Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A generalized leaky Integrate-and-Fire Neuron Model with Fast Implementation Method

This study introduces a new Generalized Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (GLIF) neuron model with variable leaking resistor and bias current in order to reproduce accurately the membrane voltage dynamics of a biological neuron. The accuracy of this model is ensured by adjusting its parameters to the statistical properties of the Hodgkin-Huxley model outputs; while the speed is enhanced by introducing a Generalized Exponential Moving Average method that converts the parameterized kernel functions into pre-calculated lookup tables based on an analytic solution of the dynamic equations of the GLIF model.
Combining Link and Content Information for Scientific Topics Discovery

The analysis of current approaches combining links and contents for scientific topics discovery reveals that the two sources of information (i.e. links and contents) are considered to be heterogeneous. Therefore, in this paper, we propose to integrate link and content information by exploiting the links semantics to enrich the textual content of documents. This idea is then implemented and evaluated. Experiments carried out on two real-world datasets show the good performances of our approach over state of the art techniques that combine citation and content information for scientific topics discovery.
A Forward-Secure Signature with Backward-Secure Detection

In this paper, we propose a method to enhance the security of Abdalla and Reyzin 's forward-secure signature scheme, by producing a backward-secure detection. In the proposed scheme, we embedded the hash-chain into the forward-secure signature scheme. It achieves not only forward-security but also backward-security for the digital signature.
Developing an Instrument of Classroom Social Engagement

Student engagement plays a pivotal role in the formation of engineers because it is central to many significant predictors of the academic and career success of engineering students. Research has shown that the kind of social interactions that students maintain with peers and instructors within their academic community influence their connectedness and social capital. Students’ social capital impacts their access to resources that are vital to academic success, and may eventually affect their sense of belonging, resilience and grit, and the need to put in the effort needed for academic career success. Besides the importance of social networks and capital to students’ engagement and academic achievement, research on social engagement has received renewed interest lately due to advances in methodologies of social network analysis. These studies are enabled by measurement instruments that purport to assess indicators of social engagement in the classroom. Although increased interest in social engagement is commendable, the data driving this research has been mostly reliant on analysis of the frequency of social interactions observed among students. While such analyses provide useful metrics for understanding social engagement, they are limited in helping researchers understand the underlying reasons for these engagement activities. To fill this gap, we are developing an instrument of social engagement that uses constructs of social capital, engagement and social networks to explicate the richer context of student social engagement as it relates to their interpersonal interactions with peers and faculty. In the current proposal, we present a psychometric study of a section of the instrument. Five hundred and thirty-four participants completed a social network instrument that assessed their interaction with peers, graduate assistants, and instructors based on 11 items created to assess three constructs of social engagement: value, reciprocity and conduit of belonging. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the structural validity and reliability of the hypothesized construct. An initial factor analysis showed that our data did not support the three factor-model we hypothesized (CFI = .841, RMSEA = .161). The final model indicates that the data from students’ responses only supported a 2-factor model with 7 items (CFI = .986, RMSEA = .089). Internal reliability of the two scales were . 94 and . 89 Cronbach’s alpha. The full paper will discuss scale revision.
Tipo de entrenamiento y momento de elaboración de descripciones pos-contacto contingencial en tareas de igualación de la muestra

The effects of different types of training over a) performance on learning and transfer tasks, and b) generation of post-contact descriptions in a second order matching-to-sample task were assessed. 16 participants were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups. During the training phase, the requirement for participants in groups 1 and 3 consisted of the observation of a conditional discrimination task in which matching responses were highlighted with a red frame and indicated, for each trial, whether they were right or wrong (observational training). During this same phase, the task for participants in groups 2 and 4 was to produce, trial by trial, an explicit matching response (instrumental training). Additionally, participants in groups 3 and 4 were required to write a description of the contingencies every twelve trials. After the task, all participants were requested to develop a similar description. Participants of groups that were under observational training had the highest percentage of correct answers on learning and transfer tests. Similarly, they produced more specific rules than individuals from other groups. These results suggest that learning by observation can occur even if the viewer is not directly exposed to responses of another individual, that is, even when reinforced responses are simply presented graphically.
Tregs Modulate Lymphocyte Proliferation, Activation, and Resident-Memory T-Cell Accumulation within the Brain during MCMV Infection

Accumulation and retention of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) has been reported within post viral-encephalitic brains, however, the full extent to which these cells modulate neuroinflammation is yet to be elucidated. Here, we used Foxp3-DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) knock-in transgenic mice, which upon administration of low dose diphtheria toxin (DTx) results in specific deletion of Tregs. We investigated the proliferation status of various immune cell subtypes within inflamed central nervous system (CNS) tissue. Depletion of Tregs resulted in increased proliferation of both CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell subsets within the brain at 14 d post infection (dpi) when compared to Treg-sufficient animals. At 30 dpi, while proliferation of CD8+ T-cells was controlled within brains of both Treg-depleted and undepleted mice, proliferation of CD4+ T-cells remained significantly enhanced with DTx-treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated that Treg numbers within the brain rebound following DTx treatment to even higher numbers than in untreated animals. Despite this rebound, CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells proliferated at a higher rate when compared to that of Treg-sufficient mice, thus maintaining sustained neuroinflammation. Furthermore, at 30 dpi we found the majority of CD8+ T-cells were CD127hi KLRG1- indicating that the cells were long lived memory precursor cells. These cells showed marked elevation of CD103 expression, a marker of tissue resident-memory T-cells (TRM) in the CNS, in untreated animals when compared to DTx-treated animals suggesting that generation of TRM is impaired upon Treg depletion. Moreover, the effector function of TRM as indicated by granzyme B production in response to peptide re-stimulation was found to be more potent in Treg-sufficient animals. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Tregs limit neuroinflammatory responses to viral infection by controlling cell proliferation and may direct a larger proportion of lymphocytes within the brain to be maintained as TRM cells.
Chapter II Presenting Large and Complex Information Sets on Mobile

The opportunity to access information at any time and any place caused a boom in the development of small mobile devices in recent years. Due to their application, these handhelds become smaller and handier, which leads to new challenges in human-computer interaction. Due to limited resources of these devices new paradigms for information presentation and interaction facilities are needed. We take this into account by applying concepts for interaction and display of information from the field of information visualization to mobile pocket-sized devices. We focus 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.irm-press.com IRM PRESS This chapter appears in the book, Innovations of Knowledge Management edited by Bonnie Montano. 2005, RM P ess, a imprint of Idea Gro p Inc. Copying or distr buting in print or electronic for s without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. Presenting Large and Complex Information Sets on Mobile Handhelds 33 Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. on concrete problems caused by presenting huge images and large hierarchies in such environments. Moreover, we introduce an effective technique for browsing the World Wide Web via mobile handhelds. The presented techniques offer an improved support in navigation, orientation and interaction that enables the user to browse, interpret and handle presented information much more easily.
Controlling and balancing of lithium battery voltage based on inductance equilibrium method

Along with the development of energy storage technology, lithium battery management system became more and more concerned. As one of the key technologies for energy storage system, it is more extensive applied especially in the electric car field. In this article, an inductance balancing method based on the boost topological structure was design to control lithium battery system, including battery protection, charging and discharging, balancing between cells, fault diagnosis and so on. In the system, a bi-directional DC/DC converter was developed as charging and discharging circuit. Then a controller was designed to control lithium battery management chip, get all the information of the battery and make the data displayed in the LCD screen. The advantages of inductance balancing have been proved by experiment.
Omnidirectional Visual Place Recognition using Rotation Invariant Sequence Matching

In this work we develop a visual place recognition system for omnidirectional panoramic images that makes use of their full 360 degree circumferential angle of view. The system builds on our previous variant of the sequence SLAM algorithm to include panoramic image rotation alignment for improved image similarity scoring, and bi-directional query and database sequence matching within a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) framework for robust place recognition. Three rotation alignment methods are explored including image pixel registration, and both image cross correlation and zero phase alignment in the spherical Fourier domain. All alignment methods operate using low-resolution images for computational efficiency. Experiments using an outdoor panoramic image dataset demonstrate improved precision recall performance using rotation alignment and bi-directional sequence matching. In particular, place recognition is possible in scenarios where a robot traverses a previous path in the opposite direction.
Role of actuation in combustion control

This paper presents analysis of the effect of actuation on the combustor dynamics. Two different categories of actuators are studied: flow sources, e.g., acoustic speakers, and heat sources, e.g., fuel injectors. These sources are modeled in the conservation equations and a finite dimensional model is obtained. Two methods of analysis are used to gain insight into the physics of actuation, and its stabilizing/destabilizing effect on the combustor through feedback control. The first is the energy method which is used here in a novel way to explain intricate work exchanges between the different dynamic components of the system: the acoustics, the flame, and the actuator. The energy analysis is used also to quantify the "useful" and "wasted" work generated by actuators. A more revealing method of analysis is the dynamic representation of the combustor as an oscillator, and is shown to be the basis of any optimal control analysis.
Reduced Size Multifrequency Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless Communication Applications

This paper is aimed at proposing a single layer, single feed, compact microstrip patch antenna for multifrequency operation. An open ended narrow rectangular slot is introduced at the left side radiating edge of the patch to reduce the size of the antenna and also to obtain multiple resonant frequencies. The simulated result shows that the size of the antenna has been reduced by 70%. The proposed antenna is designed for operating at 3.18GHz, 5.45GHz, 6.36GHz and 8.0GHz. The structure of the antenna is designed and simulated using method of moment based I3ED software.
Personality diagnoses in adolescence: DSM-IV axis II diagnoses and an empirically derived alternative.

OBJECTIVE The study of personality pathology in adolescence is in its infancy. This article examined the applicability and limits of DSM-IV axis II personality disorder diagnoses in adolescents, assessed the validity of a method for assessing adolescent personality pathology, and began to develop an empirically grounded classification. METHOD A total of 296 randomly selected clinicians described a patient age 14-18 in treatment for maladaptive personality patterns using axis II ratings scales and the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 for Adolescents (SWAP-200-A), a Q-sort instrument for assessing adolescent personality pathology. After examining the nature and frequency of axis II disorders in the sample, the authors used Q-factor analysis to identify naturally occurring groupings of patients on the basis of shared personality features. RESULTS Axis II diagnoses in adolescents resembled those in adults, although application of DSM-IV criteria appeared to overdiagnose antisocial and avoidant personality disorder in adolescents. Q analysis with the SWAP-200-A isolated five personality disorders (antisocial-psychopathic, emotionally dysregulated, avoidant-constricted, narcissistic, and histrionic) and one personality style. Patients' dimensional scores on each diagnostic prototype showed predictable associations with ratings of current axis II disorders, measures of adaptive functioning, and symptoms assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist. CONCLUSIONS With some exceptions, personality pathology in adolescence resembles that in adults and is diagnosable in adolescents ages 14-18. Categories and criteria developed for adults may not be the optimal way of diagnosing adolescents. Data from samples of adolescents may prove useful in developing an empirically and clinically grounded classification of personality pathology in adolescents.
Artemisa: Using an Android device as an Eco-Driving assistant

—The eco-driving concept consists on applying a set of rules while driving to save fuel. Eco-driving has acquired great importance in recent years because it is a way to reduce energy consumption that can be applied to any type of vehicle. However, for these rules to be applied requires a process of continuous learning and motivation. For this reason, many eco-driving assistants have emerged. The problem of these assistants is that they are dependent on the model of vehicle, expensive and imprecise. In this context, this paper presents a novel efficient driving assistant that uses the features of the Smartphone to accurately model the driver's driving style from the point of view of energy consumption and generate eco-driving tips to correct the bad driver's driving habits.
Effect of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy on the Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been traditionally associated with increased mortality and adverse cardiovascular events. We sought to determine whether CIN has a negative impact on the long-term outcome of patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods: A total of 312 consecutive patients (mean age 59 years, 76% male) who presented with NSTEMI and had undergone an early invasive procedure were retrospectively included. CIN was defined as either a 25% or 0.5-mg/dl increase in baseline serum creatinine (Cr) 72 h after the procedure. The primary endpoint of the study was mortality in the long-term follow-up (38 months, interquartile range 30-40). The secondary endpoint consisted of mortality and myocardial infarction (MI). Results: CIN developed in 30 (9.6%) patients. Independent predictors of CIN were the contrast volume-to-Cr clearance ratio, left ventricular ejection fraction and hemoglobin concentration. The primary (20 vs. 8.5%, p = 0.042) and secondary endpoints (33.3 vs. 17%, p = 0.029) were observed more frequently in patients with CIN during long-term follow-up. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of CIN was 2.55 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.04-6.24, p = 0.040] for mortality and 2.15 (CI 1.09-4.25, p = 0.028) for mortality/MI. However, after adjustment for confounding factors, CIN was not an independent predictor of either mortality (OR 1.62, CI 0.21-12.57, p = 0.646) or mortality/MI (OR 1.12, CI 0.31-4.0, p = 0.860). Conclusion: The effect of CIN on the long-term outcome of patients with NSTEMI was substantially influenced by confounding factors. CIN was a marker, rather than a mediator, of increased cardiovascular risk, and the baseline renal function was more conclusive as a long-term prognosticator.
Tomato Genome-Wide Transcriptional Responses to Fusarium Wilt and Tomato Mosaic Virus

Since gene expression approaches constitute a starting point for investigating plant–pathogen systems, we performed a transcriptional analysis to identify a set of genes of interest in tomato plants infected with F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) and Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV). Differentially expressed tomato genes upon inoculation with Fol and ToMV were identified at two days post-inoculation. A large overlap was found in differentially expressed genes throughout the two incompatible interactions. However, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis evidenced specific categories in both interactions. Response to ToMV seems more multifaceted, since more than 70 specific categories were enriched versus the 30 detected in Fol interaction. In particular, the virus stimulated the production of an invertase enzyme that is able to redirect the flux of carbohydrates, whereas Fol induced a homeostatic response to prevent the fungus from killing cells. Genomic mapping of transcripts suggested that specific genomic regions are involved in resistance response to pathogen. Coordinated machinery could play an important role in prompting the response, since 60% of pathogen receptor genes (NB-ARC-LRR, RLP, RLK) were differentially regulated during both interactions. Assessment of genomic gene expression patterns could help in building up models of mediated resistance responses.
Atomizing apparatus for development of latent fingerprints

This research focuses on using an atomizing apparatus to develop latent fingerprints. The atomizing apparatus for the development of latent fingerprints is an innovative device. This device improves conventional apparatus by providing safer and more efficient practices than those most adopted conventional ones including powder development method, Ninhydrin method, and smoke fuming method. Taking the smoke fuming method as an example, the conventional procedure is to heat up cyanoacrylate to react with fingerprint residues in order to visualize latent fingerprints. Conventional methods utilizing heat can be dangerous to technicians while our atomizing apparatus does not use heat but high frequency vibration, increasing workplace safety. The atomizing apparatus comprises a container which has an opening and a housing space communicating with the opening, a trace evidence developing solution held in the housing space to develop latent fingerprints and an atomizer located in the opening. The atomizer includes a piezoelectric vibration element in contact with the trace evidence developing solution. The piezoelectric vibration element can shake the trace evidence developing solution via high frequency vibration to form a plurality of small liquid particles to be discharged outside the container. The small liquid particles of the trace evidence developing solution pass through the opening and spray directly on the latent fingerprints to generate an oxidized reduction reaction therewith produce colored substance to reveal the latent fingerprints in a visible fashion. In short, the advantages of operating this innovative atomizing apparatus, which use high frequency vibration instead of dangerous heats, include: 1) no size limitation of the intended test objects, 2) low energy consumption and 3) the facts that the apparatus which can work more efficiently is easy to carry around and biological trace evidences can be revealed in a visible fashion.
Tn5 in Vitro Transposition*

This communication reports the development of an efficient in vitro transposition system for Tn5. A key component of this system was the use of hyperactive mutant transposase. The inactivity of wild type transposase is likely to be related to the low frequency of in vivotransposition. The in vitro experiments demonstrate the following: the only required macromolecules for most of the steps in Tn5 transposition are the transposase, the specific 19-bp Tn5 end sequences, and target DNA; transposase may not be able to self-dissociate from product DNAs; Tn5 transposes by a conservative “cut and paste” mechanism; and Tn5release from the donor backbone involves precise cleavage of both 3′ and 5′ strands at the ends of the specific end sequences.
Representation and classification of unvoiced sounds using adaptive wavelets

In this paper, we describe a method to represent and classify unvoiced sounds using the concept of super wavelets. A super wavelet is a linear combination of wavelets that itself can be treated as a wavelet. Since unvoiced sounds are high frequency and noise like, we use Daubechies' wavelet of order three to generate the super wavelet. The parameters of the wavelet for representation and classification of unvoiced sounds are generated using neural networks. Even though this paper addresses the problems of both signal representation and classification, emphasis is on classification problem, since it is natural to adaptively tune wavelets in conjunction with training the classifier in order to select the wavelet coefficients which contain the most information for discriminating between the classes. We demonstrate the applicability of this method for the representation and classification of unvoiced sounds with representative examples.
Distributed Data Flow: a Programming Model for the Crowdsourced Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) vision is being realised recently with many advances in computation and communication technologies and an increasing number of devices with Internet connectivity. Recent efforts have been made to leverage data from these connected devices to deliver value added services and applications. They are usually limited to either data acquisition and management tasks, or programming a closely related group of devices (e.g have the same owner or from the same vendor). This turns the IoT vision into just a straightforward extension of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) where sensors are connected to the Internet. In contrast, from our point of view the IoT distinguishes itself by facilitating interactions between devices from different owners and vendors that deliver services and applications to end-users. In this work, we explore the problem of how to enable the development of IoT applications that exploit large numbers of connected things, belonging to different owners, in an efficient manner.