Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Modified Harris Corner Detection for Breast IR Image

Harris corner detectors, which depend on strong invariance and a local autocorrelation function, display poor detection performance for infrared (IR) images with low contrast and nonobvious edges. In addition, feature points detected by Harris corner detectors are clustered due to the numerous nonlocal maxima. This paper proposes a modified Harris corner detector that includes two unique steps for processing IR images in order to overcome the aforementioned problems. Image contrast enhancement based on a generalized form of histogram equalization (HE) combined with adjusting the intensity resolution causes false contours on IR images to acquire obvious edges. Adaptive nonmaximal suppression based on eliminating neighboring pixels avoids the clustered features. Preliminary results show that the proposed method can solve the clustering problem and successfully identify the representative feature points of IR breast images.
Exchange rate volatility effect on trade variations

Exchange rate volatility can affect trade directly, through uncertainty and adjustments costs, and indirectly through its effect on the structure of output, investments as well as on government policies. This paper is focused on direct effect the exchange rate exert on trade, while some characteristics of the indirect impacts are being considered as important background variables that have defined the relation and its firmness. The expected effect is paired with demand/supply elasticity to relative prices; an inelastic export demand/supply to relative prices makes uncertain the theoretical presence of nominal/real exchange rate effect on trade flows. If exchange rate did or did not matters, when trading , was also related to trade barriers (Bhagwati, 1996; pp123), high trade barriers would make the exchange rate ineffective in price adjustments to currency fluctuations. Facing different elasticities for imports’ and exports’ demand to relative prices and trading countries specifics, on one hand, and the state of trade liberalization on the other hand makes interesting the environment where exchange rate volatility plays its role on Albanian trade context. The paper tries to empirically investigate the effect exchange rate uncertainty has played on trade volumes. Two different measures of volatility index derived from nominal and real exchange rate are estimated, co integration techniques is used to check countries’ short/long term evidences on the effect exchange rate volatility had played on bilateral trade and comparison is made from aggregated results derived through pooled estimation. In general there is evidence of a deteriorating effect exchange rate volatility plays on trade volume, inn short term and considering disaggregated country data exports have been suffering most, while imports do not react significantly to exchange uncertainty, mainly due to the inelastic imports demand. There are different country pattern of this effect and short run adjustments results important in both in significance and magnitude. The paper is organized as follows: first part offer a literature review followed by a summary overview of the exchange rate regime in Albania and empirical evidences on the issue. Section 2 and 3 present the model, the econometric methodology and data issue, while section 4 presents and discuss different estimation results, finally some concluding evidences are summarized.
Cars, carbon taxes and CO2 emissions

Is a carbon tax effective in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, and thereby mitigating climate change? This paper is one of the first empirical analyses of this question and the first to find a significant causal effect on emissions. The author uses a quasi-experimental study of the implementation of a carbon tax and a value added tax on transport fuel in Sweden. The results show that, after the introduction of the taxes in the early 1990s, carbon dioxide emissions from the Swedish transport sector reduced by around 11 percentage points in an average year relative to a comparable synthetic control unit, with the carbon tax alone affecting a 6 percentage point reduction. Importantly, the author also finds that the carbon tax elasticity of demand for petrol/gasoline is three times larger than the price elasticity. This finding suggests that ex-ante policy evaluations of carbon taxes that use existing price elasticities of demand to simulate emission reductions may significantly underestimate their true effect.
65 nm CMOS devices for low power applications

This paper attempts to analyze the performance of 65 nm CMOS device structures for low power applications. It indicates that the historical trend of scaling of MOS devices can be sustained by innovative CMOS Structures such as Ultra-thin body SOI devices and multiple gate MOSFETS (such as FinFETS), that can withstand the adverse effects of Scaling. A particular issue of great concern in logic design is the power dissipation. For high- performance logic with increased leakage currents, chip static power dissipation is expected to become a bottleneck to meet aggressive targets for performance scaling. Innovations in circuit design and architecture for performance management as well as utilization of multiple transistors on chip are required for chip design. Multiple transistors having different threshold voltages (Vt) are used selectively with the low Vt, high leakage devices being used mainly in the critical paths and higher Vt, lower leakage devices being used in the rest of the chip area to control static power dissipation. This paper presents the low static power dissipation CMOS devices at 65 nm technology node and compares the performance of SOI CMOS with the conventional planar Bulk CMOS and establishes that SOI CMOS is better suited for low stand-by power applications. A low leakage current of 0.2 pA/µm for NMOS and 0.1 pA/µm for PMOS was observed for SOI devices at a supply voltage of 1.5V as compared to 10nA/µm for bulk CMOS devices at a supply voltage of 1.2V.
Local Treatment Options for Unresectable Liver Metastases in Colorectal Cancer

Despite the increase in effectiveness of systemic therapy, cure for colorectal cancer with liver metastases (CRLM) is rarely achieved without surgical resection, with less than 20% of patients initially suitable for surgery. Liver-directed therapies are continually being investigated in the hope of improving cure rates in patients with unresectable liver metastases. These modalities include selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy. While there is evidence of activity for all these treatments, they are somewhat lacking in high level randomized, controlled trial evidence (RCT) with appropriate control arms relevant to current standard of care. This review examines the efficacy and safety of these treatments in unresectable CRLM.
Study of Expression of Sugarcane Sucrose Transporter cDNA in Yeast

Studies in transgenic sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) demonstrated that sucrose transporter (SUT) genes were essential in sucrose translocations. Sucrose transporter gene isolated from sugarcane were designated as SoSUT1 and SoSOSUT2 respectively as encode protein of 518 and 747 amino acids. The genes were constructed into plasmid pYES2 for SoSUT1, and pYX112 for SoSOSUT2. cDNA SoSOSUT2 had also constructed into plasmid pBIN-At-GFP which was possible to trace the gene inserted. The constructed plasmid was transformed into yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) and grown in minimal medium (SD– urasil ) as selection medium. The transformed colony was confirmed using PCR. The functional expression was studied by growing yeast in YPD medium with 2% Sucrose, then the sucrose uptake was measured in number interval time using resorcinol method. The result showed that yeast INVSc1-pYES2-SoSUT1 and BF264- pYX112-SoSOSUT2 had higher ability in sucrose transport compared to the control-INVSc1 for SoSUT1 and control-BF264 for SoUT2. Moreover, the result showed that SoSUT1 had higher ability to transport sucrose than SoSOSUT2. Confocal microscope observation showed that transformation gene SoSOSUT2 was successful, which was indicated by green exposure of GFP protein. Keyword: sugarcane, sucrose transporter, yeast
Impact of HIV Infection and HAART Therapy on CD4 T Helper Cell Subset Expression and Function

1.1 Th cell development Regulation of T helper (Th) cell differentiation and proliferation depends on which cytokines are present in the microenvironment of a naive Th cell. Induction of specific transcription factors results in programming of the naive Th0 cell into one of several subsets. Currently there are four well characterized Th cell subsets, namely Th1, Th2, Th17, and the T regulatory (Treg) cells (Figure 1). In this chapter we will be focusing on the Th1, Th17, and Treg cell populations. However, at this point it is also worth mentioning the relatively newly described Th9 and follicular (Tfh) cell subsets. Here we briefly discuss the differentiation pathways taken by a Th0 cell that ultimately results in the formation of these different subsets. Since the early 1980’s, the Th1/Th2 paradigm has been well-studied. Th1 cells are known for expression of the signature cytokine IFN-┛ and resulting anti-viral activities. The necessary driving cytokine for these cells is IL-12 in conjunction with the Th1-specific transcription factor T-bet (Hsieh, Macatonia et al., 1993; Seder, Gazzinelli et al., 1993;Szabo, Sullivan et al., 2002). IL-27, related to IL-12, has been recently shown to play a role in the induction of Th1 cells, while also actively repressing development of other subsets. On the other hand, Th2 cells are largely recognized to support humoral immunity and are induced by the presence of IL-4 and resulting activation of the STAT6 transcription factor(Kaplan, Schindler et al., 1996;Kurata, Lee et al., 1999). Equally important is the activation of the GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), the main regular of Th2 development (Pai, Truitt et al., 2004;Zhu, Min et al., 2004). The newly defined Th17 cells have been implicated in a number of inflammatory disorders and are recognized as key Th cells that trigger massive proinflammatory responses. They are characterized by production of IL-17 and differentiation of these cells requires both tumor growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-6 which act together to promote development of the Th17 subset (Bettelli, Carrier et al., 2006; Mangan, Harrington et al., 2006). Additionally important to the generation of these cells is IL-23, which functions to aid in the development and proliferation of Th17 cells. The key transcription factors required belong to the retinoic acid-related orphan receptors (ROR)
[DRAFT PAPER] NOT TO BE QUOTED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT AUTHOR’S PERMISSION

Two different strands of literature have analysed the role of socio-economic factors in explaining the differential growth performance of the EU regions and the impact of structural funds on such performance. This paper aims at combining these strands of literature by directly comparing the (lack of) socio-economic preconditions for successful regional development with the correlated allocation of structural funds. In order to reach this objective the spatial distribution of both the sources of socio-economic disadvantage and the regional allocation of structural funds will be compared, thus uncovering a potential inconsistency between policy objectives (favouring disadvantaged areas) and the beneficiaries of the funds. In addition, an empirical model (specifically an Heckman two-step selection model) to assess to what extent regional funds are, in fact, associated (in a statistically significant way) with the above-mentioned sources of competitive “di-advantage” is developed. The paper shows that the sources of disadvantage are more spatially concentrated than the funds devoted to compensating such disadvantage. The weak association between structural disadvantage and EU funds suggests a potential explanation for the reduced impact of the EU regional policy.
Out of the Margins: Evaluating the Scale of Employment in Informal Enterprises in Developing and Transition Economies

Abstract Purpose This chapter evaluates the cross-national variations in the proportion of employment that is in informal sector enterprises and evaluates competing theories which view these cross-national variations to result from either economic underdevelopment (modernisation explanation), high taxes, public sector corruption and over-regulation of work and welfare (neo-liberal explanation) or conversely, a lack of intervention in the realm of social protection (political economy explanation). Methodology/approach To evaluate these competing explanations, the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) country surveys that investigate the scale of employment in informal sector enterprise in 43 developing and transition economies, along with the World Bank database of development indicators, are analysed here. Findings The finding is that lower levels of employment in informal sector enterprises are closely associated with economic development, lower levels of public sector corruption and state intervention in the form of higher tax rates and social transfers to protect workers from poverty. Research implications This chapter reveals the need to move beyond treating these contrasting representations as competing explanations and to recognise how all are required to more fully explain the prevalence of informal sector entrepreneurship. Practical/social implications Tackling employment in informal sector enterprise is shown to require broader economic and social policies associated with the modernisation of economies, tax rates, social protection and poverty alleviation. Originality/value One of the first evaluations of the competing explanations for why some countries have higher levels of employment in informal sector enterprises.
The Effect of `Probability Skew' in Bell-test Experiments

We consider typical experiments that use Bell-inequalities to test local-realist theories of quantum mechanics and gain insight into how certain results can be obtained. We see that results against local-realism arise from some `quantum skew' of the correlation between entangled qubit pairs. Furthermore, we find some conditions necessary for a conclusion against local-realism. Finally we show that the problem of `no-signalling' that arises in these experiments cannot be reduced to arbitrary experimental accuracy.
The macroscale boundary conditions for diffusion in a material with microscale varying diffusivities

Homogenization and other multiscale modelling techniques empower us to build efficient mathematical models for simulating materials with complicated microstructures. However, the modelling rarely systematically derives boundary conditions for the macroscale models. We build a smooth macroscale model for a two-layer one-dimensional lattice diffusion system with rapidly varying diffusivity and finite scale separation. We derive macroscale boundary conditions for this diffusion problem. Our approach is applicable to a range of multiscale modelling problems including wave equations.
Effectiveness of integrated low-carbon technologies: Evidence from a pilot agricultural experiment in Shanghai

Purpose Constructing a low-carbon agriculture (LCA) park is considered an effective means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of integrated low-carbon agricultural technologies based on evidence from a pilot LCA experiment in Shanghai, China, from 2008 to 2011. Design/methodology/approach Integrated low-carbon technologies in an agricultural park were adopted to reduce GHG emissions. Reduced emissions and net economic benefits were calculated by comparing emissions before and after the implementation of the experiment. Findings Results show that the low-carbon agricultural park experiment markedly reduced GHG emissions. This outcome can be attributed to the integrated technologies adopted in the experiment, including the reuse and recycle of resources, control of environmental pollution and GHG emissions and improvement of economic efficiency and social benefit. All the technologies adopted are already available and mature, thus indicating the great potential of LCA to reduce GHG emissions despite the lack of advanced technologies. However, supporting policies may be necessary to motivate private interests in LCA because of the considerable starting investments. Originality/value Previous macro-level and policy studies on LCA are based on knowledge from experimental studies, which typically specify environmental conditions to explore solely the effects of one low-carbon technology. Practically, integrating several low-carbon technologies in one experiment may be more effective, particularly for extensive agriculture, in developing countries. The effectiveness of integrated technologies is insufficiently discussed in the literature. Therefore, this study explores how effective integrated feasible LCA technologies can be in terms of both emission reduction and economic benefits based on the data obtained from an experiment in Shanghai, China.
Nonlinear Site Amplification as Function of 30 m Shear Wave Velocity

We develop empirical relationships to predict nonlinear (i.e., amplitude-dependant) amplification factors for 5% damped response spectral acceleration as a continuous function of average shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m, Vs-30. We evaluate amplification factors as residuals between spectral accelerations from recordings and modified rock attenuation relationships for active regions. Amplification at low- and mid-periods is shown to increase with decreasing Vs-30 and to exhibit nonlinearity that is dependent on Vs-30. The degree of nonlinearity is large for NEHRP Category E (Vs-30<180 m/s) but decreases rapidly with Vs-30, and is small for Vs-30>∼300 m/s. The results can be used as Vs-30-based site factors with attenuation relationships. The results also provide an independent check of site factors published in the NEHRP Provisions, and apparent bias in some of the existing NEHRP factors is identified. Moreover, the results provide evidence that data dispersion is dependent on Vs-30.
Nonlinear statistics reveals stronger ties between ENSO and the tropical hydrological cycle

Cross‐spectrum analysis based on linear correlations in the time domain suggested a coupling between large river flows and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. A nonlinear measure based on mutual information (MI) reveals extrabasinal connections between ENSO and river flows in the tropics and subtropics, that are 20–70% higher than those suggested so far by linear correlations. The enhanced dependence observed for the Nile, Amazon, Congo, Paraná, and Ganges rivers, which affect large, densely populated regions of the world, has significant impacts on inter‐annual river flow predictabilities and, hence, on water resources and agricultural planning.
Simulation and Comparison of Control Methods of Doubly Fed Induction Generator in Energy Conversion System

One of the most applicable methods for utilization of wind energy is the use of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). This paper presents two various strategies for control of DFIG in wind energy conversion system. Two most common and best control methods are implemented vector control and direct torque control. The studied control methods and their performance have been compared and analyzed based on the results of stimulation. The results indicate the fact that although direct torque control method is a bit slow at the start time; due to less usage of machine parameters, less complexity of control algorithm and improvement of transient response speed of the system, this method presents better performance compared to vector control method.
Learning by Doing with Shareable Interfaces

Abstract:New technologies, such as multi-touch tables, increasingly provide shareable interfaces where multiple people can simultaneously interact, enabling co-located groups to collaborate more flexibly than using single personal computers. Soon, these technologies will make their way into the classroom. However, little is known about what kinds of learning activities they will effectively support that other technologies, such as mobile devices, whiteboards, and personal computers, are currently unable to do. We suggest that one of the most promising uses of shareable interfaces is to support learning through exploration and creation. We present our work on DigiTile as a case study of how shareable interfaces can enable these forms of learning by doing. We demonstrate how DigiTile supports collaboration, present a field study on its learning benefits, and show how it can fit into a larger computing ecology.
When Stock Options Fail to Motivate: Attribution and Context Effects on Stock Price Expectancy

This study draws on attribution theory and literature from compensation and strategy to investigate executives’ perceptions about their influence over the firm’s stock price. We define stock price expectancy as the extent to which executives feel that they can influence the firm’s stock price. Results from of a survey of 435 U.S. executives suggest that stock price expectancy is related to both attributional and contextual antecedents. Based on these findings we discuss implications for the extension of expectancy theory and the design and administration of incentive systems.
The production of proton-rich isotopes beyond iron: The γ-process in stars

Beyond iron, a small fraction of the total abundances in the Solar System is made of proton-rich isotopes, the p-nuclei. The clear understanding of their production is a fundamental challenge for nuclear astrophysics. The p-nuclei constrain the nucleosynthesis in core-collapse and thermonuclear supernovae. The γ-process is the most established scenario for the production of the p-nuclei, which are produced via different photodisintegration paths starting on heavier nuclei. A large effort from nuclear physics is needed to access the relevant nuclear reaction rates far from the valley of stability. This review describes the production of the heavy proton-rich isotopes by the γ-process in stars, and explores the state of the art of experimental nuclear physics to provide nuclear data for stellar nucleosynthesis.
Evidence that Travel Product Knowledge Includes Familiarity with Travel Products and Destinations

Prior product knowledge has been defined either in terms of what people perceive they know about a product or in terms of what knowledge the individual has stored in memory. Product knowledge is intricately linked to involvement. A consumerâ€™s level of involvement and knowledge clearly influence many purchasing decisions. The knowledge deficit regarding these factors is that no studies can be found that evaluate online travel planning in the leisure sector with regards to consumersâ€™ travel knowledge. A valid question to ask for instance is what constitutes travel product knowledge? Qualitative research discovered that respondents used the terms â€˜travel productsâ€™ and â€˜travel destinationsâ€™ interchangeably when referring to their knowledge of travel. To examine travel knowledge more closely, a survey was designed including six questions about travel knowledge with some questions referring to â€˜productsâ€™ and others to â€˜destinationsâ€™. Confirmatory factor analysis of the construct travel product knowledge was used to assess the underlying variable that is reflected when respondents refer to knowledge of travel products and destinations.