Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prague Arabic Dependency Treebank: Development in Data and Tools

Prague Arabic Dependency Treebank not only consists of multi-level linguistic annotations over the language of Modern Standard Arabic, but even provides a variety of unique software implementations designed for general use in Natural Language Processing (NLP). This paper delivers an overview of the recent and most interesting results, (cid:2)ndings and innovations within the project.
Vertical Directional Couplers With Ultra-Short Coupling Length Based on Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguides

We propose and analyze a series of vertical directional couplers based on SOI-compatible hybrid plasmonic waveguides. We investigate two configurations: metal-insulator-metal (MIM) and insulator-metal-insulator (IMI). Both slab and three-dimensional analyses show that MIM directional couplers have better coupling performance such as sub-micron coupling length and lower loss. To ensure the normalized power loss lower than 5%, the coupling length can be chosen as short as 0.492 μm (about one third of the wavelength 1.55 μm). The coupler size can be traded for even lower power loss. In one example, a less-compact design yields 3% power loss, while maintains sub-micron coupling length. We further verified our design with beam propagation analysis. The analysis independently verifies the compact MIM design does show guided mode coupling length along vertical direction can be as short as 0.492 μm.
PM-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine Flux Weakening Control for EV and HEV Applications

In this paper, a novel robust torque control strategy for permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine drives applied to electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles is presented. Conventional control techniques can highly depend on machine electrical parameters, leading to poor regulation under electrical parameters deviations or, in more serious cases, instabilities. Additionally, machine control can be lost if field weakening is not properly controlled and, as a consequence, uncontrolled regeneration is produced. Thus, advanced control techniques are desirable to guarantee electric vehicle drive controllability in the whole speed/torque operation range and during the whole propulsion system lifetime. In order to achieve these goals, a combination of a robust second-order current-based sliding mode control and a look-up table/voltage constraint tracking based hybrid field weakening control is proposed, improving the overall control algorithm robustness under parameter deviations. The proposed strategy has been validated experimentally in a full-scale automotive test bench (51-kW prototype) for being further implemented in real hybrid and electric vehicles.
Design and experimental evaluation of multiple adaptation layers in self-optimizing particle swarm optimization

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a nature-inspired technique for solving continuous optimization problems. For a fixed optimization problem, the quality of the found solution depends significantly on the choice of the algorithmic PSO parameters such as the inertia weight and the acceleration coefficients. It is a challenging task to choose appropriate values for these parameters by hand or mathematically. In this paper, a novel self-optimizing particle swarm optimizer with multiple adaptation layers is introduced. In the new algorithm, adaptation takes place on both particle and subswarm level. The new idea of using virtual parameter swarms which hold modifiable parameter configurations each is introduced. The algorithmic PSO parameters can be mutated by using, for instance, well-known techniques from the field of evolutionary algorithms, in order to allow fine-granular parameter adaptation to the problem at hand. The new algorithm is experimentally evaluated, and compared to a standard PSO and the Tribes algorithm. The experimental study shows that our new algorithm is highly competitive to previously suggested approaches.
Heavy-quark probes of the quark-gluon plasma and interpretation of recent data taken at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider

Thermalization and collective flow of charm (c) and bottom (b) quarks in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions are evaluated based on elastic parton rescattering in an expanding quark-gluon plasma (QGP). We show that resonant interactions in a strongly interacting QGP (sQGP), as well as parton coalescence, can play an essential role in the interpretation of recent data from the BNL Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC), and thus illuminate thenatureofthesQGPanditshadronization.Ourmainassumption,motivatedbyrecentfindingsinlatticequantum chromodynamics, is the existence of D -a ndB-meson states in the sQGP, providing resonant cross sections for heavy quarks. Pertinent drag and diffusion coefficients are implemented into a relativistic Langevin simulation to compute transverse-momentum spectra and azimuthal asymmetries (v2 )o fb -a ndc-quarks in Au-Au collisions at RHIC. After hadronization into D -a ndB-mesons using quark coalescence and fragmentation, associated electron-decay spectra and v2 are compared to recent RHIC data. Our results suggest a reevaluation of radiative and elastic quark energy-loss mechanisms in the sQGP.
Analytical Solution for Temperature Rise in Complex Multilayer Structures With Discrete Heat Sources

Temperature rise and thermal spreading resistance in multilayered structures are an important research topic in several branches of the thermal-fluid sciences, including thermal management of electronics and contact resistance. Previous work in developing analytical solutions for the temperature rise and thermal spreading resistance has been limited to relatively few layers and simple conditions at the interfaces. Recent development of multilayer epitaxial structures for high power electronics has led to the need for more general and flexible analytical solutions because numerical methods, such as the finite element method, are often computationally inefficient. This paper presents a closed-form, analytical solution for the temperature distribution in a rectangular structure with rectangular isoflux heat sources, any number of layers of arbitrary thermal conductivity, and perfect interfacial contact or finite interfacial conductance. Extensions are also presented for convective boundary conditions in the source and sink planes. The proposed analytical solution is demonstrated and validated to study gallium nitride (GaN)-based epitaxial structures in realistic device configurations. The capability to explore the parametric space in a computationally efficient manner provides the ability to understand the key dependencies of the temperature rise on the properties of the structure, such as the substrate thickness in GaN-on-diamond epitaxial structures. Our results show that reduction of the thickness of diamond substrates may actually increase the device temperature in a realistic device configuration due to the importance of thermal spreading within the first ~100 μm of the heat source.
Liquidity Effects in Interest Rate Options Markets:Premium or Discount?

This paper examines the effects of liquidity on interest rate option prices. Using daily bid and ask prices of euro (€) interest rate caps and floors, we find that illiquid options trade at higher prices relative to liquid options, controlling for other effects, implying a liquidity discount. This effect is opposite to that found in all studies on other assets such as equities and bonds, but is consistent with the structure of this over-the-counter market and the nature of the demand and supply forces. We also identify a systematic factor that drives changes in the liquidity across option maturities and strike rates. This common liquidity factor is associated with lagged changes in investor perceptions of uncertainty in the equity and fixed income markets. JEL Classification: G10, G12, G13, G15
The DNA-binding defect observed in major histocompatibility complex class II regulatory mutants concerns only one member of a family of complexes binding to the X boxes of class II promoters

The X box of major histocompatibility complex class II promoters is essential for proper expression of class II genes. Here we show that two distinct protein-DNA complexes (A and B), which exhibit similar binding characteristics and identical contact points on the X box, can be formed. This suggests the existence of a family of related X box-binding factors. Complex B (and not complex A) is specifically affected in primary combined immunodeficiency, a congenital defect in class II gene regulation. RFX1, the first X box-binding protein cloned, encodes a functionally relevant factor present in complex A and not in complex B as originally suspected. This report also illustrates the need for caution in correlating specific cloned proteins with nuclear factors identified by DNA-binding assays, particularly when dealing with families of related proteins.
Performance and Resource Cost Comparisons for the CBT and PIM Multicast Routing Protocols

Researchers have proposed the core-based trees (CBTs) and protocol independent multicasting (PIM) protocols to route multicast data an internetworks. We compare the simulated performance of CBT and PIM using the OPNET network simulation tool. Performance metrics include end-to-end delay, network resource usage, join time, the size of the tables containing multicast routing information, and the impact of the timers introduced by the protocols. We also offer suggestions to improve PIM sparse mode while retaining the ability to offer both shared tree and source-based tree routing.
Work Engagement in India

Work engagement is generally accepted to have three factors: vigour, dedication and absorption. I studied whether this three-factor model is valid for India. 182 Indian working professionals completed the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three factor model may not be appropriate for India. Instead, it may be more appropriate to consider work engagement as a single-factor construct for India. Further analyses showed that the single-factor model is invariant across gender, organizational tenure and dyadic duration, but varies across age groups. It may indicate the need to consider culture as a boundary condition for work engagement.
Absence of Increase in Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Infants of Diabetic Mothers

Objective: Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) are considered as a risk group for atherosclerosis. Increased aortic intima-media thickness has been reported in IDM. The purpose of this study was to assess carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and atherosclerotic risk factors in IDM. Methods: Thirty IDM and 25 healthy controls were included in the study. Of these infants, 14 were appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) and 16 were large-for-gestational age (LGA). CA-IMT and LVMI were obtained by M-mode echocardiographic examination. The relationship between parameters of atherosclerosis and echocardiographic measurements was assessed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: LVMI was higher in LGA IDM when compared to AGA IDM and controls. CA-IMT was not significantly different between the groups and was also not related to atherosclerotic risk factors. Serum lipid and insulin levels were higher in LGA IDM when compared with AGA IDM and controls. There were no correlations between CA-IMT, LVMI and atherosclerotic risk factors. Conclusions: In contrast to previous reports indicating an increase in CA-IMT in IDM, no differences were found between IDM and controls in this study. Our results indicate that macrosomic IDM are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but not to atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels. Conflict of interest:None declared.
Robust variational bayesian kernel based blind image deconvolution

In this paper we present a new Bayesian model for the blind image deconvolution (BID) problem. The main novelties of this model are two. First, a sparse kernel based representation of the point spread function (PSF) that allows for the first time estimation of both PSF shape and support. Second, a non Gaussian heavy tail prior for the model noise to make it robust to large errors encountered in BID when little prior knowledge is available about both image and PSF. Sparseness and robustness are achieved by introducing Student-t priors both for the PSF and the noise. A Variational methodology is proposed to solve this Bayesian model. Numerical experiments are presented both with real and simulated data that demonstrate the advantages of this model as compared to previous Gaussian based ones.
Discovery of fuzzy temporal association rules

We propose a data mining system for discovering interesting temporal patterns from large databases. The mined patterns are expressed in fuzzy temporal association rules which satisfy the temporal requirements specified by the user. Temporal requirements specified by human beings tend to be ill-defined or uncertain. To deal with this kind of uncertainty, a fuzzy calendar algebra is developed to allow users to describe desired temporal requirements in fuzzy calendars easily and naturally. Fuzzy operations are provided and users can define complicated fuzzy calendars to discover the knowledge in the time intervals that are of interest to them. A border-based mining algorithm is proposed to find association rules incrementally. By keeping useful information of the database in a border, candidate itemsets can be computed in an efficient way. Updating of the discovered knowledge due to addition and deletion of transactions can also be done efficiently. The kept information can be used to help save the work of counting and unnecessary scans over the updated database can be avoided. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed system. A performance comparison with other systems is also given.
Molecular Identification of a Newly Isolated Bacillus subtilis BI19 and Optimization of Production Conditions for Enhanced Production of Extracellular Amylase

A study was carried out with a newly isolated bacterial strain yielding extracellular amylase. The phylogenetic tree constructed on the basis of 16S rDNA gene sequences revealed this strain as clustered with the closest members of Bacillus sp. and identified as Bacillus subtilis BI19. The effect of various fermentation conditions on amylase production through shake-flask culture was investigated. Rice flour (1.25%) as a cheap natural carbon source was found to induce amylase production mostly. A combination of peptone and tryptone as organic and ammonium sulfate as inorganic nitrogen sources gave highest yield. Maximum production was obtained after 24 h of incubation at 37°C with an initial medium pH 8.0. Addition of surfactants like Tween 80 (0.25 g/L) and sodium lauryl sulfate (0.2 g/L) resulted in 28% and 15% increase in enzyme production, respectively. Amylase production was 3.06 times higher when optimized production conditions were used. Optimum reaction temperature and pH for crude amylase activity were 50°C and 6.0, respectively. The crude enzyme showed activity and stability over a fair range of temperature and pH. These results suggest that B. subtilis BI19 could be exploited for production of amylase at relatively low cost and time.
Targeting the affective state of students studying mathematics in a web-based ILE

Diagnosing and taking appropriate action based on students’ motivation, effort and other affective characteristics is an important part of effective ILEs. Recognising that a student’s affective state is influenced by the environment and didactical situation, we conduct research by employing an already integrated web-based environment (WALLIS) which students consider part of their everyday learning, making further research more realistic. The paper presents preliminary results from observations of students’ interactions, which provide insight for the design of an affective component, and appropriate models upon which future work will focus.
Nonrenewal of Neurons in the Cerebral Neocortex of Adult Macaque Monkeys

The concept that, after developmental periods, neocortical neurons become numerically stable and are normally nonrenewable has been challenged by a report of continuous neurogenesis in the association areas of the cerebral cortex in the adult Macaque monkey. Therefore, we have reexamined this issue in two different Macaque species using the thymidine analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) as an indicator of DNA replication during cell division. We found several BrdU+/NeuN+ (neuronal nuclei) double-labeled cells, but cortical neurons, distinguished readily by their size and cytological and immunohistochemical properties, were not BrdU positive. We examined in detail the frontal cortex, where it is claimed that the largest daily addition of neurons has been made, but did not see migratory streams or any sign of addition of new neurons. Thus, we concluded that, in the normal condition, cortical neurons of adult primates, similar to other mammalian species, are neither supplemented nor renewable.
Assessing dangerous climate change through an update of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “reasons for concern”

Article 2 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [United Nations (1992) http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/conveng.pdf. Accessed February 9, 2009] commits signatory nations to stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that “would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference (DAI) with the climate system. ” In an effort to provide some insight into impacts of climate change that might be considered DAI, authors of the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identified 5 “reasons for concern” (RFCs). Relationships between various impacts reflected in each RFC and increases in global mean temperature (GMT) were portrayed in what has come to be called the “burning embers diagram. ” In presenting the “embers” in the TAR, IPCC authors did not assess whether any single RFC was more important than any other; nor did they conclude what level of impacts or what atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases would constitute DAI, a value judgment that would be policy prescriptive. Here, we describe revisions of the sensitivities of the RFCs to increases in GMT and a more thorough understanding of the concept of vulnerability that has evolved over the past 8 years. This is based on our expert judgment about new findings in the growing literature since the publication of the TAR in 2001, including literature that was assessed in the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), as well as additional research published since AR4. Compared with results reported in the TAR, smaller increases in GMT are now estimated to lead to significant or substantial consequences in the framework of the 5 “reasons for concern. ”
Low-Complexity Multidimensional DCT Approximations for High-Order Tensor Data Decorrelation

In this paper, we introduce low-complexity multidimensional discrete cosine transform (DCT) approximations. 3D DCT approximations are formalized in terms of high-order tensor theory. The formulation is extended to higher dimensions with arbitrary lengths. Several multiplierless $8\times 8 \times 8$ approximate methods are proposed and the computational complexity is discussed for the general multidimensional case. The proposed methods complexity cost was assessed, presenting considerably lower arithmetic operations when compared with the exact 3D DCT. The proposed approximations were embedded into 3D DCT-based video coding scheme and a modified quantization step was introduced. The simulation results showed that the approximate 3D DCT coding methods offer almost identical output visual quality when compared with exact 3D DCT scheme. The proposed 3D approximations were also employed as a tool for visual tracking. The approximate 3D DCT-based proposed system performs similarly to the original exact 3D DCT-based method. In general, the suggested methods showed competitive performance at a considerably lower computational cost.
Consumer acceptance of nutrigenomics-based personalised nutrition

Nutrigenomics is a new and promising development in nutritional science which aims to understand the fundamental molecular processes affected by foods. Despite general agreement on its promise for better understanding diet–health relationships, less consensus exists among experts on the potential of spin-offs aimed at the consumer such as personalised nutrition. Research into consumer acceptance of such applications is scarce. The present study develops a set of key hypotheses on public acceptance of personalised nutrition and tests these in a representative sample of Dutch consumers. An innovative consumer research methodology is used in which consumers evaluate short films which are systematically varied scenarios for the future of personalised nutrition. Consumer evaluations of these films, which are pre-tested in a pilot study, allow a formal test of how consumer perceptions of personalised nutrition drive consumer acceptance and through which fundamental psychological processes these effects are mediated. Public acceptance is enhanced if consumers can make their genetic profile available free at their own choice, if the actual spin-off products provide a clearly recognisable advantage to the consumer, and are easy to implement into the daily routine. Consumers prefer communication on nutrigenomics and personalised nutrition by expert stakeholders to be univocal and aimed at building support with consumers and their direct environments for this intriguing new development. Additionally, an exploratory segmentation analysis indicated that people have different focal points in their preferences for alternative scenarios of personalised nutrition. The insights obtained from the present study provide guidance for the successful further development of nutrigenomics and its applications.
Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women's Love and Desire

Is love "blind" when it comes to gender? For women, it just might be. This unsettling and original book offers a radical new understanding of the context-dependent nature of female sexuality. Lisa Diamond argues that for some women, love and desire are not rigidly heterosexual or homosexual but fluid, changing as women move through the stages of life, various social groups, and, most important, different love relationships.This perspective clashes with traditional views of sexual orientation as a stable and fixed trait. But that view is based on research conducted almost entirely on men. Diamond is the first to study a large group of women over time. She has tracked one-hundred women for more than ten years as they have emerged from adolescence into adulthood. She summarizes their experiences and reviews research ranging from the psychology of love to the biology of sex differences. "Sexual Fluidity" offers moving first-person accounts of women falling in and out of love with men or women at different times in their lives. For some, gender becomes irrelevant: "I fall in love with the person, not the gender," say some respondents. " Sexual Fluidity" offers a new understanding of women's sexuality - and of the central importance of love.