Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time course of face perception measured by differential Pavlovian conditioning

We investigated the time course of face perception by using differential Pavlovian conditioning. Face and non-face images were used as conditioned stimuli (CSs). Some stimuli (CS+) were always followed by the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), whereas others (CS−) were presented alone. The UCS was an air puff delivered to the right eye. We measured the time necessary for discrimination between the faces by manipulating stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between the CS and the UCS. For discrimination between a face and a non-face object, successful differential conditioning was observed for short SOA. However, for discrimination between individual faces, differential conditioning was observed only when SOA was long. Moreover, much longer SOA was needed for discrimination between faces differing only in facial features or spacing. These results indicate that the time course of face processing stages can be observed by manipulating the SOA in differential Pavlovian conditioning. The time necessary for the discrimination measured by conditioning was shorter than that measured psychophysically, suggesting that conditioned responses are made through fewer processing steps than the subjective reporting in psychophysical measurement.
Cosmic voids in evolving dark sector cosmologies: the high-redshift universe

We compare the evolution of voids formed under the standard cosmological model and two alternative cosmological models. The two models are a quintessence model ($\phi$CDM) and a Coupled Dark Matter-Dark Energy (CDE) model, both of which have evolving and interacting dark sectors. From $N$-body adiabatic hydrodynamical simulations of these models, we measure the statistics and quantify the properties of voids over the redshift range $z=1.5-12$: these include their population size, volumes, shapes and average densities. We find that the latter property has potential as a probe of cosmology, particularly dark energy, as significant differences in average void densities exist between the alternative models and the standard model. We postulate that this signature arises from an increased evacuation rate of particles out of voids, or an earlier start to void evacuation, in the alternative models as a direct consequence of the dynamical scalar field, which also leads to greater void merger rates. Additionally, differences between the two alternative models are likely due to the drag force arising from dark sector coupling, acting on dark matter particles in our coupled model.
Periodicity in extinction rates

We report a reinvestigation of the peak at a period of 27 myr in the Fourier periodogram of Phanerozoic mass extinction data. This peak is interesting since it implies a repetitive cause of the extinctions such as might be expected from an astronomical source. In a previous paper, we showed that the peak had insufficient statistical significance to be considered a real effect. A recent paper by Melott and Bambach (2017) disagreed with our conclusion mainly on the grounds that the peak has a higher statistical significance than we considered. Here we re-examine the data and demonstrate that Melott & Bambach overstate the statistical precision of their Fourier analysis. Hence Fourier analysis alone is insufficient evidence for extinctions occurring repetitively. We show that the peak is fragile and disappears if five events with large extinction proportions are excluded from the sample of 136 events. Since the causes of these five events are unlikely to have a repetitive nature we conclude that the peak is most probably caused by a statistical fluctuation.
Modeling and forecasting exchange rate volatility: comparison between EEC and Developed countries

The main objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that exchange rates in emerging countries are more sensitive to negative shocks than positive ones, and that developed ones do not exhibit this same pattern, at least not with the same intensity. In order to measure the involved risk, symmetric and asymmetric GARCH models are applied. The accuracy of exchange rate volatility forecast is evaluated using the Mincer-Zarnowitz regression based test and Diebold and Mariano test (DM test). The daily exchange rate returns of HUF/USD, RON/USD and RSD/USD for EEC countries and, the EUR/USD, GBP/USF and JPY/USD for developed countries are analysed for the period January 3, 2000 to April 15, 2013, in respect. Estimation results confirmed superiority of GARCH model in comparison to asymmetric GARCH models. Results of predictability of conditional variance indicate that GARCH model offers superior performance of forecasting in both of EEC and developed countries. Only in case of Romanian lei TGARCH outperformed GARCH model.
Impact of Inromation Technology in Banking Innovations: A Case of Azania Bank Limited Tegeta- Dar ES Salaam

Innovation is broadly seen as an essential component of competitiveness, embedded in the organizational structures, processes, products, and services within a firm. The objective of this paper is to explore the impacts of technological innovation to the performance, in banking industry. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam using Azania Bank Ltd at Tegeta branch as a case study. The population of the study included all Azania staff and its costumes the sample size of 58 respondents was drawn randomly from the entire population. Primary and secondary data were collected using interview, and observation The qualitative data were content analyzed while quantitative data were analysis' numerically ,analyzed. Results of this study reveal that ICT has impacted positively on banking performance. It is also observed that market performance indicators' such as net income and market share are supported by innovation types performed. The researcher suggests that banks should continue to employ farther technological innovation in "back-office" technologies, as well as to "front-office" technologies in order to improve their performance and increase customer satisfaction. The research also suggests that organizational research should be done before the implementation of any new technological application as well as periodical evaluation must be done after the implementation to ensure progressively market performance. The findings provided by this research have significant implications for the commercial applications when designing marketing strategies to improve business performance in banking industry. Having a clear understanding of the exact nature of innovations will help banks to prioritize their market, services and technology strategies, to be followed by appropriate subsequent action plan.
The Persuasive Effect of Privacy Recommendations

Several researchers have recently suggested that in order to avoid privacy problems, location-sharing services should provide finer-grained methods of location-sharing. This may however turn each “check-in” into a rather complex decision that puts an unnecessary burden on the user. We present two studies that explore ways to help users with such location-sharing decisions. Study 1 shows that users’ evaluation of their activity is a good predictor of the sharing action they choose. Study 2 develops several “privacy recommenders” that tailor the list of sharing actions to this activity evaluation. We find that these recommenders have a strong persuasive effect, and that users find short lists of recommended actions helpful. We also find, however, that users ultimately find it more satisfying if we do not ask them to evaluate the activity.
Size and Book to Market Effects vs. Co-Skewness and Co-Kurtosis in Explaining Stock Returns

In this study, we test the size and the book to market effects in explaining stock returns with co-skewness and co-kurtosis on the French Stock Market over July 1976 to June 2001 period. Results of time series regressions of monthly portfolio returns are consistent with the Fama and French (1993) conclusions and inconsistent with the Harvey and Siddique (1999) proposition. Moreover, we obtain an interesting result about the relation between the size classification and the two co-moments of skewness and kurtosis. Co-skewness seems to be more significant in explaining stock returns of big capitalizations and co-kurtosis is more related to small capitalizations in the French case. However, co-skewness and co-kurtosis don't subsume the SMB and HML factors.
Microleakage comparison of Class II restorations with flowable composite as a liner: condensable composites versus universal composite

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a microinfiltracao margina de restauracoes classe II de duas resinas compostas condensaveis comparando-as com as de uma resina composta universal, utilizando-se uma resina tipo flow como forramento. Quinze molares humanos higidos e congelados apos extracao foram selecionados para este estudo. Confeccionaram-se cavidades classe II MOD, sendo um dos terminos proximais em esmalte e o outro em cemento e dividiram-se os especimes em tres grupos: Grupo A foi restaurado com a resina condensavel ALERT (Jeneric/Pentron); Grupo S foi restaurado com a resina condensavel Solitaire (Heraeus-Kulzer) e Grupo Z foi restaurado com a resina composta universal Z100 (3M Co.). Como primeira camada (ou forramento), para todos os grupos, fora utilizado a resina de baixa viscosidade Flow it! (Jeneric/Pentron). As restauracoes receberam acabamento e os dentes foram entao imersos em agua destilada a 37oC por sete dias, precedendo a termociclagem (300 ciclos). Finalmente, os dentes foram mergulhados em solucao de nitrato de prata a 50% (duas horas) e seccionados para avaliacao da microinfiltracao por tres examinadores calibrados, atribuindo-se os escores: (0) nao houve penetracao do contraste; (1) penetracao na parede gengival; (2) penetracao na parede axial; (3) difusao para ou penetracao na câmara pulpar. RESULTADOS: As medias escore dos examinadores para os compositos testados foram: Grupo A : esmalte= 1,20, cemento= 2,06, Grupo S : esmalte= 2,86, cemento= 2,93, Grupo Z : esmalte= 1,80, cemento= 2,40. Submeteu- se aos valores o teste estatistico de Kruskal-Wallis, revelando a nao significância estatistica entre os grupos para p<0,05. CONCLUSAO: Nenhum dos compositos testados foi capaz de impedir a microinfiltracao tanto em margens de esmalte como nas de cemento. O grupo A em esmalte apresentou a menor media escore para microinfiltracao.
Design of Product Development Process : a multiple case study of medium-sized enterprises

In order to innovate better and faster, enterprises can work on their product development process (PDP). The literature provides several PDPs, but also recommend to adapt these processes to the specificities of each enterprise. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the product development process and its formalized representation stemmed from the literature are appropriate for medium-sized firms. We studied the PDPs of three SMEs and made a cross-case analysis. The PDP and its representation enhanced the performance on projects with clear specifications but hindered innovative developments.
Measurement and prediction of the relationship between capillary pressure, saturation, and interfacial area in a NAPL‐water‐glass bead system

In this work, the constitutive relationship between capillary pressure (Pc), saturation (Sw), and fluid‐fluid interfacial area per volume (IFA) is characterized using computed microtomography for drainage and imbibition experiments consisting of a nonaqueous phase liquid and water. The experimentally measured relationship was compared to a thermodynamic model that relates the area under the Pc − Sw curve to the total IFA, an, and the capillary‐associated IFA, anw. Surfaces were fit to the experimental and modeled Pc − Sw − an and Pc − Sw − anw data in order to characterize the relationship in three dimensions (3D). For the experimental system, it was shown that the Pc − Sw − an relationship does not exhibit hysteresis. The model is found to provide a reasonable approximation of the magnitude of the 3D surfaces for an and anw, with a mean absolute percent error of 26% and 15%, respectively. The relatively high mean absolute percent errors are primarily the result of discrepancies observed at the wetting‐ and nonwetting‐phase residual saturation values. Differences in the shapes of the surfaces are noted, particularly in the curvature (arising from the addition of scanning curves and presence of an − Sw hysteresis in the predicted results) and endpoints (particularly the inherent nature of thermodynamic models to predict significant anw associated with residual nonwetting‐phase saturation). Overall, the thermodynamic model is shown to be a practical, inexpensive tool for predicting the Pc − Sw − an and Pc − Sw − anw surfaces from Pc − Sw data.
Impact of environmental pollution on the growth and production of Egyptian clover

The present study investigated the impact of environmental pollution, represented in soil, irrigation water and air heavy metals, on the growth and production of Egyptian clover cultivated at south Greater Cairo, Egypt. Plants were sampled through five quadrats (0.5×0.5 m), distributed equally in four cultivated farms in unpolluted and polluted sites, at the harvesting time. In addition, soil, air and irrigation water were collected from each farm. Significant differences in air, soil and irrigation water between the polluted and unpolluted sites were recognized. Plant density, shoot and root lengths; as well as biomass and yield were remarkably lower in the polluted site. In contrast with chlorophyll b; chlorophyll a and carotenoids contents were lower in clover cultivated in the polluted site. However, chlorophyll a/b ratio was significantly higher in plants from the polluted site. It was found that, As, Cr, Ni, Zn, Ag and V were significantly higher in clover shoots than roots, while Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Co concentrations were higher in the roots. The bioaccumulation and translocation factors of most heavy metals were greater than unity indicating high potential of the study species for phytoremediation in polluted areas. Egyptian clover accumulated toxic concentrations of Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr and Co, which have adverse effects directly on livestock and indirectly on human health through its flow in the food chain. In order to use Egyptian clover as a forage crop, its cultivation should be avoided in polluted areas.
3 D TRACKING OF FACIAL FEATURES FOR AUGMENTED REALITY APPLICATIONS

We present an algorithm for feature-based real-time 3D tracking of facial features and its application for visualization of virtual facial modifications. A non-linear Kalman-based estimator is used for 3D head pose calculation and accurate facial features localization. The 3D face model used is adapted to the particular user’s face by utilizing active shape model for facial landmarks detection, followed by z-depth progressive refining. Virtual facial modifications are performed by user-driven 3D-aware 2D warping of the image sequence. The evaluation of our system shows that the tracker is robust to moderate head movements, occlusion and facial animation, which results in quite realistically-looking virtual facial modifications.
Re-evaluation of Bleeding Events in the Japanese PRASFIT-Elective andPRASFIT-ACS Clinical Trials using the Bleeding Academic ResearchConsortium Criteria

Background: In 2011, the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria were published to standardize the assessment of bleeding events following PCI. However, the status of bleeding events as assessed using the BARC criteria is not established in Japan. The aim of this post-hoc analysis of the PRASFIT-ACS and PRASFIT-Elective trials was to re-classify the bleeding events from the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) criteria into the BARC criteria. Methods: Bleeding events had previously been assessed in both trials using the TIMI criteria. In the post-hoc analysis, the BARC criteria were applied retrospectively to each category of bleeding. Results: In PRASFIT-ACS, the incidences of severe bleeds (combined type 3 or 5 bleeds according to BARC criteria) were 43/685 [6.3%] with prasugrel and 37/678 [5.5%] with clopidogrel [HR 1.071; 95% CI 0.668–1.667]. Types 3 or 5 events occurred at a higher rate closer to the time of PCI, and then plateaued. In PRASFIT-Elective, Type 3 bleeding occurred in 10/370 (2.7%) patients in the prasugrel group and 12/372 (3.2%) in the clopidogrel group. There was a higher incidence of bleeding events in PRASFIT-ACS than in PRASFIT-Elective, particularly more severe bleeds (combination of type 3 or 5 events). Conclusions: The results obtained with the BARC criteria were similar to those reported using the original TIMI criteria. The incidences of type 3 or 5 events according to the BARC criteria were similar in the prasugrel and clopidogrel groups. Medical interventions might be needed during the acute period of PCI for ACS to reduce the risk of type 2 bleeding events in patients with low platelet aggregation.
DESIGN AND REALIZATION OF THREE-POLE BAND- PASS FILTER WITH SPURIOUS RESPONSE SUPPRES- SION USING DEFECTED GROUND STRUCTURES

In this paper, a three-pole bandpass fllter (BPF) using a new defected ground structure (DGS) is discussed. The proposed DGS is incorporated in the ground plane under the feed lines and the coupled lines of a bandpass fllter to improve the performance of the fllter in both passband and stopband. The banpass fllter is designed with a center frequency of 1.8GHz and a bandwidth of 270MHz. The suppression of better than 20dB was achieved for frequencies between 2.2 and 5GHz. A prototype of BPF was fabricated and tested. Prototype measured data was in good agreement with simulation results.
Evaluation of the simultaneous effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C on oxidative stress in rat cerebellum

Background: In recent years, the potential effects of nanoscale materials on the central nervous system have become even more noticeable. The cerebellum is one of the areas of the brain with high absorption of zinc. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on oxidative stress indices in rat cerebellum in the presence and absence of vitamin C. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, male Wistar rats (250-200g) were divided into the following groups (n=7): a normal saline group (control), three groups that received different doses of zinc oxide NPs (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg), three groups that received different doses of vitamin ­C (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) and three groups that received 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of zinc oxide NPs combined with 30 mg/kg of vitamin­ C. Half an hour after receiving the medication, the rats were anesthetized and then their cerebellum was removed and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol groups of the cerebellum region were measured. Results: The MDA level decreased significantly in the groups received 5mg/kg of zinc oxide NPs, in the groups received different doses of vitamin­ C, and in the groups received different doses of zinc oxide NPs combined with 30 mg/kg vitamin­ C compared with the saline group. Total thiol concentration did not change significantly in the different study groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Zinc oxide NPs alone or in combination with vitamin C has a reduced effect on oxidative stress in the rat cerebellum.
Biologically Active Compounds of Plant Foods: Prospective Impact on Human Health and Dilemmas Associated with these Compounds

Several plant foods grown in Ethiopia contain significant amounts of biologically active compounds, which have both detrimental and beneficial effects on health. Such compounds as phytic acid, phytohaemagglutinins, tannins, saponins, enzyme inhibitors and α-galactosides provide health benefits. Benefits include reduced risks of heart and renal diseases, lower glycemic index for persons with diabetes, reduced risks of cancer and increased bifidobacteria population in the colon. On the other hand, other biologically active compounds impair health by destroying nutrients or reducing the uptake of essential elements through different mechanisms and giving astringent taste, odor, flavor, which can cause adverse physiological responses. Harmful compounds interfere with normal growth, reproduction, or health and reduce protein and carbohydrate utilization. The health benefits of selected substances from Ethiopian food crops need to be studied. Active compounds need to be isolated, identified and produced to explore their potential benefits with emphasis to develop new products and technologies. This paper is a review of available information on biologically active compounds of plant foods. Their adverse effects on health, their benefits and their potential to combat common nutrition-related ailments such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases are discussed. Keywords: Adverse effect; ecologically active compounds; plant foods; human health
Circular planar antennas with horizontal and vertical shaped DGS pairs

Defected Ground Structure (DGS) technique has been largely investigated in recent years, particularly in the development of planar antennas [1]-[5]. The technique has been proven to improve some characteristics of the antenna for certain applications such as reduce mutual coupling in a microstrip array, and reduce cross polarization radiation on a single element. The approach employs simple and easy designs to be etched on the ground plane, that disturbs the current distribution but improve the performance of the antenna. The work of [2] has been further investigated with two different sets of DGS slots. This paper presents the design of two sets of microstrip circular patch (MCP) antennas with variations of horizontal and vertical DGS slot elements. Each set began with a pair of short rectangular slots, and proceeded to increasing the slot sizes to form long rectangular slots, and finally U- and T-shaped DGS slots. The antennas were named MCP_DH and MCP_DV antenna sets. The effects of introducing DGS pair of slots into the MCP ground plane have been successfully investigated [6].
Some methods of signal processing and beamforming in a hydrographic applications

Some signal processing and beamforming methods for hydrographic applications are presented. Some additional signals and processing methods as part of the bathymetric data collection to determine the new measurement techniques will be discussed. Optimal binary sequences are used for sounding signal generation, leading to an increase system resolution. The dynamics of the spread spectrum signals in sensor array models with the optimum reception methods will be described. The advanced FFT beamforming will be compared with the block-phase beamforming method in terms of the practical realization approach. Ill. 10, bibl. 13 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
A Potential Enforcement Tool for Regulating Trade in Tortoises: Stable Isotope Analysis

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES 6 CHAPTER: 1. General introduction: Use of stable isotope analysis to assess the origin of biological samples, and its potential as a regulatory tool for the wildlife trade 7 2. Introduction to tortoises: trade, ecology and husbandry 17 3. Resolving temporal patterns in isotope signature: a preliminary longitudinal study of tissues of the tortoise T. horsfieldi 24 4. Stable isotope analysis as a potential method to distinguish between ranched and wild T. horsfieldii 30 5. Longitudinal isotope record in carapacial scutes: a potential method for determining the source of tortoises? 36 6. General discussion 40 FIGURES 43 TABLES 56 APPENDICES: Appendix A 58 Appendix B 60 Appendix C 62 REFERENCES 63