Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination and enhancement of X-Ray image quality using Shannon ’ s information capacity metric

With the technological progress digital X-Ray facilities have been established in the past few years. These facilities have to be calibrated and attended manually by specialists for the most part. The challenge is to assist those specialists among other things in calibrating X-Ray scanners and provide them with rationalised and automated tools and methods. By adjusting and improving of the here presented quality metric, the Doctor’s demands can be more efficiently taken into account. In this thesis the focus is made on quantifying X-Ray image quality using the Shannon’s information capacity metric.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS

This module introduces basic concepts of stiffness and strength underlying the mechanics of fiber-reinforced advanced composite materials. This aspect of composite materials technology is sometimes terms “micromechanics,” because it deals with the relations between macroscopic engineering properties and the microscopic distribution of the material’s constituents, namely the volume fraction of fiber. This module will deal primarily with unidirectionally-reinforced continuous-fiber composites, and with properties measured along and transverse to the fiber direction.
Enzymatic Functions for Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor Domain Proteins in the Plant Immune System

Rationally engineered improvements to crop plants will be needed to keep pace with increasing demands placed on agricultural systems by population growth and climate change. Engineering of plant immune systems provides an opportunity to increase yields by limiting losses to pathogens. Intracellular immune receptors are commonly used as agricultural disease resistance traits. Despite their importance, how intracellular immune receptors confer disease resistance is still unknown. One major class of immune receptors in dicots contains a Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor (TIR) domain. The mechanisms of TIR-containing proteins during plant immunity have remained elusive. The TIR domain is an ancient module found in archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic proteins. In animals, TIR domains serve a structural role by generating innate immune signaling complexes. The unusual animal TIR-protein, SARM1, was recently discovered to function instead as an enzyme that depletes cellular NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to trigger axonal cell death. Two recent reports have found that plant TIR proteins also have the ability to cleave NAD+. This presents a new paradigm from which to consider how plant TIR immune receptors function. Here, we will review recent reports of the structure and function of TIR-domain containing proteins. Intriguingly, it appears that TIR proteins in all kingdoms may use similar enzymatic mechanisms in a variety of cell death and immune pathways. We will also discuss TIR structure–function hypotheses in light of the recent publication of the ZAR1 resistosome structure. Finally, we will explore the evolutionary context of plant TIR-containing proteins and their downstream signaling components across phylogenies and the functional implications of these findings.
The changing principalship in South African schools

A current international trend in education reform is the devolution of decision-making powers from central level to the school level. Together with certain structural reforms regarding shared decision-making, the South African government has also initiated programmes of curriculum reform, and a general drive to improve the culture of teaching and learning in schools. The devolution of authority through decentralisation is the first dimension of school-based management. The second dimension of school-based management refers to the participation of stakeholders. The key changes in the way schools in South Africa are organised with regard to the role of principals are outlined in this article. Two reform initiatives, whole school evaluation and developmental appraisal are briefly described. The article concludes with a model for management of resistance to change.
Product market competition, regulation and dividend payout policy of Malaysian banks

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the impact of the product market competition, regulations on the dividend policies of the listed banks, over the period 1995-2005 in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach - An ordered probit modelling technique and target adjustment model is used. Findings - Significant differences are found in the payout of the banks categorized as selling non-interest based banking products and mix of both interest and non-interest based banking products. It is found that the decision to increase dividends is significantly related to earnings, and the decision to cut dividend is significantly related to the changes in the non-performing loans, corporate and real estate sectors loans ratio and earnings losses. Research limitations/implications - The research findings have implications for the regulators of banks. Originality/value - The research provides a clear link between banks' portfolio choice and earnings that have implications for dividends in emerging markets.
Robust Diabatic Grover Search by Landau–Zener–Stückelberg Oscillations

Quantum computation by the adiabatic theorem requires a slowly-varying Hamiltonian with respect to the spectral gap. We show that the Landau–Zener–Stückelberg oscillation phenomenon, which naturally occurs in quantum two-level systems under non-adiabatic periodic drive, can be exploited to find the ground state of an N-dimensional Grover Hamiltonian. The total runtime of this method is O(2n), which is equal to the computational time of the Grover algorithm in the quantum circuit model. An additional periodic drive can suppress a large subset of Hamiltonian control errors by using coherent destruction of tunneling, thus outperforming previous algorithms.
th SWST International Convention 7 th Wood Structure and Properties Conference 6 th European Hardwood Conference June 23 – 27 , 2014 Technical University in Zvolen Zvolen , Slovakia

A significant proportion of Mediterranean forest vegetation consists of evergreen small diameter hardwood trees and shrubs which are traditionally used as fuelwood for domestic heating purposes. Nevertheless, their utilization in the form of pellets or briquettes could increase their energy efficiency. Due to differences in chemical structure, bark and wood present different fuel characteristics. In this study the higher heating value, lower heating value and ash content of wood and bark of five Mediterranean evergreen hardwoods (Quercus coccifera, Quercus ilex, Arbutus unedo, Phillyrea latifolia and Erica arborea) and two deciduous species (Fagus sylvatica and Ostrya carpinifolia) growing in northern Greece were investigated. For each species the stem diameter, bark thickness and wood : bark ratios were also determined. The results showed that the bark of all tested evergreen hardwood species presented significantly higher ash content than deciduous species did and can be used in pellet production only when carefully mixed with wood in order to keep ash content lower than 3%. Quercus coccifera bark showed the highest ash content values. Αll of the tested evergreen hardwoods showed heating values higher for wood than for bark, except for Phyllirea latifolia which showed significantly higher bark than wood heating value. The highest heating value of all investigated wood samples was presented by Erica arborea. Correlation of ash against higher and lower heating values for all species was found to be weak.
Growth effects of a comprehensive measure of globalization with country-specific time series data

Many studies have estimated the growth effects of globalization where globalization was measured with a few economic variables, ignoring its social and political dimensions. Recently, Dreher (2006) has developed a comprehensive measure of globalization with several variables from the economic, political and social sectors. He showed, with the panel data methods, that globalization has positive growth effect implying that countries with higher globalization grow faster. We argue that 5-year average growth rates, used in many panel data studies, are inadequate proxies for the unobservable Steady State Growth Rate (SSGR). Using the Dreher indices, we extend the Solow (1956) model to derive country-specific estimates of SSGRs for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and the Philippines. Our results show that countries with higher levels of globalization have higher SSGRs but the growth effects on SSGRs are smaller than in many studies.
A facial expression image database and norm for Asian population: a preliminary report

We collected 6604 images of 30 models in eight types of facial expression: happiness, anger, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, contempt and neutral. Among them, 406 most representative images from 12 models were rated by more than 200 human raters for perceived emotion category and intensity. Such large number of emotion categories, models and raters is sufficient for most serious expression recognition research both in psychology and in computer science. All the models and raters are of Asian background. Hence, this database can also be used when the culture background is a concern. In addition, 43 landmarks each of the 291 rated frontal view images were identified and recorded. This information should facilitate feature based research of facial expression. Overall, the diversity in images and richness in information should make our database and norm useful for a wide range of research.
Domestic abuse prevention education: listening to the views of young people

This paper reports on findings derived as part of a two-year project funded by the European Union's Daphne III scheme, involving collaboration between seven partner organisations across six European countries. The project involved an evaluation, using questionnaires and focus groups, of domestic abuse prevention education programmes delivered in schools in the UK, France and Spain. This paper presents the findings from the UK focus group discussions, conducted with young people aged 10–11 years, and 13–14 years to explore their opinions about the intervention delivered in their school. The focus groups revealed the following challenges for service providers in this area: young people can misunderstand issues related to domestic abuse, especially the role of power and control within relationships; there is a tension between educators giving young people free expression to share their opinions and challenging sexism and other prejudices; and boys can become disengaged with gender-based interventions. These issues point towards three key considerations when implementing a domestic abuse prevention education intervention: programme content (the what); the teaching methods used (the how); and whether teachers or external organisations should deliver the programme (the who).
Simultaneous Cell Detection and Classification in Bone Marrow Histology Images

Recently, deep learning frameworks have been shown to be successful and efficient in processing digital histology images for various detection and classification tasks. Among these tasks, cell detection and classification are key steps in many computer-assisted diagnosis systems. Traditionally, cell detection and classification is performed as a sequence of two consecutive steps by using two separate deep learning networks: one for detection and the other for classification. This strategy inevitably increases the computational complexity of the training stage. In this paper, we propose a synchronized deep autoencoder network for simultaneous detection and classification of cells in bone marrow histology images. The proposed network uses a single architecture to detect the positions of cells and classify the detected cells, in parallel. It uses a curve-support Gaussian model to compute probability maps that allow detecting irregularly shape cells precisely. Moreover, the network includes a novel neighborhood selection mechanism to boost the classification accuracy. We show that the performance of the proposed network is superior than traditional deep learning detection methods and very competitive compared to traditional deep learning classification networks. Runtime comparison also shows that our network requires less time to be trained.
Artifacts and pitfalls of musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging

Poster: "ECR 2011 / C-2168 / Artifacts and pitfalls of musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging" by: "T. A. Macedo1, G. F. Marconi2, M. T. P. Souza2, L. P. Souza2; 1Uberlândia-MG/BR, 2Uberlândia/BR"
Indicator Bacteria Removal in Storm-Water Best Management Practices in Charlotte, North Carolina

Water quality degradation due to pathogen pollution is a major concern in the United States. Storm-water runoff is an important contributor to the transport of indicator bacteria from urbanized watersheds to nearby surface waters. With total maximum daily loads being established to reduce the export of indicator bacteria to surface waters, storm-water best management practices (BMPs) may be an important tool in treating indicator bacteria in runoff. However, the ability of these systems to remove indicator bacteria is not well established. A study in Charlotte, N.C. , monitored nine storm-water BMPs (one wet pond, two storm-water wetlands, two dry detention basins, one bioretention area, and three proprietary devices) for fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli). A wet pond, two wetlands, a bioretention area, and a proprietary device all removed fecal coliform with an efficiency higher than 50%; however, only the wetlands and bioretention area had significantly different influent and effluent concentr.
Shape Variation and Allometry in the Precloacal Vertebral Series of the Snake Daboia russelli (Viperidae)

Entender la variacion en la morfologia vertebral de los ofidios es crucial para la paleobiologia del grupo pero, hasta ahora, este campo esta poco investigado. Uno de los principales problemas es el escaso conocimiento sobre las bases de la homogeneidad en la variacion de la forma a lo largo de la region precloacal en estos animales. Por ejemplo, en el caso de las viboras, dicha variacion puede ser muy pequena lo cual hace casi imposible la descripcion de una regionalizacion precisa sin ambiguedad. En este estudio se ha aplicado morfometria geometrica para analizar si la variacion de la forma vertebral de un individuo adulto de la especie Daboia russelli permite subdividir la region precloacal. Ademas, hemos explorado si el tamano esta asociado con la organizacion vertebral a lo largo del esqueleto axial. Los analisis multivariantes han demostrado que el patron principal de la variacion de la forma vertebral esta determinado por la espina neural y la hipapofisis, mientras que el centro vertebral varia poco a lo largo de la serie. Nuestro analisis ha mostrado que la region precloacal puede ser dividida en dos series cuya separacion esta marcada por las vertebras mas grandes, posicionadas aproximadamente en la mitad de la columna. Tomando como referencia la mitad de la columna, hacia los extremos distales, las vertebras tienden a ser mas pequenas cambiando su forma de modo antitetico.
A RADICAL COLLABORATIVE APPROACH: DEVELOPING A MODEL FOR LEARNING THEORY, HUMAN-BASED COMPUTATION AND PARTICIPANT MOTIVATION IN A ROCK-ART HERITAGE APPLICATION

Abstract. This paper explores a Radical Collaborative Approach in the global and centralized Rock-Art Database project to find new ways to look at rock-art by making information more accessible and more visible through public contributions. It looks at rock-art through the Key Performance Indicator (KPI), identified with the latest Australian State of the Environment Reports to help develop a better understanding of rock-art within a broader Cultural and Indigenous Heritage context. Using a practice-led approach the project develops a conceptual collaborative model that is deployed within the RADB Management System. Exploring learning theory, human-based computation and participant motivation the paper develops a procedure for deploying collaborative functions within the interface design of the RADB Management System. The paper presents the results of the collaborative model implementation and discusses considerations for the next iteration of the RADB Universe within an Agile Development Approach.
Variability and pulsations in the Be star 66 Ophiuchi

Oph is a Be star seen under a moderate inclination angle that shows strong variability from UV to IR wavelengths. A concise review of long-term variability history is given. High resolution, high S /N spectroscopic observations obtained in 1997, 1998 and 2001 and spectropolarimetric observations obtained in 2000 are presented. These observations occurred during a long-term decrease of Hα intensity. Fundamental parameters of the star have been revisited from Barbier-Chalonge-Divan (BCD) calibrations. New V sini values are obtained using Fourier transforms applied to observed helium lines and a rotational frequency frot = 1.29 cd −1 is determined. Time series analysis and Fourier Doppler Imaging (FDI) of Hei lines (4713, 4921, 5876 and 6678 A) lead for the first time to the detection of multi-periodicity in 66Oph. The two main frequencies found are f = 2.22 cd −1 and f = 4.05 cd −1 . They are attributed to non-radial pulsations and can be associated with mode degree � = 2a nd� = 3, respectively. Inspection of Stokes V profiles suggests the presence of a weak Zeeman signature but further observations are needed to confirm the detection of a magnetic field in 66 Oph.
Maturation-related differences in neuromuscular fatigue after a short-term maximal run

Purpose. This study investigated maturation-related differences in neuromuscular fatigue after a short-term maximal run. Methods. Eight male children, eight adolescents, and eight adults performed a maximal ca. 50-s run (300/350/400 m, respectively). Mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue were assessed through isometric plantar flexor tests, electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve, soleus electromyography, and blood tests. Results. All the groups showed a decrease in the running speed (children: –12.2 ± 6.5%; adolescents: –9.8 ± 5.1%; adults: –12.2 ± 3.1%), but only adults revealed a decline in the maximal isometric plantar flexor torque (–16.1 ± 13.0%). On the other hand, the relative preto post-fatigue change in the maximal isometric plantar flexor torque differed only between adults and adolescents. The peak torque in the passive twitch test decreased in adolescents (–19.2 ± 12.2%) and adults (–23.7 ± 13.7%). Moreover, post-fatigue minimum blood pH (children: 7.18 ± 0.03; adolescents: 7.14 ± 0.07; adults: 6.97 ± 0.06) differed between the groups. No changes were observed in the neural drive or mechanisms at the spinal level. Conclusions. Despite the loss of running speed, children showed no post-exercise fatigue, whereas adolescents and adults demonstrated fatigue at peripheral sites. central fatigue could not be established for the studied groups.
Role of Rad 52 in fractionated irradiation induced signaling in A 549 lung adenocarcinoma cells

The effect of fractionated doses of -irradiation (2 Gy per fraction over 5 days), as delivered in cancer radiotherapy, was compared with acute doses of 10 and 2 Gy, in A549 cells. A549 cells were found to be relatively more radioresistant if the 10 Gy dose was delivered as a fractionated regimen. Microarray analysis showed upregulation of DNA repair and cell cycle arrest genes in the cells exposed to fractionated irradiation. There was intense activation of DNA repair pathway-associated genes (DNA-PK, ATM, Rad52, MLH1 and BRCA1), efficient DNA repair and phospho-p53 was found to be translocated to the nucleus of A549 cells exposed to fractionated irradiation. MCF-7 cells responded differently in fractionated regimen. Silencing of the Rad52 gene in fractionated group of A549 cells made the cells radiosensitive. The above result indicated increased radioresistance in A549 cells due to the activation of Rad52 gene. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Optimum Fuzzy Logic Control System Design using Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Pitch Control of a Wind Turbine

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) are being widely accepted as an alternative to standard conventional energy sources due to depletion of natural resources and their consequential environmental impact. With improving techniques, reducing costs and low environmental impact, wind energy has the potential to become the major part in the world’s energy future. The efficiency and control of wind generator is of outmost importance as wind is an intermittent resource. Pitch angle control is the most common means for adjusting the aerodynamic torque of the wind turbine when the wind speed is above rated speed. This paper presents a methodology for designing an optimised Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) system using Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) for enhancing the performance of wind turbine by maximizing the captured energy. The simulation results clearly show that the controller demonstrated high performance than conventional PID controller.
ARIMA Time Series Models for Full Truckload Transportation Prices

The trucking sector in the United States is a $700 billion plus a year industry and represents a large percentage of many firms’ logistics spend. Consequently, there is interest in accurately forecasting prices for truck transportation. This manuscript utilizes the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) methodology to develop forecasts for three time series of monthly archival trucking prices obtained from two public sources—the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Truckstop.com. BLS data cover January 2005 through August 2018; Truckstop.com data cover January 2015 through August 2018. Different ARIMA models closely approximate the observed data, with coefficients of variation of the root mean-square deviations being 0.007, 0.040, and 0.048. Furthermore, the estimated parameters map well onto dynamics known to operate in the industry, especially for data collected by the BLS. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Laboratory-scale measurements and simulations of effect of application methods on soil methyl bromide emission

Methyl bromide (bromomethane, MeBr), which originates from the oceans, fumigation, and a few other sources, is reportedly contributing to the ozone depletion in the stratosphere. Due to the heavy reliance on this fumigant in the production of many crops, it is of particular importance to accurately quantify the atmospheric input of MeBr arising from agricultural uses, and develop feasible measures to minimize these emissions. In this study, we determined the effect of two important application variables, surface tarp and injection depth, on MeBr transport and transformation in the soil and its emission from the soil surface under controlled conditions. Following 20- and 30-cm injections, covering the soil surface with 1-mil (0.025 mm) high-density polyethylene film resulted in an average of 48% reduction in MeBr emission. Increasing the injection depth from 20 to 60 cm caused a decrease in MeBr emission of 54% under untarped conditions and 40% under tarped conditions. The influence of application methods on MeBr atmospheric emissions should be considered when estimating the contribution of agricultural fumigation to the overall atmospheric MeBr burden on a global scale. The results also indicate that MeBr emission after soil fumigation may be substantially minimized by using surface tarpaulins and deep injections.