Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the quality of ozone towards the prevention of further global warming

This article discusses the issue of Ozone depletion in global warming, factors causing Ozone depletion and the design of monitoring system. In developing countries like Malaysia, the rapid growth of industrial sectors does not only bring income to the nation, but also causes pollution in various forms. It is well known that air pollution has significant contribution towards global warming through Ozone depletion, whereby the emission of toxic gas from industries such as CFC would slowly thin the Ozone layer. Therefore, apart from taking efforts to prevent or reduce air pollution, the monitoring of factors known to deplete ozone should also be undertaken. In view of this, an instrument that could monitor the quality of Ozone on daily basis was designed. The instrument comprises of two main blocks; the data logger and Graphic User Interface (GUI). The data logger uses 16-Bit Microcontroller as the main control board housing data logger algorithm, Solar Tracker algorithm and data storage block. Three sensors were used in the data logger to measure the temperature, humidity and ultraviolet rays. The system had been tested at the field to capture data in two different conditions; at the industrial and high attitude areas. The measurement was carried out for 2100 hours to monitor the reliability, durability and accuracy of the instrument
Proposal for a new reference group for the World Reference Base for Soil Resources ( WRB ) 2006 : the Technosols 2 nd revised draft December 2 , 2005

This document proposes changes to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) to better acommodate soils dominated by technic material. It is the second draft, aiming at the revision of the WRB to be submitted at the 2006 International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) meetings. Three new definitions are proposed: – Artifacts are defined as solid or liquid material created by humans as part of an industrial or artisanal manufacturing process and found in the soil. – Technic soil material is defined as material dominated by artifacts and having properties substantially different from those of natural soil materials, and recognizable as such in the soil. – Human-transported soil material is defined as material moved into a pedon from a source area outside of its immediate vincinity by intentional human activity, and recognizable as such in the soil. Technosols is proposed as a new reference group, whose central concept is soils whose properties and pedogenesis are dominated by technic material or their origin as human-transported material. It also includes pavements underlain by unconsolidated material, as well as soils with a continuous impermeable constructed liner. The Technosols are to follow the Histosols and Anthrosols in the key to reference groups. Organic soils which otherwise qualify as Technosols are excluded from the Histosols. Soils from technic materials which otherwise would qualify as Anthrosols are likewise excluded from the Anthrosols and classified as Technosols. A list of qualifiers for Technosols is proposed. The first priority group of prefix qualifiers indicates how the soil qualified as a Technosol in the key: Ekranic (pavements), Lined, Technic or Spolic. This also serves as a sub-division of the Technosols Other prefix qualifiers are intergrades in key order, including (among others) Histic, Anthric, Hyperskeletic, Fluvic, Vitric, Andic and Hyperarenic. Suffix qualifiers are proposed for other characteristics which influence soil behaviour or where pedogenetic horizons have developed. Technic and Spolic suffix qualifiers are proposed for other groups where there is insufficient technic or human-transported material to qualify as Technosols but enough to influence soil behaviour. Compactic and various -toxic phases for contaminated soils are proposed, applicable to all groups.
COMPLEX INSTANTONS AND CHARGED ROTATING BLACK HOLE PAIR CREATION

We consider the general process of pair-creation of charged rotating black holes. We find that instantons which describe this process are necessarily complex due to regularity requirements. However their associated probabilities are real, and fully consistent with the interpretation that the entropy of a charged rotating black hole is the logarithm of the number of its quantum states.
Lack of association of Klotho gene variants with valvular and vascular calcification in Caucasians: a candidate gene study of the Framingham Offspring Cohort.

BACKGROUND Valvular and vascular calcification are important early aging phenotypes and represent risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Klotho is a gene primarily expressed in the kidney that has an important role in calcium-phosphate homeostasis. The functional KL-VS variant of Klotho has been associated with aging and cardiovascular disease in human studies, but its role in valvular and vascular calcification remains unknown. We performed a candidate gene study in the Framingham Offspring Cohort to evaluate the effect of KL-VS variant of the Klotho gene on valvular calcification. METHODS We analyzed the Klotho KL-VS genotype (rs9536314) from the Affymetrix 550K genome-wide dataset, distributed by dbGAP, on 1389 cases and 2139 controls from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between cases and controls. Valvular calcification was defined as presence of calcification on the mitral annulus or the aortic valve as determined by echocardiography. A sensitivity analysis of coronary artery calcification by electron beam computed tomography was performed on 1363 patients. RESULTS The frequency of the TT versus the TG allele was not different between the cases and the controls (39 versus 41%). The KL-VS variant of Klotho was not associated with valvular or vascular calcification, despite adequate power to detect association (86% for odds ratios ≥1.2). In sensitivity analyses, no association (P > 0.001) between other common variants of Klotho, β-Klotho or fibroblast growth factor-23 and the end points of valvular or vascular calcification was observed. CONCLUSIONS In our adequately powered candidate gene study, we did not observe an association with the functional KL-VS variant of Klotho and presence of valvular or vascular calcification. Future studies aimed at combining cohorts with echocardiographic phenotypes need to be conducted to identify genetic variants associated with valvular calcification.
Homer 1a Gates the Induction Mechanism for Endocannabinoid-Mediated Synaptic Plasticity

At hippocampal excitatory synapses, endocannabinoids (eCBs) mediate two forms of retrograde synaptic inhibition that are induced by postsynaptic depolarization or activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The homer family of molecular scaffolds provides spatial organization to regulate postsynaptic signaling cascades, including those activated by mGluRs. Expression of the homer 1a (H1a) immediate-early gene produces a short homer protein that lacks the domain required for homer oligomerization, enabling it to uncouple homer assemblies. Here, we report that H1a differentially modulates two forms of eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity, depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE) and metabotropic suppression of excitation (MSE). EPSCs were recorded from cultured hippocampal neurons and DSE evoked by a 15 s depolarization to 0 mV and MSE evoked by a type I mGluR agonist. Expression of H1a enhanced DSE and inhibited MSE at the same synapse. Many physiologically important stimuli initiate H1a expression including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Treating hippocampal cultures with BDNF increased transcription of H1a and uncoupled homer 1c-GFP (green fluorescent protein) clusters. BDNF treatment blocked MSE and enhanced DSE. Thus, physiological changes in H1a expression gate the induction pathway for eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity by uncoupling mGluR from eCB production.
Measurement of Soy Contents in Ground Beef Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Models for determining contents of soy products in ground beef were developed using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Samples were prepared by mixing four kinds of soybean protein products (Arconet, toasted soy grits, Profam and textured vegetable protein (TVP)) with ground beef (content from 0%–100%). NIR spectra of meat mixtures were measured with dispersive (400–2500 nm) and Fourier transform NIR (FT-NIR) spectrometers (1000–2500 nm). Partial least squares (PLS) regression with full leave-one-out cross-validation was used to build prediction models. The results based on dispersive NIR spectra revealed that the coefficient of determination for cross-validation (Rcv2) ranged from 0.91 for toasted soy grits to 0.99 for Arconet. The results based on FT-NIR spectra exhibited the best prediction for toasted soy grits (Rcv2 = 0.99) and Rcv2 > 0.98 for the other three soy types. For identification of different types of soy products, support vector machine (SVM) classification was used and the total accuracy for dispersive NIR and FT-NIR was 95% and 83.33%, respectively. These results suggest that either dispersive NIR or FT-NIR spectroscopy could be used to predict the content and the discrimination of different soy products added in ground beef products. In application, FT-NIR spectroscopy methods would be recommended if time is a consideration in practice.
Cognitive routing models in UWB networks

This paper investigates the effect of introducing cognitive mechanisms in the routing module of a wireless network. A routing cost function that incorporates measurements of both internal network status and instantaneous behavior of external world is described. The proposed cost function is analyzed by simulation in the framework of IEEE 802.15. 4a-like low data rate and low cost networks for mixed indoor/outdoor communications. The analysis focuses on the impact of MUI modeling on network performance. Results indicate that MUI-awareness, as provided by the proposed cognitive cost function, may improve network performance in terms of network lifetime. Based on this analysis, a mechanism for learning from previous routing decisions and adapting the routing cost function to MUI conditions is introduced.
The comparison and empirical study on short-time forecasting method of road network

Short-term predicting of traffic flow is the key to intelligent transportation system which is the most important suggestion to relieve traffic jam, reduce the emission of traffic as well as decrease the traffic accident. This paper begins with the review of previous attempts to forecast the short-term traffic flow. In addition, the comparison among the linear system theory, artificial intelligence method and nonlinear system theory is proposed on the basis of the summarization of the short-time forecasting method of road network. Additionally, the empirical results show that these three methods under multi—cross-sections condition were superior to single-cross-section. Meanwhile, these three methods have their own advantages and disadvantages and applicable scope in the aspect of calculation efficiency, parameter selection and data demand.
Workshop on Extracting and Using Constructions in Computational Linguistics

A construction can be defined as a form-meaning pairing in which the components cannot entirely explain the meaning of the whole. Constructional phenomena range from morphemes to argument structure, and include obvious examples like collocations ("hermetically sealed"), (idiomatic) expressions with fixed constituents ("kick the bucket"), expressions with (semi-)optional constituents ("hungry as a X"), and sequences of grammatical categories ([det][adj][noun]), as well as more complex constructions involving, e.g., the occurrence of sentence composition features (e.g. transitivity) or adverbial types (e.g. spatial adverbials). As these examples demonstrate, constructions are a diverse breed, and constructionist theories do not give a government to any specific level of language. On the contrary, all levels are viewed as equally important. Constructions are currently enjoying considerable attention in linguistic research, and are now widely considered as being much more frequent and central to language than what has traditionally been acknowledged. Constructionist theories emphasize that the human mind seems to prefer to use prefabricated chunks of linguistic elements (i.e. constructions) when possible, instead of generating sentences from scratch as in the generative grammar approach. Constructions are also gaining a central place in different kinds of computational linguistics applications; examples include machine translation, information retrieval and extraction, tools for language learning, etc. Constructions are an interesting and important phenomenon because they constitute a middle way in the syntax-lexicon continuum, and because they show great potential in tackling infamously difficult computational linguistics tasks like sentiment analysis and language acquisition.
Semi-described and semi-supervised learning with Gaussian processes

Propagating input uncertainty through non-linear Gaussian process (GP) mappings is intractable. This hinders the task of training GPs using uncertain and partially observed inputs. In this paper we refer to this task as "semi-described learning". We then introduce a GP framework that solves both, the semi-described and the semi-supervised learning problems (where missing values occur in the outputs). Auto-regressive state space simulation is also recognised as a special case of semi-described learning. To achieve our goal we develop variational methods for handling semi-described inputs in GPs, and couple them with algorithms that allow for imputing the missing values while treating the uncertainty in a principled, Bayesian manner. Extensive experiments on simulated and real-world data study the problems of iterative forecasting and regression/classification with missing values. The results suggest that the principled propagation of uncertainty stemming from our framework can significantly improve performance in these tasks.
Effect of the torso conductivity heterogeneities on the ECGI inverse problem solution

The effect of torso conductivity heterogeneities on the electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) inverse problem solution is still subject of debate. In this study we present a method to assess the effect of these heterogeneities. We use an anatomical model containing the heart the lungs the bones and the torso surfaces. We use the bidomain model and we solve it using finite element methods in order to generate in silico data taking into account the torso heterogeneities. We add different noise levels on the body surface potentials and we solve the inverse problem for both homogenous and heterogeneous torso conductivities. We analyse the reconstructed solution using the relative error and the correlation coefficient.
Research programs in my laboratory

Overall summary: My laboratory is working in two general directions. One is the structural basis for the function of macromolecular complexes. We are studying on membrane proteins including the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) (1-6) as well as intracellular RNA-binding complexes(7,8). The gating mechanisms for the ion channels we are studying are well conserved and of general importance. Currently we are working on a new finding my laboratory made a couple of years ago, which we named the “lipid-dependent gating” of voltage-gated channels. We are advancing this new direction through both functional and structural studies, and will study its relation to neurological diseases caused by lipid metabolic defects in animal models and in cells derived from human patients. Our work on the IP3R is important because calcium signaling is required for various biological processes. We have developed new methods to purify IP3R to biochemical homogeneity and retain them in different conformations for structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM). Our work on intracellular signaling complexes, mainly viral RNA-sensing (RIG-I/MAVS) pathway and human telomerase holoenzyme, are important for innate immunity and cancer biology. We therefore are working on different signaling proteins closely related to important biological questions. The second general direction in my laboratory is the development of new techniques for both single particle cryoEM and for studying eukaryotic membrane proteins in lipid environments. CryoEM is becoming a revolutionary technology for Structural Biology as well as for Cell Science. Progresses are being made in a rapid pace and will generate novel insights into various biological processes that are critically important for Life Sciences and for public health. With a NIGMS EUREKA award, my group developed a new chemical engineering method to present bioactive ligands on the surface of nano-meter thick carbon films, which we named ChemiC films(8). With an AHA National Innovative Award, we invented a bead-supported unilamellar membrane (bSUM) for studying membrane proteins in bilayers that mimic eukaryotic membranes (revised paper in review). We are advancing these two technologies. My plan is to combine the chemiC method with a new Gatan K2 Summit Direct Electron Detector in order to achieve near-atomic resolution structures for the IP3R and small biological complexes of 150-400 kDa in mass(9-17). It will enhance our capacity in working on important molecular complexes.
Long-term dissemination of an OXA-40 carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii clone in the Iberian Peninsula.

OBJECTIVE The main objectives of this study were to assess the clonal relatedness of Acinetobacter baumannii carbapenem-resistant isolates recovered from the Iberian Peninsula and to investigate the production of carbapenemases. METHODS One hundred and sixty-two imipenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates were collected from 1998 to 2003 in three Portuguese university hospitals. An imipenem-resistant isolate (988FFP strain) recovered in 1995 from a smaller hospital unit, was also included, as well as an OXA-40-producing A. baumannii Spanish strain (SM28). Susceptibility tests were carried out by disc diffusion and Etest methods. DNA fingerprints were obtained by PFGE of ApaI-digested chromosomal DNA. Carbapenemase activity was determined by a bioassay and spectrophotometry. The detection of the blaOXA-40 gene was conducted through PCR analysis, cloning and nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS All the isolates presented a similar multi-resistance pattern, including imipenem (MIC >32 mg/L). The Iberian isolates showed an identical PFGE pattern with minor band variations, including isolate 988FFP collected in 1995. PCR results revealed a blaOXA-type gene in 65 isolates and nucleotide sequence analysis revealed the presence of the blaOXA-40 gene in seven representative Portuguese isolates from the various geographically dispersed hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that a multi-resistant epidemic clone of A. baumannii, carrying blaOXA-40, is disseminated in the Iberian Peninsula, persisting in Portugal since 1995.
SMS Spam Filtering Application Using Android

In the recent years, we have witnessed a dramatic increment in the volume of spam email. Other related forms of spam are increasingly revealing as a problem of importance, specially the spam on Instant Messaging services (the so called SPIM), and Short Message Service (SMS) or mobile spam. Like email spam, the SMS spam problem can be approached with legal, economic or technical measures. Among the wide range of technical measures, Bayesian filters are playing a key role in stopping email spam. In this paper, we analyze to what extent Bayesian filtering techniques used to block email spam, can be applied to the problem of detecting and stopping mobile spam. In particular, we have built two SMS spam test collections of significant size, with some specific words. We have tested on them a number of messages representation techniques and Machine Learning algorithms, in terms of effectiveness. Our results demonstrate that Bayesian filtering techniques can be effectively transferred from email to SMS spam. Keywords— Bayesian Algorithm, SPIM, Spam Filtering
The MAP, M/G1,G2/1 queue with preemptive priority

We consider the MAP, M/G1,G2/1 queue with preemptive resume priority, where low priority customers arrive to the system according to a Markovian arrival process (MAP) and high priority customers according to a Poisson process. The service time density function of low (respectively: high) priority customers is g1(x) (respectively: g2(x)). We use the supplementary variable method with Extended Laplace Transforms to obtain the joint transform of the number of customers in each priority queue, as well as the remaining service time for the customer in service in the steady state. We also derive the probability generating function for the number of customers of low (respectively, high) priority in the system just after the service completion epochs for customers of low (respectively, high) priority.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond in Biologically Active o-Carbonyl Hydroquinones

Intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IHBs) play a central role in the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and interactions of biologically active molecules. Here, we study the IHBs of seven related o-carbonyl hydroquinones and one structurally-related aromatic lactone, some of which have shown anticancer and antioxidant activity. Experimental NMR data were correlated with theoretical calculations at the DFT and ab initio levels. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) calculations were used to study the electronic characteristics of these IHB. As expected, our results show that NBO calculations are better than MEP to describe the strength of the IHBs. NBO energies (∆Eij(2)) show that the main contributions to energy stabilization correspond to LP→σ* interactions for IHBs, O1…O2-H2 and the delocalization LP→π* for O2-C2 = Cα(β). For the O1…O2-H2 interaction, the values of ∆Eij(2) can be attributed to the difference in the overlap ability between orbitals i and j (Fij), instead of the energy difference between them. The large energy for the LP O2→π* C2 = Cα(β) interaction in the compounds 9-Hydroxy-5-oxo-4,8, 8-trimethyl-l,9(8H)-anthracenecarbolactone (VIII) and 9,10-dihydroxy-4,4-dimethylanthracen-1(4H)-one (VII) (55.49 and 60.70 kcal/mol, respectively) when compared with the remaining molecules (all less than 50 kcal/mol), suggests that the IHBs in VIII and VII are strongly resonance assisted.
Development of Neural Networks for Noise Reduction

This paper describes the development of neural network models for noise reduction. The networks used to enhance the performance of modeling captured signals by reducing the effect of noise. Both recurrent and multi&layer Backpropagation neural networks models are examined and compared with different training algorithms. The paper presented is to illustrate the effect of training algorithms and network architecture on neural network performance for a given application.
When Should an Employer Offer an Opaque Contract ?

In many cases, an employer has private information about the potential productivity of a worker, who in turn has private information about the effort she exerts on the job. Much of the literature on this subject restricts the employer to offer contracts that leave her no discretion once a contract is accepted, while more general mechanisms may allow the employer to exercise discretion after acceptance. This paper studies the advantages to the employer of presenting the worker with a set of potential contract from which the employer will choose after the worker has accepted the offer. Specifically, in a two-state principal-agent model with moral hazard, I show that the employer can obtain strictly higher expected payoffs than the restricted contracts of the literature by offering a set of contracts to be chosen from after the offer is accepted.