Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Denoising and HDR for RAW Image Sequences

We propose a patch-based method for the simultaneous denoising and fusion of a sequence of multi-exposed RAW images. A spatio-temporal criterion is used to select similar patches along the sequence, and a weighted principal component analysis (WPCA) simultaneously denoises and fuses the multi-exposed data. The overall strategy permits to denoise and fuse the set of images without the need to recover each denoised image in the multi-exposure set, leading to a very efficient procedure. Moreover, ghosting removal is included naturally as part of the method by the way patches are selected and the weighted principal component analysis. Several experiments show that the proposed method obtains state-of-the-art fusion results with real RAW data. The method is very flexible, it can be easily adapted to other kinds of noise and extended to video HDR and denoising.
IMPROVEMENT OF A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE TRANSFORMATION ASSAY FOR E COLI

Searching for efficient means by which bacteria uptake plasmid DNA is of a great practical importance in molecular biology and genetic engineering. We have described in this study five assays for preparing transformants E. coli cells (strain JM109) which are extremely efficient for plasmid uptake that typically yielded transformation efficiencies between 7.2×105 –1.9×107 colony-forming units per microgram (CFU/g) of plasmid DNA. Assay 05 with transformation efficiency 1.9×107 CFU/µg is the simplest and most effective. This assay was considered easy if compared with the original rapid colony transformation protocol described by Hanahan et al., 1991, in which they used transformation buffer (TFB) as transformation solution and the super-optimal broth with catabolite repression (SOC) media, these two are more complex if compared with CaCl2 solution and Luria Bertani (LB) media. One more point in favor of this protocol is its low time consumption. Transformation efficiency between 106 and 107 is not optimal but it is above average for molecular experiments. Therefore, it is possible that these assays may be widely applicable for bacterial transformations with plasmids and can be used as an inexpensive and reliable alternative to existing methods.
Rapid extraction and separation of mercury in water and food samples based on micelles and azo-thiazoles complexation before determination by UV-Vis spectrophotometer

A simple and sensitive procedure has been established for analyzing mercury (II) ions spectrophotometrically in the presence of micellar medium using three azo-thiazoles complexing reagents: 2-amino-6-(thiazole-2-yldiazenyl)-3-pyridinol (C8H7N5OS), 8-hydroxy-7-(thiazole-2-yldiazenyl) quinoline-5-sulfonic acid (C12H8N4O4S2), and 1-hydroxy-4-(thiazole-2-yldiazenyl)-2-naphthoic acid (C14H9N3O3S). H1 NMR spectra validated the three azo thiazoles synthesized material. Tween 80 (polysorbate 80) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C19H42BrN as molecular biology) are micellar mediums to enhance sensitivity. Absorbances were measured for Hg (II) complexation with R1, R2, and R3 at λmax of 617, 633, and 554 nm, respectively. The UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed calibration curves in the 0.2-15 mg L-1. The molar absorptivity, Sandell's sensitivity, detection, and quantification limits (LOD, LOQ) were determined. The interferences of various ions were investigated, and a statistical assessment of the results was performed. The methods have been applied for trace determination of mercury (II) in food and environmental water samples. For food samples, all samples were digested before complexation with the azo-thiazoles material at optimized pH before determination by UV-Vis spectrophotometry.
Anti-Democratic Attitudes, the Winner-Loser Gap, and the Rise of the Left in Mexico

Weak support for democratic norms and institutions poses a serious challenge to the survival of democracy. Studies of public opinion often assume that citizens hold politicians accountable for respecting democratic norms. This study examines citizens’ attitudes toward democracy in Mexico. It focuses on the 2018 election as a critical juncture when Andrés Manuel López Obrador (MORENA) won the presidential election on his third attempt. Data from the LAPOP’s Americas Barometer (2012-2019) show that—consistent with the loser-winner gap literature —President López Obrador’s supporters increased their satisfaction with democracy after the 2018 election. However, unlike most voters who elected winners of elections, they did not become more committed to democracy. Even in some cases, after 2018, AMLO voters are more likely than other partisan groups to suppor t anti-democratic interventions, particularly support for a coup when crime is high. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the winner-loser gap in the context of Mexico’s democratic erosion. Although the results of this paper are based on exploratory evidence, they highlight that an important portion of voters is willing to sacrifice democracy and support their co-partisans’ actions that undermine democracy.
Spatial assessment of NDVI as an indicator of desertification in Ethiopia using remote sensing and GIS

Desertification is a serious environmental and socio-economic problem occurring at global, regional and local scale. According to Article 1(a) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), define the term “desertification” means “land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid (dry lands) areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities”. If a trend of vegetation cover is negative, then it can be a sign of ongoing desertification processes. The Normalize Differences in Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from the long term (1982-2006) NOAA AVHRR satellite’s sensor and observed rainfall data at climate stations are used and analyzed to monitor desertification processes through NDVI and rainfall trends over time in Ethiopia. Vegetation cover naturally depends on precipitation. The suggested methodology called linear regression has been validated using vegetation trends as a proxy for degradation processes. Results show that at climate stations level, more than 80% of the stations have strong correlation(r) between NDVI and rainfall. A majority of the stations have no trend of NDVI and rainfall over time. Sixteen percent of the stations have experienced an increase and four percent of the stations a decrease both in NDVI and rainfall. The NDVI trend map, which is derived from 8_km AVHRR GIMMS satellite’s sensors, shows that a majority of the study area has no significant NDVI trend (p<0.05). More than 40% of the area has experienced a positive trend in vegetation cover (“greening”) and less than 6% of the area has experienced a decrease in vegetation. This over all positive trends is not in line with the previous study acclaiming widespread and irreversible degradation in Ethiopia.
Rheology Based Design of Shear Thickening Fluid for Soft Body Armor Applications

The ballistic resistance of high-strength fabrics improves upon impregnation with Shear Thickening Fluids (STFs). The performance of such STF treated fabrics depends on the rheological properties of the STF which in turn are governed by the physicochemical properties of the STF. The present study utilizes rheological characterization of shear thickening silica-polyethylene glycol dispersions (of different material configurations in terms of packing fraction, particle size and continuous phase viscosity) to assess their performance and obtain the best STF material configuration for ballistic body armor applications based on the design criteria proposed herein. The ballistic performance assessment results showed that the STFs with high packing fractions which thicken discontinuously, are highly effective compared to the continuously shear thickening fluids. Furthermore, the use of smaller particle size dispersed phase in the STF formulation was determined to be economical. Also, the use of lower molecular weight dispersion medium was suggested as it allows for a broader working temperature range of the STF. Additionally, the technological issues associated with the development and the practical application of STF-Armor were addressed.
Short-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesian Stock Prices

The Indonesian stock market is unique because of its economic relations with China and the United States, the world’s two biggest economies that are severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock price movements on the Indonesian stock exchange. Our investigation identifies patterns of market responses in terms of stock price movements in the period. We find that the outbreak has affected, in terms of market response, the manufacturing and non-manufacturing stocks similarly. The impact of the outbreak seems to be felt by almost all economic sectors in a similar way. However, based on the result, the investors’ perception of the finance sector is more favorable relative to the other sectors during the pandemic. Several stocks identified have the potential to re-bounce if market conditions return to normal.
MALWARE PROTECTION FOR EXTERNAL STORAGE DEVICES

— As the Maximum malwares are spread from the external devices and they may infect to the system, maintaining security while transmission of data from the external storage device to the system is more challengeable in today’s computer world. Malware is malicious software used to collect sensitive info or gain entrance to private computer system. Applications provide facilities for detect and prevent the malware. The aim of this paper is to detect the malware for an external storage device and maintain security and escape losing of data. Security is more significant, thus it requires to make a more secure model which can automatically provide the malware protection from the external storage devices. This application program designed is used to protect external devices like pen-drive, HDD etc. The software is loaded into external devices which user wants to protect from harmful data from the system. Hence, such type of application can be used for protecting external devices.
PS-VINS: A Visual–Inertial SLAM System With Pedestrian Gait and Structural Constraints Using Smartphone Sensors

Due to the low-quality sensors of consumer-grade devices, such as smartphones, traditional point-based visual–inertial simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) techniques applied to smartphones commonly suffer from low localization accuracy and potential tracking divergence. Incorporating more measurements can enhance localization performance and robustness, but the additional computational consumption may not satisfy the real-time requirements in mobile location-based services, such as pedestrian positioning. For mobile SLAM applications focused on pedestrians in human-made environments, this article proposes PS-VINS, a real-time visual–inertial SLAM system using smartphone sensors, exploiting additional motion constraints from pedestrian gait and geometric constraints from structural line features. To enhance the pose estimation accuracy of back-end optimization, we incorporate motion measurement models of step velocity and length by utilizing extracted pedestrian gait information. In addition, we establish vanishing point (VP) and structural camera rotation measurement models based on structural line features. To ensure high efficiency, we present efficient methods for gait information extraction and VP estimation. PS-VINS can further integrate global navigation satellite system (GNSS) output from smartphones to achieve global positioning in open outdoor environments. The field test results, including both outdoor and indoor environments, demonstrate that PS-VINS addresses the issue of drift error due to the low-quality smartphone sensors, achieving improved localization accuracy and efficiency compared to the state-of-the-art (SOTA) SLAM techniques.
The effect of technological context on smart home adoption in Jordan

This research examines the use of internet of things (IoT) smart home technologies in Jordan, using the technologies-organization-environment (TOE) framework and social exchange theory (SET). This study investigates the influence of security and privacy considerations on the behavioral intention to embrace IoT smart home solutions. The research examines the function of trust (TR) in service providers as a mediator and investigates how information technology (IT) knowledge acts as a moderator between technological elements and behavioral intention. Analyzed using smart partial least squares (PLS), data from 315 responses of executives in both listed and non-listed businesses were examined. The results highlight the need of giving priority to technological factors and building TR in service providers to ensure the effective implementation of IoT smart home technology in Jordan.
Determination of tidal energy resource location in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia using geographical information system

Abstract: The need of national development is to emphasize sustainability factor in every single development. Beyond 2020, the demand of energy resource will increase two times higher than current demand. The continuous usage of conventional energy resource such as mixed fuel will effect to the increment of cost and economy. Furthermore, this kind of energy resource will decrease and gives negative impact to the environment as well as create other problems if it not well-managed. In a few more decades, renewable energy resource will become the major contribution to the nation because of the increment of global fuel prices as well as environment rehabilitation cost. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the potential area to generate renewable energy from tidal wave at east coast of Peninsular Malaysia covers Kelantan and Terengganu. Data that was used in this research are from Malaysia Meteorology Department, Department of Mapping and Survey Malaysia and National Hydrographic Centre, TLDM. These data has been analyzed and present in GIS to show the potential area to generate electricity. As a result from the research conducted, one potential area was determined where almost 203kWatt energy can be generated in Tanjung Berhala, Terengganu.
Improved Relay Algorithm for Detection and Classification of Transmission Line Faults in Monopolar HVDC Transmission System Using Signum Function of Transient Energy

Based on the signum function (sign of magnitudes) of transient energy, this paper proposes a fault classification approach and algorithm for a monopolar HVDC system. The analytical study here shows that the signum function of variation in transient energy has a zero value individually at both ends on no-fault conditions. Moreover, the summation of the signum functions computed for internal DC faults is zero, whereas the same has a non-zero value for external AC faults. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been extensively evaluated by simulating faults on a CIGRE benchmark system for HVDC monopolar configuration using EMTDC/PSCAD software. Three locations of DC line fault, and AC fault at the two ends of the system have been considered for this evaluation. Five fault resistance values (0, 10, 100, 1000, and 2000 ohms) have been simulated for each fault location. The results conform with the theoretical analysis, and the fault classification by the algorithm is 100% accurate. The time taken to detect and classify a DC fault at the mid-point of the 800-km line is 1.5 ms, and that for line-end faults on the DC line is 3 ms for all values of fault resistance. These results show a marked improvement over those reported earlier in the literature using other techniques. A comparison table is given in the last section to corroborate it.
Surgical Treatment of Uncomplicated Pilonidal Sinus with the Simple Closed Technique - New Findings of Pilonidal Sinus Treatment from Albania.

Dear Editor, Concerning the article of Bollano E et al. “Surgical treatment of uncomplicated Pilonidal Sinus with a simple closed technique” has been gathering our attention. In this LTE, we would like to critically discuss some of the author's statements. Firstly, the stated pathophysiology of PSD is an outdated theory. Furthermore, primary midline closure, as postulated by the author, is not the surgical procedure of first choice, as several large reviews have shown. The letter discusses the rationale behind adopting the simple closed technique, highlighting its efficacy and potential advantages. By presenting data from our experiences in Albania, we aim to contribute valuable insights to the global discourse on pilonidal sinus treatment. This letter is a noteworthy addition to AJTES, offering fresh insights into the treatment landscape of pilonidal sinus. We trust the editorial team will find the content aligned with the journal's objectives and scope. Your consideration of this submission is highly appreciated, and we look forward to the possibility of contributing to the journal's ongoing dialogue on innovative surgical approaches.
Equations of electrodynamics in the context of the Brans-Dicke theory

We consider the Brans-Dicke theory of gravity, assuming a weak gravitational ﬁeld generated by a material source with a rotating motion. In this context, we ﬁnd the equations of electrodynamics, verifying the gravitational eﬀects, such as gravitomagnetic eﬀects, that contribute to the production of electric and magnetic ﬁelds. The equations obtained are compared with those predicted by general relativity. Then, some particular results are discussed.
STUDENT TEACHERS’ PRACTICUM EXPERIENCES IN THE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSES: A THREE DIMENSIONAL PRESENCE ANALYSIS

The COVID-19 pandemic that massively hit the globe in 2019 did not just become an alarming health issue in history but has gravely affected the educational system at large, bringing unprecedented adjustments and challenges among schools and their constituents, including the HEIs that offer Teaching internships. Thus, this study aimed to explore the student teachers’ practicum experiences in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes during the pandemic through a three-dimensional presence study. The phenomenological design was utilized in the study to explore the practicum experiences of the ten student teachers during the pandemic. The findings revealed that doubt in their capabilities as teachers, awareness of weaknesses, awareness of strengths, and practice shock due to sudden changes in teaching modality could affect how they perceive themselves as student teachers. In addition, the student teachers’ experiences during the practicum are influenced by their connections and relationships with the cooperating teachers and students. Student teachers reported that some of their experiences with their cooperating teachers include a general feeling of unease, reluctance to approach, and the incidence of miscommunication. In contrast, the issues they observed among the students were misbehavior and a lack of interest. It was also revealed that during the practicum, student teachers encounter difficulties and constraints when creating lesson plans and applying theories and concepts in practice while teaching in a real classroom. Furthermore, the student teachers still recognize the difficulties that the students have in face-to-face classrooms. The pandemic presents considerable challenges for students’ interests, comprehension, and skills. Several pedagogical implications were drawn based on the findings of the study.
From education to work: the impact of cultural diversity

How to improve the employment situation of young migrants appears to be one of the most challenging problems in Germany. Using unique micro register data of a total cohort completing apprenticeship in Germany, we analyse the impact of cultural diversity on a successful career start after apprenticeship training. Our estimation strategy focuses on the endogeneity of cultural diversity and regional growth by taking individual, firm characteristics, occupations and different regional labour market features into account. The results indicate that in regions with a high level of cultural diversity, both, young migrants and natives will be employed more easily due to tolerance and lower barriers for employment entry as well as economic growth. Nonetheless, Turkish apprentices have lower job chances, whereas EU15 nationals and nationals from former Yugoslavia do not differ from Germans in this respect.
Modeling and Analysis of Short-Circuit Current for a Novel Dual Three-Phase Electric Machine With Mixed Iron-Pole Halbach Magnet Pattern

A key challenge for the design of dual three-phase electric machine is how to increase its electromagnetic torque and reduce short-circuit current simultaneously. In this article, a novel mixed iron-pole Halbach (MIH) magnet pattern is proposed for the electric machine. It can offer a variety of advantages. First, it improves the air gap flux density, which helps to increase the torque output of the electric machine. Second, it increases the inductance of phase winding, which helps to reduce the short-circuit current significantly. Third, it improves the self-shielding effect, which helps to reduce the back iron and rotor mass. Analytical, numerical, and experimental investigations are performed to validate the proposed design concept. First, the schematic structures of the electric machine and proposed MIH magnet pattern are presented. Then the magnetic field, torque output, inductance, and short-circuit current are formulated analytically through sub-domain models. Following that, the numerical computation is performed to validate those analytical models. The flux density, torque output, inductance, and short-circuit current of the MIH magnet pattern are compared with those of other traditional magnet arrays. Subsequently, a dual three-phase research prototype and experimental test platform are developed. The experimental results on the magnetic field, torque output, and short-circuit current are provided to verify the analytical models and the proposed MIH magnet pattern well.
Report of Two Contrasting Cases of Epstein–Barr Virus–Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Comparison to Infectious Mononucleosis and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Bone Marrow

Purpose This study aims to investigate the characteristics of Epstein–Barr virus associated-hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) and HLH caused by a severe form of infectious mononucleosis (IM-HLH) compared to IM by EBV, and thus also to assist in early diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment. Methods Data for this analysis were collected from patients at the Department of General Medicine, Nara Medical University, between April 1, 2012, and August 1, 2020. EBV infection was diagnosed using clinical presentation and laboratory tests. HLH diagnosis followed the HLH-2004 protocol, supplemented by plasma EBV DNA detection. A range of clinical and laboratory parameters were collected, including age, sex, clinical outcomes, blood cell counts, hemoglobin, platelets, and various serum values. Plasma EBV DNA levels and flow cytometric analysis (FCM) of bone marrow were performed for HLH cases. Results Among 1850 hospitalized patients, 14 cases were identified, including 2 HLH cases and 12 IM cases. Comparative analysis revealed distinctive features of HLH, including lower lymphocyte and platelet counts and higher levels of ferritin, soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R), and D dimer compared to IM. Notably, one HLH case responded well to corticosteroid monotherapy, while the other case did not, resulting in a fatal outcome. Detection of a cluster of CD5-CD7 lymphocytes in bone marrow is a hallmark of EBV-HLH and useful to distinguish from IM-HLH. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of early differentiation among EBV-HLH, IM-HLH, and IM in adults to guide appropriate treatment strategies. While specific laboratory markers help distinguish HLH from IM, a more detailed analysis of FCM is crucial for precise diagnosis of HLH cases and tailored therapeutic interventions.