Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chapter 2 Comparison of Dual-Source Evapotranspiration Models in Estimating Potential Evaporation and Transpiration 2 . 1

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is defined as the amount of ET that could occur if a sufficient water source were available, the value of which is a function of atmospheric conditions and surface vegetation distribution characteristics. However, traditional empirical PET models, such as the Hargreaves model and PriestleyTaylor model, only account for the effect of atmospheric demand on PET, whereas the impact of vegetation on PET is simply ignored. On the other hand, physicalbased PET models, such as the Penman-Monteith model (refer to as the P-M model hereafter), take vegetation effect on PET into consideration. Nevertheless, the P-M model treats the land surface as a uniform layer, where the vegetation covers the land surface fully and uniformly as a “big leaf”. This simplification of vegetation treatment makes the P-M model unable to distinguish evaporation from soil (E) and transpiration from canopy (T), and therefore may not be appropriate for use in partially vegetated areas. Considering contributions of energy fluxes from different components (soil vs. vegetation), dual-source ET models have been proposed to more precisely depict water and heat transfers from sparse or heterogeneous canopies. In particular, Shuttleworth and Wallace (1985) developed a two layer ET model, in which each source of water and heat flux is superimposed and coupled. This model is also referred to as the coupled model. In contrast, Lhomme et al. (1994) suggested that for surface with low vegetation cover or patchy vegetation, the interaction between components is generally very weak so that fluxes from each source interact independently with each other and directly with the above atmosphere. This type model is known as the patch model or uncoupled model. By combining the layer model and the patch model, Guan and Wilson (2009) proposed a hybrid dual source, which claims to be applicable for a range of vegetated surface. Besides a general better performance of ET estimation, dual source models are also capable of distinguishing different processes of E and T. To that end, dual
The relevance of the CLP measure of a VoIP system with Regard to QoV.

Communication systems are undergoing constant and rapid innovation, both at the design stage and in the field. This in turn has led to an increasing need for fast, efficient, portable and economic methods for the testing of these systems. For voice carrying communication systems the quality of the transmitted voice that the system produces is a large factor in the systems overall performance rating. This measure is known as the 'Quality of Voice' (QoV) and can be evaluated either subjectively or objectively. Speech quality is a complex subjective phenomenon that can be best quantified by subjective testing. A subjective QoV measurement requires a 'listener' to rate a sample of speech produced by the system under test. To achieve accurate results an average rating, or Mean Opinion Score (MOS), must be found from a large panel of listeners. This results in subjective QoV testing being a highly expensive and time consuming process to conduct. This has driven the requirement for automated objective QoV testing systems which can operate efficiently and cost-effectively. The method described here aims to increase the efficiency of a previously established Non-intrusive objective QoV estimation system designed for use with a VoIP based network. The existing system takes as its inputs four operational parameters (Conditional and Unconditional Packet Loss Probabilities, Codec Type and Speaker Gender) of the communication system under test. These parameters are then mapped to a QoV score. This paper will identify the Conditional Loss Probability (CLP) parameter as being of least significance with regard to the QoV score achieved by the VoIP network. A similar QoV estimation system will then be developed with the CLP measure eliminated. This system will be tested to demonstrate that a system taking only three operational parameters of a VoIP system can still maintain a high degree of accuracy.
Agmatine induces gastric protection against ischemic injury by reducing vascular permeability in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of administration of agmatine (AGM) on gastric protection against ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Three groups of rats (6/group); sham, gastric I/R injury, and gastric I/R + AGM (100 mg/kg, i.p. given 15 min prior to gastric ischemia) were recruited. Gastric injury was conducted by ligating celiac artery for 30 min and reperfusion for another 30 min. Gastric tissues were histologically studied and immunostained with angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) and Ang-2. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured in gastric tissue homogenate. To assess whether AKt/phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (PI3K) mediated the effect of AGM, an additional group was pretreated with Wortmannin (WM) (inhibitor of Akt/PI3K, 15 μg/kg, i.p.), prior to ischemic injury and AGM treatment, and examined histologically and immunostained. Another set of experiments was run to study vascular permeability of the stomach using Evan’s blue dye. RESULTS: AGM markedly reduced Evan’s blue dye extravasation (3.58 ± 0.975 μg/stomach vs 1.175 ± 0.374 μg/stomach, P < 0.05), VEGF (36.87 ± 2.71 pg/100 mg protein vs 48.4 ± 6.53 pg/100 mg protein, P < 0.05) and MCP-1 tissue level (29.5 ± 7 pg/100 mg protein vs 41.17 ± 10.4 pg/100 mg protein, P < 0.01). It preserved gastric histology and reduced congestion. Ang-1 and Ang-2 immunostaining were reduced in stomach sections of AGM-treated animals. The administration of WM abolished the protective effects of AGM and extensive hemorrhage and ulcerations were seen. CONCLUSION: AGM protects the stomach against I/R injury by reducing vascular permeability and inflammation. This protection is possibly mediated by Akt/PI3K.
Integrating DROOLS and R software for intelligent map system

The paper describes intelligent map system that allows to check errors in map sheets or to help with a map sheet creation. The system is based on expert system DROOLS, ontology created in Protege and statistical software R. Prototype of the system should evaluate that this kind of integration is possible, so the system is not full of rules. The prototype is filled with twenty rules written in DRL language and with more than thirty items from the ontology. The paper should show how all of these components can be integrated together to allow such kind of a map sheet evaluation. The system is now used for selection of the best method for data classification. The selection is suggested by DROOLS system that uses R software to perform statistical tests of normality and uniformity.
Dynamic Image Segmentation for Sport Graphics Based on Wavelet Transform

In this paper, a image segmentation algorithm based on wavelet transform are presented. The proposed image segmentation algorithm performs the segmentation in the combined intensity-texture-position feature space in order to produce connected regions that correspond to the real-life objects shown in the image. This segmentation algorithm is applied to reduced versions of the original images in order to speed-up the completion of the segmentation. As shown by experimental evaluation, this novel scheme provides fast segmentation with high perceptual segmentation quality.
A new approach to noise-robust LPC

In this paper a new spectral estimate of noisy speech derived from linear predictive Autoregressive(AR) analysis is compared with the spectra produced by single order Linear Predictive Coding(LPC). The new estimate consists of a bin-by-bin average cf a set of linear prediction AR spectra with orders between 10 and 30. According to simulation results the improvement in peak centre frequency and bandwidth estimation resulting from using this model for noisy speech is equivalent to increasing the SNR by about 5dB when the SNR of the input signal is 20dB or less.
A Hybrid Optimization Method for Neural Tree Network Model

Neural tree network model has been successfully applied to solving large numbers of complex nonlinear problems in control area. The optimization of neural tree model contains: structure and parameter, the major problem in evolving structure without parameter information was noisy fitness evaluation problem, so an improved genetic programming algorithm is proposed to synthesize the optimization process. Simulation results on two time series prediction problems show that the proposed strategy is a potential method with better performance and effectiveness.
Metric Equivalence of the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Self-Construal Scale Across Spanish and English Language Versions

The metric equivalence of translated scales is often in question but seldom examined. This study presents test-retest data that support the metric equivalence of the Spanish and English language versions of three measures: the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Self-Construal Scale. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four test conditions designating the language order of the presented questionnaire packets: (a) English-English, (b) English-Spanish, (c) Spanish-English, and (d) Spanish-Spanish. Internal and test-retest reliabilities were found to be adequate both within and across language versions. In addition to reliabilities, a comparison of the means across language versions supported their metric equivalence. Language effects and implications are discussed.
Manufacturing and characterization of nano-sized PbTe powders

Nano-sized PbTe powders were manufactured by the high energy ball milling of a PbTe bulk, obtained by the water quenching of a melt. The wet milling using an ethanol were applied during the ball milling. The prepared powders were characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction pattern analysis to obtain crystallographic parameters such as the crystallite size and the misfit strain. A pseudo-Voigt function was used for the determination of the integral breadth and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of peaks broadened by the effect of crystallite size and misfit strain. The Scherrer method, the Williamson-Hall plot and the single peak analysis were employed to calculate the size of crystallite and misfit strain with the consideration of instrumental broadening using standard sample. As results, we can observe the tendency that the crystallite size decreases and the misfit strain increases with increasing milling time. The crystallite size of powders was determined at the range of 15/spl sim/100 nm in 50/spl sim/150 hours milling time. The crystallite size and the misfit strain were different from crystallographic directions in this material, according to the Williamson-Hall plot and the single peak analysis.
Trimming analog circuits using floating-gate analog MOS memory

The author presents an analog trim-voltage memory (ATVM) which employs a floating-gate MOS structure similar to that used in digital electrically erasable and programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs). The ATVM is suitable for trimming the offset voltages and currents resulting from threshold mismatches in analog circuits such as operational amplifiers and comparators. It can be incorporated into a standard digital CMOS process without the additional processing steps typically needed for EEPROM fabrication. This floating-gate memory uses hot-electron injection to decrease the floating-gate voltage and electron tunneling from the floating gate to increase the voltage. A possible use of the ATVM circuit is shown along with the input stage of a two-stage Miller compensated op amp. <<ETX>>
Energy Efficiency Analysis of Error Control Techniques of WSN

Energy efficiency is the primary consideration of the design of error control protocol of WSN and energy efficiency analysis is the key point of the present related literature research. However, while emphasizes are on the theoretical analysis and experiments are simulated by advanced programming language such as Matlab、C++ and so on, definitions of some restrictive or operation systems on hardware side of sensor nodes in practical usage are neglected, which lead to the inaccurate conclusion of the error control energy efficiency analysis. In this paper, samples of package-loss and error package and distribution of error codes in error packages are obtained through experiment statistics of a large amount of entity nodes and energy efficiency analysis and comparison of Error Control Techniques of WSN are conducted based on error characteristics.
Combined algorithm for time-varying system based on improved genetic algorithm and EWRLS algorithm

A combined algorithm, based on the modified genetic algorithm and EWRLS algorithm, is presented in this paper. A modified genetic algorithm with dyadic mutation operator is also presented to enhance the response speed of genetic algorithm. The selection criteria of the switching threshold between the GA and EWRLS algorithm is also given by using robust minmax estimation method. This combined algorithm solves the tracking problem of time-varying system with fast parameter changes, which is very difficult to the RLS algorithm. It is not sensitive to the noise. Its good performance is verified by simulation studies.
Formal analysis of ORM using OWL DL

ORM (Object Role Modeling), current version is 2.0, is a fully communication oriented information modeling method. Currently, ORM has been used in ontology engineering to model domain ontologies. To ensure the semantics of ORM model is consistent, it needs using reasoning engines to check semantic conflicts and redundancy. Furthermore, only publish ORM domain ontologies on the Semantic Web described by OWL can it is shared by different applications. Therefore, it needs to map ORM models into OWL DL. Several methods to transform ORM models have been considered and a series of general OWL DL formalization rules have been proposed.
Approaches to regression testing

An examination is made of current testing methodologies and their relationship to regression testing. Included is a survey and critical assessment of current regression testing tools, with a discussion of a number of important aspects which these tools have omitted and that still require to be developed further. A proposal for a regression testing tool incorporating all of these concepts is presented. <<ETX>>
A new blur identification scheme

We present a new blur identification procedure based on the hybrid, two-level evolutionary-deterministic scheme which allows a dynamic modification of the size and the pattern of the PSF-support. The proposed procedure which comprises a generalization to the case of multiresolutional identification leads to the concept of adaptive interconnection windowing. Numerical simulations demonstrate an overall priority of the proposed identification scheme with regard to conventional techniques.
A 2.5-V sigma-delta modulator for broadband communications applications

Oversampled sigma-delta (EA) modulators offer numerous advantages for the realization of high-resolution analog-to-digital (A/D) converters. This paper explores how oversampling and feedback can be employed in high-resolution /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ modulators to extend the signal bandwidth into the range of several megahertz when the oversampling ratio is constrained by technology limitations. A 2-2-1 cascaded multibit architecture suitable for operation from a 2.5-V power supply is presented, and a linearization technique referred to as partitioned data weighted averaging is introduced to suppress in-band digital-to-analog converter (DAC) errors. An experimental prototype based on the proposed topology has been integrated in a 0.5-/spl mu/m double-poly triple-metal CMOS technology. Fully differential double-sampled switched-capacitor integrators enable the modulator to achieve 95-dB dynamic range at a 4-Msample/s Nyquist conversion rate with an oversampling ratio of 16. The experimental modulator dissipates 150 mW from a 2.5-V supply.
Double stranded RNA dependent protein kinase (PKR) and type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes greatly increases the risk for developing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Despite recent development in medical science, scientific understandings on the root mechanisms of type 2 diabetes are still not fully understood, and such insufficient understanding contributes to the relative lack of effective treatments for such diseases. Protein Kinase R (PKR) is a serine threonine kinase activated during various stress conditions. Activation of PKR can increase reactive oxygen species generation, inflammation and induce oxidative stress. In this review we discuss the potential role of PKR in type 2 diabetes, pathways activated by it and the interrelationship between pathways activated. Specific and effective inhibitors of PKR are being developed and can become potential treatment for type 2 diabetes and prevent many diseases.
Quantifying performance of mine detectors with fewer than 10,000 targets

The two primary measures of detection performance are probability of detection (PD) and false alarm rate (FAR). Since these are statistical measures, the large statistical uncertainties associated with measurements on small data sets impose a severe limitation on the interpretation and extrapolation of the test results. The main difficulty with the data collected from many of the landmine detection experiments is that the number of mine targets is small, and the clutter data is measured on small areas. As a result of analyzing data from several detection tests for both UXO and mine detection technologies, the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has generated a number of suggestions to improve the results obtained from future demonstrations and tests. In the absence of a rigorous error analysis, we can estimate the uncertainty in a probability of detection measurement with a simple model. If detections can be described as a binomial process weighted by the true probability of detection, then uncertainty equals (root)N, where N is the number of mines detected, and uncertainty in PD (percent) equals (root)N/N X 100 for large N. A similar statistical uncertainty is encountered in the measurement of probability of false alarm. An opportunity for a false alarm can be defined by the amount of ground covered by the projected area of the target plus an allowable miss distance, say 1 m2. Thus, for each 1 m2 of ground that it passes over, the system has one opportunity to declare a false alarm. A test field that is 1 m by 20 m offers only 20 m2 of area and thus only 20 samples for probability of false alarm measurement. A site that is 4 m wide and 4 km long covers 16,000 m2. Thus, there will be a substantial increase in the clutter environment samples by the sensor and a concomitant improvement in false alarm measurements. Of course, false alarm density will be highly site dependent, so extrapolation of the result is still uncertain. Unfortunately, this limitation is insurmountable in single test and at a single site.
Epidural Steroids, Etanercept, or Saline in Subacute Sciatica

BACKGROUND Perineural inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor have recently generated intense interest as an alternative to epidural steroid injections for lumbosacral radiculopathy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether epidural steroids, etanercept, or saline better improves pain and function in adults with lumbosacral radiculopathy. DESIGN A multicenter, 3-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted from 2008 to 2011. Randomization was computer-generated and stratified by site. Pharmacists prepared the syringes. Patients, treating physicians, and nurses assessing outcomes were blinded to treatment assignment. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00733096) SETTING Military and civilian treatment centers. PATIENTS 84 adults with lumbosacral radiculopathy of less than 6 months' duration. INTERVENTION 2 epidural injections of steroids, etanercept, or saline, mixed with bupivacaine and separated by 2 weeks. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measure was leg pain 1 month after the second injection. All patients had 1-month follow-up visits; patients whose condition improved remained blinded for the 6-month study period. RESULTS The group that received epidural steroids had greater reductions in the primary outcome measure than those who received saline (mean difference, -1.26 [95% CI, -2.79 to 0.27]; P = 0.11) or etanercept (mean difference, -1.01 [CI, -2.60 to 0.58]; P = 0.21). For back pain, smaller differences favoring steroids compared with saline (mean difference, -0.52 [CI, -1.85 to 0.81]; P = 0.44) and etanercept (mean difference, -0.92 [CI,-2.28 to 0.44]; P = 0.18) were observed. The largest differences were noted for functional capacity, in which etanercept fared worse than the other treatments: steroids vs. etanercept (mean difference, -16.16 [CI, -26.05 to -6.27]; P = 0.002), steroids vs. saline (mean difference, -5.87 [CI, -15.59 to 3.85]; P = 0.23), and etanercept vs. saline (mean difference, 10.29 [CI, 0.55 to 20.04]; P = 0.04). More patients treated with epidural steroids (75%) reported 50% or greater leg pain relief and a positive global perceived effect at 1 month than those who received saline (50%) or etanercept (42%) (P = 0.09). LIMITATION Short-term follow-up, small sample size, and a possibly subtherapeutic dose of etanercept. CONCLUSION Epidural steroid injections may provide modest short-term pain relief for some adults with lumbosacral radiculopathy, but larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm their benefits. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE The John P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute, International Spinal Intervention Society, and Center for Rehabilitation Sciences Research.
Heineken czy Żubr? Znaczenie popazproduktowych właściwości marek produktów spożywczych

Kupując produkty spożywcze konsumenci kierują się różnymi kryteriami, w tym także marką produktu. Rola, jaką odgrywają marki, nie jest jeszcze w pełni poznana. Dlatego badanie miało na celu sprawdzenie czy korzyści wynikające z marek produktów spożywczych różnicują ocenę reputacji marek tychże produktów oraz czy na ich podstawie można przewidywać intencję zakupu. Badanie przeprowadzono na próbie 130 konsumentów i oparto na próbie pięciu produktów spożywczych. Wybrano produkty, przy zakupie których konsumenci zwracają uwagę na markę. Każda kategoria produktów była reprezentowana przez cztery marki zróżnicowane ze względu na poziom reputacji, czyli ogólnej opinii o marce (wysoka vs. niska reputacja). Wyniki badania pokazują, że takie korzyści dostarczane przez markę, jak emocjonalne doświadczenia, które ona oferuje oraz poziom zaspokojenia potrzeby bezpieczeństwa różnicują ocenę reputacji produktów spożywczych oraz pozwalają przewidywać intencję ich kupna.