Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Microdrops on Solid Surfaces for DNA-Synthesis

The miniaturization of chemical synthesis procedures and their integration in complex microfluidic systems is highly interesting both commercially and scientifically. Here, dosing of microdrops for activation or passivation with high accuracy on a substrate or onto each other is investigated as one approach to gain micron size synthesis spots. To optimize such a system it is necessary to investigate the droplet impact with high temporal and spatial resolution. In this paper we reveal for the first time the impact of microdroplets on solid surfaces in real time. This is done by the visualization of the dynamics with high speed cinematography. Additionally the so gained experimental data is compared to analytical and numerical calculations of this free surface flow.
Trace File Comparison with a Hierarchical Sequence Alignment Algorithm

Performance optimization, especially in the field of HPC, is an integral part of today's software development process. One powerful way of optimizing applications is to analyze their event traces. Yet, the comparison of traces of multiple application runs is cumbersome. The impact of optimizations in the source code or the usage of different compiler flags has to be tracked manually. The challenge is to automatically identify exactly those areas that changed in the large amount of trace data. We propose a novel solution that combines sequence alignment algorithms with call graph analysis to compare and highlight traces event-wise. Our approach is able to automatically detect differences by aligning event traces. Fine-grained execution time differences can be extracted and displayed in performance charts. The results of our implementation are presented and discussed.
Rapid Assessment of Age-Related Differences in Standing Balance

As life expectancy continues to rise, in the future there will be an increasing number of older people prone to falling. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for comprehensive testing of older individuals to collect data and to identify possible risk factors for falling. Here we use a low-cost force platform to rapidly assess deficits in balance under various conditions. We tested 21 healthy older adults and 24 young adults during static stance, unidirectional and rotational displacement of their centre of pressure (COP). We found an age-related increase in postural sway during quiet standing and a reduction of maximal COP displacement in unidirectional and rotational displacement tests. Our data show that even low-cost computerized assessment tools allow for the comprehensive testing of balance performance in older subjects.
Three secondary school teachers implementing student-centred learning in Iraqi Kurdistan

Abstract In Iraqi Kurdistan, the educational system is going through significant changes. The educational system influences the students’ attitudes, and one wants the educational system to support the young democracy. In this study, student-centred learning (SCL) is seen as a first step to learning, but also to participation and engagement as a citizen. Three secondary school teachers worked with researchers from Norway and Kurdistan to implement SCL strategies in their daily teaching. Teachers experienced changes in their roles when emphasizing the importance of students’ participation in the learning processes. They could not lecture most of the time; they needed to make more space for the students’ activities and allow them to become more active. They acted more as mentors for their students. The content of the teaching also changed. When the teachers lectured it was about their subject. When the students were expected to be more active, the teachers also had to teach the students how to be more active. The traditional way of furnishing the classrooms in Kurdistan has been rows of benches and desks for the children and a desk by the board for the teacher. This way of furnishing was described as a hindrance when organising for students’ participation. The teachers’ experiences were of main interest in this action research project. Their responses to interview questions were validated by classroom observations. Also, a group of researchers with very different cultural and scientific background collaborated. This was in itself an interesting side effect in this action research study.
MEANT: An inexpensive, high-accuracy, semi-automatic metric for evaluating translation utility based on semantic roles

We introduce a novel semi-automated metric, MEANT, that assesses translation utility by matching semantic role fillers, producing scores that correlate with human judgment as well as HTER but at much lower labor cost. As machine translation systems improve in lexical choice and fluency, the shortcomings of widespread n-gram based, fluency-oriented MT evaluation metrics such as BLEU, which fail to properly evaluate adequacy, become more apparent. But more accurate, non-automatic adequacy-oriented MT evaluation metrics like HTER are highly labor-intensive, which bottle-necks the evaluation cycle. We first show that when using untrained monolingual readers to annotate semantic roles in MT output, the non-automatic version of the metric HMEANT achieves a 0.43 correlation coefficient with human adequacy judgments at the sentence level, far superior to BLEU at only 0.20, and equal to the far more expensive HTER. We then replace the human semantic role annotators with automatic shallow semantic parsing to further automate the evaluation metric, and show that even the semi-automated evaluation metric achieves a 0.34 correlation coefficient with human adequacy judgment, which is still about 80% as closely correlated as HTER despite an even lower labor cost for the evaluation procedure. The results show that our proposed metric is significantly better correlated with human judgment on adequacy than current widespread automatic evaluation metrics, while being much more cost effective than HTER.
A Short Study on the Use of Genetic 2-Tuples Tuning for Fuzzy Rule Based Classification Systems in Imbalanced Data-Sets

In this work our aim is to increase the performance of fuzzy rule based classifications systems in the framework of imbalanced data-sets by means of the application of a genetic tuning step. We focus on the imbalanced data-set problem since it appears in many real application areas and, for this reason, it has become a relevant topic in the area of machine learning. This problem occurs when the number of examples that represents one of the concepts of interest (usually the most important) is much lower than that of the remaining ones. We want to adapt the 2-tuples based genetic tuning approach to classification problems and to study the positive synergy between this method and the Chi et al.'s fuzzy learning method, which is a basic approach in order to build the initial knowledge base. The experimental results show the improvement achieved by the 2-tuples based genetic tuning over the fuzzy rule based classification system in all types of imbalanced data, obtaining a better behaviour than the basic approach.
Robust Error Detection: A Hybrid Approach Combining Unsupervised Error Detection and Linguistic Knowledge

This article presents a robust probabilistic method for the detection of context-sensitive spelling errors. The algorithm identifies lessfrequent grammatical constructions and attempts to transform them into more-frequent constructions while retaining similar syntactic structure. If the transformations result in lowfrequency constructions, the text is likely to contain an error. A first unsupervised approach uses only information derived from a part-ofspeech tagged corpus. This experiment shows a good error detection capacity but also a high rate of false alarms, in many cases due to phrase and clause boundaries. In a second approach, we combine the first method with robust phrase and clause recognition to avoid many of the false alarms in the first experiment. A comparative evaluation of the experiments shows that the introduction of linguistic knowledge dramatically increases the precision of the error detection method.
Assessment of the Taxi Sector Efficiency and Profitability Based on Continuous Monitoring and Methodology to Review Fares

The taxi sector presents many challenges to adequately serve the demand while maximising efficiency and profitability and minimising externalities. Many authors have dealt with the ‘taxi industry’ by modelling and forecasting its activity, usually using limited, incomplete or no trustable data to validate their model. The present paper tackles a different point of view. The applied methodology is based in the continuous monitoring of a sample of taxis that provide information recorded by the taximeter about their real activity. Taximeter data allows the definition of a wide series of representative and relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with which characterize the taxi activity. This paper focuses on the analysis of efficiency and profitability using KPIs. Thus, indicators firstly diagnose the system revealing its (in)efficiencies and whether or not is profitable. While studying profitability, the concept of the reasonable profit (RP) is presented to ensure welfare to the taxi driver. Indicators also represent an assessment tool to evaluate improvement measures and they constitute a powerful support for the decision making. In this sense, a methodology for the annual review of fares is developed introducing the concept of the RP. KPIs are applied in Barcelona, where they proof a demand-supply imbalance: since 2008 supply has increased significantly and demand has diminished; consequently, productivity and profitability have decreased considerably. Hence, KPIs reveal the inefficiencies of the Barcelona taxi system and demonstrate that its profitability is at risk.
Android Platform Malware Analysis

Mobile devices have evolved from simple devices, which are used for a phone call and SMS messages to smartphone devices that can run third party applications. Nowadays, malicious software, which is also known as malware, imposes a larger threat to these mobile devices. Recently, many news items were posted about the increase of the Android malware. There were a lot of Android applications pulled from the Android Market because they contained malware. The vulnerabilities of those Applications or Android operating systems are being exploited by the attackers who got the capability of penetrating into the mobile systems without user authorization causing compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the applications and the user. This paper, it gave an update to the work done in the project. Moreover, this paper focuses on the Android Operating System and aim to detect existing Android malware. It has a dataset that contained 104 malware samples. This Paper chooses several malware from the dataset and attempting to analyze them to understand their installation methods and activation. In addition, it evaluates the most popular existing anti-virus software to see if these 104 malware could be detected.
Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis in Psychology Research

Discussions of research methodology in psychology tend to be dominated by a contrast, and often conflict, between two approaches, the quantitative and the qualitative. Although they both have their superiority, their disadvantages are also obvious. What we are now thinking about is how to integrate these two methods in order to exert their advantages and avoid their disadvantages. The premise of integrating these two methods is to de-emphasize the terms of quantitative and qualitative research and put these two kinds of data into the same scale while integrating. Here, a heuristic example was shown to illustrate how to apply this mixed-methodological analysis.
High-Resolution K' Imaging of the z = 1.786 Radio Galaxy 3C 294

We have obtained imaging in the K' band (~I-band rest frame) of the z = 1.786 radio galaxy 3C 294 with the 36-element curvature-sensing adaptive optics system Hokupa`a and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. At a resolution of ≲0. ″15, the galaxy is seen as a group of small but resolved knots distributed over a roughly triangular region ~1. ″4 across. The interpretation of the structure depends on the location of the nucleus, as indicated by the compact radio core. Its position is uncertain by ≳0. ″5 (2 σ) because of uncertainties in the optical astrometry, but our best estimate places it at or near the southern apex of the distribution. If this location is correct, the most likely interpretation is that of a hidden quasar nucleus illuminating dusty infalling dwarf galaxy-like clumps that have characteristic sizes of ~1.5 kpc.
BIMA, a TPR-containing protein required for mitosis, localizes to the spindle pole body in Aspergillus nidulans

The Aspergillus nidulans bimA gene is required for mitosis. Loss of function mutations in bimA cause cells to arrest growth with condensed chromatin and a short, metaphaselike mitotic spindle. bimA is a member of a gene family defined by a repeated motif called the Tetratrico Peptide Repeat (TPR), which is found in genes from bacteria, yeast and insects. Several yeast TPR genes are also required for mitosis, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC27 and Schizosaccharomyces pombe nuc2+, which appear to be functional homologs of bimA. We have developed antisera specific to the bimA protein (BIMA) and have characterized BIMA by western blot and immunocytochemical analyses. BIMA is heterogeneous in apparent molecular weight, consisting of a major 90-kD species and at least two minor species of approximately 105 kD. The results of BIMA localization by immunofluorescence microscopy depend on the level of BIMA expression. Overexpression of BIMA, which had no deleterious affect on growth or mitosis, resulted in localization of BIMA on or throughout most nuclei. Nuclear staining was granular, and overlapped but was not completely coincident with DNA staining by DAPI. In contrast, when expressed at normal levels, BIMA colocalized with the spindle pole body (SPB). BIMA localized to the SPB in a cell cycle independent manner. These results show that BIMA is either associated with or is a component of the SPB, and they suggest that BIMA functions at the spindle poles to promote the onset of anaphase.
The illusion of robotic life: Principles and practices of animation for robots

This paper describes our approach on the development of the expression of emotions on a robot with constrained facial expressions. We adapted principles and practices of animation from Disney™ and other animators for robots, and applied them on the development of emotional expressions for the EMYS robot. Our work shows that applying animation principles to robots is beneficial for human understanding of the robots' emotions.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α6 subunits contribute to alcohol reward‐related behaviours

Evidence is emerging that neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system are involved in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Midbrain DA neurons express high levels of α6 subunit‐containing nAChRs that modulate DA transmission, implicating their involvement in reward‐related behaviours. This study assessed the role of α6‐containing nAChRs in modulating alcohol reward using transgenic mice expressing mutant, hypersensitive α6 nAChR subunits (α6L9′S mice). α6L9′S mice and littermate controls were tested in three well‐established models of alcohol reward: 24‐h two‐bottle choice drinking, drinking in the dark (DID), and conditioned place preference (CPP). Confocal microscopy and patch‐clamp electrophysiology were used to show the localization and function of hypersensitive α6 subunit‐containing nAChRs. Results indicate that female α6L9′S mice showed significantly higher alcohol intake at low concentrations of alcohol (3% and 6%) in the two‐bottle choice procedure. Both male and female α6L9′S mice drank significantly more in the DID procedure and displayed an alcohol‐induced place preference using a low dose of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) that was ineffective in littermate controls. Confocal microscopy showed that α6 subunit‐containing nAChRs are selectively expressed on ventral tegmental area (VTA) DAergic, but not GABAergic neurons. Patch‐clamp electrophysiology showed that VTA DA neurons of α6L9′S mice are hypersensitive to ACh. Collectively, these results suggest that α6L9′S mice are more sensitive to the rewarding effects of alcohol, and suggest that VTA α6 subunit‐containing nAChRs modulate alcohol reward. Thus, α6 subunit‐containing nAChRs may be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Speech patterns in video-mediated conversations

This paper reports on the first of a series of analyses aimed at comparing same room and video-mediated conversations for multiparty meetings. This study compared patterns of spontaneous speech for same room versus two video-mediated conversations. One video system used a single camera, monitor and speaker, and a picture-in-a-picture device to display multiple people on one screen. The other system used multiple cameras, monitors, and speakers in order to support directional gaze cues and selective listening. Differences were found between same room and video-mediated conversations in terms of floor control and amount of simultaneous speech. While no differences were found between the video systems in terms of objective speech measures, other important differences are suggested and discussed.
An Optical Probe for Non-invasive Molecular Imaging of Orthotopic Brain Tumors Overexpressing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

on April 9, 2017. © 2012 American Association for Cancer Research. mct.aacrjournals. org Downloaded from Author manuscripts have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication but have not yet been edited. Author Manuscript Published OnlineFirst on July 17, 2012; DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-12-0211
INTERPROCS: a Java-based prototyping environment for distributed electronic trade procedures

This paper introduces the concept of an electronic trade procedure as a potential solution to "open" electronic commerce-trade among parties that have no prior trading relationship. The basic idea is that these trade procedures would be stored in a publicly accessible electronic library (perhaps maintained by an independent international organization), and downloaded loaded by trading parties as needed for a particular trade. A representation, called documentary Petri nets (DPN) is presented as a possible representation for such trade procedures. The InterProcs system is described as a prototyping environment to support the design and execution of such trading systems using this DPN representation. Given our assumption that the parties are trading at "arm's length" a key concern will be the development of "trustworthy" trade procedures that have sufficient controls and evidentiary documentation. Various directions of further work are described to improve the quality and flexibility of trade procedure designs.
Does Propolis Contain Tannins?

Although polyphenols have been reported as common constituents of propolis, tannins have rarely been mentioned as its constituents. Propolis samples from seven localities in Brazil were analyzed for detection of proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) and determination of the tannin content. Positive reaction for proanthocyanidins was observed for all samples tested. The contents of tannins varied in the range 0.6–4.1%. A high degree of correlation was noted between total phenols and tannin content. Red and green propolis contained high contents of tannins, while in brown propolis the content was lower. It is suggested that the contents of tannins should be a parameter to be considered in propolis characterization.
Transiting exoplanets from the CoRoT space mission - II. CoRoT-Exo-2b: a transiting planet around an active G star

Context. The CoRoT mission, a pioneer in exoplanet searches from space, has completed its first 150 days of continuous observations of ∼12 000 stars in the galactic plane. An analysis of the raw data identifies the most promising candidates and triggers the ground-based follow-up. Aims. We report on the discovery of the transiting planet CoRoT-Exo-2b, with a period of 1.743 days, and characterize its main parameters. Methods. We filter the CoRoT raw light curve of cosmic impacts, orbital residuals, and low frequency signals from the star. The folded light curve of 78 transits is fitted to a model to obtain the main parameters. Radial velocity data obtained with the SOPHIE, CORALIE and HARPS spectrographs are combined to characterize the system. The 2.5 min binned phase-folded light curve is affected by the effect of sucessive occultations of stellar active regions by the planet, and the dispersion in the out of transit part reaches a level of 1.09 × 10 −4 in flux units. Results. We derive a radius for the planet of 1.465 ± 0.029 RJup and a mass of 3.31 ± 0.16 MJup, corresponding to a density of 1.31 ± 0.04 g/cm 3 . The large radius of CoRoT-Exo-2b cannot be explained by current models of evolution of irradiated planets.
Exchange Rate Policy and Sovereign Bond Spreads in Developing Countries

This paper empirically analyzes how exchange rate policy affects the issuance and pricing of international bonds for developing countries. We find that countries with less flexible exchange rate regimes pay higher sovereign bond spreads and are less likely to issue bonds. Quantitatively, changing a free-floating regime to a fixed regime decreases the likelihood of bond issuance by 4.6% and increases the bond spread by 1.3% on average. Furthermore, countries with real exchange rate overvaluation have higher bond spreads and higher bond issuance probabilities. Moreover, such positive effects of real exchange rate overvaluation tend to be magnified for countries with fixed exchange rate regimes. Our results suggest that choosing a less flexible exchange rate regime in general leads to higher borrowing costs for developing countries, especially when their currencies are overvalued.
Mouse Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Microbial Infections

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in innate immunity to microbial infections. NETs have been described in several species, but the molecular details of NET formation and their role in infection has not been addressed, partly because we lack optimal experimental models. Here we describe tools to investigate NET formation in neutrophils isolated from mice. Upon in vitro stimulation of wild-type mouse neutrophils with PMA, we analyzed 3 important steps in the process of NET formation: reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, NET cell death and NET release. As expected, neutrophils from NADPH oxidase-deficient mice failed to produce ROS and did not die nor release NETs upon stimulation. We found that neutrophils from several mouse strains produced NETs with different efficiency and that NET formation correlated with the amount of ROS produced. Activation with Candida albicans also resulted in ROS production and NET cell death. The hyphal form of this fungus induced NETs more effectively than the yeast form. With this work, we provide tools to study in vitro NET assembly in the mouse system.
Statistical Tagger for Bhojpuri (employing Support Vector Machine)

The authors present the first Support Vector Machines (SVM) based statistical Parts of Speech (POS) Tagger developed for Bhojpuri. Bhojpuri is a less resourced Indo Aryan language of the Asian continent and the POS tagger presented here is a step towards developing language resources for it. SVMs have already been trained on other languages like Malayalam and Bengali with an accuracy of 86-90 %. The present research came up with approximately 87.3 -88.6% accuracy for test datasets.