Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-objective optimisation of hot in-place recycling of asphalt pavement considering environmental impact, cost and construction quality

ABSTRACT Hot in-place recycling (HIR) of asphalt pavement is deemed as an environmental-friendly maintenance measure. Cost and construction quality were concerned conventionally in the HIR practice despite the HIR construction process itself producing substantial environmental burdens. In this study, a multi-objective optimisation model was therefore developed considering the environmental impact, cost and construction quality for HIR practice. Environmental impact was quantified based on discrete-event simulation (DES), which can capture the uncertainty of construction activity and the idling state of equipment. Cost comes from material input, fuel consumption and equipment usage. Compaction degree and construction reliability were used as proxies of construction quality. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGAII) was employed to solve the multi-objective optimisation problem and obtained 20 sets of Pareto optimal solutions. The results suggested there is an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact and cost to 96.5% and 97.3% and to increase the construction quality to 125.1% compared to the base case. However, these optimisation effects are mutually compromised and cannot be reached simultaneously. Trade-off analysis among objectives was performed and suggested that construction quality generally increases with cost but at the expense of a greater environmental impact. Frequency counting of decision variables of Pareto sets indicated that more influence was observed by truck type than the truck number in the construction process. The developed optimisation model can help the decision maker optimise and customise the construction plan for the HIR project and harvest overall benefits.
Identification of a poor-prognosis BRAF-mutant-like population of patients with colon cancer.

PURPOSE Our purpose was development and assessment of a BRAF-mutant gene expression signature for colon cancer (CC) and the study of its prognostic implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS A set of 668 stage II and III CC samples from the PETACC-3 (Pan-European Trails in Alimentary Tract Cancers) clinical trial were used to assess differential gene expression between c.1799T>A (p.V600E) BRAF mutant and non-BRAF, non-KRAS mutant cancers (double wild type) and to construct a gene expression-based classifier for detecting BRAF mutant samples with high sensitivity. The classifier was validated in independent data sets, and survival rates were compared between classifier positive and negative tumors. RESULTS A 64 gene-based classifier was developed with 96% sensitivity and 86% specificity for detecting BRAF mutant tumors in PETACC-3 and independent samples. A subpopulation of BRAF wild-type patients (30% of KRAS mutants, 13% of double wild type) showed a gene expression pattern and had poor overall survival and survival after relapse, similar to those observed in BRAF-mutant patients. Thus they form a distinct prognostic subgroup within their mutation class. CONCLUSION A characteristic pattern of gene expression is associated with and accurately predicts BRAF mutation status and, in addition, identifies a population of BRAF mutated-like KRAS mutants and double wild-type patients with similarly poor prognosis. This suggests a common biology between these tumors and provides a novel classification tool for cancers, adding prognostic and biologic information that is not captured by the mutation status alone. These results may guide therapeutic strategies for this patient segment and may help in population stratification for clinical trials.
Effect of high loading rate and low temperature on mode I fracture toughness of ductile polyurethane adhesive

Abstract The mode I fracture toughness of an adhesive at low temperatures under high loading rates are studied experimentally. Typical R-curves of the polyurethane adhesive under different loading rates (0.5 mm/min, 50 mm/min, 500 mm/min) at different temperatures (room temperature, −20 °C, −40 °C) respectively are obtained. From the experimental results, the mode I fracture toughness of this adhesive is extremely sensitive to the high loading rates and low temperatures. With the increase of the loading rate and decrease of temperature, the mode I fracture toughness of this adhesive decreases significantly. Under the loading rate of 500 mm/min at −40 °C, the mode I fracture toughness of adhesive is 15% of the value at room temperature (RT) under quasi-static conditions. Through the experiment, the relationship between mode I fracture toughness of this adhesive, nominal strain rate and temperature is obtained.
Size effect on axial behavior of concrete-filled box columns

The use of concrete-filled box columns could provide an economical alternative to building and bridge construction. Past experimental results showed that current building codes provided an adequate accuracy in determining axial capacity of such composite members. However, the sizes of the previously studied test specimens were mostly smaller than those for practical applications. As the column size increases, the size effect may become significant. Therefore, the applicability of extrapolating those test results to larger concrete-filled box columns needs to be justified. This study was devoted to investigating the potential size effect on axial behavior of concrete-filled box columns. Six short square concrete-filled box columns, with cross-sectional dimensions ranging from 300 to 750 mm, were tested under axial loading. Comparisons between experimental and analytical results were presented. It was observed that the size effect was prominent for the concrete-filled box columns studied herein. The results of this study showed that current design codes overestimated the axial capacity of the test columns with a dimension of 750 mm. In addition, finite element simulations of the axially loaded specimens were conducted to investigate the stress–strain behaviors of the concrete enclosed in different sizes of steel box columns. Results from the finite element analysis suggested that the larger steel box columns were less effective in enhancing the compressive strength of the enclosed concrete than smaller steel box columns.
A Controlled Expeniment on the Impact of Software Structure on Maintainability

This paper describes a study on the impact of software structure on maintainability aspects such as comprehensibility, locality, modifiability, and reusability in a distributed system environment. The study was part of a project at the University of Kaiserslautern, West Germany, to design and implement LADY, a LAnguage for Distributed systems. The study addressed the impact of software structure from two perspectives. The language designer's perspective was to evaluate the general impact of the set of structural concepts chosen for LADY on the maintainability of software systems implemented in LADY. The language user's perspective was to derive structural criteria (metrics), measurable from LADY systems, that allow the explanation or prediction of the software maintenance behavior. A controlled maintenance experiment was conducted involving twelve medium-size distributed software systems; six of these systems were implemented in LADY, the other six systems in an extended version of sequential Pascal. The benefits of the structural LADY concepts were judged based on a comparison of the average maintenance behavior of the LADY systems and the Pascal systems; the maintenance metrics were derived by analyzing the interdependence between structure and maintenance behavior of each individual LADY system.
Applying Reversible Data Hiding for Medical Images in Hybrid Domain Using Haar and Modified Histogram

In this paper a reversible data hiding (RDH) algorithm for medical images is proposed. This algorithm specifically based on histogram modification in hybrid domain. The idea of this algorithm is that a histogram is created from the differences between each pixel and its neighbours. A 2D DWT haar transform is performed to convert cover image into a transform domain to select appropriate frequencies for embedding the payload. The selected DWT coefficients bit planes are used to carry the secret message. The experimental result demonstrates that our proposed method outperforms the traditional state of art methods in terms Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSI) and the algorithm guarantees the reversibility of the host image. The proposed method avoids overflow and underflow of the pixel values and achieves highest embedding capacity.
Low Power Test Compression Technique for Designs with Multiple Scan Chain

This paper presents a new DFT technique that can significantly reduce test data volume as well as scan-in power consumption for multiscan-based designs. It can also help to reduce test time and tester channel requirements with small hardware overhead. In the proposed approach, we start with a pre-computed test cube set and fill the don’t-cares with proper values for joint reduction of test data volume and scan power consumption. In addition we explore the linear dependencies of the scan chains to construct a fanout structure only with inverters to achieve further compression. Experimental results for the larger ISCAS’89 benchmarks show the efficiency of the proposed technique.
A Study of Causal Discovery With Weak Links and Small Samples

Weak causal relationships and small sample size pose two significant difficulties to the automatic discovery of causal models from observational data. This paper examines the influence of weak causal links and varying sample sizes on the discovery of causal models. The experimental results illustrate the effect of larger sample sizes for discovering causal models reliably and the relevance of the strength of causal links and the complexity of the original causal model. We present indicative evidence of the superior robustness of MML (Minimum Message Length) methods to standard significance tests in the recovery of causal links. The comparative results show that the MML-CI (the MML Causal Inducer) causal discovery system finds better models than TETRAD II given small samples from linear causal models. The experimental results also reveal that MML-CI finds weak links with smaller sample sizes than can TETRAD II.
Constrained CMA-based multiuser detection under unknown multipath

In this paper, a constant modulus algorithm (CMA) based multiuser detector is proposed under linear constraints. Different from previous work, we explicitly consider the multipath effect. Therefore multiple constraints are incorporated into the optimization problem to mitigate multipath distortions. The algorithm will work well if constraint parameters are properly pre-selected. However, the detector's performance highly depends on the constraints. Thus we jointly update the detector and the constraint vector by minimizing the Godard's cost function with respect to both the detector and the constraint vector. It is shown that under certain conditions in the absence of noise, the algorithm guarantees global convergence. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the results.
CDMA Performance in Tactical Applications

Abstract Dean, R. A. , CDMA Performance in Tactical Applications, Digital Signal Processing 12 (2002) 242–251 This paper develops some advantages of IS95-based code division multiple access (CDMA) for military tactical applications by comparing the power efficiency of CDMA to current tactical radios which employ digital FM (DFM) technology. A definition of power efficiency is developed along with a simple model for comparing CDMA with DFM. A power efficiency performance differential is then developed based on modulation, multipath, and power control features. This performance differential is then adapted to show performance gains for intercept, detection, and geolocation. Intercept range is reduced by a factor of 2–6, and detection and geolocation range are reduced by a factor of 10–30 for the examples selected.
Internal Readout System for Molecular Recorders

This paper quantifies a molecular measurement system as it may be applied to real-time brain activity mapping. The network's signal source consists of biologically synthesized molecular recorders embedded in each neuron. This means of measurement promises the ability to obtain unprecedented levels of operational brain detail, but poses a formidable challenge in communicating its recordings outside the body. To simplify the problem this work discusses a centralized means of achieving readout that leverages an organism's circulatory system and sensors for DNA sequencing. It studies a scenario where molecular recordings from the brain are allowed to circulate in the bloodstream while nanopores arrayed in vessels near the heart pick-up and process the messages. The circulatory system serves as a means of transport and signal redundancy while the sequencing technique offers the possibility of a monolithic high-throughput single-molecule detector.
Improved face recognition by incorporating local color information into the active shape model

Face recognition is one of the most natural biometrics identification approaches. But the accuracy of face recognition is significantly influenced by poses, facial expressions, and lighting conditions. This paper presents a novel robust facial recognition system by incorporating color information into a modified active shape model (ASM). The selected robust geometric and chromatic information of facial landmark points are derived from ASM. Faces are classified using the k-nearest neighbors algorithm with the chosen distance and color features. Compared with the original ASM and its enhanced version, the proposed method consistently achieves a much higher recognition rate at a comparable processing speed.
Clinical features and mutation of NPHP5 in two Chinese siblings with Senior‐Løken syndrome

Senior‐Løken syndrome is a rare syndromic form of nephronophthisis that is associated with retinal dystrophy. Presently, seven genes (NPHP1‐6 and NPHP10) have been associated with Senior‐Løken syndrome. NPHP5 mutations are known to cause classical Senior‐Løken syndrome. Here, we report two sisters (II‐4, II‐5) from a Chinese Han ethnic family who presented with classical Senior‐Løken syndrome. Both affected sisters exhibited Leber's congenital amaurosis and juvenile nephronophthisis that progressed to end‐stage renal disease by the age of 16 years and 9 months in patient II‐4 and 12 years and 9 months in patient II‐5. Sequence analysis showed a homozygous truncated mutation in NPHP5, c.1090C>T (p.R364X), in the patient II‐4. This mutation is predicted to introduce a new open reading frame that results in the truncation of the C‐terminal 235 amino acids of nephrocystin‐5 and its consequent loss of function. Both parents carried a single heterozygous mutation in the same position, and no homozygous deletion of NPHP1 was found in this pedigree.
Volatility Derivatives

Volatility derivatives are a class of derivative securities where the payoff explicitly depends on some measure of the volatility of an underlying asset. Prominent examples of these derivatives include variance swaps and VIX futures and options. We provide an overview of the current market for these derivatives. We also survey the early literature on the subject. Finally, we provide relatively simple proofs of some fundamental results related to variance swaps and volatility swaps.
A fast recognition system for isolated arabic characters

This paper presents a very fast multi-stage algorithm for the recognition of non-Latin script. Although the examples use Arabic script, the system could be adapted in minutes to deal with any character set, in particular non-Latin characters where no commercial OCR systems are available. The approach used normalises isolated characters for size and extracts an image signature based on the number of black pixels in the rows and columns of the character and compares these values to a set of signatures for typical characters of the set. This technique identifies not only the closet match but gives the closeness of match to all other characters in the set, which is expressed in a triangular confusion matrix.
The liminality of the patient with dementia in hospital

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim was to explore the experiences of people with dementia in subacute geriatric rehabilitation hospitals to critically evaluate the care received by such patients. BACKGROUND Globally, the number of people with dementia is growing and is expected to impact progressively more on health systems. People with dementia can become deconditioned and deteriorate in cognitive function while in hospital. The unfamiliar environment and people can cause the person to become disorientated, which then leads to behavioural symptoms which complicate care. DESIGN Critical ethnography. METHODS Methods included observation with field notes and 30 audio-recorded conversational interviews with patients with dementia in an Australian subacute care setting. Data were collected in May-December 2014, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The central theme identified that patients with dementia described a liminal experience and felt like outsiders in the hospital environment. This was supported by the subthemes of not understanding why they were being kept in hospital, feeling lost in the space, bored, anxious about discharge plans and lacking intersubjective relationships. Many felt imprisoned by the locked wards. There was little evidence of nursing care delivered in an empathetic person-centred way. Nurses were busy and engaged with the patients only superficially. CONCLUSIONS People with dementia can have a liminal experience and feel like outsiders in this environment, which does not cater for the specific needs of this patient group. It should be acknowledged that people with dementia require additional resources. A caring nurse-patient relationship is fundamental to the patient experience. Nurses require further support and education about dementia in order to deliver quality care to this patient group. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE These findings will influence nurse leaders to advocate for improved resources for nurses to provide appropriate care for patients with dementia in subacute geriatric hospitals. The clinical practice of nurses needs to be supported with education, pyschological and material support to improve the therapeutic environment for patients with cognitive impairment resulting from dementia.
Practitioner Evaluation at Work

Practitioner involvement in evaluation, research, development, and other forms of disciplined inquiry that are small scale, local, grounded, and carried out by professionals who directly deliver those services is embraced across a wide range of professions as essential to good professional practice. However, little is known about the character, homogeneity or diversity, outcomes, motives, and practice of this activity. This article explores practitioner evaluation in social work, with an eye toward plausible connections with professional work across the public sector. The authors first explore the experience of doing practitioner evaluation, including its solitary or collaborative character, insider and outsider ascriptions and achievements, reflective moments regarding competence and capacity, and occasional glimmers of fascination with the work. The authors then explore contextualizing practitioner evaluation within its practice, agency, and professional cultures. Their third focus is through the lens of shifting practice and evaluation borderlines. The authors conclude with some provisional discussion of the implications for good practitioner evaluation.
miR-125b Regulates the Early Steps of ESC Differentiation through Dies1 in a TGF-Independent Manner

Over the past few years, it has become evident that the distinctive pattern of miRNA expression seen in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) contributes to important signals in the choice of the cell fate. Thus, the identification of miRNAs and their targets, whose expression is linked to a specific step of differentiation, as well as the modulation of these miRNAs, may prove useful in the learning of how ESC potential is regulated. In this context, we have studied the expression profile of miRNAs during neural differentiation of ESCs. We have found that miR-125b is upregulated in the first steps of neural differentiation of ESCs. This miRNA targets the BMP4 co-receptor, Dies1, and, in turn, regulates the balance between BMP4 and Nodal/Activin signaling. The ectopic expression of miR-125b blocks ESC differentiation at the epiblast stage, and this arrest is rescued by restoring the expression of Dies1. Finally, opposite to miR-125a, whose expression is under the control of the BMP4, miR-125b is not directly regulated by Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) signals. These results highlight a new important role of miR-125b in the regulation of the transition from ESCs to the epiblast stage and add a new level of control on TGFβ signaling in ESCs.
Long-Term Characteristics of Hazelnut Allergy in an Adjuvant-Free Mouse Model

Background: Clinically it is recognized that tree nut allergies such as hazelnut allergy are not usually outgrown. Specific mechanisms underlying the persistence of such food allergies are incompletely understood. Here we studied the natural history and the long-term immune and clinical characteristics of hazelnut allergy in an adjuvant-free mouse model. Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized to hazelnut protein using a transdermal sensitization protocol that does not use adjuvant. After establishing sensitization, exposure to hazelnut was withdrawn for 3, 5 or 8 months. The fate of circulating IgE antibodies was monitored. Subsequently, mice were given booster exposures and examined for memory IgE antibody and spleen cell IL-4 responses. Clinical characteristics and hypothermia responses upon oral allergen challenge were studied. Results: Upon allergen withdrawal, circulating hazelnut-specific IgE antibody levels began to drop. Nevertheless, IgE responses once established remained at significantly high levels for up to 8 months (the last time point studied) despite withdrawal of allergen exposure. Memory IgE responses to booster exposures were robust after 3, 5 or 8 months of allergen withdrawal. Furthermore, significant clinical reactivity to oral hazelnut challenge, and hypothermia responses were demonstrable at each of these time points. Long-lasting spleen cell memory IL-4 responses to hazelnut were detectable in these mice explaining the mechanism of sustenance of IgE responses and clinical sensitization. Conclusions: Hazelnut allergy once established persists for long periods, despite withdrawal of allergen exposure, due to long-lasting, memory IgE and IL-4 responses.
Characterization of a cationic phosphonium surfactant for micellar electrokinetic chromatography: Using the linear solvation energy relationships model

A phosphonium surfactant is introduced as a pseudostationary phase for MEKC and its performance and selectivity are compared to that of an analogous ammonium surfactant. The linear solvation energy relationship model has been applied to the two cationic surfactants, allowing the contributions of five chemical factors to the interactions between solutes and the micelles to be evaluated. Differences in the pseudophases cohesivity and acid/base interactions were observed. Despite the significant differences observed in the solvation parameter results the two phases have remarkably similar electrophoretic properties, with the anodic EOF produced by the dynamic coating and the electrophoretic mobility of the two surfactants being statistically equal.