Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of backstepping to MVDC ship power systems with constant power loads

In future all-electrical ships with Medium Voltage DC distribution, the power system stability can be jeopardized by the presence of constant power loads, due to the negative impedance characteristic of their tightly regulated converters. In order to solve this problem we apply backstepping as a nonlinear control technique to the converter interfacing the generation side and which supplies the bus. In this work we demonstrate two versions of backstepping, which are compared to a centralized linearizing state feedback controller taken from literature.
Hierarchical reinforcement learning for trading agents

Autonomous software agents, the use of which has increased due to the recent growth in computer power, have considerably improved electronic commerce processes by facilitating automated trading actions between the market participants (sellers, brokers and buyers). The rapidly changing market environments pose challenges to the performance of such agents, which are generally developed for specific market settings. To this end, this thesis is concerned with designing agents that can gradually adapt to variable, dynamic and uncertain markets and that are able to reuse the acquired trading skills in new markets. This thesis proposes the use of reinforcement learning techniques to develop adaptive trading agents and puts forward a novel software architecture based on the semi-Markov decision process and on an innovative knowledge transfer framework. To evaluate my approach, the developed trading agents are tested in internationally well-known market simulations and their behaviours when buying or/and selling in the retail and wholesale markets are analysed. The proposed approach has been shown to improve the adaptation of the trading agent in a specific market as well as to enable the portability of the its knowledge in new markets.
Pregnancy‐associated endometrial expression of antileukoproteinase gene is correlated with epitheliochorial placentation

Uterine expression of the mRNA encoding antileukoproteinase (ALP) is highest in pig uterus during mid‐ to late pregnancy, suggesting a stage of pregnancy‐dependent role for this elastase/cathepsin G protease inhibitor in feto‐maternal interactions. To examine a potential relationship between uterine synthesis of ALP and the type of placentation in mammalian species, the expression of ALP mRNA and/or protein in pregnant mares, cows, rats, and mice was evaluated. Genomic DNA and mRNA hybridization analyses were performed using a porcine ALP cDNA as probe. The concentration of ALP protein in reproductive tissues was determined by RIA using a polyclonal antibody raised against a synthetic peoptide (ALP 16P) corresponding to amino acid residues 21–36 of the porcine ALP protein. A single ALP mRNA transcript of approximately 0.8 kb in length was detected in equine and bovine uterine tissues. The relative abundance of ALP mRNA in equine endometrium increased between days 125–170 (mid‐pregnancy), and then decreased by day 215 of pregnancy. Similarly, the steady state levels of ALP mRNA in bovine endometrium and myometrium were higher during mid‐ to late than during early pregnancy. The levels of ALP mRNA in bovine fetal cotyledon were low and did not change significantly with stage of pregnancy. No hybridization was detected to pregnant rat endometrial tissues, although high stringency Southern blot analysis of porcine, bovine, and rat genomic DNAs using porcine ALP cDNA as probe predicted a high degree of nucleotide sequence homology in their respective ALP genes. In pregnant cows, concentrations of ALP protein were higher in maternal endometrium and myometrium than in fetal cotyledon. Tissue ALP content in bovine uterus increased between days 17–89, and then decreased by day 248 of pregnancy. In contrast, no ALP protein was detected in cytosolic extracts prepared from endometrium of pregnant rats and mice. THe demonstrated synthesis of ALP mRNA and/or protein in the endometrium of the mare and the cow similar to that of the pig, but not in the endometrium of the rat and mouse, during pregnancy indicates a potential correlation between endometrial ALP expression and epitheliochorial type of placentation in mammalian species. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ambiguity resolution with multiple FMCW range-doppler radar sensors

In surveillance and security applications radar sensors can be used for scene imaging in environments with non-cooperative persons or objects. Beamforming techniques provide a solution for 2D or 3D radar imaging, but generally require a certain antenna aperture to obtain the required angular resolution. Looking at a scene simultaneously from different angles with multiple sensors can be advantageous in particular in enclosed sce-narios, but raises the problem of associating radar measurements from individual sensors with the reflectors present in the scene. In this paper the use of Range-Doppler sensors that provide simultaneous range and veloci-ty information for resolving the ambiguity associated with range-only measurements is demonstrated.
Whose shopping malls and whose shopping streets? Person-environment fit in retail environments

Abstract Shopping malls and shopping streets are environments frequented by millions of people daily. Malls are purposively built and strictly managed, whereas streets are evolving more spontaneously. Are these different but popular retail environments, out there to meet human needs, a like fit for all of us? Do all of us perceive them in the same way? Do we all feel just as good in them? Use them just as often and enthusiastically? We have set our research in a theoretical frame using one of the key concepts – describing the person-environment fit (P-EF) understood as a mental state giving rise to subsequent positive or negative states or behaviors. We assumed that the possible correlates of P-EF would be the person’s personality, temperament, and their system of values. Our cross-sectional correlational study involved 122 people aged 18 to 40. We found the match with retail environments to be influenced by subject traits, among them: consumption style, social affiliation need and openness to experience. Interestingly, it also turned out that the fit with retail environments is but ambiguously connected with hedonism co-variance, and that shopping streets can make for a fit no worse than malls.
Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain A59 RNA Polymerase Gene ORF 1a: Heterogeneity among MHV Strains

Abstract Gene 1, the putative RNA replicase gene of coronaviruses, is expressed via two large overlapping open reading frames (ORF 1a and ORF 1b). We have determined the nucleotide sequence of ORF 1a, encoded within the first 13.7 kb of gene 1, for the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-AS9). Putative papain-like protease domains, a picornavirus 3C-like protease domain, two hydrophobic domains, and a domain "X" of unknown function, previously identified in other coronaviruses (1-3), are also present in ORF 1a of MHV-A59. Comparison between the ORF 1a sequence of MHV-A59 and the published sequence of the JHM strain of MHV (2) showed a high degree of similarity with the exception of several short regions. We sequenced one region of MHV-JHM that contained an 18 amino acid insertion relative to A59 and four other regions in which the sequences of the two strains differed. The MHV-2 and MHV-3 strains were else sequenced in some of these regions. Our analysis confirmed the presence of only one heterogeneous region in ORF 1a of MHV-A59 and MHV-JHM which is also present in MHV-2. Our findings indicate the need to modify the published sequence of MHV-JHM.
Supplier portfolio management of the MNCs and its implications to the Finnish SMEs in the machinery industry

The objective of the study was to understand the dynamics of MNCs’ supplier portfolio management in the Finnish machinery industry. In addition, and accordance to the title, the second objective was to draw the implications of the supply management to the Finnish SME suppliers. The study was conducted as a qualitative research in the context of machinery industry in Finland. The data was collected through interviews from three different sources: The first group of Finpro consultants provided background to the research, the second group of four MNCs provided information on the supplier management aspect, and the third group of six SME suppliers provided the information on how the management affected them. The results of the study indicate that MNCs’ supplier portfolio management is not only a result of strategic planning, but a combination of three factors: 1. Historical reasons, 2. Strategic decisions and 3. Convenience reasons. Thus the actual management of the portfolio only takes place in the last two sections. These results were presented in a pyramid model. The study notes, how the supplier’s position in the pyramid model is the most critical factor in determining the implications of supplier management to the SMEs. In addition, the overall international strategy of the MNCs affects greatly the management of the SMEs, and position of local suppliers. Lastly, the study suggests a model on how the SMEs should create an own strategic response to the supplier management. The response starts from understanding the environment and positioning oneself, and ends with a creation of own customer portfolio, to hedge against the risks of changing business environment.
The relationship of the hemolytic activity of active C'1s to its TAMe esterase action: a new method of purification and assay.

Active C′1s was isolated from the euglobulin fraction of human serum by column chromatography on CM and DEAE cellulose and Pevikon block electrophoresis. The final product revealed a single precipitin line against horse anti-whole human serum on immunoelectrophoresis and did not contain C′1q. A spectrophotometric assay was introduced for measuring the esterase activity of C′1s using TAMe as a substrate. Active C′1s was capable of generating SAC′4,2a although it did not bind to EAC′4 cells and EA. The esterase activity and the hemolytic activity as well as the C′2 and C′4 destructive activity of active C′1s were associated with a single homogeneous protein which migrated to the α-globulin region and had a molecular weight of approximately 110,000. A molecular titration of active C′1s is not possible because active C′1s transfers from site to site; however, SAC′4,2a generating activity could be correlated with TAMe esterase activity. As the ratio of hemolytic to esterase activity of active C′1s was 20 to 40 times less than that of C′1a, the firm binding of C′1a mediated through the combining site for antibody, presumably on the C′1q subunit, increases the efficiency of cleavage and transfer of C′2 at SAC′4.
Population differentiation and Wolbachia phylogeny in mosquitoes of the Aedes scutellaris group

Abstract. Mosquito species of the Aedes (Stegomyia) scutellaris (Walker) group (Diptera: Culicidae) are distributed across many islands of the South Pacific and include major regional vectors of filariasis, such as Aedes polynesiensis (Marks). Analysis of populations of Ae. polynesiensis at the extremes of its range, from Fiji and from Moorea, French Polynesia, using the rDNA ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer 2) region and six microsatellite markers showed considerable genetic differentiation between them (FST = 0.298–0.357). Phylogenetic analysis of the Wolbachia endosymbionts in three members of the complex revealed that based on the wsp gene they are all very similar and belong to the Mel subgroup of the A clade, closely related to the Wolbachia strain present in the gall wasp Callyrhytis glandium (Giraud) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). By contrast they are only distantly related to the A‐clade Wolbachia in Aedes albopictus (Skuse), a species closely allied to the Ae. scutellaris group. There was very low differentiation between the Wolbachia in the Moorea and Fiji populations of Ae. polynesiensis.
Lexical Acquisition through Implicit Confirmations over Multiple Dialogues

We address the problem of acquiring the ontological categories of unknown terms through implicit confirmation in dialogues. We develop an approach that makes implicit confirmation requests with an unknown term’s predicted category. Our approach does not degrade user experience with repetitive explicit confirmations, but the system has difficulty determining if information in the confirmation request can be correctly acquired. To overcome this challenge, we propose a method for determining whether or not the predicted category is correct, which is included in an implicit confirmation request. Our method exploits multiple user responses to implicit confirmation requests containing the same ontological category. Experimental results revealed that the proposed method exhibited a higher precision rate for determining the correctly predicted categories than when only single user responses were considered.
The role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 in cell metabolism – a possible target in cancer therapy

In many cancer types, intratumoural hypoxia is linked to increased expression and activity of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), which is associated with poor patient prognosis. This increased the interest in HIF-1α as a cancer drug target. Further, HIF-1α has also a central role in the adaptive cellular programme responding to hypoxia in normal tissues. Many of the HIF-1α-regulated genes encode enzymes of metabolic pathways. Therefore, studying the link and the feedback mechanisms between metabolism and HIF-1α is of major importance to find new and specific therapeutic strategies.
Impact of hygroswelling and vapor pressure on delamination

In this paper, resolving methods for several key issues in simulation of interface delamination of plastic package under temperature and humidity environment are discussed. Structural model of plastic package under temperature and humidity is constructed, and the coupling of the thermal and moisture impact on structure field is implemented. The method of determining the vapor pressure in crack during process of solder reflow is presented. The precondition processes of moisture absorption and solder reflow of a real package are simulated, and the results of finite element model are analyzed with mixed mode fracture and interface cracking.
Eimeria tenella: Cultivation of the Asexual Stages in Cultured Animal Cells

Eimeria tenella, an intracellular protozoan parasite of the cecal epithelium of chickens, developed asexually in monolayer cultures of mammalian fibroblasts, mammalian epithelial cells, and avian fibroblasts mintained under various mediums at 41�C. Sexual stages of the parasite were not seen. Established cell lines and secondary cell cultures were equally suitable for cultivation of the parasite.
Lightweight Named Entity Extraction for Korean Short Message Service Text

In this paper, we propose a hybrid method of Machine Learning (ML) algorithm and a rule-based algorithm to implement a lightweight Named Entity (NE) extraction system for Korean SMS text. NE extraction from Korean SMS text is a challenging theme due to the resource limitation on a mobile phone, corruptions in input text, need for extension to include personal information stored in a mobile phone, and sparsity of training data. The proposed hybrid method retaining the advantages of statistical ML and rule-based algorithms provides fully-automated procedures for the combination of ML approaches and their correction rules using a threshold-based soft decision function. The proposed method is applied to Korean SMS texts to extract person’s names as well as location names which are key information in personal appointment management system. Our proposed system achieved 80.53% in F-measure in this domain, superior to those of the conventional ML approaches.
Evolutionary stability and lexicographic preferenc

We explore the interaction between evolutionary stability and lexicographic preferences. so, we define alimit Nash equilibrium for a lexicographic game as the limit of Nash equilibria nearby games with continuous preferences. Nash equilibria of lexicographic games are lim equilibria, but not conversely. Modified evolutionarily stable strategies (Binmore and Samu 1992. J. Econ. Theory 57, 278–305) are limit Nash equilibria. Modified evolutionary stability d from “lexicographic evolutionarily stability” (defined by extending the common characterizatio evolutionary stability to lexicographic preferences) in the order in which limits in the payoff s and the space of invasion barriers are taken.  2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. JEL classification: C70
Rapid flow cytometric test for the diagnosis of membrane cytoskeleton‐associated haemolytic anaemia

The flow cytometric test measures the fluorescence intensity of intact red cells labelled with the dye eosin‐5‐maleimide, which reacts covalently with Lys‐430 on the first extracellular loop of band 3 protein. In this study, red cells from patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II, South‐east Asian ovalocytosis and cryohydrocytosis have produced a greater degree of reduction of mean channel fluorescence readings than those for other patient groups and normal controls. The predictive value of this test for membrane abnormality was compared with the results obtained from the sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) method, which is currently the reference laboratory test for the identification of membrane protein deficiencies in hereditary spherocytosis and for the detection of spectrin variants in hereditary elliptocytosis. The dye method is a reliable, speedy diagnostic test (2 h from sample collection to result) for HS with a sensitivity of 92·7% and a specificity of 99·1%. Thus, it will serve well as a first‐line screening test for the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis in routine haematology.
The Effect of Employee Competence on the Reliability of Financial Statements

often we find that the financial statement presented by a company occurred inaccuracy of time in preparing financial statements, causing delays in decision making. Financial statements is financial information used by the company as a means of decision making, the financial statements should be reliable and trustworthy. The financial statements should be made by employees who are competent in their field. The purpose of this research is to determine employee competence, reliability of the financial statements and the effect of employee’s competence to the reliability of financial statements. The method used in this research is explanatory method, and sampling techniques using Non Probability Sampling with saturated sampling number 30 people in service of BUMN companies in Bandung. The statistical analysis used is the correlation analysis rank spearman, coefficient of determination, and t test. The result showed that employee competency is adequate, the reliability of financial statement is adequate and the employee’s competence significant effect to the reliability of financial statements. Keywords— Employee competence; reliability; financial statements
Optical-parametric chirped-pulse amplification using a positive dispersive material for pulse stretching and compression

We have proposed and demonstrated a novel optical-parametric chirped-pulse amplification scheme in which an even order dispersion of an idler pulse is compensated by passing through an identical positive dispersive material used for temporal stretching a signal pulse. By compressing the idler pulses having a negatively chirp in this manner, high power sub-100 fs pulses were successfully obtained with only a transparent glass block used for the stretcher and compressor.
Endoscopic ultrasound versus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in suspected choledocholithiasis: A systematic review

Background and Objectives: There is a lack of consensus about the optimal noninvasive strategy for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Two previous systematic reviews used different methodologies not based on pretest probabilities that demonstrated no statistically significant difference between Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for the detection of choledocholithiasis. In this article, we made a comparison of the diagnostic ability of EUS and MRCP to detect choledocholithiasis in suspected patients. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations with all published randomized prospective trials. We performed the systemic review using MedLine, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, and Scopus reviews through May 2015. We identified eight randomized, prospective, blinded trials comparing EUS and MRCP. All the patients were submitted to a gold standard method. We calculated the study-specific variables and performed analyses using aggregated variables such as sensitivity, specificity, prevalence, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy. Results: Five hundred and thirty eight patients were included in the analysis. The pretest probability for choledocholithiasis was 38.7. The mean sensitivity of EUS and MRCP for detection of choledocholithiasis was 93.7 and 83.5, respectively; the specificity was 88.5 and 91.5, respectively. Regarding EUS and MRCP, PPV was 89 and 87.8, respectively, and NPV was 96.9 and 87.8, respectively. The accuracy of EUS and MRCP was 93.3 and 89.7, respectively. Conclusions: For the same pretest probability of choledocholithiasis, EUS has higher posttest probability when the result is positive and a lower posttest probability when the result is negative compared with MRCP.
A brief history of Great Basin pikas

Aim Within the past few decades, seven of the 25 historically described populations of American pikas (Ochotona princeps) in the Great Basin of arid western North America appear to have become extinct. In this paper, the prehistoric record for pikas in the Great Basin is used to place these losses in deeper historical context.
Theory of Reasoned Action and Its Integration with Economic Modelling in Linking Farmers' Attitudes and Adoption Behavior - An Illustration from the Analysis of the Uptake of Livestock Technologies in the South West of England

The behavioural intentions of a sample of livestock farmers in the south-west of England towards new technologies were analysed within a Theory of Reasoned Action (TORA) framework, in order to explore reasons for the apparently low rate at which research-based knowledge is being transferred to the livestock industry. Correlations between components of attitudes (outcome beliefs and evaluations), subjective norms (normative beliefs and motivation to comply) and behavioural intentions were integrated with Positivistic Mathematical Programming (PosMP) to create a set of farm type models, which can predict the potential rate and equilibrium level of uptake of different kinds of technologies. Data relating to techniques for oestrus detection in dairy cows are used to illustrate the analysis and to show how this approach can help improve the targeting of knowledge and technology transfer strategies. Linking the Theory of Reasoned Action findings with the Positivistic Mathematical Programming approach identified where there is a realistic prospect for increasing or accelerating the uptake of a technology, thus helping an agency charged with knowledge and technology transfer to decide where investment in communication is likely to pay off. In the case of MDC observation times, even a 20% change in attitude score among hill and upland dairy farmers would have minimal impact on the numbers adopting; while a similar change among mixed farms would lead to a greater increase. Targeting mixed farms with this particular technology would make more sense than promoting it among upland farmers. The overall findings reinforce the importance of understanding and addressing the prevailing beliefs and values within the objective population.