Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An STD System Using Multiple STD Results and Multiple Rescoring Method for NTCIR-12 SpokenQuery&Doc Task

Researches of Spoken Term Detection (STD) have been actively conducted in recent years. The task of STD is searching for a particular speech segment from a large amount of multimedia data that include audio or speech data. In NTCIR-12, a task containing multiple spoken queries is newly added to the STD task. In this paper, we explain an STD system that our team developed for the NTCIR-12 SpokenQuery & Doc task. We have already proposed the various methods to improve the STD accuracy for out-of-vocabulary (OOV) query terms. Our method consists of four steps. First, multiple automatic speech recognizers (ASRs) are performed for spoken documents using triphone, syllables, demiphone and SPS and multiple speech recognition results are obtained. Retrieval results are obtained for each subword unit. Second, these retrieval results are integrated [1][2]. Third, we apply a rescoring method to improve the STD accuracy that contains highly ranked candidates [3]. Lastly, a rescoring method is applied to compare a query with spoken documents in more detail by using the posterior probability obtained from Deep Neural Network (DNN) [4]. We apply this method to only the top candidates to reduce the retrieval time [5]. For a spoken query, we use two rescoring methods. First method compares two posterior probability vectors of the spoken query and spoken documents. Second method utilizes the papers in proceedings. We apply these methods to the test collection of NTCIR-12 and show experimental results for these methods.
Experimental Investigation of Tensile Test on Connection of Cold-formed Cut-curved Steel Section

Cold-formed steel (CFS) is widely used as structural and non-structural components such as roof trusses and purlin. A CFS channel section with double intermediate web stiffener and lipped is chosen based on the broader usage in roof truss construction. CFS section is cut to form cold-formed pre-cut-curved steel section and lastly strengthened by several types of method or likely known as connection to establish the cold-formed cut-curved steel (CFCCS) section. CFCCS is proposed to be used as a top chord section in the roof truss system. The CFCCS is to resist the buckling phenomena of the roof truss structure and reduced the compression effect on the top chord. The tensile test connection of CFCCS section, especially at the flange element with eight types of connection by welding, plate with self-drilling screw and combination is investigated. The flange element is the weakest part that must be solved first other than the web element because they are being cut totally, 100% of their length for curving process. The testing is done using a universal testing machine for a tensile load. From the experiment, specimen with full welding has shown as a good result with an ultimate load of 13.37 kN and reported having 35.41% when compared with normal specimen without any of connection methods. Furthermore, the experimental result is distinguished by using Eurocode 3. The failure of a full welding specimen is due to breaking at the welding location. Additionally, all specimens with either full weld or spot weld or combination failed due to breaking on weld connection, but specimen with flange plate and self-drilling screw failed due to tilting and bearing. Finally, the full welding specimen is chosen as a good connection to perform the strengthening method of CFCCS section.
New Detection Systems of Bacteria Using Highly Selective Media Designed by SMART: Selective Medium-Design Algorithm Restricted by Two Constraints

Culturing is an indispensable technique in microbiological research, and culturing with selective media has played a crucial role in the detection of pathogenic microorganisms and the isolation of commercially useful microorganisms from environmental samples. Although numerous selective media have been developed in empirical studies, unintended microorganisms often grow on such media probably due to the enormous numbers of microorganisms in the environment. Here, we present a novel strategy for designing highly selective media based on two selective agents, a carbon source and antimicrobials. We named our strategy SMART for highly Selective Medium-design Algorithm Restricted by Two constraints. To test whether the SMART method is applicable to a wide range of microorganisms, we developed selective media for Burkholderia glumae, Acidovorax avenae, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas campestris. The series of media developed by SMART specifically allowed growth of the targeted bacteria. Because these selective media exhibited high specificity for growth of the target bacteria compared to established selective media, we applied three notable detection technologies: paper-based, flow cytometry-based, and color change-based detection systems for target bacteria species. SMART facilitates not only the development of novel techniques for detecting specific bacteria, but also our understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of the targeted bacteria.
Concentration Compactness for Critical Wave Maps

Wave maps are the simplest wave equations taking their values in a Riemannian manifold (M,g). Their Lagrangian is the same as for the scalar equation, the only difference being that lengths are measured with respect to the metric g. By Noether's theorem, symmetries of the Lagrangian imply conservation laws for wave maps, such as conservation of energy. In coordinates, wave maps are given by a system of semilinear wave equations. Over the past 20 years important methods have emerged which address the problem of local and global wellposedness of this system. Due to weak dispersive effects, wave maps defined on Minkowski spaces of low dimensions, such as $R_{t,x}^{2+1}$, present particular technical difficulties. This class of wave maps has the additional important feature of being energy critical, which refers to the fact that the energy scales exactly like the equation. Around 2000 Daniel Tataru and Terence Tao, building on earlier work of Klainerman–Machedon, proved that smooth data of small energy lead to global smooth solutions for wave maps from 2+1 dimensions into target manifolds satisfying some natural conditions. In contrast, for large data, singularities may occur in finite time for $M=S^2$ as target. This monograph establishes that for $H$ as target the wave map evolution of any smooth data exists globally as a smooth function. While we restrict ourselves to the hyperbolic plane as target the implementation of the concentration-compactness method, the most challenging piece of this exposition, yields more detailed information on the solution. This monograph will be of interest to experts in nonlinear dispersive equations, in particular to those working on geometric evolution equations.
Verification of the eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete column calculation model based on the results of a full-scale experimental study

The article presents the results of a numerical experiment consisting in a test of an eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete column and comparison of the results obtained with the results of experimental studies. With the development of numerical methods and software packages, methods (techniques) of modeling structural elements using more detailed calculation models with solid finite elements that allow direct consideration of the joint behavior of concrete and reinforcing bars become relevant. The use of such methods requires verification of individual load-bearing structural elements, such as columns, beams, slabs. The article refers to a nonlinear concrete model – Continuous Surface Cap Model (CSCM). This model is implemented in the LS-DYNA software package and enables to consider the joint behavior of reinforcing bars and concrete, using bar (for reinforcing bars) and solid (for concrete) finite elements. An eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete column of square section with dimensions of 150х150х1150 (h) mm is chosen as an object of modeling. The studies have shown that the ultimate breaking load on the column based on the results of numerical modeling is consistent with the experimental values (discrepancy does not exceed 3.4%). The pattern of development of cracks and fractures, obtained from the results of modeling in the LS-DYNA software package corresponds to the pattern of fractures obtained as a result of experimental studies. According to comparison of the results obtained, it can be argued that a numerical test showed good agreement with the results obtained during full-scale experiments.
Non-homogeneous extracellular resistivity affects the current-source density profiles of up–down state oscillations

Rhythmic local field potential (LFP) oscillations observed during deep sleep are the result of synchronized electrical activities of large neuronal ensembles, which consist of alternating periods of activity and silence, termed ‘up’ and ‘down’ states, respectively. Current-source density (CSD) analysis indicates that the up states of these slow oscillations are associated with current sources in superficial cortical layers and sinks in deep layers, while the down states display the opposite pattern of source–sink distribution. We show here that a network model of up and down states displays this CSD profile only if a frequency-filtering extracellular medium is assumed. When frequency filtering was modelled as inhomogeneous conductivity, this simple model had considerably more power in slow frequencies, resulting in significant differences in LFP and CSD profiles compared with the constant-resistivity model. These results suggest that the frequency-filtering properties of extracellular media may have important consequences for the interpretation of the results of CSD analysis.
Hybrid volume-surface integral equation method for high contrast composite media and metamaterials

This paper outlined a new VSIE representation as an alternative to the standard FE-BI methods. This hybrid formulation, based on a specific factorization of the material properties within the solution domain, also allows for the decomposition of the problem into interior and exterior solution subdomains, hence eliminating the need to use a high discretization rate for high permittivity regions. In case of periodic structures, this decomposition also eliminates the use of periodic Green's function for the interior domain. The periodicity of the structure is explicitly imposed by modifying the boundary conditions on the wall of the unit cell. Full integral equation nature of this formulation makes it an excellent candidate for electrically large problems as well as resonant structures, the latter typically being encountered in modeling of metamaterials
Prototyping a Concurrency Model

Many novel programming models for concurrency have been proposed in the wake of the multicore computing paradigm shift. They aim to raise the level of abstraction for expressing concurrency and synchronization in a program, and hence to help developers avoid programming errors. Because of this goal, the semantics of the models themselves becomes ever more complex, increasing the risk of design flaws. We propose a methodology for prototyping concurrency models using executable formal specifications. The prototype can be used to test and correct the model at an early stage. Once the development is completed, the executable formal specification serves as an unambiguous reference. We apply this methodology to SCOOP, an object-oriented concurrency model. Using this approach, we were able to uncover and fix three major flaws in the model.
Efficient L1/Lq Norm Regularization

Sparse learning has recently received increasing attention in many areas including machine learning, statistics, and applied mathematics. The mixed-norm regularization based on the L1/Lq norm with q>1 is attractive in many applications of regression and classification in that it facilitates group sparsity in the model. The resulting optimization problem is, however, challenging to solve due to the structure of the L1/Lq -regularization. Existing work deals with special cases including q = 2,infinity, and they cannot be easily extended to the general case. In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm based on the accelerated gradient method for solving the L1/Lq -regularized problem, which is applicable for all values of q larger than 1, thus significantly extending existing work. One key building block of the proposed algorithm is the L1/Lq -regularized Euclidean projection (EP1q). Our theoretical analysis reveals the key properties of EP1q and illustrates why EP1q for the general q is significantly more challenging to solve than the special cases. Based on our theoretical analysis, we develop an efficient algorithm for EP1q by solving two zero finding problems. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Hepatic miR-29ab1 expression modulates chronic hepatic injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, regulatory non‐coding RNAs that have potent effects on gene expression. Several miRNA are deregulated in cellular processes involved in human liver diseases and regulation of cellular processes. Recent studies have identified the involvement of miR‐29 in hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Although several targets of miR‐29 have been identified, there is limited information regarding the cell‐type specific roles of miR‐29 in the liver, and we sought to evaluate the role of this miRNA in hepatic pathobiology. We report the generation of a tissue–specific knockout mouse to evaluate the role of miR‐29 in hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis in response to injury. We hypothesized that miR‐29 contributes to the hepatocyte driven response to chronic cellular injury that results in fibrosis. In support of this hypothesis, fibrosis and mortality were enhanced in miR29 knockout mice in response to carbon tetrachloride. Genome‐wide gene expression analysis identified an over‐representation of genes associated with fibrosis. The oncofetal RNA H19 was modulated in a miR‐29 dependent manner following exposure to carbon tetrachloride in vivo. The impact of a hepatocyte specific miR‐29 knockout on survival following chronic hepatic injury in vivo implicates this miRNA as a potential target for intervention. These results provide evidence of the involvement of miR‐29 in chronic hepatic injury, and suggest a role for deregulated hepatocyte expression of miR‐29 in the response to hepatic injury, fibrosis and carcinogenesis.
Automatic Evaluation of Emotion Elicitation oriented to people with intellectual disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities and elderly need physical and intellectual support to ensuring independent living. In our project a new IS system (LAGUNTXO) which adds user affective information oriented to people with intellectual disabilities has been developed. The system integrates a Human Emotion Analysis System (HEAS) which attempts to solve critical situations for this community as block stages. In the development of the HEAS one of the critical issues was to create appropriated databases to train the system due to the difficulty to simulate pre-block stages in laboratory specifically in the case of people with disabilities. A film and real sequences based emotion elicitation database was created. The elicitation material was categorized with features based on discrete emotions and dimensional terms (pleasant, unpleasant). In this work we present the Automatic Evaluation of Emotion Elicitation databases based on Machine Learning classifiers and un-supervised K-means clustering which provides new approaches of emotional answers finally validated by the specialist.
The LAMP‐like protein p67 plays an essential role in the lysosome of African trypanosomes

RNAi knockdown was employed to study the function of p67, a lysosome‐associated membrane protein (LAMP)‐like type I transmembrane lysosomal glycoprotein in African trypanosomes. Conditional induction of p67 dsRNA resulted in specific ∼90% reductions in de novo p67 synthesis in both mammalian bloodstream and procyclic insect‐stage parasites. Bloodstream cell growth was severely retarded with extensive death after > 24 h of induction. Biosynthetic trafficking of residual p67, and of the soluble lysosomal protease trypanopain, were unimpaired. Endocytosis of tomato lectin, a surrogate receptor‐mediated cargo, was only mildly impaired (∼20%), but proper lysosomal targeting was unaffected. p67 ablation had dramatic effects on lysosomal morphology with gross enlargement (four‐ to fivefold) and internal membrane profiles reminiscent of autophagic vacuoles. Ablation of p67 expression rendered bloodstream trypanosomes refractory to lysis by human trypanolytic factor (TLF), a lysosomally activated host innate immune mediator. Similar effects on lysosomal morphology and TLF sensitivity were also obtained by two pharmacological agents that neutralize lysosomal pH – chloroquine and bafilomycin A1. Surprisingly, however, lysosomal pH was not affected in ablated cells suggesting that other physiological alterations must account for increased resistance to TLF. These results indicate p67 plays an essential role in maintenance of normal lysosomal structure and physiology in bloodstream‐stage African trypanosomes.
Domains of Escherichia coli acyl carrier protein important for membrane-derived-oligosaccharide biosynthesis

Acyl carrier protein participates in a number of biosynthetic pathways in Escherichia coli: fatty acid biosynthesis, phospholipid biosynthesis, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, activation of prohemolysin, and membrane-derived oligosaccharide biosynthesis. The first four pathways require the protein's prosthetic group, phosphopantetheine, to assemble an acyl chain or to transfer an acyl group from the thioester linkage to a specific substrate. By contrast, the phosphopantetheine prosthetic group is not required for membrane-derived oligosaccharide biosynthesis, and the function of acyl carrier protein in this biosynthetic scheme is currently unknown. We have combined biochemical and molecular biological approaches to investigate domains of acyl carrier protein that are important for membrane-derived oligosaccharide biosynthesis. Proteolytic removal of the first 6 amino acids from acyl carrier protein or chemical synthesis of a partial peptide encompassing residues 26 to 50 resulted in losses of secondary and tertiary structure and consequent loss of activity in the membrane glucosyltransferase reaction of membrane-derived oligosaccharide biosynthesis. These peptide fragments, however, inhibited the action of intact acyl carrier protein in the enzymatic reaction. This suggests a role for the loop regions of the E. coli acyl carrier protein and the need for at least two regions of the protein for participation in the glucosyltransferase reaction. We have purified acyl carrier protein from eight species of Proteobacteria (including representatives from all four subgroups) and characterized the proteins as active or inhibitory in the membrane glucosyltransferase reaction. The complete or partial amino acid sequences of these acyl carrier proteins were determined. The results of site-directed mutagenesis to change amino acids conserved in active, and altered in inactive, acyl carrier proteins suggest the importance of residues Glu-4, Gln-14, Glu-21, and Asp-51. The first 3 of these residues define a face of acyl carrier protein that includes the beginning of the loop region, residues 16 to 36. Additionally, screening for membrane glucosyltransferase activity in membranes from bacterial species that had acyl carrier proteins that were active with E. coli membranes revealed the presence of glucosyltransferase activity only in the species most closely related to E. coli. Thus, it seems likely that only bacteria from the Proteobacteria subgroup gamma-3 have periplasmic glucans synthesized by the mechanism found in E. coli.
Modular Neuronal Assemblies Embodied in a Closed-Loop Environment: Toward Future Integration of Brains and Machines

Behaviors, from simple to most complex, require a two-way interaction with the environment and the contribution of different brain areas depending on the orchestrated activation of neuronal assemblies. In this work we present a new hybrid neuro-robotic architecture based on a neural controller bi-directionally connected to a virtual robot implementing a Braitenberg vehicle aimed at avoiding obstacles. The robot is characterized by proximity sensors and wheels, allowing it to navigate into a circular arena with obstacles of different sizes. As neural controller, we used hippocampal cultures dissociated from embryonic rats and kept alive over Micro Electrode Arrays (MEAs) for 3–8 weeks. The developed software architecture guarantees a bi-directional exchange of information between the natural and the artificial part by means of simple linear coding/decoding schemes. We used two different kinds of experimental preparation: “random” and “modular” populations. In the second case, the confinement was assured by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mask placed over the surface of the MEA device, thus defining two populations interconnected via specific microchannels. The main results of our study are: (i) neuronal cultures can be successfully interfaced to an artificial agent; (ii) modular networks show a different dynamics with respect to random culture, both in terms of spontaneous and evoked electrophysiological patterns; (iii) the robot performs better if a reinforcement learning paradigm (i.e., a tetanic stimulation delivered to the network following each collision) is activated, regardless of the modularity of the culture; (iv) the robot controlled by the modular network further enhances its capabilities in avoiding obstacles during the short-term plasticity trial. The developed paradigm offers a new framework for studying, in simplified model systems, neuro-artificial bi-directional interfaces for the development of new strategies for brain-machine interaction.
Cycle Killer...Qu'est-ce que c'est? On the Comparative Approximability of Hybridization Number and Directed Feedback Vertex Set

We show that the problem of computing the hybridization number of two rooted binary phylogenetic trees on the same set of taxa $X$ has a constant factor polynomial-time approximation if and only if the problem of computing a minimum-size feedback vertex set in a directed graph (DFVS) has a constant factor polynomial-time approximation. The latter problem, which asks for a minimum number of vertices to be removed from a directed graph to transform it into a directed acyclic graph, is one of the problems in Karp's seminal 1972 list of 21 NP-complete problems. Despite considerable attention from the combinatorial optimization community, it remains to this day unknown whether a constant factor polynomial-time approximation exists for DFVS. Our result thus places the (in)approximability of hybridization number in a much broader complexity context, and as a consequence we obtain that it inherits inapproximability results from the problem Vertex Cover. On the positive side, we use results from the DFVS literatur.