Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Producing spoilers: peacemaking and the production of enmity in a secular age

the results of the analysis of leaders’ cognitive system when based on public sources or on sources that were initially intended for a closed audience. Generally speaking, an emphasis on the difference between words and deeds would have helped the reader to fully understand the strength of the author’s argument and the need for the study of the leaders’ psychological outlines. Even though the book is clearly a political psychology study, Aronoff provides alternative or complementary explanations to ideology as the main motive behind the prime ministers’ actions: ‘sensitivity to public opinion’, the leaders’ appreciation of Israel’s role and power in the surrounding environment, and the leaders’ age at the moments of decision (p. 186). The author concludes that these alternative motives are not as powerful as those previously outlined when it comes to pushing hawks to change into doves. The reader may want to know more on these points. The study would be perfectly complemented by integrating problematic elements such the issue of path-dependency in decision-making and elements of the institutional system of Israel: these provide the necessary information on the context in which decisions are taken, meaning how the leaders may be forced into a specific action by predecessors’ moves and also how the institutions are structured in Israel to enhance or reduce prime ministers’ ability to pursue the preferred policy option. The research conducted by the author rightly directs the spotlight on those responsible for decisions in Israel, and it does so by advancing academic knowledge on the role of the prime ministers in the Israeli political environment. In this sense, Aronoff ’s book clearly provides a refreshing look at long-lasting conflicts. It is an essential reading that helps understanding both the relevance of the individuals in the Israeli political system and more generally the importance of ideology, its origins, development and impact on the decision-making process.
Speech analysis/synthesis by Gaussian mixture approximation of the speech spectrum for voice conversion

Voice conversion typically employs spectral features to convert a source voice to a target voice. In this paper, we propose a simple method of fitting the STRAIGHT spectrum with Gaussian mixture (GM) models for speech analysis/synthesis and spectral modification. The mean values of the Gaussians are pre-determined based on Mel-frequency spacing. The standard deviations are also adaptively adjusted using the constant-Q principle and the spectrum amplitudes. Finally, the weights of the Gaussians are determined by sampling the log-spectrum at Mel-frequencies. The proposed analysis/synthesis method (MFLS-GM) is employed for speech analysis/synthesis and voice conversion. Subjective evaluations employing MOS and ABX demonstrate superior performance of the voice conversion using the MFLS-GM compared to systems employing MFCC features. The computation cost of the proposed analysis/synthesis method is also much lower than those based on MFCC.
3-D shape measurement of complex objects by combining photogrammetry and fringe projection

A new concept for 3-D shape measurement of complex ob- jects is proposed, which is based on photogrammetry and fringe projec- tion. The shape of a partial view is determined by a combination of the phase-shift method for fringe evaluation and a photogrammetric triangu- lation to calculate the 3-D coordinates related to the sensor coordinate system. For the measurement of complex objects, partial views are taken from different sensor positions. The problem of matching the par- tial views into each other is solved by transforming each sensor position and the relating point cloud of the shape in a global coordinate system by photogrammetric matching of reference targets. © 2000 Society of Photo- Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)02701-X)
Glucose-Treated Manganese Hexacyanoferrate for Sodium-Ion Secondary Battery

Manganese hexacyanoferrate (Mn-PBA) is a promising cathode material forsodium-ion secondary battery (SIB) with high average voltage (=3.4 V) against Na. Here,we find that the thermal decomposition of glucose modifies the surface state of Mn-PBA,without affecting the bulk crystal structure. The glucose treatment significantly improves therate properties of Mn-PBA in SIB. The critical discharge rate increases from 1 C (as-grown)to 15 C (glucose-treated). Our observation suggests that thermal treatment is quite effectivefor insulating coordination polymers.
A Study on Distributed Receding Horizon Control a Study on Distributed Receding Horizon Control

Title of thesis: A STUDY ON DISTRIBUTED RECEDING HORIZON CONTROL Wann-Jiun Ma, Master of Science, 2011 Thesis directed by: Professor Nuno Martins Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering We consider a distributed control problem comprising of multiple sub-systems with one-controller at each sub-system. We apply a recent result about suboptimal receding horizon control that analytically relates a receding horizon control suboptimal solution and system performance loss to quantify the necessary number of iterations for the dual and primal decomposition algorithm to achieve a solution that guarantees stability. We also use this result to explore the idea of ”incremental robustness”, meaning that the overall system is robustly stable and its performance varies gracefully with the inclusion of sub-systems and sub-controllers. We demonstrate these ideas in a consensus seeking and a formation control problem and provide simulation results. To our best knowledge, this is the first time the result is applied to a distributed receding horizon control framework based on dual and primal decomposition. A STUDY ON DISTRIBUTED RECEDING HORIZON CONTROL
High-Resolution Microfluidic Single-Cell Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Clinically Relevant Subtypes among Human Stem Cell Populations Commonly Utilized in Cell-Based Therapies

Stem cell therapies can promote neural repair and regeneration, yet controversy regarding optimal cell source and mechanism of action has slowed clinical translation, potentially due to undefined cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell resolution is needed to identify clinically relevant subpopulations with the highest therapeutic relevance. We combine single-cell microfluidic analysis with advanced computational modeling to study for the first time two common sources for cell-based therapies, human NSCs and MSCs. This methodology has the potential to logically inform cell source decisions for any clinical application.
Passive RFID for Object and Use Detection during Trauma Resuscitation

We evaluated passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for detecting the use of objects and related activities during trauma resuscitation. Our system consists of RFID tags and antennas, optimally placed for object detection, as well as algorithms for processing RFID data to infer object use. To evaluate our approach, we tagged 81 objects in the resuscitation room and recorded RFID signal strength during 32 simulated resuscitations performed by trauma teams. We then analyzed RFID data to identify cues for recognizing resuscitation activities. Using these cues, we extracted descriptive features and applied machine-learning techniques to monitor interactions with objects. Our results show that an instance of a used object can be detected with accuracy rates greater than 90 percent in a crowded and fast-paced medical setting using off-the-shelf RFID equipment, and the time and duration of use can be identified with up to 83 percent accuracy. We conclude with insights into the limitations of passive RFID and areas in which RFID needs to be complemented with other sensing technologies.
FlashTouch: data communication through touchscreens

FlashTouch is a new technology that enables data communication between touchscreen-based mobile devices and digital peripheral devices. Touchscreen can be used as communication media using visible light and capacitive touch. In this paper, we designed a stylus prototype to describe the concept of FlashTouch. With this prototype, users can easily transfer data from one mobile device to another. It eliminates the complexity associated with data sharing among mobile users, which is currently achieved by online data sharing services or wireless connections for data sharing that need a pairing operation to establish connections between devices. Therefore, it can prove to be of particular significance to people who are not adept at current software services and hardware functions. Finally, we demonstrate the valuable applications in online settlements via mobile device, and data communication for mobile robots.
D-mago: A novel visual entity for storing emotional feeling with visual imprint

Many users want to preserve their visual record of the moment that they want to commemorate. Nonetheless, it is still challenging to remember the actual emotional feeling for that moment even by looking at the old picture. There are methods such as to tag or hide the message within the image. However, tradeoffs exist by attaching additional data for the former method and the quality of the image is degraded for the latter one. It is difficult to avoid these two tradeoffs. In this paper, we propose D-mago to preserve the moment to remember as an image, which is consists of the visual information and the emotional feeling without binding extra data or degrading the quality of the image. To further verify the benefit of our proposed algorithm, we conducted series of evaluation studies to see the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The results indicate that D-mago overcomes the preceding tradeoffPs by maintaining PSNR above 40 dB.
Raga identification based on Normalized Note Histogram features

In this paper, we propose a discriminative method to identify raga of a polyphonic music clip using Normalized Note Histogram (NNH) features. The raga performed during the rendition is mainly based on the lead voice which corresponds to the main melody. In this work, the sequence of pitch values is extracted from the polyphonic music signal using salience based approach. From the sequence of pitch values, note-sequence is derived by using tonic frequency value. Note histogram is computed from note-sequence, and it is normalized by dividing each bin with the total number of voiced frames in a music clip. In this work, the sequence of bin counts in a normalized histogram is used as a feature vector for representing the music clip. The proposed classification system is designed to identify four ragas (Ahir Bhairav, Bhairavi, Bhupali and Deshkar) in open-set approach. In this paper, raga identification is carried out using template based classification approach. The proposed classifier and normalized histogram features are validated using music database consisting of 110 clips. The performance of the proposed classifier is observed to be 82.34%.
Research and Implement of Ethernet Interface Based on Embedded System

Embedded systems are pervasive in the infrastructure of our society for diverse tasks such as studying environmental phenomena, mapping and managing large-scale systems, aiding security and other fields, but masses of them do not have the capacity of network interconnection, these greatly limits the use of equipment, control and data exchange performance, therefore we proposed an method of embedded system interface based on Ethernet which combined with the latest computer technology, network technology, communication technology. We introduce the Ethernet technology and embedded system theory, using Ethernet controller CS8900A and S3C2410_net to design the Ethernet interface module, while given the system flow chart. The system interface will widely use in various applications and has good prospects.
Integrated Dual-chain Dickson Charge Pump optimized for Resistive Loads

The proposed circuit is a dual-chain Dickson type charge pump making use of both active and passive charge transfer switches in order to achieve a compromise between power efficiency, circuit complexity and device reliability. The charge pump is capable of sourcing up to 500 μA at 10 V output voltage for supplying the error amplifiers of two NMOS Low Drop Out (LDO) linear regulators as part of a high integration automotive IC.
Variable Length On-Line Document Generation

This paper describes a system for variable-length document presentation: on-line documents whose length can be adjusted to the user's demands. The system depends on an initial marking-up of documents using an RST Markup Tool-a graphical interface for marking up the rhetorical structure of a text. During presentation, the rhetorical structure is used to prune the text down to the size requested by the user, allowing retention of the essentials of the text.
Characterization of a New Type of Dry Electrodes for Long-Term Recordings of Surface-Electromyogram

In the present work we introduce a preliminary study on a new type of dry electrodes to asses their possible use for performing long-term recordings of surface electromyographic signals. These signals would be used for the control of artificial prostheses in a non-invasive manner. In addition, a comparison was carried out between the new dry electrodes and a commercial, pre-gelled electrode. The results showed that both kinds of electrodes have similar impedance values and behavior at different frequencies, which are the main parameters to take into account when characterizing electrodes. For daily use in prosthesis control, dry electrodes are preferred over gelled or pre-gelled electrodes because they can be embedded in fabric and hence be worn seamlessly.
One-way ranging technique for CSS-based indoor localization

In this paper we are seeking a real-time one-way ranging technique for the chirp spread spectrum (CSS) based indoor localization. The motivation of this research is to overcome some technical disadvantage inherent to the existing symmetric double side two way ranging (SDS-TWR) technique. It is our aim to establish a ranging technique that has the following features: (i) The mobile device only acts as a transmitter (it only broadcasts RF signal to other devices); (ii) Low-power consumption at the mobile device; and (iii) The clock drift and the variation of the reply time are calibrated online so that it reflects the effects of environmental variation.
Direct Torque Control of Induction Motor using Robust Fuzzy Variable Structure Controller

Direct Torque Control (DTC) algorithm for induction motor drives gives fast transient response. The classical DTC algorithm utilizes a proportional integral (PI) speed controller to generate the reference torque value. Though this is quite effective, it is sensitive to parameter variation. To overcome this problem, this paper presents a fuzzy variable structure controller (FVSC), which improves the robustness of the drive. The proposed speed controller algorithm consists of switching a different control structure at each side of a given switching surface according to a predefined switching function. Hence, the system responds with a sliding mode on the switching surface, and in this mode the system is insensitive to parameter variations and disturbances. To evaluate the proposed controller, several simulation studies have been carried out under a variety of operating conditions of the drive system, and the results demonstrate the ability of the proposed control structure in improving the performance and robustness of the drive system.
Basal Supplementation of Insulin Lispro Protamine Suspension Versus Insulin Glargine and Detemir for Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE We compared the effect of insulin lispro protamine suspension (ILPS) with that of insulin glargine and insulin detemir, all given as basal supplementation, in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted an electronic search until February 2012, including online registries of ongoing trials and abstract books. All randomized controlled trials comparing ILPS with insulin glargine or detemir with a duration of ≥12 weeks were included. RESULTS We found four trials lasting 24–36 weeks involving 1,336 persons: three studies compared ILPS with glargine, and one trial compared ILPS with detemir. There was no significant difference in change in HbA1c level between ILPS and comparators, in the proportion of patients achieving the HbA1c goals of ≤6.5 or <7%, in weight change, or in daily insulin doses. There was no difference in overall hypoglycemia, but nocturnal hypoglycemia occurred significantly more with ILPS than with comparator insulins (mean difference 0.099 events/patient/30 days [95% CI 0.03–0.17]). In a prespecified sensitivity analysis comparing data obtained in patients who remained on their once-daily insulin regimen, not significantly different event rates for nocturnal hypoglycemia were observed between ILPS and comparator insulins (0.063 [−0.007 to 0.13]), and ILPS was associated with lower insulin dose (0.07 units/kg/day [0.05–0.09]). CONCLUSIONS There is no difference between ILPS and insulin glargine or detemir for targeting hyperglycemia, but nocturnal hypoglycemia occurred more frequently with ILPS than with comparator insulins. Nocturnal hypoglycemia was not significantly different in people who injected insulin once daily.
Time Varying Covariances: A Factor Stochastic Volatility Approach (with discussion

We propose a factor model which allows a parsimonious representation of the time series evolution of covariances when the number of series being modelled becomes very large. The factors arise from a standard stochastic volatility model as does the idiosyncratic noise associated with each series. We use an efficient method for deriving the posterior distribution of the parameters of this model. In addition we propose an effective method of Bayesian model selection for this class of models. Finally, we consider diagnostic measures for specific models.
Male courtship preferences demonstrate discrimination against allopatric colour morphs in a cichlid fish

Whether premating isolation is achieved by male‐specific, female‐specific or sex‐independent assortative preferences often depends on the underlying evolutionary processes. Here we test mate preferences of males presented with females of different allopatric colour variants of the cichlid fish Tropheus sp. , a Lake Tanganyika endemic with rich geographical colour pattern variation, in which the strength of sexual isolation varies between populations. We conducted two‐way mate choice experiments to compare behaviour of males of a red‐bodied morph (population Moliro) towards females from their own population with behaviour towards females from four allopatric populations at different stages of phylogenetic and phenotypic divergence. Males courted same‐population females significantly more intensely than females of other populations, and reduced their heteromorphic courtship efforts both with increasing genetic and increasing phenotypic distinctness of the females. In particular, females of a closely related red‐bodied population received significantly more courtship than either genetically distinct, similarly coloured females (‘Kirschfleck’ morph) or genetically related, differently coloured females (‘yellow‐blotch’ morph), both of which were courted similarly. Genetically and phenotypically distinct females (Tropheus polli) were not courted at all. Consistent with previous female‐choice experiments, female courtship activity also decreased with increasing genetic distance from the males’ population. Given successful experimental and natural introgression between colour morphs and the pervasive allopatry of related variants, we consider it unlikely that assortative preferences of both sexes were driven by direct selection during periods of secondary contact or, in turn, drove colour pattern differentiation in allopatry. Rather, we suggest that sexual isolation evolved as by‐product of allopatric divergence.
ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY SELECTIVE SURFACES FOR RADAR ABSORBING MATERIALS

Nowadays, applications of Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) for radar absorbing materials (RAM) are increasing, but it is still a challenge to select a proper FSS for a particular material as well as the dimensions of FSS for optimized absorption. Therefore, in this paper an attempt has been made to optimize the dimensions of FSS for microwave absorbing application using Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach. The considered frequency selective surfaces are composed of conducting patch elements pasted on the ferrite layer. FSS are used for flltration and microwave absorption. In this work, selection and optimization of FSS with radar absorbing material has been done for obtaining the maximum absorption at 8{12GHz frequency. An equivalent circuit method has been used for the analysis of difierent FSS, which is further used to design fltness function of GA for optimizing the dimensions of FSS. Eight difierent available ferrite materials with frequency dependant permittivities and permeabilities have been used as material database. The GA optimization is proposed to select the proper material out of eight available materials with proper dimensions of FSS. The optimized results suggest the material from database and dimensions of FSS. The selected material is then mixed with epoxy and hardener, and coated over the aluminium sheet. Thereafter, all flve FSS were fabricated on ferrite coated Al sheets using photolithographic method followed by wet etching. The absorption was measured for all FSS using absorption testing device (ATD) method at X-band. Absorption results showed that signiflcant amount of absorption enhanced with the addition of proper FSS on radar absorbing coating.
VHL-dependent regulation of a β-dystroglycan glycoform and glycogene expression in renal cancer

Identification of novel biomarkers and targets in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a priority and one cellular compartment that is a rich potential source of such molecules is the plasma membrane. A shotgun proteomic analysis of cell surface proteins enriched by cell surface biotinylation and avidin affinity chromatography was explored using the UMRC2- renal cancer cell line, which lacks von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor gene function, to determine whether proteins of interest could be detected. Of the 814 proteins identified ∼22% were plasma membrane or membrane-associated, including several with known associations with cancer. This included β-dystroglycan, the transmembrane subunit of the DAG1 gene product. VHL-dependent changes in the form of β-dystroglycan were detected in UMRC2−/+VHL transfectants. Deglycosylation experiments showed that this was due to differential sialylation. Analysis of normal kidney cortex and conventional RCC tissues showed that a similar change also occurred in vivo. Investigation of the expression of genes involved in glycosylation in UMRC2−/+VHL cells using a focussed microarray highlighted a number of enzymes involved in sialylation; upregulation of bifunctional UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) was validated in UMRC2− cells compared with their +VHL counterparts and also found in conventional RCC tissue. These results implicate VHL in the regulation of glycosylation and raise interesting questions regarding the extent and importance of such changes in RCC.