Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining non-finites: Action nominals, converbs and infinitives

In the recent typological literature on non-finite verb forms - converbs, infinitives, action nominal and participles - these forms have been defined both in terms of (1) their word-classes and (2) their syntactic functions, often without differentiating betweenn the two points of view. On the basis of data from Uralic and Indo-European languages of Europe, this paper is intended to clarify and refine the definitions of action nominals, converbs and infinitives. It appears that action nominals can be defined quite simply as verbal nouns (and participles as verbal adjectives), whereas infinitives and converbs are better defined with reference to their complementary functions, the difference between the two categories lying in their relative obligatoriness vs. optionality in a sentence. Furthermore, it is argued that the mutual relations of various non-finites are best understood by examinining them from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives simultaneously, as converbs and infinitives often have their origins in case-marked action nominals.
The Relationship between Formal Music Training and Conflict Control: An ERP Study

Music training involves manifolds of sensorimotor processes that tie closely with executive functions, including conflict control. Past studies have found consistent evidence in children of the link between music learning and executive functions. However, the same relationship has not been found in adult populations, and conflict control has yet to be studied in a focused manner. Via the Stroop task and event-related potentials (ERPs), the present study examined the association between musical training and conflict control ability among Chinese college students. The findings exhibited that individuals with music training outperformed individuals without music training by demonstrating higher accuracy and faster reaction times on the Stroop task and exhibiting greater N2 and smaller P3 amplitudes compared to the control group. The results support our hypothesis that people who received music training demonstrate advantages in their capacity for conflict control. The findings also provide scope for future research.
RMDDQN-Learning: Computation Offloading Algorithm Based on Dynamic Adaptive Multi -Objective Reinforcement Learning in Internet of Vehicles

As a promising computing paradigm driven by 5G, mobile edge computing (MEC) empowers smart vehicles to offload computation-intensive tasks to edge devices in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), thereby providing a plethora of exciting applications (e.g. on-board AR/VR, autonomous driving, etc.) with the unique quality of service (QoS) guarantees. However, a key challenge of MEC is how to keep the delay and energy consumption to a minimum in the computation offloading process, while ensuring the privacy security of offloaded data and the load balancing of edge resources. Namely, how to simultaneously optimize multiple indicators that affect computation offloading, which creates a challenging multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem. Aiming at the MOO problem, we propose a novel multi-objective reinforcement learning (MORL) algorithm based on double deep Q-network (DDQN). Each DDQN agent obtains rewards on different objectives according to different reward functions, and dynamically approximates the optimal offloading decision on multiple objectives. To conquer the trade-off problem among multiple conflicting objectives, we propose a weight-learning network based on radial basis function (RBF) networks, which dynamically adjusts the weights by learning the value changes among the objectives. Interestingly, we discovered encouraging potential of MORL for solving computation offloading problems in IoV, and numerical results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional reinforcement learning methods by 30.24% in terms of overall energy consumption.
Developing an SI-traceable Lp(a) reference measurement system: a pilgrimage to selective and accurate apo(a) quantification

Abstract In the past decade a remarkable rebirth of serum/plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurred. Updated evidence for a causal continuous association in different ethnic groups between Lp(a) concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes has been published in the latest European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Lp(a) consensus statement. Interest in measuring Lp(a) at least once in a person’s lifetime moreover originates from the development of promising new Lp(a) lowering drugs. Accurate and clinically effective Lp(a) tests are of key importance for the timely detection of high-risk individuals and for future evaluation of the therapeutic effects of Lp(a) lowering medication. To this end, it is necessary to improve the performance and standardization of existing Lp(a) tests, as is also noted in the Lp(a) consensus statement. Consequently, a state-of-the-art internationally endorsed reference measurement system (RMS) must be in place that allows for performance evaluation of Lp(a) field tests in order to certify their validity and accuracy. An ELISA-based RMS from Northwest Lipid Research Laboratory (University of Washington, Seattle, USA) has been available since the 1990s. A next-generation apo(a)/Lp(a) RMS is now being developed by a working group from the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). The envisioned apo(a) RMS is based on the direct measurement of selected proteotypic fragments generated after proteolytic digestion using quantitative protein mass spectrometry (MS). The choice for an MS-based RMS enables selective measurement of the proteotypic peptides and is by design apo(a) isoform insensitive. Clearly, the equimolar conversion of apo(a) into the surrogate peptide measurands is required to obtain accurate Lp(a) results. The completeness of proteolysis under reaction conditions from the candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) has been demonstrated for the quantifying apo(a) peptides. Currently, the candidate apo(a) RMP is endorsed by the IFCC and recommendations for suitable secondary reference materials have been made in a recent commutability study paper. Ongoing efforts toward a complete apo(a) RMS that is listed by the Joint Committee on Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM) are focused on the peptide-based calibration and the establishment of a network of calibration laboratories running the apo(a) RMS in a harmonized way. Once completed, it will be the holy grail for evaluation and certification of Lp(a) field methods.
Real-Time Memory Efficient Multitask Learning Model for Autonomous Driving

Developing a self-driving system is a challenging task that requires a high level of scene comprehension with real-time inference, and it is safety-critical. This study proposes a real-time memory efficient multitask learning-based model for joint object detection, drivable area segmentation, and lane detection tasks. To accomplish this research objective, the encoder-decoder architecture efficiently utilized to handle input frames through shared representation. Comprehensive experiments conducted on a challenging public Berkeley Deep Drive (BDD100 K) dataset. For further performance comparisons, a private dataset consisting of 30 K frames was collected and annotated for the three aforementioned tasks. Experimental results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method's over existing baseline approaches in terms of computational efficiency, model power consumption and accuracy performance. The performance results for object detection, drivable area segmentation and lane detection tasks showed the highest 77.5 mAP50, 91.9 mIoU and 33.8 mIoU results on BDD100K dataset respectively. In addition, the model achieved 112.29 fps processing speed improving both performance and inference speed results of existing multi-tasking models.
Deforming Convex Hypersurfaces by Curvature Functions

We study the motion of any smooth, closed and uniformly convex hypersurface in R contracting along its normal vectorfield with the speed given by some suitable smooth, positive and symmetric function of the principal curvatures, including any power of the m-th mean curvature. We prove that the surface remains uniformly convex for a finite time interval and then shrinks to a single point. No pinching condition is needed in the discussion. AMS Classification Number: 35K55, 53A05.
The effect of quality management system (ISO 9001) on operational performance of various organizations in Indonesia

Abstract An organization improves its performance by implementing ISO 9001, but there are not many scientific journals that discuss this. The purpose of this article is to examine the effect of the quality management system (ISO) 9001 on organizational performance to achieve business sustainability. This study examines four variables, namely ISO 9001 certification planning, organizational commitment, application of procedures on organizational performance and quality culture as mediating variable. Data collection was conducted in the form of a survey by e-mailing the questionnaire to 1000 ISO 9001 certified organizations selected using the purpose sampling technique. This research used a closed questionnaire and a Likert scale of 1–5. Data calculation utilized a Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis to distinguish outer and inner model analyses, as well as to test the hypotheses. The results show that ISO 9001 certification planning, organizational commitment, and application of procedures have a significant effect on quality culture. ISO 9001 certification planning and organizational commitment do not have a significant effect on operational performance, but the application of procedures and quality culture significantly influence operational performance. It is clear that an increase in organizational performance greatly influences by ISO 9001 implementation and a quality culture as a mediating variable.
Exploiting non-uniform query distributions in data structuring problems

This thesis examines data structures with query times that are a function of the distribution of queries made to them. When a query distribution exhibits nonuniformity—as is often the case in many applications—the sequence of queries can often be executed faster: Several such problems are considered. For the dictionary problem, this thesis presents the first binary search tree to achieve the working-set property for individual queries in the worst case, a data structure that supports searching from arbitrary temporal fingers, and a data structure that supports a stronger version of the unified property. For the predecessor search problem in bounded universes, this thesis presents a data structure that answers queries in time that is a function of the distance between the query and its answers (which leads to several appli¢ations in the areas of nearest neighbour search and range searching), as well as several data structures that answer queries in time that is a function of the entropy of the query distribution and various space requirements.
Inverse bilayer magnetoelectric thin film sensor

Prior investigations on magnetoelectric (ME) thin film sensors using amorphous FeCoSiB as a magnetostrictive layer and AlN as a piezoelectric layer revealed a limit of detection (LOD) in the range of a few pT/Hz1/2 in the mechanical resonance. These sensors are comprised of a Si/SiO2/Pt/AlN/FeCoSiB layer stack, as dictated by the temperatures required for the deposition of the layers. A low temperature deposition route of very high quality AlN allows the reversal of the deposition sequence, thus allowing the amorphous FeCoSiB to be deposited on the very smooth Si substrate. As a consequence, the LOD could be enhanced by almost an order of magnitude reaching 400 fT/Hz1/2 at the mechanical resonance of the sensor. Giant ME coefficients (αME) as high as 5 kV/cm Oe were measured. Transmission electron microscopy investigations revealed highly c-axis oriented growth of the AlN starting from the Pt-AlN interface with local epitaxy.
Topical Alginate Protection against Pepsin-Mediated Esophageal Damage: E-Cadherin Proteolysis and Matrix Metalloproteinase Induction

Epithelial barrier dysfunction is a hallmark of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) related to symptom origination, inflammatory remodeling and carcinogenesis. Alginate-based antireflux medications were previously shown to topically protect against peptic barrier disruption, yet the molecular mechanisms of injury and protection were unclear. Herein, Barrett’s esophageal (BAR-T) cells were pretreated with buffered saline (HBSS; control), dilute alginate medications (Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action, Reckitt Benckiser), a viscosity-matched placebo, or ADAM10 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors before exposure to HBSS pH7.4 or pH4 ± 1 mg/mL pepsin for 10–60 min. Cell viability was assessed by ATP assay; mediators of epithelial integrity, E-cadherin, ADAM10, and MMPs were examined by Western blot and qPCR. Alginate rescued peptic reduction of cell viability (p < 0.0001). Pepsin-pH4 yielded E-cadherin fragments indicative of regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) which was not rescued by inhibitors of known E-cadherin sheddases. Transcriptional targets of E-cadherin RIP fragments were elevated at 24 h (MMP-1,2,9,14; p < 0.01). Alginate rescued E-cadherin cleavage, ADAM10 maturation, and MMP induction (p < 0.01). Results support RIP as a novel mechanism of peptic injury during GERD. Alginate residue after wash-out to mimic physiologic esophageal clearance conferred lasting protection against pepsin-induced molecular mechanisms that may exacerbate GERD severity and promote carcinogenesis in the context of weakly acidic reflux.
Vibration of Timoshenko beams using non-classical elasticity theories

This paper presents a comparison among classical elasticity, nonlocal elasticity, and modified couple stress theories for free vibration analysis of Timoshenko beams. A study of the influence of rotary inertia and nonlocal parameters on fundamental and higher natural frequencies is carried out. The nonlocal natural frequencies are found to be lower than the classical ones, while the natural frequencies estimated by the modified couple stress theory are higher. The modified couple stress theory results depend on the beam cross-sectional size while those of the nonlocal theory do not. Convergence of both non-classical theories to the classical theory is observed as the beam global dimension increases.
On the Kohnen plus space for Hilbert modular forms of half-integral weight I

Abstract In this paper, we construct a generalization of the Kohnen plus space for Hilbert modular forms of half-integral weight. The Kohnen plus space can be characterized by the eigenspace of a certain Hecke operator. It can be also characterized by the behavior of the Fourier coefficients. For example, in the parallel weight case, a modular form of weight $\kappa + (1/ 2)$ with $\xi \mathrm{th} $ Fourier coefficient $c(\xi )$ belongs to the Kohnen plus space if and only if $c(\xi )= 0$ unless $\mathop{(- 1)}\nolimits ^{\kappa } \xi $ is congruent to a square modulo $4$. The Kohnen subspace is isomorphic to a certain space of Jacobi forms. We also prove a generalization of the Kohnen–Zagier formula.
Screen time, phone usage, and social media usage: Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective Technology use has increased in the past several years, especially among younger generations. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed how people work, learn, and interact, with many utilizing technology for daily tasks and socializing. Methods The current study investigated a sample of college students using a cross-sectional design to determine whether there was a change in how much time students spent on screens, phones, and social media. Results Findings indicated that time on screens and phones was significantly higher during the pandemic; however, time spent on social media did not differ significantly. Conclusion These findings suggest that students are spending more time working and socializing on their screens and phones, yet social media may not be the platform in which students are doing this. Future studies should further explore technology usage and whether these trends during the COVID-19 pandemic will be lasting.
The impact of COVID‐19 on residents of long‐term care facilities with learning disabilities and/or autism

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations including those with learning disabilities. Assessing the incidence and risk of death in such settings can improve the prevention of COVID‐19. We describe individuals who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 while residing in care homes for learning disabilities and/or autism and investigate the risk of death compared with individuals living in their own homes.
Fast and Scalable Architectures and Algorithms for the Computation of the Forward and Inverse Discrete Periodic Radon Transform with Applications to 2D Convolutions and Cross-Correlations

The Discrete Radon Transform (DRT) is an essential component of a wide range of applications in image processing, e.g. image denoising, image restoration, texture analysis, line detection, encryption, compressive sensing and reconstructing objects from projections in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A popular method to obtain the DRT, or its inverse, involves the use of the Fast Fourier
Functional Characterization of the Putative POT from Clostridium perfringens

Simple Summary Secondary active transporters have major roles in transporting vital nutrients and other smaller molecules in and out of cells. Proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters comprise a family of secondary transporters with specificity towards very short peptides and a very large number of species contain these transporters. In bacteria, proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters play different physiological roles. However, they have also been shown to import antibiotics and other drugs; hence, these transporters are of particular interest in bacteria. Here we sought to characterize such a transporter from the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, the only and previously uncharacterized proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter from this bacterium. Our findings were surprising as conventional proton-coupled oligopeptide transport was low, but substrate exchange, an inducible transport mode observed among similar transporters, was more prominent. This finding was investigated in light of mutational studies based on the predicted 3D structure of the transporter. Abstract Proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs) are a fundamental part of the cellular transport machinery that provides plants, bacteria, and mammals with nutrition in the form of short peptides. However, POTs are not restricted to peptide transport; mammalian POTs have especially been in focus due to their ability to transport several peptidomimetics in the small intestine. Herein, we studied a POT from Clostridium perfringens (CPEPOT), which unexpectedly exhibited atypical characteristics. First, very little uptake of a fluorescently labelled peptide β-Ala-Lys-AMCA, an otherwise good substrate of several other bacterial POTs, was observed. Secondly, in the presence of a competitor peptide, enhanced uptake of β-Ala-Lys-AMCA was observed due to trans-stimulation. This effect was also observed even in the absence of a proton electrochemical gradient, suggesting that β-Ala-Lys-AMCA uptake mediated by CPEPOT is likely through the substrate-concentration-driving exchange mechanism, unlike any other functionally characterized bacterial POTs.
Delaunay triangulation algorithms useful for multibeam echosounding

The Delaunay triangulation is a widely appreciated and investigated mathematical model for topographic surface represen- tation. After a brief theoretical description, six possible basic algorithms to construct a Delaunay triangulation are analyzed and properties that can be exploited for multibeam echosounder data processing are investigated. Two concepts will be treated in more depth: the divide-and-conquer construction algorithm and the incremental method. The calculation speed of the divide-and-conquer method makes it an ideal candidate to construct the initial triangulation of multibeam data. Its runtime performance is compared to that of the incremental algorithm to demonstrate this. The algorithm's merge step appears to be useful also in replacing triangulated areas of existing triangula- tions by new data. The incremental algorithm does not seem an effective construction method but it can easily be adapted to accommodate insertion of individual vertices into an existing triangulation and as such it is useful for editing purposes.
Adaptively refined, parallelised sharp interface Cartesian grid method for three-dimensional moving boundary problems

Sharp interface Cartesian grid methods are capable of simulating complex moving boundary problems on fixed meshes while treating embedded interfaces accurately. This article further enhances the effectiveness of the sharp interface method by devising techniques for adaptive mesh resolution combined with parallel processing. These extensions enable dealing with problems involving disparate length scales encountered in many applications. A tree-based adaptive local mesh refinement scheme is developed to complement the sharp interface Cartesian grid method for efficient and optimised calculations. Detailed timing and accuracy data are presented for a variety of benchmark problems involving moving boundaries. Guidelines for selecting mesh refinement criteria for moving boundary calculations are developed. Issues associated with parallelisation of the overall framework are tackled. The capabilities of the method are demonstrated in a number of moving boundary problems, which require adequate resolution of a wide range of length scales and three-dimensional flows.
Influência da luz e da temperatura na germinação de sementes de sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. - Fabaceae)

O presente trabalho avaliou o processo germinativo de sementes de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth sob diferentes condicoes de luz e temperatura. As sementes foram submetidas a temperaturas constantes de 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40°C e, alternada de 10-40°C, sob quatro qualidades de luz (branca, vermelha, vermelho extremo e ausencia de luz) e fotoperiodo de 12 horas. Foi utilizado o delineamento estatistico inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 8 x 4 (oito temperaturas e quatro qualidades de luz), com quatro repeticoes de 25 sementes. Os dados foram submetidos a analise de variância e as medias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. A partir dos testes de germinacao, as sementes apresentaram as seguintes temperaturas cardeais: temperatura minima (Tm) de 10 °C, temperatura otima (To) de 25 °C e temperatura maxima (TM) de 40 °C. As sementes apresentaram germinacao indiferente a luminosidade. E a especie pode ser indicada para medidas de reflorestamento de areas degradadas na vegetacao da savana estepica brasileira.
Postbuckling Analyses with Finite Strips

The finite strip method of post-buckling analysis of prismatic plate structures subjected to axial compression is presented. The method is developed in two versions. The first one employs the classical approximations of junction conditions. The second ensures compatibility of displacements in the transverse plane at the junction. Examples are presented to illustrate the types of problems that each version can study most usefully.