Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response surface optimization of the critical medium components for the production of alkaline protease by a newly isolated Bacillus sp.

PURPOSE Optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum alkaline protease production was carried out using a new strain, Bacillus Sp. PE-11. METHODS The carbon source (glucose), the nitrogen source (peptone) and salt solution were selected to optimize. A 2(3 )full factorial composite experimental design and response surface methodology were used in the design of experiments and in the analysis of results. This procedure limited the number of actual experiments performed while allowing for possible interactions between the three components. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The optimum values for the tested variables for the maximum alkaline protease production were; glucose 7.798 (g/L), peptone 9.548 (g/L) and salt solution 8.757%. The maximum alkaline protease production was 4,98,123 PU/L. This method was efficient; only 20 experiments were necessary to assess these conditions, and model adequacy was very satisfactory, as the coefficient of determination was 0.941. CONCLUSIONS In the work, we have demonstrated the use of a central composite factorial design by determining the conditions leading to the high yield of enzyme production. Thus, smaller and less time consuming experimental designs could generally suffice for the optimization of many fermentation processes.
Actuator line modeling of vertical-axis turbines

To bridge the gap between high and low fidelity numerical modeling tools for vertical-axis (or cross-flow) turbines (VATs or CFTs), an actuator line model (ALM) was developed and validated for both a high and a medium solidity vertical-axis turbine at rotor diameter Reynolds numbers $Re_D \sim 10^6$. The ALM is a combination of classical blade element theory and Navier--Stokes based flow models, and in this study both $k$--$\epsilon$ Reynolds-averaged Navier--Stokes (RANS) and Smagorinsky large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence models were tested. The RANS models were able to be run on coarse grids while still providing good convergence behavior in terms of the mean power coefficient, and also approximately four orders of magnitude reduction in computational expense compared with 3-D blade-resolved RANS simulations. Submodels for dynamic stall, end effects, added mass, and flow curvature were implemented, resulting in reasonable performance predictions for the high solidity rotor, more discrepancies for the medium solidity rotor, and overprediction for both cases at high tip speed ratio. The wake results showed that the ALM was able to capture some of the important flow features that contribute to VAT's relatively fast wake recovery---a large improvement over the conventional actuator disk model. The mean flow field was better realized with the LES, which still represented a computational savings of two orders of magnitude compared with 3-D blade-resolved RANS, though vortex breakdown and subsequent turbulence generation appeared to be underpredicted, which necessitates further investigation of optimal subgrid scale modeling.
Protein-Induced Modulation of Chloroplast Membrane Morphology

Organelles are surrounded by membranes with a distinct lipid and protein composition. While it is well established that lipids affect protein functioning and vice versa, it has been only recently suggested that elevated membrane protein concentrations may affect the shape and organization of membranes. We therefore analyzed the effects of high chloroplast envelope protein concentrations on membrane structures using an in vivo approach with protoplasts. Transient expression of outer envelope proteins or protein domains such as CHUP1-TM–GFP, outer envelope protein of 7 kDa–GFP, or outer envelope protein of 24 kDa–GFP at high levels led to the formation of punctate, circular, and tubular membrane protrusions. Expression of inner membrane proteins such as translocase of inner chloroplast membrane 20, isoform II (Tic20-II)–GFP led to membrane protrusions including invaginations. Using increasing amounts of DNA for transfection, we could show that the frequency, size, and intensity of these protrusions increased with protein concentration. The membrane deformations were absent after cycloheximide treatment. Co-expression of CHUP1-TM–Cherry and Tic20-II–GFP led to membrane protrusions of various shapes and sizes including some stromule-like structures, for which several functions have been proposed. Interestingly, some structures seemed to contain both proteins, while others seem to contain one protein exclusively, indicating that outer and inner envelope dynamics might be regulated independently. While it was more difficult to investigate the effects of high expression levels of membrane proteins on mitochondrial membrane shapes using confocal imaging, it was striking that the expression of the outer membrane protein Tom20 led to more elongate mitochondria. We discuss that the effect of protein concentrations on membrane structure is possibly caused by an imbalance in the lipid to protein ratio and may be involved in a signaling pathway regulating membrane biogenesis. Finally, the observed phenomenon provides a valuable experimental approach to investigate the relationship between lipid synthesis and membrane protein expression in future studies.
Detection and localization of change-points in high-dimensional network traffic data

We propose a novel and efficient method, that we shall call TopRank in the following paper, for detecting change-points in high-dimensional data. This issue is of growing concern to the network security community since network anomalies such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks lead to changes in Internet traffic. Our method consists of a data reduction stage based on record filtering, followed by a nonparametric change-point detection test based on $U$-statistics. Using this approach, we can address massive data streams and perform anomaly detection and localization on the fly. We show how it applies to some real Internet traffic provided by France-T\'el\'ecom (a French Internet service provider) in the framework of the ANR-RNRT OSCAR project. This approach is very attractive since it benefits from a low computational load and is able to detect and localize several types of network anomalies. We also assess the performance of the TopRank algorithm using synthetic data and compare it with alternative approaches based on random aggregation.
Design of a shape-changing anthropomorphic mannequin for tailoring applications

In this paper we introduce a design concept of a shape-changing anthropomorphic mannequin for tailoring applications. This mannequin is designed to imitate the body shape of a person with a sufficient precision for made-to-measure garment manufacturing. In this article we compare the human body shape to the shape of the mannequin using an ICP algorithm. We define similarity metrics and use it to determine the similarity of the reconfigurable mannequin to the actual human. We provide experimental data to validate the method and to assess the imitation quality of our mannequin. The results show that our mannequin imitates features of a human body better than the standard commercially available mannequins. Using this similarity measure we also determine how the mannequin needs to be improved.
Efficient Algorithms for Performance Management of Computing Systems

This paper addresses the problem of managing computing systems using an integration of model-based control techniques and efficient AI search strategies. The control approach uses the system model to forecast all future system behavior up to a certain horizon and then searches for the best path for the system based on a given utility function. In practical computing systems, however, the large number of control (tuning) options directly affects the computational overhead of the control module which executes in the background at run-time, and ultimately slows down the overall system. To handle this problem, several search algorithms are introduced to improve the controller’s performance. A case study of an online processor power management is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new search techniques for the model-based control approach.
Demonstration-based Help for Interactive Systems

A very important aspect of any interactive system is its ease of use. Advances in usability, online assistance, help (e.g. contextual help), interaction styles and design techniques (e.g. user-centered design) try to facilitate the use of these systems. However, users still face challenges in accomplishing tasks (e.g. they still have to learn the required steps in order to accomplish a task). The fact that an increasing number of GUIs are frequently being updated increases the challenges faced by the users. This paper presents DemoHelp, a tool that enables the addition of live demonstration-based help to existing interactive systems. The tool enhances the ease of use and learning of interactive systems. Based on picture-driven computing and task automation the tool reduces the challenges faced by users when trying to learn how to perform a task. The work is illustrated by means of an example.
Economic crisis and occupational integration of recent immigrants in Western Europe

There are two models of inclusion of recent immigrants in Western Europe. In the Continental model immigrants are penalized in terms of both probabilities of being employed and job quality. In the Mediterranean one there is a stronger trade-off between a limited risk of unemployment and a lower job quality. Did the recession foster a convergence or a divergence between these two models? This article focuses on this issue and analyses the integration of immigrants in 10 countries, using EU-LFS data (2005–2012) and considering two occupational outcomes: the probability of being employed, and the probability of avoiding the unskilled working class. It also studies the turnover between unemployment and dependent employment. The crisis generated a partial and limited convergence between the two models, involving only male immigrants living in Southern Europe. In these countries immigrants experienced higher risks of unemployment because the crisis diminished their turnover between unemployment and dependent employment.
Terahertz frequency scanning 8×1 antenna array for imaging applications

An 8x1 frequency scanning antenna array has been presented for its operation in the 255-330 GHz frequency band. The antenna has been implemented using WR-3 rectangular waveguide structures and power combiner waveguide-structures in brass metal using mechanical micro-milling facilities. The antenna has been measured using a vector network analyzer and two 220-330 GHz frequency extender heads. The obtained steering range while varying the operation frequency in the 255-330 GHz range has exceeded successfully the required steering range of Δθ = 40°.
Adaptive bitrate transcoding for power efficient video streaming in mobile devices

Video applications are an important part of mobile devices. Capacity of battery is increasing maximum of 10 percentage per year, which may not be sufficient for upcoming application and operating system. Power consumption by video application depends on factors like network load, signal quality, bandwidth and it can be optimized through heuristics based streaming. The work presented here exploits adaptive bitrate streaming to determine the optimum bitrate for available bandwidth. Selection of optimum bitrate ensures quality delivery of video as well as optimum power consumption of the device. Moving Picture Expert Group - Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH) has been used for implementing the switching between the bitrates. The fifteen bitrates selected for encoding are closer to the mean value which is available for streaming. The approach has been tested on an Android based tablet over thirty videos to check the dependency of the factors on each other. This is the major approach to establish relationship between bitrate and power consumption for video streaming. The result obtained shows a 14 percentage of power saving with minimum buffering and good quality of service.
Promoting Positive Community Norms A Supplement to CDC ’ s Essentials for Childhood : Steps to Create Safe , Stable , Nurturing Relationships and Environments

Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to prevent child maltreatment and to assure children reach their full potential. Essentials for Childhood proposes strategies communities can consider to promote the types of relationships and environments that help children grow up to be healthy and productive citizens so that they, in turn, can build stronger and safer families and communities for their children.
Testing the simplified decision model of telework: a quasi-experimental study

Virtual organizations that serve customers via the Internet or online service networks have been growing at an incredible rate. These organizations do not require customers to come to the organization's physical location in order to do business. However, many more traditional organizations, even those that support virtual clientele, seem resistant to the use of virtual work arrangements. For organizations to become truly “virtual” they need to move to alternative work arrangements including to telework. This study explores the resistance to remote work in relation to the decision of employees to telework. Earlier studies by the authors [4-6] have shown that four factors significantly influence the intent of employees to engage in telework. These factors, which together make up the Simplified Decision Model (SDM) are Perceived Legitimacy, Perceived Behavioral Control, Work Social Structure and Commute Distance. This study attempted to confirm the SDM by surveying 407 subjects who were employed in a wide range of organizations in the greater New York City area. Four treatment groups were used to compare how each of the four factors affected Behavioral Intent to telework. Strong confirmation for the relationship described by SDM was found, but the manipulation of factors in the model proved unsuccessful. Methods to better manipulate precursors to Behavioral Intent are discussed.
Modeling and simulation of fuzzy based BLDC fed vertically rotating one DOF robot arm position control system

Automation grows in recent years for manufacturing industries to increase their productivity. Multiple robotic arms are used for handle the materials to lift in flexible directions. Vertical rotation of 360° single arm is considered in this research for position servo drive with brushless DC motor. The load torque of an arm varies depending upon angular displacement due to gravity, so it required four quadrant operation of drive with robust feedback controller. This paper deals with the design and performance comparison of conventional PID feedback controller with fuzzy based PID controller and suggests the most suitable controller. The design was simulated through MATLAB/SIMULINK to verify the dynamic behaviors of all four modes of quadrants.
Design and Implementation of DC–20-GHz Lumped Resistor Matched Loads for Planar Microwave Circuits

In this paper, a design technique to match lumped resistors in the dc to 20-GHz band is presented. This technique makes it possible to implement very wideband matched loads with a return loss that is better than 20 dB. The proposed implementation is simple, low cost, and gives superior performance than previously reported alternatives. The technique was developed to match surface-mount resistors soldered on plastic substrates, and was then successfully applied to match trimmed printed resistors on low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrates.
Tracking simulation based on PI controllers and autotuning

A mechanism for automatic update of tracking simulator parameters is suggested. A tracking simulator is a simulator, which runs in real time, and which corrects its own behavior (models) by comparing real process measurements to simulator outputs. Typically, a process simulator, no matter if static or dynamic, cannot adapt its behavior to reality, but the tracking simulator has this ability due to its integrated update mechanism. A tracking simulator is commonly used for state estimation of non-linear process models (simulation models). The suggested invention utilizes standard PI controllers, which enables fast update of parameters. A major advantage with the PI controllers is that autotuning can be applied and, hence, no tuning parameters need to be plucked out of the air. With the proposed innovation, it will be easy to extend an ordinary process simulator to a tracking simulator, which can be used for many purposes, including predictive and fault tolerant control, soft sensors, prediction of future plant behavior, parameter estimation, and plant optimization.
Communicating threads for Java

The Java thread model provides support for multithreading within the language and runtime system of Java. The Java synchronization and scheduling strategy is poorly specified and turns out to be of unsatisfactory real-time performance. The idea of Java is to let the underlying operating system specify the synchronization and scheduling principles. This may possibly result in different behavior on different operating systems whereas Sun claims Java to be system independent – “write once, run everywhere”. In this paper we present a comprehensive specification for a new thread model for the Java platform. The theory of CSP fully specifies the behavior of synchronization and scheduling of threads at a higher level of abstraction, which is based on processes, compositions and synchronization primitives. The CSP concept is well thought-out and has been proven to be successful for realizing concurrent software for real-time and embedded systems. The Communicating Threads for Java (CTJ) packages that is presented in the paper provides a reliable CSP/thread model for Java. The CTJ software is available from our URL http://www.rt. el.utwente. nl/javapp.
Towards Automatic Body Language Annotation

This paper describes a real-time system developed for the derivation of low-level visual cues targeted at the recognition of simple hand, head and body gestures. A novel, adaptive background subtraction technique is presented together with a tool for monitoring repetitive movements, e.g. fidgeting. To monitor subtle body movements in an unconstrained environment, active cameras with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities must be employed to track an individual's actions more closely. This paper then explores a means of detecting small and large scale human activity within images produced from active cameras that may be reoriented during monitoring
NEW DETECTIONS OF ARSENIC, SELENIUM, AND OTHER HEAVY ELEMENTS IN TWO METAL-POOR STARS

We use the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope to obtain new high-quality spectra covering the 1900 ⩽λ ⩽ 2360 Å wavelength range for two metal-poor stars, HD 108317 and HD 128279. We derive abundances of Cu ii, Zn ii, As i, Se i, Mo ii, and Cd ii, which have not been detected previously in either star. Abundances derived for Ge i, Te i, Os ii, and Pt i confirm those derived from lines at longer wavelengths. We also derive upper limits from the non-detection of W ii, Hg ii, Pb ii, and Bi i. The mean [As/Fe] ratio derived from these two stars and five others in the literature is unchanged over the metallicity range −2.8 < [Fe/H] <−0.6, 〈[As/Fe]〉 = +0.28 ± 0.14 (σ = 0.36 dex). The mean [Se/Fe] ratio derived from these two stars and six others in the literature is also constant, 〈[Se/Fe]〉 = +0.16 ± 0.09 (σ = 0.26 dex). The As and Se abundances are enhanced relative to a simple extrapolation of the iron-peak abundances to higher masses, suggesting that this mass region (75 ⩽A ⩽ 82) may be the point at which a different nucleosynthetic mechanism begins to dominate the quasi-equilibrium α-rich freezeout of the iron peak. 〈[Cu ii/Cu i]〉 = +0.56 ± 0.23 in HD 108317 and HD 128279, and we infer that lines of Cu i may not be formed in local thermodynamic equilibrium in these stars. The [Zn/Fe], [Mo/Fe], [Cd/Fe], and [Os/Fe] ratios are also derived from neutral and ionized species, and each ratio pair agrees within the mutual uncertainties, which range from 0.15 to 0.52 dex.
A translinear programmable analog nonlinear function synthesizer

A new circuit configuration is presented for synthesizing analog nonlinear functions. The proposed circuit is based on approximating the nonlinear functions using rational functions. The terms of the resulting rational functions are realized one-by-one, each in a separate building block, and the required function is the sum of the output currents of these blocks. The weights of the rational-functions are controlled using current sources. The circuit is flexible and can synthesize any nonlinear function, to any degree of accuracy, once its rational-function approximation is obtained. The proposed circuit uses only bipolar transistors and current-sources, and is therefore, very attractive for integration. SPICE simulation results are included.
An enhanced data mining model for text classification

Classification plays a vital role in many information management and retrieval tasks. This paper studies classification of text document. Text classification is a supervised technique that uses labeled training data to learn the classification system and then automatically classifies the remaining text using the learned system. In this paper, we propose a mining model consists of sentence-based concept analysis, document-based concept analysis, and corpus-based concept-analysis. Then we analyze the term that contributes to the sentence semantics on the sentence, document, and corpus levels rather than the traditional analysis of the document only. After extracting feature vector for each new document, feature selection is performed. It is then followed by K-Nearest Neighbour classification. The approach enhances the text classification accuracy.
Pediatric Advance Care Planning: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Advance care planning (ACP) is increasingly regarded as the gold standard in the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses. Research has focused on adults, but ACP is also being practiced in pediatrics. We conducted a systematic review on empirical literature on pediatric ACP (pACP) to assess current practices, effects, and perspectives of pACP. METHODS: We searched PubMed, BELIT, and PSYCinfo for empirical literature on pACP, published January 1991 through January 2012. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by 3 independent reviewers for studies that met the predefined criteria. The evidence level of the studies was assessed. Relevant study outcomes were retrieved according to predefined questions. RESULTS: We included 5 qualitative and 8 quantitative studies. Only 3 pACP programs were identified, all from the United States. Two of them were informed by adult programs. Major pACP features are discussions between families and care providers, as well as advance directives. A chaplain and other providers may be involved if required. Programs vary in how well they are evaluated; only 1 was studied by using a randomized controlled trial. Preliminary data suggest that pACP can successfully be implemented and is perceived as helpful. It may be emotionally relieving and facilitate communication and decision-making. Major challenges are negative reactions from emergency services, schools, and the community. CONCLUSIONS: There are few systematic pACP programs worldwide and none in Europe. Future research should investigate the needs of all stakeholders. In particular, the perspective of professionals has so far been neglected.