Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sampled-data control for spacecraft attitude control systems based on a quaternion model

In this paper, sampled-data control is considered for the attitude control of nonlinear spacecraft control systems. We mainly study a linearized spacecraft model i.e. the linearized inertial pointing spacecraft model. Moreover, it is shown that designed controller globally stabilizes the nonlinear space-craft system, and locally optimizes the spacecraft performances. The simulation results demonstrate the high performances and asymptotic stability of the proposed method.
Application of Queuing Theory for Locating Service Centers by Considering Provides Several Service in That

One of the factors contributing to the success of the service centers to provide high quality services to customers can be short waiting time for customers to receive service and quick access to a service center for the service is licensed under. In this paper, a model for locating service centers stated that its goal is to minimize travel time and waiting for customers to receive service. The main purpose served by assuming diversity is followed. Serving a variety of different means of providing some kind of service each type of service in each service center is a different and independent. Since most service centers will provide some kind of service, diversity is supposed to serve many applications and makes precise location of choice for service centers and service providers to choose the number of each type in each center. The proper selection of these two cases, it is very effective in enhancing the quality of service to customers. The problem with this objective and key assumptions, modeling and meta-heuristic algorithms and solving community dispersed particles is investigated.
Influence of separate and mixed experimental designs on reaction times to two simple visual stimuli

contexts have been shown to critically influence experimental results in psychophysical studies. One of these contexts that show important modulation of the behavioral effects of different stimulatory conditions is the separate (blocked) or mixed presentation of these stimulatory conditions. The study presents evidence that the apparent discriminabilities of two target stimuli can change according to which of these two testing contexts is used. A cross inside a ring and a vertical line inside a ring were presented as go stimuli in a go/no-go reaction time task. In one experiment, each of these stimuli was presented to a different group of volunteers and in another experiment they were presented to the same group of volunteers, randomly mixed in the blocks of trials. Similar reaction times were obtained for the two stimuli in the first experiment, and different reaction times (faster for the cross) in the second experiment. The latter result indicates that the two stimuli have different discriminabilities from the no-go stimulus; the cross having greater discriminability. This difference is however masked, presumably by the adoption of specific compensatory attentional sets, in a separate testing context. Keywords: context effects; reaction time; discriminability; attentional strategy.
Interviewing skills: self‐evaluation by medical students

In an independent learning project, 52 third‐year medical students carried out a structured self‐assessment of two videotaped psycho‐social interviews they had conducted with volunteer clients 1 year earlier, as part of a previous course. The interviews had been conducted in small tutorials with feedback from their clients, fellow students and tutors, facilitated by videotape playback. During the sequence of 16 tutorials each student had carried out an early and a late interview and had observed and participated in the discussion of the interviews of 14 peers. Students were asked to tally the frequencies of various interview behaviours, to evaluate the quality of their behaviours, and to establish priorities for future learning. The videotapes were also reliably rated by an independent observer. Students' overall self‐assessments correlated 0.46 with those of the independent observer. This correlation was higher than is typically reported in studies of the validity of self‐assessment. In absolute terms, the students' mean rating of interviewing performance was 3.2 (adequate plus) which was significantly lower than the observer's mean of 3.6 (adequate to good). Results are discussed in terms of Gordon's (1992) two recommendations for improving the validity of self‐assessments and two further suggestions, for paired comparisons and low‐threat learning environments, are added.
Q-learning based power control algorithm for D2D communication

In this paper, reinforcement learning (RL) based power control algorithm in underlay D2D communication is studied. The approach we use regards D2D communication as a multi-agents system, and power control is achieved by maximizing system capacity while maintaining the requirement of quality of service(QoS) from cellular users. We propose two RL based power control methods for D2D users, i.e., team-Q learning and distributed-Q learning. The former is a centralized method in which only one Q-value table needs to be maintained, while the latter enables D2D users to learn independently and reduces the complexity of Q-value table. Simulation results show the difference of the two Q-learning algorithm in terms of convergence and reward function. In addition, it is shown that through our distributed-Q learning, D2D users not only are able to learn their power in a self-organized way, but also achieve better system performance than that using traditional method in LTE(Long Term Evolution).
Job Satisfaction Indicators and Their Correlates

Conceptions of job satisfaction until very recently have been largely psychological and individualistic in orientation. Empirical studies have been confined to local situations or special populations with interpretive purposes reflecting the values of employed individuals or of their managers. However, if job satisfaction measures are to be useful in monitoring the quality of employment on a societal scale, it will be necessary to enlarge the perspective, to invoke some societal and political values, and to begin to treat job satisfaction in the context of a larger array of associated variables. The measurement of job satisfaction as a social indicator may have three roles: (1) to represent a valued product of society-a component of the psychological GNP; (2) to provide a monitoring and diagnostic aid for’ early warning of societal dislocations, policy or program failure, and slowly developing societal changes; and (3) to provide a significant component in the theories and models to be used in the formulation of social
Novel LIM (Laser Induced Metallization) technologies of ITRI applied to 11 GHz high-gain microstrip array design on mobile phone casing

This article presents an integrated 11 GHz microstrip array antenna implemented by novel LIM (Laser Induced Metallization) technologies of ITRI. Through the proposed LIM technologies, the metal layouts of radiating patches, feeding network and antenna ground can be formed on surfaces of handset casing successfully with conformal and highly integrating characteristics. Compared to the well-known LDS technologies, the LIM technologies spray a special laser-activatable colloid on surface of supporter materials to replace prior metal-particle-mixed plastics of LDS for achieving more flexibility on substrate choosing in practical applications. The constructed prototype is discussed and analyzed in the paper.
Realizing a production ATE custom processor and timing IC containing 400 independent low-power and high-linearity timing verniers

An ATE processor and timing IC that includes 400 low-power timing verniers with a linearity error of less than 35ps is described. The timing vernier design approach is presented in detail. This 16x16mm/sup 2/ 62M transistor IC is implemented in foundry portable 0.18/spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Algorithms for the Weight Constrained Shortest Path Problem

Given a directed graph whose arcs have an associated cost, and associated weight, the weight constrained shortest path problem (WCSPP) consists of finding a least-cost path between two specified nodes, such that the total weight along the path is less than a specified value. We will consider the case of the WCSPP defined on a graph without cycles. Even in this case, the problem is NP-hard, unless all weights are equal or all costs are equal, however pseudopolynomial time algorithms are known. The WCSPP applies to a number of real-world problems. Traditionally, dynamic programming approaches were most commonly used, but in recent times other methods have been developed, including exact approaches based on Lagrangean relaxation, and fully polynomial approximation schemes. We will review the area and present a new exact algorithm, based on scaling and rounding of weights.
Evaluating Collaborative Planning: A Case Study of the Morice Land and Resource Management Plan

Collaborative planning is widely used in British Columbia, Canada as a decision-making tool for land use management. This study uses a research design synthesized from the relevant literature to evaluate the Morice Land and Resources Management Planning process, which began in 2002. After 18 months of negotiation between local stakeholders, the Morice table produced a consensus agreement for land use in the region. Unlike other processes in BC, a two-tiered negotiation model was used to engage First Nations on a govemment-to-govemment basis. This study demonstrates a need to revisit the two-tier process design in a way that continues to respect First Nations' constitutional rights while also satisfying non-aboriginal stakeholders. Despite room for improvement, the Morice process was an overall success and generated important environmental and socioeconomic benefits for stakeholders. This case study joins a growing body of research supporting collaborative planning as an effective land use management practice.
The Bulgari Connection

Abstract Product placement is the business process that seamlessly inserts an advertiser's commercial message into various entertainment and informational media vehicles (movies, videos, television programs, radio shows, newsletters, books, etc.) as an indigenous part of the story line. This paper presents an analysis of the controversy surrounding British novelist Fay Weldon's decision to accept financing from the famed Italian jewelry company Bulgari to prominently mention the firm and its products in her 2001 book, a fast-paced social comedy. The contract specified at least 12 mentions. However, in an interesting twist, Weldon decided to feature Bulgari prominently in the plot and incorporate the company name in the title. The Bulgari Connection(U.S. distributor, Grove/Atlantic) is believed by many to be “the first major novel containing paid product placement,” although other books with commercial tie-ins predate it.
Case study: Suki Group of Restaurants – transformation recipe

This case study overviews the successful growth of the Suki Group of restaurants in Singapore. Blending Asian and Western cuisines and offering a value for money experience, the Suki Group has expanded from a single restaurant in 2002 to a major chain employing over 1100 people across 31 outlets in Singapore. As a case study for students and managers it highlights the importance of value creation, customer and employee focus, sound leadership and a capacity for innovation.
Scientists’ Opinions on the Global Status and Management of Biological Diversity

Abstract: The large investments needed if loss of biological diversity is to be stemmed will likely lead to increased public and political scrutiny of conservation strategies and the science underlying them. It is therefore crucial to understand the degree of consensus or divergence among scientists on core scientific perceptions and strategies most likely to achieve given objectives. I developed an internet survey designed to elucidate the opinions of conservation scientists. Conservation scientists (n =583) were unanimous (99.5%) in their view that a serious loss of biological diversity is likely, very likely, or virtually certain. Scientists’ agreement that serious loss is very likely or virtually certain ranged from 72.8% for Western Europe to 90.9% for Southeast Asia. Tropical coral ecosystems were perceived as the most seriously affected by loss of biological diversity; 88.0% of respondents familiar with that ecosystem type agreed that a serious loss is very likely or virtually certain. With regard to conservation strategies, scientists most often viewed understanding how people and nature interact in certain contexts and the role of biological diversity in maintaining ecosystem function as their priorities. Protection of biological diversity for its cultural and spiritual values and because of its usefulness to humans were low priorities, which suggests that many scientists do not fully support the utilitarian concept of ecosystem services. Many scientists expressed a willingness to consider conservation triage, engage in active conservation interventions, and consider reframing conservation goals and measures of success for conservation of biological diversity in an era of climate change. Although some heterogeneity of opinion is evident, results of the survey show a clear consensus within the scientific community on core issues of the extent and geographic scope of loss of biological diversity and on elements that may contribute to successful conservation strategies in the future.
Establishment of Dental Epithelial Cell Line (HAT-7) and the Cell Differentiation Dependent on Notch Signaling Pathway

Rat incisors grow continuously throughout life. Producing a variety of dental epithelial cells is performed by stem cells located in the cervical loop of the incisor apex. To study the mechanisms for cell differentiation, we established a dental epithelial cell line (HAT-7) originating from a cervical loop epithelium of a rat incisor. Immunochemical studies showed that HAT-7 produced the cells expressing amelogenin, ameloblastin, or alkaline phosphatase (ALP). To illustrate a role of Notch signaling in the determinant of the cell fate, we examined expression patterns of Notch1 and Jagged1 in HAT-7 density dependently. At lower cell density, Notch1- or Jagged1-expressing cells were not seen. However, when they were fully confluent, cells began to express Notch1 or Jagged1 strongly. Some ALP-positive cells were almost consistent with Notch1-expressing cells but not Jagged1-expressing cells. These results suggested that the determinant of direction of differentiation was associated with Notch signaling pathway.
Expression, subunit composition, and function of AMPA‐type glutamate receptors are changed in activated microglia; possible contribution of GluA2 (GluR‐B)‐deficiency under pathological conditions

Microglia express AMPA (α‐amino‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole‐4‐propionate)‐type of glutamate (Glu) receptors (AMPAR), which are highly Ca2+ impermeable due to the expression of GluA2. However, the functional importance of AMPAR in microglia remains to be investigated, especially under pathological conditions. As low expression of GluA2 was reported in some neurodegenerative diseases, GluA2−/− mice were used to show the functional change of microglial AMPARs in response to Glu or kainate (KA). Here we found that Glu‐induced currents in the presence of 100 μM cyclothiazide, an inhibitor of AMPAR desensitization, showed time‐dependent decrease after activation of microglia with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in GluA2+/+ microglia, but not in GluA2−/− microglia. Upon activation of microglia, expression level of GluA2 subunits significantly increased, while expression of GluA1, A3 and A4 subunits on membrane surface significantly decreased. These results suggest that nearly homomeric GluA2 subunits were the main reason for low conductance of AMPAR in activated microglia. Increased expression of GluA2 in microglia was also detected partially in brain slices from LPS‐injected mice. Cultured microglia from GluA2−/− mice showed higher Ca2+‐permeability, consequently inducing significant increase in the release of proinflammatory cytokine, such as TNF‐α. The conditioning medium from KA‐treated GluA2−/− microglia had more neurotoxic effect on wild type cultured neurons than that from KA‐treated GluA2+/+ microglia. These results suggest that membrane translocation of GluA2‐containing AMPARs in activated microglia has functional importance and thus, dysfunction or decreased expression of GluA2 may accelerate Glu neurotoxicity via excess release of proinflammatory cytokines from microglia.
Patient Readiness to Adhere to HAART

Objectives: to determine 1) whether patients’ statements of readiness to take HAART predicted adherence and 2) whether previous experience with HAART enabled patients to better predict adherence. Method: Thirty-nine patients (24 naïve to HAART and 15 reinitiating HAART after a hiatus of >6 months) indicated readiness to take HAART on a Likert scale and a visual analog scale (VAS). Adherence was measured by prescription renewals. Results: Participants were 72% male; 62% African/American; 23% Anglo-White, and 13% Hispanic. Patients considered themselves quite ready to initiate therapy on both scales. Adherence for 5 months ranged from 24% to 100%; mean = 68%; median = 78%. Adherence was not associated with readiness as measured by the Likert scale (F = .15, p = .86) or the VAS (r = -.078, p = .64). VAS readiness scores did not correlate with adherence for naïve (r = -.16; p = .47) or experienced (r = .09; p = .76) patients. Conclusions: Patients’ statements of readiness to take HAART do not predict their adherence.
Secrecy Archiving Public Ascertaining for Immune Cloud Storage

Without the burden of local data storage and maintenance, with the help of cloud storage, users can remotely store their data. They can also enjoy the on-demand high quality applications and services from a shared pool of configurable computing resources. The data integrity protection in Cloud Computing is a formidable task, since the users with constrained computing resources do not physical possession the outsourced data. Moreover, users should be able to just use the cloud storage as if it is local, without worrying about the need to verify its integrity. Thus, enabling public ascertability for cloud storage is of critical importance so that users can resort to a third party ascertor (TPA) to check the integrity of outsourced data and be worry-free. To securely introduce an effective TPA, the ascertaining process should bring in no vulnerabilities towards user data secrecy, and introduce no additional online burden to the user. This paper proposes an immune cloud storage system supporting secrecy archiving public ascertaining. We further extend our result to enable the TPA to perform ascerts for multiple users simultaneously and efficiently. Keywords— Data storage; secrecy archiving; public ascertability; cryptographic protocols; Coud Computing
Patterns of use of electronic journals

On the basis of a twenty‐two month transaction log of SuperJournal and using K‐Means cluster analysis, this paper classifies a spectrum of user behaviour with electronic journals into a typology of eight categories of user (or eight patterns of use): the searcher, the enthusiastic user, the focused regular user, the specialised occasional user, the restricted user, the lost user, the exploratory user and the tourist. It examines the background and experience with SuperJournal of each type of user to illuminate its formation. The examination shows that the contents (both coverage and relevance) and ease of use of a system as they were perceived by the user were the most significant factors affecting patterns of use. Users’ perceptions of both factors were affected by a range of intervening factors such as discipline, status, habitual approach towards information management, availability of alternative electronic journal services, purpose of use, etc. As any service is likely to attract a great variety of users, so will it lead to differing patterns of use. This paper demonstrates the need for a service to meet the requirements of users with these varied patterns.
Research Note - The Impact of External Word-of-Mouth Sources on Retailer Sales of High-Involvement Products

Online word-of-mouth (WOM) such as consumer opinions, user experiences, and product reviews has become a major information source in consumer purchase decisions. Prior research on online WOM effect has focused mostly on low-involvement products such as books or CDs. For these products, retailer-hosted (internal) WOM is shown to influence sales overwhelmingly. Numerous surveys, however, suggest consumers often conduct pre-purchase searches for high-involvement products (e.g., digital cameras) and visit external WOM websites during the search process. In this study, we analyze the relative impact of external and internal WOMs on retailer sales for high-involvement products using a panel of sales and WOM data for 148 digital cameras from Amazon.com and three external WOM websites (Cnet, DpReview, and Epinions) over a four-month period. The results suggest that a retailer's internal WOM has a limited influence on its sales of high-involvement products, while external WOM sources have a significant impact on the retailer's sales. The findings imply that external WOM sources play an important role in the information search process.
Percutaneous cryoablation in combination with ethanol injection for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous hepatic cryoablation in combination with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 105 masses in 65 HCC patients underwent percutaneous hepatic cryoablation. The cryoablation was performed with the Cryocare system (Endocare, Irvine, CA, USA) using argon gas as a cryogen. Two freeze-thaw cycles were performed, each reaching a temperature of -180 degrees C at the tip of the probe. PEI was given in 36 patients with tumor masses larger than 6 cm in diameter 1-2 weeks after cryoablation and then once per week for 4 to 6 sessions. The efficacy was evaluated with survival, change of tumor size and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. RESULTS During a follow-up duration of 14 months in average with a range of 5 to 21 months, 33 patients (50.8%) were free of tumors, 22 patients (33.8%) alive with tumor recurrence: two had bone metastases, three were found to have lung metastases, and the remaining 17 recurrences occurred in the liver, of whom only 3 developed a cryosite recurrence. Among the 41 patients who were followed up for more than one year, 32(78%) were alive despite of tumor recurrence. Seven patients (10.8%) died due to disease recurrence. Three patients (4.6%) died due to some noncancer-related causes. Among the 43 patients who had a CT scan available for review, 38 (88.4%) had a shrinkage of tumor mass. Among the 22 patients who received biopsies of cryoablated tumor mass, all biopsies except one, showed only dead or scar tissues. Of the patients who had an increased AFP preablatively, 91.3% had a decrease of AFP to normal or nearly normal levels during postablative 3-6 months. Complications of cryoablation included liver capsular cracking in one patient,transient thrombocytopenia in 4 patients and asymptomatic right-sided pleural effusions in 2 patients. Two patients developed liver abscess at the previous cryoablation site at 2 and 4 months, respectively, following cryoablation, and was recovered after treated with antibiotics and drainage. CONCLUSION Percutaneous cryoablation offers a safe and possibly curative treatment option for patients with HCC that cannot be surgically removed, and its integration with PEI, may serve as an alternative to partial liver resection in selective patients.