Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Destruction of the Forest Habitat in the Tatra National Park, Slovakia

The dynamically changing land cover configuration and its impact on biodiversity have aroused interest in the study of deforestation and its consequences. Deforestation is generally considered to be one of the most serious threats to biological diversity. Awareness of how different deforestation patterns influence habitat quality of forest patches is essential for efficient landscape–ecological management. The overall effect of deforestation on the forest patch depends on its size, shape and location. Zipperer (1993) identified the following types of the deforestation pattern:  Internal deforestation that starts in the forest patch and progresses outwardly;  External deforestation that starts outside and cuts into the forest patch, including indentation, cropping and removal;  Fragmentation when the patch is split into smaller parcels. Forest fragmentation is one of the most frequently cited causes of species extinction making it a crucial contemporary conservation issue. The classic view of a habitat fragmentation is the breaking up a large intact area of a single vegetation type into smaller landscape units or simply the disruption of continuity (Fahrig, 2003; Lord & Norton, 1990). This process represents a transition from being whole to being broken into two or more distant pieces. The outcome is landscape composed of fragments (e. g. forest) with something else (the nonforest matrix) between the fragments. Fragmentation of biotopes affects several ecological functions of landscape, first of all the spatial distribution of selected plant and animal species and associations (Bruna & Kress; 2002, Kurosawa & Askins, 2003; Parker et al., 2005). Fragments of original biotopes with reduced area and increased isolation are not capable of securing suitable conditions for life and reproduction of some organisms. Consequences of fragmentation include the species biodiversity decline, functional changes in ecological processes, for instance disruption of trophic chains (Valladares et al., 2006), and genetic changes in organisms (Cunningham & Moritz 1998; Gibbs, 2001). The history of research focused on the fragmentation consequences reaches to the 1960s when the theory of insular biogeography was published (MacArthur & Wilson, 1963, as cited in Faaborg et al., 1993). The basis of this theory is the recognition that the smaller and more dispersed islands, the lower number of species is capable to find suitable conditions for their permanent existence. However, the phenomenon is not limited only to islands in the geographic sense. As Madera and Zimova (2004) report similar problems were also
THE K2-ESPRINT PROJECT III: A CLOSE-IN SUPER-EARTH AROUND A METAL-RICH MID-M DWARF

We validate a R p = 2.32 ± 0.24 R ⊕ ? > planet on a close-in orbit (P = 2.260455 ± 0.000041 days) around K2-28 (EPIC 206318379), a metal-rich M4-type dwarf in the Campaign 3 field of the K2 mission. Our follow-up observations included multi-band transit observations from the optical to the near-infrared, low-resolution spectroscopy, and high-resolution adaptive optics (AO) imaging. We perform a global fit to all of the observed transits using a Gaussian process-based method and show that the transit depths in all of the passbands adopted for the ground-based transit follow-ups ( r 2 ′ , z s , 2 , J , H , K s ? > ) are within ∼2σ of the K2 value. Based on a model of the background stellar population and the absence of nearby sources in our AO imaging, we estimate the probability that a background eclipsing binary could cause a false positive to be <2 × 10−5. We also show that K2-28 cannot have a physically associated companion of stellar type later than M4, based on the measurement of almost identical transit depths in multiple passbands. There is a low probability for an M4 dwarf companion ( ≈ 0.072 − 0.04 + 0.02 ? > ), but even if this were the case, the size of K2-28b falls within the planetary regime. K2-28b has the same radius (within 1σ) and experiences irradiation from its host star similar to the well-studied GJ 1214b. Given the relative brightness of K2-28 in the near-infrared ( m Kep = 14.85 ? > mag and mH = 11.03 mag) and relatively deep transit (0.6%–0.7%), a comparison between the atmospheric properties of these two planets with future observations would be especially interesting.
Electrochemical and optical studies of conjugated polymers for three primary colours

The Cyclic Voltammetry investigation and optical properties of some of the commonly used conjugated polymers for the fabrication of organic LEDs, like poly [2-methoxy 5- (2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), poly [2,3-bis (2-ethylhexyloxy)l,4-phenylenevinylene] (BEH-PPV) and poly[(9,9'-di(2'-ethylhexyl) fluoren-2,7-yleneethynylene] (PFE) for three principal emission colours red, green and blue, respectively have been reported. Both oxidation and reduction potentials of polymers were determined under the same experimental conditions to estimate the ionization potential (I P : energy of Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) and electron affinity (E a : energy of Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital). The optical band gaps of the polymers were obtained from their optical absorption spectra. A comparative study of the electrochemical and optical bandgap of the polymers has been made. The photoluminescence (PL) of the polymers has also been studied.
MOVING TARGET WITH LOAD BALANCING IN A HIERARCHICAL CLOUD

MOVING TARGET WITH LOAD BALANCING IN A HIERARCHICAL CLOUD Hong Liu, Johnson Thomas and Praveen Khethavath Department of Computer Science Oklahoma State University Stillwater, USA liuh@cs.okstate. edu Abstract In this paper we propose a ‘moving target’ security mechanism for a P2P cloud where files are partitioned and sensitive sections are moved at different times without modifying the routing or finger tables, to reduce the risk of the file being compromised. Two drawbacks with this approach are the problem of determining the locality of the data and load unbalancing. We present a hierarchical P2P cloud system that leads to scalability and efficiency. A 3-step load balancing scheme for hierarchical P2P cloud system to globally balance the network is proposed. Our simulation results show that our algorithm is effective in achieving load balancing in hierarchical peer-to-peer cloud systems.
Sobolev homeomorphisms in W^1,k and the Lusin's condition (N) on k-dimensional subspaces

We construct a Sobolev homeomorphisms F ∈ W ((0, 1),R) which fails the 2-dimensional Lusin’s condition on H-positively many hyperplanes, i.e. there exists C1 ⊂ [0, 1] with H(C1) > 0, such that for each (z, w) ∈ C1 there is a set A(z,w) ⊂ [0, 1] with H(A(z,w)) = 0 and H ( F (A(z,w) × {(z, w)}) ) > 0.
Influence of Defects and Synthesis Conditions on the Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Semiconductor CsSnI3

CsSnI3 is a prototype inorganic halide perovskite that has recently been proposed as a strong candidate for photovoltaic applications because of its unique semiconductor properties. Through first-principle calculations, we show that the concentration control of intrinsic defects is critical for optimizing the photovoltaic properties of CsSnI3. Under a Sn-poor condition, a high concentration of acceptor defects, such as Sn or Cs vacancies, can form easily and produce a high p-type conductivity and deep-level defects that can become electron–hole recombination centers, all with high energy. This condition is optimal for growing CsSnI3 as hole-transport material in solar cells. In contrast, when Sn becomes richer, the concentration of acceptor defects decreases; therefore, the p-type conductivity may drop to a moderate level, which can increase the shunt resistance and, thus, the efficiency of the solar cells with CsSnI3 as the light absorber material (LAM). However, under the Sn-rich condition, the concentr.
Legendre Multi-Wavelets Direct Method for Linear Integro-Differential Equations

We use the continuous Legendre multi-wavelets on the interval [0, 1) to solve the linear integro-differential equation. To do so, we reduced the problem into a system of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique. Comparison has been done with two other methods and it shows that the accuracy of these results are higher than them. Mathematics Subject Classification: 45J05, 65T60
Indicators for BSC-based Assessment of Integrated Military-Civilian Logistics Support

Balanced score card (BSC) is a comprehensive method for strategic management and organizational performance assessment. By introducing it into the assessment of integrated military-civilian logistics support, a BSC-based analytic framework is established to compose the strategic map for integrated military-civilian logistics support and analyze the drivers to the assessment of integrated military-civilian logistics support. On this basis, the indicators for assessment of integrated military-civilian logistics support are explored to facilitate the assessment of integrated military-civilian logistics support and provide the ideas and basis for the study on its indicators.
On the massive star contents of Cygnus OB2

We present a near-infrared spectroscopic survey of a large area centered on the Cygnus OB2 association aimed at constraining its massive star contents. Our goal is to establish a nearly complete list of O-type members of the association, both to examine recent claims based on starcounts that suggest a richer content than previously thought, and to provide a suitable database for further studies of the entire high-mass end of one of the richest associations of the Galaxy. The target selection is based on the JHK photometry published in the 2MASS all-sky survey. We identify 46 new early-type candidates, most of them expected to be O-type stars, plus 16 new stars with emission in Br and often in other lines as well, characteristic of evolved massive stars undergoing intense mass loss. We also present spectra of three luminous stars with CO overtone emission, one of them having also intense H2 emission and being associated with compact nebulosity. By considering our ndings, those of other authors, and plausible completeness corrections, we estimate the number of O-type stars or stars having evolved from a O-type progenitor to be 90{100, slightly below, but compatible with, most recent starcounts estimates by Knodlseder (2000, A&A, 360, 539). These results support the notion that Cygnus OB2 may be considered as a young globular cluster. The lists of new members that we provide, in particular those with emission lines, should be a useful resource for future investigations of Cygnus OB2 itself, as well as of very massive stellar evolution by providing a nearby, abundant sample of stars sharing a common environment.
An empirical evidence of psychological self-determination theory

The paper analyses if monetary rewards to continuat ive I alian volunteers decrease their intrinsic motivation undermining the satisfaction of psycholo gical needs for autonomy and competence. It uses a Survey on Employment in the Social Care and Educa tional Services conducted by FIVOL-FEO in 1998. The paper shows that monetary rewards increas e the satisfaction of psychological needs for autonomy and competence, but the satisfaction of ps ychological needs for autonomy and competence does not mediate between monetary rewards and intri nsic motivation.
A Survey of Vehicle Routing Problem

In recent years, vehicle routing problem (VRP) has become an important content in logistics management research, and has been widely used in transportation system, logistics distribution system and express delivery system. In this paper, we discuss the classification of VRP, and summarize the common constraints of VRP, model algorithm and the main research results in recent years. Finally, we analyzes the future of VRP, and it is considered that the intelligent vehicle routing problem and intelligent heuristic algorithm will be an important field of future research.
Using Leading Indicators to Forecast US Home Sales in a Bayesian VAR Framework

This paper uses Bayesian vector autoregressive models to examine the usefulness of leading indicators in predicting US home sales. The benchmark Bayesian model includes home sales, the price of homes, the mortgage rate, real personal disposable income, and the unemployment rate. We evaluate the forecasting performance of six alternative leading indicators by adding each, in turn, to the benchmark model. Out-of-sample forecast performance over three periods shows that the model that includes building permits authorized consistently produces the most accurate forecasts. Thus, the intention to build in the future provides good information with which to predict home sales. Another finding suggests that leading indicators with longer leads outperform the short-leading indicators.
A Mathematical Model for Bluetooth with Enhanced Data Rate in Fading Channels

In this report, we present an accurate mathematical model for performance analysis of Bluetooth v2.0 with Enhanced Data Rates in fading channels. The model captures the details of the activities performed over an asynchronous data link and permits an accurate estimation of the average throughput and energy efficiency achieved by the different frame formats in fading radio channels. Conversely to most part of the literature concerning Bluetooth performance, the model takes into consideration the microscopic level power—saving features defined by the Bluetooth standard for reducing the energy consumption during packet handling operations. The model permits to investigate the potential performance tradeoff between different frame formats and to determine which format yields higher performance in each channel condition.
The calibration of static and dynamic performances of PMUs

Depuis quelques annees on assiste a une acceleration du deploiement de PMU dans les reseaux electriques de transmission. Les PMU, comme la plupart des instruments, exigent une infrastructure specifique qui permet la certification et la verification de leurs performances metrologiques. Celles-ci sont determinees par un ensemble de tests statiques et dynamiques decrits dans la norme IEEE C37.118. 1. Dans le cadre d’un projet EMRP (European Metrology Research Programme ), METAS a developpe un systeme d’etalonnage permettant cette caracterisation. Les performances de ces synchrophaseurs et de leurs systemes de verification devront toutefois etre ameliorees afin de repondre aux futures attentes de l’utilisation de PMU dans les reseaux de distribution. En effet les courtes distances des reseaux de distributions et la presence de perturbations exigent une resolution en phase accrue ainsi qu’une bonne robustesse face a ces perturbations. En vue de repondre a ces nouvelles exigences, METAS a entrepris la modification de son systeme d’etalonnage. Le but de cet article est de presenter la conception et l’utilisation d’un systeme d’etalonnage de PMU, ainsi que l’effort entrepris pour l’etalonnage des future PMU pour les reseaux de distribution.
Models for Count Data in the Presence of Outliers and/or Excess Zero

Violations of Poisson assumptions usually result in overdispersion, where the variance of the model exceeds the value of the mean. Excess or (deficiency) of zero counts result in overdispersion. Violations of equidispersion indicate correlation in the data, which affect standard errors of the parameter estimates. Model fit is also affected. (Hilbe 2008). Therefore, this study examined the impact of outliers and excess zero on count data in causing overdispersion. The study focus on identifying model(s) which can handle the impact of outliers and excess zero in count data. Datasets based on Poisson model were simulated for sample sizes 20, 50 and 100 and incorporated with outliers and excess zero. Maximum likelihood estimation method was employed in estimating the parameters. Model selection is based on dispersion index, AIC, BIC and log likelihood statistics, putting into consideration Poisson, Negative Binomial, Zero Inflated Poisson and Zero Inflated Negative Binomial models and results obtained indicates that ZINB is the best models for analyzing count data in the presence of outliers and/or excess zero. Keywords: Count data, Overdispersion, Excess zero, outliers, Goodness of fit, Poisson, Negative Binomial and Zero inflated models
Transferability of approaches to sustainable development at universities as a challenge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the particular character of the research and development project “Sustainable University – Sustainable development in the Context of University Remits” which lies both in its integrative perspective on universities and the attempt to transfer its findings onto other higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the testing and further development of transdisciplinary research methods (transformative approach, scenario development) for the purpose of both exploring and testing potentials/capabilities for sustainable development of a single institution (case study: University of Luneburg, Germany) against the backdrop of sustainability concept; and making this kind of development transferable to other universities. The paper offers additional reinforcement of strategic scope/effectiveness by means of reference to findings of higher education research (e.g. relevance of neo‐institutionalism)Findings – There is empirical evide.
Comparative estimation of crude protein, phenols and tannins concentration of Lotus corniculatus growing in different habitats

Lotus corniculatus is a temperate perennial legume that contains condensed tann ins which increase the animal production and decrease bloating in rumina nts. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in crude protein (CP), total phenols (TPH), total ta nnins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT) con- centration of L. corniculatus individuals growing in oak forest and in open grasslands. The collection of plant material was conducted in Taxiarchis area, Chalkidiki, Northern G reece from four sites in an oak forest and four sites in adjacent open grasslands. Twenty individual pla nts of L. corniculatus were randomly collected at the flowering stage in summer 2011 from each of the eight sit es and were analysed for CP, TPH, TT and CT concentration. According to the results, the CP concentration wa s significantly higher in individuals from the forest in comparison to individuals from the open grasslands. Inve rsely, the individuals from the open grass- lands had significantly higher concentration of TPH, TT and CT compared to those from the forest.
Cloacal adenocarcinoma and mycobacteriosis in a White’s Tree Frog - case description

A ten-year-old female White’s tree frog (Litoria caerulea) with cloacal prolapse was submitted for clinical examination. Oedema and congestion of the cloacal mucous membrane was observed, with poorly visible nodules of approximately 0.4 cm in diameter. Moreover, lack of corneal transparency was observed (Fig. 1). The frog was kept together with three other individuals in a terrarium generously watered twice a day and equipped with one heated side wall and a bulb. The ambient temperature was 25-30°C. Daylight duration was 12 h. The frogs were fed using tweezers twice a week, mainly with mouse neonates, and less frequently with bees and cockroaches. Lack of corneal transparency was found in the other two females, but it was not found in the significantly thinner male. The cloaca was washed and disinfected with 0.3% gentamicin solution, after which it was replaced. For the following 4 days marbofloxacin (Marbocyl, Vetoquinol, France) was administered IM SID at 2 mg/kg and meloxicam (Metacam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Germany) was administered IM SID at 0.2 mg/kg. After a few days the cloaca prolapsed again, was replaced, and then prolapsed for a third time. In light of the further development of the nodular lesions on the prolapsed cloacal mucosa, euthanasia was decided. The frog was anesthesized with ketamine 100 mg/ kg bw (Ketamina 10%, Biowet Pulawy, Poland) with xylazine 10 mg/kg bw (Sedazin, Biowet Pulawy, Poland) in an IM injection (6), and subsequently administered 20 mg of pentobarbital sodium (Morbital, Biowet Pulawy, Poland) into the median abdominal vein. Immediately after death the frog was necropsied. During necropsy, the gut was taken for bacteriological examination, and sections of the liver, kidneys, ovary, skeletal muscle, heart, cloaca and eye were taken for histopathological examination (hematoxylin-eosin staining). The nodular lesions covered only the prolapsed area of the cloaca. No lesions in other organs were observed in the Cloacal adenocarcinoma and mycobacteriosis in a White’s Tree Frog – case description
MNEMEE – An Automated Toolflow for Parallelization and Memory Management in MPSoC Platforms

Management in MPSoC Platforms Arindam Mallik, Stylianos Mamagkakis , Christos Baloukas , Lazaros Papadopoulos , Dimitrios Soudris, Sander Stuijk , Olivera Jovanovic , Florian Schmoll , Daniel Cordes , Robert Pyka , Peter Marwedel , François Capman , Séverin Collet , Nikolaos Mitas, Dimitrios Kritharidis IMEC vzw, Belgium (arindam, mamagka)@imec.be; Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, Gr eece (dsoudris@microlab.ntua.gr, cmpalouk@ee.duth.gr); Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands (s. tuijk@tue.nl); TU-Dortmund, Germany (florian.schmoll@tu-dortmund.d e, olivera.jovanovic@udo.edu); Informatik Centrum Dortmund, Germany (marwedel, pyka, cordes)@icd.de ; THALES Communications, France (francois.capman, severin.collet)@fr.thalesgroup. com; INTRACOM Telecom, Greece (nmitas, dkri)@intracom.gr
Automatic License Plate Recognition in Real Time Videos using Visual Surveillance Techniques

In this paper we present full-featured vehicle detection, tracking and licence plate recognition system. It consists of vehicle detection, licence plate extraction and a character recognition module. Here first foreground estimation is done by Gaussian mixture model then proposing a real time and robust method of license plate extraction based on block variance technique. License plate extraction is an important stage in license plate recognition for automated transport system. The Extracted license plates are segmented into individual characters by using a region-based approach. The recognition scheme combines adaptive iterative thresholding with a template matching algorithm. The method is invariant to illumination and is robust to character size and thickness, skew and small character breaks. The major advantages of our system are its real-time capability and that it does not require any additional sensor input (e.g. from infrared sensors) except a video stream. We evaluate our system on a large number of vehicle images. Experimental results demonstrate the great robustness and efficiency of our method.