Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Neural Network Rule Extraction for Credit-Risk Evaluation

Summary Credit-risk evaluation is a very important management science problem in the financial analysis area. Neural Networks have received a lot of attention because of their universal approximation property. They have a high prediction accuracy rate, but it is not easy to understand how they reach their decisions. In this paper, we present a real-life credit-risk data set and analyze it by using the NeuroRule extraction technique and the WEKA software. The results were considered very satisfactory.
Have US–Japan Trade Agreements Made a Difference?

Abstract The few existing empirical studies of US–Japan trade agreements have relied primarily on descriptive statistics or univariate time series methods. We conduct a potentially more powerful test by evaluating agreements in the context of well-specified econometric models. Consistent with trade theory, import demand is modeled as a cointegrating relationship with income and relative price variables, where a trade agreement may cause a structural break in the cointegrating vector. Results are mixed, with evidence in several sectors of a possible change in import behavior following market-opening trade agreements, while in other cases no significant impact can be detected.
Structure of the Mesorhizobium huakuii and Rhizobium galegae Nod factors: a cluster of phylogenetically related legumes are nodulated by rhizobia producing Nod factors with α,β‐unsaturated N‐acyl substitutions

Rhizobia are symbiotic bacteria that synthesize lipochitooligosaccharide Nod factors (NFs), which act as signal molecules in the nodulation of specific legume hosts. Based on the structure of their N‐acyl chain, NFs can be classified into two categories: (i) those that are acylated with fatty acids from the general lipid metabolism; and (ii) those (= αU‐NFs) that are acylated by specific α,β‐unsaturated fatty acids (containing carbonyl‐conjugated unsaturation(s)). Previous work has described how rhizobia that nodulate legumes of the Trifolieae and Vicieae tribes produce αU‐NFs. Here, we have studied the structure of NFs from two rhizobial species that nodulate important genera of the Galegeae tribe, related to Trifolieae and Vicieae. Three strains of Mesorhizobium huakuii, symbionts of Astragalus sinicus, produced as major NFs, pentameric lipochitooligosaccharides O‐sulphated and partially N‐glycolylated at the reducing end and N‐acylated, at the non‐reducing end, by a C18:4 fatty acid. Two strains of Rhizobium galegae, symbionts of Galega sp. , produced as major NFs, tetrameric O‐carbamoylated NFs that could be O‐acetylated on the glucosamine residue next to the non‐reducing terminal glucosamine and were N‐acylated by C18 and C20 α,β‐unsaturated fatty acids. These results suggest that legumes nodulated by rhizobia synthesizing αU‐NFs constitute a phylogenetic cluster in the Galegoid phylum.
Dual-band millimeter-wave interleaved antenna array exploiting low-cost PCB technology for high speed 5G communication

In this paper, a novel dual-band co-aperture antenna array with high bandwidth is presented. The proposed frequency bands of interest are E-band and LMDS which can work simultaneously in a dual-band mm-wave radio to achieve high throughput. The distribution network is based on the combination of Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide (SIW) and stripline technologies. These feed networks co-exist in a low-cost PCB with 4 metal layers with minimal interference. The SIW distribution network feeds slot apertures with a special offset from the center axis of the waveguides, while the stripline lines excite U-shaped patch antennas by vertical vias. A 4×4 dual-band E-band/LMDS array prototype is presented to validate the concept. The dual-band antenna array is approximately 12mm×12mm in size realized on a Rogers 4350 substrate. Measured results versus simulations have been presented and discussed. This dual-band technique can be a great candidate for the multi-Giga-bit/s (Gbps) cellular applications for 5G communication and is compatible with low cost multilayer technologies.
Raman Spectra of Luminescent Graphene Oxide (GO)-Phosphor Hybrid Nanoscrolls

Graphene oxide (GO)-phosphor hybrid nanoscrolls were synthesized using a simple chemical method. The GO-phosphor ratio was varied to find the optimum ratio for enhanced optical characteristics of the hybrid. A scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that synthesized GO scrolls achieved a length of over 20 μm with interior cavities. The GO-phosphor hybrid is extensively analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, suggesting that various Raman combination modes are activated with the appearance of a low-frequency radial breathing-like mode (RBLM) of the type observed in carbon nanotubes. All of the synthesized GO-phosphor hybrids exhibit an intense luminescent emission around 540 nm along with a broad emission at approximately 400 nm, with the intensity ratio varying with the GO-phosphor ratio. The photoluminescence emissions were gauged using Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates and at an optimum ratio. The coordinates shift to the white region of the color spectra. Our study suggests that the GO-phosphor hybrid nanoscrolls are suitable candidates for light-emitting applications.
A long‐term study of patients with chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis

Chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis is a persistent state of natural killer (NK) cell (CD3−CD16/CD56+) excess in the peripheral blood that is not associated with clinical lymphoma. In 16 consecutive patients (median age 60.5 years, range 7–77), males were overrepresented (M:F 7:1) and the median absolute NK cell count was 4.09 × 109/l (range 1.2–16.6). Bone marrow examination was performed in 14 patients and showed atypical granulomata in two; chromosome studies in seven patients were normal. Clonal T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement was not found in any of 12 patients evaluated. At presentation, seven patients (44%) had no clinical symptoms or signs and the others had vasculitic skin lesions (three patients), non‐neutropenic fever (three patients), recurrent neutropenic infection (two patients), musculoskeletal symptoms (two patients), peripheral neuropathy (two patients), aphthous ulcers (one patient), and splenomegaly (one patient). Five patients had anaemia, five had neutropenia, and two had thrombocytopenia. After a median follow‐up of 5.1 years (range 0–10.2) from immunophenotypic diagnosis or 5.7 years (range 0.1–14.1) from documentation of absolute lymphocytosis, vasculitic glomerulonephritis developed in one patient, accelerated splenomegaly developed in a patient receiving myeloid growth factor treatment, and severe aplastic anaemia developed in one patient. Treatment with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressive agents was variably successful.
MicroRNA profiles in nasal mucosa of patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis and asthma

Rhinitis and asthma commonly coexist and are often regarded as “unified airways disease. ” Evidence exists that microRNAs are important in controlling inflammatory processes, but little is known about their role in airway inflammation. The present study evaluated the inflammatory profiles of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), with and without concomitant asthma, and of patients with nonallergic rhinitis (NAR).
A New Binarization Method for a Sign Board Image with the Blanket Method

We propose a new binarization method suited for character extraction from a sign board in a scenery image. The binarization is one of a significant step in character extraction in order to get high quality result. Character region on sigh board, however, has many variation and colors. In addition to it, if there exists high frequency texture region like a mountain or trees in the background, it can be a cause of difficulty to binarize an image. At the high frequency region, the binarized result is sensitive to the threshold value. On the other hand, a character region of sign board consists of solid area, that is, includes few high frequency regions, and has relatively high contrast. So the binarized result of character region is stable at an interval of the threshold value. Focusing attention on this point, we propose a new binarization method which obtains a threshold value based on the fractal dimension by evaluating both region's density and stability to threshold value. Through the proposed method, we can get a fine quality binarized images, where the characters can be extracted correctly.
Tuneability of monolithically integrated optical phase lock loop for THz generation

This work presents a monolithically integrated optical phase lock loop (OPLL) synchronised to an Optical Frequency Comb Generator (OFCG) without any prior filtering of the comb lines for the first time. The heterodyne phase locking is achieved at a tuneable offset frequency in the range of 2 to 6 GHz, while the optical comb lines are spaced by 12 GHz. This is of particular interest as it allows investigation of the influence of the nearest comb lines on OPLL performance. Moreover, the work discusses continuous tuneability limitations of a photonic THz source based on the single OPLL and proposes a solution to improve the frequency agility. Finally, the spectra of signals ranging from 2.5 up to 21.5 GHz, generated by heterodyning the locked slave laser and the subsequent comb lines, are presented and analysed. Phase noise performance of -80 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset across the frequency range is reported.
Infusion of methylene blue in human septic shock: A pilot, randomized, controlled study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of continuous infusion of methylene blue (MB), an inhibitor of the nitric oxide pathway, on hemodynamics and organ functions in human septic shock. DesignProspective, randomized, controlled, open-label, pilot study. SettingMultidisciplinary intensive care unit of a university hospital. PatientsTwenty patients with septic shock diagnosed <24 hrs before randomization. InterventionsPatients were randomized 1:1 to receive either MB (MB group, n = 10) or isotonic saline (control group, n = 10), adjunctive to conventional treatment. MB was administered as an intravenous bolus injection (2 mg/kg), followed 2 hrs later by infusion at stepwise increasing rates of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg/hr that were maintained for 1 hr each. During infusion, mean arterial pressure was maintained between 70 and 90 mm Hg, while attempting to reduce concurrent adrenergic support. Measurements and Main Results Hemodynamics and organ function variables were assessed over a 24-hr period, and the survival rate at day 28 was noted. Infusion of MB prevented the stroke volume and the left-ventricular stroke work indexes from falling and increased mean arterial pressure. Compared with the control group, MB reduced the requirement for norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine by as much as 87%, 81%, and 40%, respectively. Oxygen delivery remained unchanged in the MB group and decreased in the control group. MB also reduced the body temperature and the plasma concentration of nitrates/nitrites. Leukocytes and organ function variables such as bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine were not significantly affected. Platelet count decreased in both groups. Five patients treated with MB survived vs. three patients receiving conventional treatment. ConclusionsIn human septic shock, continuously infused MB counteracts myocardial depression, maintains oxygen transport, and reduces concurrent adrenergic support. Infusion of MB appears to have no significant adverse effects on the selected organ function variables.
Comparison of fingerprint authentication algorithms for small imaging sensors

The demand for biometric systems has been increasing with the growth of the smartphone market. Biometric devices allow the user to authenticate easily while securing its private data without the need to remember any access code. Amongst them, fingerprint sensors are the most widespread because they seem to provide a good balance between reliability, cost and ease of use. According to smartphone manufacturers, the security level is guaranteed to be high. However, the size of those sensors, which is only a few millimeters squared, prevents the use of minutiae algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, very few studies shed light onto this problem, though many pattern recognition algorithms already exist as well as commercial solutions which are supposedly robust. In this article we try to provide insights on how to tackle this problem by analyzing the performance of three algorithms dedicated to pattern recognition.
ON A GENERALIZATION OF THE NOTION OF MANIFOLD BY

where H is the product of the lengths of all the hooks in [X]. This formula is of general interest, since it gives a simple interpretation for the quotient n! /fX. Note that expression (2.2) is the special case of expression (3.1) appropriate to the skew diagram [X1] [X2]v [XNI. It should be remarked in conclusion that an operator approach to the reduction of the skew diagram [X] [,A ] is also available. Indeed, Feit's formula was devised to yield
SUSTAINABILITY AND GROWTH OF ONLINE KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITIES : EXAMINING THE IMPORTANCE OF PERCEIVED COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND PERCEIVED LEADER SUPPORT Completed Research Paper

Voluntary behaviors (i.e., knowledge contribution and word of mouth) are important to the sustainability and growth of online knowledge communities. Although previous studies have identified various factors leading to knowledge contribution and related behaviors, the underlying psychological processes have rarely been examined. In particular, previous studies have not examined how characteristics of online knowledge communities influence voluntary behaviors through support perception. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature by developing and testing a model to explain voluntary behaviors in online knowledge communities. To develop the research model, we drew on theories of justice, organizational support, and citizenship behavior to explain the influence of characteristics of online knowledge communities on individuals' voluntary behaviors through their perceptions of support from the community and the leader. The research model was tested on survey data collected from 214 online knowledge community users. The results largely supported our model. In particular, we found that pro-sharing norm and information need fulfillment affect perceived community support. Perceived recognition from leader and perceived co-presence of leader affect perceived leader support. Additionally, perceived community support was found to be important in shaping knowledge contribution and word of mouth. Perceived leader support was found to influence individuals' knowledge contribution behavior. Theoretical and Practical implications are discussed.
Viscosity of Mixed Refrigerants, R404A, R407C, R410A, and R507C

Mixed refrigerants R407C, R410A, R404A, and R507A have gained more and more importance in the last few years as a replacement for R22 and R502. New viscosity data of R404A, R407C, R410A, and R507A are presented. For all these refrigerants, the viscosity was measured for the saturated liquid and vapor and also for the superheated vapor. Viscosity was measured using a capillary tube method. Estimated uncertainties in experimental viscosities are, in general, less than or equal to ±1.2%. All available literature viscosity data for R404A, R407C, R410A, and R507A were evaluated to identify the most accurate data on which to base the viscosity model. The viscosity is modeled with the residual concept. In this representation, the viscosity was composed of two contributions: a dilute gas term which is a function only of temperature, and a residual term which is a function only of density. The models cover a wide range of parameters except for the small region of the critical viscosity enhancement which is extremely close to the critical point and may be safely ignored in all practical application. The resulting correlations applicable for the viscosity of dilute gas, superheated vapor, and saturated liquid and vapor of R404A, R407C, R41 OA, and R507 A are given. Comparisons are made for all available literature data. p Re T p 17 T/o Ll1]=TJ-1Jo Llc1J T/exp T/calc pressure Reynolds number temperature density viscosity NOMENCLATURE viscosity in zero-density limit residual viscosity critical viscosity enhancement experimental viscosity calculated viscosity Eighth International Refrigeration Conference at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USAJuly 25-28, 2000 399
A simple process for lignin nanoparticle preparation

A lack of renewable resources and their inefficient use is a major challenge facing the society. Lignin is a natural biopolymer obtained mainly as a by-product from the pulp- and paper-making industries, and is primarily burned to produce energy. However, interest for using lignin in more advanced applications has increased rapidly. In particular, lignin based nanoparticles could find potential use in functional surface coatings, nanoglue, drug delivery, and microfluidic devices. In this work, a straightforward method to produce lignin nanoparticles from waste lignin obtained from kraft pulping is introduced. Spherical lignin nanoparticles were obtained by dissolving softwood kraft lignin in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and subsequently introducing water into the system through dialysis. No chemical modification of lignin was needed. Water acts as a non-solvent reducing lignin's degrees of freedom causing the segregation of hydrophobic regions to compartments within the forming nanoparticles. The final size of the nanoparticles depended on the pre-dialysis concentration of dissolved lignin. The stability of the nanoparticle dispersion as a function of time, salt concentration and pH was studied. In pure water and at room temperature the lignin nanoparticle dispersion was stable for over two months, but a very low pH or high salt concentration induced aggregation. It was further demonstrated that the surface charge of the particles could be reversed and stable cationic lignin nanoparticles were produced by adsorption of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC).
Wall shear stress distributions in a model of normal and constricted small airways

Previous studies have highlighted flow shear stress as a possible damage mechanism for small airways, in particular those liable to constriction through disease or injury due to mechanical ventilation. Flow experiments in vitro have implicated shear stress as a relevant factor for mechanotransduction pathways with respect to airway epithelial cell function. Using computational fluid dynamics analysis, this study reports velocity profiles and calculations for wall shear stress distributions in a three-generation, asymmetric section of the small airways subjected to a steady, inspiratory flow. The results show distal variation of wall shear stress distributions due to velocity gradients on the carina side of each daughter airway branch. The maximum wall shear stresses in both normal and constricted small airways are shown to exceed those calculated using data from previous simpler one-dimensional experimental analyses. These findings have implications for lung cell flow experiments involving shear stress in the consideration of both normal airway function and pathology due to mechanotransduction mechanisms.
A Parameterized Mesh Technique for Finite Element Magnetic Field Computation and Its Application to Optimal Designs of Electromagnetic Devices

A parameterized mesh generation is presented for design optimization of electromagnetic devices. The proposed method requires no mesh regeneration, and hence the numerical simulation time can be reduced significantly. When the coordinates of nodes in the refined mesh are changed, the mesh topology will be kept, that is, the node connection relationship will remain the same as before. Thus the nodal solutions can be carried over from previous FEM results to subsequent FEM computation without the need of mapping the nodes between two meshes. Additionally, the mesh quality can remain high using a swapping diagonal technique. Based on the sample points obtained from FEM with parameterized mesh, the optimal model is reconstructed using the response surface methodology (RSM). The particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is then used to arrive at the optimal solution swiftly and efficiently. An optimal design of electromagnetic device is reported to verify the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Titanium Dioxide Nanofibers through Forcespinning

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers with potential applications in the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells, photocatalysts, gas sensors, and water treatment systems, among others, have been produced at large yield rates utilizing the Forcespinning® (FS) technology. This study presents the results of research performed to determine optimal processing parameters to create TiO2 nanofibers at a high production rate. The effects of polymer concentration and angular velocity on fiber formation, yield rate, average fiber diameter, and homogeneity of the nanofibers were studied. Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis were conducted on the produced systems. The developed homogeneous, bead-free, continuous nanofibers were subsequently heat treated under different calcination conditions. The resultant TiO2 fibers were characterized to determine the correlation between the occurrence of anatase and/or rutile phases, the heat treatment conditions, and other adjustable parameters.
A study on thermal image generation based on deep learning and abnormal temperature detection

A thermal image taken by a thermal camera and an RGB color picture were arranged in a dataset pair; the datasets were learned using a deep learning algorithm called pix2pix. After the sufficient training in the machine learning, it was possible to generate a thermal image from a color image taken with a digital camera. This paper provides a new method of generating thermal image without a thermal camera; the thermal camera is required when we create training materials. Furthermore, a method for detecting abnormal temperatures using deep learning is proposed. Features of thermal images are concerned and evaluated the results of our method.
A Rapid Authoring Tool for Converting Existing Online Resources into Widgets

This paper presents an approach to quickly transform online resources into widgets. This approach has several advantages over previous solutions. Two small-scale evaluations indicate that this solution empowers the average teachers to become a widget author, without any programming knowledge. The teachers showed their enthusiasm to use this tool in the near future and believe that this authoring tool will help them both during the authoring and teaching process. There are still many features required to be added to improve our tool. For example, the automatic generation of metadata might improve usability and ease of use even more, especially when adding category information to the metadata to ease later reuse for existing widgets.
NERGY M ANAGEMENT IN C LOUD D ATA C ENTERS : A S URVEY

Cloud data centers have become indispensable infrastructure for computing and data storage that facilitate the development of diversified services offered by the cloud. These data centers consume enormous amounts of electrical energy to process the cloud services resulting in large amount of CO2 emissions, high operational cost, and affecting the lifetime of hardware equipments. This necessitates the development of efficient energy management techniques in cloud data centers for both economic and environmental standpoints. Energy management at data centers can be static or dynamic. Energy consumption can be reduced by employing dynamic energy management techniques both in hardware and software levels at cloud data centers. This paper surveys various issues related to dynamic energy management in cloud data centers.