Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophages and Phage-Derived Proteins – Application Approaches

Currently, the bacterial resistance, especially to most commonly used antibiotics has proved to be a severe therapeutic problem. Nosocomial and community-acquired infections are usually caused by multidrug resistant strains. Therefore, we are forced to develop an alternative or supportive treatment for successful cure of life-threatening infections. The idea of using natural bacterial pathogens such as bacteriophages is already well known. Many papers have been published proving the high antibacterial efficacy of lytic phages tested in animal models as well as in the clinic. Researchers have also investigated the application of non-lytic phages and temperate phages, with promising results. Moreover, the development of molecular biology and novel generation methods of sequencing has opened up new possibilities in the design of engineered phages and recombinant phage-derived proteins. Encouraging performances were noted especially for phage enzymes involved in the first step of viral infection responsible for bacterial envelope degradation, named depolymerases. There are at least five major groups of such enzymes – peptidoglycan hydrolases, endosialidases, endorhamnosidases, alginate lyases and hyaluronate lyases – that have application potential. There is also much interest in proteins encoded by lysis cassette genes (holins, endolysins, spanins) responsible for progeny release during the phage lytic cycle. In this review, we discuss several issues of phage and phage-derived protein application approaches in therapy, diagnostics and biotechnology in general.
Understanding Single-Handed Mobile Device Interaction

A major challenge faced in the design of mobile devices is that they are typically used when the user has limited physical and attentional resources available. We are interested in the circumstances when a user has only a single hand available. To offer insight for future one-handed mobile designs, we conducted three foundational studies: a field study to capture how users currently operate devices; a survey to record user preference for the number of hands used for a variety of mobile tasks, and an empirical evaluation to understand how device size, target location, and movement direction influence thumb mobility. We have found that one-handed use of keypad-based phones is widespread, and in general, a majority of phone and PDA users would prefer to use one hand for device interaction. Additionally, our results suggest that device size is not a factor in how quickly users can access objects within thumb reach, but that larger devices have more areas that are out of reach, and thus inappropriate for one-handed access. Finally, regardless of device size, diagonal thumb movement in the NW↔SE direction is the most difficult movement for right handed users to perform.
76–81-GHz CMOS Transmitter With a Phase-Locked-Loop-Based Multichirp Modulator for Automotive Radar

This paper presents the design of a linear frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar transmitter (TX) for automotive radar applications. The TX has a wide operating range from 76 to 81 GHz by employing a frequency-doubling architecture using an LC voltage-controlled oscillator operating at 38-40.5 GHz and a differential frequency doubler using a single transformer. A chirp generator is integrated into the TX, which provides various frequency chirp profiles with programmable chirp slope and sweep duration. The proposed CMOS FMCW TX can be applied to various modulation algorithms for multiple target detection and the avoidance of ghost targets. The TX is implemented using 65-nm CMOS technology. The chip size is 1.48 × 1.85 mm 2. The measurement results shows a 76-81-GHz frequency range and 3-dBm output power while dissipating 320 mW. The phase-noise density of the TX is -83.33 dBm/Hz at an offset frequency of 1 MHz when the output frequency is 77 GHz.
Noncommutative Tachyons

When unstable Dp-branes in type II string theory are placed in a B-ﬁeld, the resulting tachyonic world-volume theory becomes noncommutative. We argue that for large noncommutativity parameter, condensation of the tachyon as a noncommutative soliton leads to new decay modes of the Dp-brane into (p-2)-brane conﬁgurations, which we interpret as suitably smeared BPS D(p-1)-branes. Some of these conﬁgurations are metastable. We discuss various generalizations of this decay process.
CubTile: a multi-touch cubic interface

On the one hand, multitouch tactile interfaces offer many advantages and are more and more widespread. Their use as 3D application interfaces are rather limited though, since they offer large horizontal flat projection surfaces that are not suited to many kinds of 3D operations. On the other hand, despite the many propositions that have been made over the past years, no single interface has proven to tackle the numerous specificities related to the 3D interaction constraints. Through the CubTile device proposal, our preliminary work tries to bring the strengths related to multitouch tactile surfaces into a device aimed at 3D interactions. Consisting in a medium-sized cube where 5 out of 6 sides are multitouch, our prototype senses several fingers, offers interaction redundancy and lets a user handle 3D manipulation thanks to single handed and bimanual input.
Optimization flow control with on-line measurement or multiple paths

We proposed earlier an optimization approach to reactive (cid:13)ow control where the objective of the control is to maximize the total utility of all sources over their transmission rates. The control mechanism is derived as a gradient projection algorithm to solve the dual problem. In this paper we consider two extensions to the basic algorithm. First, the basic algorithm requires communication from sources of their rates to links in their paths in order to carry out the gradient projection algorithm. We prove that it is possible for the links to estimate the gradient using only local information, thus eliminating the need for explicit communication. Second, the basic algorithm assumes that each source is served by a single path. We generalize the model to the case where there are multiple paths between a source{destination pair. This allows (cid:13)ow control and routing to be jointly optimized.
A Thermodynamics Approach to Graph Similarity

In this paper, we describe the use of concepts from the areas of spectral-graph theory, kernel methods and differential geometry for the purposes of recovering a measure of similarity between pairs of graphical structures. To do this, we commence by relating each of the graphs under study to a Riemannian manifold through the use of the graph Laplacian and the heat operator. We do this by making use of the heat kernel and the set of initial conditions for the space of functions associated to the Laplace-Beltrami operator. With these ingredients, we make use of the first law of thermodynamics to recover the thermal energy associated to the conduction of heat through the graph. Thus, the problem of recovering a measure of similarity between pairs of graphs becomes that of computing the difference in their thermal energies. We illustrate the utility of the similarity metric recovered in this way for purposes of content-based image database indexing and retrieval.
DeepBLE-Localized navigation using Low Energy Bluetooth Dept

Currently, mobile phones are the primary method of navigation. However, indoor positioning and navigation poses a unique problem because the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites normally used to navigate oudoors have limited use indoors. One solution is using Wifi access points as anchors, measuring the signal strength and calulating position using trilateration. Indeed, there are tools today that provide the framework for such an implementation. However, there are certain disadvantages with using Wifi, namely that there are heavy setup costs in laying the foundation for Wifi position
Noncoherent MLSE detection of M-DPSK for DS-CDMA wireless systems

This paper focuses on maximum-likelihood sequence estimation of noncoherent M-ary differential phase-shift keying (M-DPSK) receivers for code division multiple-access (CDMA) systems, which make use of direct-sequence spread-spectrum modulations. A typical frequency-selective Rayleigh environment with multipath diversity at the receiver is considered. In this scenario, the optimum noncoherent decision metric, which requires an estimation of the channel tap weights envelope, is derived. Then, in order not to increase the receiver implementation complexity, a joint channel and data estimation strategy is proposed, which does not require the transmission of a known training sequence (blind estimation). In this case, the decision metric becomes a simple equal gain combining of multiple-symbol square-law detection decision metrics. For this suboptimum noncoherent detector, useful bounds on the bit error probability are provided through a theoretical analysis. Nonconstant and constant multipath intensity profiles are both considered for this purpose. Simulations are also carried out in order to verify the accuracy of the theoretical bounds.
The Electronic Library Emerald Article : Can electronic textbooks help children to learn ?

Purpose – This paper investigates the potential electronic textbooks (e-textbooks) have to augment the learning and education of children. Design/methodology/approach – The study consisted of a total of 60 pupils, split into five groups of 12 participants (six boys and six girls). Each of the five groups were in turn split into two sub-groups of six (three boys and three girls): one sub-group used the printed textbook, while the other used a CD-ROM on a laptop computer. The pupils completed a group test and an individual multiple choice test on information found in the textbooks. Findings – The study showed that the e-textbook was widely accepted by the participants, and motivated group participation. Those using the e-textbook achieved significantly higher test results on average in the group test. Higher (but not significant) average results were achieved by e-textbook users in the individual test. Research limitations/implications – An acknowledged limitation of the study is that the textbooks used for the study were not identical in content. They were equivalent according to subject and recommended age range, but did not contain specifically the same information. Further studies would benefit from making use of an electronic version which is identical, or more similar, to a printed textbook. It would also be worthwhile to investigate the effects of long-term use once the novelty value of the electronic book has subsided. Originality/value – The paper aims to fill the gap in the original literature on the subject of how children relate to and learn from electronic textbooks. The research is of particular interest to teachers, librarians and parents.
Coping Rationally with Unpreferred Preferences

In this paper the "two-selves" models of self-imposed constraints are shown to carry normative implications only when the present-self acts to restrict the freedom of a future-self whose ability to act rationally has been clearly compromised. Conversely, when this future-self, if unrestrained, would act in a way which by any account would have to be called "rational," the normative power of this model is severely compromised. Metapreferences are demonstrated as an approach to such internal conflict that has the advantage of overcoming this normative incoherence. The act of ruling out certain future choices is shown to leave the agent better off if such a prohibition succeeds in altering the agent's preferences in a way that the agent prefers.
Vehicle localization in outdoor woodland environments with sensor fault detection

This paper describes a 2D localization method for a differential drive mobile vehicle on real forested paths. The mobile vehicle is equipped with two rotary encoders, Crossbow's NAV420CA inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a NAVCOM SF-2050M GPS receiver (used in StarFire-DGPS dual mode). Loosely-coupled multisensor fusion and sensor fault detection issues are discussed as well. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used for sensor fusion estimation where a GPS noise pre-filter is used to avoid introducing biased GPS data (affected by multi-path). Normalized innovation squared (NIS) tests are performed when a GPS measurement is incorporated to reject GPS data outliers and keep the consistency of the filter. Finally, experimental results show the performance of the localization system compared to a previously measured ground truth.
To decode short cryptograms

A permutat ion of the 26-character alphabet is used to encode a sentence with spacing and punctuation intact. Given only the encoded sentence (the "cipher text"), the correct permutat ion is to be found so that the original sentence (the "plain text") can be understood. By framing the problem as a multiple-hypothesis detection problem, applying a maximum-likel ihood criterion, using English language word frequency data, approximat ing liberally, and constructing a well-organized search tree, a ra ther simple algori thm results, which quickly deciphers even difficult cryptograms. Cryptograms of this fo rms imple permutat ion substitutions with word divis ions--have been employed for message concealment, at least, since Roman times. The solution of simple permutat ion ciphers has not been of much practical importance, since their use for military communication was superseded in the nineteenth century, but they remain a formidable puzzle for those who enjoy word games. Experienced solvers can manually solve a typical one-sentence cryptogram in a few minutes, but carefully constructed short puzzles, with unusual letter frequencies or atypical letter combinations, can stymie even expert solvers. Many strategies are published for manual decipherment , e.g., [1-3, 5, 8-10, 12], but these all require human pat tern recognition skills "in the loop," and are not explicit enough to be called algorithms. This author is aware of only one previously published method for automatic so lu t ion-a relaxation method [7], also see [4 ] -bu t it is not suitable for short cryptograms. The solution of a cryptogram can either be given as an explicit sentence of plain text, or it can be characterized by describing the permutat ion that was used to code the plain text. This permutat ion can be inverted then to reconstruct the plain text from the given cipher text. The permutat ion used for this example codes each letter as the letter to its right on the s tandard typewriter keyboard (convenient for touch-typists), with the three letters on the extreme right, (P, L, and M) "wrapping a round" to the left:
A Shape Recognition Method Based on Syntax-Automaton

A good basis for invariant recognition is the shape or the contour of an object, which is usually stable and persistent. There are some challenges to be solved. The first is that the object has different shapes from different views. The second is to organize the information into a structured data, so that they can be manipulated easily. We represent the image as a set of lines by a detector, and all lines are in the form of vectors instead of pixels. In order to get a better performance on the real-world image with multi-view object, we generate some template data by rotating 3D model. We define the sequential structure and the template is described by the new descriptor. The feature is based on the relationship between two adjacent contour lines, which remains unchanged as scale and rotation varies. Then we organize the phrase of each template into an automaton and execute the syntax-simulation by the state-transition in the automaton to complete object recognition. Finally, we do experiments on F117-282 and B2-282 data set. The results of experiments confirm that the present model of object recognition has a good performance on the image with complex background. The method in this paper is not only the object detection, but also the precise verification for each component of the object.
Research on Model of Ontology_based Management of Vegetable Quality Security

To resolve the problem of Vegetable Quality Security data description, in the guidance of ontology based knowledge management theory, we put forward a Knowledge description method on Vegetable Quality Security and build the management of Vegetable Quality Security ontology model. In order to help computer comprehend the ontology model and the semantic reasoning of domain concept acquisition, these ontology models are formalized
Intrusion Detection Using Data Mining Along Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms

Summary Intrusion Detection is one of the important area of research. Our work has explored the possibility of integrating the fuzzy logic with Data Mining methods using Genetic Algorithms for intrusion detection. The reasons for introducing fuzzy logic is two fold, the first being the involvement of many quantitative features where there is no separation between normal operations and anomalies. Thus fuzzy association rules can be mined to find the abstract correlation among different security features. We have proposed architecture for Intrusion Detection methods by using Data Mining algorithms to mine fuzzy association rules by extracting the best possible rules using Genetic Algorithms.
Supplier Selection in E-Procurement

In today’s competitive business world, it is extremely important for decision makers to have access to decision support tools in order to make quick, right and accurate decisions. One of these decision making areas is supplier selection in e-procurement. Supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision making problem that deals with the optimization of conflicting objectives such as quality, cost, and delivery time. In spite of the fact that the term “supplier selection” is commonly used in the literature, and many methods and models have been designed to help decision makers, few efforts have been dedicated to develop a system based on any of these methods. In this paper, we review, categorize, and discuss the literature, as well as the most widely used supplier selection criteria and their relative importance. We propose a supplier selection system based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method which has been commonly used for multi-criteria decision making problems. Inasmuch as we believe that fuzzy concepts extend the capability of any modeling approach, integrating fuzzy concepts into our model will lead to a more powerful system. To support this idea and to facilitate decision making in the supplier selection process, we implemented linear and non-linear fuzzy programming approaches on a chosen business scenario.
Citizenship education: the search for meaningful delivery within an English high school

This thesis examines the experience of one English high school in the birthing pangs of citizenship education, a mandatory entitlement introduced into English schools in September 2002. The project traces a series of developments over a period of four years and documents my search, as a practitioner-researcher, for a meaningful way to deliver citizenship education within my own school. Staff, parents, governors and students (aged 13 years to 17 years) all contribute towards this project in providing both qualitative and quantitative data. While this research uses a case study approach it also draws upon a sample that extends beyond the immediate school community - this is done in the quest to provide an understanding in the stimuli for active citizenship and probes the perceptions of Members of the Westminster Parliament in office between 2003 and 2004. While many of the findings are generated from a mixture of interviews and questionnaires, a period of quasi-experimentation within the classroom also provides data for discussion. This research provides insight into some of the problems associated with launching a centrally-imposed initiative at school level. It adds to the literature on citizenship education by providing a variety of evidence from the perceptions of an educational community, as well as offering information on the possible effectiveness of differing approaches to citizenship education. In particular, it indicates that efforts to generate a culture of active citizenship might have greater appeal when schools can create not just confident, secure and value-conscious young people, but ones who move in circles outside of their comfort zones. This project also demonstrates the potential value of a mixed-methods approach to practitioner-research. As a separate feature it adds to the knowledge-base on political socialisation.
Electro-thermo-mechanical analysis of a BiCMOS embedded RF-MEMS switch for temperatures from −55°C to + 125°C

The influence of temperature on electrical, mechanical and RF-performance of a BiCMOS embedded RF-MEMS switch has been demonstrated. Instead of exclusively estimating the temperature-dependent RF-MEMS switch key performance parameters, understanding the temperature influence on the mechanics together with the related electrical and RF-performance is preferred. A detailed thermo-mechanical analysis of the suspended membrane shows that the membrane shape and contact formation is strongly affected by temperature variations. It explains the significant influence of temperature on the pull-in voltage and on-state capacitance showing that a thermo-mechanical analysis is absolutely mandatory for an efficient process and design optimization to increase the temperature robustness.
Send Orders of Reprints at Reprints@benthamscience.org Geomorphological and Sedimentological Evolution of the Ramsar-listed Wetland Reserve " Laguna De El Conde " (córdoba, Spain)

The " laguna de El Conde " wetland Ramsar reserve (Córdoba, Spain) depicts a geomorphological progression with different Pleistocene and Holocene stages and reaching a concluding situation by anthropic manipulation of the local network of tributaries. The nature of the sediments carried into the Triassic-gypsum depression where the reserve is situated. Further, dissolution processes and the formation of an inter-sedimentary layer of water are found to play a critical role in the formation of this protected wetland.
Financial constraints, migration and inequality

Although the self-selection of emigrants is determined by di¤erences in the returns to education, according to the celebrated Roy model, empirical evidence suggests that migrants tend to be favorably selected. This paper argues that financial con- straints might be useful to explain this controversy. These constraints might impose positive correlations between (i) wealth and education, and (ii) wealth and migra- tion, implying a positive bias in the empirical results. We also show that high levels of migration premium and return to education in the source country explain the migration of middle-class individuals, a situation in which migration increases in- equality in the home country.
Concolic Execute Fuzzing Based on Control-Flow Analysis

This paper proposes a method which utilizing taint analysis to reduce the unnecessary analysis routine, concentrating on the control-flow altering input using concolic (concrete and symbolic) execution procedure. A prototype, Concolic Fuzz is implemented based on this method, which is built on Pin platform at x86 binary level and using Z3 as the SMT (Satisfiability Modulo Theories) solver. The results of experiments verify that our approach is effective in increasing code coverage with remarkably lower resource and time cost than the standard fuzzing and concolic testing tools. The scale of fuzzing range and symbols are reduced, so as the computing resource and time consumption, especially when the input data is in highly structured and complex file format.