Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the speed of multiresolution segmentation using slic superpixels

The popular multiresolution segmentation (MRS) algorithm is time and memory consuming when dealing with large images because it uses the pixel-grid for the initial object representation. In this study, we have tested a new workflow for image segmentation of remote sensing data, starting the MRS (using the ESP2 tool) from the superpixel level (using SLIC superpixels) and aiming at dramatically reducing the amount of time and computational resources needed to automatically partition relatively large datasets of very high resolution (VHR) remote sensing images. Tests were done on Quickbird and WorldView-2 data and the results show that the proposed workflow outperforms the traditional approach (MRS starting from pixels). The computational time was reduced in all cases, the biggest improvement being from 5h 35min to 13 min, for a WorldView-2 scene with 8 bands and an extent of 12.2 million pixels. This also comes with a slight improvement of the geometric accuracy of the extracted objects. This approach has the potential to enhance the automation of big remote sensing data analysis and processing, especially when time is an important constraint.
Discussion on the performances of hybrid SET-MOSFET Voltage Controlled Oscillators

This article firstly, presents an analytical static model of Single Electron Transistor (SET) based on the orthodox theory and enhanced to take into account the influence of temperature (thermionic current). Comparisons with the SIMON simulator and measurements show that our model is correct and accurate. Using this model, we analysed the performances of Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO) based on two hybrid SET-MOSFET architectures. In particular we compared the VCO performances with ideal and realistic SETs for different CMOS technology nodes.
Analog Circuit Design Using Genetic Algorithms

This paper proposes that genetic algorithms (GA’s) are viable candidates as tools for design automation of analog circuits (DAAC). The principles, strengths, and weaknesses of GA’s applied to sizing circuit parameters to meet performance specifications are discussed and a software implementation is introduced. Designs of BJT and CMOS operational amplifiers, a CMOS operational transconductor, and a matching network are presented as examples.
The microbiology of deep-sea hydrothermal vent plumes: ecological and biogeographic linkages to seafloor and water column habitats

Hydrothermal plumes are an important yet understudied component of deep-sea vent microbial ecosystems. The significance of plume microbial processes can be appreciated from three perspectives: (1) mediation of plume biogeochemistry, (2) dispersal of seafloor hydrothermal vent microbes between vents sites, (3) as natural laboratories for understanding the ecology, physiology, and function of microbial groups that are distributed throughout the pelagic deep sea. Plume microbiology has been largely neglected in recent years, especially relative to the extensive research conducted on seafloor and subseafloor systems. Rapidly advancing technologies for investigating microbial communities provide new motivation and opportunities to characterize this important microbial habitat. Here we briefly highlight microbial contributions to plume and broader ocean (bio)geochemistry and review recent work to illustrate the ecological and biogeographic linkages between plumes, seafloor vent habitats, and other marine habitats such as oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), cold seeps, and oil spills. 16S rRNA gene surveys and metagenomic/-transcriptomic data from plumes point to dominant microbial populations, genes, and functions that are also operative in OMZs (SUP05, ammonia-oxidizing Archaea, and SAR324 Deltaproteobacteria) and hydrocarbon-rich environments (methanotrophs). Plume microbial communities are distinct from those on the seafloor or in the subsurface but contain some signatures of these habitats, consistent with the notion that plumes are potential vectors for dispersal of microorganisms between seafloor vent sites. Finally, we put forward three pressing questions for the future of deep-sea hydrothermal plume research and consider interactions between vents and oceans on global scales.
Geography in Court: Expertise in Adversarial Settings

The use of social science generally, and geography specifically, in litigation in the United States has expanded since the 1970s. This paper examines the issues and nuances involved in geographical expertise, the role of experts, their evaluation by judges and attorneys (and other experts) and the interaction of attorneys, judges and the media. It also addresses the more fundamental issues of the problem of proof, the nature of geographic contributions and finally, whether or not the involvement in often tortuous legal proceedings has measurable impacts. I argue that courts are not well designed to legislate complex social issues.
The skeletal consequences of meningococcal septicaemia

Meningococcal disease remains a leading cause of childhood mortality in the UK. Advances in resuscitation have resulted in survival of severely affected individuals and the long-term skeletal consequences are being increasingly recognised. The immediate management of the ischaemic limb in the context of a critically ill and haemodynamically unstable child is described and the indications for fasciotomy and amputation are considered. Long-term disability occurs as a consequence of limb malalignment and is often accompanied by significant injury to the soft tissue envelope. The function of surviving limbs can be enhanced using contemporary surgical techniques that involve realignment and lengthening. Amputees present specific difficulties due to the effect of remaining longitudinal growth on the function of the residual limb, and require surgical treatment that often continues throughout childhood. This overview considers the surgical algorithms that have evolved to treat these patients.
Promoting a Culture of Safety.

Over the past 10 years, checklists have been incorporated into the perioperative environment in increasing numbers. The concept appears to be a simple one: develop a simple list of critical items that need to be double-checked before, and in some cases after, any anesthetic or surgery. This has been extended to other phases of perioperative care such as patient handoffs to the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) and placement of central lines, for instance. The World Health Organization's “Safe Surgery Saves Lives”1 may be the best known of these instruments. Atul Gawande2 popularized checklists in his book, A Checklist Manifesto. Gawande distinguishes between errors of ignorance (mistakes we make because we don't know enough) and errors of ineptitude (mistakes we make because we don't make proper use of what we do know). Mishaps in medicine and many other fields, he writes, are really about the second of these errors, which checklists hope to address.
Clinical efficacy of fidarestat, a novel aldose reductase inhibitor, for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a 52-week multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind parallel group study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fidarestat, a novel aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor, in a double-blind placebo controlled study in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and associated peripheral neuropathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 279 patients with diabetic neuropathy were treated with placebo or fidarestat at a daily dose of 1 mg for 52 weeks. The efficacy evaluation was based on change in electrophysiological measurements of median and tibial motor nerve conduction velocity, F-wave minimum latency, F-wave conduction velocity (FCV), and median sensory nerve conduction velocity (forearm and distal), as well as an assessment of subjective symptoms. RESULTS Over the course of the study, five of the eight electrophysiological measures assessed showed significant improvement from baseline in the fidarestat-treated group, whereas no measure showed significant deterioration. In contrast, in the placebo group, no electrophysiological measure was improved, and one measure significantly deteriorated (i.e., median nerve FCV). At the study conclusion, the fidarestat-treated group was significantly improved compared with the placebo group in two electrophysiological measures (i.e., median nerve FCV and minimal latency). Subjective symptoms (including numbness, spontaneous pain, sensation of rigidity, paresthesia in the sole upon walking, heaviness in the foot, and hypesthesia) benefited from fidarestat treatment, and all were significantly improved in the treated versus placebo group at the study conclusion. At the dose used, fidarestat was well tolerated, with an adverse event profile that did not significantly differ from that seen in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS The effects of fidarestat-treatment on nerve conduction and the subjective symptoms of diabetic neuropathy provide evidence that this treatment alters the progression of diabetic neuropathy.
Taxes and the size of the foreign-owned capital stock: which tax rates matter?

This paper analyses the impact of effective average and marginal tax rates on the size of the capital stock owned by foreign affiliates of US multinational companies. We use data on 19 OECD countries, 1983-1998. A simple two-stage model of location choice, and investment conditional on location, identifies the role of each form of effective tax rate. The empirical results indicate a large and significant role for the effective average tax rate, but not for the effective marginal tax rate. As shown in the theoretical model, this is consistent with the discrete location choice playing a more important role in determining the size of the foreign-owned capital stock.
Factor Structure of the Spielberger Anger Expression Scales When Used with Australian Prisoners

The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory administered to prison inmates has supported the factor structure of the three anger expression scales although this structure has not been verified with Australian participants. Data collected from 397 Western Australian male prisoners produced a factor structure consistent with the scale structure outlined in the 1991 manual. Scale means and standard deviations were similar to those reported for U.S. and Canadian prisoners. It is therefore appropriate to use the standard scoring procedures with Australian male prisoners.
Investigation of the Role of Genes Encoding Zinc Exporters zntA, zitB, and fieF during Salmonella Typhimurium Infection

The transition metal zinc is involved in crucial biological processes in all living organisms and is essential for survival of Salmonella in the host. However, little is known about the role of genes encoding zinc efflux transporters during Salmonella infection. In this study, we constructed deletion mutants for genes encoding zinc exporters (zntA, zitB, and fieF) in the wild-type (WT) strain Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) 4/74. The mutants 4/74ΔzntA and 4/74ΔzntA/zitB exhibited a dramatic growth delay and abrogated growth ability, respectively, in Luria Bertani medium supplemented with 0.25 mM ZnCl2 or 1.5 mM CuSO4 compared to the WT strain. In order to investigate the role of genes encoding zinc exporters on survival of S. Typhimurium inside cells, amoeba and macrophage infection models were used. No significant differences in uptake or survival were detected for any of the mutants compared to the WT during infection of amoebae. In natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp1)-negative J774.1 murine macrophages, significantly higher bacterial counts were observed for the mutant strains 4/74ΔzntA and 4/74ΔzntA/zitB compared to the WT at 4 h post-infection although the fold net replication was similar between all the strains. All four tested mutants (4/74ΔzntA, 4/74ΔzitB, 4/74ΔfieF, and 4/74ΔzntA/zitB) showed enhanced intracellular survival capacity within the modified Nramp1-positive murine RAW264.7 macrophages at 20 h post-infection. The fold net replication was also significantly higher for 4/74ΔzntA, 4/74ΔzitB, and 4/74ΔzntA/zitB mutants compared to the WT. Intriguingly, the ability to survive and cause infection was significantly impaired in all the three mutants tested (4/74ΔzntA, 4/74ΔzitB, and 4/74ΔzntA/zitB) in C3H/HeN mice, particularly the double mutant 4/74ΔzntA/zitB was severely attenuated compared to the WT in all the three organs analyzed. These findings suggest that these genes encoding zinc exporters, especially zntA, contribute to the resistance of S. Typhimurium to zinc and copper stresses during infection.
Verifikasi Sistem Menggunakan Metode Model Checking

Berbagai sistem yang dikembangkan akan diuji untuk menjamin kebenaran dari sistem. Sistem yang bebas dari kesalahan adalah sistem yang dengan tepat mengikuti spesifikasinya. Pengujian spesifikasi dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan salah metoda formal yaitu model checking. Model checking adalah sebuah teknik yang otomatis, ketika diberikan sebuah finite-state model (FSM) dari sistem dan propertinya dalam bentuk formal, maka akan secara sistematis memeriksa apakah properti tersebut terdapat pada sistem yang dimodelkan. Tujuan dari paper ini adalah menunjukkan bagaimana langkah-langkah melakukan verifikasi sebuah sistem. Studi kasus memverifikasi Command Transfer Protocol(CTP). Dua properti yang akan diverifikasi, yaitu confirm dan paralelisme. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah satisfy. Artinya protocol CTP telah memenuhi spesifikasinya.
Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT).

Whereas the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer has recently shown rapid clinical acceptance, photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT)--which predates the related cancer regimen--is not widely appreciated. Like PDT, PACT utilizes photosensitizers and visible or ultraviolet light in order to give a phototoxic response, normally via oxidative damage. Currently, the major use of PACT is in the disinfection of blood products, particularly for viral inactivation, although more clinically-based protocols are being developed, e.g. in the treatment of oral infection. The technique has been shown to be effective in vitro against bacteria (including drug-resistant strains), yeasts, viruses and parasites. A wide range of photosensitizers, both natural and synthetic, is available with differing physicochemical make-up and light-absorption properties. PACT is proposed as a potential, low-cost approach to the treatment of locally occurring infection.
QoS - ATM versus Differentiated Services

Due to the increasing requirements on quality of service (QoS) for multimedia applications, wide area networks must be able to provide end-to-end performance guarantees. The ATM protocol, which offers an extensive traffic management functionality, achieves QoS in networks by providing various categories with different quality of service features. However, it is expensive and incompatible to the existing Internet infrastructure. On the other hand side, the ”best effort” service of the IP protocol is not able to fulfill these demands.
Impact of Obesity on Plasma Natriuretic Peptide Levels

Background—The mechanisms linking obesity to hypertension have not been established, but sodium retention and excessive sympathetic tone are key contributors. The natriuretic peptides are important regulators of sodium homeostasis and neurohormonal activation, raising the possibility that obese individuals have an impaired natriuretic peptide response. Methods and Results—We examined the relations of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (N-ANP) to body mass index in 3389 Framingham Study participants (1803 women) without heart failure. Multivariable regression analyses were performed, adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic covariates. BNP levels below the assay detection limit and N-ANP levels in the lowest sex-specific quartile were categorized as low. Multivariable-adjusted mean plasma BNP levels in lean (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2) men were 21.4, 15.5, and 12.7 pg/mL, respectively (trend P <0.0001). Corresponding values in women were 21.1, 16.3, and 13.1 pg/mL (trend P <0.001). A similar pattern was noted for plasma N-ANP. Obese individuals had higher odds of having low plasma BNP (multivariable-adjusted odds ratios: men, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.71 to 3.68; women, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.32 to 2.58) and low plasma N-ANP (odds ratios: men, 4.81; 95% CI, 2.98 to 7.76; women, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.01 to 4.04) compared with lean individuals. Diabetes also was associated with low plasma natriuretic peptide levels, and the negative effects of obesity and diabetes on natriuretic peptide levels were additive. Conclusions—Obese individuals have low circulating natriuretic peptide levels, which may contribute to their susceptibility to hypertension and hypertension-related disorders.
Body motion and channel response of dynamic body area channel

This paper presents research activity of the body area channel related studies by Tokyo Institute of Technology and National Information and Communications Technology, Japan. One of our goal is to make a practical wearable body area network propagation channel model during arbitrary body motions. First, we present the numerical simulated electromagnetic wave propagation wearable body area network channel during various human motions at 403.5 MHz. Second we present modeling dynamic on-body channel based on the three dimensional motion of on-body antennas. The simulation results were verified to the measured channel responses from the network analyzer operated simultaneously with motion capture.
A refined two-hybrid system reveals that SCFCdc4-dependent degradation of Swi5 contributes to the regulatory mechanism of S-phase entry

Ubiquitin-dependent degradation is implicated in various cellular regulatory mechanisms. The SCFCdc4 (Skp1, Cullin/Cdc53, and the F-box protein Cdc4) complex is an ubiquitin ligase complex that acts as a regulator of cell cycle, signal transduction, and transcription. These regulatory mechanisms are not well defined because of the difficulty in identifying the interaction between ubiquitin ligases and their substrates. To identify substrates of the yeast SCFCdc4 ubiquitin ligase complex, we refined the yeast two-hybrid system to allow screening Cdc4-substrate interactions under conditions of substrate stabilization, and identified Swi5 as a substrate of the SCFCdc4 complex. Swi5 is the transcriptional activator of Sic1, the inhibitor of S phase cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). We showed that Swi5 is indeed ubiquitinated and degraded through the SCFCdc4 complex. Furthermore, the SCFCdc4-dependent degradation of Swi5 was required to terminate SIC1 transcription at early G1 phase, which ensured efficient entry into S phase: Hyperaccumulation of Sic1 was noted in cells expressing stabilized Swi5, and expression of stabilized Swi5 delayed S phase entry, which was dominantly suppressed by SIC1 deletion. These findings indicate that the SCFCdc4 complex regulates S phase entry not only through degradation of Sic1, but also through degradation of Swi5.
Radix-R FFT and IFFT factorizations with equal stage-to-stage interconnection pattern

Two radix-R regular interconnection pattern families of factorizations for both the FFT and the IFFT - also known as parallel or Pease factorizations - are reformulated and presented in a unified form. Number R is any power of 2 and N, the size of the transform, any power of R. The first radix-2 parallel FFT algorithm-one of the two known radix-2 topologies- was proposed by Pease. Other authors extended the Pease parallel algorithm to different radix and other particular solutions were also reported. The presented families of factorizations for both the FFT and the IFFT are derived from the well-known Cooley-Tukey factorizations, first, for the radix-2 case, and then, for the general radix-R case. Here we present the complete set of parallel algorithms, that is, algorithms with equal interconnection pattern stage-to-stage topology. In this paper the parallel factorizations are derived by using a unified notation based on the use of the Kronecker product and the even-odd permutation matrix to form the rest of permutation matrices. The radix-R generalization is done in a very simple way. It is shown that, both FFT and IFFT share interconnection pattern solutions. This new point of view tries to contribute to the knowledge of fast parallel algorithms for the case of FFT and IFFT but it can be easily applied to other discrete transforms.
An innovative packaging process for low power loss solar modules

This paper presents an innovative interconnecting process for the 5 inch × 5 inch photovoltaic (PV) modules based on single crystalline silicon solar cells using epoxy-based conductive adhesive (CA), and a conventional soldering type solar cell is also performed for comparison. The electrical performance of solar modules with innovative interconnecting process (Inno 1, 2, and 3) was characterized by a flasher system in AAA class, and the long-term durability of the solar modules was verified by thermal cycling test in accordance with IEC 61215 standard. The result shows that the power loss for innovative stringing solar cell with epoxy-based CA exhibits a two-stage degradation mechanism, in which a higher lossrate occurs before TC 600 times. For Sn-Pb solder solar module, a linear degradation is observed during the 1600 thermal cycling test, suggesting a single degradation mechanism. Compare the power loss of the solar modules, the innovative modules are around 4.31% to 5.21%, while a high power loss of 7.49% is obtained in soldering type module after 1600 TC test. According to the cross-sectional images focusing on the solder joints, a better performance of the epoxy-based CA solar module was due to the good adherence and stability of the soldering interfaces between the cell metallization and the interconnecting element. Electroluminescence (EL) detection was applied to identify the defects and high series resistance area which may degrade the power of the cell. Some dark failure area on the central region after 1600 thermal cycling test (TCT) is shown in soldering type sample. And a high contrast of the emission intensity is obtained, which implies a mismatch of minor carrier diffusion length in the solar cell. The dark regions observed in the soldering type sample indicated that a higher Rs was generated in the module. On the other hand, CA sample showed a clear image on the cell itself and the p-n junction borderline area.
Who are Non-Resident Fathers?: A British Socio-Demographic Profile

Abstract Despite international growth of, and policy interest in, divorce and separation since the 1970s, there is still surprisingly little known about non-residential fatherhood. This paper presents a ‘father-centric’ analysis and provides one of the first profiles of non-residential fatherhood in early millennium UK. Using data from Understanding Society Wave 1, a nationally representative survey of over 30,000 households in the UK, we found 1,070 men self-identifying as having a non-resident child under 16 years old (https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk). We estimate a prevalence of 5 per cent of British men having a non-resident dependent child. Through latent class analysis, four distinct groups of non-resident fathers are identified: ‘Engaged’ fathers, ‘Less Engaged’ fathers, ‘Disengaged’ fathers and ‘Distance’ fathers. Our analysis finds that non-resident fathers form a heterogeneous group in terms of their socio-demographic profile and family behaviour. It is recommended that legislation and policy concerning fathers in post-separation families are sensitive to variation as well as commonality in socio-economic conditions and family lives and situations.