Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of control parameters in genetic algorithms: a stochastic approach

This paper proposes a stochastic approach for optimization of control parameters ( probabilities of crossover and mutation ) in genetic algorithms ( GAs ) . The genetic search can be modelled as a controlled Markovian process, the transition of which depends on the control parameters. A stochastic optimization problem is formed for control of GA parameters, based on a given performance index of populations and analysed as a controlled Markovian process during the genetic search. The optimal values of control parameters can be found from a recursive estimation of control parameters, which is obtained by introducing a stochastic gradient of the performance index and using a stochastic approximation algorithm. The algorithm possesses the capability of finding the stochastic gradient and adapting the control parameters in the direction of descent. A non-stationary Markov model is developed to investigate asymptotic convergence properties of the proposed genetic algorithm. It is proved that the proposed geneti.
The physiology of copper tolerance in fathead minnows: Insight from an intraspecific, correlative analysis

Exposure to a sublethal (150 μg/L) concentration of copper (Cu) can reduce the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of some fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). The reduction is not consistent from one individual to the next, however, as some individuals experience dramatic reductions, while others maintain performance at preexposure levels. The objective of this experiment was to determine whether fish that experienced dramatic reductions in Ucrit were physiologically different from more resistant individuals. Individual variation in gill Na+‐K+ activated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity was not significantly associated with variation reduction in Ucrit. Whole‐body Cu was significantly related to reduction in Ucrit, and the relationship was surprisingly negative with the greatest reductions in Ucrit occurring in the fish with the lowest whole‐body Cu concentrations. Whole‐body Na+ was also significantly related to reduction in Ucrit, as the fish with the greatest whole‐body Na+ experienced the smallest reduction in Ucrit. Fathead minnows are differentially susceptible to sublethal concentrations of Cu; this difference appears to be related to Na+ ionoregulation as well as the capacity of the fish to accumulate Cu.
Utilizing immersive virtual reality in everydaywork

Applications of Virtual Reality (VR) have been repeatedly explored with the goal to improve the data analysis process of users from different application domains, such as architecture and simulation sciences. Unfortunately, making VR available in professional application scenarios or even using it on a regular basis has proven to be challenging. We argue that everyday usage environments, such as office spaces, have introduced constraints that critically affect the design of interaction concepts since well-established techniques might be difficult to use. In our opinion, it is crucial to understand the impact of usage scenarios on interaction design, to successfully develop VR applications for everyday use. To substantiate our claim, we define three distinct usage scenarios in this work that primarily differ in the amount of mobility they allow for. We outline each scenario’s inherent constraints but also point out opportunities that may be used to design novel, well-suited interaction techniques for different everyday usage environments. In addition, we link each scenario to a concrete application example to clarify its relevance and show how it affects interaction design.
Tube MPC scheme based on robust control invariant set with application to Lipschitz nonlinear systems

The paper presents a tube model predictive control (MPC) scheme of continuous-time nonlinear systems based on robust control invariant set. The optimization problem considered has a general cost functional rather than the quadratic one. The scheme has the same online computational burden as the standard MPC with guaranteed nominal stability. Robust stability, as well as recursive feasibility, is guaranteed if the optimization problem is feasible at the initial time instant. Furthermore, an optimization based control scheme is proposed, which inherits the robust properties of the tube MPC scheme. The related optimization problem is solved only at the initial time instant. In particular, we consider a scheme to obtain robust control invariant set for Lipschitz nonlinear systems, and show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes by a simple example.
Use of Triplex PCR for Rapid Detection of PVL and Differentiation of MRSA from Methicillin Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci.

INTRODUCTION Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major public health problem in both hospitals and communities. Panton - Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) has been reported to be an important marker for the highly pathogenic community acquired S. aureus infections. A rapid detection of these MRSA is very important for its treatment. The specific detection of MRSA is always a problem due to the prevalence of methicillin resistance among the coagulase negative Staphylococci. Hence, this study was done to develop a rapid triplex PCR for the detection of PVL positive MRSA and for the simultaneous differentiation of MRSA from Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS). MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a triplex PCR for the specific detection of PVL positive Community Acquired (CA) - MRSA and for its simultaneous differentiation from the coagulase negative Staphylococci. We used PCR for targeting the fem A gene which is specific for S. aureus, mecA which is specific for methicillin-resistance and luk - PV which is specific for the PVL toxin. The method was evaluated with a total of 100 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus spp. RESULTS The triplex PCR was successfully standardized by using the reference strains and it was evaluated by using clinical strains. The method was found to be rapid, highly sensitive (100%), specific (99%) and cost effective. CONCLUSION Triplex PCR can be used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of the highly pathogenic strains of CA-MRSA.
Transition management for organic agriculture under citrus cultivation favors fungal diversity in soil

Abstract The present international scenario recognizes organic agriculture as an innovative solution to reduce agrochemicals and practices that degrade the agroecosystem. Yet, the shift from an already well-established agricultural model to a relatively new one is a challenging task and requires further scientific support. This work investigated the influence of transitional management – TM (from conventional to organic agriculture) on the soil fungal community under citrus, in dry and rainy periods. From 2012 to 2015 on, an area in Mogi Guaçú, SP, Brazil was selected, and two treatments were installed: a conventional management (CM) system based on farming practices with agrochemicals and fertilizers use, and another, transition management (TM) based on a 25% reduction per year of the chemical substances used in CM, with soil conditioner bokashi introduced. The performance of the transition system was evaluated in the context of soil fertility and diversity index of fungal taxa, by plate culture isolation, through the richness of Margalef (Dmg), diversity of Shannon (H′) and reverse Simpson (D). Differences in the occurrence and frequency of Paecilomyces, greater under CM and Penicillium, greater under TM, highlighted the influence of the management system employed. Richness and diversity indices were higher under TM. Principal component analysis revealed that 49.9% of the differences in fungal diversity was due to the management system. Only 16.5% was a result of the season of sampling. Four years of reduction/replacement of chemical practices in TM was sufficient to modify and favor some soil fungal taxa and consequently their activity. This research brings promising results to organic agriculture initiatives with relevant results for a tropical climate area.
A Systematic Review of Satisfaction and Pediatric Obesity Treatment: New Avenues for Addressing Attrition

&NA; Pediatric obesity treatment programs report high attrition rates, but it is unknown if family experience and satisfaction contributes. This review surveys the literature regarding satisfaction in pediatric obesity and questions used in measurement. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Medline, PsychINFO, and CINAHL. Studies of satisfaction in pediatric weight management were reviewed, and related studies of obesity were included. Satisfaction survey questions were obtained from the articles or from the authors. Eighteen studies were included; 14 quantitative and 4 qualitative. Only one study linked satisfaction to attrition, and none investigated the association of satisfaction and weight outcomes. Most investigations included satisfaction as a secondary aim or used single‐item questions of overall satisfaction; only one assessed satisfaction in noncompleters. Overall, participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with obesity treatment or prevention programs. Surveys focused predominantly on overall satisfaction or specific components of the program. Few in‐depth studies of satisfaction with pediatric obesity treatment have been conducted. Increased focus on family satisfaction with obesity treatment may provide an avenue to lower attrition rates and improve outcomes. Enhancing measurement of satisfaction to yield actionable responses could positively influence outcomes, and a framework, via patient‐centered care principles, is provided.
Test–retest reliability of frontal alpha electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) measures in adolescents: a pilot study

A number of studies have shown that the pattern of resting frontal EEG alpha power and asymmetry and heart rate are predictive of individual differences in affective style in children and adults. Although test–retest reliability of frontal electrocortical and autonomic measures has been established in adult and child and some clinical populations, few studies have examined test–retest reliability of these measures in adolescents. Here, we conducted a pilot study to examine the test–retest reliability of frontal EEG alpha power and asymmetry and heart period and heart rate in 10 typically developing adolescent participants (M age = 15.9 years) over a 1 month period. We found acceptable test–retest reliability using Pearson and intra-class correlations in left and right mid-frontal alpha power and asymmetry and heart period and heart rate over 1 month. These results provide initial evidence for acceptable levels of test-retest reliability in central and peripheral psychophysiological measures in adolescents used to index affective style in children and adults. Future studies are needed with a larger sample to ensure the reliability of these results.
Time course of cortical and zona reactions of pig oocytes upon intracellular calcium increase induced by thimerosal

Our previous study indicated that thimerosal is one of the most effective artificial activators to mimic sperm-induced increases in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and other activation events in pig oocytes (Macháty et al., 1997). The present study was conducted to examine the temporal relationship between intracellular calcium transients, cortical granule (CG) exocytosis and the zona reaction induced by thimerosal. When pig oocytes matured in vitro were exposed to 200 μM thimerosal the first intracellular calcium transient, with a mean peak ratio of 4.97 ± 1.14, was observed 509.64 ± 122.03 s after addition of thimerosal. The density of CGs fell significantly from 63.3 ± 11.7 CGs/100 μm2 of cortex in control oocytes to 25.7 ± 19.2 CGs/100 μm2 of cortex (59.4% release) at 2 min after the first intracellular calcium transient. At 5 min after the calcium transient the residual CG density had been reduced to 10.7 ± 10.4 CGs/100 μm2 of cortex (83.1% release). This degree of CG exocytosis was the same as that in oocytes penetrated by sperm (9.5 ± 5.1 CGs/100 μm2 of cortex). No further decrease in residual CG density was observed at 10 min (10.3 ± 14.8 CGs/100 μm2 of cortex). Whereas 77.4% (120/155) of control oocytes were penetrated by spermatozoa only 1.4% (2/144) of thimerosal-treated oocytes were penetrated. Further experimental results obtained by in vitro fertilisation of oocytes with preincubated (capacitated) spermatozoa suggested that the zona block to sperm penetration in thimerosal-treated oocytes occurred within 35 min after CG exocytosis and 40 min after the first calcium transient. These results indicate that polyspermic penetration of pig oocytes inseminated in vitro is not due to delayed or incomplete CG exocytosis but more likely to a delayed zona reaction and/or simultaneous sperm penetration.
An efficient protein preparation for proteomic analysis of developing cotton fibers by 2‐DE

Preparation of high‐quality proteins from cotton fiber tissues is difficult due to high endogenous levels of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other interfering compounds. To establish a routine procedure for the application of proteomic analysis to cotton fiber tissues, a new protocol for protein extraction was developed by optimizing a phenol extraction method combined with methanol/ammonium acetate precipitation. The protein extraction for 2‐DE was remarkably improved by the combination of chemically and physically modified processes including polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) addition, acetone cleaning, and SDS replacement. The protocol gave a higher protein yield and vastly greater resolution and spot intensity. The efficiency of this protocol and its feasibility in fiber proteomic study were demonstrated by comparison of the cotton fiber proteomes at two growth stages. Furthermore, ten protein spots changed significantly were identified by MS/tandem MS and their potential relationships to fiber development were discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a protocol for protein extraction from cotton fiber tissues appears to give satisfactory and reproductive 2‐D protein profiles. The protocol is expected to accelerate the process of the proteomic study of cotton fibers and also to be applicable to other recalcitrant plant tissues.
CT angiography for safe discharge of patients with possible acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND Admission rates among patients presenting to emergency departments with possible acute coronary syndromes are high, although for most of these patients, the symptoms are ultimately found not to have a cardiac cause. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has a very high negative predictive value for the detection of coronary disease, but its usefulness in determining whether discharge of patients from the emergency department is safe is not well established. METHODS We randomly assigned low-to-intermediate-risk patients presenting with possible acute coronary syndromes, in a 2:1 ratio, to undergo CCTA or to receive traditional care. Patients were enrolled at five centers in the United States. Patients older than 30 years of age with a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score of 0 to 2 and signs or symptoms warranting admission or testing were eligible. The primary outcome was safety, assessed in the subgroup of patients with a negative CCTA examination, with safety defined as the absence of myocardial infarction and cardiac death during the first 30 days after presentation. RESULTS We enrolled 1370 subjects: 908 in the CCTA group and 462 in the group receiving traditional care. The baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. Of 640 patients with a negative CCTA examination, none died or had a myocardial infarction within 30 days (0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0 to 0.57). As compared with patients receiving traditional care, patients in the CCTA group had a higher rate of discharge from the emergency department (49.6% vs. 22.7%; difference, 26.8 percentage points; 95% CI, 21.4 to 32.2), a shorter length of stay (median, 18.0 hours vs. 24.8 hours; P<0.001), and a higher rate of detection of coronary disease (9.0% vs. 3.5%; difference, 5.6 percentage points; 95% CI, 0 to 11.2). There was one serious adverse event in each group. CONCLUSIONS A CCTA-based strategy for low-to-intermediate-risk patients presenting with a possible acute coronary syndrome appears to allow the safe, expedited discharge from the emergency department of many patients who would otherwise be admitted. (Funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00933400.).
Nuclear import and cell cycle arrest functions of the HIV‐1 Vpr protein are encoded by two separate genes in HIV‐2/SIV(SM).

The vpr genes of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV/SIV) encode proteins which are packaged in the virus particle. HIV‐1 Vpr has been shown to mediate the nuclear import of viral reverse transcription complexes in non‐dividing target cells (e.g. terminally differentiated macrophages), and to alter the cell cycle and proliferation status of the infected host cell. Members of the HIV‐2/SIV(SM) group encode, in addition to Vpr, a related protein called Vpx. Because these two proteins share considerable sequence similarity, it has been assumed that they also exhibit similar functions. Here, we report that the functions of Vpr and Vpx are distinct and non‐redundant, although both proteins are components of the HIV‐2/SIV(SM) virion and reverse transcription complex. Characterizing SIV(SM) proviruses defective in one or both genes, we found that Vpx is both necessary and sufficient for the nuclear import of the viral reverse transcription complex. In contrast, Vpr, but not Vpx, inhibited the progression of infected host cells from the G2 to the M phase of the cell cycle. Thus, two independent functions of the HIV‐1 Vpr protein are encoded by separate genes in HIV‐2/SIV(SM). This segregation is consistent with the conservation of these genes in HIV‐2/SIV(SM) evolution, and underscores the importance of both nuclear transport and cell cycle arrest functions in primate lentivirus biology.
Feasibility of Sweat Collection by Whole Body Washdown in Moderate to High Humidity Environments

When sweat rates are sufficiently elevated, i.e., in high ambient temperatures or during exercise, due to potential losses of sweat by runoff, the whole body washdown technique of sweat collection is considered invalid in all but low humidity environments. This paper describes a modification of this technique that makes its use possible in moderate to high humidity environments. During exercise, sweat loss by runoff was minimized by maximizing evaporation of sweat (subjects wore little clothing and electric fans were utilized) and by drying the surface of the body when sweat became excessive (with small hand towels). Sweat rate was calculated from weight changes with appropriate corrections. Total sweat content and concentration of urea N were determined from the rinsings of the body, hand towels, and clothing. To validate this procedure, runoff sweat that was not collected was estimated from the weight change of collecting towels positioned under a bicycle ergometer. Eight subjects exercised at approximately 60% VO2max for 30 min in 22.6 degrees +/- 0.46 degrees C (means +/- SD) and 66.1% +/- 2.34% RH. Volume of sweat secreted was 581 +/- 31 ml (1.162 +/- .062 l X h-1; means +/- SE). Sweat content of the collecting towels (corrected for evaporation loss) was 4.675 ml (0.8%) of total sweat rate), indicating that it is possible to prevent significant sweat loss with this procedure. Moreover, we have found that this procedure can be employed with little difficulty at exercise intensities up to approximately 75% VO2max, in RH of approximately 70%, and with sweat rates as high as 1.65 l X h-1. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Moving to commercial production: a case of intensive chili farming in Indonesia

ABSTRACT This article analyses factors determining farmers’ intentions to move from subsistence to advanced farming. Data were compiled from a survey of 222 randomly selected farmers in three districts of central Java, Indonesia. Intensive chili farming is considered commercial, and three technologies are considered advanced. The results show many significant factors determined farmers moving toward commercial farming and adopting advanced technologies. Better access to credit and market facilities encourages farmers to grow chili. The study suggests policy recommendations for strengthening chili farming and related high-value vegetables in Indonesia.
The Effect of Default Rates on Retail Competition and Pricing Decisions of Competitive Retailers: The Case of Alberta

We investigate the impacts of default regulated products and their design on the development of competitive retail markets and retailers' pricing decisions. We analyze this question in the context of Alberta's competitive retail electricity market, using data on the prices and characteristics of both regulated and unregulated retail products from July 2006 to March 2017. Our analysis consists of a descriptive discussion of the evolution of market structure in the industry, followed by an econometric analysis of the effect of default prices on unregulated retail prices. We find that as the default product moved from being a long-term stable product, to one based on short-term forward market prices, the number of products and competitors increased substantially. This suggests that the change in the default product was successful at facilitating the development of a competitive retail market. However, our econometric analysis of the pricing of unregulated contracts suggests that competitive retailers may continue to exercise market power by adjusting prices upward in response to short-term changes in the regulated rate, even after controlling for changes in the costs of providing retail products.
When HCI Meets Neurotechnologies: What You Should Know about Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have brought new, exciting and promising perspectives of interaction. On the one hand, active BCIs enable users to control applications (such as assistive technologies or video games) using their brain activity alone. On the other hand, passive BCIs bring the possibility of adapting an application/interface based on users' mental states. In this course, we first aim at introducing BCIs to the HCI community and to discuss how BCI-based applications could benefit HCI. Then, in a practical session, we will propose all participants to implement their own BCI, in a very simple way, using the free OpenViBE software. Finally, we will have discussions about what is possible or not with BCIs, what are their pros and cons.