Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalized sequential preventive maintenance policy of a system subject to shocks

The paper proposes and analyses a generalized sequential preventive maintenance policy of a system subject to shocks. The shocks arrive according to a non-homogeneous Poisson process {N i (t); t S 0 }, whose intensity function r i (t) varies with the number of maintenance actions (i - 1 ) that have already been carried out, and the time (t) that has elapsed since the last maintenance action. Upon the arrival of the k th shock, the system is maintained or repaired minimally with probability θ i , k and q i , k respectively depending on the number of maintenance actions (i - 1 ) that have already occurred and the ordinal number of the arriving shock (the k th ) since the last maintenance. In addition, a planned maintenance is carried out as soon as T i time units have elapsed since the (i - 1 ) th maintenance action. If i = N, the system is replaced rather than maintained. The objective is to determine the optimal plan (in terms of N and T i ) that minimizes the expected cost per unit of time. It is shown that under certain reasonable assumptions, a sequential preventive maintenance policy has unique solutions. Various special cases are considered.
Statistical Pattern Recognition Based Content Analysis on Encrypted Network: Traffic for the TeamViewer Application

In the course of a forensic investigation it might be required to distinguish between different network activities. While various means to analyse network traffic exist, encrypted traffic often makes such an analysis problematic. The focus of this paper is to introduce a method based on statistical pattern recognition on network recordings of encrypted sessions to distinguish between different actions within these sessions. For demonstration purposes the popular remote support and online-meeting application TeamViewer is selected to introduce and discuss an approach to distinguish between file transfers, voice conferences, video conferences, text chat and normal remote sessions within TeamViewer sessions.
Statement of research interests

With the ever increasing popularity of web technologies, it is very common nowadays for people to discuss events, tasks and personal experiences in social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, blogs, fora) and email. These are examples of asynchronous conversations where participants communicate with each other at different times. The huge amount of textual data generated everyday in these conversations calls for automated methods of conversational text analysis. Effective processing of these conversational texts can be of great strategic value for both organizations and individuals.
Author's Personal Copy Computer-aided Design Integrating Shape Grammars into a Generative System for Zhuang Ethnic Embroidery Design Exploration

In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: a b s t r a c t The integration of shape grammars within a generative system is thought to have good potential to support design applications in the art and cultural domains. Based on a shape decomposing method, two-level generative shape grammars are developed within the application of Zhuang ethnic embroidery design. In our approach, free B-spline curves are used to derive initial design concepts together with a new interpolation algorithm. In order to cope with the potentially huge solution space, a novel aesthetic evaluation model and a design exploration algorithm are developed for designers to find their favorite design solutions based on their subjective assessments. A system is introduced to demonstrate this research with an example of Zhuang ethnic embroidery design.
On the Covariance of $\boldsymbol X$  in $\boldsymbol A\boldsymbol X = \boldsymbol X\boldsymbol B$

Hand–eye calibration, which consists in identifying the rigid-body transformation between a camera mounted on the robot end-effector and the end-effector itself, is a fundamental problem in robot vision. Mathematically, this problem can be formulated as: solve for <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {X}$</tex-math> </inline-formula> in <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {A}\boldsymbol {X}= \boldsymbol {X}\boldsymbol {B}$</tex-math></inline-formula>. In this paper, we provide a rigorous derivation of the covariance of the solution <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {X}$</tex-math></inline-formula>, when <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {A}$</tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {B}$</tex-math></inline-formula> are randomly perturbed matrices. This fine-grained information is critical for applications that require a high degree of perception precision. Our approach consists in applying covariance propagation methods in <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {S}\boldsymbol {E}(3)$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Experiments involving synthetic and real calibration data confirm that our approach can predict the covariance of the hand–eye transformation with excellent precision.
Update on Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes

Purposes: A literature review to describe the current diagnosis and management of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Results: Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous protozoan: 8 species, 5 genotypic classes have been reported to cause keratitis. It is potentially a sight-threatening infection, and there is often a poor prognosis because of a significant delay in diagnosis and frequently a lack of effective medical management. Main risk factors are contact lens wear, poor hygiene, and contact with contaminated water. Current methods of diagnosis include corneal scrapings for histopathologic analysis, tissue culture, confocal microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), each are reviewed in turn. Treatment options include medical (biguanides, diamidines, and corticosteroids) and surgical (epithelial debridement, amniotic membrane transplant, and penetrating keratoplasty). Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment are required to effectively manage this condition.
A continent‐wide study reveals clear relationships between regional abiotic conditions and post‐dispersal seed predation

Large‐scale patterns linking energy availability, biological productivity and diversity form a central focus of ecology. Despite evidence that the activity and abundance of animals may be limited by climatic variables associated with regional biological productivity (e.g. mean annual precipitation and annual actual evapotranspiration), it is unclear whether plant–granivore interactions are themselves influenced by these climatic factors across broad spatial extents. We evaluated whether climatic conditions that are known to alter the abundance and activity of granivorous animals also affect rates of seed removal.
Homotypic Regulation of Neuronal Morphology and Connectivity in the Mouse Retina

The establishment of neuronal circuitry during development relies upon the action of cell-intrinsic mechanisms that specify neuronal form as well as plastic processes that require the transmission of neural activity between afferents and their targets. Here, we examine the role of interactions between neighboring like-type cells within the mouse retina upon neuronal differentiation and circuit formation. Two different genetically modified mouse models were used to modulate the density of homotypic neighbors, the Type 7 cone bipolar cells, without affecting the density of their afferents, the cone photoreceptors. We demonstrate a corresponding plasticity in dendritic field area when the density of Type 7 cone bipolar cells is elevated or reduced. In accord with this variation in dendritic field area across an invariant population of afferents, individual Type 7 cone bipolar cells are also shown to modulate the number of cone pedicles contacted without varying the number of contacts at each cone pedicle. Analysis of developing Type 7 cone bipolar cells reveals that the dendritic tiling present in maturity is achieved secondarily, after an initial stage of dendritic overlap, when the dendritic terminals are stratified at the level of the cone pedicles but are not localized to them. These results demonstrate a conspicuous developmental plasticity in neural circuit formation independent of neural activity, requiring homotypic interactions between neighboring cells that ultimately regulate connectivity within the retina.
ACTH release induced in rats by noradrenaline is mediated by prostaglandin E2.

1. We investigated the involvement of prostaglandin E2 in the development of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) response induced by noradrenaline (NA) in rats. 2. Intravenous (i.v.) injection of NA produced dose‐dependent increases in the plasma concentration of ACTH and prostaglandin E2. However, pre‐treatment with systemic administration of indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, significantly suppressed this increase in plasma ACTH. 3. The i.v. injection of prostaglandin E2 significantly increased the plasma concentration of ACTH in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, ACTH responses induced by the i.v. injection of prostaglandin E2 were significantly suppressed by systemic pre‐treatment with anti‐corticotrophin‐releasing factor antibody (anti‐CRF), although the plasma level of ACTH still increased in comparison to the basal level. 4. These results suggest that NA‐stimulated prostaglandin release is involved in the ACTH response induced by NA. In addition, it is likely that CRF may be responsible for a portion of the ACTH response induced by i.v. injection of prostaglandin E2.
Plasma pentraxin-3 and coagulation and fibrinolysis variables during acute Puumala hantavirus infection and associated thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia and altered coagulation characterize all hantavirus infections. To further assess the newly discovered predictive biomarkers of disease severity during acute Puumala virus (PUUV) infection, we studied the associations between them and the variables reflecting coagulation, fibrinolysis and endothelial activation. Nineteen hospital-treated patients with serologically confirmed acute PUUV infection were included. Acutely, plasma levels of pentraxin-3 (PTX3), cell-free DNA (cf-DNA), complement components SC5b-9 and C3 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were recorded as well as platelet ligands and markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis. High values of plasma PTX3 associated with thrombin formation (prothrombin fragments F1+2; r = 0.46, P = 0.05), consumption of platelet ligand fibrinogen (r = −0.70, P < 0.001) and natural anticoagulants antithrombin (AT) (r = −0.74, P < 0.001), protein C (r = −0.77, P < 0.001) and protein S free antigen (r = −0.81, P < 0.001) and a decreased endothelial marker ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 domain 13) (r = −0.48, P = 0.04). Plasma level of AT associated with C3 (r = 0.76, P < 0.001), IL-6 (r = −0.56, P = 0.01) and cf-DNA (r = −0.47, P = 0.04). High cf-DNA coincided with increased prothrombin fragments F1+2 (r = 0.47, P = 0.04). Low C3 levels reflecting the activation of complement system through the alternative route predicted loss of all natural anticoagulants (for protein C r = 0.53, P = 0.03 and for protein S free antigen r = 0.64, P = 0.004). Variables depicting altered coagulation follow the new predictive biomarkers of disease severity, especially PTX3, in acute PUUV infection. The findings are consistent with the previous observations of these biomarkers also being predictive for low platelet count and underline the cross-talk of inflammation and coagulation systems in acute PUUV infection.
Relationship of Attribution, Expectancy, Performance, and Perceived Success to Change in Examination Preparation Strategies

The major purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between change in strategies of preparation for examination and attributions, perceived success, and performance. Prior to each of three examinations in the course, 229 undergraduate students in introductory sociology and psychology were asked their expected score/grade. Change in strategies for preparation was assessed prior to Examinations 2 and 3. Subsequent to all three examinations students were assessed on attribution, satisfaction, and perceived success. Change per se and three of the strategies for change were related to performance, specific attributions, and perceived success.
Intertextuality : fostering connections in the kindergarten classroom

As a practising classroom teacher with an academic interest in literacy acquisition, I was aware of the complex nature of literacy and the controversial debates around the teaching and learning of literacy. I was keen to closely examine literacy sessions in my classroom to identify factors that influenced literacy development. Having frequently witnessed and been intrigued by the idiosyncratic intricacies of literacy learning in my teaching and parenting, I was drawn towards theorists and educators who recognise literacy as a complex social practice (Cairney, 1995; Gee, 1990; Harste, Woodward & Burke, 1984; Heath, 1983; Luke, 1993; Solsken, 1993; Teale & Sulzby, 1986). As classroom teacher and researcher, I set out with the broad aim of exploring sociocultural factors influencing the literacy development of students in the class I was teaching at the time. Using a qualitative research paradigm, data collection began at the beginning of the school year and proceeded until the end of the final term. Data collection techniques included participant observation, field notes, video and audio recordings, questionnaires, structured and unstructured interviews and artefact collection. Initial analysis examined the data to identify factors that appeared to influence literacy development. As analysis proceeded, I became aware of intertextual incidents in the data (Jameson, 1998). Intertextuality was first defined by Kristeva (1967) and describes the process of interpreting one text by means of a previously composed text (Cairney, 1992). Research across a number of academic fields has since led to more complex definitions of intertextuality and text, and, in educational theory, its implications for learning. he presence of intertextual events in this study and the implications they have for literacy teaching and learning, precipitated the eventual focus for the study, namely, intertextuality (Roache-Jameson, 2003; 2003a; 2005; 2005a). An exploration of the theory of intertextuality, its significance to literacy, analysis of intertextuality in this classroom data and the implications for literacy teaching in the kindergarten Sharyn Roache-Jameson Doctorate of Education University of Western Sydney
A new molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the evolution of freshwater eels.

Phylogenetic analysis of a segment of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA of eight Anguilla species from the Indo-Pacific region and from the North Atlantic revealed that the genus Anguilla appears to be surprisingly young, based upon the small observed maximum genetic distance of 4.8% and the high degree of morphological similarity among the species. The placement of A. marmorata as the most ancestral lineage suggests that the genus is likely to have originated in the Indo-Malayian region, from which it quickly spread. Two Pacific species, A. obscura and A. japonica, branched next. A. japonica was placed as sister group to all remaining species, which formed three clades: the first comprising A. australis, the second A. reinhardti and A. mossambica, and the third A. anguilla and A. rostrata. All analyzed specimens of A. rostrata originating from southern New Jersey to Nova Scotia had identical mitotypes, while five mitochondrial genotypes were found in Europe differing by zero to two substitutions. The two Atlantic eel species are very closely related; all surveyed specimens of A. anguilla differ by three to five substitutions from their American allies, corroborating the existence of two distinct biological species. This was also confirmed by restriction analysis of a 350-bp segment of the cytochrome b, in which American specimens were distinct in sharing a single diagnostic restriction site of HinfI. Our results suggest little to no gene flow between the two nominal Atlantic eel species.
Proactive personality and entrepreneurial intent

Purpose – The purpose of the present study, which is part of a larger cross‐cultural study, is to examine two potential antecedents of entrepreneurial intent (EI): proactive personality (PP) and entrepreneurial self‐efficacy (ESE). Specifically, the study is interested in empirically testing the mechanism (mediation/moderation) by which ESE affected the relationship between PP/EI.Design/methodology/approach – For testing the mediation and moderation hypotheses the study used structural equation modeling and moderated regression analyses respectively.Findings – The authors found that PP has a robust relationship with the three different manifestations of EI – general, high growth, and lifestyle. Furthermore, ESE not only mediated the relationship between PP and all the three forms of EI but also moderated the relationship between PP and high growth EI as well as PP and lifestyle EI.Research limitations/implications – The authors studied intent, not behavior, with the understanding that cognitive intent is .
Arterial thrombosis for the interventional cardiologist: From adhesion molecules and coagulation factors to clinical therapeutics

Arterial thrombosis is the result of a complex and well‐orchestrated set of events where interactions between platelets and leukocytes are intertwined with enzymatic reactions of the coagulation system. Here, we present a contemporary panorama of arterial thrombosis and provide a framework the interventionalist can use to understand the current antithrombotic pharmacotherapies and recognize the role of therapies that have yet to be developed. We analyze thrombosis in the context of plaque rupture and vascular injury and describe the interactions between platelets and the subendothelium. We then discuss platelet‐leukocyte interactions, emphasizing the inflammatory nature of thrombosis and how this relates to vessel restenosis following angioplasty. The different reactions of the coagulation system are described not from an isolated perspective, but are integrated into the sequence of cell‐cell interactions that parallel them. Finally, we describe the mechanisms that terminate the thrombotic response. Catheter Cadiovasc Interv 2003;60:236–246. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autologous Mononuclear Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Peripheral Occlusive Arterial Disease

&NA; Patients with chronic peripheral occlusive arterial disease often are not candidates for conventional revascularization procedures. Preclinical trials have shown that the transplantation of autologous bone marrow cells induces and increases the collateral vessel formation. We analyzed the clinical benefit of combined intraarterial and intramuscular transplantation of adult autologous mononuclear bone marrow stem cells in patients with lower-limb peripheral occlusive arterial disease. Methods: Patients with severe peripheral occlusive arterial disease and a reduced walking distance (Fontaine stage II or III) were included. Bone marrow was harvested from the hip under local anesthesia and mononuclear cells were transplanted intramuscularly and intraarterially into the ischemic limb after isolation under good manufacturing practice conditions. Results: After 2 months, pain-free walking distance increased 3.7-fold. Furthermore, the ankle-brachial index was significantly improved at rest and after exercise. Similar improvements could be documented by capillary-venous oxygen saturation and venous occlusion plethysmography. No side effects or complications were detected during transplantation and during time of follow-up. Conclusions: Combined intraarterial and intramuscular transplantation of autologous mononuclear bone marrow stem cells is a clinically feasible and minimally invasive therapeutic option for patients with severe, chronic peripheral occlusive arterial disease.
Healthy behaviours and COPD

In this issue of the European Respiratory Review , Young and Hopkins [1] elegantly discuss how beans (an important part of the Hispanic diet) could reduce systemic inflammation and, thereby, the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, explaining the risk imbalance between Hispanics, African–Americans and non-Hispanic whites. As appropriately acknowledged by the authors, what they propose is a hypothesis, warranting confirmation in specific observational and interventional studies. The purpose of this editorial is to discuss some important issues evoked in their reasoning, focusing on COPD only. Altogether, the main question is: is causal inference between bean intake and reduction in the risk of COPD occurrence possible from available data and, if not, what would be needed to progress, considering possible confounders? In 1965, Sir Bradford Hill, an epidemiologist, proposed to consider the following criteria when assessing the causality of a relationship between two events/conditions [2]: 1) the strength of the association, as assessed by statistics (rate ratios, risk ratios and odds ratios); 2) consistency and repeatability of the association; 3) specificity of the relationship (one cause leads to one effect); 4) temporal relationship (the cause precedes the consequence); 5) presence of a dose–response relationship, i.e. greater exposure is associated with greater incidence of the effect; 6) biological plausibility; 7) coherence between epidemiological and biological/laboratory evidence; 8) experimental evidence; and 9) analogy with the effect of other, similar factors. Two other factors need to be considered: 1) the possible involvement of bias by confounding factors in the observed association(s) [3]; and 2) the specific issue of confirmation of observations by interventional approaches [4]. The need to consider the criteria of Hill [2] as a guide rather than as a definitive tool has been underlined …
Unraveling the structure of the h-BN/Rh(111) nanomesh with ab initio calculations

The properties of a single layer of h-BN on top of a Rh(111) surface are discussed in terms of an ab initio generated force field approach as well as by direct ab initio density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. A single-layer model for the h-BN/Rh(111) nanomesh, in contrast to a previously considered (incomplete) double-layer model of h-BN, can explain the experimental data. The main focus of this work is to compare a force field approach described earlier in (Laskowski et al 2007 Phys. Rev. Lett. 98 106802) with direct ab initio calculations. The calculated geometry of the h-BN layer is very similar to the structure predicted by the force field approach. The ab initio calculated density of states projected on N-px,y of BN corresponding to ‘low’ and ‘high’ regions with respect to the Rh surface shows a 1 eV splitting and thus explains the observed σ-band splitting. Moreover, we find good agreement between calculated and experimental scanning tunneling microscope (STM) images of this system.