Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attention and Augmented Recurrent Neural Networks

The basic RNN design struggles with longer sequences, but a special variant—“long short-term memory” networks —can even work with these. Such models have been found to be very powerful, achieving remarkable results in many tasks including translation, voice recognition, and image captioning. As a result, recurrent neural networks have become very widespread in the last few years. As this has happened, we’ve seen a growing number of attempts to augment RNNs with new properties. Four directions stand out as particularly exciting:
Path planning and integrated collision avoidance for autonomous vehicles

This paper discusses some of the current state-of-the-art and remaining challenges in research on path planning and vehicle control of autonomous vehicles. Reliable path planning is fundamental for the proper operation of an autonomous vehicle. Typically, the path planner relies on an incomplete model of the surroundings to generate a reference trajectory, used as input to a vehicle controller that tracks this reference trajectory. Depending on how much complexity is put into the path-planning block, the path planning and vehicle-control blocks can be viewed as independent of each other, connected to each other, or merged into one block. There are several types of path-planning techniques developed over the last decades, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. We review different techniques for path planning and trajectory tracking, and give examples of its use in relation to autonomous vehicles. We report on our own recent findings and give an outlook on potential research directions.
Critical In-Flight and Ground-Service Factors Influencing Brand Prestige and Relationships Between Brand Prestige, Well-Being Perceptions, and Brand Loyalty: First-Class Passengers

ABSTRACT This study (1) proposes optimal in-flight and ground services for maximizing the brand prestige of passengers taking first-class flights; (2) investigates the relationships between brand prestige, passengers’ well-being perception, and brand loyalty; and (3) tests the moderating effect of status consumption. To empirically test the proposed conceptual model, a survey was conducted using a sample of passengers who experienced first-class flights with any airline by an online market research firm in the United States (US), and data collected from 205 passengers were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results reveal that (1) all five in-flight service factors and three of four ground-service factors played crucial roles in the formation of passengers’ brand prestige perceptions;, (2) brand prestige had a significant effect on well-being perceptions and brand loyalty; and (3) status consumption had a significant moderating effect on the relationship not only between brand prestige and well-being perceptions, but also on the relationship between brand prestige and brand loyalty. These results have important practical implications for first-class service managers as well as theoretical implications for luxury marketing in the context of brand prestige.
Relational communication between Catholics and Protestants in the Northern Ireland workplace: A study of policies, practices and procedures

This paper presents the results of a study that investigated cross-community communication patterns in the Northern Ireland (NI) workplace. Work is one of the many institutions in NI affected by the deep politico-religious fault-line of division that pervades much of social life. That said, the workplace represents an environment where members of both communities do come together and associate. When this contact is typified by tension, disharmony and mutual recrimination, both the organisation and the wider community suffer. Good internal working relationships, on the other hand, have the potential not only to profit the organisation, but to ripple out through the wider community. It is therefore surprising that little research has been conducted into cross-community relations in the NI workplace. Indeed, institutions generally have been criticised for failing to play a more prominent role in promoting positive community relations. The main objectives of the study were to determine the manner in which contentious situations of a sectarian nature can best be managed, based on a comparison of organisational practice and to document ‘best practice’ guidelines to advise public and private sector organisations on effective methods of dealing with cross-community relations at work. The study involved 4 major organizations. Data was collected using an inventory to measure cross-community communication (n = 440); 22 in-depth interviews; and 16 focus groups. A very clear finding was that it was strongly felt that all of the organisations could do significantly more to reduce tensions between the two religious groupings. The results of the study will be discussed in terms of both organisational and relational communication.
Stories from the heart: Youth narratives on alternative schooling experiences

If you had a choice to be in an environment that ignored you and made you feel insecure and inferior, or one that affirmed your individuality, your identity, and made you feel welcome, which one would you choose? This study is about such decisions. "Stories from the Heart: Youth Narratives on Alternative Schooling Experiences" seeks to understand the social and educational conditions that lead grovwng numbers of "minoritized" youth to enter alternative education settings. The term minoritized refers to youth who have been disenfranchised educationally by the systemic interactions of socio-economic, socio-political, and linguistic forces that structure their everyday experiences; however, they are not necessarily minority in a numerical sense. It is my premise that these structures of feeling frame how these youth experience living in a modem world with competing interests and how they negotiate multiple subjectivities and identities. Increasing concerns about standards, safety, and accountability in American public education have given rise to a growing number of alternative school settings. Students arrive at these schools largely due to culminating negative experiences. The reasons range from school failure due to academic and/or behavior problems, poor homeschool communication, excessive truancy, social alienation and juvenile delinquency to those motivated students who are working full-time to accomplish life goals in the fastest way possible. At many of these alternative schools, Hispanic/Latino and other minoritized students comprise a majority of the student body. As a teacher in the alternative-charter school where this research took place, the qualitative methods utilized revealed some surprising results. Although the data confirmed some prior findings in research on alternative schools, the results of this study bring forth new understandings of and possibilities for the education of disengaged youth. This study confirms that minoritized students enrolling in alternative education settings have a historical and enduring dissatisfaction with traditional public schools. And yet, provided with a more positive schooling experience, minoritized youth express genuine excitement for learning and even came to view school as a congenial
Liability-Side Pricing of Swaps and Coherent CVA and FVA by Regression/Simulation

An uncollateralized swap hedged back-to-back by a CCP swap is used to introduce FVA. The open IR01 of FVA, however, is a sure sign of risk not being fully hedged, a theoretical no-arbitrage pricing concern, and a bait to lure market risk capital, a practical business concern. By dynamically trading the CCP swap, with the liability-side counterparty provides counterparty exposure hedge and swap funding, we find that the uncollateralized swap can be fully replicated, leaving out no IR01 leakage. The fair value of the swap is obtained by applying to swap's net cash flows a discount rate switching to counterparty's bond curve if the swap is a local asset or one's own curve if a liability, and the total valuation adjustment is the present value of cost of funding the risk-free price discounted at the same switching rate. FVA is redefined as a liquidity or funding basis component of total valuation adjustment, coherent with CVA, the default risk component. A Longstaff-Schwartz style least-square regression and simulation is introduced to compute the recursive fair value and adjustments. A separately developed finite difference scheme is used to test and find regression necessary to decouple the discount rate switch. Preliminary results show the impact of counterparty risk to swap hedge ratios, swap bid/ask spreads, and valuation adjustments, and considerable errors of calculating CVA by discounting cash flow or potential future exposure.
Color-Based and Recursive Fiducial Marker for Augmented Reality

The popularity of applications using Augmented Reality, especially due to the dissemination of smartphones with high processing power, introduces the need for Fiducial Markers that can be detected quickly, with good accuracy and can deal with partial occlusion. Fiducial Markers can have different shapes, sizes, structure and colors, and are inserted into a scene to facilitate the detection and consequent projection of virtual objects. In particular, this paper proposes a new Color-based and Recursive Fiducial Marker (CRFM), which is constructed by square-based geometric forms and uses different colors to produce a recursive structure that was designed to still work under partial occlusion. We describe the CRFM design and how its detection mechanism works. Our evaluation results show that CRFM achieves a good level of accuracy. Moreover, we show that the detection of the CRFM can be as fast as a board of ArUco, where only black and white colors are used.
C . Rieger Kernel-based Reconstructions for Parametric PDEs

In uncertainty quantification, an unknown quantity has to be reconstructed which depends typically on the solution of a partial differential equation. This partial differential equation itself may depend on parameters, some of them may be deterministic and some are random. To approximate the unknown quantity one therefore has to solve the partial differential equation (usually numerically) for several instances of the parameters and then reconstruct the quantity from these simulations. As the number of parameters may be large, this becomes a highdimensional reconstruction problem. We will address the topic of reconstructing such unknown quantities using kernelbased reconstruction methods on sparse grids. First, we will introduce into the topic, then explain the reconstruction process and finally provide new error estimates.
Polη, a Y-family translesion synthesis polymerase, promotes cellular tolerance of Myc-induced replication stress

ABSTRACT Growth of precancerous and cancer cells relies on their tolerance of oncogene-induced replication stress (RS). Translesion synthesis (TLS) plays an essential role in the cellular tolerance of various types of RS and bypasses replication barriers by employing specialized polymerases. However, limited information is available about the role of TLS polymerases in oncogene-induced RS. Here, we report that Polη, a Y-family TLS polymerase, promotes cellular tolerance of Myc-induced RS. Polη was recruited to Myc-induced RS sites, and Polη depletion enhanced the Myc-induced slowing and stalling of replication forks and the subsequent generation of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Overexpression of a catalytically dead Polη also promoted Myc-induced DSB formation. In the absence of Polη, Myc-induced DSB formation depended on MUS81–EME2 (the S-phase-specific endonuclease complex), and concomitant depletion of MUS81–EME2 and Polη enhanced RS and cell death in a synergistic manner. Collectively, these results indicate that Polη facilitates fork progression during Myc-induced RS, thereby helping cells tolerate the resultant deleterious effects. Additionally, the present study highlights the possibility of a synthetic sickness or lethality between Polη and MUS81–EME2 in cells experiencing Myc-induced RS. Summary: Polη, a specialized DNA polymerase, protects replication forks from Myc-induced impediment and promotes the growth of Myc-activated cells. This finding offers new insight into tumorigenesis.
A Facile Electrochemical Sensor Based on PyTS–CNTs for Simultaneous Determination of Cadmium and Lead Ions

A simple and easy method was implemented for the contemporary detection of cadmium (Cd2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions using 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid sodium salt-functionalized carbon nanotubes nanocomposites (PyTS–CNTs). The morphology and composition of the obtained PyTS–CNTs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results confirmed that the fabricated PyTS–CNTs exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity for metal ion-sensing owing to the insertion of sulfonic acid groups. For Cd2+ and Pb2+, some of the electrochemical sensing parameters were evaluated by varying data such as the PyTS–CNT quantity loaded on the pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE), pH of the acetate buffer, deposition time, and deposition potential. These parameters were optimized with differential pulse anodic sweeping voltammetry (DPASV). Under the optimal condition, the stripping peak current of the PyTS–CNTs/Nafion/PGE varies linearly with the heavy metal ion concentration, ranging from 1.0 μg L−1 to 90 μg L−1 for Cd2+ and from 1.0 μg L−1 to 110 μg L−1 for Pb2+. The limits of detection were estimated to be approximately 0.8 μg L−1 for Cd2+ and 0.02 μg L−1 for Pb2+. The proposed PyTS–CNTs/Nafion/PGE can be used as a rapid, simple, and controllable electrochemical sensor for the determination of toxic Cd2+ and Pb2+.
Regulatory Governance and Sector Performance: Methodology and Evaluation for Electricity Distribution in Latin America

This paper contributes to the literature that explores the link between regulatory governance and sector performance. The paper develops an index of regulatory governance and estimates its impact on sector performance, showing that indeed regulation and its governance matter. The authors use two unique databases: (i) the World Bank Performance Database, which contains detailed annual data for 250 private and public electricity companies in Latin America and the Caribbean; and (ii) the Electricity Regulatory Governance Database, which contains data on several aspects of the governance of electricity agencies in the region. The authors run different models to explain the impacts of change in ownership and different characteristics of the regulatory agency on the performance of the utilities. The results suggest that the mere existence of a regulatory agency, regardless of the utilities' ownership, has a significant impact on performance. Furthermore, after controlling for the existence of a regulatory agency, the ownership dummies are still significant and with the expected signs. The authors propose an experience measure in order to identify the gradual impact of the regulatory agency on utility performance. The results confirm this hypothesis. In addition, the paper explores two different measures of governance, an aggregate measure of regulatory governance, and an index based on principal components, including autonomy, transparency, and accountability. The findings show that the governance of regulatory agencies matters and has significant effects on performance.
Drug Loaded Cyanobacterial Nano-formulation : Preparation , Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, but it poorly treats intracellular infections. This problem can be overcome by preparing and using the drug with eco-friendly bio-nano-formulations, which directly act on a target (intracellular) site. Drug loaded Bio-Nano-formulations have antibacterial effect better than the drug alone. Also, low dose of the drug is more effective than its higher dose. In the current study, the bio-nano-formulation was prepared using silver nitrate and alginate by polyelectrolyte method. The biological source: Cyanobacteria acts as a carrier between drug and silver nano-particle. Particle size analysis depicted the size of the nano-capsule which was further characterized using different techniques – UV-VIS spectroscopy, XRD, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Spherical shape of the particle was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drug release at controlled rate (in-vitro) at different time intervals was also studied. Small size and high surface area of these nanoformulation(s) help them to act on a definite target site. Bioactivity evaluation of the bio-nano-formulations against microbial pathogens and the comparative evaluation study (zone of inhibition ranging from 1.2-5.4 cm) helped in characterizing these particles / bio-formulations as effective antimicrobial agents. These nano-formulations prepared in-vitro may serve the purpose to meet the challenge of acting directly on the target site and acting as a good medicinal agent to treat intracellular infections
In silico Designing and Optimization of EPO Mimetic Using Combinatorial Library

Erythrpoitin receptor (EPOR) is a cytokine receptor protein, which on activation by binding to erythropoietin (EPO), triggers the intracellular cascade regulating differentiation and proliferation of erythropoietic progenitor cells into mature erythrocytes. EPO is a 34 KD glycoprotein hormone which specifically binds to EPOR and facilitates downstream signalling maintaining an adequate systemic availability of RBCs. For use of blood transfusion in various blood disorders such as anaemia, recombinant EPO and other mimetics have been reported, however, they have been found to be associated with certain risks and less potent to cure diseases. Targeting the binding site of EPOR to design small molecules and peptides which can retain the full agonist activity of the protein EPO may be a promising approach. Using computational approaches, large pool of diverse libraries can be analyzed to bind EPOR efficiently. In this study, the development of small EPO mimetic with therapeutic potential has been explored by using computational approaches. Initially, combinatorial library was designed in two classes, the first class of chemical compounds ‘Lib-C’ designed by dimer formation of SMND309 by using different linkers and a second class of library ‘Lib-P’ designed by interaction sites of EPO mimetic human monoclonal antibody ABT007 to EPOR and previously reported mimetic EPO mimetic peptide 1 (EMP1) and ERB1-7. SMND309 is a novel derivative of salvianolic acid B which activates the EPO receptor, and then stimulates JAK2/STAT3 pathway and regulates erythropoiesis. The screening of combinatorial library resulted in efficient mimetic with the docking Glide score of -7.970 and Energytotal score of -479.7 for chemical compound and peptide respectively, which are comparatively better results to known chemical compound SMND309 and known mimetics EMP1 and ERB1-7. Resulting chemical compound was found to be having a high binding affinity of -41.849 and peptide mimetic was found to stable and hydrophilic in nature.
Monetary shocks, equity returns and volatility: a firm-level panel data analysis

ABSTRACT This article studies the impact of monetary policy shocks on equity returns and their volatility among nine industries and their affiliated firms in the United States. We use an extension of the traditional CAPM as the analytical framework and approximate policy shocks with the unexpected component of the federal funds rate. Data on the characteristics of firms and industries are obtained from Compustat and the Center for Research in Security Prices, covering a sample period from 1987 to 2009. Our results clearly show that responses to policy shocks vary by industry and across firms. Furthermore, credit availability matters in certain industries, and small, financially constrained, and bank-dependent firms are found to be more vulnerable to unexpected federal funds rate shocks.
A Comparative Analysis of RTOS and Linux Scalability on an Embedded Many-core Processor

Current embedded systems are usually based on real-time operating system (RTOS). In the near future, embedded systems will include parallel applications for tasks like autonomous driving, and adopt many-core processors to satisfy the performance requirements. However, traditional RTOSes are not designed for high performance applications and whether they can scale well on many-core processors remains unclear. Meanwhile, research has shown that Linux can provide good scalability for processors with tens of cores. In this paper, an experiment environment based on a traditional multi-core RTOS (TOPPERS/FMP) and an off-the-shelf 72-core many-core processor (TILE-Gx72) is presented. By a comparative analysis of RTOS based and Linux based runtime systems, several bottlenecks in RTOS are identified and the methods to avoid them are proposed. After that, the PARSEC benchmark suite is used to evaluate the performance of RTOS and Linux. The results show that the optimized RTOS runtime system tends to deliver better scalability than Linux in many cases. Therefore, we believe that traditional RTOS like TOPPERS/FMP can still be a good choice for embedded many-core processors in the near future.
Assessment of Geothermal Gradient in Bogala Area, Sri Lanka

Geothermal gradient gives important assessment to geothermal potential in an area. This study aimed to study geothermal potential in Sri Lankan crust using measurement from available deep mines. Bogala Graphite mines is one of accessible deep mine available and located 124 km away from the well demarcated tectonic boundary in Sri Lanka. In this research, 476 m deep Bogala Graphite mines was selected to study the geothermal gradient in Sri Lankan crust. Drill holes made in the bed rock horizontally, temperature sensors placed approximately in the same direction and kept continuously around 72 hours period. All the places selected to install sensors were far ends of long run abandoned tunnels/ adits in the mine. The average values of temperatures in those levels were computed, and then geothermal gradient was calculated as 28.046 C/km. This method gave some reliable information about, how temperature gradient varies at different levels of Sri Lankan crust.