Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blowfly flight characteristics are shaped by environmental features and controlled by optic flow information

SUMMARY Blowfly flight consists of two main components, saccadic turns and intervals of mostly straight gaze direction, although, as a consequence of inertia, flight trajectories usually change direction smoothly. We investigated how flight behavior changes depending on the surroundings and how saccadic turns and intersaccadic translational movements might be controlled in arenas of different width with and without obstacles. Blowflies do not fly in straight trajectories, even when traversing straight flight arenas; rather, they fly in meandering trajectories. Flight speed and the amplitude of meanders increase with arena width. Although saccade duration is largely constant, peak angular velocity and succession into either direction are variable and depend on the visual surroundings. Saccade rate and amplitude also vary with arena layout and are correlated with the ‘time-to-contact’ to the arena wall. We provide evidence that both saccade and velocity control rely to a large extent on the intersaccadic optic flow generated in eye regions looking well in front of the fly, rather than in the lateral visual field, where the optic flow at least during forward flight tends to be strongest.
Differentiate to thrive: lessons from the Legionella pneumophila life cycle

When confronted by disparate environments, microbes routinely alter their physiology to tolerate or exploit local conditions. But some circumstances require more drastic remodelling of the bacterial cell, as sporulation by the Bacillus and Streptomyces species of soil bacteria vividly illustrates. Cellular differentiation is also crucial for pathogens, the challenge for which is to colonize one host, then be transmitted to the next. Using the Gram‐negative Legionella pneumophila as a model intracellular pathogen, we describe how biogenesis of the replication vacuole is determined by the developmental state of the bacterium. Subsequently, when replicating bacteria have exhausted the nutrient supply, the pathogens couple their conversion to stationary phase physiology with expression of traits that promote transmission to a new host. The cellular differentiation of L. pneumophila is co‐ordinated by a regulatory circuit that integrates several elements that are broadly conserved in the microbial world. The alarmone (p)ppGpp promotes transcription directed by the alternative sigma factors RpoS, FliA and, probably, RpoN, and also post‐transcriptional control mediated by a two‐component regulatory system, LetA/S (GacA/S), and an mRNA‐binding protein, CsrA (RsmA). By applying knowledge of microbial differentiation in combination with tools to screen the complete genomes of pathogens, experiments can be designed to identify two distinct classes of virulence traits: factors that promote replication and those dedicated to transmission.
Human–Bat Interactions in Rural West Africa

Because some bats host viruses with zoonotic potential, we investigated human–bat interactions in rural Ghana during 2011–2012. Nearly half (46.6%) of respondents regularly visited bat caves; 37.4% had been bitten, scratched, or exposed to bat urine; and 45.6% ate bat meat. Human–bat interactions in rural Ghana are frequent and diverse.
The effects of component Q distribution on microwave filters

The effects of lossy components on the passband response of a bandpass filter are studied in this paper. It is found that the resonator Q has pronounced effects on the insertion losses, while its effects on the group delays are rather minor. The first-order approximation is used to estimate the deviations of insertion loss and group delay from the ideal. The effects of a lossy resonator in each stage are individually analyzed to evaluate which components are more critical and should be paid more attention. Filters designed by the predistortion technique are also discussed with emphasis on the effects of component Q distribution on the transmission level. When resonators with different Q are used in a filter, a bell-shaped Q distribution is proposed to achieve the optimal passband response. Finally, three filters with different component Q distributions were designed by combining the dielectric and microstrip-line resonators, and the measured results agreed well with the theoretical predictions.
CUSTOMER LIFETIME VALUE (CLV) MEASUREMENT BASED ON RFM MODEL

Nowadays companies increasingly derive revenue from the creation and sustenance of long-term relationships with their customers. In such an environment, marketing serves the purpose of maximizing customer lifetime value (CLV) and customer equity, which is the sum of the lifetime values of the company’s customers. A frequently-encountered difficulty for companies wishing to measure customer profitability is that management accounting and reporting systems have tended to reflect product profitability rather than customer profitability. But in spite of these difficulties, Companies looking for methods to know how calculate their customers's CLV. In this paper, we used K-Mean clustering approach to determine customers's CLV and segment them based on recency, frequency and monetary (RFM) measures. We also used Discriminant analysis to approve clustering results. Data required applying this method gathered from one branch of an Iranian private bank which is established newly. Finally, in terms of this segmentation, we proposed customer retention strategies for treating with the bank customers.
Global well–posedness for the Lagrangian averaged Navier–Stokes (LANS–α) equations on bounded domains

We prove the global well–posedness and regularity of the (isotropic) Lagrangian averaged Navier–Stokes (LANS–α) equations on a three–dimensional bounded domain with a smooth boundary with no–slip boundary conditions for initial data in the set {u ∈ Hs ∩ H10| Au = 0 on ∂Ω, div u = 0}, s ∈ [3, 5), where A is the Stokes operator. As with the Navier–Stokes equations, one has parabolic–type regularity; that is, the solutions instantaneously become space–time smooth when the forcing is smooth (or zero). The equations are an ensemble average of the Navier–Stokes equations over initial data in an α–radius phase–space ball, and converge to the Navier–Stokes equations as α → 0. We also show that classical solutions of the LANS–α equations converge almost all in Hs for s ∈ 2.5, 3), to solutions of the inviscid equations (ν = 0), called the Lagrangian averaged Euler (LAE–α) equations, even on domains with boundary, for time–intervals governed by the time of existence of solutions of the LAE–α equations.
Robust Surface Reconstruction

We propose a method to reconstruct surfaces from oriented point clouds corrupted by errors arising from range imaging sensors. The core of this technique is the formulation of the problem as a convex minimization that reconstructs the indicator function of the surface's interior and substitutes the usual least-squares fidelity terms by Huber penalties to be robust to outliers, recover sharp corners, and avoid the shrinking bias of least-squares models. To achieve both flexibility and accuracy, we couple an implicit parametrization that reconstructs surfaces of unknown topology with adaptive discretizations that avoid the high memory and computational cost of volumetric representations. The hierarchical structure of the discretizations speeds minimization through multiresolution, while the proposed splitting algorithm minimizes nondifferentiable functionals and is easy to parallelize. In experiments, our model improves reconstruction from synthetic and real data, while the choice of discretization affects .
Structure-property relationships of a biological mesocrystal in the adult sea urchin spine

Structuring over many length scales is a design strategy widely used in Nature to create materials with unique functional properties. We here present a comprehensive analysis of an adult sea urchin spine, and in revealing a complex, hierarchical structure, show how Nature fabricates a material which diffracts as a single crystal of calcite and yet fractures as a glassy material. Each spine comprises a highly oriented array of Mg-calcite nanocrystals in which amorphous regions and macromolecules are embedded. It is postulated that this mesocrystalline structure forms via the crystallization of a dense array of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor particles. A residual surface layer of ACC and/or macromolecules remains around the nanoparticle units which creates the mesocrystal structure and contributes to the conchoidal fracture behavior. Nature’s demonstration of how crystallization of an amorphous precursor phase can create a crystalline material with remarkable properties therefore provides inspiration for a novel approach to the design and synthesis of synthetic composite materials.
Block copolymers of poly(L-lactide) and poly(ε-caprolactone) or poly(ethylene glycol) prepared by reactive extrusion

Blends of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared in a co-rotating twin screw miniextruder (40 rpm, 200°). It was attempted to prepare multiblock copolymers by allowing a controlled number of transesterification reactions. Various cat-alysts (n-Bu3SnOMe, Sn(Oct)2, Ti(OBu)4, Y(Oct)3, para-toluene sulphonic acid) were introduced to promote these transesterification reactions. However, PLLA degradation by ring-closing depolymerization was the dominant reaction in every case. Alternatively, after showing that L-lactide can be conveniently polymerized in the extruder, L-lactide and hy-droxyl functionalized prepolymers of PCL or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were fed to the extruder in the presence of stannous octoate. Monomer conversions of over 90% and effective transformation of all hydroxyl end groups present were generally reached. Di-and triblock copolymers could be prepared in this way with characteristics very similar to polymers prepared in a batch-type process, but with considerably reduced reaction times in a fashion, which is, in principle, scaleable to a continuous process for the production of such block copolymers.
A Survey on Shari’Ah Governance Practices in Malaysia, GCC Countries and the UK

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand current Design/methodology/approach - Since the availability of secondary data on Findings - The survey findings affirm that there are significant differences and diverse Practical implications - The paper is a very useful source of information that may provide relevant guidelines in guiding the future development of Originality/value - This paper provides fresh data and recent information on the actual
PV panel modelling using Simscape

This paper discusses the photovoltaic panel model realization using software package known as Simscape, a simulation platform for the PV cell and panel. The output current and power characteristics of PV model are simulated using the proposed software based on sunlight irradiance and cell temperature characteristics. The simulation and analysis of the dynamics of PV power system is made easy through this package.
A Surface Approach to Learning Rewards First-Year Engineering Students

In a study investigating first-year engineering students' approaches to learning and studying, a surface approach to learning was shown to be the best predictor of academic achievement. A strategic approach to studying was found to be a negative factor. A questionnaire was distributed to first-year students aiming for Master of Science in Engineering in either Computer Science or Media Technology in the beginning and the end of their first year of study. In the first instance 150 students (69.5 %) answered the questionnaire and 87 (34.5 %) participated on both occasions.
Hidden Model Sequence Models for Automatic Speech Recognition

Most modern automatic speech recognition systems make use of acoustic models based on hidden Markov models. To obtain reasonable recognition performance within a large vocabulary framework, the acoustic models usually include a pronunciation model, together with complex parameter tying schemes. In many cases the pronunciation model operates on a phoneme level and is derived independently of the underlying models. In contrast, this work is aimed at improving pronunciation modelling on a sub-phone level in a combined framework. The modelling of pronunciation variation is assumed to be of special importance for recognition of spontaneous speech. The novel framework of hidden model sequence modelling using the basis of hidden Markov models is presented. The framework allows arbitrary mappings between model and phoneme sequences. A stochastic model for this mapping, the model sequence model, is introduced. The parameters of this new model can be estimated jointly with the parameters of the underlying hidden Markov model set by the use of a maximum likelihood criterion. The set of potential mappings is divided into the cases of fixed and variable alignment between the model and phoneme sequences. Whereas the former only allows the modelling of substitutions, the latter can be used to describe additional sub-phone insertion and deletion effects. A range of different approaches for potential model sequence models is proposed. The natural form of modelling the fixed alignment case is an N-gram type model using a constrained phoneme context. Issues such as model structure, data sparsity and appropriate initialisation of the model parameters are discussed in detail and a set of solutions is tested. For the case of variable alignment a multigram based model sequence model is presented and two different implementations are investigated. Special attention is given to the modelling of sub-phone deletions. Experimental evidence is presented on the basis of results obtained on two transcription tasks: Resource Management as an example for read speech; and Switchboard as an example for a complex spontaneous speech task. On both tasks statistically significant improvements are obtained over a standard HMM baseline with a relative reduction in word error rate of more than 25% on Resource Management and 5% on Switchboard.
Factors Affecting Corn Silage Quality in Hot and Humid Climates

Dairy farmers in many parts of the world rely on corn silage as a source of digestible fiber and readily fermentable energy for their cattle. In Florida, Georgia and many tropical countries, such farmers face several climatic challenges that can complicate corn silage production including temperatures that reduce the rate of photosynthesis (Crafts-Brandner and Salvucci, 2002) and reduction in potential yields due to faster crop life-cycles. In addition, the hot, humid conditions that occur during the corn growing season in these states is partly responsible for the production of four generations per year of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) compared to one generation per year in Northern states. These climatic conditions are also conducive for proliferation of many bacterial and fungal pathogens which cause stalk rot, smut, leaf blight and southern rust, and predispose to growth of mycotoxin-producing Penicillium, Aspergillus and Fusarium molds (Ono et al., 1999; Raid and Kucharek, 2005; Samapundo et al., 2005). In addition to affecting crop growth and disease incidence, previous studies showed that these climatic factors have adverse effects on silage fermentation and aerobic stability (Dewar et al., 1963; Garcia et al., 1989; McDonald et al., 1966; Muck, 1987). Rainfall at harvest can increase proteolysis in the silo ((McDonald et al., 1991) and effluent production (Fransen and Strubi, 1998) thereby reducing DM recovery. Ensiling at high temperatures reduces lactic acid concentration and aerobic stability, and increases pH and DM losses (Ashbell et al., 2002; Weinberg et al., 2001). Most of these findings were based on grass and alfalfa silages and the experiments examined the effect of temperature or moisture on silage fermentation
Acetaminophen Modulates the Transcriptional Response to Recombinant Interferon-β

Background Recombinant interferon treatment can result in several common side effects including fever and injection-site pain. Patients are often advised to use acetaminophen or other over-the-counter pain medications as needed. Little is known regarding the transcriptional changes induced by such co-administration. Methodology/Principal Findings We tested whether the administration of acetaminophen causes a change in the response normally induced by interferon-β treatment. CD-1 mice were administered acetaminophen (APAP), interferon-β (IFN-β) or a combination of IFN-β+APAP and liver and serum samples were collected for analysis. Differential gene expression was determined using an Agilent 22 k whole mouse genome microarray. Data were analyzed by several methods including Gene Ontology term clustering and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. We observed a significant change in the transcription profile of hepatic cells when APAP was co-administered with IFN-β. These transcriptional changes included a marked up-regulation of genes involved in signal transduction and cell differentiation and down-regulation of genes involved in cellular metabolism, trafficking and the IκBK/NF-κB cascade. Additionally, we observed a large decrease in the expression of several IFN-induced genes including Ifit-3, Isg-15, Oasl1, Zbp1 and predicted gene EG634650 at both early and late time points. Conclusions/Significance A significant change in the transcriptional response was observed following co-administration of IFN-β+APAP relative to IFN-β treatment alone. These results suggest that administration of acetaminophen has the potential to modify the efficacy of IFN-β treatment.
Non-market Leadership Experience and Labor Market Success: Evidence From Military Rank

There has been much recent interest in the effects of pre and non-market skills on future labor market outcomes. This paper examines one such effect : the effect on future wages of military leadership experience among "Vietnam generation" American men. We study rank, not just veteran status. We argue that rank is a good measure of pre-market leadership skills because of the clear military hierarchy and the primarily youth experience of Vietnam service. Two sources of selection bias are accounted for : non-random military entry and eventual rank attained. We apply a modified 2-stage parametric sample selection method. The rank premia on future wages are estimated using the parametric selection corrections and a propensity score matching with two indices. We find evidence of a leadership premium, but not a veterans' premium. It is the rank that matters. If one joins the military believing that military service commands a future wage premium, he had better become an NCO or an officer.
Models of Competition between Firms: Endogenous Market Structure in the Kaleckian Model

The purpose of this paper is to incorporate free entry into the Kaleckian model. To this end, we consider a model with monopolistic competition, mark‐up pricing and a free‐entry condition. Using this model, the Kaleckian model is unstable under a wage‐led growth regime, and it is stable under a profit‐led growth regime, when the interest rate is supposed to be constant. Stability under a wage‐led growth can be achieved if the interest rate is allowed to respond positively to capacity utilization. We also find that a goods market policy, but not an income distribution policy, is then effective from an economic growth perspective.
Visualising groups of European destinations

This paper applies a technique called multidimensional scaling (MDS) to illustrate how European destinations are positioned in relation to each other. The basis for doing so is bednight statistics from Eurostat for the period from 1998 to 2009 for 33 European destinations (countries, nations). For each destination bednights are registered in four categories: domestic hotel guests, foreign hotel guests, domestic guests at other types of accommodation, and foreign guests at other types of accommodation. With bednights on a monthly basis, this makes a data matrix with 12*12*4=576 cases. The variables are the destinations, which count up to 28, when combining a few of them. Month or quarter, guest type, and type of accommodation are dummy-variables. A series of MDS diagrams are shown. Two separate factor analyses are used to form groups of destinations, which are also visible in two of the three MDS diagrams. The European destinations for international visitors can be grouped by major language spheres.
Population Screening for Genetic Disorders in the 21st Century: Evidence, Economics, and Ethics

Background: Proposals for population screening for genetic diseases require careful scrutiny by decision makers because of the potential for harms and the need to demonstrate benefits commensurate with the opportunity cost of resources expended. Methods: We review current evidence-based processes used in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands to assess genetic screening programs, including newborn screening programs, carrier screening, and organized cascade testing of relatives of patients with genetic syndromes. In particular, we address critical evidentiary, economic, and ethical issues that arise in the appraisal of screening tests offered to the population. Specific case studies include newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and cystic fibrosis and adult screening for hereditary hemochromatosis. Results: Organizations and countries often reach different conclusions about the suitability of screening tests for implementation on a population basis. Deciding when and how to introduce pilot screening programs is challenging. In certain cases, e.g., hereditary hemochromatosis, a consensus does not support general screening although cascade screening may be cost-effective. Conclusion: Genetic screening policies have often been determined by technological capability, advocacy, and medical opinion rather than through a rigorous evidence-based review process. Decision making should take into account principles of ethics and opportunity costs.
Mass Models for Spiral Galaxies from Two-dimensional Velocity Maps

We model the mass distributions of 40 high surface brightness spiral galaxies inside their optical radii, deriving parameters of mass models by matching the predicted velocities to observed velocity maps. We use constant mass-to-light disk and bulge models, and we have tried fits with no halo and with three different halo density profiles. The data require a halo in most, but not all, cases, while in others the best fit occurs with negligible mass in the luminous component, which we regard as unphysical. All three adopted halo profiles lead to fits of about the same quality, and our data therefore do not constrain the functional form of the halo profile. The halo parameters display large degeneracies for two of the three adopted halo functions, but the separate luminous and dark masses are better constrained. However, the fitted disk and halo masses vary substantially between the adopted halo models, indicating that even high-quality two-dimensional optical velocity maps do not provide significant constraints on the dark matter content of a galaxy. We demonstrate that data from long-slit observations are likely to provide still weaker constraints. We conclude that additional information is needed in order to constrain the separate disk and halo masses in a galaxy.