Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State estimation for linear systems with unknown inputs: Unknown input norm-observers and BIBOBS stability

We study state estimation of linear systems with unknown inputs. When the system is not strongly observable (strongly detectable), one cannot exactly (asymptotically) reconstruct the states without further information about the system or inputs; in this case, various formulations have been studied that require additional information about the nature of the unknown inputs (e.g., Kalman filtering and set-membership filtering). In this paper, we consider a formulation where the unknown inputs and initial condition of the system are bounded in magnitude. The objective is to construct an unknown input norm-observer which estimates an upper bound for the norm of the states. In order to characterize the existence of such an observer, we propose a notion of bounded-input-bounded-output-bounded-state (BIBOBS) stability; this concept supplements various system properties, including detectability, bounded-input-bounded-output (BIBO) stability, bounded-input-bounded-state (BIBS) stability, and input-output-to-state stability (IOSS). We provide checkable conditions on the system matrices under which a general class of linear systems is BIBOBS stable, and show that the set of modes of the system with magnitude 1 plays a key role.
L-myo-INOSITOL-1-PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE FROM MARCHANTIA NEPALENSIS: PARTIAL PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES

D. R. Chhetri1*, S. Yonzone1, A. K. Mukherjee2, J. Adhikar3 1Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101, WB, India 2Department of Biotechnology, Bengal College of Engineering and Technology Bidhan Nagar, Durgapur-713 212, WB, India 3Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, Presidency College, College Street, Kolkata, WB, India Received 12 December 2006
Inflation and output growth uncertainty in individual survey expectations

This paper studies uncertainty using the ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters’ data. Both inflation and real GDP growth forecasts at the micro level are considered. Our analysis indicates that individual inflation uncertainty is closely related to output growth uncertainty. Individual forecasters seem to behave according to an uncertainty-augmented hybrid specification of the New Keynesian Phillips curve. We also find evidence that inflation uncertainty has a negative impact on economic activity by lowering output growth, boosting inflation and reducing the price-sensitiveness of aggregate supply.
DEVELOPMENT LEARNING MODEL OF CHARACTEREDUCATION THROUGH E-COMIC IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The research was aim to develop a learning model of character education through e-comic in elementary school. Development theory was used a modification development theory of Plomp and Borg and Gall with the following steps: (1) the initial research (literature study field study) (2) design (design model and the media), (3) realisaasi / construction (design assessment-revisi design) (4) test, evaluation and revision (improvement products hypothetical) (5) implementation (pre and Post test effectiveness test) The research was showeddeveloplearning model in character education consists of five phases and test effectiveness fromlearning process as indicated by the increased value of character in students through observation and value student achievement.
Orexins in the Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Orexin-A and orexin-B are hypothalamic peptides that act via two G protein-coupled receptors, named orexin type 1 and type 2 receptors (OX1-Rs and OX2-Rs). The most studied biological functions of orexins are the central control of feeding and sleep, but in the past few years findings that orexin system modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, acting on both its central and peripheral branches, have accumulated. Orexins and their receptors are expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and median eminence and orexin receptors in pituitary corticotropes, adrenal cortex, and medulla. Whereas the effects of orexins on adrenal aldosterone secretion are doubtful, compelling evidence indicates that these peptides enhance glucocorticoid production in rats and humans. This effect involves a 2-fold mechanism: 1) stimulation of the adrenocorticotropin-releasing hormone-mediated pituitary release of adrenocorticotropin, which in turn raises adrenal glucocorticoid secretion; and 2) direct stimulation of adrenocortical cells via OX1-Rs coupled to the adenylate cyclase-dependent cascade. The effects of orexins on catecholamine release from adrenal medulla are unclear and probably of minor relevance, but there are indications that orexins can stimulate in vitro secretion of human pheochromocytoma cells via OX2-Rs coupled to the phospholipase C-dependent cascade. Evidence is also available that orexins enhance the growth in vitro of adrenocortical cells, mainly acting via OX2-Rs. Moreover, findings suggest that the orexin system may favor HPA axis responses to stresses and play a role in the pathophysiology of cortisol-secreting adrenal adenomas.
Supporting and encouraging young adolescents in New Zealand to be effective readers

Abstract Young adolescents are at a critical age in their schooling as they transition from primary schooling into secondary education. The reading development of these young adolescents in New Zealand occurs within a variety of contexts. Reading is not only a complex skill to achieve, but it is also contextual. Therefore, understanding the context and the perceptions of key people who have specific roles in supporting reading, are the cornerstones of knowing how we as a society can improve reading outcomes for all students. Prompted by concerns about motivation to read and achievement in reading of students in the middle years of schooling, this study focuses on the interviews of 57 participants at six case study schools, comprising a range of school types in New Zealand. The participants included 11–13-year-old students, their teachers, principals and parents. Participants were asked about the reading practices that were happening to support and encourage reading development and the ways parents supported reading. The analysis of these interviews and associated research literature in this study, employs an ecological lens, where the student is in the centre of a series of interrelated concentric systems that all influence development and learning. The research found that there was a complex array of factors evident within each school environment which interplayed with supporting reading for young adolescent students.
Photodynamic Therapy-Induced Microvascular Changes in a Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Model Assessed by Photoacoustic Microscopy and Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

One of the main mechanisms of action for photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the destruction of tumor vasculature. We observed the PDT-induced vasculature destruction in a mouse model of skin cancer using two techniques: Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). PAM showed high-resolution images of the abnormal microvasculature near the establishing tumor area at pre-PDT, as well as the subsequent destruction of those vessels post-PDT. DCS indicated a significant blood flow decrease after PDT, confirming the vascular destruction. Noninvasive assessment of vascular changes may be indicative of therapy response.
Total Quality Management practices , competitive strategies and financial performance : The case of the Palestinian industrial SME ’ s

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) practices, competitive strategies cost leadership and differentiationand firm performance in the Palestinian economy. Within this study total quality management has been conceptualized as soft and hard practices, in congruence with the literature. An empirical analysis based upon an extensive validation process was applied to refine TQM, competitive strategies and financial performance scales. Data were collected through surveying 202 in Palestinian industrial small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Structural Equation Modeling was carried out to test the anticipated relationships. Results derived from this study show that TQM practices have indirect, positive and significant relationship with financial performance through competitive strategies. In addition, a direct, positive and significant relationship between competitive strategies and financial performance was observed. Results derived from this study might help managers to implement TQM practices in order to effectively allocate resources and improve financial performance.
Men's Understanding of and Experiences During the Postcircumcision Abstinence Period: Results From a Field Study of ShangRing Circumcision During Routine Clinical Services in Kenya and Zambia

Background:Men's understanding of counseling messages after voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) plays an important role in whether they follow them. Data on triggers for early resumption of sex may be useful as scale-up of VMMC for HIV prevention continues in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods:Data on understanding of post-VMMC abstinence recommendations, resumption of sex, condom use, and triggers for resuming sex were collected from participants during a follow-up interview 35–42 days after ShangRing circumcision in Kenya and Zambia. Results:Of 1149 men who had ShangRing circumcision, 1096 (95.4%) completed follow-up. Nearly all (99.2%) reported being counseled to abstain from sex post-VMMC; among those, most (92.2%) recalled the recommended abstinence period was 6 weeks. Most men (94.1%) reported that the counselor gave reasons for post-VMMC abstinence and recalled appropriate reasons. Few (13.4%) men reported resuming sex at 35–42 days' follow-up. Among those, 54.8% reported never using a condom post-VMMC. Younger participants (odds ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval: 0.2 to 0.5, P < 0.0001) and those reporting at least some condom use at baseline (odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.3 to 0.7, P = 0.0003) were less likely to report resuming sex. Among men who reported some condom use, most (71.5%) said condoms were much easier or easier to use after circumcision. Men reported various reasons for early resumption of sex, primarily strong sexual desire (76.4%). Conclusions:Most men reported awareness of and adherence to the counseling recommendations for post-VMMC abstinence. A minority reported early resumption of sex, and, among those, condom use was low. Results could be used to improve post-VMMC counseling.
Location of the CD8 T Cell Epitope within the Antigenic Precursor Determines Immunogenicity and Protection against the Toxoplasma gondii Parasite

CD8 T cells protect the host from disease caused by intracellular pathogens, such as the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) protozoan parasite. Despite the complexity of the T. gondii proteome, CD8 T cell responses are restricted to only a small number of peptide epitopes derived from a limited set of antigenic precursors. This phenomenon is known as immunodominance and is key to effective vaccine design. However, the mechanisms that determine the immunogenicity and immunodominance hierarchy of parasite antigens are not well understood. Here, using genetically modified parasites, we show that parasite burden is controlled by the immunodominant GRA6-specific CD8 T cell response but not by responses to the subdominant GRA4- and ROP7-derived epitopes. Remarkably, optimal processing and immunodominance were determined by the location of the peptide epitope at the C-terminus of the GRA6 antigenic precursor. In contrast, immunodominance could not be explained by the peptide affinity for the MHC I molecule or the frequency of T cell precursors in the naive animals. Our results reveal the molecular requirements for optimal presentation of an intracellular parasite antigen and for eliciting protective CD8 T cells.
Methane and Carbon Cioxide Emissions from 40 Lakes Along a North-South Latitudinal Transect in Alaska

We assessed the relationship between CH4 and CO2 emission modes in 40 lakes along a latitudinal transect in Alaska to physicochemical limnology, geographic characteristics and permafrost soil types and carbon stocks surrounding lakes. We found that all lakes were net sources of atmospheric CH4 and CO2 but that the climate warming impact of lake CH4 emissions was two times higher than that of CO2. Ebullition and Diffusion were the dominant modes of CH4 and CO2 emissions respectively. Geographically, CH4 emissions from stratified, dystrophic interior Alaska thermokarst (thaw) lakes formed in icy, organic-rich yedoma permafrost soils were 6-fold higher than from non-yedoma lakes near Toolik Field Station and the rest of Alaska. Total CH4 emission was correlated with soil carbon stocks adjacent to lakes, concentrations of phosphate and total nitrogen in lake water, Secchi depth and lake area, with yedoma lakes having higher carbon stocks and nutrient concentrations, shallower Secchi depth, and smaller lake areas. Our findings suggest that permafrost type plays important roles in determining CH4 emissions from lakes by both supplying organic matter to methanogenesis directly from thawing permafrost and by enhancing nutrient availability to primary production, which can also fuel decomposition and methanogenesis.
A Compressed Sampling and Dictionary Learning Framework for WDM-Based Distributed Fiber Sensing

We propose a compressed sampling and dictionary learning framework for fiber-optic sensing using wavelength-tunable lasers. A redundant dictionary is generated from a model for the reflected sensor signal. Imperfect prior knowledge is considered in terms of uncertain local and global parameters. To estimate a sparse representation and the dictionary parameters, we present an alternating minimization algorithm that is equipped with a pre-processing routine to handle dictionary coherence. The support of the obtained sparse signal indicates the reflection delays, which can be used to measure impairments along the sensing fiber. The performance is evaluated by simulations and experimental data for a fiber sensor system with common core architecture.
Technology adoption decisions in the household: A seven‐model comparison

We identified 7 theoretical models that have been used to explain technology adoption and use. We then examined the boundary conditions of these models of technology adoption when applied to the household context using longitudinal empirical data from households regarding their purchase and use decisions related to household technologies. We conducted 2 studies and collected 1,247 responses from U.S. households for the first study and 2,064 responses from U.S. households for the second study. Those households that had adopted household technologies were surveyed regarding their use behavior. Potential adopters (i.e., those who had currently not adopted) were surveyed regarding their purchase intentions. This allowed us to identify the most influential factors affecting a household's decision to adopt and use technologies. The results show that the model of adoption of technology in the household provided the richest explanation and explained best why households purchase and use technologies.
Understanding Argumentation in Interpersonal Communication: The Implications of Distinguishing Between Public and Personal Topics

In this chapter, we review an important distinction in interpersonal argumentation between public-issue arguments and personal-issue arguments. Public-issue arguments focus on concerns outside an interpersonal dyad, whereas personal-issue arguments focus on issues tied closely to an interpersonal relationship. These two types of interpersonal arguments differ in terms of who argues about these topics, how argumentative episodes are interpreted and enacted, and the stakes that the arguments have for relational outcomes. This distinction is argued to be consequential for several areas of communication research including persuasion, conflict, relational communication, political deliberation, and public argument.
Dark Halo Cusp: Asymptotic Convergence

We propose a model for how the buildup of dark halos by merging satellites produces a characteristic inner cusp, with a density profile ρ ∝ r, where αin → αas ≳ 1, as seen in cosmological N-body simulations of hierarchical clustering scenarios. Dekel, Devor, & Hetzroni argue that a flat core of αin < 1 exerts tidal compression that prevents local deposit of satellite material; the satellite sinks intact into the halo center, thus causing a rapid steepening to αin > 1. Using merger N-body simulations, we learn that this cusp is stable under a sequence of mergers and derive a practical tidal mass transfer recipe in regions where the local slope of the halo profile is α > 1. According to this recipe, the ratio of mean densities of the halo and initial satellite within the tidal radius equals a given function ψ(α), which is significantly smaller than unity (compared to being ~1 according to crude resonance criteria) and is a decreasing function of α. This decrease makes the tidal mass transfer relatively more efficient at larger α, which means steepening when α is small and flattening when α is large, thus causing convergence to a stable solution. Given this mass transfer recipe, linear perturbation analysis, supported by toy simulations, shows that a sequence of cosmological mergers with homologous satellites slowly leads to a fixed-point cusp with an asymptotic slope αas > 1. The slope depends only weakly on the fluctuation power spectrum, in agreement with cosmological simulations. During a long interim period the profile has an NFW-like shape, with a cusp of 1 < αin < αas. Thus, a cusp is enforced if enough compact satellite remnants make it intact into the inner halo. In order to maintain a flat core, satellites must be disrupted outside the core, possibly as a result of a modest puffing up due to baryonic feedback.
Detecting key features in popular music : case study – voice detection

Detecting distinct features in modern pop music is an important problem that can have significant applications in areas such as multimedia entertainment. They can be used, for example, to give a visually coherent representation of the sound. The work developed for this project is meant to be used in the context of a multimedia, multi-touch game where the user has to perform simple tasks at the rhythm of the music. The ultimate goal of this project is to make the creation of visual content automatic using as input, features extracted from the music sound. In this work special focus will be given to the detection of voice segments inside music songs. The solution presented extracts the MFCC’s of the sound and uses a Hidden Markov Model to infer if the sound has voice or not. Using this method some results are presented with the best parameters to extract this feature. Author
Large-Area Synthesis of High-Quality and Uniform Graphene Films on Copper Foils

Growing Graphene The highest quality graphene samples, single-atom-thick layers of carbon, are suspended flakes exfoliated from graphite, but these samples are very small in size (square micrometers). For many electronics applications, larger areas are needed. Li et al. (p. 1312, published online 7 May) show that graphene grows in a self-limiting way on copper films as large-area sheets (one square centimeter) from methane through a chemical vapor deposition process. The films, which are mainly one layer in thickness, can be transferred to other substrates and have electron mobilities as high as 4300 square centimeters per volt second. Predominantly single-layer graphene films grow in a self-limited manner on copper and can be transferred to other substrates. Graphene has been attracting great interest because of its distinctive band structure and physical properties. Today, graphene is limited to small sizes because it is produced mostly by exfoliating graphite. We grew large-area graphene films of the order of centimeters on copper substrates by chemical vapor deposition using methane. The films are predominantly single-layer graphene, with a small percentage (less than 5%) of the area having few layers, and are continuous across copper surface steps and grain boundaries. The low solubility of carbon in copper appears to help make this growth process self-limiting. We also developed graphene film transfer processes to arbitrary substrates, and dual-gated field-effect transistors fabricated on silicon/silicon dioxide substrates showed electron mobilities as high as 4050 square centimeters per volt per second at room temperature.
Diverging Male Wage Inequality in the United States and Ganada, 1981–1988: Do Institutions Explain the Difference?

The U.S. and Canadian economies have much in common, including similar collective bargaining structures. During the period 1981–88, however, although both countries witnessed a decline in the percentage of workers belonging to unions and an increase in hourly wage inequality, those changes were much more pronounced in the United States than in Canada. Using data on men in Canada and the United States in 1981 and 1988 (from the Labour Force Survey and supplements to the Current Population Survey), the authors study the effect of labor market institutions on changes in wage inequality by computing simple counterfactuals such as the distribution of wages that would prevail if all workers were paid according to the observed nonunion wage schedule. Their results suggest that much more severe declines in the unionization rate in the United States than in Canada account for two-thirds of the differential growth in wage inequality between the two countries.
Hardness results for isomorphism and automorphism of bounded valence graphs

In a bounded valence graph every vertex has O(1) neighbours. Testing isomorphism of bounded valence graphs is known to be in P [15], something that is not clear to hold for graph isomorphism in general. We show that testing isomorphism for undirected, directed and colored graphs of valence 2 is logspace complete. We also prove the following: If a special version of bounded valence GI is hard for ModkL then it is also hard for #L. All results are proved with respect to DLOGTIME uniform AC many-one reductions.
Formal Analysis Tools for the Synchronous Aspect Language Larissa

We present two tools for the formal analysis of the aspect language Larissa, which extends the simple synchronous language Argos. The first tool concerns the combination of design-by-contract with Larissa aspects, and shows how we can apply an aspect not only to a program, but to a specification of programs in form of a contract, and obtain a new contract. The second concerns aspect interferences, that is, aspects that influence each other in an unintended way if they are applied to the same program. We present a way to weave aspects in a less conflict-prone manner, and a means to detect remaining conflicts statically. These tools are quite powerful, compared to those available for other aspect languages.