Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensing-motion co-planning for reconstructing a spatially distributed field using a mobile sensor network

We investigate the problem of simultaneous parameter identification and mapping of a spatially distributed field using a mobile sensor network. We first develop a parametrized model that represents the spatially distributed field. Based on the model, a recursive least squares algorithm is developed to achieve online parameter identification. Next, we design a global state observer, which uses the estimated parameters, together with data collected by the mobile sensor network, to real-timely reconstruct the whole spatial-temporal varying field. Since the performance of the parameter identification and map reconstruction algorithms depends on the trajectories of the mobile sensors, we further develop a Lyapunov redesign based online trajectory planning algorithm for the mobile sensor network so that the mobile sensors can use local real-time information to guide them to move along information-rich paths that can improve the performance of the parameter identification and map construction. Lastly, a cooperative filtering scheme is developed to provide the state estimates of the spatially distributed field, which enables the recursive least squares method. To test the proposed algorithms in realistic scenarios, we first build a CO2 diffusion field in a lab and construct a sensor network to measure the field concentration over time. We then validate the algorithms in the reconstructed CO2 field in simulation. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Sell-side analysts' use and communication of intellectual capital information

Structural economic changes in many countries, together with unprecedented developments in the business environment, have significantly affected the value creation processes of firms and the way business is conducted. The traditional financial reporting model is inadequate as a consequence of these developments, and intellectual capital (IC) information has gained importance for investment decision making. Empirical capital markets research demonstrates the value-relevance and predictive ability of certain types of IC information. The use of IC information by capital market participants is a topic that has begun to gain attention from contemporary researchers, but for which scant empirical evidence exists. Much of the research in this area relies on the literature about the use of nonfinancial information (NFI), which is inadequate in its examination of certain types of IC information. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis is to examine the use and communication of IC information by sell-side analysts. Sell-side analysts are of particular interest because they are capital market intermediaries and sophisticated processors of corporate information. The reports they produce provide an opportunity to examine their use and communication of IC information. The specific objectives of this thesis are to examine: the extent and types of IC information used by sell-side analysts in initiating coverage reports produced by them; how IC information is used and communicated in these reports; and factors that may influence the use of IC information by sell-side analysts. In order to address these research objectives a content analysis of IC references in 64 initiating coverage reports written on an equivalent number of S&P/ASX 200/300 companies is performed. The content analysis identifies and measures IC references by topic, evidence (discursive, monetary, numerical, or visual), news-tenor (positive, neutral or negative) and time orientation (forward-looking, past-oriented or non-time-specific). The findings indicate that Australian sell-side analysts appreciate the importance of IC in firm valuation, and thus are not ambivalent about the use of IC information in general. However, the findings suggest that their communication of IC information is inconsistent and unsystematic, and inadequate in relation to certain types of IC. This highlights the need for undertaking work at a policy level to educate and train sell-
Effect of integrated system of plant nutrition management on growth, yield and flower quality of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) under green house.

Carnation flowers used in arrangements last for a long time after being cut and stand well during harsh treatment. An experiment on integrated nutrient management in carnation was carried out in a medium cost greenhouse. Plants receiving 50 per cent RDF + vermicompost + 3 per cent Manchurian tea + 3 per cent panchagavya recorded significantly higher number of branches per plant as compared to the other treatments. The maximum duration of flowering was observed in plots receiving 50% RDF + vermicompost + 3 per cent Manchurian tea + 3 per cent Panchagavya (59.20 days). Number of flowers per plant per year and number flowers per m year Was significantly higher (6.54 and 132.33, respectively) in 50 per cent RDF + vermicompost +3 per cent Manchurian tea + 3 per cent panchagavya. Significantly maximum vase life (8.40 days) was observed in 50 per cent RDF + vermicompost + 3 per cent Manchurian tea + 3 per cent panchagavya. See end of the article for authors’ affiliations Correspondence to: H.M. SANTOSHA Department of Horticulture University of Horticultural Sciences, P.G. and Zonal Horticultural and Research Station, G.K. V.K. , BENGALURU (KARNATAKA) INDIA Email: san3070@gmail.com •HIND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE•
Preoperative computed tomography-guided dye injection to localize multiple lung nodules for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization of small lung nodules is important for accurate and efficient video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Resection of multiple small pulmonary nodules in one VATS procedure can aid in patient management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of CT-guided Patent Blue V (PBV) dye localization in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who underwent VATS. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015. One hundred consecutive patients (59.9±10.5 years of age) with 217 nodules who underwent preoperative CT-guided PBV dye localization for multiple (2 to 4) nodules before VATS were enrolled. RESULTS The mean nodule size was 0.8±0.4 cm, with a mean depth from the pleura or fissure of 0.7±0.7 cm. The mean procedure duration was 50±20 minutes. The mean amount of injected PBV dye was 0.2±0.1 mL per nodule. The overall success rate was 99% by nodule. Failed localization of two nodules in two patients was due to poor dye visualization (n=1) and significant pneumothorax (n=1). Cases of hemorrhage (24%) were mild and asymptomatic, and none of the patients had hemoptysis. None of the cases of pneumothorax (40%) required chest tube placement before VATS. One (1%) patient developed anaphylaxis. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 6.4±4.4 days. CONCLUSIONS CT-guided PBV dye localization for multiple small pulmonary nodules before VATS is a safe, feasible, and accurate method with high success rate. This approach makes it easy to perform multiple nodule resections during one VATS operation.
Energy-aware task scheduling by a true online reinforcement learning in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are an attractive platform for various pervasive computing applications. A typical WSN application is composed of different tasks. In this paper, an energy-aware task scheduling method is proposed to achieve better energy consumption/performance trade-off. The proposed method exploits a true online reinforcement learning algorithm. This method is compared with the existing approaches exploiting online learning: distributed independent reinforcement learning (DIRL), reinforcement learning (RL), cooperative reinforcement learning (CRL) and exponential weight for exploration and exploitation (Exp3), in terms of tracking quality/energy consumption trade-off. Simulation results show that our proposed method outperforms existing methods for the target tracking application.
Hospital-acquired Infection with Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium Transmitted by Electronic Thermometers

OBJECTIVES To describe an epidemic of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium causing bacteremia and bacteriuria, to identify the source of infection, to delineate risk factors associated with acquisition of the organism, and to determine antibiotic sensitivities for the organism. DESIGN Investigation of an epidemic, including a case-control study. SETTING Medical-surgical intensive care unit and ward in a university medical center. PATIENTS Nine patients infected or colonized with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and 20 noninfected controls. MEASUREMENTS Clinical data, environmental surveillance cultures, and in-vitro microbiologic studies. RESULTS Colonization or infection by vancomycin-resistant E. faecium was associated with an increased duration of treatment with ceftazidime, 13.2 compared with 4.6 days, and a greater number of nonisolated days of hospitalization in the intensive care unit, 19.9 compared with 6.4 days for infected and noninfected patients, respectively (P less than 0.05). Environmental surveillance cultures recovered the organism repeatedly from the rectal probe handles of three electronic thermometers used exclusively on nonisolated patients in the intensive care unit. Restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA showed that all clinical and environmental isolates were identical. Infection control measures, including isolation of colonized or infected patients and removal of the rectal thermometer probes suspected to be responsible for transmission, resulted in termination of the outbreak. In-vitro, time-kill studies showed that the combination of ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and gentamicin resulted in bactericidal activity against the organism. CONCLUSIONS This nosocomial outbreak of infection due to a highly vancomycin-resistant strain of Enterococcus is the first epidemic in which an electronic thermometer has been implicated as the vehicle of transmission for an infectious agent.
Does BTLE measure up against WiFi? A comparison of indoor location performance

Bluetooth low energy(BTLE) is an emerging lowpower wireless communication technology which is expected to be of great potential in the next few years. In this paper, we propose several empirical propagation models for BTLE in different conditions: indoor/outdoor, line-of-sight (LOS) / non-line-of-sight (NLOS). Then we compare the propagation characteristics between BTLE and WiFi. It is demonstrated in our experiments that BTLE propagation model can better relate RSSI to range than WiFi, which indicates that BTLE can be more accurate when used in localization scenarios. Extensive experiments in indoor environments have been conducted to explicitly compare the localization accuracy between BTLE and WiFi with nearly identical external environments and conditions. BTLE is proved to be more accurate than WiFi by around 27 percent. We also discuss various underlying reasons why BTLE outperforms WiFi in localization scenarios. We believe that such an accurate and low-cost technique will enable practical and ubiquitous indoor localization.
Deficits in Neuromuscular Control of the Trunk Predict Knee Injury Risk

Background Female athletes are at significantly greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than male athletes in the same high-risk sports. Decreased trunk (core) neuromuscular control may compromise dynamic knee stability. Hypotheses (1) Increased trunk displacement after sudden force release would be associated with increased knee injury risk; (2) coronal (lateral), not sagittal, plane displacement would be the strongest predictor of knee ligament injury; (3) logistic regression of factors related to core stability would accurately predict knee, ligament, and ACL injury risk; and (4) the predictive value of these models would differ between genders. Study Design Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods In this study, 277 collegiate athletes (140 female and 137 male) were prospectively tested for trunk displacement after a sudden force release. Analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of risk in athletes who sustained knee injury. Results Twenty-five athletes (11 female and 14 male) sustained knee injuries over a 3-year period. Trunk displacement was greater in athletes with knee, ligament, and ACL injuries than in uninjured athletes (P < .05). Lateral displacement was the strongest predictor of ligament injury (P = .009). A logistic regression model, consisting of trunk displacements, proprioception, and history of low back pain, predicted knee ligament injury with 91% sensitivity and 68% specificity (P = .001). This model predicted knee, ligament, and ACL injury risk in female athletes with 84%, 89%, and 91% accuracy, but only history of low back pain was a significant predictor of knee ligament injury risk in male athletes. Conclusions Factors related to core stability predicted risk of athletic knee, ligament, and ACL injuries with high sensitivity and moderate specificity in female, but not male, athletes.
Adverse drug reactions and treatment outcome analysis of DOTS-plus therapy of MDR-TB patients at district tuberculosis centre: A four year retrospective study

Background: Treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) requires the use of expensive and toxic second-line anti-tubercular drugs which are given for a longer duration. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of second-line antitubercular drugs affect compliance and thereby treatment outcome. We set out to analyze ADRs and treatment outcome of MDR-TB patients receiving directly observed treatments plus therapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of registered MDR-TB cases at district tuberculosis center during 2010–2014 was performed. Data regarding sociodemographic profile, diagnosis, and treatment as well as ADRs were recorded and evaluated. ADRs were evaluated for causality, severity assessment, management aspects, and impact on treatment outcome. Results: In total 147 ADRs were reported among 72 cases. Most commonly observed ADRs were gastrointestinal (24.5%) followed by self reported weakness (21.23%), psychological (14.38%), joint pain (14.38%), and respiratory symptoms. Discontinuation of the drugs due to ADRs was required in 36 (24.48%) events. ADRs were significantly associated with nontreatment adherence and defaulter outcome. Cure rate was higher in MDR-TB cases with ADRs (59.72%) than MDR-TB cases without ADRs (30.18%). Conclusion: Attention needs to be paid for timely recognition and treatment of ADR with minimum modification of treatment regimen. Equal attention should be paid to MDR-TB without ADR cases to raise over all cure rate.
Propagating Waves and Magnetohydrodynamic Mode Coupling in the Quiet-Sun Network

High-cadence multiwavelength optical observations were taken with the Dunn Solar Telescope at the National Solar Observatory, Sacramento Peak, accompanied by Advanced Stokes Polarimeter vector magnetograms. A total of 11 network bright points (NBPs) have been studied at different atmospheric heights using images taken in wave bands centered on Mg I b1 - 0.4 Å, Hα, and Ca II K3. Wavelet analysis was used to study wave packets and identify traveling magnetohydrodynamic waves. Wave speeds were estimated through the temporal cross-correlation of signals, in selected frequency bands of wavelet power, in each wavelength. Four mode-coupling cases were identified, one in each of four of the NBPs, and the variation of the associated Fourier power with height was studied. Three of the detected mode-coupling, transverse-mode frequencies were observed in the 1.2-1.6 mHz range (mean NBP apparent flux density magnitudes over 99-111 Mx cm-2), with the final case showing 2.0-2.2 mHz (with 142 Mx cm-2). Following this, longitudinal-mode frequencies were detected in the range 2.6-3.2 mHz for three of our cases, with 3.9-4.1 mHz for the remaining case. After mode coupling, two cases displayed a decrease in longitudinal-mode Fourier power in the higher chromosphere.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE STUDIES OF NEARBY TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE: THE MEAN MAXIMUM LIGHT ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRUM AND ITS DISPERSION

We present the first results of an ongoing campaign using the STIS spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), whose primary goal is the study of near-ultraviolet (UV) spectra of local Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Using events identified by the Palomar Transient Factory and subsequently verified by ground-based spectroscopy, we demonstrate the ability to locate and classify SNe Ia as early as 16 days prior to maximum light. This enables us to trigger HST in a non-disruptive mode to obtain near UV spectra within a few days of maximum light for comparison with earlier equivalent ground-based spectroscopic campaigns conducted at intermediate-redshifts, . We analyze the spectra of 12 SNe Ia located in the Hubble flow with 0.01 < z < 0.08. Although a fraction of our eventual sample, these data, together with archival data, already provide a substantial advance over that previously available. Restricting samples to those of similar phase and stretch, the mean UV spectrum agrees reasonably closely with that at intermediate redshift, although some differences are found in the metallic absorption features. A larger sample will determine whether these differences reflect possible biases or are a genuine evolutionary effect. Significantly, the wavelength-dependent dispersion, which is larger in the UV, follows similar trends to those observed at intermediate redshift and is driven, in part, by differences in the various metallic features. While the origin of the UV dispersion remains uncertain, our comparison suggests that it may reflect compositional variations among our sample rather than being predominantly an evolutionary effect.
Visible . A Service of zbw

Traditional analysis of the taxation of income from capital has focused on the impact of tax on marginal investment decisions; the principal impact of tax on investment is through the cost of capital, and is generally measured by an effective marginal tax rate. In this paper, we consider cases in which investors face a choice between two or more mutually exclusive projects, both of which are expected to earn at least the minimum required rate of return. Examples include the location decisions of multinationals, firms’ choice of technology, and the choice of investment projects in the presence of binding financial constraints. In these cases the choice depends on the effective average tax rate. We propose a measure of this rate and demonstrate its relationship to the conventional effective marginal tax rate. Estimates of both are presented and compared for domestic and international investment in Germany, Japan, the UK and USA between 1979 and 1997. JEL classification: H25, H32 Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Stephen Bond and Michael Keen for helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. Responsibility for errors remains ours. This research was funded by the ESRC Centre for Microeconomic Analysis of Fiscal Policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies; Devereux was supported by a Leverhulme Trust fellowship. Correspondence Professor Michael P. Devereux, Department of Economics, Warwick University, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK email: M.P.Devereux@warwick.ac. uk Rachel Griffith, IFS, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AE, UK email: rgriffith@ifs.org. uk
Modulation of respiratory activity of neonatal rat phrenic motoneurones by serotonin.

1. The effects of serotonin on phrenic motoneurones were studied in an in vitro preparation of the isolated brainstem and spinal cord from neonatal rats. 2. Serotonin (5‐HT; > or = 5‐10 microM) increased inspiratory‐modulated phrenic nerve activity and produced a small amount of tonic activity during expiration. Inspiratory‐modulated activity of the fourth cervical ventral root also increased, but was accompanied by robust tonic activity, which often obscured the rhythmic activity. 3. Serotonin, in both normal and tetrodotoxin‐containing medium, depolarized phrenic motoneurones and increased cell input resistance. Serotonin also increased inspriatory‐modulated firing as well as the response of phrenic motoneurones to injected current. The y‐intercept of the relationship between firing frequency and injected current (f‐I) was increased, but the slope was not affected. There was no bistable firing behaviour. 4. Under voltage clamp conditions, 5‐HT produced a tonic inward current of 0.07‐0.37 nA. This current increased with less negative holding potentials and decreased with more negative holding potentials (‐75 to ‐90 mV) but did not reverse. 5. In addition, 5‐HT decreased inspiratory‐modulated synaptic current by 23 +/‐ 6%. The degree of attenuation was not affected by holding potential. The time course of the decrease in inspiratory‐modulated synaptic current was similar to the changes seen in tonic inward current and input resistance. 6. Depolarization, tonic inward current, and shift in the f‐I relationship produced by 5‐HT were antagonized by the 5‐HT2/1C receptor antagonist ketanserin and mimicked by the 5‐HT2/1C agonist 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane HCl (DOI). However, the 5‐HT induced decrease in inspiratory‐modulated synaptic current was not reduced by ketanserin nor mimicked by DOI. 7. We conclude that exogenously applied 5‐HT simultaneously increases cell excitability and decreases inspiratory‐modulated synaptic current in phrenic motoneurones via different types of receptors. When these responses occurred simultaneously, the increase in excitability predominated and the net effect was an augmentation of inspiratory‐modulated phrenic motoneurone activity.
Culture and the Survival of UK Independent Games Software Firms

This paper reports on qualitative research that investigates the culture of survival among entrepreneurial UK games software development firms within the interactive entertainment industry. The survival culture depicts a culture where firms strive for cost efficiency in order to maximize their chance of continued operation. In-depth interviews with 12 managers illustrated a framework for understanding the cost advantages of surviving firms. It was found it was based on focusing on human relations, building critical inter-firm relationships and acknowledging the importance of cash flow, which were in turn supported by innovative product orientation. The analysis highlights that competitiveness within the interactive entertainment industry could be attained within market constraint and pressure.