Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental implementation of active force control and iterative learning technique to a two-link arm driven by penumatic artificial muscles

This paper highlights the practical viability and feasibility of an active force control (AFC) technique incorporating an iterative learning (IL) algorithm known as AFCAIL applied to a two-link planar arm actuated by a pair of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM). The robust performance of a robot control scheme is vital to ensure that the robot accomplishes its tasks desirably in a constraint environment involving disturbances, parametric changes, uncertainties and varied operating conditions. Iterative learning (IL) is used as a technique to compute the best value of the inertia matrix of robot arm required for the AFC loop that is complemented with a conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control at the outermost loop. A practical rig utilizing a hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) configuration was developed and a number of experiments were carried out to validate the theoretical counterpart. The results of the experimental works verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed PAM actuated AFCAIL scheme for the given operating and loading conditions.
Purification and mass spectral characterization of bacterial mutagens from commercial beef extract.

Abstract Cooking beef at moderate temperatures results in the production of numerous heterocyclic amines, several of which have been found to be mutagenic towards Salmonella typhimurium TA98. It was the purpose of this work to separate, purify, and characterize some of these products. The sources of mutagenic activity for these experiments were commerical beef extract (intended for use in bacteriological media), food-grade beef extract, and fried ground beef. After extraction into methylene chloride, the samples were fractionated on Adsorbosil-5 silica gel columns. Three major peaks of activity were found in the effluent from the (bacteriological-grade) beef extract (designated I, II, and III). In contrast, only two peaks were obtained from food-grade beef extract and fried ground beef (designated, respectively, I and III, and I and IV). The peaks were further purified by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography on Ultrasil-NH 2 and Supelcosil LC-18 columns. The purified samples were then analyzed by high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry. The component in Peak I (from all three sources) was found to have a molecular ion at m/z 213 with an empirical formula of C 11 H 11 N 5 and a fragmentation pattern consistent with the molecular structure of 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoxaline. The component in Peak II (found only in bacteriological-grade beef extract) was tentatively identified as 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoline by its predominant molecular ion at m/z 212 and a fragment of M—15. The component in Peak III (from both beef extracts but not in fried ground beef) was found to have a mass spectrum virtually indistinguishable from 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f ] quinoline. The only mutagen common to both beef extracts and fried ground beef was 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoxaline. 2-Amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5- f ]quinoline was not found in the fried ground beef extract. However, the fried ground beef extract did contain another more polar mutagen (Peak IV) which has not yet been identified.
Conserved tertiary couplings stabilize elements in the PDZ fold, leading to characteristic patterns of domain conformational flexibility

Single‐domain allostery has been postulated to occur through intramolecular pathways of signaling within a protein structure. We had previously investigated these pathways by introducing a local thermal perturbation and analyzed the anisotropic propagation of structural changes throughout the protein. Here, we develop an improved approach, the Rotamerically Induced Perturbation (RIP), that identifies strong couplings between residues by analyzing the pathways of heat‐flow resulting from thermal excitation of rotameric rotations at individual residues. To explore the nature of these couplings, we calculate the complete coupling maps of 5 different PDZ domains. Although the PDZ domain is a well conserved structural fold that serves as a scaffold in many protein–protein complexes, different PDZ domains display unique patterns of conformational flexibility in response to ligand binding: some show a significant shift in a set of α‐helices, while others do not. Analysis of the coupling maps suggests a simple relationship between the computed couplings and observed conformational flexibility. In domains where the α‐helices are rigid, we find couplings of the α‐helices to the body of the protein, whereas in domains having ligand‐responsive α‐helices, no couplings are found. This leads to a model where the α‐helices are intrinsically dynamic but can be damped if sidechains interact at key tertiary contacts. These tertiary contacts correlate to high covariation contacts as identified by the statistical coupling analysis method. As these dynamic modules are exploited by various allosteric mechanisms, these tertiary contacts have been conserved by evolution.
Active Data: A Programming Model for Managing Big Data Life Cycle

The Big Data challenge consists in managing, storing, analyzing and visualizing these ever growing huge datasets to extract sense and knowledge. As the volume of data grows exponentially, the management of these data becomes more complex in proportion. A key point is to handle the complexity of the data life cycle, i.e. the various operations performed on data: transfer, archiving, replication, deletion. To alleviate the complexity of the data life cycle, we propose Active Data, a programming model to automate and improve the expressiveness of data management applications. We first introduce the concept of data life cycle and define a formal model based on Petri Net. We present the concept of the Active Data programming model, which allows code execution at each stage of the data life cycle. With Active Data, routines provided by programmers are executed when a set of events (creation, replication, transfer, deletion) happen to any data. We implement and evaluate the model with three use cases: a storage cache to Amazon S3, a cooperative sensor network, and an incremental implementation of the MapReduce programming model. Altogether, these scenarios illustrate the adequateness of the model to program applications which manage distributed and dynamic data. We also show that applications that do not leverage on data life cycle can benefit from Active Data to improve their performances.
Uniqueness of maximal entropy measure on essential spanning forests

An essential spanning forest of an infinite graph G is a spanning forest of G in which all trees have infinitely many vertices. Let Gn be an increasing sequence of finite connected subgraphs of G for which ⋃Gn=G. Pemantle’s arguments imply that the uniform measures on spanning trees of Gn converge weakly to an Aut (G)-invariant measure μG on essential spanning forests of G. We show that if G is a connected, amenable graph and Γ⊂Aut (G) acts quasitransitively on G, then μG is the unique Γ-invariant measure on essential spanning forests of G for which the specific entropy is maximal. This result originated with Burton and Pemantle, who gave a short but incorrect proof in the case Γ≅ℤd. Lyons discovered the error and asked about the more general statement that we prove.
Comparison of Finger Tracking Versus Simple Movement Training via Telerehabilitation to Alter Hand Function and Cortical Reorganization After Stroke

Objective. To compare 2 telerehabilitation training strategies, repetitive tracking movements versus repetitive simple movements, to promote brain reorganization and recovery of hand function. Methods. Twenty subjects with chronic stroke and 10 degrees of voluntary finger extension were randomly assigned to receive 1800 telerehabilitation trials over 2 weeks of either computerized tracking training (track group) with the affected finger and wrist involving temporospatial processing to achieve accuracy or movement training (move group) with no attention to accuracy. Following movement training, the move group crossed over to receive an additional 2 weeks of tracking training. Behavioral changes were measured with the Box and Block test, Jebsen Taylor test, and finger range of motion, along with a finger-tracking activation paradigm during fMRI. Results. The track group showed significant improvement in all 4 behavioral tests; the move group improved in the Box and Block and Jebsen Taylor tests. The improvement for the track group in the Box and Block and Jebsen Taylor tests did not surpass that for the move group. A consistent group pattern of brain reorganization was not evident. The move group, after crossing over, did not show further significant improvements. Conclusion . Telerehabilitation may be effective in improving performance in subjects with chronic stroke. Tracking training with reinforcement to enhance learning, however, did not produce a clear advantage over the same amount of practice of random movements. Two weeks of training may be insufficient to demonstrate a behavioral advantage and associated brain reorganization.
Wireless Networked Control Systems with Neuron Adaptive Control and Novel Smith Predictor

In order to overcome poor adaptability of conventional PID controller and effectively restrain the impact of network delays, a novel approach is proposed that new Smith predictor combined with neuron adaptive control for the wireless networked control systems (WNCS). Because new Smith predictor doesn’t include network delay model, therefore network delay is no need to be measured, identified or estimated on line. Based on IEEE 802.11 b/g (WLAN), the results of simulation show validity of the control scheme.
Calibrated 200-GHz waveform measurement

We develop a method for mismatch-correcting temporal waveforms measured with a high-speed electrooptic sampling system to 200 GHz. The new calibration determines a complete equivalent-circuit model describing the source in both the time and frequency domains with uncertainties, and accounts for all impedances and multiple reflections in the measurement system.
How a transformational Collective Benefit Mindset experience prompted parents raising children with disability to launch a peer network

AbstractThis research reports how families forged their pathway towards a ‘Benefit Mindset’ self-transformation. This resulted in parents creating a peer network, taking steps to pursue their development and to share their learning about empowerment and flourishing as they work in parallel to create better outcomes for their children with disability. Twenty-three participants (11 couples and 1 mother) raising children with disability or developmental delays attended the Now and NextTMprogram, which pioneered the integration of Positive Psychology in the disability sector. This disruptive program was launched in New South Wales in 2015 by two professionals with lived experience and evolved through co-design with the 300 families that have since completed the program (Mahmic & Janson, 2018). As participants grew their individual empowerment, hope and collective capacity, their vision to support other families and the collective mindset to make it happen emerged. These families recognised that the missing link in partnerships between professionals and families is their accountability in building their leadership. Participants learnt about identifying their signature strengths and putting them to work to build their family leadership. This research extends the concept of Benefit Mindset proponed by Buchanan and Kern (2017) about individuals to a group space by detailing how their Collective Benefit Mindset emerged.
High-Order Current-Mode Universal Filter Using CCIIs and Grounded Passive Components

This paper presents a new high-order universal filter structure with multiple-inputs and single-output. The structure only employs n second-generation current conveyors (CCIIs), n grounded capacitors, and n grounded resistors, which can realize nth-order universal filtering responses (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, band-reject, and allpass) from the same topology. Moreover, the proposed high-order filter still achieves many advantages like the employment of all grounded passive components, and the minimum number of active and passive components, in addition to having no need of inverting-type input signals or double-type input signals for the use of special input signals, no need of component matching conditions, high output impedance and low sensitivity performance. H-Spice simulation results confirm the theory.
The Effect of Leadership Styles on Employees’ Job Satisfaction in Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)Ethiopia

This main objective of this paper is to examine the effect of leadership styles on job satisfaction of employees working in the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) Ethiopia in year 2016. This study depends on data gathered from managers/supervisors and workers of all operation and system units in the PATH Ethiopia. Although correlations between leadership styles and job satisfaction has been studied in a wide variety of arenas and in similarly extensive range of situations, few of these studies focus on this relationship in the context of international non-governmental organisations in African context. Different from this absorption on Western context, this study will look at the relationship between leadership styles and job satisfaction of employees in the context of developing country, Ethiopia with specific concern to PATH Ethiopia and discovers the effect of leadership styles on employee job satisfaction. A 36-item Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio and Job Satisfaction instrument used by Spector were used to measure leadership styles and job satisfaction. Information gathered from respondents was analyzed using descriptive and correlation analysis. The study uncovered that leadership styles were fundamentally related with job satisfaction. The findings of the study demonstrated that there was a huge relationship amongst transactional and transformational leadership style and employees' job satisfaction. The discoveries likewise uncovered that employees favored transformational leadership style over transactional leadership style subsequently the most astounding mean score of the worker job satisfaction measurement went to transformational leadership style. The result of the present study proposes the significance of transformational leadership style that ought to be advanced through the organization's strategies and representative assessments.
A Proposal on No-Reference Type SSIM Estimation

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a no-reference type SSIM estimation method applied to compressed image sequences. The proposal transforms the SSIM formula into a form without reference signals (i.e. original images), which consists of two parameters to be estimated from the bitstream. One is quantization error variance contributing to existing noreference PSNR estimation, and the other is signal energy reduction caused by quantization which is unique to SSIM estimation. Experiments using actual images are then carried out and possible improvement methods are discussed.
Astrometric Microlensing as a Method of Discovering and Characterizing Extrasolar Planets

We introduce a new method of searching for and characterizing extrasolar planets. We show that by monitoring the center-of-light motion of microlensing alerts using the next generation of high-precision astrometric instruments the probability of detecting a planet orbiting the lens is high. We show that adding astrometric information to the photometric microlensing light curve greatly helps in determining the planetary mass and projected separation. We introduce astrometric maps as a new way for calculating astrometric motion and planet detection probabilities. Finite source effects are important for low-mass planets, but even Earth-mass planets can give detectable signals.
Enhancing the Innovation Outcomes of Absorptive Capacity in the Organization: A Conceptual Framework

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing knowledge in the field of innovation by exploring social capital and two other important antecedents of social capital including organizational context and managerial behavior which may contribute to make an increase in the level of absorptive capacity and innovation outcomes of absorptive capacity including innovation capability, innovation performance and ambidextrous innovation competence. A conceptual framework synthesized from a review of the literature is offered. With the help of the proposed model not only the links between variables can be viewed graphically but also organizations will learn that how they can improve their absorptive capacity and innovation activities through high level of social capital.
Power Scheduling of Kalman Filtering in Wireless Sensor Networks with Data Packet Drops

For a wireless sensor network (WSN) with a large number of low-cost, battery-driven, multiple transmission power leveled sensor nodes of limited transmission bandwidth, then conservation of transmission resources (power and bandwidth) is of paramount importance. Towards this end, this paper considers the problem of power scheduling of Kalman filtering for general linear stochastic systems subject to data packet drops (over a packet-dropping wireless network). The transmission of the acquired measurement from the sensor to the remote estimator is realized by sequentially transmitting every single component of the measurement to the remote estimator in one time period. The sensor node decides separately whether to use a high or low transmission power to communicate every component to the estimator across a packet-dropping wireless network based on the rule that promotes the power scheduling with the least impact on the estimator mean squared error. Under the customary assumption that the predicted density is (approximately) Gaussian, leveraging the statistical distribution of sensor data, the mechanism of power scheduling, the wireless network effect and the received data, the minimum mean squared error estimator is derived. By investigating the statistical convergence properties of the estimation error covariance, we establish, for general linear systems, both the sufficient condition and the necessary condition guaranteeing the stability of the estimator.
Incremental Visual Queries

Exploratory data analysis is a human-centered process whose goal is to develop intuition and insight into a dataset. Usually initial findings will suggest new questions, leading to extensive iteration. Statistical graphics play an important role, but a flexible means for populating them with relevant data is also needed. Database query languages are one means, but formulating queries is a distraction from the primary task of understanding the data. This paper uses the concept of isets , which embody both a description and a set of entities that satisfy it, to bridge the gap between the expressive power of queries and the concreteness of data. During exploration, isets can be incrementally modified, related to other isets, or used to define new isets. This last operation uses the metaphor of navigation from an existing iset as the means of arriving at the new related iset, which situates the analyst as actively moving through the world of the data. The navigation path among isets resembles a graphical query language. However, visualizations give continuous feedback as the graph is incrementally constructed, rather than only after an “execute” command. Navigation and nine other operations are meant to effectively support iterative exploration.
PDE Face: A Novel 3D Face Model

We introduce a novel approach to face models, which exploits the use of Partial Differential Equations (PDE) to generate the 3D face. This addresses some common problems of existing face models. The PDE face benefits from seamless merging of surface patches by using only a relatively small number of parameters based on boundary curves. The PDE face also provides users with a great degree of freedom to individualise the 3D face by adjusting a set of facial boundary curves. Furthermore, we introduce a uv-mesh texture mapping method. By associating the texels of the texture map with the vertices of the uv mesh in the PDE face, the new texture mapping method eliminates the 3D-to-2D association routine in texture mapping. Any specific PDE face can be textured without the need for the facial expression in the texture map to match exactly that of the 3D face model.
Musical Sound Modeling with Sinusoids plus Noise

When generating musical sound on a digital computer, it is important to have a good model whose parameters provide a rich source of meaningful sound transformations. Three basic model types are in prevalent use today for musical sound generation: instrument models, spectrum models, and abstract models. Instrument models attempt to parametrize a sound at its source, such as a violin, clarinet, or vocal tract. Spectrum models attempt to parametrize a sound at the basilar membrane of the ear, discarding whatever information the ear seems to discard in the spectrum. Abstract models, such as FM, attempt to provide musically useful parameters in an abstract formula.
The impact of pseudophakia on vision-related quality of life in the general population – The Gutenberg Health Study

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure worldwide. We aim to determine the prevalence of having implanted an artificial lens (pseudophakia) and of no lens (aphakia) and to compare visual function. As part of the Gutenberg Health study, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Germany. An ophthalmological examination including slit-lamp examination was conducted. Prevalence including 95% confidential intervals were calculated and analyses were conducted for systemic and ocular associated factors with pseudophakia using multivariable logistic regression models. Vision-related quality of life was assessed using a standardized questionnaire and Rasch transformation. 14,696 people were included. Of these, 1.55% [1.36%–1.77%] had unilateral pseudophakia and 3.08% [2.81%-3.37%] had bilateral pseudophakia. Unilateral aphakia was present in 21 people and bilateral aphakia in 2 people. Pseudophakia was independently associated with age, higher body weight and lower body height, diabetes and smoking. Vision-related quality of life values were similar for those with bilateral phakia and pseudophakia but were lower for those with unilateral pseudophakia. The pseudophakia status is related to several cardiovascular risk factors, indicating a relationship to an aging effect that causes premature lens opacification. Bilateral pseudophakia can almost imitate the physiological condition of phakia except for the need to use glasses.
Roles for p53 and p73 during oligodendrocyte development

Oligodendrocytes make myelin in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS). They develop from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), most of which divide a limited number of times before they stop and differentiate. OPCs can be purified from the developing rat optic nerve and stimulated to proliferate in serum-free culture by PDGF. They can be induced to differentiate in vitro by either thyroid hormone (TH) or PDGF withdrawal. It was shown previously that a dominant-negative form of p53 could inhibit OPC differentiation induced by TH but not by PDGF withdrawal, suggesting that the p53 family of proteins might play a part in TH-induced differentiation. As the dominant-negative p53 used inhibited all three known p53 family members - p53, p63 and p73 - it was uncertain which family members are important for this process. Here, we provide evidence that both p53 and p73, but not p63, are involved in TH-induced OPC differentiation and that p73 also plays a crucial part in PDGF-withdrawal-induced differentiation. This is the first evidence for a role of p73 in the differentiation of a normal mammalian cell.