Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tipping Points Near a Delayed Saddle Node Bifurcation with Periodic Forcing

We consider the effect on tipping from an additive periodic forcing in a canonical model with a saddle node bifurcation and a slowly varying bifurcation parameter. Here tipping refers to the dramatic change in dynamical behavior characterized by a rapid transition away from a previously attracting state. In the absence of the periodic forcing, it is well known that a slowly varying bifurcation parameter produces a delay in this transition, beyond the bifurcation point for the static case. Using a multiple scales analysis, we consider the effect of amplitude and frequency of the periodic forcing relative to the drifting rate of the slowly varying bifurcation parameter. We show that a high frequency oscillation drives an earlier tipping when the bifurcation parameter varies more slowly, with the advance of the tipping point proportional to the square of the ratio of amplitude to frequency. In the low frequency case the position of the tipping point is affected by the frequency, amplitude, and phase of the o.
Rates of nucleotide substitution in sexual and anciently asexual rotifers

The class Bdelloidea of the phylum Rotifera is the largest well studied eukaryotic taxon in which males and meiosis are unknown, and the only one for which these indications of ancient asexuality are supported by cytological and molecular genetic evidence. We estimated the rates of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions in the hsp82 heat shock gene in bdelloids and in facultatively sexual rotifers of the class Monogononta, employing distance based and maximum likelihood methods. Relative-rate tests, using acanthocephalan rotifers as an outgroup, showed slightly higher rates of nonsynonymous substitution and slightly lower rates of synonymous substitution in bdelloids as compared with monogononts. The opposite trend, however, was seen in intraclass pairwise comparisons. If, as it seems, bdelloids have evolved asexually, an equality of bdelloid and monogonont substitution rates would suggest that the maintenance of sexual reproduction in monogononts is not attributable to an effect of sexual reproduction in limiting the load of deleterious nucleotide substitutions.
The MBH Mstar relation of obscured AGNs at high redshift

We report the detection of broad Hα emission in three X-ray selected obscured AGNs at z ∼ 1–2. By exploiting the Hα width and the intrinsic X-ray luminosity, we estimate their black hole masses, which are in the range 0.1–3 × 10 9 M� . By means of multi-band photometric data, we measure the stellar mass of their host galaxy and, therefore, infer their MBH/Mstar ratio. These are the first obscured AGNs at high-z, selected based on their black hole accretion (i.e. on the basis of their X-ray luminosity), that can be located on the MBH − Mstar relation at high-z. All of these obscured high-z AGNs are fully consistent with the local MBH − Mstar relation. This result conflicts with those for other samples of AGNs in the same redshift range, whose MBH/Mstar ratio departs significantly from the value observed in local galaxies. We suggest that the obscured AGNs in our sample are in an advanced evolutionary stage, have already settled onto the local MBH-Mstar relation, and whose nuclear activity has been temporarily revived by recent galaxy interactions.
Sensor fault tolerance in output feedback nonlinear model predictive control

This paper presents an active output feedback fault-tolerant model predictive control (MPC) scheme for systems with sensor faults. The proposed control scheme actively steers the system in order to prevent loss of observability caused by a sensor fault. To this end, the standard tracking objective of the MPC controller is augmented with an observability cost term which strongly penalizes unobservable state and input trajectories. A numerical example illustrates the use of the proposed approach on a target estimation and tracking control problem with faulty sensors.
Plasma gaba, gaba‐like activity and the brain gaba‐benzodiazepine receptor complex in rats with chronic hepatic encephalopathy

Plasma γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐like activity, plasma GABA and the brain GABA‐benzodiazepine receptor complex were studied in rats with chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Portal vein ligation (after prior subcutaneous transposition of the spleen) results in complete portal bypass of splanchnic blood. In addition, significant hepatocellular damage was superimposed on this model of portosystemic shunting by ligation of the common bile duct. Plasma GABA‐like activity (determined by radioreceptor assay) and true plasma GABA concentrations (determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography) were found to be significantly increased in both portal vein‐ligated and portal vein and bile duct‐ligated rats, compared with controls. However, plasma GABA‐like activity was consistently greater than the concentration of true GABA in the plasma of all rats. This suggested the presence of a GABA‐like factor in plasma that can inhibit [3H]GABA binding, but is not GABA itself. The concentration of this GABA‐like factor was significantly increased in the plasma of rats with chronic hepatic encephalopathy
Mean field stochastic games: Monotone costs and threshold policies

This paper considers mean field games in a multi-agent Markov decision process (MDP) framework. Each player has a continuum state and binary action. By active control, a player can bring its state to a resetting point. All players are coupled through their cost functions. The structural property of the individual strategies is characterized in terms of threshold policies when the mean field game admits a solution. We further introduce a stationary equation system of the mean field game and provide numerical solutions.
Computational Modeling of Sleep Stage Dynamics using Weibull Semi-Markov Chains

In this paper, a semi-Markov chain of sleep stages is considered as a model of human sleep dynamics. Both sleep stage transitions and the durations of continuous bouts in each stage are taken into account. The semiMarkov chain comprises an underlying Markov chain that models the temporal sequence of sleep stages but not the timing details, together with a separate statistical model of the bout durations in each stage. The stage bout durations are modeled explicitly, by the Weibull parametric family of probability distributions. This family is found to provide good fits for the durations of waking bouts and of bouts in the NREM and REM sleep stages. A collection of 244 all-night hypnograms is used for parameter optimization of the Weibull bout duration distributions for specific stages. The Weibull semi-Markov chain model proposed in this paper improves considerably on standard Markov chain models, which force geometrically distributed (discrete exponential) stage bout durations for all stages, contradicting known experimental observations. Our results provide more realistic dynamical modeling of sleep stage dynamics that can be expected to facilitate the discovery of interesting and useful dynamical patterns in human sleep data in future work.
A Content Analysis of Extension’s Presence on 1890 Land-Grant University Websites

The 1890s land-grant university was established to provide the tripartite mission of education, outreach, and research to rural and urban audiences. However, it is challenging to complete this mission if the Extension aspect of an 1890 university is not easily found through online media. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the online presence and technology presence of 1890 land-grant Extension programs on their respective university and college (or equivalent) websites. This content analysis of 18 land-grant universities found only one university had a direct click from the university homepage to the Extension homepage while 10 of the 19 schools had a direct click from the college (or equivalent) webpage to the Extension homepage. Additionally, Extension was not found to be promoted on the majority of university homepages. Twelve Extension programs were featured on the college (or equivalent) website. Using the DAGMAR model, it was concluded that the public’s awareness of Extension is limited if the programs are not readily accessible to the target population from university websites. The researchers recommend university communication specialists strive to promote Extension on homepages and through social media. Future research should include analyzing the social media content these Extension programs provided and evaluating each institution’s Extension website for usability.
Derivatization in Mass Spectrometry—8. Soft Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Small Molecules

This is the first of two reviews devoted to derivatization approaches for “soft” ionization mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization, electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) and deals, in particular, with small molecules. The principles of the main “soft” ionization mass spectrometric methods as well as the reasons for derivatizing small molecules are briefly described. Derivatization methods for modification of amines, carboxylic acids, amino acids, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, monosaccharides, thiols, unsaturated and aromatic compounds etc. to improve their ionizability and to enhance structure information content are discussed. The use of “fixed”-charge bearing derivatization reagents is especially emphasized. Chemical aspects of derivatization and “soft” ionization mass spectrometric properties of derivatives are considered.
Universal nuclear domains of somatic and germ cells: some lessons from oocyte interchromatin granule cluster and Cajal body structure and molecular composition

It is now clear that two prominent nuclear domains, interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs) and Cajal bodies (CBs), contribute to the highly ordered organization of the extrachromosomal space of the cell nucleus. These functional domains represent structurally stable but highly dynamic nuclear organelles enriched in factors that are required for different nuclear activities, especially RNA biogenesis. IGCs are considered to be the main sites for storage, assembly, and/or recycling of the essential spliceosome components. CBs are involved in the biogenesis of several classes of small RNPs as well as the modification of newly assembled small nuclear RNA. We have summarized data on the molecular composition, structure, and functional roles of IGCs and CBs in the nuclei of mammalian somatic cells and oocytes of some animals with a special focus on insects. We have focused on similarities and differences between the IGCs and CBs of oocytes and the well‐studied CBs and IGCs of cultured mammalian somatic cells. We have shown the heterogeneous character of oocyte IGCs and CBs, both in structure and molecular content. We have also demonstrated the unique capacity of oocytes to form close structural interactions between IGC and CB components. We proposed to consider these joint structures as integrated entities, sharing the features of both IGCs and CBs.
Learning to Rank in Vector Spaces and Social Networks

We survey machine learning techniques to learn ranking functions for entities represented as feature vectors as well as nodes in a social network. In the feature-vector scenario, an entity, e.g., a document x, is mapped to a feature vector ψ(x) ∈ ℝ d in a d-dimensional space, and we have to search for a weight vector β ∈ ℝ d . The ranking is then based on the values of β · ψ(x). This case corresponds to information retrieval in the "vector space" model. Training data consists of a partial order of preference among entities. We study probabilistic Bayesian and maximummargin approaches to solving this problem, including recent efficient near-linear-time approximate algorithms. In the graph node-ranking scenario, we briefly review PageRank, generalize it to arbitrary Markov conductance matrices, and consider the problem of learning conductance parameters from partial orders between nodes. In another class of formulation, the graph does not establish PageRank or prestige-flow relationships between nodes, but encourages a certain smoothness between the scores (ranks) of neighboring nodes. Some of these techniques have been used by Web search companies with very large query logs. We review some of the issues that arise when applying the theory to practical systems. Finally, we review connections between the stability of a score/rank-learning algorithm and its power to generalize to unforeseen test data.
Hoe kom God aan die woord in die prediking? 'n Vaste vertroue op God se beloftes is teologies noodsaaklik

How does God speak in preaching? A firm trust in God's promises - a theological necessity In the context of our day many preachers preach with hesitation. Some are not sure any more that the direction of Reformed theology as well as Reformed homiletics in preaching are able to have an effect on the lives of their listeners. The question I address in this article is: How can we preach with confidence that God is working in the lives of people and in society, and that reconciliation is possible between people? To throw light on the research question I have analysed a sermon of Desmond Tutu preached at a critical time in our recent history. I have made use of the latest method of sermon analysis. The results of the analysis show that the preacher's theology and her / his personal faith relation with Jesus Christ, as well as the relationship with the hearers in their context, are a sine qua non for preaching with confidence.
Social Capital and Bank Misconduct

This study uses enforcement actions issued by US bank regulators to show that banks headquartered in counties with higher levels of social capital (as captured by civic norms and social networks) are less likely to be involved in misconduct. This result is mostly significant for less geographically dispersed banks. The results also show that, following misconduct revelation, sanctioned banks experience greater reductions in deposit growth in counties with higher social capital levels, mostly during the last financial crisis and its aftermath. Taken together, these findings indicate that social capital acts as an external monitoring mechanism that prevents and punishes bank misconduct.
Iothalamate measured by capillary electrophoresis is a suitable alternative to radiolabeled inulin in renal micropuncture.

BACKGROUND Inulin remains the gold standard for measurements of fluid reabsorption (Jv) and single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) in micropuncture experiments. However, the method used to measure cold inulin in nanoliter samples is time-consuming, while the use of radiolabeled inulin is disadvantaged by possible radioactive contamination, disposal of radioactive material and cost of the isotope. It has been reported that non-radiolabeled iothalamate may be a suitable alternative for estimation of whole kidney GFR. The present study tested whether iothalamate can be used to measure Jv in microperfusion and free-flow micropuncture experiments. METHODS Superficial loops of Henle (LOH) were perfused from late proximal to early distal tubules with an end-like proximal solution. In the first set of experiments, the perfusate contained both iothalamate (1.9 mmol/L) and 3H-methoxy-inulin (50 microCi. mL(-1)). To test if iothalamate was able to detect changes in Jv, two additional sets of experiments were performed: (1) mannitol (61 mmol/L) was added to the perfusate to partially replace NaCl, a condition known to inhibit Jv; (2) LOH of remnant kidneys were perfused, which in previous experiments we showed to have a higher Jv. Lastly, free-flow micropuncture experiments were performed by infusing iothalamate IV at 18.3 mg. h(-1). Iothalamate analysis in nanoliter samples of renal tubular fluid obtained in vivo was performed by capillary electrophoresis (CE). RESULTS In the first set of experiments, liquid scintillation counting of 3H-methoxy-inulin versus iothalamate analysis with CE resulted in almost identical calculated perfusion rates (20.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 20.6 +/- 0.7 nL. min(-1), N = 20) and tubular fluid/perfusate ratios (TF/P; 1.35 +/- 0.04 vs. 1.36 +/- 0.04) and thus also Jv (5.17 +/- 0.50 vs. 5.38 +/- 0.59 nL. min(-1)). In the mannitol experiments, iothalamate measurements showed that the addition of mannitol significantly reduced Jv from 4.98 +/- 0.40 (N = 19) to 0.72 +/- 0.58 nL. min(-1) (N = 33; P < 0.0001). Iothalamate determinations by CE were able to detect a significant increase in Jv in LOH of remnant rats perfused at 40 nL. min(-1)[from to 8.40 +/- 0.73 (N = 20) in sham-operated to 17.8 +/- 2.9 nL. min(-1) (N = 6) in remnant animals; P < 0.0001]. In free flow micropuncture experiments the ratio of tubular fluid to plasma iothalamate (TF/P) along the proximal tubule was 1.62 +/- 0.10 (N = 15). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that iothalamate can replace inulin to measure Jv in microperfusion and free-flow micropuncture experiments. Since iothalamate analysis by CE technique is a fast, easy and highly reproducible technique, it may become the gold standard method for the detection of fluid reabsorption in microperfused nephron segments.
Effects of Modulation Techniques on the Input Current Interharmonics of Adjustable Speed Drives

Adjustable speed drives (ASDs) based on a three-phase front-end diode rectifier connected to a rear-end inverter may generate interharmonic distortion in the grid. The interharmonic components can create power quality problems in the distribution networks such as interference with the ripple control signals, and consequently they can hamper the normal operation of the grid. This paper presents the effect of the symmetrical regularly sampled space vector modulation and discontinuous pulse width modulation-30$^{\circ }$ lag (DPWM2) techniques, as the most popular modulation methods in the ASD applications, on the drive's input current interharmonic magnitudes. Further investigations are also devoted to the cases where the random modulation technique is applied to the selected modulation strategies. The comparative results show how different modulation techniques can influence the ASD's input current interharmonics and consequently may not be a suitable choice of modulation from an interharmonics perspective. Finally, the theoretical analysis and simulation studies are validated with obtained experimental results on a 7.5-kW motor drive system.
Preventing hypothermia among Sheltersuit users

This report investigates how to develop a monitoring and notification system to prevent hypothermia among the Sheltersuit user. The Sheltersuit is a jacket that can be zipped to a bag around the legs, that provides warmth to the homeless people, sleeping on the street. Hypothermia is normally measured using invasive methods, and these methods are therefore unsuitable to be implemented in the Sheltersuit. For this project a concept was produced that focussed on measuring shivering (symptom of mild hypothermia) and the temperature and humidity level inside the Sheltersuit (risk factors of hypothermia) to determine the risk of getting hypothermia. The notification system depends on the preferences of the end user, the homeless people. However, during this project it was found out that it is a difficult target group to come in contact with. As a result all decisions had to be made without involving them and no final notification system could be generated. However, using literature research, it was found that the notification system could use mobile phones to contact aid organisations, if the user themselves is not capable of reacting to the notification, as long as the system does not fully depend on the mobile phone.
Improving commissioning through design thinking

Abstract Public policies and programs are intended to improve the lives of citizens. Considerable efforts are currently being made to utilize evidence, conduct experiments, and use program monitoring to increase the likelihood that policies and programs will generate intended effects. We explore the neglected connection between design thinking and commissioning of public services and make a general argument for how design thinking can contribute to more effective commissioning. We use the case of charter schooling to show how acquiring and sharing knowledge of local contexts can improve service design and delivery. We conclude that paying greater attention to local collaboration and service enhancement through the application of design thinking can improve commissioning and contribute significantly to the pursuit of desired social and economic outcomes.
CHROMOSOMAL VERSUS MITOCHONDRIAL DNA EVOLUTION: TRACKING THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE SOUTHWESTERN EUROPEAN POPULATIONS OF THE SOREX ARANEUS GROUP (MAMMALIA, INSECTIVORA)

The shrews of the Sorex araneus group have undergone a spectacular chromosome evolution. The karyotype of Sorex granarius is generally considered ancestral to those of Sorex coronatus and S. araneus. However, a sequence of 777 base pairs of the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) produces a quite different picture: S. granarius is closely related to the populations of S. araneus from the Pyrenees and from the northwestern Alps, whereas S. coronatus and S. araneus from Italy and the southern Alps represent two well‐separated lineages. It is suggested that mtDNA and chromosomal evolution are in this case largely independant processes. Whereas mtDNA haplotypes are closely linked to the geographical history of the populations, chromosomal mutations were probably transmitted from one population to another. Available data suggest that the impressive chromosome polymorphism of this group is quite a recent phenomenon.
Intelligent control of redundant manipulators in an environment with obstacle

A neural optimization network is proposed to control redundant robot manipulators in an environment with obstacles. The weightings of the network are adjusted by considering both the joint dexterity and the capability of collision avoidance of joint differential motion. The fuzzy rules are proposed to determine the capability of collision avoidance of each joint. To show the validities of the proposed method, computer simulation results are illustrated for a 3-d.o. f planar redundant robot. <<ETX>>
Analysing the effects of strategic assets on company success : an evidence in manufacturing company

Manufacturing industry plays a significant role in the development of a nation. Thus, analyzing the factors influencing its success is profoundly needed. Scholars have identified strategic assets as a key factors that influence the success of manufacturing companies. This study examined the relationship between strategic assets on company success. 400 manufacturing companies in Malaysia have participated in the survey. A total of 299 usable questionnaires were analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results revealed that manufacturing companies should consider increasing their strategic assets to achieve superior success. This suggests that strategic assets are crucial towards improving company success. The results found that intangible assets have emerged as the most significant predictor that affect company success. The implications of this study and recommendations for future research are also discussed.