Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Method for Generation of Alternatives by Decision Support Systems

An essential feature of active Decision Support Systems (DSS) is the ability to take the initiative in performing decision-related tasks. One possibility for providing active high cognitive level decision support is through facilitating alternative generation in DSS. The method proposed in this work enables the generation of several diverse alternatives in a single run. The method relies on the principles of effective problem-solving/decision-making and facilitates divergent processes, the separation of alternative generation from evaluation, as well as the diminishing of human cognitive biases. A hybrid DSS based on genetic algorithms (GA) and fuzzy sets is used to operationalize the approach. The paper outlines the design requirements for alternative generation in DSS and discusses the inadequacies of the "what-if" simulation and traditional optimization methods in light of these requirements. The paper further elaborates on the appropriateness of GA as a tool for alternative generation in DSS for solving complex ill-structured problems. The method is illustrated using marketing mix problem in a simulated business environment. The results suggest that the GA-based alternative generation leads to promising diverse alternatives. An active DSS incorporating the proposed method reduces the time-consuming manual search for promising alternatives and provides a higher degree of man-machine collaboration.
Modeling Boundary Vector Cell Firing Given Optic Flow as a Cue

Boundary vector cells in entorhinal cortex fire when a rat is in locations at a specific distance from walls of an environment. This firing may originate from memory of the barrier location combined with path integration, or the firing may depend upon the apparent visual input image stream. The modeling work presented here investigates the role of optic flow, the apparent change of patterns of light on the retina, as input for boundary vector cell firing. Analytical spherical flow is used by a template model to segment walls from the ground, to estimate self-motion and the distance and allocentric direction of walls, and to detect drop-offs. Distance estimates of walls in an empty circular or rectangular box have a mean error of less than or equal to two centimeters. Integrating these estimates into a visually driven boundary vector cell model leads to the firing patterns characteristic for boundary vector cells. This suggests that optic flow can influence the firing of boundary vector cells.
Design of a double-tracked wall climbing robot based on electrostatic adhesion mechanism

A double-tracked wall climbing robot based on electrostatic adhesion mechanism is proposed in this paper. First, the principle of the electrostatic adhesion and a calculation method of the adhesion force are presented. Then, an electrode panel is designed to evaluate the feasibility of the electrostatic adhesion mechanism applied to wall climbing robot. Finally, the mechanical structure design and control system design of the robot prototype are described in detail. Experiments of the climbing performances of the robot on different wall surfaces are carried out, including the straight line movement and turning movement. The results show that the robot can achieve forward and backward movements along a straight line successfully. However, the robot can only achieve turning movement on the glass surface with a slope angle of approximately o 30° at present. Dramatic decrease of the dynamic adhesion force when the electrode panels on the robot side slip against the wall may be the main reason. The theoretical analysis and experimental results in this study will provide a strong support for the optimal design of wall climbing robots based on electrostatic adhesion mechanism in the future.
Calmodulin binding to M‐type K+ channels assayed by TIRF/FRET in living cells

Calmodulin (CaM) binds to KCNQ2–4 channels within their carboxy termini, where it regulates channel function. The existing data have not resolved the Ca2+ dependence of the interaction between the channels and CaM. We performed glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐pull‐down assays between purified KCNQ2–4 carboxy termini and CaM proteins to determine the Ca2+ dependence of the interaction in vitro. The assays showed substantial Ca2+ dependence of the interaction of the channels with wild‐type (WT) CaM, but not with dominant‐negative (DN) CaM. To demonstrate CaM–channel interactions in individual living cells, we performed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between ECFP‐tagged KCNQ2–4 channels and EYFP‐tagged CaM expressed in CHO cells, performed under total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, in which excitation light only penetrates several hundred nanometres into the cell, thus isolating membrane events. FRET was assayed between the channels and either WT or DN CaM, performed under conditions of normal [Ca2+]i, low [Ca2+]i or high [Ca2+]i induced by empirically optimized bathing solutions. The FRET data suggest a strong Ca2+ dependence for the interaction between WT CaM and KCNQ2, but less so for KCNQ3 and KCNQ4. FRET between all KCNQ2–4 channels and DN CaM was robust, and not significantly Ca2+ dependent. These data show interactions between CaM and KCNQ channels in living cells, and suggest that the interactions between KCNQ2–4 channels and CaM are likely to have Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent components.
Molecular Genetic Aspects of Personality

Personality psychology and behavior genetics share a common theme: the investigation of given interindividual differences. Because genetic variations belong to the most powerful influences on behavioral dispositions and human behavior, behavior genetics can be seen as one of the core areas of differential and personality psychology. The more we know about genetic mechanisms underlying individual differences, the more promising it will be to look for neurobiological pathways, which explain individual differences in human behavior and which may be generalized to explanations of the behavior of all individuals (the “modal” person). Modern behavior genetics is primarily characterized by three basic questions, which coevally delineate the main fields of this research area:
Dendrobium alkaloids prevent Aβ25–35-induced neuronal and synaptic loss via promoting neurotrophic factors expression in mice

Background Neuronal and synaptic loss is the most important risk factor for cognitive impairment. Inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and preventing synaptic loss are promising therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we investigate the protective effects of Dendrobium alkaloids (DNLA), a Chinese medicinal herb extract, on β-amyloid peptide segment 25–35 (Aβ25-35)-induced neuron and synaptic loss in mice. Method Aβ25–35(10 µg) was injected into the bilateral ventricles of male mice followed by an oral administration of DNLA (40 mg/kg) for 19 days. The Morris water maze was used for evaluating the ability of spatial learning and memory function of mice. The morphological changes were examined via H&E staining and Nissl staining. TUNEL staining was used to check the neuronal apoptosis. The ultrastructure changes of neurons were observed under electron microscope. Western blot was used to evaluate the protein expression levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus and cortex. Results DNLA significantly attenuated Aβ25–35-induced spatial learning and memory impairments in mice. DNLA prevented Aβ25–35-induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus and cortex, increased the number of Nissl bodies, improved the ultrastructural injury of neurons and increased the number of synapses in neurons. Furthermore, DNLA increased the protein expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF, CNTF and GDNF in the hippocampus and cortex. Conclusions DNLA can prevent neuronal apoptosis and synaptic loss. This effect is mediated at least in part via increasing the expression of BDNF, GDNF and CNTF in the hippocampus and cortex; improving Aβ-induced spatial learning and memory impairment in mice.
Uncertainty Analysis for Computer Model Projections of Hurricane Losses

Projecting losses associated with hurricanes is a complex and difficult undertaking that is wrought with uncertainties. Hurricane Charley, which struck southwest Florida on August 13, 2004, illustrates the uncertainty of forecasting damages from these storms. Due to shifts in the track and the rapid intensification of the storm, real‐time estimates grew from $2 to $3 billion in losses late on August 12 to a peak of $50 billion for a brief time as the storm appeared to be headed for the Tampa Bay area. The storm hit the resort areas of Charlotte Harbor near Punta Gorda and then went on to Orlando in the central part of the state, with early poststorm estimates converging on a damage estimate in the $28 to $31 billion range. Comparable damage to central Florida had not been seen since Hurricane Donna in 1960. The Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology (FCHLPM) has recognized the role of computer models in projecting losses from hurricanes. The FCHLPM established a professional team to perform onsite (confidential) audits of computer models developed by several different companies in the United States that seek to have their models approved for use in insurance rate filings in Florida. The team's members represent the fields of actuarial science, computer science, meteorology, statistics, and wind and structural engineering. An important part of the auditing process requires uncertainty and sensitivity analyses to be performed with the applicant's proprietary model. To influence future such analyses, an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis has been completed for loss projections arising from use of a Holland B parameter hurricane wind field model. Uncertainty analysis quantifies the expected percentage reduction in the uncertainty of wind speed and loss that is attributable to each of the input variables.
Event-Based Extractive Summarization Using Event Semantic Relevance from External Linguistic Resource

Event-based summarization attempts to select and organize the sentences in a summary with respect to the events or the sub-events that the sentences describe. In this paper, we define an event as one or more event terms along with the named entities associated. Each event often relates to other events semantically, temporally, spatially, causally or conditionally. Firstly, we derive event relevance from external linguistic resource. Then we apply PageRank ranking algorithm to estimate the significance of an event for inclusion in a summary based on the event semantic relevance derived. We make experiments on the DUC 2001 test data only using the event semantic relevance, from external linguistic resource like VerbOcean, and the results make more improvement than those based on the tf*idf.
Global Path-Planning for Constrained and Optimal Visual Servoing

Visual servoing consists of steering a robot from an initial to a desired location by exploiting the information provided by visual sensors. This paper deals with the problem of realizing visual servoing for robot manipulators taking into account constraints such as visibility, workspace (that is obstacle avoidance), and joint constraints, while minimizing a cost function such as spanned image area, trajectory length, and curvature. To solve this problem, a new path-planning scheme is proposed. First, a robust object reconstruction is computed from visual measurements which allows one to obtain feasible image trajectories. Second, the rotation path is parameterized through an extension of the Euler parameters that yields an equivalent expression of the rotation matrix as a quadratic function of unconstrained variables, hence, largely simplifying standard parameterizations which involve transcendental functions. Then, polynomials of arbitrary degree are used to complete the parametrization and formulate the desired constraints and costs as a general optimization problem. The optimal trajectory is followed by tracking the image trajectory with an IBVS controller combined with repulsive potential fields in order to fulfill the constraints in real conditions.
Yellow cabs as red corpuscles

Data obtained from New York City's Taxi & Limousine Commission highlights the importance of yellow cabs in the city's transportation infrastructure. In 2011, for example, there were nearly 180 million cab rides. In this paper, we provide detailed visualizations of these numerous journeys. Using a random sample, we also develop several relevant economic metrics. For example, we find that nearly half of all rides were taken by a single passenger traveling short distances. In contrast, out-of-pocket costs faced by passengers averaged less than $6 per mile, with 90% paying less than $8 per mile, even when the social value of the city's roads is highest. From a city planner's perspective, the current fare structure for yellow cabs may not be optimal. Finally, we propose a statistical method to analyze dynamic flow patterns of yellow-cab rides that can ultimately be extended to a multivariate model.
Using Reflection to Assess Students' Ability to Learn and Develop Leadership Skills

Abstract Leadership skill development has been identified as an important element of future leisure service professionals' academic preparation. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to utilize in-depth course reflection and service-learning to assess whether undergraduate students enrolled in a leadership course were meeting the leadership objectives set forth by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT). Results indicated that service learning along with reflection enables students to better connect leadership principles and strategies to professional practice. Additionally, it was determined that structured reflection is thought to provide students with a framework that allows students to more effectively connect course material to their experiences out of the classroom.
Distributed change detection based on a randomized consensus algorithm

In this paper a novel consensus based distributed recursive algorithm is proposed for real time change detection using sensor networks. The algorithm is based on local statistics generated by geometric moving average control charts, and does not require any fusion center, so that the state of any node can be tested w.r. t. a given common threshold. Convergence of the algorithm to the optimal centralized solution defined by a weighted sum of the results of local signal processing is analyzed in the case of time varying random consensus gains, encompassing asymmetric ”gossip” schemes and lossy networks, assuming correlated data and different local values of the parameter changes. Simulation results illustrate characteristic properties of the algorithms.
Distinct Genes Related to Drug Response Identified in ER Positive and ER Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Breast cancer patients have different responses to chemotherapeutic treatments. Genes associated with drug response can provide insight to understand the mechanisms of drug resistance, identify promising therapeutic opportunities, and facilitate personalized treatment. Estrogen receptor (ER) positive and ER negative breast cancer have distinct clinical behavior and molecular properties. However, to date, few studies have rigorously assessed drug response genes in them. In this study, our goal was to systematically identify genes associated with multidrug response in ER positive and ER negative breast cancer cell lines. We tested 27 human breast cell lines for response to seven chemotherapeutic agents (cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, doxorubicin, epirubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel). We integrated publicly available gene expression profiles of these cell lines with their in vitro drug response patterns, then applied meta-analysis to identify genes related to multidrug response in ER positive and ER negative cells separately. One hundred eighty-eight genes were identified as related to multidrug response in ER positive and 32 genes in ER negative breast cell lines. Of these, only three genes (DBI, TOP2A, and PMVK) were common to both cell types. TOP2A was positively associated with drug response, and DBI was negatively associated with drug response. Interestingly, PMVK was positively associated with drug response in ER positive cells and negatively in ER negative cells. Functional analysis showed that while cell cycle affects drug response in both ER positive and negative cells, most biological processes that are involved in drug response are distinct. A number of signaling pathways that are uniquely enriched in ER positive cells have complex cross talk with ER signaling, while in ER negative cells, enriched pathways are related to metabolic functions. Taken together, our analysis indicates that distinct mechanisms are involved in multidrug response in ER positive and ER negative breast cells.
High-level malware behavioural patterns: Extractability evaluation

Many promising malware research projects focus on malware behaviour analysis, however, in the end they tend to build new detection systems and stick to measuring detection ratios. Our approach focuses on malware behavioural analysis for defining (characterising) malicious software on rather high level of abstraction, in order to break the endless cycle of evolving malware and malware analysts trying to catch up on new threats. As our research outlines, even such high-level behavioural information as numbers of occurrences of some behavioural events, can be successfully extracted from program samples and interpreted for extraction of repeating behavioural patterns. While this may seem simple at the first glance, there are plenty variables entering the process of behavioural data acquisition and pattern extraction.
â 1-adrenergic antagonists improve sleep and behavioural disturbances in a circadian disorder , Smith-Magenis syndrome

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a clinically recognisable contiguous gene syndrome ascribed to interstitial deletions of chromosome 17p11.2. Patients have a phase shift of their circadian rhythm of melatonin with a paradoxical diurnal secretion of the hormone. Serum melatonin levels and day-night behaviour were studied in nine SMS children (aged 4 to 17 years) given acebutolol, a selective â1adrenergic antagonist (10 mg/kg early in the morning). Cardiac examination, serum melatonin, motor activity recordings, and sleep diaries were monitored before and after drug administration. The present study shows that a single morning dose of acebutolol suppressed the inappropriate secretion of melatonin in SMS. A significant improvement of inappropriate behaviour with increased concentration, delayed sleep onset, increased hours of sleep, and delayed waking were also noted. These results suggest that â1adrenergic antagonists help to manage hyperactivity, enhance cognitive performance, and reduce sleep disorders in SMS. (J Med Genet 2001;38:586–590)
Balanced Dual-Band BPF With Stub-Loaded SIRs for Common-Mode Suppression

A new fourth-order balanced dual-band band-pass filter (BPF) designed using four coupled bi-section half-wavelength (¿/2) stepped-impedance resonators (SIRs) is presented. To obtain the required differential-mode (DM) operation with suppressed common-mode (CM) transmission, the SIRs were designed to have the same odd-mode, but different even-mode, resonant frequencies. For that purpose, the two inner SIRs were loaded at the center with T-shaped open stubs of different dimensions so that their even-mode resonant frequencies are shifted away from those of the outer SIRs and that their odd-mode ones remain almost intact. For the fabricated prototype BPF, the measured minimum DM insertion losses for the first and second bands are 2.4 and 2.82 dB, respectively, whereas the measured CM insertion loss is larger than 25 dB in 1-7 GHz.
The Emergence of EyePlay: A Survey of Eye Interaction in Games

As eye trackers become cheaper, smaller, more robust, and more available, they finally leave research labs and enter the home environment. In this context, gaming arises as a promising application domain for eye interaction. The goal of this survey is to categorise the different ways in which the eyes can be incorporated into games and play in general as a resource for future design. We reviewed the literature on the topic, as well as other game prototypes that employ the eyes. We compiled a list of eye-enabled game mechanics and derived a taxonomy that classifies them according to the eye movements they involve, the input type they provide, and the game mechanics that they implement. Based on our findings we articulate the value of gaming for future HCI gaze research and outline a research program around eye interaction in gaming.
The TRAM Flap in Breast Reconstruction

With the TRAM flap, the surgeon can restore the woman's breast using her own tissue while simultaneously giving her a flatter abdomen (Noguchi et al., 1992). Monitoring of the flap begins in the recovery room. Nurses monitor the flap by assessing the Doppler signal, color, temperature, and capillary refill every 15 minutes. Before the patient goes home, she is instructed in wound and drain care, and the nurses outline encouraged activities and activity restrictions.
A Cost-effective Approach for Developing Application-control GUIs for Virtual Environments

In this paper we present a new approach for fast development of application-control User Interfaces (UIs) for Virtual Environments (VEs). Our approach allows developers to build sophisticated UIs containing both simple widgets (such as windows, buttons, menus and sliders) and advanced widgets (such as hierarchical views and web browsers) with minimum effort. Rather than providing a new API for defining and managing the interface components, we propose to extend current 2D toolkits such as Qt so that its full range of widgets can be displayed and manipulated either as 2D shapes on the desktop or as textured 3D objects within the virtual world. This approach allows 3D UI developers to take advantage of the increasing number of components, layout managers and graphical design tools provided by 2D UI toolkits. Resulting programs can run on platforms ranging from fully immersive systems to generic desktop workstations with little or no modification. The design of the system and the key features required on the host UI toolkit are presented and discussed. A prototype system has been implemented above Qt and evaluated on a 4-sided CAVE. The results indicate that this approach provides an efficient and cost-effective way for porting and developing application-control GUIs on VEs and thus it can greatly enhance the possibilities of many VE applications.