Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspectual Composition and Sentence Interpretation: A formal approach

This thesis is principally concerned with aspectual composition. Although there have been some recent studies on this topic, none has succeeded in explaining all the different aspectual interactions existing between a verb and its arguments. This thesis explores the interpretation of sentences containing transitive or intransitive verbs and their arguments. It is found that sentence interpretation (in terms of distributive and collective readings) together with a speaker’s linguistic knowledge of the world plays a decisive role in determining the aspectual interaction between a verb and its arguments. An important part in this thesis is the study of predicate properties. The parallelism between the domain of objects and that of events is stressed by defining a set of properties which may apply to predicates over both domains, namely quantisation and homogeneity. The analysis is formalised by means of lattices which represent our linguistic knowledge of the structure of the world. Objects and events are categorised by means of predicates, according to the standard (extensional) definition of a predicate in Predicate Logic. Quantisation and homogeneity are defined as properties of first-order predicates, allowing the use of classical deduction procedures to prove the different aspectual interactions. These aspectual interactions are possible thanks to the link which exists between objects andevents,which always appears in the semantics of a sentence. These links are interpreted as thematic roles, although in this thesis we take a look not at the thematic roles in themselves but at those properties which license one or another aspectual interaction. The properties of the thematic roles which are studied here and which are therefore relevant for the several types of aspectual interactions are very closely related to the readings of the sentence in the sense of distributivity and collectivity. There are three types of properties: those involved in a distributive reading; those involved in a collective reading; and those involved in a gradual reading (which here is treated as a special reading which shares properties from both the distributive and the collective
Effects of Citric and Lactic Acid on the Reduction of Deoxynivalenol and Its Derivatives in Feeds

Exposure to mycotoxin-contaminated feeds represents a serious health risk. This has necessitated the need for the establishment of practical methods for mycotoxin decontamination. This study investigated the effects of citric acid (CA) and lactic acid (LA) on common trichothecene mycotoxins in feeds contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins. Contaminated feed samples were processed either with 5% CA or 5% LA solutions in a ratio of 1:1.2 (w/v) for 5, 24, or 48 h, and analyzed for multiple mycotoxin metabolites using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method. The analyses showed that treating the feed with CA and LA lowered the concentration of deoxynivalenol (DON), whereby 5% LA lowered the original DON concentration in the contaminated feed samples by half, irrespective of the processing time. Similar lowering effects were observed for the concentrations of 15Ac-DON, 5-hydroxyculmorin, and sambucinol. The concentration of nivalenol was only lowered by the LA treatment. In contrast, CA and LA treatments showed no or only small effects on the concentration of several mycotoxins and their derivatives, including zearalenone, fumonisins, and culmorin. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the use of 5% solutions of LA and CA might reduce the concentration of common trichothecene mycotoxins, especially DON and its derivate 15Ac-DON. However, further research is required to determine the effect on overall toxicity and to identify the underlying mechanisms.
A Neural Network Controller for Continuum Robots

Continuum or hyper-redundant robot manipulators can exhibit behavior similar to biological trunks, tentacles, or snakes. Unlike traditional rigid-link robot manipulators, continuum robot manipulators do not have rigid joints, hence these manipulators are extremely dexterous, compliant, and are capable of dynamic adaptive manipulation in unstructured environments. However, the development of high-performance control algorithms for these manipulators is quite a challenge, due to their unique design and the high degree of uncertainty in their dynamic models. In this paper, a controller for continuum robots, which utilizes a neural network feedforward component to compensate for dynamic uncertainties is presented. Experimental results using the OCTARM, which is a soft extensible continuum manipulator, are provided to illustrate that the addition of the neural network feedforward component to the controller provides improved performance.
ATHENa - Automated Tool for Hardware EvaluatioN: Software Environment for Fair and Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Cryptographic Hardware using FPGAs

ATHENA AUTOMATED TOOL FOR HARDWARE EVALUATION: SOFTWARE ENVIRONMENT FOR FAIR AND COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF CRYPTOGRAPHIC HARDWARE USING FPGAS Venkata Amirineni, MS George Mason University, 2010 Thesis Director: Dr. Kris Gaj Fair comparison of the hardware efficiency of cryptographic algorithms, modeled in Hardware Description Languages and implemented using FPGAs, is a complex task. The results of the comparison depend on the inherent properties of competing algorithms, as well as on selected hardware architectures, implementation techniques, FPGA families, languages and tools. The development of new cryptographic standards through contests, such as AES, eSTREAM, and SHA-3 competitions, requires fair comparison of multiple cryptographic algorithms in terms of their hardware efficiency. To address this issue and to provide a comprehensive environment for an efficient evaluation of multiple algorithms, ATHENa, Automated Tool for Hardware EvaluatioN, has been developed. ATHENa facilitates fair, comprehensive, reliable, and automated comparison of cryptographic algorithms, hardware architectures, FPGA families, as well as FPGA tools and HDL languages. In this seminar, we present the common pitfalls and difficulties involved with the fair comparisons and demonstrate the capabilities of ATHENa through several case studies. Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Statement of the Problem Fair comparison of hardware implementations of cryptography is at the basis of progress in cryptographic engineering. New hardware architectures and optimization techniques have to be compared to the current state of the art. The development of new cryptographic standards through contests, such as AES [1], eSTREAM [2], and SHA-3 competitions [3], requires fair comparison of multiple cryptographic algorithms in terms of their hardware efficiency. Revealing source codes is often not an option because of the authors’ concerns regarding their intellectual property rights, export restrictions, and/or possible loss of profits from licensing hardware cores. This thesis reports on a comprehensive environment, Automated Tool for Hardware EvaluatioN (ATHENa) [4] that facilitates the fair comparison of cryptographic implementations, modeled in Hardware Description Language (HDL), without revealing the source codes. The project was inspired by a similar environment for comparing software implementations of cryptography, developed by Daniel Bernstein and Tanja Lange, called eBACS (ECRYPT Benchmarking of Cryptographic Systems) [5]. ATHENa allows the characterization of cryptographic algorithms using the FPGAs from multiple vendors, especially Xilinx and Altera. The system also provides different features such as the choice of an FPGA device within a given family, choice of optimum synthesis and implementation options, scanning through multiple placement starting points, and post processing of implementation reports.
SVM-Based Control System for a Robot Manipulator

Real systems are usually non-linear, ill-defined, have variable parameters and are subject to external disturbances. Modelling these systems is often an approximation of the physical phenomena involved. However, it is from this approximate system of representation that we propose - in this paper - to build a robust control, in the sense that it must ensure low sensitivity towards parameters, uncertainties, variations and external disturbances. The computed torque method is a well-established robot control technique which takes account of the dynamic coupling between the robot links. However, its main disadvantage lies on the assumption of an exactly known dynamic model which is not realizable in practice. To overcome this issue, we propose the estimation of the dynamics model of the nonlinear system with a machine learning regression method. The output of this regressor is used in conjunction with a PD controller to achieve the tracking trajectory task of a robot manipulator. In cases where some of the parameters of the plant undergo a change in their values, poor performance may result. To cope with this drawback, a fuzzy precompensator is inserted to reinforce the SVM computed torque-based controller and avoid any deterioration. The theory is developed and the simulation results are carried out on a two-degree of freedom robot manipulator to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.
Using learning automata for adaptively adjusting the downlink-to-uplink ratio in IEEE 802.16e wireless networks

IEEE 802.16e allows for flexibly defining the relation of the downlink and uplink sub-frames' width from 3:1 to 1:1, respectively. However, the determination of the most suitable ratio is left open to the network designers and the research community. Existing scheduling and mapping schemes are inflexibly designed. In this paper, a novel adaptive mapping scheme is proposed aiming to dynamically adjust the downlink-to-uplink ratio, following adequately the modification of the load requests with respect to both downlink and uplink directions. A learning automaton is exploited in order to sense the performance of the downlink and uplink mapping processes and to determine the most appropriate length ratio of both sub-frames in order to maximize the network performance. The suggested ratio determination scheme is evaluated through realistic scenarios and it is compared with static schemes that maintain a fixed ratio. The results show that our proposed scheme introduces considerable improvement, increasing the network's service ratio and reducing the bandwidth waste.
No early gender effects on energetic status and life history in a salmonid

Throughout an organism's early development, variations in physiology and behaviours may have long lasting consequences on individual life histories. While a large part of variation in critical life-history transitions remains unexplained, a significant proportion may be caused by early gender effects as part of gender-specific life histories shaped by sexual selection. In this study, we investigated the presence of early gender effects on the timing of emergence from gravel and the energetic status of brown trout (Salmo trutta) early stages. To investigate this question, individual measures of emergence timing, metabolic rate and energetic content were coupled for the first time with the use of a recent genetic marker for sdY (sexually dimorphic on the Y-chromosome), a master sex-determining gene. Our results show that gender does not influence the energetic content of emerging juveniles or their emergence timing. These findings suggest that gender differences may appear later throughout salmonid life history and that selective pressures associated with the critical period of emergence from gravel may shape early life-history traits similarly in both males and females.
A system-on-chip vector multiprocessor for transmission line modelling acceleration

We discuss a configurable, system-on-chip vector multiprocessor for accelerating the transmission line modeling (TLM) algorithm with an architecture capable of exploiting the two primary forms of parallelism in the code, thread and data level parallelism. Theoretical results demonstrate an order of magnitude reduction in the dynamic instruction count for a scalar-processor/vector-coprocessor configuration at a vector length of sixteen 32-bit single-precision elements. Furthermore, a multi-vector SoC architecture consisting of ten such vector accelerators provides a near-linear theoretical performance benefit of the order of 88% in three out of four benchmark configurations which is orthogonal to the benefit realized by vectorization alone. We discuss in detail this potent architecture and present implementation data for the 2-way multi-processor VLSI macrocell.
Impact of Increasing Wages on New Mexico Chile Production

Special contributions of several people deserve recognition. Lawrence Salazar provided bits of data, insights, and introductions to key informants that were invaluable. Gail James patiently and competently typed and retyped numerous drafts of the manuscript. Producers, processors, border inspection officials, and custom harvest operators took time from their busy schedules to provide the data and insights on which the study is based. To all these people we owe a debt of gratitude. Deficiencies in the work are the sole responsibility of the authors. Chile has long been an important element in New Mexico culture and cuisine. With the increasing popularity of Mexican food in recent decades, nationwide demand for chile has increased markedly. While chile is widely grown in northern New Mexico gardens and small plots, commercial production is concentrated in the southern part of the state. Since chile harvest is labor intensive, proximity to the large labor pool in El Paso/ Juarez has been a major factor in expanding production first in Doña Ana County, and more recently, in Luna County. Scarcity of harvest labor has been a major factor inhibiting spread of chile production into the Pecos Valley. Periodic threats to labor availability and cost, such as immigration reform and various labor laws, have prompted efforts to mechanize chile harvest. There have been many attempts to develop mechanical pepper harvesters. However, peppers, generally, and even local chiles, specifically, are very heterogeneous. Green, red, jalapeño, cayenne, and specialty chile types each have characteristics that affect harvest. Even different varieties within one type may have markedly different characteristics that affect machine harvesting. For example, pods that grow either close to the main stem or out on the branches can help or hinder mechanical harvest. Similarly , uniform ripening facilitates machine harvest, while an extended ripening period necessitates several pickings. The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of increasing the minimum wage on chile production in southern New Mexico. Will it spur mechanization? Will it encourage increased chile imports from Mexico? Or, are current production patterns likely to be unaffected? The focus was on red chile and jalapeños, since these types have been most amenable to mechanical harvest.
Biosensor Applications in the Field of Antibiotic Research—A Review of Recent Developments

Antibacterials are among of the most important medications used in health care. However, their efficacy is increasingly impeded by a tremendous and globally spread bacterial resistance phenomenon. This bacterial resistance is accelerated by inadequate application of antibacterial drugs in humans, the widespread veterinary use of antibacterials, and antibacterial occurrence in the environment and food. Further, there is a lack of development of innovative novel drugs. Therefore, the search for novel antibacterials has to be intensified and the spread of antibacterials in the environment has to be restricted. Due to the fundamental progress in biosensor development and promising applications in the antibiotic field, this review gives for the first time an overview on the use and prospects of biosensor applications in that area. A number of reports have applied biosensors of different design and techniques to search for antibacterials in environmental and foodstuff matrices. These studies are discussed with respect to the analytical values and compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, biosensor applications to elucidate the mode of action of antimicrobial drugs in vitro have been described. These studies were critically introduced referring to the informational value of those simulations. In summary, biosensors will be illustrated as an innovative and promising, although not yet comprehensively applied, technique in the antibacterial field.
Current Update in Asian Rhinoplasty

Summary: There has been a tremendous growth of cosmetic surgery among Asians worldwide. Rhinoplasty is second only to blepharoplasty in terms of popularity among Asians regarding cosmetic surgical procedures. Most Asians seek to improve their appearance while maintaining the essential features of their ethnicity. There are considerable ethnic nasal and facial variations in this population alone. Successful rhinoplasty in Asians must take into account underlying anatomic differences between Asians and whites. Due to ethnic variations, cultural differences, and occasional language barriers, careful preoperative counseling is necessary to align the patient’s expectations with the limitations of the procedure. This article will review the many facets of Asian rhinoplasty as it is practiced today.
Modelling gene expression time-series with radial basis function neural networks

Gene expression time-series are discrete, noisy, short and usually unevenly sampled. Most of the existing methods used to compare expression profiles, operate directly on the time points. While modelling, the profiles can lead to more generalised, smooth characterisation of gene expressions. In this paper, a radial basis function neural network is employed to model gene expression time-series. The orthogonal least square method, used for selection of centres, is further combined with a width optimisation scheme. The experiments on a number of expression datasets have shown the advantages of the approach in terms of generalisation and approximation. The results on known datasets have indeed coincided with biological interpretations.
Marko Kotilainen Complex network approach to the analysis of industrial collaborations

The internationalization of markets and the uncertainty caused by it have increased collaboration between companies. By collaborating, companies can reduce risks and focus on their core competences. Especially technological markets have transformed from local markets to global ones. Global markets and collaboration increase the importance of standardization. In this thesis, we study two collaboration networks that are constructed from data on two standardization organizations. Both networks contain common companies but the structures of networks are different, which can be seen with basic analysis and visualization of networks. When studying the stability of networks, we see that both networks contain a small number of organizations that are present for many years and are in tight collaboration. We have also detected communities of companies in these networks with a method that simulates information flow between companies. The method had problems finding communities from a full network. When more important structures were highlighted, better results were obtained. The sizes and level of activity of the communities were analyzed on a yearly basis by assuming that companies do not switch communities during the observed period of time. From the development of communities, we saw the rise of the Chinese community. It appears that Chinese companies have caught up with the Japanese that have been around from the begining. Finally, we studied the development of collaborations between with a method introduced in this thesis. From the collaboration between communities, we see how Chinese companies have risen to become a part of the tight core formed by important communities.
PCTAIRE1 regulates p27 stability, apoptosis and tumor growth in malignant melanoma

PCTAIRE1 is a cyclin-dependent kinase family protein that has been implicated in spermatogenesis. Although we recently revealed the function of PCTAIRE1 in tumorigenesis of epithelial carcinoma cells, its tumorigenic function in melanoma remains unclear. Interrogation of the Oncomine database revealed that malignant melanoma showed up-regulation of PCTAIRE1 mRNA compared to normal skin and benign melanocytic nevus tissues. In the melanoma cell lines A2058 and SK-MEL-28, PCTAIRE1 gene knockdown using siRNA or shRNA diminished melanoma cell proliferation as assessed by cellular ATP levels, cell counting and clonogenic assays. Moreover, FACS analyses of annexin V-PI staining and DNA content showed that PCTAIRE1 knockdown caused apoptosis in A2058 cells. In contrast, PCTAIRE1 does not appear to be involved in the proliferation of immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Depletion of PCTAIRE1 by siRNA/shRNA led to p27 accumulation in melanoma cells but not HaCaT cells. In tumor xenografts of melanoma A2058 cells, conditional knockdown of PCTAIRE1 restored p27 protein expression and suppressed tumor growth. Our findings reveal a crucial role for PCTAIRE1 in regulating p27 protein levels and tumor growth in melanoma cells, suggesting that PCTAIRE1 could provide a target for melanoma treatment.
Impact of Bottleneck Queue Size on TCP Protocols and Its Measurement

The queue size at a bottleneck would impact the performance of TCP protocols, especially when running a single TCP flow in networks with a large bandwidth-delay product. However, queue size has been not well considered in experiments. This paper shows how bottleneck queue size influences TCP protocols performance. Bursityness of advanced TCPs is examined. Ways of estimating queue size are introduced. Sending a UDP packet train until a loss is detected is a method to measure queuing delay to estimate queue size. Watching a loss in a TCP session to measure round trip time and calculate the queue size is also discussed. Results from experiments with a network emulator and a real network are reported. The results indicated that a layer-2 switch at a congestion point would be a major factor of decreasing TCP performance in a fast long distant path.
Content-based retrieval in multimedia databases

The flexible retrieval of pictorial data on the basis of content hinges on the ability to model multimedia data effectively. In using the entity-attribute-relationship model, the main semantic concepts of entity, attribute and relationship can be represented in a simple manner which correspond very closely to the noun, adjective and verb which are the essential components of a simple description of a picture. Such a system has an advantage over traditional ways of representing the data in an automated system in that it allows the concept of relationships between two (or more) objects within a picture to be represented in the database.Our basic starting point is man-machine cooperation in which the pattern processing capability of the human eye is fully exploited. As a result, it should provide a much better degree of flexibility in the identification of complex high-level patterns. We also introduce a picture description language which allows the contents of pictures to be systematically represented, these resultant representations can then be stored for subsequent processing. Picture retrieval is accomplished by specifying picture queries using a picture query language. Evaluation experiments carried out on a prototype system show that this approach is able to yield precision and recall performances of over 62% and 88% respectively.