Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced inter-diffusion of immiscible elements Fe/Cu at the interface of FeZr/CuZr amorphous multilayers

ABSTRACT Fe75Zr25/Cu64Zr36 amorphous multilayers were prepared by magnetron sputtering. Atom probe tomography was employed to analyze the atomic inter-diffusion at the interface of the multilayers before and after annealing (573 K, 60 min). An unexpected enhanced inter-diffusion of the immiscible elements Fe and Cu was detected at the interface of the multilayers. As the inter-diffusion in amorphous multilayers is much faster than that in the crystalline counterparts, this process may open a way to manipulate or create amorphous multilayers with new properties. This idea agrees with the observation of the variation of magnetic properties of Fe75Zr25/Cu64Zr36 amorphous multilayers. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT This paper reveals the enhanced atomic inter-diffusion at the interface of amorphous materials, and may open a way to manipulate or create amorphous multilayers with new properties.
2. Taking the critics to task: The case for task-based teaching

All form-focused language instruction involves an attempt to intervene in the process of learning a second language (L2). Instruction as intervention is of two basic kinds – direct and indirect. Direct intervention involves providing learners with explicit information about the target of the instruction together with opportunities to practice the target (i.e. explicit instruction). It invites intentional language learning on the part of the learner. Indirect intervention involves setting up opportunities for learners to learn without specifying what the target of the instruction is (i.e. implicit instruction). In other words, there is no explicit teaching of the target feature although there are opportunities to engage in the use of it. Implicit instruction caters to incidental language learning on the part of the learner. These two types of intervention assume different positions regarding the interface between explicit and implicit knowledge of a second language (i.e. a non-interface, a strong interface, and a weak interface position). This talk will consider these interface positions through an examination of recent research that has investigated the effects of explicit and implicit instruction on second language acquisition.
An Emergent Space for Distributed Data With Hidden Internal Order Through Manifold Learning

Manifold-learning techniques are routinely used in mining complex spatiotemporal data to extract useful, parsimonious data representations/parametrizations; these are, in turn, useful in nonlinear model identification tasks. We focus here on the case of time series data that can ultimately be modeled as a spatially distributed system [e.g., a partial differential equation (PDE)], but where we do not know the space in which this PDE should be formulated. Hence, even the spatial coordinates for the distributed system themselves need to be identified—to “emerge from”—the data mining process. We will first validate this “emergent space” reconstruction for time series sampled without space labels in known PDEs; this brings up the issue of observability of physical space from temporal observation data and the transition from spatially resolved to lumped (order-parameter-based) representations by tuning the scale of the data mining kernels. We will then present actual emergent space “discovery” illustrations. Our illustrative examples include chimera states (states of coexisting coherent and incoherent dynamics), and chaotic as well as quasiperiodic spatiotemporal dynamics, arising in partial differential equations and/or in heterogeneous networks. We also discuss how data-driven “spatial” coordinates can be extracted in ways invariant to the nature of the measuring instrument. Such gauge-invariant data mining can go beyond the fusion of heterogeneous observations of the same system, to the possible matching of apparently different systems.
Morphologic and molecular investigation of schistosomes from the mesenteric vein of slaughtered cattle

In cattle, schistosomosis, caused by different species of helminthes under the genus Schistosoma (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae), is a chronic and wasting disease, contributing considerable economic losses through impairment of production. Accurate diagnosis of Schistosoma spp.by traditional and molecular methods is the key to its management.A totalof 64 cattle mesentery were collected from different slaughter houses of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. This study has shown that out of 64 cattle examined, 40 were infected with schistosomes species. Tentatively, we identified different species of Schistosoma on the basis of morphologic and morphometric analysis.Up to 1-400 adult Schistosoma indicum or Schistosoma spindale were detected from a positive sample but could not confirm the co-infection state.Histopathological examination revealed cross-section of schistosomes in lymphatics and veins of mesentery. To identify species-specific schistosomes this study developed a new approach where two specific primers (SI16sRNA and SPMit) were designed and used to amplify the genomic DNA of S. indicum and S. spindale on selected eight sample by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The SPMit primer amplified a fragment of 330bp which was positive for all eight samples (100%) of schistosomes whereas SI16sRNA primer amplified a 606 bp fragment which was positive for three samples (37.5%). Three samples showed mixed infection with both species of S. indicum and S. spindale.In conclusion, Cattle of Mymensingh district were infected/co-infected with schistosomes and can be a cause of ill health, require further observation.
Comparison of feature extraction techniques for face verification using elastic graph matching on low-power mobile devices

This paper considers biometric face verification using elastic graph matching, fulfilling the requirements for mobile devices regarding performance, low complexity, and low-power consumption. Two feature extraction techniques are compared. A modified technique based on normalized mathematical morphological features is introduced, that results in performances comparable to ones achieved with Gabor features, however, with a substantially lower computational complexity.
An empirical evidence of the Electronic Purse ’ s adoption : The case of Moneo

Electronic purse is one of the last birth of smart card application. It deals with small payment and will be complementary to the nowadays payment card. However, its adoption both by consumers and merchants meets some obstacles which do not facilitate the diffusion process. This paper explores and models the processes and driving forces of the diffusion of Moneo electronic-purse in the area of Aix-Marseille in the south of France. We propose to assess some endogenous and exogenous factors that can influence the intention of adoption of Moneo. This study aim to (1) Evaluate the process of adoption of Moneo (2) Analyze the technological, economic and social effects for the diffusion of Moneo (3) Determine the major factor(s) that influence the process of adoption of Moneo. We find that the introduction of Moneo in the area of Aix-Marseille meets some difficulties and seems to converge towards a failure if commercial policies are not revised. We also find that the economic and technological factors greatly influence the Moneo adoption.
THE IN VITRO AND EX VIVO EFFECT OF PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI METHANOL EXTRACT ON HEPATIC GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN STZ-INDUCED DIABETIC SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and ex vivo (acute and sub-chronic doses) effect of Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract (PNME) on the activity of cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic young female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: Young female SD rats were induced type I diabetes mellitus using STZ (60 mg/kg i.v.). The in vitro study was performed on cytosolic fraction of diabetic rat livers using PNME in concentrations of 0.01, 1 and 10 µg/ml. Meanwhile, ex vivo studies were performed on diabetic rats using PNME in doses of 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg p.o. for acute study (1 day) and 100, 500 and 2000 mg/kg/day p.o. for sub-chronic study (14 days). The GST activity in the cytosolic liver fraction was measured using spectrophotometric analysis. Results : The in vitro study showed that, there is no significant effect of the three concentrations of PNME versus control on GST activity in cytosolic fraction of diabetic young female SD rat livers, while for ex vivo study, there is a significant dose independent induction effect on GST enzyme activity at all doses used in acute study. Meanwhile, sub-chronic study showed significant dose-independent induction effect at doses 500 and 2000 mg/kg. Conclusion: This study suggests that Phyllanthus niruri may increase the clearance of drugs that are metabolized by GST enzyme in phase II metabolism when given concomitantly with this plant extract. Key words: Phyllanthus niruri , GST, diabetic rats, cytosolic liver fraction, phase II metabolism
Virtualized Research Environments on the bwForCluster NEMO

The bwForCluster NEMO offers high performance computing resources to three quite different scientific communities (Elementary Particle Physics, Neuroscience and Microsystems Engineering) encompassing more than 200 individual researchers. To provide a broad range of software packages and deal with the individual requirements, the NEMO operators seek novel approaches to cluster operation [1]. Virtualized Research Environments (VREs) can help to both separate different software environments as well as the responsibilities for maintaining the software stack. Research groups become more independent from the base software environment defined by the cluster operators. Operating VREs brings advantages like scientific reproducibility, but may introduce caveats like lost cycles or the need for layered job scheduling. VREs might open advanced possibilities as e.g. job migration or checkpointing.
Designing of disulfide cyclic peptide for inhibiting polymerase A and B1 (PAC-PB1N) in H1N1 virus using molecular simulation approach

The drug resistance A/H1N1 flu virus is emerging rapidly. Therefore, looking for potential therapy is very important. PB2, PB and PA are subunits of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). They play an important role in viral replication. The PA and PB1 binding sites can be considered as potential targets for the development of new influenza drugs. The peptide inhibitors can be designed specifically due to their high-preferred activity. In this study, the cyclic peptide ligands were designed based on the crystal structure of PAC-PB1N in the surface of the molecule, resulting 1728 cyclopentadienyl compounds. The MOE 2008.10 software was utilized for molecular docking and dynamics simulation approach, while Lipinski’s Rules of Five were utilized to evaluate the feasibility of drug candidates. Thus, molecular dynamics simulation was applied, in order to facilitate the interaction between the ligand and enzyme. The simulations have successfully produced two cyclopentyl peptides, namely CKKTC and CKTTC, which results in both ligands providing a potent inhibitor of polymerase PAC-PB1N of Influenza A/2009 (H1N1).
Growing by learning: firm-level evidence on the size-productivity nexus

A well-known empirical regularity is that small firms are less productive than large firms. However, does size cause productivity or vice versa? Using firm-level administrative data for Spain, I find that productivity shocks are followed by significant increases in size defined by employment. In contrast, size shocks are not followed by productivity gains at the firm level. The combination of matching methods together with a bi-directional identification strategy allows me to account for selection on observables and endogeneity. I label this pattern as growing by learning because those firms learning about their higher efficiency levels are those that happen to grow more.
How to Promote Informal Learning in the Workplace? - The Need for Incremental Design Methods

Informal Learning in the Workplace (ILW) is ensured by the everyday work activities in which workers are engaged. It accounts for over 75 per cent of learning in the workplace. Enterprise Social Media (ESM) are increasingly used as informal learning environments. According to the results of an implementation we have conducted in real context, we show that ESM are appropriate to promote ILW. Nevertheless, social aspects must be reconsidered to address users’ needs regarding content and access, quality information indicators, moderation and control.
Intuitive and Adaptive Robotic Arm Manipulation using the Leap Motion Controller

Robotics provide an efficient approach in the development of assistive devices, due to their enhanced functionality. Statistics predict that by 2035, half of the population in Germany is going to be older than fifty, every third person even over 60. These ageing societies face numerous challenges in performing simple tasks in Activities of Daily Living “ADLs”. Increasingly, a lot of research is being focused on Ambient Assisted Living “AAL” which presents a new approach that promises to address the needs of elderly people. An important goal of AAL is to contribute to the quality of life of the elderly and handicapped people and help them to maintain an independent lifestyle. The introduction of robotics and technology-supported environments will play a huge role in allowing elderly and physically impaired people to keep living a self-determined, independent life in their familiar surroundings. In this paper, the implementation of a novel intuitive and adaptive manipulation scheme is proposed, by developing a human-machine communication interface between the Leap Motion controller and the 6-DOF Jaco robotic arm. An algorithm is developed to allow an optimum mapping between the user hand movement, tracked by the Leap Motion controller, and the Jaco arm. The system should allow for a more natural human-computer interaction and a smooth manipulation of the robotic arm, by constantly adapting to the user hand tremor or shake. The implementation would specially enhance the quality of living, especially for people with upper limb problems, and would support them in performing some of the essential Activities of Daily Living “ADLs”. The applications of this human-robot interaction will be discussed in relation with Ambient Assisted Living, where some use case scenarios will be introduced.
Durations of repeated non-words for children with cochlear implants

Durations of syllables for repeated non-words were calculated for 76 children with cochlear implants (CIs) and 16 children with normal hearing (NH). Average syllable durations did not differ significantly between the groups, however a final syllable lengthening ratio in CI children was significantly shorter than for their NH peers. Measures of hearing related demographics were not correlated with CI syllable measures.
Beyond the Tabletop : Improving the Spatial Awareness of Multi-Tablet Visualization

Copyright is held by the author/owner(s) ACM ISS 2017 Workshop on The Disappearing Tabletop: Social and Technical Challenges for Cross-Surface Collaboration. ISS’17 , October 17–20, 2017, Brighton, UK. Abstract In our research on post-tabletop multi-tablet sensemaking, we found that users working with tablets can be equally effective as those working with a large tabletop [26]. However, they also can have difficulties with using multiple tablets in parallel for multiple coordinated views and with assigning content, visualizations, and functionality across devices or team members [18]. We briefly summarize these findings from our user studies and prototypes and propose the potential solution of making post-tabletop multi-tablet visualization systems more spatially-aware [19, 20]. In future, spatially-aware systems could not only detect the spatial locations and configurations of users and devices but also use machine learning approaches to learn which visualizations and functions are most popular or helpful in specific spatial contexts. By this, systems could possibly learn over time and ideally make helpful recommendations for the choice of devices, views, and functionality and how to better manage multi-tablet visualization.
A SAS Macro for Estimating and Visualizing Individual Growth Curves

Longitudinal data analyses can be usefully supplemented by the plotting of individual growth curves. Unfortunately, such graphics can be challenging and tedious to produce. This article presents and demonstrates a SAS macro designed to automate this task. The OLStraj macro graphically depicts ordinary least squares (OLS)-estimated individual trajectories, describes interindividual variability in OLS-estimated growth parameters, and identifies possible outlier observations. Analytical developments are briefly outlined, and the use of the macro is demonstrated, with particular attention paid to the potential utility of the macro as both a data screening and post hoc diagnostic device. Potential limitations of the macro and suggestions for future developments are discussed. It is hoped that the program will be of use to applied researchers who seek to maximize the effectiveness of growth curve models in answering questions about stability and change.
Ozone photochemistry in an oil and natural gas extraction region during winter: simulations of a snow-free season in the Uintah Basin, Utah

The Uintah Basin in northeastern Utah, a region of intense oil and gas extraction, experienced ozone (O3) con- centrations above levels harmful to human health for multi- ple days during the winters of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. These wintertime O3 pollution episodes occur during cold, stable periods when the ground is snow-covered, and have been linked to emissions from the oil and gas extraction pro- cess. The Uintah Basin Winter Ozone Study (UBWOS) was a field intensive in early 2012, whose goal was to address current uncertainties in the chemical and physical processes that drive wintertime O3 production in regions of oil and gas development. Although elevated O3 concentrations were not observed during the winter of 2011-2012, the comprehen- sive set of observations tests our understanding of O 3 pho- tochemistry in this unusual emissions environment. A box model, constrained to the observations and using the near- explicit Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) v3.2 chem- istry scheme, has been used to investigate the sensitivities of O3 production during UBWOS 2012. Simulations iden- tify the O3 production photochemistry to be highly radical limited (with a radical production rate significantly smaller
Cognitive nodes among lines of lyrics

The challenge of recommending songs when confronted with the vast number of music tracks and video streams available on the internet, might require new types of cognitive interfaces reecting how we emotionally perceive media content. Both in music and language we rely on syntax for parsing sequences of symbols, which based on hierarchically nested structures allow us to express and share the meaning contained within a sentence or a melodic phrase. These structures become part of our memories when the ‘bottomup’ sensory input raises above the background noise of core aect, and ‘top-down’ trigger distinct emotions reecting a shift of our attention. As both low-level semantics of lyrics and our emotional responses can be encoded in words, we propose a simplied cognitive approach based on LSA latent semantic analysis. Modeling how we perceive the emotional content of song lyrics, the multiple contexts in which words occur are ‘bottom-up’ projected as vectors into a semantic space of reduced dimensionality. While patterns of emotional categorization emerge by dening term vector distances to aective
IN-FLIGHT CALIBRATION OF GOME-2 LEVEL-1 DATA USING THE OZONE MONITORING INSTRUMENT

We propose to use Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) level-1 measurement data, calibration experience and calibration algorithms to verify and validate the calibration and the accuracy of the GOME2 in-flight measurement data and level-1 radiance and irradiance data products. Areas of attention include the radiometric calibration (radiance and irradiance, including the irradiance goniometry calibration), the spectral calibration, the spectral stray light calibration, especially below 300 nm, line of sight and field of view calibrations of GOME-2. This paper briefly describes the status of the OMI calibration as well as the algorithms and methods that can be employed to verify and validate the accuracy of the GOME-2 in-flight calibration.
Evaluation of techniques for determining the density of fine woody debris

Evaluated various techniques for determining the density (i.e., bulk density) of fine woody debris during forest inventory activities. It was found that only experts in dead wood inventory may be able to identify fine woody debris stages of decay. Suggests various future research directions such as development of a 2-class fine woody debris decay class system.
Proofs 11 Proof of Lemma 1

If (7) were not satis ed, then agent i could pro tably deviate by paying no transfers and choosing dt = 0. If (8) is not satis ed, then we claim the principal has a pro table deviation at h̃. Consider the following recursively-de ned deviation following h̃. For any h ′ , t′ ≥ 1, the principal plays σ∗ 0(h ′ ), except he pays no transfers to agent i. Let h̃ ′+1 be the observed history at the beginning of t + t′ + 1. The principal chooses h ′+1 according to the distribution of length t+ t′ + 1 histories induced by σ∗(ht+t ′ ), conditional on the event Ij(h̃ t+t+1) = Ij(h t+t+1) ∀j 6= i. Under this strategy, agents j 6= i cannot distinguish h̃t+t and ht+t for any t′ ≥ 1, so the principal earns at least the right-hand side of (8).
Investigating Consumer Preferences for Biofuels : The Effects of the Consideration of Future Consequences

The relationship between the consideration of future and immediate consequences (CFC) (Joireman et al., 2008; Strathman et al., 1994) and consumer preference for gasoline, cellulosebased and corn-based ethanol fuels was investigated using data from a representative panel of U.S. consumers (N = 300). Employing conjoint analysis, results showed that that the overall CFC score was positively associated with the choice for alternative transportation fuels. As the CFC score increases from its minimum to maximum, the predicted probability of choosing celluloseand corn-based ethanol fuels increases from 14% to 61%, and 22% to 30%, respectively, and the probability of choosing gasoline drops from 64% to below 10%. Additional analyses showed that the CFC-Future and CFC-Immediate subscales were unique predictors of preference for biofuels. Implications for marketing of biofuels are discussed.
Application of Cryptographic Primitives to Computer Architecture

Cryptography and computer architecture have co-evolved since the beginning of computer science. For computer architects, security has become a first-class design constraint alongside power and performance. Computer architects often rely on heuristics that only work well probabilistically, and cryptographic primitives such as incremental hashing can provide guarantees on the accuracy of these heuristics in the worst case. This paper will cover the stateof-the-art in cryptographic processors, which can encrypt or decrypt a buffer rapidly, and secure architectures, which use crypto in a smart way to prevent piracy and tampering. I will also briefly discuss my research applying incremental hashing to provide cryptographic guarantees on the accuracy of dynamic memory allocation analysis of computer programs.