Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MONITORING LANDSLIDE MOVEMENT WITH A 35-MM CAMERA

The methods of analytical photogrammetry and microcomputer technology are combined to generate contour maps or cross sections, or both, of landslides along roadways with minimal conventional surveying. A conventional 35-mm camera and 8-in. by 10-in. photographs are used for the mapping. A minimum of two overlapping photographs are needed of the area to be mapped. Also, a minimum of six well-distributed control points are needed. Control points are points for which position (X and Y coordinate pair) and elevation (Z) must be obtained by conventional surveying techniques. The photogrammetric model used is the direct linear transformation model. This model uses x and y coordinates of corresponding images on two or more photographs to determine the position and elevation of such images in a ground-based coordinate system. A microcomputer performs the calculations and an electronic digitizer connected to the microcomputer is used to obtain the image coordinates on the photograph. The ouput can be in the form of a coordinate list of desired points, cross sections, a contour map, or three-dimensional perspective plot. The graphics are generated by a pen plotter connected to the microcomputer. Studies indicate that the error vector at about 400 ft is 0.4 ft for this system of mapping. A slope in distress can be monitored over a period of time. To eliminate resurvey, the six control points have to be located in a stable area.
Impact of wastewater irrigation on the yield and quality of white radish under arid environment

Field experiments were carried out over two consecutive seasons (2011 and 2012) at an agricultural site in the western region of Saudi Arabia, to study the effect of wastewater irrigation on the yield, toxic metals, and fecal coliform bacteria of white radish crop. Six different wastewater qualities were prepared by diluting various percentages of the treatment plant's effluent with local groundwater (LGW). The crop water requirement for white radish was calculated by Penman-Monteith equation for dry land condition and supplied daily by two drip irrigation systems; surface and subsurface. Root yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), fecal coliform, and content of toxic metals in the plant and soil were determined at the end of each growing season. Results indicated that the highest root yield/ha, and IWUE were obtained from the treatments of 60T (60% wastewater mixed with 40% LGW) and 100T (100% wastewater). Due to the relatively early cultivation in the second growing season, the total yield/ ha and IWUE were higher than that of the first season.On the other hand, fecal coliform bacteria count and toxic metals increased systematically in the plant and soil as the quantity of wastewater in the irrigation water increased. Notably, the concentrations of toxic metals in the plant and soil were less than that of the cytotoxic standards declared by WHO-FAO (2007) and EU (2002). In conclusion, the best treatments that produced the highest yield and IWUE with minimal microbial contamination were 60T and 100T suggesting a safer use, better performance and considerable LGW conservation. (Khaled S. Balkhair, Saleh M. Ismail, Fathy S. El-Nakhlawy, Samir G. Al-Solaimani. Impact of wastewater irrigation on the yield and quality of white radish under arid environment. Life Sci J 2014;11(4):246-254). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 36
Complete nucleotide sequence and genetic organization of grapevine fanleaf nepovirus RNA 1

The nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA 1, 7342 nucleotides (nt) of grapevine fanleaf virus strain F13 (GFLV-FI 3) has been determined from cDNA clones. The complete sequence contained only one long open reading frame (ORF) of 6852 nucleotides extending from nucleotide 243 to 7101. The putative polyprotein encoded by this ORF is 2284 amino acids in length with an Mr of 253K. The location of genome-linked protein and comparison of the primary structure of the 253K polyprotein to that of other closely related viral proteins of the picornavirus-like family allows the proposal of a scheme for the genetic organization of GFLV-FI3 RNAI. The primary structure of the polyprotein includes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of 92K and a cysteine protease of 25K. This protease shares not only major structural homologies, particularly in the snbstrate-binding pocket, with the trypsin-like serine proteases of other picorna-like viruses, but also their specificity in terms of cleavage. The large region of Mr 133K upstream of the VPg was found to contain at least two domains, one of which could be easily aligned with the NTP-binding sequence pattern and another which may have the characteristics of a protease eofactor. Thus, the 253K protein possesses the same general genetic organization as the corresponding protein of other picorna-like viruses.
People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Improve in Measures of Health andFunction after Participation in a Community-based Exercise Program

Objective: Exercise is safe for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is necessary to combat the secondary deconditioning resulting from MS-related weakness and fatigue. People with MS often encounter barriers to exercise, such as inaccessible facilities/equipment, lack of proper guidance, and limited finances. This study examined outcomes in nine people with MS who participated in an outpatient exercise program designed specifically for people with MS. Design: The program was designed in part based on input from a focus group of participants with MS. Group exercise and education classes were coordinated by a physical therapist and an exercise specialist. Specific exercises were chosen for each individual based on their impairments and ability. Outcome measures collected before, and 3 and 6 months after, program initiation assessed cardiorespiratory function, weight and body mass index, metabolic function, functional strength and quality of life. Results: Participants demonstrated improvements to varying degrees in all outcomes. Conclusions: A semi-individualized, group exercise program may provide people with MS an alternative feasible and viable method for exercising in an outpatient setting. Further research is necessary to determine the combination of exercise and educational variables that will lead to the most efficacious outcomes for any given individual with MS.
On Measuring Governance: Framing Issues for Debate

This paper proposes three principles for users and producers of governance indicators that both summarize the challenges in measurement and suggest ways forward: (1) all governance indicators have measurement error, (2) there are no silver bullets, and (3) the links from governance to development outcomes are complex. An overarching message is that alternative governance indicators should be viewed as complements rather than substitutes.
Hybrid Log-MAP Algorithm for Turbo Decoding Over AWGN Channel

In Log-MAP turbo decoding, the complicated log exponential sum is often simplified with the Jacobian logarithm which consists of the max operation along with an exponen- tial correction function. Although the Max-Log-MAP reduces the complexity of the Jacobian logarithm implementation by omitting the correction function, its performance is inferior to the exact Log-MAP algorithm. Hence, a simple approximation to the correction function is needed to complement the Max- Log-MAP algorithm. In this paper, a new suboptimal hybrid Log-MAP algorithm for decoding turbo code is proposed. It approximates the exact Log-MAP accurately and is simple for hardware implementation. The performance of the hybrid Log- MAP algorithm is shown to have the closest performance to the exact Log-MAP solution especially at low SNR. The result of other Log-MAP based algorithm are also presented. Index Terms—Log-MAP, turbo codes, correction function, Jacobian logarithm.
Relativistic transformation of phase-space distributions

We investigate the transformation of the distribution function in the relativistic case, a problem of interest in plasma when particles with high (relativistic) velocities come into play as for instance in radiation belt physics, in the electron-cyclotron maser radiation theory, in the vicinity of high-Mach number shocks where particles are accelerated to high speeds, and generally in solar and astrophysical plasmas. We show that the phase-space volume element is a Lorentz constant and construct the general particle distribution function from first principles. Application to thermal equilibrium lets us derive a modified version of the isotropic relativistic thermal distribution, the modified J\"uttner distribution corrected for the Lorentz-invariant phase-space volume element. Finally, we discuss the relativistic modification of a number of plasma parameters. Keywords: Relativistic invariance of the one-particle distribution function, J\"uttner distribution, relativistic plasma parameters
A Sociolinguistic Study of Varying Level of Formality of Computer Mediated Communication in Pakistan

During past few decades the influx of technology has structured our everyday communication with entirely new set of linguistic habits. Present study intends to reconnoitre various speech patterns particularly focusing upon varying level of formality, manifesting themselves in CMC via social networking websites and mobile text messages in Pakistani society. It aims at exploring the deep rooted physical, social and behavioural factors in shaping the particular register of social media language used in our multilingual society. To serve the purpose, randomly selected 100 short text messages by various mobile users and 100 wall posts/comments by social media bloggers all belonging to different age, gender, educational groups, were analysed by applying content analysis model. The results thus gathered were expected to highlight the emergence of conversational and less formal style of communication even in relatively formal context. The study will help in developing insight into implicit factors behind explicit and now everyday phenomenon of computer mediated communication.
Electroless and Electrodeposition of Silver

Silver metal has been known since ancient times. It is mentioned in Exodus and Genesis. There exist strong indication that man was able to separate silver from lead as early as 3000 BC. Silver may be found native and in ores. Lead, lead zinc, copper, and other ores are principal sources. Silver may also be recovered during electrolytic refining of copper. Pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. It retains that property in the form of electroplated thin film as well. This makes electroplated silver an important component of many printed circuit systems. There is indication that silver was plated as far back as the beginning of the nineteenth century. If correct, it must have been done in connection with producingmirrors. The earliest patent for silver plating, however, was not granted until 1840 [1]. That may be viewed as signifying the start of the electroplating industry. That bath is still one of the more used ones to this day, and it is the double-silver cyanide complex [KAg(CN)2] with excess free cyanide. Over the years many other baths have beenproposed [2], such as the ones involving nitrate, iodide, thiourea, thiocyanate, sulfamate, and thiosulfate. The usages of silver plating are many. Those include mirrors and deposits for tableware due to its decorative effect as well as resistance to corrosion in its contact with foods. There are a number of industrial uses as well. Those include, but are not limited to, electronic component applications, bearings,hot-gas seals, tonamebuta few.Silvermaybeplated using either electrodeposition methods or electroless methods. We discuss here both methods, starting with the latter.
Are invasive species drivers of native species decline or passengers of habitat modification? A case study of the impact of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) on Australian bird species

Habitat modification and invasive species are significant drivers of biodiversity decline. However, distinguishing between the impacts of these two drivers on native species can be difficult. For example, habitat modification may reduce native species abundance, while an invasive species may take advantage of the new environment.This scenario has been described as the driver-passenger model, with 'passengers' taking advantage of habitat modification and 'drivers' causing native species decline. Therefore, research must incorporate both habitat modification and invasive species impact to successfully investigate native species decline. In this paper, we used the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) as a case study to investigate the driver-passenger model.We investi- gated changes in bird abundance, over 2 years, in relation to different habitat types and common myna abundance. We hypothesized that the common myna is both a passenger of habitat change and a driver of some bird species decline. Our results indicated that the abundance of many native species is greater in high tree density nature reserves, while the common myna was uncommon in these areas. Common myna abundance was almost three times higher in urban areas than nature reserves and declined rapidly as tree density in nature reserves increased. Our findings indicated that the common myna is primarily a passenger of habitat change. However, we also observed negative associations between common myna abundance and some bird species.We stress the importance of simultaneously investigating both invasive species impact and habitat modification.We suggest habitat restoration could be a useful tool for both native species recovery and invasive species control. Understanding the drivers of native species decline will help inform impact mitigation and direct further research.
The Information Content of Swiss Corporate Earnings and Dividend Announcements

This paper presents a series of studies on the impact of earnings and dividend announcements by Swiss companies on share prices in the Swiss equity market between 1984 and 1988. The results permit a rejection of the null hypothesis of no-information content at a 99% level of confidence. This information content is not symmetrical across the various announcement types. Taken separately, the earnings information content is more efficiently impounded than the accompanying dividend information. The earnings and dividend signals emitted by the Swiss corporations included in the study are, by and large, independent in any particular year. The earnings information clearly dominates the dividend information when the signals are considered jointly.
Universal Banking and Credit Risk: Evidence from Tunisia

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of universal banking on the Tunisian banking credit risk. By using a sample of Tunisian banks over the period 1980-2010 and based on the panel data analysis method, results show that the universal banking increases significantly the credit risk. However, the level of competition is positively correlated but not significantly with the dependant variable. For the macro variables, we find that only the GDP exerts a positive and significant effect on the credit risk, but the effect of the inflation variable is not significant. Keywords: Universal banks; Credit risk; Liquidity; Competition; Panel data; Tunisia JEL Classifications : E13, G24; G28, N24
Survey on Financial Market Frictions and Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models

This survey reviews the research regarding the general frameworks used for the specification of financial market frictions in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. Within the related literature, financial frictions are considered to be the prime candidates for endogenous amplification of small transitory non-financial shocks. The latest financial crisis has changed a number of macroeconomic paradigms and DSGE models were not left untouched. Pre-crisis macroeconomic models neglected the financial markets due to the fact the most economists considered them to function perfectly. As economic events pointed out the contrary, numerous research papers that tackle this problem are available in literature, therefore, this rapidly growth of literature motivates this survey.
Absence of hot gas within the Wolf-Rayet bubble around WR 16

We present the analysis of XMM-Newton archival observations towards the Wolf-Rayet (WR) bubble around WR 16. Despite the closed bubble morphology of this WR nebula, the XMM-Newton observations show no evidence of diffuse emission in its interior as in the similar WR bubbles NGC 6888 and S 308. We use the present observations to estimate a 3-σ upper limit to the X-ray luminosity in the 0.3–1.5 keV energy band equal to 7.4 × 10 32 erg s −1 for the diffuse emission from the WR nebula, assuming a distance of 2.37 kpc. The WR nebula around WR 16 is the fourth observed by the current generation of X-ray satellites and the second not detected. We also examine FUSE spectra to search for nebular O vi absorption lines in the stellar continuum of WR 16. The present far-UV data and the lack of measurements of the dynamics of the optical WR bubble do not allow us to confirm the existence of a conductive layer of gas at T ∼ 3 × 10 5 K between the cold nebular gas and the hot gas in its interior. The present observations result in an upper limit of ne < 0. 6c m −3 on the electron density of the X-ray emitting material within the nebula.
Applications of artificial potential fields for real time strategy games: Troop formations and movements used trained potential functions

This thesis describes the effort of adapting potential field methods towards man- aging groups of units in real-time strategy game like environments. The focus is on discovering the suitability for this technology to create realistic group behaviour and whether it can be adapted to use learning for this purpose. A flexible simulation system for units that are controlled by potential field methods in environments similar to those found in real-time strategy games is developed. This is then used to conduct experiments where different types of group behaviour is sought after. Stochastic optimization techniques are applied in an attempt to create and optimize desired group behaviour. The results are discussed and future directions for this research are proposed.
An Unnatural Process

This paper presents an experimental study of the productivity of the /k/-/s/ alternation exhibited in derivational pairs such as electric, electricity. This alternation is exemplified in numerous word pairs in English involving various suffixes, among them -ity, -ism and -ist. The Collins on-line English dictionary includes 108 clear examples of words ending in -ity, -ism, or -ist which have a stem-final /k/ softening to /s/ before the suffix. The largest single group, and the main topic of this paper, is words formed with the suffix -ity. There are only twelve stems ending in /k/ which fail to soften before one of these three suffixes (e.g. anarchy, anarchism, soliloquy, soliloquist). All of these involve affixes other than -ity. The productivity of the alternation is disputable for a number of reasons. First, there are very few forms which would support extension of the alternation beyond an orthographic ”ic” followed by one of the triggering suffixes. The only such pairs listed in the Collins are Greek/Grecism, opaque, opacity , it raucous, raucity, reciprocal/reciprocate, reciprocity, and pharmacology, pharmacist. A few additional pairs, most of which would only be known to individuals with a high vocabulary level, are presented in Myers (1999). Second, as Myers also notes, the /k/-/s/ alternation as presently found in English is not natural (in the sense of Anderson, 1981). Though it originates historically in lenition and fronting of the velar stop before a front vowel, in the synchronic phonology, suffixes with surface high front vowel do not in general trigger the softening of /k/ to /s/. The dictionary includes more than a hundred pairs such as cheek, cheeky in which /k/ does not soften before -y, and none in which it does. In contrast, the suffix -ize, beginning with a low vowel, does trigger velar softening. Secondly, any phonetic pressure which turned /k/ to /s/ would presumably also affect /t/. However, the affixes -ity and -ism never soften /t/ to /s/, as we see from /the uniform preservation of /t/ in the 82 examples in the dictionary such as mute, mutism and sanctum, sanctity.
Chapter 7 Data Rate Estimation

In an autonomous radio operation setting, one of the first parameters that we would like to estimate reliably would be the data rate of the received signal. Knowledge of this parameter is required to carry out maximum-likelihood (ML) detection [1] of other parameters, such as the carrier phase or modulation type. Although ML estimation of the data rate itself is statistically optimal, given that there is little to no a priori knowledge of the incoming signal, this approach is often difficult if not impossible to do in practice. One mitigating factor for the autonomous radio under consideration is the fact that the data rates are assumed to come from a set of known values, such as the data rates used in the Electra radio (see [2] and Chapter 2). In particular, the data rates here are assumed to be related by integer powers of an integer base B. This assumption, as will soon be shown, allows us to estimate the true data rate based on estimates of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) computed for various assumed data rates. The method for estimating the SNR here is the split-symbol moments estimator (SSME) discussed in [3] and Chapter 6. This estimator is appealing in that the only parameter required for its operation is the assumed data rate. Hence, estimation of the data rate can be done jointly with that of the SNR. Although this approach provides us with a way to estimate both the data rate and SNR together, it will be shown that it is sensitive to symbol-timing error or jitter. In fact, the presence of symbol-timing error can severely degrade the performance of this estimator, as shown in Chapter 6. To overcome this, a modification is proposed in which the jitter is quantized and estimated alongside the data rate and SNR. This approach, based on a so-called generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) [4], is robust in the presence of symbol-timing error and