Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensor and actuator fault diagnosis of systems with discrete inputs and outputs

The paper describes a method for detecting and identifying faults that occur in the sensors or in the actuators of dynamical systems with discrete-valued inputs and outputs. The model used in the diagnosis is a stochastic automaton. The generalized observer scheme (GOS), which has been proposed for systems with continuous-variable inputs and outputs some years ago, are developed for discrete systems. This scheme solves the diagnostic problem as an observation problem, which is set up here for discrete-event systems. As the system under consideration is described by a stochastic automaton rather than a differential equation, the mathematical background and the diagnostic algorithms obtained are completely different from the well-known observers developed for continuous-variable systems. The GOS is extended here by a fault detection module to cope with plant faults that are different from actuator or sensor faults. The diagnostic algorithm consists of two steps, the first detecting the existence of a fault and the second isolating possible sensor or actuator faults or identifying plant faults. The results are applied to quantized systems whose discrete inputs and outputs result from a quantization of the continuous-variable input and output signals. Experimental results illustrate the proposed diagnostic method.
Interpreting Deviations from Covered Interest Parity During the Financial Market Turmoil of 2007-08

This paper investigates the spillover effects of money market turbulence in 2007-08 on the short-term covered interest parity (CIP) condition between the US dollar and the euro through the foreign exchange (FX) swap market. Sharp and persistent deviations from the CIP condition observed during the turmoil are found to be significantly associated with differences in the counterparty risk between European and US financial institutions. Furthermore, evidence is found that dollar term funding auctions by the ECB, supported by dollar swap lines with the Federal Reserve, have stabilized the FX swap market by lowering the volatility of deviations from CIP.
An Equilibrium Model of Investment Under Uncertainty

We analyze the optimal investment decisions of heterogeneous firms in a competitive, uncertain environment, characterizing firms' investment strategies explicitly and deriving closed-form solutions for firm value. Real option premia remain significant, and are even unmitigated relative to the standard partial-equilibrium model when both are calibrated to observables. Firms consequently delay investment, choosing not to undertake some positive NPV projects. We compare competitive behavior to that of a strategic monopolist, and quantify the welfare loss associated with monopoly. Finally, the model predicts business cycle dependence on firm returns, with returns negatively skewed during industry expansions but positively skewed in industry recessions.
Characterization of ZrO2-Montmorilonite Pillarization Process from Local Zirconium Oxychloride Local Made PSTA-BATAN

Characterization of the pillarization process product of ZrO2-montmorillonite from Zirconium oxychloride local made of PSTA-BATAN has been done. The objective of this research is to control the quality of pillarization process product of the new material ZrO2-montmorilonite. This new material was produced from local made Zirconium oxychloride (ZOC) of PSTA-BATAN by dry process and bentonite (Na-montmorillonite) imported from Thailand by the pillarization process. During optimization the pillarization quality control would be followed by absorbance using Diffuse Reflectance Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis DRS) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). While the type of functional group can be detected by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, and the surface image was observed by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and BET methods. The result gained showed that the optimum quality of ZrO2-montmorillonite was at Zr concentration of 0.2 M with the absorbance of 1.04 au by XRD and DRS. The best precursor used was ethylene glycol with a drying process in the cold conditions at the absorbance of 1.2 au. The best calcination process was at the temperature of 600 °C with the reached absorbance value of 1.3 au. The results of TEM image observation after calcination at the temperature of 600 °C were clearer and more porous than before and showed specific surface area of 105 m2/g. The interpretation results of FTIR spectra on the new material of ZrO2-montmorillonite contained the cluster of ΞSi-OH, ΞAl-OH and Si-O functional groups indicating pillar groups.
YAP1 Recruits c-Abl to Protect Angiomotin-Like 1 from Nedd4-Mediated Degradation

Background Tissue development and organ growth require constant remodeling of cell-cell contacts formed between epithelial cells. The Hippo signaling cascade curtails organ growth by excluding the transcriptional co-activator Yes Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) from the nucleus. Angiomotin family members recruit YAP1 to tight junctions [1], but whether YAP1 plays a specific role outside of the nucleus is currently unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings The present study demonstrates that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4.2 targets Angiomotin-like 1 (AMOTL1), a family member that promotes the formation of epithelial tight junctions, for ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Unexpectedly, YAP1 antagonizes the function of Nedd4.2, and protects AMOTL1 against Nedd4.2-mediated degradation. YAP1 recruits c-Abl, a tyrosine kinase that binds and phosphorylates Nedd4.2 on tyrosine residues, thereby modifying its ubiquitin-ligase activity. Conclusions/Significance Our results uncover a novel function for cytoplasmic YAP1. YAP1 recruits c-Abl to protect AMOTL1 against Nedd4.2-mediated degradation. Thus, YAP1, excluded from the nucleus, contributes to the maintenance of tight junctions.
Application of artificial neural network (ANN) for the prediction of thermal resistance of knitted fabrics at different moisture content*

Abstract Thermal resistance of the fabrics is one of the decisive parameters in terms of comfort; however it can change due to wetting. Therefore, thermal resistance of wetted fabric is important for comfort performance of garments. In recent years, artificial neural networks (ANN) have been used in the textile field for classification, identification, prediction of properties and optimization problems. ANNs can predict the fabric thermal properties by considering the influence of all fabric parameters at the same time. In this study, ANNs were used to predict thermal resistance of wetted fabrics. For this aim, two different architectures were experienced and high regression coefficient (R2) between the predicted (training and testing) and observed thermal resistance values were obtained from both models. The obtained regression coefficient values were over 90% for both models. Then it can be said that ANNs could be used for predicting thermal resistance of wetted fabrics successfully.
First-principles study of SnS electronic properties using LDA, PBE and HSE06 functionals

Abstract Recently, tin sulphide (SnS) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional CIGS and CZTC for use in solar cells, possessing such properties as non-toxicity, low cost and production stability. SnS has a high theoretically predicted efficiency above 20%, but the experimentally achieved efficiency so far is as low as 4.36%. The reason for the low achieved efficiency is unclear. One of the powerful tools to get deeper insights about the nature of the problem is first-principles calculation approaches. That is why SnS has become an attractive subject for first-principles calculations recently. Previously calculated data, however, show a widespread of such fundamental value as the bandgap varying from 0.26 to 1.26 eV. In order to understand a reason for that, in this work, we concentrate on a systematic study of calculation parameters effects on the resulting electronic structure, with the particular attention paid to the influence of the exchange-correlation functional chosen for calculations. Several exchange-correlation functionals (LDA, PBE and HSE06) were considered. The systematic analysis has shown that the bandgap variation can result from a tensile/compressive hydrostatic pressure introduced by non-equilibrium lattice parameters used for the calculations. The study of the applicability of three functionals has shown that HSE06 gives the best match to both experimentally obtained bandgap and the XPS valence band spectra. LDA underestimates the bandgap but qualitatively reproduces experimentally measured valence DOS similar to that of HSE06 in contrast to PBE. PBE underestimates the bandgap and does not match to the measured XPS spectra.
Blind grasping: Stable robotic grasping using tactile feedback and hand kinematics

We propose a machine learning approach to the perception of a stable robotic grasp based on tactile feedback and hand kinematic data, which we call blind grasping. We first discuss a method for simulating tactile feedback using a soft finger contact model in GraspIt! , which is a robotic grasping simulator [10]. Using this simulation technique, we compute tactile contacts of thousands of grasps with a robotic hand using the Columbia Grasp Database [6]. The tactile contacts along with the hand kinematic data are then input to a Support Vector Machine (SVM) which is trained to estimate the stability of a given grasp based on this tactile feedback and also the robotic hand kinematics. Experimental results indicate that the tactile feedback along with the hand kinematic data carry meaningful information for the prediction of the stability of a blind robotic grasp.
Mixing and Segregation of Granular Materials

▪ Abstract Granular materials segregate. Small differences in either size or density lead to flow-induced segregation, a complex phenomenon without parallel in fluids. Modeling of mixing and segregation processes requires the confluence of several tools, including continuum and discrete descriptions (particle dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, cellular automata computations) and, often, considerable geometrical insight. None of these viewpoints, however, is wholly satisfactory by itself. Moreover, continuum and discrete descriptions of granular flows are regime dependent, and this fact may require adopting different subviewpoints. This review organizes a body of knowledge that forms—albeit imperfectly—the beginnings of an expandable continuum framework for the description of mixing and segregation of granular materials. We focus primarily on noncohesive particles, possibly differing in size, density, shape, etc. We present segregation mechanisms and models for size and density segregation and introduce ch.
Co3O4 Nanopetals on Si as Photoanodes for the Oxidation of Organics

Cobalt oxide nanopetals were grown on silicon electrodes by heat-treating metallic cobalt films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering. We show that cobalt oxide, with this peculiar nanostructure, is active towards the photo-electrochemical oxidation of water as well as of organic molecules, and that its electrochemical properties are directly linked to the structure of its surface. The formation of Co3O4 nanopetals, induced by oxidizing annealing at 300 °C, considerably improves the performance of the material with respect to simple cobalt oxide films. Photocurrent measurements and electrochemical impedance are used to explain the behavior of the different structures and to highlight their potential application in water remediation technologies.
Commutators with finite spectrum

The purpose of this paper is to study derivations d, d′ defined on a Banach algebra A such that the spectrum σ([dx,d′x]) is finite for all x ∈ A. In particular we show that if the algebra is semisimple, then there exists an element a in the socle of A such that [d,d′] is the inner derivation implemented by a.
Bacterial and Protozoal Communities and Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen of Sheep Fed a Diet Containing Added Tannins

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of tannins on ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) due to shifts in the ruminal microbial environment in sheep. Thirteen lambs (45 days of age) were assigned to two dietary treatments: seven lambs were fed a barley-based concentrate (control group) while the other six lambs received the same concentrate with supplemental quebracho tannins (9.57% of dry matter). At 122 days of age, the lambs were slaughtered, and the ruminal contents were subjected to fatty acid analysis and sampled to quantify populations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, which converts C18:2c9-c12 (linoleic acid [LA]) to C18:2c9-t11 (rumenic acid [RA]) and then RA to C18:1t11 (vaccenic acid [VA]); we also sampled for Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, which converts VA to C18:0 (stearic acid [SA]). Tannins increased (P < 0.005) VA in the rumen compared to the tannin-free diet. The concentration of SA was not affected by tannins. The SA/VA ratio was lower (P < 0.005) for the tannin-fed lambs than for the controls, suggesting that the last step of the BH process was inhibited by tannins. The B. proteoclasticus population was lower (−30.6%; P < 0.1), and B. fibrisolvens and protozoan populations were higher (+107% and +56.1%, respectively; P < 0.05) in the rumen of lambs fed the tannin-supplemented diet than in controls. These results suggest that quebracho tannins altered BH by changing ruminal microbial populations.
MiR-30a Decreases Multidrug Resistance (MDR) of Gastric Cancer Cells

Background The effectiveness of chemotherapy for gastric cancer is largely limited by either intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between miR-30a dysregulation and multidrug resistance (MDR) in gastric cancer cells. Material/Methods We recruited 20 patients with advanced gastric cancer. Chemosensitivity was assessed after completion of the chemotherapy. SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells were transfected for miR-30a overexpression or knockdown. Then, MTT assay was performed to assess the IC50 of DPP and 5-FU in SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect DPP- and 5-FU-induced cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess EMT of the cells. Results MiR-30a was significantly downregulated in the chemoresistant tissues. In both SGC-7901 and SGC-7901/DDP cells, miR-30a overexpression decreased the expression of P-gp, a MDR-related protein. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that miR-30a inhibition increased chemoresistance, while miR-30a overexpression decreased chemoresistance in gastric cancer cells. Both Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that miR-30a inhibition decreased E-cadherin but increased N-cadherin in SGC-7901 cells, while miR-30a overexpression increased E-cadherin but decreased N-cadherin in SGC-7901 cells. Conclusions MiR-30a can decrease multidrug resistance (MDR) of gastric cancer cells. It is also an important miRNA modulating EMT of the cancer cells.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Strain ST398 Is Present in Midwestern U.S. Swine and Swine Workers

Background Recent research has demonstrated that many swine and swine farmers in the Netherlands and Canada are colonized with MRSA. However, no studies to date have investigated carriage of MRSA among swine and swine farmers in the United States (U.S.). Methods We sampled the nares of 299 swine and 20 workers from two different production systems in Iowa and Illinois, comprising approximately 87,000 live animals. MRSA isolates were typed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using SmaI and EagI restriction enzymes, and by multi locus sequence typing (MLST). PCR was used to determine SCCmec type and presence of the pvl gene. Results In this pilot study, overall MRSA prevalence in swine was 49% (147/299) and 45% (9/20) in workers. The prevalence of MRSA carriage among production system A's swine varied by age, ranging from 36% (11/30) in adult swine to 100% (60/60) of animals aged 9 and 12 weeks. The prevalence among production system A's workers was 64% (9/14). MRSA was not isolated from production system B's swine or workers. Isolates examined were not typeable by PFGE when SmaI was used, but digestion with EagI revealed that the isolates were clonal and were not related to common human types in Iowa (USA100, USA300, and USA400). MLST documented that the isolates were ST398. Conclusions These results show that colonization of swine by MRSA was very common on one swine production system in the midwestern U.S., suggesting that agricultural animals could become an important reservoir for this bacterium. MRSA strain ST398 was the only strain documented on this farm. Further studies are examining carriage rates on additional farms.
Relative effectiveness of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral interventions for anxiety disorders: Meta-analytic review

ABSTRACT Increasingly popular mindfulness intervention innovations seem demonstrably effective in alleviating anxiety among people with anxiety disorders. However, the basis of such primary and synthetic evidence has, for the most part, been comparisons with non-active comparison conditions such as waiting lists. The longest-standing and strongest evidence-informed practices in this field have been cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI). This meta-analysis synthesized evidence from nine randomized trials of the relative effectiveness of mindfulness interventions compared to CBIs (i.e., active control groups) in treating anxiety disorders. The sample-weighted synthesis found no statistically or practically significant differences between the two groups on anxiety alleviation: Cohen’s d = - 0.02 (95% confidence interval = - 0.16, 0.12). Both groups enjoyed large clinical benefits. However, because mindfulness methods may require less professional training and take less time for both workers and clients to master, they are probably less expensive to provide. As they are probably less expensive, but equally effective, it seems that, in a cost-beneficial sense, mindfulness interventions may be more practically effective. These review-generated meta-analytic findings and inferences may be best thought of as developed hypotheses for future research testing. These and other future research needs are discussed.
Taking a Toll on human disease: Toll-like receptor 4 agonists as vaccine adjuvants and monotherapeutic agents

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are being developed for use as vaccine adjuvants and as stand-alone immunomodulators because of their ability to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Among the most thoroughly studied TLR agonists are the lipid A molecules that target the TLR4 complex. One promising candidate, monophosphoryl lipid A, which is a derivative of lipid A from Salmonella minnesota, has proven to be safe and effective as a vaccine adjuvant in > 120,000 human doses. A new class of synthetic lipid A mimetics, the aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphates (AGPs), have been engineered specifically to target human TLR4 and are showing promise as vaccine adjuvants and as monotherapeutic agents capable of eliciting nonspecific protection against a wide range of infectious pathogens. In this review, the authors provide an update of the preclinical and clinical experiences with the TLR4 agonists, MPL® (Corixa Corporation) adjuvant and the AGPs.
Valued Bioproducts from Waste Opuntia ficus-indica Peel via Microwave-Assisted Hydrodiffusion and Hydrodistillation

The integral extraction via microwave-assisted hydrodiffusion and hydrodistillation of water-soluble bioproducts contained in the peel of Opuntia ficus-indica white and red cultivars harvested in Sicily, affords red and stable aqueous extracts mostly containing valued betanin, pectin and biophenols. Potentially useful as nutraceutical products, these aqueous extracts are a source of valued ingredients in high demand for a number of important food, cosmetic, beverage and nutraceutical applications.
Pathogenicity of SspI-positive infectious bursal disease virus and molecular characterization of the VP2 hypervariable region

The pathogenicity of four isolates of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) that have restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV), based on the presence of SspI and TaqI sites in the VP2 hypervariable region, was studied in specific pathogen free chickens. Chickens inoculated with isolates 92/04, 94/B551 and 97/61 developed severe clinical signs with a high mortality ranging from 70 to 80%, whereas the 94/273 isolate caused 10% mortality. Regardless of the isolates, significant differences were noted in the bursal lesion scores and bursa:body weight ratio index in the infected groups in comparison with the control groups. However, the presence of lesions in non-bursal tissues, muscles, thymus and at the junction of the proventriculus and gizzard were found only in the 92/04, 97/61 and 94/B551 isolates. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis of the VP2 hypervariable region indicated that all the isolates can be classified as vvIBDV based on the presence of SspI and TaqI sites at nucleotide positions 1011 and 833, respectively. In addition, all the isolates had amino acid substitutions at P222A, V256I and L294I, which are characteristic for vvIBDV isolated from different parts of the world. All the isolates except 94/273 also had a StyI site at nucleotide position 888. The absence of a StyI site in this isolate was associated with amino acid substitution at 254 from G to S. The 94/273 also had an amino acid substitution at position 270 from A to E, which is variable in the STC, Cu1 and OH strains. The presence of amino acid substitutions from G254S andA270E in SspI- and TaqI-positive vvIBDV strains is very uncommon and has not been reported previously. These amino acid variations might have caused the 94/273 to become less virulent in specific pathogen free chickens and resemble a classical virulent IBDV strain.
Wuhan Surface Subsidence Analysis in 2015-2016 Based on Sentinel-1A Data by SBAS-InSAR

The Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans (TOPS) acquisition mode of Sentinel-1A provides a wide coverage per acquisition and features a repeat cycle of 12 days, making this acquisition mode attractive for surface subsidence monitoring. A few studies have analyzed wide-coverage surface subsidence of Wuhan based on Sentinel-1A data. In this study, we investigated wide-area surface subsidence characteristics in Wuhan using 15 Sentinel-1A TOPS Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images acquired from 11 April 2015 to 29 April 2016 with the Small Baseline Subset Interferometric SAR (SBAS InSAR) technique. The Sentinel-1A SBAS InSAR results were validated by 110 leveling points at an accuracy of 6 mm/year. Based on the verified SBAS InSAR results, prominent uneven subsidence patterns were identified in Wuhan. Specifically, annual average subsidence rates ranged from −82 mm/year to 18 mm/year in Wuhan, and maximum subsidence rate was detected in Houhu areas. Surface subsidence time series presented nonlinear subsidence with pronounced seasonal variations. Comparative analysis of surface subsidence and influencing factors (i.e., urban construction, precipitation, industrial development, carbonate karstification and water level changes in Yangtze River) indicated a relatively high spatial correlation between locations of subsidence bowl and those of engineering construction and industrial areas. Seasonal variations in subsidence were correlated with water level changes and precipitation. Surface subsidence in Wuhan was mainly attributed to anthropogenic activities, compressibility of soil layer, carbonate karstification, and groundwater overexploitation. Finally, the spatial-temporal characteristics of wide-area surface subsidence and the relationship between surface subsidence and influencing factors in Wuhan were determined.