basic theory of the membrane computing and the steps of the algorithm. Apply Membrane computing principle to the differential evolution algorithm, constructed a hybrid differential evolution algorithm on the basis of the membrane structure. Finally, utilized the Objective Functions to test the new algorithm performance, compared with related algorithms to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the new algorithm.
A Review of Two Nanocomposite Insulating Materials Models: Lewis' Contribution in the Development of the Models, their Differences, their Similarities and Future Challenges

Nanocomposite polymers are nowadays a major field of research. This paper investigates the interpretational possibilities of two models developed, namely, Tsagaropoulos’ model and Tanaka’s model. Particular emphasis is given to Lewis’ model, which was the first one to be proposed and whose contribution to the aforementioned models was significant. The two models were developed separately and independently from each other. They both consider various layers around the nanoparticles. They both consider well bonded and more loosen layers. Similarities and differences between the two models are pointed out and discussed as well as possibilities for further research in order to shed light on some aspects of electrical phenomena in these materials. Particular emphasis is given to the interfaces between the nanoparticles and the surrounding base material. Comments are offered regarding the challenges facing the two models w.r. t. the interpretation of discharges on nanocomposite surfaces. Possible new areas of research are suggested and new challenges for the aforementioned models are pointed out.
How long do external capital constraints matter?: A Study Based on Swiss Data for the Start-up Cohort 1996-97

Start-ups mostly have only limited internal financi ng. Post-entry performance should thus strongly depend on the availability of new external capital. In this study we analyze the impact of financial constraints on the performance of Swiss s tart-ups. Since we use cohort data, we have for some start-ups data at different points in time . This allows us to analyze whether the effect of the availability of external capital on firm perfor mance changes with increasing age of the firms. To measure the impact of external capital as a whol e, we include separate indicators for debt and venture capital constraints. Using different perfor mance measures, we find that debt constraints are not only a problem of the first years. While th negative impact of debt constraints on firm survival disappears with increasing age of the firm s, profit is persistently negative affected by debt constraints. Debt constraints, however, do not impact employment growth of the firms, not even in the first years. The availability of ventur e capital is of lower relevance for the post-entry performance. Surviving and growth of the start-ups is not affected by venture capital constraints. However, firms with limited access to venture capit l persistently have problems to attain profit break-even.
Frequency-domain robust performance condition for controller uncertainty in SISO LTI systems: a geometric approach

This paper deals with the robust performance problem of a linear time-invariant control systemin the presence of robust controller uncertainty. Assuming that plant uncertainty ismodeled as an additive perturbation, a geometrical approach is followed in order to find a necessary and sufficient condition for robust performance in the form of a bound on themagnitude of controller uncertainty. This frequency domain bound is derived by converting the problem into an optimization problem, whose solution is shown to be more time-efficient than a conventional structured singular value calculation. The bound on controller uncertainty can be used in controller order reduction and implementation problems.
Characterizing the Hydrology of Shallow Floodplain Lakes in the Slave River Delta, NWT, Canada, Using Water Isotope Tracers

ABSTRACT The relative importance of major hydrological processes on thaw season 2003 lakewater balances in the Slave River Delta, NWT, Canada, is characterized using water isotope tracers and total suspended sediment (TSS) analyses. A suite of 41 lakes from three previously recognized biogeographical zones—outer delta, mid-delta, and apex—were sampled immediately following the spring melt, during summer, and in the fall of 2003. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions were evaluated in the context of an isotopic framework calculated from 2003 hydroclimatic data. Our analysis reveals that flooding from the Slave River and Great Slave Lake dominated early spring lakewater balances in outer and most mid-delta lakes, as also indicated by elevated TSS concentrations (>0.01 g L−1). In contrast, the input of snowmelt was strongest on all apex and some mid-delta lakes. After the spring melt, all delta lakes underwent heavy-isotope enrichment due to evaporation, although lakes flooded by the Slave River and Great Slave Lake during the spring freshet continued to be more depleted isotopically than those dominated by snowmelt input. The isotopic signatures of lakes with direct connections to the Slave River or Great Slave Lake varied throughout the season in response to the nature of the connection. Our findings provide the basis for identifying three groups of lakes based on the major factors that control their water balances: (1) flood-dominated (n = 10), (2) evaporation-dominated (n = 25), and (3) exchange-dominated (n = 6) lakes. Differentiation of the hydrological processes that influence Slave River Delta lakewater balances is essential for ongoing hydroecological and paleohydrological studies, and ultimately, for teasing apart the relative influences of variations in local climate and Slave River hydrology.
Web-enabled boundary spanners and their role in the knowledge flow network

We argue that types of Simmelian-tied employee dyads (dyads embedded in three-person cliques) influences organizational justice perceptions, and knowledge sharing within and across organizational boundaries through virtual workgroups. We study the interaction between employees' advice and friendship ties, shared interpersonal, interactional, procedural and distributive justice perceptions, and the types of knowledge shared from a social network perspective. We predict that Simmelian-tied advice and friendship dyads influence justice perceptions, and in turn knowledge sharing. Compared to Simmelian-tied advice dyads, we suggest that Simmelian-tied friendship dyads were hypothesized to be strongly associated with congruent distributive, interpersonal, and interpersonal justice perceptions. Congruent procedural justice perceptions were likely to be associated with both Simmelian-tied advice and friendship ties. We hypothesized that distributive, procedural, and informational justice perceptions were likely to be shared across formal organizational boundaries through strong friendship ties. We also predicted that positive congruent procedural, interpersonal and informational justice perceptions influenced expert knowledge sharing while congruent distributive justice perceptions influenced product knowledge sharing.
Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging increases the overall diagnostic accuracy in brain tumours: Correlation with histopathology

Background. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the contribution of multimodal MRI techniques, specifically perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), and/or MR spectroscopy (MRS), in increasing the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in brain tumours. Methods. Forty-four patients with suspected brain tumours (27 (61%) patients male, mean age 58 (standard deviation ±17) years) were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were examined with conventional MR sequences, DWI, and with PWI and/or MRS. The concordance between the diagnoses obtained with multimodal MRI and with the conventional MR sequences, and the final diagnosis obtained by biopsy, was estimated. Fisher’s exact test and/or chi-square test was performed to estimate the added utility of multimodal MRI. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results. With multimodal MRI, the diagnosis in 41 (93%) patients was the same as that obtained by biopsy, compared with 39% (17/44) patients when the readers were allowed to give one diagnostic possibility during the evaluation of the conventional MR sequences alone (p<0.001). The concordance between the diagnoses provided by evaluating the multimodal MRIs and the final diagnoses was almost perfect (κ value 0.92, 95% CI 0.82 - 1.0). PWI primarily helped to differentiate lymphomas from other solid tumours, whereas MRS helped to differentiate malignant glioma from metastasis. Both PWI and MRS helped in grading astrocytomas. Conclusion. Multimodal MRI increases diagnostic accuracy and should, wherever available, be performed in the work-up of brain tumours, although this entails increased examination cost and time.
Environmental regulation and mergers within the eco-industry

This paper considers the welfare and policy implications of a merger between environment fi rms (i.e., firms managing environmental resources or supplying pollution abatement goods and services). The traditional analysis of mergers in Cournot oligopolies is extended in two ways. First, we show how a pollution tax a ffects the incentives of environment firms to merge. Second, we stress that mergers in the eco-industry impact welfare beyond what is observed in other sectors, due to an extra eff ect on pollution abatement e fforts. This might lead to disagreements between an anti-trust agency seeking to limit market concentration which can be detrimental to consumer surplus and a benevolent regulator who maximizes total welfare.
Pyro-gasification of hazelnut pruning using a downdraft gasifier for concurrent production of syngas and biochar

Hazelnut pruning constitute a waste management problem with critical environmental consequences, in fact the most common solution taken into account by farmers for hazelnut pruning management consists in an uncontrolled outdoors combustion in field that causes toxic gaseous emissions. The aim of this work is to provide an alternative solution represented by use of pruning as feedstock in a downdraft air gasifier, working with low values of equivalence ratio (ER), in order to obtain syngas and biochar. In this study, chips of shredded hazelnut pruning with a lower heating value (LHV) of about 15,3 MJ/kg and a moisture of 15% have been used. Syngas obtained shows an LHV increasing from 3,84 to 4,45 MJ/Nm with the rise of airflow introduced. Char coming from the pyrolysis of biomass shows an high carbon content of about 75% while the solid residue, that is the biochar resulting from the partial gasification of char of pyrolysis, is characterized by a carbon content ranging from about 32% up to 47% for the higher and lower airflow values respectively. Results show that the energetic value of syngas is suitable for heat and power production while biochar can be used as soil improver and carbon sink. 1340 Andrea Colantoni et al.
Aerosol Characteristics and Radiative Impacts over the Arabian Sea during the Intermonsoon Season: Results from ARMEX Field Campaign

During the second phase of the Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX-II), extensive measurements of spectral aerosol optical depth, mass concentration, and mass size distribution of ambient aerosols as well as mass concentration of aerosol black carbon (BC) were made onboard a research vessel during the intermonsoon period (i.e., when the monsoon winds are in transition from northeasterlies to westerlies/ southwesterlies) over the Arabian Sea (AS) adjoining the Indian Peninsula. Simultaneous measurements of spectral aerosol optical depths (AODs) were made at different regions over the adjoining Indian landmass. Mean AODs (at 500-nm wavelength) over the ocean (similar to0.44) were comparable to those over the coastal land (similar to0.47), but were lower than the values observed over the plateau regions of central Indian Peninsula (similar to0.61). The aerosol properties were found to respond distinctly with respect to change in the trajectories, with higher optical depths and flatter AOD spectra associated with trajectories indicating advection from west Asia, and northwest and west-coastal India. On average, BC constituted only similar to2.2% to total aerosol mass compared to the climatological values of similar to6% over the coastal land during the same season. These data are used to characterize the physical properties of aerosols and to assess the resulting short-wave direct aerosol forcing. The mean values were similar to27 W m(-2) at the surface and -12 W m(-2) at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), resulting in a net atmospheric forcing of +15 W m(-2). The forcing also depended on the region from where the advection predominates. The surface and atmospheric forcing were in the range -40 to -57 W m(-2) and +27 to +39 W m(-2), respectively, corresponding to advection from the west Asian and western coastal India where they were as low as -19 and +10 W m(-2), respectively, when the advection was mainly from the Bay of Bengal and from central/peninsular India. In all these cases, the net atmospheric forcing (heating) efficiency was lower than the values reported for northern Indian Ocean during northern winter, which is attributed to the reduced BC mass fraction.
Optical and electrical properties of efficiency enhanced polymer solar cells with Au nanoparticles in a PEDOT–PSS layer

We unveil new device physics and provide details of device mechanisms by investigating polymer solar cells (PSCs) incorporating Au nanoparticles (NPs) into the hole collection poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer. Theoretical and experimental results show that the very strong near field around Au NPs due to Localized Surface Plasmonic Resonance (LSPR) mainly distributes laterally along the PEDOT:PSS layer rather than vertically into the adjacent active layer, leading to minimal enhancement of light absorption in the active layer. This finding can be extended to a typical class of solar cells incorporating metallic NPs in spacing layers adjacent to the active layer. With optical effects proven to be minor contributors to device performance improvements, we investigate the electrical properties of the PSCs and obtain insights into the detailed device mechanisms. Improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells are found to originate from the enlarged active layer/PEDOT:PSS interfacial area and improved PEDOT:PSS conductivity. At high NP concentrations, reduced exciton quenching at donor/acceptor junctions is found to cause PCE deterioration. Our findings indicate that it is highly important to investigate both optical and electrical effects for understanding and optimizing PSC performances.
A Method of Point Cloud Classification Using Multi-scale Dimensionality Features and Transductive Learning

3D point cloud of environments relevant to recognition and monitoring problems in artificial intelligence often require classifying environment data into separated classes. This paper proposes a new classification approach for 3D lidar outdoor environment point clouds. The approach is based on morphological filter, multi-scale dimensionality features and support vector machine model. It can effectively separate the ground, trees and conventional constructions from downsampled point clouds. Compared with single traditional classification algorithm, such as supervoxel clustering algorithm and locally convex connected patches algorithm, the presented approach has good performance in objective and subjective assessments. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified based on a public data set collected from the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) and Stanford Modified Object Segmentation Database (MOSD).