Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A procedure for setting up high‐throughput nanolitre crystallization experiments. Crystallization workflow for initial screening, automated storage, imaging and optimization

Crystallization trials at the Division of Structural Biology in Oxford are now almost exclusively carried out using a high‐throughput workflow implemented in the Oxford Protein Production Facility. Initial crystallization screening is based on nanolitre‐scale sitting‐drop vapour‐diffusion experiments (typically 100 nl of protein plus 100 nl of reservoir solution per droplet) which use standard crystallization screening kits and 96‐well crystallization plates. For 294 K crystallization trials the barcoded crystallization plates are entered into an automated storage system with a fully integrated imaging system. These plates are imaged in accordance with a pre‐programmed schedule and the resulting digital data for each droplet are harvested into a laboratory information‐management system (LIMS), scored by crystal recognition software and displayed for user analysis via a web‐based interface. Currently, storage for trials at 277 K is not automated and for imaging the crystallization plates are fed by hand into an imaging system from which the data enter the LIMS. The workflow includes two procedures for nanolitre‐scale optimization of crystallization conditions: (i) a protocol for variation of pH, reservoir dilution and protein:reservoir ratio and (ii) an additive screen. Experience based on 592 crystallization projects is reported.
Folksonomy expansion process using soft techniques

The use of folksonomies involves several problems due to its lack of semantics associated with them. The nature of these structures makes difficult the process to enrich them semantically by the association of meaningful terms of the Semantic Web. This task implies a phase of disambiguation and another of expansion of the initial tagset, returning an increased contextualised set where synonyms, hyperonyms, gloss terms, etc. are part of it. In this novel proposal a technique based on confidence and similarity degrees is applied to weight this extended tagset in order to allow the user to obtain a customised resulting tagset. Moreover a comparision between the two main thesaurus, WordNet and Wikipedia, are presented due to their great influence in the disambiguation and expansion process.
Bend, stretch, and touch: Locating a finger on an actively deformed transparent sensor array

A stretchable, transparent touch pad and proximity sensor made using silicone and gel operates while being bent and stretched. The development of bendable, stretchable, and transparent touch sensors is an emerging technological goal in a variety of fields, including electronic skin, wearables, and flexible handheld devices. Although transparent tactile sensors based on metal mesh, carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires demonstrate operation in bent configurations, we present a technology that extends the operation modes to the sensing of finger proximity including light touch during active bending and even stretching. This is accomplished using stretchable and ionically conductive hydrogel electrodes, which project electric field above the sensor to couple with and sense a finger. The polyacrylamide electrodes are embedded in silicone. These two widely available, low-cost, transparent materials are combined in a three-step manufacturing technique that is amenable to large-area fabrication. The approach is demonstrated using a proof-of-concept 4 × 4 cross-grid sensor array with a 5-mm pitch. The approach of a finger hovering a few centimeters above the array is readily detectable. Light touch produces a localized decrease in capacitance of 15%. The movement of a finger can be followed across the array, and the location of multiple fingers can be detected. Touch is detectable during bending and stretch, an important feature of any wearable device. The capacitive sensor design can be made more or less sensitive to bending by shifting it relative to the neutral axis. Ultimately, the approach is adaptable to the detection of proximity, touch, pressure, and even the conformation of the sensor surface.
HTR 1 B and HTR 2 C in autism spectrum disorders in Brazilian families

G.M. Orabona, K. Griesi-Oliveira, E. Vadasz, V.L. S. Bulcão, V.N. V.O. Takahashi, E.S. Moreira, M. Furia-Silva, A.M.S. Ros-Melo, F. Dourado, R. Matioli, P. Otto, M.R. Passos-Bueno⁎ Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infância e da Adolescência/SEPIA, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Associação de Amigos do Autista/AMA, São Paulo, Brazil Organização Casa da Esperança, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil Instituto de Pesquisa Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Extracting spatially and spectrally coherent regions from images

Extracting spectrally homogeneous regions as features from multispectral raster data has unique challenges when accurate shape preservation is a priority. We tackle this task by representing neighborhoods that contain heterogeneously classified pixels as a graph. We then use graph-cut based combinatorial optimization to eliminate spuriously classified pixels. After the region of interest is uniformly classified, we use a vectorization step to extract it as a feature.
Age-dependency of left ventricular shape measured from real-time 3D echocardiographic images

Combined assessment of left ventricular (LV) shape and function could provide new insights into the process of LV remodeling. Real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) allows rapid and accurate semi-automated extraction of LV endocardial surfaces. Our aims were to quantify LV morphology both globally, using conical (C) and spherical (S) indexes, and locally, studying the mean curvature, in a large set of normal subjects in order to define normal values and test their age-dependency.
The critical current of superconductors: an historical review

The most important practical characteristic of a superconductor is its critical current density. This article traces the history of the experimental discoveries and of the development of the theoretical ideas that have lead to the understanding of those factors that control critical current densities. These include Silsbee’s hypothesis, the Meissner effect, the London, Ginsburg–Landau, and Abrikosov theories, flux pinning and the critical state, and the control of texture in high-temperature superconductors.
Teaching Visual Literacy: Using Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Anime, Cartoons, and More to Develop Comprehension and Thinking Skills

Acknowledgments About the Editors About the Contributors Introduction 1. Visual Literacy: What You Get Is What You See - Lynell Burmark 2. Graphic Novels: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Jacquelyn McTaggart 3. Comics, the Canon, and the Classroom - James Bucky Carter 4. Seeing the World Through a Stranger's Eyes: Exploring the Potential of Anime in Literacy Classrooms - Kelly Chandler-Olcott 5. "Literary Literacy" and the Role of the Comic Book, or "You Teach a Class on What? " - Rocco Versaci 6. That's Funny: Political Cartoons in the Classroom - Thomas DeVere Wolsey 7. Learning From Illustrations in Picturebooks - Lawrence Sipe 8. An Irrecusable Offer: Film in the K-12 Classroom - Lawrence Baines 9. "It Was Always the Pictures. ": Creating Visual Literacy Supports for Students With Disabilities - Paula Kluth Index
A Dual-Microphone Speech Enhancement Algorithm for Close-Talk System

While human listening is robust in complex auditory scenes, current speech enhancement algorithms do not perform well in noisy environments, even close-talk system is used. This paper addresses the robustness in dual microphone embedded close talk system by employing a computational auditory scene analysis (CASA) framework. The energy difference between the two microphones is used as the primary separation cue to estimate the ideal binary mask (IBM). We also use voice activity detection to find the noise periods, and update the separation critical value. Generalization interference locations and reverberant conditions are used to examine performance of the proposed system. Evaluation and comparison show that the proposed system outperforms other two systems on the test conditions. DOI : http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v12i6. 5485 Full Text: PDF
Automated computer network defence using ARMOUR: Mission-oriented decision support and vulnerability mitigation

Mission assurance requires effective, near-real time defensive cyber operations to appropriately respond to cyber attacks, without having a significant impact on operations. The ability to rapidly compute, prioritize and execute network-based courses of action (CoAs) relies on accurate situational awareness and mission-context information. Although diverse solutions exist for automatically collecting and analysing infrastructure data, few deliver automated analysis and implementation of network-based CoAs in the context of the ongoing mission. In addition, such processes can be operatorintensive and available tools tend to be specific to a set of common data sources and network responses. To address these issues, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is leading the development of the Automated Computer Network Defence (ARMOUR) technology demonstrator and cyber defence science and technology (S&T) platform. ARMOUR integrates new and existing off-the-shelf capabilities to provide enhanced decision support and to automate many of the tasks currently executed manually by network operators. This paper describes the cyber defence integration framework, situational awareness, and automated mission-oriented decision support that ARMOUR provides.
A theoretical study of the sand cone model and knowledge management from Malaysian University Libraries perspective

This paper outlines the previous research on the theoretical study for Knowledge Management. The current study of this paper seeks to explore whether knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge capture and knowledge sharing possibly have a significant impact and gaps in knowledge management practice at Malaysian university libraries. Therefore, this paper adopts the "Sand Cone Model" approach to gauge its feasibility to be incorporated into this research. The knowledge contribution of this research will be employed to elaborate and integrate using Structural Equation Model (SEM) for some of the confirmatory factors that can influence the knowledge management practices. The expected outcome and gaps of knowledge in theoretical model could also provide some direction for future research.
Comparison of Indonesian speaker recognition using Vector Quantization and Hidden Markov Model for unclear pronunciation problem

This paper presents a comparison of two classifier methods based on accuracy level in Indonesian speaker recognition for unclear pronunciation problem in a word, simple sentences, and complete sentences. The first method is Vector Quantization (VQ) based on distortion distance and the second method is Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based on the probability value of the data is observed. Based on the experiments, It can be concluded that HMM method have better accuracy than VQ method especially for pronunciation of simple sentences.
Interaction of step length and step rate during sprint running.

UNLABELLED A "negative interaction" between step length and step rate refers to an increase in one factor resulting in a decrease in the other. PURPOSES There were three main purposes: a) to investigate the relative influence of the determinants of step length and step rate, b) to determine the sources of negative interaction between step length and step rate, and c) to investigate the effects of manipulation of this interaction. METHODS Thirty-six athletes performed maximal-effort sprints. Video and ground reaction force data were collected at the 16-m mark. Sprint velocity, step length, step rate, and their underlying determinants were calculated. Analyses included correlations, multiple linear regressions, paired t-tests, and a simple simulation based on alterations in flight determining parameters. RESULTS A wide range of step length and step rate combinations was evident, even for subgroups of athletes with similar sprint velocities. This was partly due to a negative interaction that existed between step length and step rate; that is, those athletes who used a longer step length tended to have a lower step rate and vice versa. Vertical velocity of takeoff was the most prominent source of the negative interaction. CONCLUSIONS Leg length, height of takeoff, and vertical velocity of takeoff are all possible sources of a negative interaction between step length and step rate. The very high step lengths and step rates achieved by elite sprinters may be possible only by a technique that involves a high horizontal and low vertical velocity of takeoff. However, a greater vertical velocity of takeoff might be of advantage when an athlete is fatigued and struggling to maintain a high step rate.
Catalog of MicroRNA Seed Polymorphisms in Vertebrates

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNA that plays an important role in posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA. Evidence has shown that miRNA gene variability might interfere with its function resulting in phenotypic variation and disease susceptibility. A major role in miRNA target recognition is ascribed to complementarity with the miRNA seed region that can be affected by polymorphisms. In the present study, we developed an online tool for the detection of miRNA polymorphisms (miRNA SNiPer) in vertebrates (http://www.integratomics-time.com/miRNA-SNiPer) and generated a catalog of miRNA seed region polymorphisms (miR-seed-SNPs) consisting of 149 SNPs in six species. Although a majority of detected polymorphisms were due to point mutations, two consecutive nucleotide substitutions (double nucleotide polymorphisms, DNPs) were also identified in nine miRNAs. We determined that miR-SNPs are frequently located within the quantitative trait loci (QTL), chromosome fragile sites, and cancer susceptibility loci, indicating their potential role in the genetic control of various complex traits. To test this further, we performed an association analysis between the mmu-miR-717 seed SNP rs30372501, which is polymorphic in a large number of standard inbred strains, and all phenotypic traits in these strains deposited in the Mouse Phenome Database. Analysis showed a significant association between the mmu-miR-717 seed SNP and a diverse array of traits including behavior, blood-clinical chemistry, body weight size and growth, and immune system suggesting that seed SNPs can indeed have major pleiotropic effects. The bioinformatics analyses, data and tools developed in the present study can serve researchers as a starting point in testing more targeted hypotheses and designing experiments using optimal species or strains for further mechanistic studies.
Multi-view Video Summarization Algorithm for WMSN

Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSN) has been one challenge category of special wireless sensor networks. Different-view videos captured by cameras in various different locations are typical multi-view videos. In order to reduce transmission quantity and conserve nodes' energy, traditional multi-view video coding approaches are long suitable for WMSN. In this paper, we propose a multi-view video summarization algorithm for WMSN, where different-view videos are converted to one monocular video with consideration of spatio and temporal correlations of networks, so as to reduce the redundancy of multi-view video. Moreover, different-view videos of adjacent sensor nodes are coded with correlated arrangement of I frames, B frames and P frames. Finally, a few preliminary simulations are present.
Pathotype and Genetic Diversity amongst Indian Isolates of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

A number of rice resistance genes, called Xa genes, have been identified that confer resistance against various strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal agent of bacterial blight. An understanding of pathotype diversity within the target pathogen population is required for identifying the Xa genes that are to be deployed for development of resistant rice cultivars. Among 1024 isolates of Xoo collected from 20 different states of India, 11 major pathotypes were distinguished based on their reaction towards ten Xa genes (Xa1, Xa3, Xa4, xa5, Xa7, xa8, Xa10, Xa11, xa13, Xa21). Isolates belonging to pathotype III showing incompatible interaction towards xa8, xa13 and Xa21 and compatible interaction towards the rest of Xa genes formed the most frequent (41%) and widely distributed pathotype. The vast majority of the assayed Xoo isolates were incompatible with one or more Xa genes. Exceptionally, the isolates of pathotype XI were virulent on all Xa genes, but have restricted distribution. Considering the individual R-genes, Xa21 appeared as the most broadly effective, conferring resistance against 88 % of the isolates, followed in decreasing order by xa13 (84 %), xa8 (64 %), xa5 (30 %), Xa7 (17 %) and Xa4 (14 %). Fifty isolates representing all the eleven pathotypes were analyzed by southern hybridization to determine their genetic relatedness using the IS1112 repeat element of Xoo. Isolates belonging to pathotype XI were the most divergent. The results suggest that one RFLP haplotype that is widely distributed all over India and is represented in strains from five different pathotypes might be an ancestral haplotype. A rice line with xa5, xa13 and Xa21 resistance genes is resistant to all strains, including those belonging to pathotype XI. This three gene combination appears to be the most suitable Xa gene combination to be deployed in Indian rice cultivars.
Large Out-of-Plane Displacement Bistable Electromagnetic Microswitch on a Single Wafer

This paper presents a bistable microswitch fully batch-fabricated on a single glass wafer, comprising of a microactuator, a signal transformer, a microspring and a permanent magnet. The bistable mechanism of the microswitch with large displacement of 160 μm depends on the balance of the magnetic force and elastic force. Both the magnetic force and elastic force were optimized by finite-element simulation to predict the reliable of the device. The prototype was fabricated and characterized. By utilizing thick laminated photoresist sacrificial layer, the large displacement was obtained to ensure the insulation of the microswitch. The testing results show that the microswitch realized the bistable mechanism at a 3–5 V input voltage and closed in 0.96 ms, which verified the simulation.
A PSO-Based Global MPPT Technique for Distributed PV Power Generation

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are one of the main actors in distributed power generation. In particular, in urban contexts, the PV generators can be subjected to mismatching phenomena due to the different orientation of the modules with respect to the sun rays or due to shadowing. In these cases, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) function must be designed carefully. In this paper, architecture, including one dc/dc converter for each PV generator, is considered. The converters' output terminals are series connected to a high-voltage dc bus, where also a bidirectional dc/dc converter managing the power from/to a storage device is plugged. The functional constraints deriving from the dc/dc converters' connection, the mismatching phenomena, the MPPT capabilities of the inverter, connected with its input terminals at the dc bus, are taken into account in order to determine the best operating point of the system as a whole. The real-time constrained optimization problem is solved by using the particle swarm optimization method, which needs the knowledge of the actual current versus voltage curve of each PV generator. The practical impact of this need is also discussed in the paper. The feasibility and the performances of the proposed approach are experimentally validated by using a laboratory prototype.
Automated analysis for basketball free throw

Kinetic analysis of the sport player performance is a very important operation for players and coaches, in order to fully understand player development and abilities. Commonly this operation is done by human observation and reviewing a large amount of recorded video. Problems with the traditional way are that this is time-consuming, inaccurate, mostly neither the players nor the coaches will be able to review the whole video content or part of the recorded video, and in some cases the reviewer may overlook some important details. This paper proposes a suggested computerized kinetic analysis for basketball free throw, the paper first detects the main positions of the free throw, then analyses the player performance based on the calculated Hu moment.
Birth Order and Family Size: Influences on Adolescents' Achievement and Related Parenting Behaviors

The purposes of this study were to confirm birth-order and family-size differences in achievement, to confirm birth-order and family-size differences in parenting, and to examine whether parenting style and parental involvement serve as mediators of birth-order and family-size differences in achievement. Subjects were 195 ninth-grade boys and girls and their parents from urban, suburban, and rural communities in the southeast and the midwest. Questionnaire measures of adolescents' and parents' perceptions of parenting style and parental involvement were used. Birth-order and family-size differences were found in adolescents' achievement and perceptions of parenting style and parental involvement but not in parents' perceptions of parenting. However, these parenting characteristics did not mediate the differences seen in achievement by birth order and family size. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Adaptive fuzzy output feedback containment control of second-order systems with unknown dynamics

In this paper, the adaptive fuzzy output feedback containment control problem is investigated for second-order systems with unknown dynamics and immeasurable states under directed communication graphs. Fuzzy logic systems are employed to approximate the unknown dynamics, and an adaptive fuzzy error observer is designed using the relative position information. Based on the designed observer, an adaptive fuzzy output feedback containment control scheme is developed to realize that the all followers are ultimately driven to dynamic convex hull formed by the multiple leaders with a bounded containment error. A simulation example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Organizational Engineering Using Sociometric Badges

We show how a wearable computing research platform for measuring and analyzing human behavior can be used to understand social systems. Using a wearable sociometric badge capable of automatically measuring the amount of face-to-face interaction, physical proximity to other people, and relative location, we are able to construct a dynamic view of an organization's social network by viewing interactions as links between actors. Combining this with email data, where e-mail exchanges indicate a social tie, we are able to form a robust view of the social network, using proximity information to remove spurious e-mail exchanges. We attempt to use on-body sensors in large groups of people for extended periods of time in naturalistic settings for the purpose of identifying, measuring, and quantifying social interactions, information flow, and organizational dynamics. We discuss how this system can lead to an automatic intervention system that could optimize the social network in real time by facilitating the addition and removal of links based on objective metrics in a socially natural way. We deployed this research platform in a group of 22 employees working in a real organization over a period of one month, and we found that betweenness in the combined social network had a high negative correlation of r = −0.49 (p