Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Smarter Cities and Roads: A Survey of Clustering Algorithms in VANETs

This chapter highlights the importance of Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) in the context of smarter cities and roads, a topic that currently attracts significant academic, industrial, and governmental planning, research, and development efforts. In order for VANETs to become reality, a very promising avenue is to bring together multiple wireless technologies in the architectural design. Clustering can be employed in designing such a VANET architecture that successfully uses different technologies. Moreover, as clustering addresses some of VANETs' major challenges, such as scalability and stability, it seems clustering will have an important role in the desired vehicular connectivity in the cities and roads of the future. This chapter presents a comprehensive survey of clustering schemes in the VANET research area, covering aspects that have never been addressed before in a structured manner. The survey presented in this chapter provides a general classification of the clustering algorithms, presents some of the most advanced and latest algorithms in VANETs, and in addition, constitutes the only work in the literature to the best of authors' knowledge that also reviews the performance assessment of clustering algorithms.
Single Image Depth Estimation via Deep Learning

The goal of the project is to apply direct supervised deep learning to the problem of monocular depth estimation of still images. We have done experiments with two different types of deep neural network architecture for depth estimation, and performed regression on the sparse coding of depths with appropriate objective functions. Our best model achieved an average error in the ln space of 0.0891 for the training and 0.26 for the testing set. This preliminary result demonstrates the feasibility of using deep neural network for still image depth estimation.
Die Rolle von Osteoklasten bei der arthritischen Knochenerosion

P . b . b . G Z 0 2 Z 0 3 1 1 0 8 M , V e r l a g s p o s t a m t : 3 0 0 2 P u r k e r s d o r f , E r s c h e i n u n g s o r t : 3 0 0 3 G a b l i t z Indexed in SCOPUS/EMBASE/Excerpta Medica www.kup. at/mineralstoffwechsel Österreichische Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie Offizielles Organ der Österreichischen Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des Knochens und Mineralstoffwechsels Member of the Die Rolle von Osteoklasten bei der
Effect of captopril on hypertension complicated with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris

Objective: To investigate how captopril affects hypertension complicated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and angina pectoris. Methods: We selected 617 patients with hypertension complicated with CHD for inclusion in this randomized controlled study. Of these patients, 327 received daily administration of captopril (treatment group) and the remaining 290 received regular medication with nitrendipine and isosorbide dinitrate (control group). We compared the preand post-treatment blood pressure measurements, treatment effectiveness rate, adverse reaction rate, and blood lipid level. Results: Before treatment (T1), the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed no statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups (P>0.050). After treatment, the SBP and DBP in the treatment group both decreased compared with those in the control group (P<0.001). The treatment effectiveness rates against high blood pressure and CHD were higher in the treatment group than those in the control group (P<0.001). In the treatment group, the incidence of adverse reactions was 7.34%, which was significantly lower than the rate of 16.21% in the control group (P<0.006). The difference in blood lipid level at T1 between the 2 groups showed no statistical significance (P>0.050). At 3 weeks (T2) and 6 weeks (T3) after treatment, the blood lipid level in the treatment group was much improved compared with that in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: In patients with hypertension complicated with CHD, captopril can ameliorate blood pressure control to decrease the incidence of angina, with fewer adverse reactions. Thus, captopril shows promising value in the treatment of hypertension complicated with CHD.
Intuition and Decidability in Grammar and Number Theory

You might think that this question can be immediately answered in the negative on the grounds that the next word after a strictly transitive preposition would have to be the beginning of a noun phrase and noun phrases don’t begin with prepositions. But not so fast: English syntax is much trickier than that. For one thing, the complement of a preposition doesn’t have to immediately follow it, but can be displaced in at least three ways.
Fuzzy EOQ model with stockout

For the fixed order size inventory models, the economic order quantity (EOQ) model is most well-known. However, sometimes, the coefficients of model may be fuzzy. This paper firstly discusses the EOQ model with fuzzy demands. Two cases of stockout, backorder and lost sales, are then considered. The Yager’s ranking method for fuzzy numbers is utilized to find the optimal inventory policies. A set of numerical data is employed to analyze the characteristics of proposal models. Finally, for completeness of model, this paper also fuzzies holding cost and shortage cost coefficients.
oesophageal-varices Oesophageal Varices

Variceal haemorrhage occurs from dilated veins (varices) at the junction between the portal and systemic venous systems. Varices tend to be in the distal oesophagus and/or the proximal stomach but isolated varices may be found in the distal stomach, large and small intestine. The majority of patients with variceal bleeding have chronic liver disease. Bleeding is characteristically severe and may be lifethreatening. The size of the varices and their tendency to bleed are directly related to the portal pressure, which is usually directly related to the severity of underlying liver disease. Large varices with red spots are at highest risk of rupture. [1]
Numerical Analysis of the Wavelength Dependence in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Using a Finite Element Method

Methods: Numerical analysis of heat transfer based on a Pennes' bioheat equation was performed to assess the wavelength dependence of effects of LLLT in a single layer and in multilayered tissue that consists of skin, fat and muscle. The three different wavelengths selected, 660 nm, 830 nm and 980 nm, were ones that are frequently used in clinic settings for the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. Laser parameters were set to the power density of 35.7 W/cm2, a spot diameter of 0.06 cm, and a laser exposure time of 50 seconds for all wavelengths.
Aperit-Temporally Consistent Depth Prediction Enabled by a MultiTask Geometric and Semantic Scene Understanding Approach ( Supplementary Material )

As mentioned in the main manuscript, when the model is being trained to perform depth completion, the input must be a four-channel RGB-D image, in which the depth channel contains holes that would naturally occur when sensed through imperfect capture technologies. However, the dataset used for training our model [11] consists of pixel-prefect depth images without any holes. This synthetic dataset [11] does contain stereo image pairs, so a simple solution would be to calculate the disparity and subsequently the depth using a well-established stereo matching approach such as Semi-Global Matching [6] and use the resulting depth image (which will contain holes) as the input. However, each image in a stereo pair in [11] (left and right) comes with its own corresponding (left and right) depth image, and half of the dataset (aligned RGB and depth images) will be rendered useless if stereo matching is used to calculate depth images with hole. As a result, we opt for training an entirely separate model that would be responsible for creating holes in the depth images. Even though the details regarding the training or use of this network have no bearing on the approach proposed in the main manuscript, we will attempt to cover the inner workings and experimental evaluation of our hole prediction model here. This hole prediction model is a fully convolutional encoder-decoder network inspired by [10] with skip connections between all corresponding layers in the encoder and the decoder. The last decoder layer is connected to a soft-max classifier. Each convolutional layer is followed by batch normalization [8] and a ReLU. The network architecture can be seen in Figure 1. The training data for this hole prediction network is made up of 30, 000 pairs of stereo images from [4]. Disparity is calculated using Semi-Global Matching (SGM) [6] and a hole mask (M ) is subsequently generated which indicates which pixels are holes. Although SGM is used here, this is interchangeable with any other passive or active depth capture approach. The left RGB images are thus used as inputs with the generated masks as ground truth labels. Binary cross-entropy is used as the loss function since the segmentation task involves only two classes: hole and non-hole. Qualitative analyses reveal that holes are predicted where expected. From Figure 2, we see that in regions where camera overlap is absent or featureless surfaces, sparse shrubbery, unclear object boundaries, and very distant objects are present, such pixels are correctly classified as holes.
THE LOMBARD EFFECT IN MRI NOISE

In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used extensively to study the vocal tract. MRI equipment makes a loud continuous noise throughout the imaging process. The acoustic properties of speech are known to change in noisy conditions a phenomenon known as the Lombard effect. The characteristics of Lombard speech have been shown to vary with the type of noise, but no study has yet considered the effect of MRI noise, with its specific spectral properties, on speech. We present results showing that formant values, particularly those for the first formant, vowel space dispersion, and spectral tilt of speech produced in MRI noise is significantly different from speech produced in normal conditions. The effects are both subjectand phoneme-dependent. The results have important implications for all acoustic studies based on MRI data of the vocal tract, and we close with recommendations for collecting such data.
IOT future in Edge Computing

— With the advent of Internet of Things (IoT) and data convergence using rich cloud services, data computing has been pushed to new horizons. However, much of the data generated at the edge of the network leading to the requirement of high response time. A new computing paradigm, edge computing, processing the data at the edge of the network is the need of the time. In this paper, we discuss the IoT architecture, predominant application protocols, definition of edge computing and its research opportunities.
FuncyTuner: Auto-tuning Scientific Applications With Per-loop Compilation

The de facto compilation model for production software compiles all modules of a target program with a single set of compilation flags, typically 02 or 03. Such a per-program compilation strategy may yield sub-optimal executables since programs often have multiple hot loops with diverse code structures and may be better optimized with a per-region compilation model that assembles an optimized executable by combining the best per-region code variants. In this paper, we demonstrate that a naïve greedy approach to per-region compilation often degrades performance in comparison to the 03 baseline. To overcome this problem, we contribute a novel per-loop compilation framework, FuncyTuner, which employs lightweight profiling to collect per-loop timing information, and then utilizes a space-focusing technique to construct a performant executable. Experimental results show that FuncyTuner can reliably improve performance of modern scientific applications on several multi-core architectures by 9.2% to 12.3% and 4.5% to 10.7%(geometric mean, up to 22% on certain program) in comparison to the 03 baseline and prior work, respectively.
L2 letter-sound correspondence: Mapping between English vowel graphemes and phonemes by Japanese EAL learners

The main focus of this dissertation is to investigate to what extent Japanese Englishas-an-additional-language (EAL) learners have mastered default grapheme-phoneme correspondence (GPC) patterns of North American English vowels. The underlying motivation of this research comes from my observation that many mispronunciations of English vowels by Japanese EAL learners in formal learning settings are caused by their misinterpretation of English spellings rather than by phonological factors. Traditionally, Japanese speakers’ mispronunciations of English vowels have been attributed to a phonological factor that there is a mismatch of vowel inventories between English and Japanese. However, Nogita and Lin (2016) found that when vowel length and diphthongization are taken into consideration, native Japanese speakers are able to produce all the 13 North American English vowels although not necessarily in a native-like manner. This seems to suggest that other factors than the vowel inventory difference are responsible for the Japanese speakers EAL pronunciation errors. One such factor can be that Japanese EAL learners have not grasped the English GPC patterns and their misinterpretation of the spellings causes their pronunciation errors. To see if a GPC problem really plays a role, this dissertation examines how Japanese EAL learners map all the 13 North American English vowels with English vowel graphemes.
Running head: FAIRNESS AND RETALIATION IN COMPETITION 1 Competition, Fear of Retaliation, and Concern for Others

Previous research has demonstrated that individuals behave more competitively when the number of competitors is small (i.e. the n-effect; Garcia & Tor, 2009). However, Vandegrift and Holaday (2012) found that this effect is not robust when competitive behavior has a negative impact on others. This paper seeks to determine the importance of fairness and fears of retaliation in constraining competitive behavior. In addition, this paper tests whether group size moderates each of these effects. In a 2x3 design, we asked participants whether or not they would take a higher bonus to work more hours (i.e. the “competitive” route), varying 1) whether or not competing reduced future earnings of coworkers, 2) how many coworkers were referenced or affected (3 or 39), and 3) whether or not the participant would continue working in the same location with the coworkers (and thus face potential retribution). Participants competed most when it had no impact on coworkers. When competing impacted coworkers’ earnings, participants competed more in a larger reference group and when there was no possibility of retaliation. This suggests that holding the total impact constant, participants are more likely to compete when a large number of coworkers lose a small amount than when a small number of coworkers lose a large amount. Interestingly, fear of retaliation is unaffected by group size. While no main effect of gender was discovered, women were less likely than men to compete when retaliation would be possible, suggesting a moderator for gender differences in competitive behavior.
Dielectric properties of Bi-doped Ba 0 . 8 Sr 0 . 2 TiO 3 ceramic solid solutions

Bismuth-doped barium–strontium–titanate ceramics of the formula (Ba0.8Sr0.2)(1−1.5y)BiyTiO3 were prepared using a conventional solid-state reaction method. The structure, dielectric properties, and ferroelectric relaxor behaviour of all compositions were thoroughly investigated. The findings revealed a broad dielectric anomaly and a shift in dielectric maxima towards higher temperatures with increasing frequency. The diffuseness degree indicator γ was about 1.68, and dielectric relaxation was noted to follow the Vogel–Fulcher relationship, with Tf1⁄4185 K, f01⁄41.18 10 Hz, and Ea1⁄40.35 eV, which further supported the spin-glass-like properties of BBSTs. The latter were also noted to display significant ferroelectric relaxor behaviour that could be attributed to the presence of Bi3þ doping ions. The degree of relaxation behaviour was noted to increase with the increase in bismuth concentration. Raman spectra were investigated as a function of temperature, and the findings confirmed the results from X-ray and dielectric measurements. Among the compositions assayed in this solid solution, 10% Bi-doped Ba0.8Sr0. 2TiO3 yielded promising relaxor properties that make it a strong candidate for future industrial application in the production of efficient and eco-friendly relaxor ferroelectric materials. & 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r. l. All rights reserved.
Estimating value at risk-an extreme value approach

Assessing the probability of extreme and rare events is an important issue in financial risk management, in order to account for potential losses. To model and estimate tail risk adequately, such as value at risk (VaR), is of typical interest. Recent financial disasters has made the common distribution assumption of normality for asset returns questionable. This assumption makes modeling easy but inefficient when the return distribution exhibits heavy tails. An interesting solution to this problem is the extreme value approach, estimation of extreme quantiles. In this thesis we demonstrate how the use of univariate extreme value theory (EVT) can be combined with a GARCH model in order to estimate daily VaR properly. Using backtesting based on historical daily log-returns for OMXS30 and Ericsson the results indicate that the GARCH-EVT approach outperforms other well-known techniques. ∗Postal address: Mathematical Statistics, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Sweden. E-mail: alhe7913@student.su. se. Supervisor: Mathias Lindholm.
Chromoendoscopy and Magnification for the Evaluation of the Intragastric Extent of Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia

Introduction: The detection of intragastric extent and progression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are mandatory in order to quantify the risk of development of the gastric cancer. The aim of the study is to assess the clinical value of magnifying endoscopy and chromoendoscopy in the evaluation of the intragastric extent of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Material and methods: We performed magnifying chromoendoscopy with methylene blue and we identified modified patterns corresponding to premalignant gastric lesions. We studied the intragastric extent of these lesions. Biopsy specimens were taken from modified areas in order to confirm the presence of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Results: We identified specific pit patterns for atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. In 21 patients (30%) these lesions were confined to gastric antrum. In 7 cases (17.5%), lesions were extended in gastric corpus. These patients were selected for further endoscopic surveillance. Conclusions: Magnifying endoscopy and chromoendoscopy allow the detection of intragastric extent of intestinal metaplasia and atrophic gastritis. This could help to a better selection of patients for surveillance endoscopy.
Polygeneration and Sustainable Energy System Development Challenges and opportunities from optimization viewpoints

A sustainable energy system is an integrated approach to supplying local energy demands from renewable energy or/and high-efficiency polygeneration energy sources. The approach can be seen as a development of the distributed generation concept. The main characteristics of a sustainable energy system are (cost) efficiency, reliability and environmentalfriendliness. In this paper, we mainly discuss the role of the polygeneration in a distributed energy system and contributions of polygeneration in the sustainable energy system development. We also describe the characteristics of polygeneration plants to highlight the complexity of polygeneration technologies. In addition, we review the typical method for dealing with interdependence between different energy products for polygeneration and point out some practices in the industry may prevent the potential of polygeneration into full play. Keywords— polygeneration; energy efficiency; distributed energy system; sustainable energy system.
Methodology for Strategic Posture Determination of SMEs

This paper presents the methodology for strategic posture determination of SMEs. The methodology itself that is explained in detail is based on the original work of A. Rowe and the research has been conducted on the sample of 179 companies from an emerging market of various sizes, ownership structures and industry sectors. A modified strategic analysis tool for defining company’s strategic posture (modified Strategic Position & Action Evaluation - SPACE analysis) presented in this paper investigates the basic dimensions of external environment and enterprise itself: environment stability (ES) and industry strength (IS), as well as competitive strength (CS) and financial strength (FS). Along with the presented mathematical modelling that determines resultant vector describing the strategic posture, the paper presents the mean scores of each variable from the questionnaire results that are calculated for every strategic posture. The results obtained contribute to the precise definition of the strategic position of companies and are useful for future works related to small and medium-sized firms' strategic posture evaluation.
The effect of residential concentration on turnout among ethnic minorities

Utilizing a unique public records dataset we study the effect of residential concentration on turnout. We find that non-Western immigrants are positively affected by the concentration of co-ethnic voters in their neighborhoods. The general concentration of non-Western immigrants has no effect at all. Furthermore, we look into the causal mechanism behind the effect by identifying the number and the residential location of co-ethnic candidatures. There is a positive effect of co-ethnic candidates running for office in the neighborhood as well as on the municipal level which, however, does not eliminate the effect of residential concentration per se. Finally, we find a reverse racial threat effect of non-Western residential concentration on ethnic Danes in their neighborhood. Turnout of the majority population is lower, when immigrant concentration is high.
Effect of Corianderum sativum on Live Weight Gain , Lipids , Hematological and some Blood Parameters of Awassi Female and Male Lambs

Objective: An experiment was carried out in the college of agriculture, university of Baghdad to investigate the effect of Corianderum sativm seeds powder added to the Awassi sheep diet on body weight gain, rumen fermentation, and some blood traits. Materials and Methods: Twelve sheep with body weight ranged from 18–20 kg were selected, half were male and all fed on ration constitute 70% concentrate and 30% Roughage diet. Six grams of Coriander seeds powder were added to ration for head per day. Results: The results showed no significant differences in the weight gain and rumen fermentation between ewes and lambs which fed on coriander powder, while the results showed an increased level of glucose and white blood cells [WBC] account significantly [p < 0.05] for ewes compared to lambs and no significant differences appeared in total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, packed cell volume PCV%, HB, red blood cells RBC, GOT and GPT. Conclusions:It can be concluded that Coriander seeds powder improve the immunity and energy of ewes rather than lambs in Awassi.