Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Query-Free Adversarial Transfer via Undertrained Surrogates

Deep neural networks have been shown to be highly vulnerable to adversarial examples---minor perturbations added to a model's input which cause the model to output an incorrect prediction. This vulnerability represents both a risk for the use of deep learning models in security-conscious fields and an opportunity to improve our understanding of how deep networks generalize to unexpected inputs. In a transfer attack, the adversary builds an adversarial attack using a surrogate model, then uses that attack to fool an unseen target model. Recent work in this subfield has focused on attack generation methods which can improve transferability between models. We show that optimizing a single surrogate model is a more effective method of improving adversarial transfer, using the simple example of an undertrained surrogate. This method transfers well across varied architectures and outperforms state-of-the-art methods. To interpret the effectiveness of undertrained surrogate models, we represent adversarial transferability as a function of surrogate model loss function curvature and similarity between surrogate and target gradients and show that our approach reduces the presence of local loss maxima which hinder transferability. Our results suggest that finding good single surrogate models is a highly effective and simple method for generating transferable adversarial attacks, and that this method represents a valuable route for future study in this field.
A Learning Approach to the School Bus Routing Problem

In this paper, we introduce a solution to the School Bus Routing problem (SBRP), using a reinforcement learning technique that we previously applied in the domain of transportation logistics. This approach consists of bundling transportation requests between several locations in order to construct combinations of items in a cost-efficient way. We investigate how the combination of reinforcement learning and our novel bundling algorithm can be used to increase the efficiency in logistics and how it can be applied to other domains. In particular, we discuss how the SBRP can be transformed to resemble a problem in transportation logistics and thus solve the SBRP using our combined technique. We obtain results comparable to those presented in literature, namely from a cost minimization approach that is specifically tailored to the SBRP. We conclude that our reinforcement learning and bundling algorithms are flexible enough to be applied in different domains and offer significant reductions in the cost of the stakeholders.
A minisatellite sequence in the upstream region of the DURA3 gene from the halotolerant yeast Debaryomyces hansenii

The URA3 gene of Debaryomyces hansenii, encoding orotidine 5′‐phosphate decarboxylase enzyme, was isolated by complementation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly similar to Ura3 proteins from other yeast and fungal species. Analysis of the region upstream of the coding sequence revealed the presence of AG‐rich minisatellite DNA sequences. In addition, upstream of the DURA3 sequence, we have found the 3′‐terminal of a gene encoding a GEA2‐like protein. The GenBank Accession No. of this sequence is AY033329. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive Discretization for Model-Based Reinforcement Learning

We introduce the technique of adaptive discretization to design efficient model-based episodic reinforcement learning algorithms in large (potentially continuous) state-action spaces. Our algorithm is based on optimistic one-step value iteration extended to maintain an adaptive discretization of the space. From a theoretical perspective, we provide worst-case regret bounds for our algorithm, which are competitive compared to the state-of-the-art model-based algorithms; moreover, our bounds are obtained via a modular proof technique, which can potentially extend to incorporate additional structure on the problem. From an implementation standpoint, our algorithm has much lower storage and computational requirements, due to maintaining a more efficient partition of the state and action spaces. We illustrate this via experiments on several canonical control problems, which shows that our algorithm empirically performs significantly better than fixed discretization in terms of both faster convergence and lower memory usage. Interestingly, we observe empirically that while fixed-discretization model-based algorithms vastly outperform their model-free counterparts, the two achieve comparable performance with adaptive discretization.
Passivity Analysis of Human as a Controller

Human controllers as pilots or drivers can be described by linear time invariant systems cascaded with time delay. Inspired by this, we ‘generalize’ the denition of passivity index to irrational transfer functions and use the passivity index to examine passivity of some existing human models. The results show that the human model is non-passive due to the time delay which represents inherent human limitations. We then propose a passication scheme when a human operator is in the loop. By this scheme, the closed-loop system with human in the loop as a controller can have desired positive passivity indices to address the control tasks of interest.
Self tuning of induction motor servo drives using the universal field oriented controller

The universal field-oriented (UFO) controller is used to control the induction motor torque and airgap flux independently of each other. In this work, the direct UFO control is realized by sensing the airgap flux using center taps on two machine windings. Moreover, an adaptive control scheme that accomplishes a continuous and automatic tuning of the rotor time constant of the field-oriented controller whenever the drive operates in the direct field orientation mode is proposed. In addition, at low invertor frequencies, the UFO controller switches over to the indirect field orientation mode in which the rotor time constant is frozen to the last tuned value of the previous direct field orientation mode. At steady state and elevated speeds the induction motor servo drive has no detuning errors when operating under direct field orientation, while at low speeds the indirect field orientation mode exhibits minimal errors. The latter expands the use of the high-performance induction motor drive up to standstill. The proposed field-oriented controller can be realized at minimal cost in AC servomotor drives requiring motion control or accurate speed control. <<ETX>>
Financial Assessments and Investigation of Indicators of Financial Well-Being in an Emerging Market

This study investigates the financial self-assessments and households’ well-being using a national survey of 2,567 households in Turkey. We use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs framework through households’ views for their ability to meet current living expenses in the short-term as well as their saving decisions for their retirements in the long-term. Findings show that households’ daily concerns including inability to meet short-term expenses including healthcare, daily living expenses (food and utilities), and inability to maintain the existing life standard are highly significant factors in explaining their financial well-being. Moving to the next stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we find that having enough income during the retirement and ability to find a job in the future when needed are positively related to financial well-being. When households’ income is from work, rental properties, family, and retirement, they feel financially more secure. We find that households with high inheritance income expectations or income from private pension at the retirement tend to save less. Finally, when the number of people in the family providing family income is more than two persons, they tend to save less.
Constructing a Post-2012 Pathway: Being on track to avoid dangerous climate change

As negotiations for a successor to Kyoto heat up, it is critical that any such agreement places the atmosphere on track to avoid dangerous climate change in the long-term. Negotiations should be grounded in the conceptual framework of a mid-century target and its objective of keeping options open for long-term stabilization after 2050. Through results from a model designed expressly to link mid-term emissions pathways with longterm targets, this paper argues that to remain on track by 2050 to avoid 2oC of warming, global emissions need to peak at some point in the next 15 years. This can only be achieved if tighter caps for industrialized nations are joined by similar but more modest efforts in the developing world. The contributions of an expanded CDM will not be significant given the atmospheric neutrality of uncapped trading. Neither would intensity-based targets which fail to guarantee the necessary environmental outcome. Potential Post-2012 scenarios are proposed along with accompanying financial mechanisms aimed to encourage non-Annex I participation.
Impact of Islamic Microfinance on Improving the Income and Poverty Reduction on Microenterprises in Province Aceh : Case Study in BaitulQiradh

Since 1995 Baitul Qiradhhas been serving low - income people who most lywork asmicro enterprises by providing microfinance in Province Aceh. This study was conducted to assessand analy se the impactofbaitulqiradhâ€™ micro finance services to increase the income andreduce povertyamong therecipients. Primary data were collected from 208 completed questionairres distributed to the clients of 8 BQ in six district/city in Province Aceh, in order to find out their perceptions on their impacts they observed on their socio-economic lives after receiving financing from the institutions in question. The finding show that the average mean income after financing was increased significantly IDR 838.221 (42.92%) than before financing. Socio-economicfactorsthatinfluence the increasecustomer income inthisstudyis thelevelof education, number Offinancing andinvest ment sinen trepreneurial training. The results importantly also found that the financing has help in decrease in poverty among the clients from 39.4% before financing to 12.5% after financing.In order to improve role of baitulqiradh Aceh in area study, this study suggest they have to improve their service not only financial side but also social services, to promote their financing products to community, to making tutorial meeting (monthly) to improve clients understanding on islamic values in a practical way, to be more innovative in desinged their financial product to fulfill the needs of their clients particular and community, and to develop link network to other financial institution (bank and non- bank), NGO dangoverment in implement their activity.
Exploring factors that hinder the adoption of Mobile Services in ChinaA qualitative user analysis with special focus on mobile financial services

The object of this thesis is twofold: 1) to find out the adoption status of advanced mobile service with a special interest for mobile financial service in China and 2)to investigate enablers and inhibitors for Chinese users in accepting mobile financial service. A qualitative user study was conducted to investigate Chinese users‘ attitude towards a set of attributes that may have impact on their decision making to adopt mobile financial service. The result indicates that the overall adoption rate for advanced mobile service is not as satisfactory as industry predicted, but users have a strong will to adopt such service in the future. They value queue avoidance, being an alternative payment method as comparative advantage of mobile financial service and security assurance and lack of awareness and need as primary hinder factors when they consider adopting mobile financial service. The result should provide implication on how service providers could improve their product and service to shape strategy in alliance with users‘ preference. It also points out possible future research area.
Dynamometer Measurements of Hand-Grip Strength Predict Multiple Outcomes

Hand-grip strength, which can be measured easily and objectively using a dynamometer, is predictive of multiple outcomes among a variety of subjects. Although the literature is not fully consistent, it tends to support grip strength as a predictor of postoperative complications, mortality, and functional decline. Hand-grip dynamometry may merit broader application as a screening procedure.
N-Terminal amino acid sequence of pilin isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the pili protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa K pili is presented. The sequence is compared with those reported by others for pilin obtained from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Moraxella nonlique-faciens. All three sequences are highly homologous, contain only two hydrophilic residues in the first 22 positions, and contain an unusual amino acid, N-monomethylphenylalanine, at the amino terminus.
The Impact of Cultural Differences on Investor Preferences of company-Specific Characteristics and Investors Perception of Financial Statement Value Relevance

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of culture on the preferences of investors regarding company-specific characteristics and value relevance of financial statement line items by performing fixed effects panel regression combined with the methodology of event study. This research adds to the literature streams of home bias and financial statement value relevance. The culture dimensions used are based on the research by Hofstede. The sample includes 1,324 companies over 19 countries. The findings indicate that there seems to be an impact of certain culture dimensions on certain preferences of investors regarding company-specific characteristics, and there seems to be an impact of certain culture dimensions on value relevance of certain financial statement line items. This is due to the fact that for all company-specific characteristics and financial statement line items that were found to be significant, their interaction terms with culture dimensions were also found to be significant. However, the findings are not robust and this conclusion is formulated with extreme caution due to the shortcomings presented in the final chapter of this re-
Dynamics analysis of wave-driven unmanned surface vehicle in longitudinal profile

Wave-driven unmanned surface vehicle (WUSV) is a great success of application of solar and wave energy in the ocean robot. In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic model of WUSV in two dimension is established based on the analysis of its driving principle in the longitudinal profile. Then, we calculate the wave and driving force, and determine hydrodynamic coefficients according to the empirical data and experimental platform of WUSV. Finally, we simplify the nonlinear equations and present the simulation results of the model.
Probabilistic quantification of potentially flexible residential demand

The balancing of power systems with high penetration of renewable energy is a serious challenge to be faced in the near future. One of the possible solutions, recently capturing a lot of attention, is demand response. Demand response can only be achieved by power consumers holding loads which allow them to modify their normal power consumption pattern, namely flexible consumers. However flexibility, despite being constantly mentioned, is usually not properly defined and even rarer quantified. This manuscript introduces a methodology to identify and quantify potentially flexible demand of residential consumers. The procedure is based on non-flexible consumer clustering and subsequent statistical analysis. Consequently, the power consumption pattern of a flexible consumer is compared to a 3D probability distribution created by the previously referred methodology. The results show a strong relationship between the amount of potential flexibility and the probability of providing it. Finally, it is concluded that residential flexibility is most likely to be offered during transitions between summer and winter.
Multi-UAV formation control method based on modified artificial physics

This paper proposed a formation control method based on the modified artificial physics for the multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) formation control problem. The formation control method based on basic artificial physics has a shortcoming of easily plunging into a local optimal solution, which will result in some unexpected formation. So we improved the existing artificial physics method using interaction scheme to avoid the local optimum. In our formation control method based on modified artificial physics, interaction forces are applied on the UAVs to make the system escape from local optimum and achieve global optimum. Meanwhile we have constructed a distributed multi-UAVs coordination simulation framework based on the Robot Operating System(ROS) and Gazebo 3D simulator. The simulation results using our simulation framework are presented to verify the effectiveness of our formation control method.
Corporate Responsibility and Judgment Aggregation

Paradoxical results concerning judgment aggregation have recently been invoked to defend the thesis that a corporate agent can be morally responsible for a decision without any of its individual members bearing such responsibility. I contend that the arguments offered for this irreducibility thesis are inconclusive. They do not pay enough attention to how we evaluate individual moral responsibility, in particular not to the role that a flawed assessment of the normative reasons that bear on the issue to be decided on play in this context. I go on to propose a method for distributing corporate responsibility to individual members within the judgment aggregation framework.
Helping the Little Guy: the impact of government awards on small technology firms

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides federally funded research awards to companies with 500 or fewer employees. We explore the differential effects of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR program on firms of various sizes on their future patenting activity. Using propensity score matching, we construct comparable samples of selected and non-selected Phase II SBIR applicants by firm size. We then estimate the effect of selection for the matched sample on the probability of forward patent activity and conditional on any forward patenting, the count of patents within three years of the proposal. While firms with fewer than 10 employees, are least likely to patent, their probability of patenting is positively affected by receiving a Phase II award. We find sparse evidence of corresponding increase for larger firms. Nor do we find any evidence that a Phase II award impacts the conditional number of forward patents in the three years following the award. These data suggest that the Phase II award serves to advance the smallest teams "over the hump" to creating a potential source of competitive advantage.
How to measure the personal brand value of a football player

The understanding of personal branding becomes more important. Individuals start to notice that they can benefit from personal branding. Especially in the football industry, huge sums of money are spent on personal branding. However, so far, a measure for football player’ personal brand value does not exist. The offline dimensions ‘excitement’, ‘sophistication’, ‘ruggedness’, ‘competences’ and ‘sincerity’ tell something about the ‘offline’ personal brand value aspects. However, the advent of the internet made sure that the ‘online’ personal brand value aspects matters as well. Therefore, this study created a measure for both offline and online aspects, with variables that contribute to football player’s personal brand value.
Cell culture models of human trophoblast II: trophoblast cell lines--a workshop report.

K. T. Shiverick, A. King, H. -G. Frank, G. St. J. Whitley, J. E. Cartwright and H. Schneider a Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA b Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK c Department of Anatomy, University of Technology, Aachen, Germany d Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London, UK e Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bern, Bern, Germany
Robust stability of impulsive genetic regulatory networks with time-varying delays

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new robust stability criterion of impulsive genetic regulatory networks with time-varying delays based on Lyapunov functional. The SUM logic which describes transcription factor is utilized to model the genetic regulatory mechanism. For the impulsive genetic regulatory networks with time-varying delays, both continuous and discontinuous time interval will be discussed separately. Lyapunov based sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of impulsive genetic regulatory networks are obtained by adopting bounding techniques and free-weighting matrices. Schur complements will be applied to express all the derived stability conditions in terms of LMIs. The new criterion is applicable to both fast and slow time-varying delay cases. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed results.
Pentamidine reverses the splicing defects associated with myotonic dystrophy

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a genetic disorder caused by the expression (as RNA) of expanded CTG or CCTG repeats. The alternative splicing factor MBNL1 is sequestered to the expanded RNA repeats, resulting in missplicing of a subset of pre-mRNAs linked to symptoms found in DM patients. Current data suggest that if MBNL1 is released from sequestration, disease symptoms may be alleviated. We identified the small molecules pentamidine and neomycin B as compounds that disrupt MBNL1 binding to CUG repeats in vitro. We show in cell culture that pentamidine was able to reverse the missplicing of 2 pre-mRNAs affected in DM, whereas neomycin B had no effect. Pentamidine also significantly reduced the formation of ribonuclear foci in tissue culture cells, releasing MBNL1 from the foci in the treated cells. Furthermore, pentamidine partially rescued splicing defects of 2 pre-mRNAs in mice expressing expanded CUG repeats.