Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermal defect segmentation of electrical equipment based on saliency constraint

Thermal defect detection aims to identify overheated areas of electric accessory with the help of infrared imaging technology. In this paper, we propose a thermal defect segmentation method based on saliency constraint. Specifically, we first design a convolutional neural network for infrared image classification, the thermal ones of which are then denoised and enhanced by image preprocessing; Next, the modified K-means clustering algorithm is utilized for region segmentation, which splinters infrared images as environment area, normal area and thermal area; Finally, we perform saliency detection on infrared images to obtain approximate region of temperature anomaly, and the overheated area is likewise segmented based on the modified K-means clustering algorithm, which is subsequently used to revise the thermal area segmented based on enhanced images to satisfy saliency constraint. Experimental results suggest that our method can improve the diagnostic efficiency of infrared images and realize the precise positioning of thermal defects, which outperforms the state-of-the-arts.
An Initial-Value Technique for Singularly Perturbed Boundary Value Problems via Cubic Spline

A new way to solve singular perturbation problems is introduced. It is designed for the practicing engineer or applied mathematician who needs a practical tool for these problems (easy to use, modest problem preparation and ready computer implementation). In this paper, we consider singularly perturbed two-point boundary value problems with the boundary layer at one end (left or right) point. An initial-value technique is used for its solution. However, this technique is based on the boundary layer behavior of the solution. It is distinguished by the following fact: The original second order problem is replaced by an asymptotically equivalent first-order problem and is solved as an initial-value problem via cubic spline. Numerical experience with several linear and non-linear examples is described. It is observed that the present method approximates the exact solution very well.
An Investigation of Ordinal True Score Test Theory

The validity of the assumptions underlying Cliff's (1989) ordinal true score theory (OTST) were investigated in a three-stage study. OTST makes only ordinal assumptions about the data, and provides a means of converting ordinal item information into summary ordinal information about examinees. Stage 1 was a simulation based on a classical (weak true score) test theory model. Stage 2 used a long empirical test to approximate the true order. Stage 3 was an extensive simulation based on the three-parameter logistic model. The results of all three studies were consistent; the assumption of local ordinal uncorrelatedness was violated in that partial item-item gamma (y) cor relations were positive instead of 0. The assump tion of proportional distribution of ties was violated—pairs tied on one item were not distributed on the other as prescribed. The item- true order tau (τ) correlation was consistently overestimated, although the estimated τ correlated highly with the true τ. The τ correlation between total score and true order was also consistently overestimated. Stage 3 showed that these effects occurred under all conditions, although they were smaller under some conditions.
A Semiparametric Tilt Optimality Model

Practitioners often face the situation of comparing any set of k distributions, which may follow neither normality nor equality of variances. We propose a semiparametric model to compare those distributions using an exponential tilt method. This extends the classical analysis of variance models when all distributions are unknown by relaxing its assumptions. The proposed model is optimal when one of the distributions is known. Large-sample estimates of the model parameters are derived, and the hypotheses for the equality of the distributions are tested for one-at-a-time and simultaneous comparison cases. Real data examples from NASA meteorology experiments and social credit card limits are analyzed to illustrate our approach. The proposed approach is shown to be preferable in a simulated power comparison with existing parametric and nonparametric methods.
The Impact of Overweight and Obesity in Early Pregnancy on Maternal and Fetal Outcome

The recent increase in prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnancy has become a major public health problem as it is associated with increased risk of obstetric and neonatal complications. A hospital based observational comparative study was done on women attending obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu from September 2021 to January 2022 after taking ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee. A total of 113 overweight/obese women in first trimester of singleton pregnancies and similar number of women with normal BMI were recruited for the study and followed throughout pregnancy for the development of maternal complications like gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellites, antepartum hemorrhage, preterm labor and postpartum hemorrhage. The neonatal outcome compared were birth weight, low Apgar score at birth and NICU admission. Maternal overweight/obesity as compared to normal BMI was associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellites (RR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.52; P value = 0.006), gestational hypertension (RR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.09 to 4.43; P value = 0.02) and caesarean delivery (RR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.55; P value = 0.004). The risk of primary postpartum hemorrhage was also increased in overweight/ obese women than in normal weight women (RR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.04 to 7.51; P value=0.03). In neonatal outcomes, the mean birth weight (3.18 + 0.54 kg vs 2.9 + 0.33kg, P value < 0.001) and admission to NICU (28.3% vs 10.61%, P value = 0.008) were significantly higher in overweight/ obese women. Maternal overweight/obesity in early pregnancy is associated with higher risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcome.
Peer pressure and social adjustment as predictive indicators of substance abuse among selected sample of psychiatric patients in a teaching hospital in south-west, Nigeria

Substance abuse is a major public health challenge the world over. Adequate research connection has not been fully established between peer pressure and social adjustment as predictors of substance abuse particularly among psychiatric patient. Therefore, this study examined the roles of peer pressure and social adjustment in predicting perceived substance abuse among Psychiatric patients. Using cross-sectional survey design, 198 patients (Male=119; Female=79) participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 18-40 (M=28.45, SD=4.22). Instruments used were 10-item Peer Pressure Inventory (PPI), 45-item Social Adjustment Inventory (SA), and 10-item Drug Abuse Screening (DAS). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested. The result showed that, peer pressure (β=0.33; p<0.05 level of significance) and social adjustments (β=0.61;p<0.05 level of significance) were significant predictors of substance abuse among Psychiatric Patients. The result of the regression analysis showed that peer pressure (β=0.38,p<0.01) significantly predicted substance abuse, social adjustment (β=0.25,p<0.01) showed a significant relationship to substance abuse and the two variables jointly predicted substance abuse (F(2.198)=3.97,p<0.05). It was recommended that the health sector should engage in enlightenment campaign on the negative consequences of substance abuse among psychiatric patients.
Transverse dissections of the fundamental planes of elliptical galaxies and clusters of galaxies

Seen edge-on, the fundamental plane (FP) of elliptical galaxies is very thin and tilted, which corresponds to a very small dispersion (∼12%) of the M/L ratio at each location on the FP, and to a trend by a factor ∼3 of M/L along the FP, respectively. In this Letter we investigate two possible origins of the tilt: a systematic change of the stellar initial mass function (IMF), and a trend in the relative distributions of the bright and dark matter. In both cases we find that major changes in either the IMF or the bright/dark matter relative distributions are required along the FP to account for its tilt, while its constant thickness requires an extremely small dispersion in the IMF or in the bright/dark matter distribution at every location on the FP
Evolution of Th1 and Th2 biased cytokines in divergent species of animals

Proteins or peptides that play a major role in immune as well as inflammatory responses via activation and regulation of other cells and tissues are known as cytokines. Their role in mammals is well defined, with a vast number of publications describing the structure of cytokines and their role in health and disease. Total 22 full-length CDS (and corresponding peptide) of the domains were selected as representatives of each type of cytokine, belonging to divergent animal species, for the biocomputational analysis. The secondary and tertiary structure of the different cytokine (peptide sequence) domains was predicted to compare the relatedness among the domains under study. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree results indicated that IFN-gamma formed separate clusters for mammals, avian, and fish. In IL12, all were dispersed except Canis lupus and Sus scrofa. In IL13, chicken was completely dispersed from mammals and closely related to IL8 and TNF. These interleukins could have evolved independently from the respective ancestral sequences.
Identification of cellular heterogeneity and key signaling pathways associated with vascular remodeling and calcification in young and old primate aortas based on single-cell analysis

Aging of the vascular system is the main cause of many cardiovascular diseases. The structure and function of the blood vessel wall change with aging. To prevent age-related cardiovascular diseases, it is essential to understand the cellular heterogeneity of vascular wall and changes of cellular communication among cell subpopulations during aging. Here, using published single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of young and old monkey aortas, we analyzed the heterogeneity of vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in detail and identified a distinct endothelial cell subpopulation that involved in vascular remodeling and calcification. Moreover, cellular communication that changed with aging was analyzed and we identified a number of signaling pathways that associated with vascular aging. We found that EGF signaling pathway play an essential role in vascular remodeling and calcification of aged aortas. This work provided a better understanding of vascular aging and laid the foundation for prevention of age-related vascular pathologies.
Governance in local government organizations and their state-owned enterprises: Impact of merger laws in Greece

Corporate governance plays a key role for the companies of the private sector, and recently corporate governance started to be involved within the structures and activities of public entities and state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Many countries, including Greece, have put regional and municipal merger plans into place in order to reduce costs and enforced the ideals of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in public administration. This study, focusing on these issues, illustrates the current state of Greek governance and recent legal developments after the merging of local government organizations (LGOs) and their associated municipal and regional-owned companies (SOEs) and provides new insights and conclusions regarding the implantation of governance in the LGOs and their SOEs after mergers
Elastic and piezoelectric fields in quantum wire semiconductor structures – A boundary integral equation analysis

This paper presents a rigorous analysis on the elastic and piezoelectric fields in quantum wire (QWR) semiconductor structures using the accurate boundary integral equation method. The materials modelled include both zincblende and wurtzite III–V semiconductors, and both the well‐accepted inclusion and structural inhomogeneity models are discussed. While the difference in the strain field between the inclusion and inhomogeneity models is consistent with previously published results, within about 10%, the difference in the induced piezoelectric fields between these two models can be very large, sometimes even with different signs (for zincblende semiconductors). The electric field distribution in polygonal QWRs with different sides is also studied and it is found that the electric field in triangular and square QWRs can be very different from the fields in polygonal QWRs with more than four sides. These findings should provide important considerations and trend analyses for both growth and modelling associated with QWR semiconductor structures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A bistable mechanism for directional sensing

We present a generic mechanism for directional sensing in eukaryotic cells that is based on bistable dynamics. As the key feature of this modeling approach, the velocity of trigger waves in the bistable sensing system changes its sign across cells that are exposed to an external chemoattractant gradient. This is achieved by combining a two-component activator/inhibitor system with a bistable switch that induces an identical symmetry breaking for arbitrary gradient input signals. A simple kinetic example is designed to illustrate the dynamics of a bistable directional sensing mechanism in numerical simulations.
Asymptotic estimates of the eigenvalues of a sixth-order boundary-value problem obtained by using global phase-integral methods

A boundary-value problem describing the onset of linear instability in a Benard layer, is considered. The solutions of the sixth-order differential equation arising are expressed as Laplace integrals whose integrands involve a function satisfying a second-order equation with six transition points. W . K.B. approximations to this function, valid in regions associated with each transition point, are related by using global phase-integral methods. This allows solutions of the sixth-order problem to be estimated by steepest descents, and leads to an eigenvalue condition. The eigenvalue estimates are confirmed numerically by using the compound matrix method.
A Pathogenic Role for FcγRI in the Immune Response against Chlamydial Respiratory Infection

FcγRI is an important cell surface receptor reported to be involved in multiple immune responses, although it has not yet been extensively studied in intracellular bacterial infections. Here, using a mouse model of C. muridarum respiratory infection, we were able to determine how FcγRI regulates the host resistance against chlamydial invasion. According to our findings, the chlamydial loads and pulmonary pathology were both reduced in FcγRI deficient (Fcgr1−/−) animals. Being infected, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and effector Th1 subsets displayed increased FcγRI expression patterns. Altered infiltration of these cells in the lungs of Fcgr1−/− mice further demonstrated the regulation of FcγRI in the immune system and identified Th1 cells and macrophages as its target cell populations. As expected, we observed that the Th1 response was augmented in Fcgr1−/− mice, while the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization was constrained. These findings might indicate FcγRI as a potential regulator for host immunity and inflammatory response during chlamydial infection.
Dust production in the galaxy: The meteorite perspective

Five types of presolar grain have been isolated from meteorites—SiC, Si3N4, graphite, refractory oxides (Al2O3 and MgAl2O4), and nanodiamonds. With the exception of the nanodiamonds, single grains from each of the grain types have been isotopically analyzed. From the range of single grain isotopic compositions, a minimum of 35–40 stellar sources (AGB stars, supernovae and, possibly, novae and WR stars) are required. The relative galactic production rates of SiC, Si3N4, graphite, refractory oxide, and nanodiamond dust recorded by the presolar grains is compared with production rates estimated astronomically. The observed and estimated proportions of SiC from the various stellar sources agree quite well. Relative to the SiC grains, the abundance of supernova graphite grains is also close to astronomical estimates. However, AGB graphite/amorphous carbon, which should dominate, is highly depleted in meteorites. The AGB material may have been destroyed in the ISM or Solar System, but it is possible that the na.
SMM hard X-ray observations of the soft gamma-ray repeater 1806-20

Six bursts from the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) 1806-20 have been recorded with the SMM Hard X-ray Burst Spectrometer during a highly active phase in 1983. Rise and decay times of less than 5 ns have been detected. Time profiles of these events indicate low-level emission prior to and after the main peaks. The results suggest that SGRs are distinguished from classical gamma-ray bursts by repetition, softer nonvarying spectra, short durations, simple temporal profiles, and a tendency for source locations to correlate with Population I objects. SGR characteristics differ from those of type I X-ray bursts, but they appear to have similarities with the type II bursts from the Rapid Burster. 19 references.
Survey of the major world sports rating systems

Using a common framework, this paper presents a survey of the major world sports rating systems (WSRSs) in skiing (sponsored by the International Skiing Federation (FIS)), men's tennis (Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)), women's tennis (Women's Tennis Association (WTA)), soccer (Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA)) and golf (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews). These systems are not otherwise available in the literature. Each of the WSRSs has three phases: first, the observed results are weighted to provide points for each competition; second, these points are combined to provide a seasonal value; third, the seasonal values are combined to provide a rating. The final result or placement (and not the score or time) is the most important factor in determining points for a given competition. In skiing, men's tennis and women's tennis, the rating is calculated from results over one season, while three seasons are used in golf and six seasons are used in soccer. In cross-country skiing and men's tennis, the seasonal value is calculated from the sum of the best values from that season's competitions. In alpine skiing and women's tennis, the sum of all values from that season's competitions is used. In golf and soccer, an averaging process is used. Besides potentially encouraging more entries, a 'best' system and one using all values also generates simple integer ratings rather than decimal ratings as are obtained with an averaging system. The simplest system is that of FIS in skiing, where one table of points is used for all alpine and cross-country disciplines. In contrast, considering that soccer (as a sport) prides itself on the simplicity of the game, it is surprising that FIFA's system is so complex, It is also surprising in soccer that a 'friendly' (often a pick-up exhibition used for player development) counts two-thirds as much as does a World Cup final played before a worldwide TV audience. It is hoped that this survey will serve as a valuable resource for those studying sports rating systems.
Preliminary evaluation of underwater sound detection by the cephalopod statocyst using a forced oscillation model

To understand the mechanism of the peripheral auditory system of the cephalopod statocyst, the frequency dependence of particle motion sensitivity in cephalopods was estimated using a physical model of the sensory system, which was assumed to be forced oscillation. Reported perception thresholds of Sepia officinalis, Octopus vulgaris, and O. ocellatus fit the model well at low frequencies, whereas at frequencies above 150 Hz, the empirically measured threshold increased more steeply than the predicted increment. These results indicate that the frequency response of the perception threshold of cephalopods to particle motion can be primarily understood using the forced oscillation model, while unknown factor(s) play a role in the higher frequency range. Cephalopods are thought to be sensitive to low-frequency particle motion rather than high-frequency motion. The evolutionary function of cephalopod acoustical perception is not clear; however, the data suggest that they recognize the low-frequency particle motion that may be generated by prey, predators, and conspecifics.
The electric field and global electrodynamics of the magnetosphere: Review and Quadrennial Report to the IUGG

When the radiation belt was discovered some 20 years ago, its very existence posed a fundamental problem. The way the geomagentic field managed to trap and to hold particles was readily explained—but what processes energized them in the first place, and how were they brought into their trapped orbits? As our knowledge about the Earth's environment increased it became evident that similar questions also applied to other plasma populations such as those of the ring current and of the plasma sheet. In most cases, it turned out, both the particles' energization and their transport were provided by a large-scale electric field , permeating the magnetosphere. The “main” part of , oriented roughly from dawn to dusk (near the equatorial plane), is the one responsible for a large-scale sunward plasma flow (“convection”) found throughout most of the magnetosphere. In addition, the various sources of accelerate charged particles in several distinct ways, maintain a global system of electric currents linking the magnetosphere with the ionosphere [Potemra, 1979] and transfer energy from the solar wind to the magnetosphere. For more complete details the reader is referred to a recent review by Stern [1977].
Recognition of sidewalk environment based on WideSegPlus

In recent years, the elderly population in Japan has been increasing. Expectations for the utilization of welfare equipment are also increasing. Electric wheelchairs are one of equipment and are widely used as a convenient means of transportation. On the other hand, accidents have also occurred, and dangers have been pointed out when driving the electric wheelchair. Therefore, we believe that the development of an autonomous mobile electric wheelchair can improve the causes of accidents. In addition, it can be expected to reduce accidents and improve the convenience of electric wheelchairs. For the development of an autonomous electric wheelchair, environment recognition such as estimation of the current position, recognition of sidewalks and traffic lights, and prediction of movement of objects is indispensable. To solve these problems, we develop an algorithm to recognize the sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic lights from video images. In recent years, deep learning has been widely applied in the field of image recognition. Therefore, we improve WideSeg, one of the semantic segmentation algorithms that apply CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks), and develop an object recognition method using a new CNN model. In our approach, we perform adding the sidewalk correction and noise removal processing after performing semantic segmentation with the proposed model.