Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edge-Based Locally Aggregated Descriptors for Image Clustering

Abstract. The current global image descriptors are mostly obtained by using the local image features aggregation, which fail to take full account of the details of the image, resulting in the loss of the semantic content information. It cannot be well used to make a good distinction between the high similarity images. In this paper, a new method of image representation, which can express the whole semantics and detail features of the image, is proposed by combining the edge features of the image. It is used to make a global description of the images and then clustering. The experimental results show that the proposed method is capable of clustering of the similarity images with high accuracy and low error rate.
Biphasic Insulin Analogs for Treatment of Diabetes: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a huge social and economic burden. Achieving guidelines glycemic targets can help reduce the burden of type 2 DM (T2DM)-related complications; however many patients fail to meet these goals. The introduction of insulin analogs, including biphasic insulin analogs, has helped to reduce barriers to patient adherence and to improve outcomes. This review examines the clinical benefits and cost utility of biphasic insulin analogs versus other treatment approaches, in particular human biphasic insulins. Biphasic insulin analogs have a greater flexibility of dosing as compared to equivalent human insulin preparations, resulting in greater convenience and patient satisfaction, and in observational studies, improved efficacy in terms of glycemic control in patients inadequately controlled on human biphasic insulin. Biphasic insulin analogs have shown improved postprandial glucose (PPG) control and a reduced risk of hypoglycemia compared with biphasic human insulin. Treatment with biphasic insulin analogs is cost-effective versus other options in the long term. Biphasic insulin analog treatment of uncontrolled T2DM should be considered an appropriate investment of healthcare resources.
Soil organic carbon stock under different land use types in Kersa Sub Watershed, Eastern Ethiopia

Understanding and assessing soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) within the framework of greenhouse gas emissions and land degradation is so crucial in combating climate change and enhancing ecological restoration. The goal of this study was to quantify the current SOCS in major land use types in Kersa sub watershed, eastern Ethiopia. Replicated soil samples from 0 to 20, 20 to 40, and 40 to 60 cm depth were collected from three major land uses types: grazing, cultivated, and fallow lands. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare means and Pearson correlation analysis was used to see relationships between selected soil parameters. The results of the study revealed significant difference in soil organic carbon stock under the different land use types (P≤ 0.05). Soil under grazing land use type had significantly higher values of SOCS (42.9 t/ha and 32.9 t/ha) than cultivated land use type (32.6 t/ha and 26.3 t/ha) and fallow land use type (23 t/ha and 12.5 t/ha) in surface and sub surface layers, respectively. Similarly, SOCS decreased with soil depth in all the land use types and showed positive and significant correlation (P≤ 0.05) with clay content while negatively and significantly correlated with bulk density. The results show potential contribution of vegetation cover in land use to enhance soil organic carbon sequestration and environmental protection. Key words: Land use, organic carbon, soil organic carbon stock, carbon sequestration.
Timing and duration of mare volcanism in the central region of the northern farside of the Moon

Age determinations of lunar mare basalts are essential for understanding the thermal evolution of the Moon. In this study, we performed new crater size-frequency measurements in mare deposits in the central region of the northern farside, consisting of Lacus Luxuriae, Buys-Ballot, Campbell, and Kohlschutter, using high-resolution images obtained by SELENE (Kaguya) Terrain Camera. The estimated model ages of the mare deposits range from 2.7 to 3.5 Ga. On the basis of model ages for all investigated mare deposits in the central part of the northern farside, considering the results of previous studies, we concluded that mare volcanism in this region began at least as early as 3.9 Ga and continued until ∼2.6 Ga. From a comparison of model ages in the region and the South Pole-Aitken basin, we found that mare volcanism in these regions ended at the same time, suggesting that the South Pole-Aitken basin formation impact had a minor effect on mare volcanism in the region.
Do commercial bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) have an added value in outdoor pollination of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and raspberry (Rubus ideaus)

The majority of fruit crops rely on insect pollination to set an acceptable number of fruits of commercial value. Bees are listed as the most common pollinators in commercial crops in Europe, but the role of honeybees is currently being revised due to global decline in honeybee health and colony collapse disorder. The use of artificially reared Bombus terrestris colonies is then proposed as an alternative, and they are thought to be specially valuable in cold climate areas or early blooming crops. As study system we set pollination trials to test pollinator visitation, colony activity, fruit set and fruit quality in three commercial fields in Limburg province; the main agricultural area of Belgium. Two of these fields were Prunus avium orchards, belonging to the varieties 'Sweetheart'(self-fertile) and 'Carmen' (obligate outcrossing). The third field comprised 'Kwanza' Rubus idaeus self-fertile clones. Honeybees were used as current pollination practice, and bagged branches were used as control treatment. Our results show that the colony activity was consistently high and the bumblebees were visiting the crops in an acceptable rate. We got a significant increase in the fruit set in 'Carmen' and 'Kwanza' varieties compared to bagged branches from the same plants. In raspberry, seed size was greater in the bumblebee-supplemented area, which translated to less variance in fruit weight but no difference in fruit weight average. However with the experimental designs used it is not possible to really conclude on the added value of the use of bumblebee colonies compared to the honeybee pollination.
Design of Low Power Integrated CMOS Potentiometric Biosensor for Direct Electronic Detection of DNA Hybridization

The purpose of this research is to design a low power integrated complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detection circuit for charge-modulated field-effect transistor (CMFET) and it is used for the detection of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization. With the available CMOS technology, it allows the realization of complete systems which integrate the sensing units and transducing elements in the same device. Point-of-care (POC) testing device is a device that allows anyone to operate anywhere and obtain immediate results. One of the important features of POC device is low power consumption because it is normally battery-operated. The power consumption of the proposed integrated CMOS detection circuit requires only 14.87 mW. The detection circuit will amplify the electrical signal that comes from the CMFET to a specified level in order to improve the recording characteristics of the biosensor. Self-cascode topology was used in the drain follower circuit in order to reduce the channel length modulation effect. The proposed detection circuit was designed with 0. 18µm Silterra CMOS fabrication process and simulated under Cadence Simulation Tool.
Overweight and Obesity in the Reproductive-Age Population of the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study

Over 54% of currently non-pregnant women aged 18-45 in Central Pennsylvania are overweight or obese. To examine the overall health effects in women, the Central Pennsylvania Women’s Health Study (CePAWHS) had 2,002 women aged 18-45 complete a Random Digit Dial (RDD) general population telephone interview on their health status and health risk indicators for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study of the CePAWHS population examined the correlates of overweight and obesity in a unique sample of reproductive-age women. The survey measured a large number of health-related variables including pregnancy history. This study also considered whether the definition of obesity affects the identification of correlates. Telephone interview participants were categorized as normal overweight or obese according to the BMI index and analyzed as BMI continuous. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to examine differences between BMI continuous and categorical variables. Odds ratios from logistic regression models and linear regression from ANCOVA were used to examine cross-sectional associations of the BMI continuous and categorical. Of the population, 27% were overweight and 25% obese using the BMI index and had a mean BMI of 26.99 ± 6.95. Other variables analyzed included environmental factors, pregnancy outcomes, and health habits and conditions. This research found that obesity in reproductive-age women is associated with a variety of environmental and health-related factors.
The Arab Maghreb Union: the "Cost of Non Maghreb" and Sectoral Prospects

The aim of the paper is to find out the “No Maghreb” cost as untapped opportunities of intra regional trade and to check the existence of comparative advantages in the Maghreb region. We use panel data with gravity model to study the relationship between total exports and factors affecting them, as well as, the exports by sector and their determinants for a sample of 57 countries, between, 1980-2007. The goal is to point out the total exports potential as a proxy of the “No Maghreb” cost. The study also allows establishing whether there are comparative advantages among the region countries. The results show the weak level of intra regional trade comparing to its potential. They also demonstrate that Maghreb countries have similarities and disparities according to some comparative advantages. This contributes to encourage intra regional trade and improve trade perspectives in Maghreb.
INVARIANT HYPERSURFACES IN HOLOMORPHIC DYNAMICS SERGE CANTAT To Thierry Vust for his 65th birthday

We prove the following result, which is analogous to two theorems, one due to Kodaira and Krasnov and another one due to Jouanolou and Ghys. Let M be a compact complex manifold and f a dominant endomorphism of M. If there exist k totally invariant irreducible hypersurfaces Wi ⊂ M, with k > dim(M)+ h1,1(M) then f preserves a nontrivial meromorphic fibration. We then study the case where f is a meromorphic map.
Comparing the Detectability of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by C-Arm Dual-Phase Cone-Beam CT During Hepatic Arteriography and Conventional Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging: A Pilot Study

Poster: "ECR 2011 / C-0623 / Comparing the Detectability of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by C-Arm Dual-Phase Cone-Beam CT During Hepatic Arteriography and Conventional Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging: A Pilot Study" by: "R. Loffroy1, M. Lin2, P. Rao2, N. Noordhoek3, A. Radaelli3, J. Blijd3, J.-F. Geschwind2; 1Dijon/FR, 2Baltimore, MD/US, 3Best/NL"
The Implementation of Ict Based Education in Elementary Teacher Education (PGSD) in Indonesia

In fact, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) have been utilized in schools even though relatively small in numbers. At present, there is a program for Elementary Teacher Education called PGSD program in Indonesia. The PGSD program is an in-service teacher training program especially for elementary school teachers in Indonesia, to improve their qualifications from Diploma-2 to Strata-1 level, conducted through ICT-based distance learning mode. This study uses survey method to examine the accessibility of ICT infrastructure and networks, and the effectiveness of using ICT for teaching and learning in six university member of PGSD program in Indonesia. The results of the study show that the PGSD program needs to improve the ICT infrastructure and networks as well as apply ICT based teaching and learning skills.
Control of Tropilaelaps clareae mite by using formic acid and thymol in honey bee Apis mellifera L. colonies.

The proposed research work was conducted in March, 2008 at Honeybee Research Institute of National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad on Apis mellifera lingustica honeybee colonies infested with the Tropilaelaps clareae. Treatments were given by dividing experimental 36 colonies into two groups (Formic acid and Thymol). Formic acid (70%) and Thymol were applied in six treatments including control (To=0.0 ml, T1=5ml, T2=10ml, T3=15ml, T4=20ml and T5= 25ml) and (To=0.0g, T1=5g, T2=10g, T3=15g, T4=20g, and T5=25g) respectively with three replications for five weeks. The treatments were given randomly by using complete randomized design (CRD). The maximum number 782 and 518 of mites collected in mite collection trays treated with 25 ml formic acid and 25 g of thymol. The highest efficacy of formic acid and thymol against T. clareae on honeybee was 97 and 95.3%. In formic acid group T5 (25 ml) yielded the maximum honey 22.54 kg/colony. In thymol group, T5 (25g) yielded the maximum honey 20.7 kg/colony. From all the results it was clearly observed that all the treatments of formic acid and thymol are effective against the T. clareae. It was observed that during whole experiment no queens were lost and there was no adult honeybee mortality in any of the colonies.
Analysis and Disposal for Vibration of Vertical Circulating Water Pump

Based on the vibration of circulating water pump in a coal-firing power plant phase II in Indonesia, analysis had been carried out from different aspects for the problem. The key factors concluded were insufficient taper plates and unqualified secondary grouting. Meanwhile, single foundation, high structure above the foundation, higher speed than normal and insufficient structural stiffness were formed the influence factors, which led to the undesirable disposal results. The vibration of 3B was still exceeding 4.5mm/s specified by the standard, 3A was just meeting the value, and the vibration of 4A, 4B was 2.8mm/s. The advice and suggestion had been summarized.
Brainstorming the cryoplane layout by using the iterative AHP-QFD-AHP approach

Most of commercial civil aircraft are derivatives of each other. They start with an aero-structural design based on the mission profile, and what remains is the integration of existing subsystems. This only leaves room for incremental innovation. When a totally new concept has to be worked out, an innovative brainstorming procedure has to be facilitated, leading to a new product definition. This collaborative creative thinking is not an easy task, and analytical design management tools are required. Therefore, an iterative AHP-QFD-AHP approach for brainstorming is implemented into a concurrent engineering environment in the early phases of layout conception. In the case study, the proposed model delivered the product definition of the cryoplane concept successfully, which promises clean operation.
Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation by Metal-Doped Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode with Iron Oxyhydroxide Electrocatalyst

Intensive attention has been currently focused on the discovery of semiconductor and proficient cocatalysts for eventual applications to the photoelectrochemical water splitting system. A W-Mo-doped BiVO4 semiconductor was prepared by the surfactant-assisted thermal decomposition method on a fluorine-doped tin oxide conductive film. The W-Mo-doped BiVO4 films showed a porous morphology with the grain sizes of about 270 nm. Because the hole diffusion length of BiVO4 is about 100 nm, the W-Mo-doped BiVO4 film in this study is an ideal candidate for the photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) electrocatalyst was chemically deposited on the W-Mo-doped BiVO4 to investigate the effect of the electrocatalyst on the semiconductor. The W-Mo-doped BiVO4/FeOOH composite electrode showed enhanced activity compared to the pristine W-Mo-doped BiVO4 electrode for water oxidation reaction. The chemical deposition is a promising method for the deposition of FeOOH on semiconductor.
Preference of e-Bike by Women in India–a Niche Market for Auto Manufacturers

The increasing urbanization with climate change, global warming issues and the related need to decarbonize the economy, is forcing urgency for identifying the alternate source for the global adoption and sustainable scalable solutions. The country’s demographic and road patterns and its natural resources availability provide enormous scope for the electric bike industry. As per the “Navigant Research Report”, it is predicted that by 2018, the sales of electric vehicles in India will shoot up by 17 percent. 1.1 million electric vehicles will be targeted within next five years. A recent study on the environment impact of e-bikes with other forms of transportation found that e-bikes are about 18 times more energy consumption than SUV, 13 times than a sedan, 6 times more than rail transit, and it is having considered as an innovated conventional bicycle. It is a frugal innovation strategy which provide safe carbon free environment, and moreover a part of health rehabilitation programmes. It is required that societal, economic and political and infrastructure systems integrate together to balance the energy environment. With this potential, the era of electric bike started its new avenues on the roads of India specifically focusing on Indian women. To develop this viewpoint, the present study focuses on the preference of e-bike among the women in Madurai city.
THE EFFECT OF FLY ASH ON FLEXURAL CAPACITY CONCRETE BEAMS

This paper presents the flexural response of reinforced geopolymer concrete (RGPC) beam. A commercial finite element (FE) software ABAQUS has been used to perform a structural behavior of RGPC beam. Using parameters such: stress, strain, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio obtained from experimental results, a beam model has been simulated in ABAQUS. The results from experimental test and ABAQUS simulation were compared. Due to friction forces at the supports and loading rollers; slip occurring, the actual deflection of RGPC beam from experimental test results were slightly different from the results of ABAQUS. And there is good agreement between the crack patterns of fly-ash based geopolymer concrete generated by FE analysis using ABAQUS, and those in experimental data.
Loudness, but not shot power, influences simple reaction times to soccer penalty sounds

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate how ecological sport sounds (i.e., foot-ball impacts of soccer penalty kicks) affect simple reaction times. Design: Three within-subjects, simple reaction time experiments were carried out; they differed among each other for the manipulations performed on the stimuli. Method: In Experiment 1, the loudness of the stimuli was manipulated; instead, in Experiment 2 and 3 shot power was manipulated, using as stimuli impacts of shots with different speeds. Results: The results highlighted an inverse relation between stimuli loudness and reaction times; instead, the natural differences among shots with different power were not sufficient to influence reaction times. Conclusions: Sounds associated to different shot power seem to differ in parameters which are not actually relevant for simple reaction times. Future studies should further investigate on similar issues, better clarifying whether the properties of ecological sounds can naturally influence reaction times.
How teacher leadership leads to school improvement: A case study

Since the 1980s, there have been tremendous studies on school effectiveness and improvement. The demand for quality education is a global trend. In order to face the challenges of this new millennium and rapidly changing world, the role of teachers is no longer merely a knowledge transmitter; teachers have to take up extra administrative duties. Teachers are getting more and more involved in school management, and this means that teachers should be equipped and empowered, if schools aim at genuine improvement. The purpose of this research paper is multi-folded. First, it aims at providing a platform for discussion on crucial issues related to teacher leadership and school improvement in enhancing the quality of school education. Secondly, this paper aims at identifying the leadership forces exercised by the school and seeks to depict the relationship between leadership and school effectiveness. This is a case study in a school founded three decades ago. It is a traditional school in terms of the school system and culture. The factors that contribute to school effectiveness and how the implementation of teacher leadership can help the target school improve are explored in this paper.
The Effect of Weld Penetration on Blast Performance of Welded Panels

Abstract : A modified explosion bulge test method was used demonstrate the difference in performance of full-penetration (nominally 100%) welds and partial-penetration (nominally 70%) welds under blast loading. The welded coupons consisted of armour steel plate, Bisalloy BisPlate High Hardness Armour steel, welded to Bisalloy BisPlate80 steel with an austenitic filler material, TETRA S 20 9 3-G . If was found that full-penetration welds will withstand, without cracking, closer blasts, and correspondingly greater blast loading, than partial penetration welds. However, there may be some critical length and size dimensions of the incomplete penetration for which the blast performance of the welded panel is not adversely affected.
Fiscal Policy and Debt Dynamic: Evidence from Tanzania

This paper investigates fiscal policy and debt dynamics in Tanzania by using time series data for the period 1970 to 2011. The methodologies adopted include unit root tests, cointegration tests and fiscal reaction function. The three approach employed validate similar results that fiscal policy for Tanzania has not been sustainable for the annual sample period 1970-2011. The unit root tests report that the data generating process of debt follow non-stationary process. Alternatively, in testing the null hypothesis of no-cointegration, our results show that there is weak cointegration between government expenditure and revenue which make fiscal policy to be unsustainable. In supporting the ensuing findings, the fiscal reaction function provides evidence that there is negative linear relationship between primary balance and debt relative to GDP. Â This is additional evidence that fiscal policy has not been sustainable, and the government is advised to take corrective measures to counteract the accumulation of debt. Â
Human Resource Management in the Indian Banking Sector

Efficient human resource management is one of the most essential requirements for survival in this competitive world. In this paper, an attempt has been made to test the hypothesis for administrative skills, competitive advantage and human resource development (HRD) policies. This study reveals that Indian bank managers have good administrative skills for industrial competitiveness. Also, they have good administrative skills to manage HRD policies.