Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The State Space Models Toolbox for MATLAB

State Space Models (SSM) is a MATLAB toolbox for time series analysis by state space methods. The software features fully interactive construction and combination of models, with support for univariate and multivariate models, complex time-varying (dy- namic) models, non-Gaussian models, and various standard models such as ARIMA and structural time-series models. The software includes standard functions for Kalman fil- tering and smoothing, simulation smoothing, likelihood evaluation, parameter estimation, signal extraction and forecasting, with incorporation of exact initialization for filters and smoothers, and support for missing observations and multiple time series input with com- mon analysis structure. The software also includes implementations of TRAMO model selection and Hillmer-Tiao decomposition for ARIMA models. The software will provide a general toolbox for time series analysis on the MATLAB platform, allowing users to take advantage of its readily available graph plotting and general matrix computation capabilities.
Cryptanalysis and Improvement of Jiang et al.'s Smart Card Based Remote User Authentication Scheme

The smart card based authentication protocols try to ensure secure and authorized communication between remote entities. In 2012, Wei et al. presented an improvement of Wu et al.'s two-factor authentication scheme for TMIS which is proven vulnerable to off-line password guessing attack by Zhu. Zhu also proposed a modified scheme to overcome with weakness of Wei et al.'s scheme, although Lee and Liu showed the failure of his scheme to resist parallel session attacks. Moreover, Lee and Liu introduced an improved scheme. We analyze Wei et al.'s, Zhu's and Lee and Liu's schemes and identify that none of the schemes resist on-line password guessing attack. Moreover, these schemes do not present efficient login and password chance phase. We also show that how inefficient password change phase causes denial of service attack. Further, we propose an improved password based remote user authentication scheme with the aim to eliminate all the drawbacks of previously presented schemes.
Round Window Stimulation with an Implantable Hearing Aid (Soundbridge®) Combined with Autogenous Reconstruction of the Auricle – A New Approach

Background: Congenital malformations of the auricle are often combined with atresia of the outer ear canal and malformations of the ossicles, representing aesthetic as well as functional deficits. Optimal treatment should therefore address both aspects equally. This report describes a new approach, combining the reconstruction of the auricle with implantation of an active middle ear hearing aid, stimulating the round window membrane. Method: A 33-year-old male patient, with bilateral ear microtia, fibrous atresia of the external ear canals and malformation of the ossicles due to Treacher Collins-Franceschetti syndrome was included in the study. In stage one, the cartilage framework of the new auricle, made of autogenous rib cartilage, was fabricated and implanted. During stage two, the auricle was elevated, a retro-auricular sulcus was formed and a Vibrant MED-EL Soundbridge® device was implanted. The transducer was coupled to the round window membrane. Results: Both functional and aesthetical results were favourable. Aided thresholds were between 15 and 30 dB in the frequency range of 0.75–6 kHz, monosyllabic word understanding at 65 dB SPL increased from 0 to 80%. Discussion: Combining aesthetic and functional rehabilitation, autogenous reconstruction of a new auricle together with the implantation of an active middle ear hearing aid, coupled to the round window membrane, is a promising new approach.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the O-5 antigen of Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide

Three murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced by fusion of P3X63-Ag8.653 myeloma cells and splenocytes of a mouse immunized with heat-attenuated (20 min, 80 degrees C) Salmonella typhimurium cells. MAbs 5A5 and 5B2 were of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) class, while MAb 4A8 was IgG2a. All possessed the kappa light chains. The MAbs were specific to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-5 antigen of Salmonella B serogroup, as determined by electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting. All MAbs recognized the same epitope, as determined by an additive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), although IgM MAbs exhibited higher avidity than the IgG MAb. ELISA analyses revealed that all three MAbs reacted with S. typhimurium (LPS O:1, 4, 5, and 12) while failing to recognize S. typhimurium var. copenhagen (LPS O:1, 4, and 12). The MAbs reacted equally with live and heat-attenuated Salmonella B serovars containing LPS O-5 antigen. The ability of the MAbs to detect live bacterial cells was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Treatment of bacteria with cholic acid and extremely low pH did not affect antibody binding to S. typhimurium. However, when S. typhimurium cells were exposed to alkaline conditions prior to reaction with all three MAbs, no binding was observed. The use of MAbs to discriminate between S. typhimurium and S. typhimurium var. copenhagen in meat samples was investigated.
Retinoid-Sensitive Steps in Steroidogenesis in Fetal and Neonatal Rat Testes: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA) was recently shown to modify testosterone secretion of the fetal testis in vitro. We characterized this effect by culturing rat testes explanted at various ages, from Fetal Day 14.5 to Postnatal Day 3. In basal medium, RA inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, both basal and acute LH-stimulated testosterone secretion by testes explanted on Fetal Days 14.5, 15.5, and 16.5. It had no effect on testes from older animals. The negative effect of RA did not result from a diminution in the number of Leydig cells but from a decrease in P450c17 mRNA levels and in LH-stimulated cAMP production. However, the RA-induced decrease in P450C17 mRNA levels was also observed with neonatal testes, suggesting that this enzymatic step is no longer rate limiting at this developmental stage. To study the physiological relevance of RA effects, we used fetuses and neonates issued from mothers fed a vitamin A-deficient (VAD) diet, resulting in a threefold decrease of plasma retinol concentration. On Fetal Day 18.5 and on Posnatal Day 3, testosterone secretion by the testis ex vivo was significantly increased in VAD animals. This shows that the endogenous retinol inhibits differentiation and/or function of fetal Leydig cells before Fetal Day 18.5 and is required for the normal regression of fetal Leydig cell function that occurs after Fetal Day 18.5. In conclusion, our results show that retinoids play a negative role on the steroidogenic activity during the differentiation of rat fetal Leydig cells.
Discrimination on Campus and the Role of Pluralistic Ignorance

Discrimination on Campus and the Role of Pluralistic Ignorance. (May 2010) Tyler Joseph Middleton Department of Psychology Department of Economics Texas A&M University Research Advisor: Dr. Rachel Hull Department of Psychology Research has suggested that when an individual acts in a manner inconsistent with his or her stated attitudes there is likely some form of “implicit attitude” driving the behavior. However, another possibility is that attitude-behavior discrepancies could arise from a misperception of normative pressures from the group. In other words, when viewed through the lens of pluralistic ignorance, it is possible that individual group members could hold non-prejudiced views but behave in a discriminatory manner because they believe their peers hold prejudiced views. The present study began testing this possibility by collecting self-reports from 120 Texas A&M University (TAMU) undergraduates on five attitudinal measures as well as their perceptions of the attitudes of the TAMU student body. The results indicated that people rated themselves as significantly more tolerant (less prejudiced) than their peers on all three measures that evaluated racial or gender equality. We argue that this supports the presence of a norm misperception concerning the degree of prejudice in the TAMU student body. We discuss in particular how the norm misperception with respect to prejudice lays the groundwork for further
A mathematical model and genetic algorithm-based approach for parallel two-sided assembly line balancing problem

Assembly lines are usually constructed as the last stage of the entire production system and efficiency of an assembly line is one of the most important factors which affect the performance of a complex production system. The main purpose of this paper is to mathematically formulate and to provide an insight for modelling the parallel two-sided assembly line balancing problem, where two or more two-sided assembly lines are constructed in parallel to each other. We also propose a new genetic algorithm (GA)-based approach in alternatively to the existing only solution approach in the literature, which is a tabu search algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first formal presentation of the problem as well as the proposed algorithm is the first attempt to solve the problem with a GA-based approach in the literature. The proposed approach is illustrated with an example to explain the procedures of the algorithm. Test problems are solved and promising results are obtained. Statistical tests are designed to analyse the advantage of line parallelisation in two-sided assembly lines through obtained test results. The response of the overall system to the changes in the cycle times of the parallel lines is also analysed through test problems for the first time in the literature.
Ultrasonic sensor data integration and its application to environment perception

To move in an unknown or uncertain environment, a mobile robot must collect information from various sensors and use it to construct a representation of the external world. Ultrasonic sensors can provide range data for this purpose in a simple and cost-effective way. However, most ultrasonic sensors are not sufficient for environment recognition because of their large beam opening angles. In this article the beam-opening-angle problem is solved by fusing data from multiple ultrasonic sensors. We propose two methods for sensor data fusion. One uses an artificial neural network (ANN), and the other is based on a mathematical model. Simulations and experiments show that the mathematical model is more accurate when there is no noise in the sensor readings, but the ANN method is better when the sensors are subject to much noise. To extract line segments from the ultrasonic image, we develop a line extractor that is more efficient than traditional line fitting methods in this application. Experimental results show that this method is effective for environment perception in a robotic system.
Why is accurately labelling simple magnitudes so hard

Absolute identi cation is a deceptively simple task that has been the focus of empirical investigation and theoretical speculation for more than half a century. Observers are shown a set of N stimuli varying on a single dimension (e.g., length or loudness) and each stimulus is given a label (e.g.,1; ::;N). They then attempt to identify stimuli presented one at at time by producing the associated label. Since Miller's (1956) seminal paper the puzzle of why people are severely limited in their capacity to accurately perform absolute identi cation has endured. Despite the apparent simplicity of absolute identi cation, many complicated and robust e ects are observed in both response latency and accuracy, including capacity limitations, strong sequential e ects and e ects of the position of a stimulus within the set. Constructing a comprehensive theoretical account of these benchmark effects has proven difficult, and existing accounts all have shortcomings in one way or another. We review classical empirical ndings, as well as some newer fi ndings that challenge existing theories. We then discuss a variety of theories, with a focus on the most recent proposals, make some broad conclusions about general classes of models, and discuss the challenges ahead for each class.
Cooperation between two periplasmic copper chaperones is required for full activity of the cbb3‐type cytochrome c oxidase and copper homeostasis in Rhodobacter capsulatus

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient that functions as a cofactor in several important enzymes, such as respiratory heme‐copper oxygen reductases. Yet, Cu is also toxic and therefore cells engage a highly coordinated Cu uptake and delivery system to prevent the accumulation of toxic Cu concentrations. In this study, we analyzed Cu delivery to the cbb3‐type cytochrome c oxidase (cbb3‐Cox) of Rhodobacter capsulatus. We identified the PCuAC‐like periplasmic chaperone PccA and analyzed its contribution to cbb3‐Cox assembly. Our data demonstrate that PccA is a Cu‐binding protein with a preference for Cu(I), which is required for efficient cbb3‐Cox assembly, in particular, at low Cu concentrations. By using in vivo and in vitro cross‐linking, we show that PccA forms a complex with the Sco1‐homologue SenC. This complex is stabilized in the absence of the cbb3‐Cox‐specific assembly factors CcoGHIS. In cells lacking SenC, the cytoplasmic Cu content is significantly increased, but the simultaneous absence of PccA prevents this Cu accumulation. These data demonstrate that the interplay between PccA and SenC not only is required for Cu delivery during cbb3‐Cox assembly but also regulates Cu homeostasis in R. capsulatus.
User interface design for android-based family genealogy social media

In the era of the development of mobile technology, direct communication becomes a rare thing between humans to their families, causing the spatial communication between families, be it close family, distant family, or extended family. This can lead to familial relationships disappear, so that the grandchildren do not know their family tree properly. The “Geni.com” app provides a feature to record family tree by collaborating with six million other users, but this app is still a web app. This research will discuss about the development of application of android application from prototype of social media genealogy, then evaluate the performance using SUS and UEQ to see whether the application design has satisfy the expectations, which design is the best, and whether the design needs improvement or not based on user experience.
Activity of cationically substituted bis-benzimidazoles against experimental Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

On the basis of a previously observed correlation between the antimicrobial activity and DNA binding strength of dicationic molecules, a series of 10 dicationically substituted bis-benzimidazoles were tested for activity in the rat model of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. One of the compounds, 1,4-bis[5-(2-imidazolinyl)-2-benzimidazolyl]butane, was found to be more potent and less toxic than pentamidine.
A Class of Position Controllers for Underactuated VTOL Vehicles

This technical note proposes a unified framework for stabilizing a hover equilibrium for a class of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft using a cascade control architecture which yields almost global stability in the absence of wind gusts. The control design process is partitioned into two decoupled parts: the design of a bounded position controller for a fully actuated point-mass particle, and the design of an attitude stabilizer. The position feedback is then used in an outer loop to provide reference signals for the inner loop attitude stabilizer. A number of sample feedbacks in the proposed controller class are presented, some of which include integral action to compensate for an unknown mass.
Essential oil formulations useful as a new tool for insect pest control

This study investigated the effects of some essential oils onLimantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantridae, gypsy moth) larvae, one of the most serious pests of cork oak forests. The essential oils were first formulated as oil in water (o/w) emulsions and used in laboratory bioassays to assess their lethal concentration (LC50). Microcapsules containing the most promising, oils (Rosmarinus officinalis andThymus herba-barona) were then prepared by a phase separation process, followed by freeze-drying. The formulations thus obtained, characterized in terms of essential oil content and composition, morphology, storage stability, and release profile, were tested on gypsy moth larvae. The results showed that the tested oils possess interesting larvicidal effects that make them suitable for application in integrated control strategies. The microencapsulation process gave high encapsulation yields (over 98%) with both essential oils, which have different chemical compositions. The microcapsules had toxic effects at a concentration similar to that usually employed for localized treatments with microgranular synthetic pesticides. Toxicity appeared to be maximized when the microparticles adhered to the typical hair structures of several defoliator families. These formulations seem to be able to protect the core material against environmental agents and could be considered for use in controlled drug release systems. The natural active principles they contain could provide an alternative system in insect pest control.
Investigation of Principles of Context-Sensitive Reminding

We describe research on principles of context-sensitive reminding that show promise for serving in systems that work to jog peoples’ memories about information that they may forget. The methods center on the construction and use of a set of distinct probabilistic models that predict (1) items that may be forgotten, (2) the expected relevance of the items, and (3) the cost of interruption associated with alerting about a reminder. We describe the use of this set of models in the Jogger reminder prototype that employs predictions and decision-theoretic optimization to compute the value of reminders about meetings.
Increased cancer risk among relatives of nonsmoking lung cancer cases

Lung cancer has been shown to aggregate in families of nonsmoking lung cancer cases with an earlier age at onset. The current study evaluates whether relatives of nonsmoking lung cancer cases are at increased risk of cancers at sites other than lung. Families were identified through 257 population‐based, nonsmoking lung cancer cases and 277 population‐based, nonsmoking controls residing in metropolitan Detroit. Data were collected for 2,252 relatives of cases and 2,408 relatives of controls. First‐degree relatives of nonsmoking lung cancer cases were at 1.52‐fold (95% CI, 1.02–2.27) increased risk of cancer of the digestive system after adjustment for each relative's age, race, sex, and smoking status. Relative risk estimates also were elevated, but not significantly, for tobacco‐related cancers (RR = 1.39) and breast cancer (RR = 1.72). Among first‐degree relatives of younger probands (age 40–59), risk was non‐significantly increased 72% (95% CI 0.95–3.10) for all cancers combined and 3.14‐fold for cancers of the digestive system (95% CI 0.76–12.9). Nonsmoking relatives of cases were at increased risk of all cancer sites combined (RR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.003–1.73), cancers other than lung (RR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.03–1.82), and digestive system cancers (RR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.20–3.37). These findings of moderate familial aggregation for cancers of the lung, digestive system, breast, and tobacco‐related sites suggest that common susceptibility genes may act to increase risk for a variety of cancers in families. Genet. Epidemiol. 17:1–15, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Guidance and Control Law Design for Precision Automatic Take-off and Landing of Fixed-Wing UAVs

This paper presents an automatic take-off and landing control system (ATOLS) for fixed-wing UAVs. We propose a guidance and control system to satisfy the requirement for high-precision landing using arresting wires. For trajectory tracking, Line-of-Sight (LOS)based longitudinal and lateral guidance laws are derived. For the design of inner loop controllers, linear models are identified directly from the flight data. In order to maintain the consistency of the control performance in the presence of flight regime changes during take-off and landing, the linear baseline controller is augmented with a compensator designed using L 1 adaptive control theory, which eliminates the need for conventional gain scheduling. The proposed control system is implemented on a scale Cessna UAV with an arresting hook for validation. The proposed take-off and landing system demonstrated a consistent performance in a series of test flight on a full-scale carrier model.
Towards a deep learning model for hybrid recommendation

The deep learning wave is propagating through many research areas and communities. In the last years it quickly propagated to Recommendation Systems, a research area which aims to recommend items to users. Indeed, many deep learning models and architectures have been proposed for Recommendation Systems to improve collaborative filtering and content based algorithms. In this paper we propose a hybrid recommendation system combining user ratings and natural language text processing to solve the 0/1 recommendation problem. In particular, we describe a deep learning architecture combining two information sources, namely natural language text and user rating. Natural language text is used to learn a user-specific content-based classifier, while user ratings are used to develop user-adaptive collaborative filtering recommendations. We perform numerical experiments on MovieLens 1M and reach first preliminary, but promising results, showing the proposed architecture has the potential to combine content-based and collaborative filtering recommendation mechanisms using a deep learning supervisor.
Making Sense of Loss and Belongingness: Korean Transracial Adoptees' Journey from Europe to Korea

From 1953 to 2015, approximately 200,000 children born in Korea were adopted into foreign countries. Many studies have focused on Korean adoptees growing up in the US, as the majority of these children were adopted by American families. In comparison, research on Korean transracial adoptees raised in European countries is limited. Thus, the current study aims to highlight the journey of Korean transracial adoptees from Europe to Korea. Three participants narrated their life stories as adoptees in two separate interview sessions. The findings of this study call attention to the adoptees` ongoing reconsideration of their identity as they assimilate life experiences within two disparate cultural settings in Europe and Korea. The study found that ambiguous loss faced by the adoptees from their childhood in Europe continued to their adulthood in Korea. Major themes of the participants` narratives in their journey from Europe to Korea focused on their feelings of loss and the lack of belongingness. This study found that the sense of loss and the lack of belongingness changed over time. Participants were active agents in the process of their journey from Europe to Korea, as they constantly worked to adapt to and improve their situation in face of adversity.