Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Image registration for sonar applications

This work develops techniques to estimate the motion of an underwater platform by processing data from an on-board sonar, such as a Forward Looking Sonar (FLS). Based on image registration, a universal algorithm has been developed and validated with in field datasets. The proposed algorithm gives a high quality registration to a fine (sub-pixel) precision using an adaptive filter and is suitable for both optical and acoustic images. The efficiency and quality of the result can be improved if an initial estimate of the motion is made. Therefore, a coarse (pixel-wide) registration algorithm is proposed, this is based on the assumption of local sparsity in the pixel motion between two images. Using a coarse and then fine registration, large displacements can be accommodated with a result that is to a sub-pixel precision. The registration process produces a displacement map (DM) between two images. From a sequence of DMs, an estimation of the sensor's motion is made. This is performed by a proposed fast searching and matching technique applied to a library of modelled DMs. Further, this technique exploits regularised splines to estimate the attitude and trajectory of the platform. To validate the results, a mosaic has been produced from three sets of in field data. Using a more detailed model of the acoustic propagation has the potential to improve the results further. As a step towards this a baseband underwater channel model has been developed. A physics simulator is used to characterise the channel at waymark points in a changing environment. A baseband equivalent representation of the time varying channel is then interpolated from these points. Processing in the baseband reduces the sample rate and hence reduces the run time for the model. A comparison to a more established channel model has been made to validate the results.
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Essential Oils from Traditional Medicinal Plants of Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, over Drug Resistant Isolates

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recurring global problem, which constantly demands new antimicrobial compounds to challenge the resistance. It is well known that essential oils (EOs) have been known for biological activities including antimicrobial properties. In this study, EOs from seven aromatic plants of Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against four drug resistant pathogenic bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus typhimurium) and one fungal isolate (Candida albicans). Chemical compositions of EOs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum, and Origanum vulgare proved most active against all isolates with inhibitory zone range between 17 and 45 mm. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.025mg/ml was observed for Staph. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with EO of Origanum vulgare. All the three EOs showed significant anticandida activity. The results related to EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum, and Origanum vulgare demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy against drug resistant microorganisms.
Food and Feeding Habits of Two Freshwater Catfish, Mystus cavasius and Xenentodon cancila from Chambal River (M.P)

The food and feeding habits of freshwater catfish, Mystus cavasius and Xenentodon cancila were analysed on the basis of methods i.e., percent numerical count and percent frequency occurrence. The results from the analysis of gut contents of these two fresh water catfishes shows that both of the fish, M. cavasius and X. cancila depends mainly on the animal material i.e., zooplankton, crustaceans, round worms, insects, parts of insect, insects larvae and mollusc. The results from the study also reveal that plant material contributes the equal portion of the diet. M. cavasius has been categorised as eury-omnivorous as it feeds on wide range of diet including both the vegetable as well as animal diet but on the basis of biomass of food material, animal material contributes a major portion of the diet hence it may be pointed out as carnivore in its feeding habit. The gut contents of X. cancila consist of large portion of animal material in biomass and plant materials is in lesser proportion hence this comes in the category of carnivorous fish. Empty stomach were observed in May and June (pre-spawning period) due to bigger size of the gonads which occupying larger space in the body cavity and allowed a little space for the food. This may be concluded that food and feeding habits of these two fish is correlated with their natural habitat.
Nutritional interventions or exposures in infants and children aged up to 3 years and their effects on subsequent risk of overweight, obesity and body fat: a systematic review of systematic reviews

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013), project EarlyNutrition under grant agreement no. 289346. K. M. G. was supported by the National Institute for Health Research through the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013), projects EarlyNutrition and ODIN under grant agreement numbers 289346 and 613977. L. P. was supported in the UK by Tommy’s Charity, the National Institute for Health Research through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at King’s College London and Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013), project EarlyNutrition under grant agreement no. 289346. B. P.-G. , B. M. Z. and H. S. were supported by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW), grant agreement 2464/7.PR/2012/2, related to W48/7PR-COOPERATION/2012.
X Silver nanoparticles : sensing and imaging applications

Although silver exhibits many advantages over gold, such as higher extinction coefficients, sharper extinction bands, higher ratio of scattering to extinction, and extremely high field enhancements, it has been employed far less in the development of sensors, with the exception of sensors based on surface enhanced spectroscopies. The reason for this is the lower chemical stability of silver nanoparticles when compared to gold. Nevertheless, recent developments include means of protecting efficiently silver nanoparticles that offer far improved chemical stabilities. As a consequence, silver nanoparticles are rapidly gaining in popularity and several research groups have begun to explore alternative strategies for the development of optical sensors and imaging labels based on the extraordinary optical properties of these metal nanoparticles.
synthesis , insilico studies and biological evaluation of pramepexole carbamodithiolate metal complexes

Carbamodithiolates are a class of sulfur-based meta l-chelating compounds with various applications in medicine. A new series of new transition metal [Cu(II), and Ru (II)] complexes of Carbamodithiolates were synthesi z d from Pramepexole and Carbon disulfide and further charac terized. The investigation of these complexes confi rmed that the stability of metal–ligands coordination through , S & S,N atoms as bidendate chelates. Docking stud ies showed that blocking the division of cancer cells and resu lting in cell death. It is necessary to understand the binding properties in developing new potential Protein targ eting against neurological disorders.
Sustainable Landfilling As Final Step of Municipal Waste Management System

This paper discusses the role of sustainable landfilling of municipal waste in the current systems of municipal waste management systems as the manner of final disposal of wastes. The actual data considering share of landfilling as final waste disposal in various countries all over the world allowed to asses importance of this method. Special attention was paid to sustainable landfilling in developing or undeveloped courtiers of low economic incomes. Then, the paradigm of sustainable landfilling was presented and the most effective methods of landfill isolation by liners were discussed. The compacted clay liners were presented as the gainful option for the developing countries. The main determinants of the compacted clay liners’ long-term liner sustainability were described as hydraulic conductivity, swell-shrinkage properties and, finally, ability of soil/substrate to sustain its hydraulic conductivity after cyclic drying and rewetting. Finally, possible application of low plasticity clays instead materials of high plasticity, prone to shrinking and swelling, to construction of sustainable compacted earthen liner was underlined.
The effects of cultural management on the lesser date moth (Batrachedra amydraula Myer) infestation

This research has been carried out in Khuzestan province of Iran, to evaluate the effects of cultural practices on the lesser date moth infestation in date palm. Incidentally cluster-sampling and survey research method were applied. Sampling society divided to 30 plots then one sample was selected randomly in each plot. Fifteen trees were selected randomly in each plot and their infestations were evaluated. Different cultural management factors including tillage, fertilization, irrigation, pruning, chemical control, bunch covering and bunch arrangement were evaluated using questionnaire data. Correlation analyses were performed, and then management factors that had significant correlation with pest infestation were used for further multiple regression analysis. Based on correlation analysis, it is found that, bunch remnant pruning (r = -0.61), bunch covering (r = -0.55) and chemical control (r = -0.51) had suitable effects on decreasing the lesser date moth infestation. Multiple regression analysis showed that the effect of chemical control (cc), bunch remnant pruning (bp) and bunch covering (bc) increased respectively and sum of effects decreased the pest infestation. The ultimate formula of the model is % infestation = 1.664-0.464cc-0.427bp-0.234bc (and Durbinwatsonstatistic=1.73). Integrated effects of all three factors together are better than the effects of each alone.
Inhibitory effects of flavonoids on TNF-α-induced IL-8 gene expression in HEK 293 cells.

Due to their multiple biological activities, flavonoids have gained attention as potentially useful therapeutics for a variety of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that several flavonoids, including kaempferol, quercetin, fisetin, and chrysin block TNF-alpha induced IL-8 promoter activation and gene expression in HEK 293 cells. In addition, phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha and translocation of NF-kappaB p65 were inhibited by these flavonoids in TNF-alpha-stimulated HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to TNF-alpha was reduced by the flavonoids. Moreover, although pretreatment with fisetin, quercetin, or chrysin decreased cell viability, kaempferol did not. Taken together, these findings suggest that kaempferol would be useful for the treatment of TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory diseases.
Corporate Shareholding Structure and Dividend Payout Ratio of Listed Chemical and Paints Companies in Nigeria

This paper is an empirical analysis of influence of Corporate Shareholdings Structure on Dividend payout ratio of listed Chemical and Paints Companies in Nigeria. The study is for the period of 2008-2013. The listed Chemical and Paints Companies are Eight (8) in number as provided by Nigerian stock exchange factbook for 2013. All the eight firms were used for the study. Corporate Shareholdings Structure was proxy with managerial shareholding, institutional shareholding, block shareholding and foreign shareholdings, while dividend payout ratio was proxy with dividends to net income for the same period. The data were collected from secondary source through the annual reports and accounts of the firm. The study adopted multiple regression technique. The findings revealed that managerial shareholdings has negatively, strongly and significantly impacted on dividend payout ratio of listed Chemical and Paints Companies in Nigeria, while Institutional shareholdings, Foreign shareholdings have positive, strong and significant influence on dividend payout ratio. But block shareholding shows no significant contribution to dividend payout ratio. It is recommended amongst others that the listed Chemical and Paints Companies should increase the number of shares allotted to institutional shareholders and foreign shareholders where investors are only interested in dividend payment as it may serve as a sure means of having increase in payment of dividend to shareholders. But where shareholders are only interested in capital gain rather than dividend payment, the shares held by management should be increased as this will discourage payment of high dividend in favour of capital gain.
The biological control of aquatic weeds in South Africa: Current status and future challenges

Background : Aquatic ecosystems in South Africa are prone to invasion by several invasive alien aquatic weeds, most notably, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub. (Pontederiaceae) (water hyacinth); Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) (water lettuce); Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. (Salviniaceae) (salvinia); Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell. Conc.) Verd. (parrot’s feather); and Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae) (red water fern). Objective : We review the biological control programme on waterweeds in South Africa. Results : Our review shows significant reductions in the extent of invasions, and a return on biodiversity and socio-economic benefits through the use of this method. These studies provide justification for the control of widespread and emerging freshwater invasive alien aquatic weeds in South Africa. Conclusions : The long-term management of alien aquatic vegetation relies on the correct implementation of biological control for those species already in the country and the prevention of other species entering South Africa.
Role and Regulation of p 53 during an Ultraviolet Radiation-induced G 1 Cell Cycle Arrest 1

p53 can play a key role in response to DNA damage by activating a G1 cell cycle arrest. However, the importance of p53 in the cell cycle response to UV radiation is unclear. In this study, we used normal and repair-deficient cells to examine the role and regulation of p53 in response to UV radiation. A dose-dependent G1 arrest was observed in normal and repair-deficient cells exposed to UV. Expression of HPV16-E6, or a dominant-negative p53 mutant that inactivates wildtype p53, caused cells to become resistant to this UVinduced G1 arrest. However, a G1 to S-phase delay was still observed after UV treatment of cells in which p53 was inactivated. These results indicate that UV can inhibit G1 to S-phase progression through p53dependent and independent mechanisms. Cells deficient in the repair of UV-induced DNA damage were more susceptible to a G1 arrest after UV treatment than cells with normal repair capacity. Moreover, no G1 arrest was observed in cells that had completed DNA repair prior to monitoring their movement from G1 into S-phase. Finally, p53 was stabilized under conditions of a UV-induced G1 arrest and unstable when cells had completed DNA repair and progressed from G1 into S-phase. These results suggest that unrepaired DNA damage is the signal for the stabilization of p53, and a subsequent G1 phase cell cycle arrest in UV-irradiated cells.
Process technology for IBM 14-nm processor designs featuring silicon-on-insulator FinFETs

A highly optimized silicon-on-insulator FinFET technology is utilized for the IBM processor designs in the 14-nm node. This process technology has a number of unique elements that enable these product designs—namely, deep-trench embedded dynamic random access memory, multiple work-function FinFET devices, and a hierarchical 17-level metal back end of line. In this paper, we highlight these key features and provide a general background for the technology used to make these very large (∼700 mm 2 ), complex chips operating at peak frequencies in excess of 5 GHz , and we discuss specific technical challenges.
Animation and the Role of Map Design in Scientific Visualization

Scientists visualize data for a range of purposes, from exploring unfamiliar data sets to communicating insights revealed by visual analyses. As the supply of numerical environmental data has increased, so has the need for effective visual methods, especially for exploratory data analysis. Map animation is particularly attractive to earth system scientists who typically study large spatio-temporal data sets. In addition to the "visual variables" of static maps, animated maps are composed of three basic design elements or "dynamic variables"–scene duration, rate of change between scenes, and scene order. The dynamic variables can be used to emphasize the location of a phenomenon, emphasize its attributes, or visualize change in its spatial, temporal, and attribute dimensions. In combination with static maps, graphs, diagrams, images, and sound, animation enhances analysts' ability to express data in a variety of complementary forms.
Comparison of total polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity in cruciferous vegetables grown in diversified ecological conditions.

Background. The aim of this study was to compare total polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity of three species of cruciferous vegetables grown under diversifi ed ecological conditions for three consecutive years. Material and methods. Methanol extracts were prepared to be used to determine (spectrometrically) the content of total phenolics, using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and antioxidant activity by identifying the sample’s ability to extinguish an ABTS•+ free radical. Results. All these species of cruciferous vegetables contained similar total polyphenols amounts regardless of its origin. Only red cabbage from organic farms was characterized by signifi cantly higher antioxidant activity compared to vegetables purchased from local retailers in Cracow and similar or those cultivated near the steelworks. In white cabbage from farms located in a former steelworks protection zone a higher antioxidant activity was found than in organically grown vegetables and similar to that in vegetables available in retail. Brussels sprouts was characterised by a similar antioxidant activity regardless of its origin. Conclusions. On the basis of the present study, it cannot be concluded that organically grown cruciferous vegetables generally have higher contents of health-promoting secondary metabolites in comparison with the conventionally cultivated ones.
The Skew Risk Premium in the Equity Index Market

We develop a new method for measuring moment risk premiums. We find that the skew premium accounts for over 40% of the slope in the implied volatility curve in the S&P 500 market. Skew risk is tightly related to variance risk, in the sense that strategies designed to capture the one and hedge out exposure to the other earn an insignificant risk premium. This provides a new testable restriction for asset pricing models trying to capture, in particular, disaster risk premiums. We base our results on a general trading strategy by replicating contracts that swap implied for realized conditional asset moments.
Monodromy and Picard-Fuchs equations for families of $K3$-surfaces and elliptic curves

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Association of Phomopsis vexans with Eggplant ( Solanum melongena ) Seeds, Seedlings and its Management

Incidence of Phomopsis vexans on farmers’ eggplant seeds collected from different areas of Bangladesh varied from 0.0 to 7.5%. The highest incidence of P. vexans (7.50 %) was recorded in cultivar Dohazari and Rupgonj L collected from Chandanish and Rupgonj, respectively. No incidence of P. vexans was observed in the cultivar Katabegun and Jessore-L collected from Pabna and Monirampur, respectively. Very low seed infection was recorded in the cultivar Shingnath, Bijoy, Ishurdi-Land Longla-long collected respectively from Chandina, Modhukhali, Ishurdi and Kulaura. Seeds collected from HRC of BARI had higher seed infection by P. vexans. Seed selection had a significant impact on the incidence of P. vexans. Use of apparently healthy seed was found effective in controlling damping off, tipover and seedling blight of eggplant. The least incidence of P. vexans (1.25%) and the highest germination (86.75%) were recorded in apparently healthy seed as against 6.5% seed infection and 60% seed germination recorded in farmer’s seed. In the net house, the least incidence of damping off, tipover and seedling blight were recorded in case of apparently healthy seed. Seed treatment with hot water (56 0 C for 15 minutes), garlic (Allium cepa L) bulb extract and Allamanda (Allamanda cathertica L) leaf extract, Trichoderma harzianum CP, Trichoderma harzianum T22 and Bavistin were found promising in controlling seedling diseases in the nursery and in increasing the seed germination. Combinations of apparently healthy seed (T2), treated with garlic bulb extract (T3) and soil treated with T. harzianum CP (T11) completely controlled damping off, tipover and seedling blight in the nursery bed and increased seed germination by 48.83% over control.
Software Deﬁned Architecture For Hybrid Edge Computing

The technological advancement in mobile devices has enabled the evolution of new resource-intensive mobile applications. However, the local execution of computationally demanding applications in the mobile devices are constrained by the limited battery power and energy consumption. By leveraging mobile cloud computing (MCC) which offloads the local workloads to the cloud for remote execution, the performance of the mobile computing can be signiﬁcantly improved. Nevertheless, the cloud computing technology induces a signiﬁcant delay to exchange data back and forth between the mobile devices and cloud servers. To cope with this network delay problem, mobile edge computing (MEC) paradigm brings the computation and storage to the network edge enabling to handle peak loads efficiently from the mobile devices. However, the edge devices are limited in storage and capacity, making it less reliable for massive workload computations. Employing a hierarchical hybrid architecture of mobile, edge and cloud enables to manage the workloads across all the tiers effectively. This minimizes the processing delay or energy consumption at the mobile devices by opportunistically deciding the tiers for the task execution. With the goal of achieving higher energy efficiency and minimal delay in workload processing, we suggest a novel algorithm which minimizes the energy consumption at a mobile device in a hybrid mobile-edge-cloud architecture. The proposed idea is fully implemented and validated in a real network environment using various network interfaces. i.e., WiFi/Cellular (4G). We optimize the CPU speed and the transmission delay by evaluating the energy consumption at the mobile devices. On top of these primary results, we propose an algorithm that effectively reduces energy consumption up to 47% by trading off minimal processing delay.