Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Queueing Networks and Markov Chains (Modeling and Performance Evaluation With Computer Science Applications)

Examples are discussed to show the differences among discriminant analysis, logistic regression, and multiple regression. Chapter 6, “Multivariate Analysis of Variance,” presents advantages of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) over univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), discusses assumptions of MANOVA, and assesses validations of MANOVA assumptions and model estimation. The authors also discuss post hoc tests of MANOVA and multivariate analysis of covariance. Chapter 7, “Conjoint Analysis,” explains what conjoint analysis does and how it is different from other multivariate techniques. Guidelines of selecting attributes, models, and methods of data collection are presented. Chapter 8, “Cluster Analysis,” studies objectives, roles, and limitations of cluster analysis. Two basic concepts: similarity and distance are discussed. The authors also discuss details of five most popular hierarchical algorithms (singlelinkage, complete-linkage, average-linkage, centroid method, Ward’s method) and three nonhierarchical algorithms (the sequential threshold method, the parallel threshold method, and the optimizing procedure). Profiles of clusters and guidelines for cluster validation are studied as well. Chapter 9, “Multidimensional Scaling and Correspondence Analysis,” introduces two interdependence techniques to display the relationships in the data. The book describes clearly and intuitively the differences between the two techniques and how these two techniques are performed. Chapters 10–12 cover topics in SEM. Chapter 10, “Structural Equation Modeling: An Introduction,” introduces SEM and related concepts such as exogenous, endogenous constructs, and so on, points out the differences between SEM and other multivariate techniques, overviews the decision process of SEM. Chapter 11, “Confirmatory Factor Analysis,” explains the differences between exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, discusses how to construct, validate, and assess the goodness of fit of a measurement model in SEM by confirmatory factor analysis. Chapter 12, “Testing a Structural Model,” presents some methods of SEM in examining the relationships between latent constructs. The book is an excellent book for people in management and marketing. For the Technometrics audience, this book does not have much flavor of physical, chemical, and engineering sciences. For example, partial least squares, a very popular method in Chemometrics, is discussed but not as detailed as other techniques in the book. Furthermore, due to the amount of materials covered in the book, it might be inappropriate for someone who is new to multivariate analysis.
Differential time to positivity: Vascular catheter drawn cultures for the determination of catheter-related bloodstream infection

Abstract Background: Vascular access catheter-related infections are common. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of differential time to positivity (DTP) comparing 2 blood cultures drawn through different lumens of a multi-lumen central venous catheter (CVC DTP) for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). Methods: This study was performed at a single institution (Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). Microbiology laboratory blood culture records for the period January to November 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. All adult patients with a positive peripheral blood culture and a minimum of 2 positive central line cultures (same organism) drawn from separate lumens of a multi-lumen CVC, all obtained at the same time on the same day, were included in the study. DTP supporting CRBSI diagnosis was defined as a difference in time to positivity of ≥ 2 h between a peripheral blood culture and a CVC blood culture (peripheral DTP), or between 2 CVC blood cultures from different lumens of a multi-lumen catheter (CVC DTP). Peripheral DTP was used as the reference standard for CRBSI diagnosis. Results: Thirty-five episodes of bacteremia from 33 patients were included in this study. CVC DTP had a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 88.9% for CRBSI diagnosis, using peripheral DTP as the reference standard. Conclusions: These data suggest that CVC DTP may be of benefit in the diagnosis of CRBSI. Further study is required to better define the patient population/catheter type for which CVC DTP would be of greatest benefit.
Ultrasonic detection coherence of fiber Bragg grating for partial discharge in transformers

As a traditional approach of partial discharge (PD) in power transformers, ultrasonic detection with piezoelectric transducers (PZT) has drawbacks of low sensitivity and low detection efficiency. In order to overcome these disadvantages, an ultrasonic detection system based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is developed for PD in power transformers. Take the advantage of good insulation ability and immunity to electromagnetic interference, the optical sensor can be put into the transformers and detect the weak PD signal directly. In this paper, ultrasonic detection theory of FBG was analyzed, and PD detection experiments in transformer oil were carried out to test the performance of this FBG ultrasonic detection system. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate the coherence and distributed measuring ability, PD detection experiments based on multi-point FBG string with different center wavelength were conducted. Study results show the performance of FBG ultrasonic detection system is better than traditional PZT sensor, and satisfactory detection coherence of FBG with different center wavelength is proved. Moreover, distributed ultrasonic measuring of PD in power transformers can be realized by multi-point FBG string with application of wavelength-division and time-division multiplexing technology.
Design of New DSP Instructions and Their Hardware Architecture for High-Speed FFT

This paper presents new DSP (Digital Signal Processor) instructions and their hardware architecture for high-speed FFT. The instructions perform new operation flows, which are different from the MAC (Multiply and Accumulate) operation on which existing DSP chips heavily depend. This paper proposes the DPU (Data Processing Unit) supporting the instructions and shows it to be two times faster than existing DSP chips for FFT. The architecture has been modeled by the Verilog HDL and logic synthesis has been performed using the 0.35 μm standard cell library. The maximum operating clock frequency is about 144.5 MHz and the architecture will be employed on an application-specific DSP chip.
AMEE Guide No. 21: Curriculum mapping: a tool for transparent and authentic teaching and learning

The curriculum is a sophisticated blend of educational strategies, course content, learning outcomes, educational experiences, assessment, the educational environment and the individual students' learning style, personal timetable and programme of work. Curriculum mapping can help both staff and students by displaying these key elements of the curriculum, and the relationships between them. Students can identify what, when, where and how they can learn. Staff can be clear about their role in the big picture. The scope and sequence of student learning is made explicit, links with assessment are clarified and curriculum planning becomes more effective and efficient. In this way the curriculum is more transparent to all the stakeholders including the teachers, the students, the curriculum developer, the manager, the public and the researcher. The windows through which the curriculum map can be explored may include: (1) the expected learning outcomes; (2) curriculum content or areas of expertise covered; (3) student assessment; (4) learning opportunities; (5) learning location; (6) learning resources; (7) timetable; (8) staff; (9) curriculum management; (10) students. Nine steps are described in the development of a curriculum map and practical suggestions are made as to how curriculum maps can be introduced in practice to the benefit of all concerned. The key to a really effective integrated curriculum is to get teachers to exchange information about what is being taught and to coordinate this so that it reflects the overall goals of the school. This can be achieved through curriculum mapping, which has become an essential tool for the implementation and development of a curriculum. Faced with curricula which are becoming more centralized and less departmentally based, and with curricula including both core and optional elements, the teacher may find that the curriculum map is the glue which holds the curriculum together.
Antagonistic effect of Enterococcus faecium J96 against human and poultry pathogenic Salmonella spp.

Production of antagonistic compounds was studied in a strain of Enterococcus faecium isolated from the intestinal tract of a free-ranging chicken. Production of lactic acid and a bacteriocin was observed in cultures of this bacterium, alone and in mixed culture fermentations with pathogenic Salmonella serotypes (i.e., Gallinarum, Pullorum, Enteritidis, and Typhimurium). Growth inhibition of these avian and human pathogens was observed after 4 h of incubation at 37 degrees C in CAm broth, a medium developed according to the nutrients present in chicken food. The antibacterial action was due to the combined effect of lactic acid and bacteriocin. Accumulation of these metabolites caused both a bacteriostatic and a bactericidal action against the gram-negative bacteria assayed.
Bandwidth enhancement and size reduction of period for dual-band loop-slot Frequency Selective Surfaces on plastic board

Dual-band FSSs on plastic board that transmit 1.5GHz and 5.8GHz are developed and are evaluated by HFSS analysis and measurement. As for the close arrangement of inner elements in FSS, broad bandwidth is observed at higher resonant frequency than the other FSSs. The period of the FSS can be smaller by using fractal structure. Measurement system is developed and its validity is confirmed by comparison of simulation with measurement. The bandwidth and resonant frequencies of FSS are confirmed by the system.
Individual versus Standardized Running Protocols in the Determination of VO2max.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an individually designed incremental exercise protocol results in greater rates of oxygen uptake (VO2max) than standardized testing. Fourteen well-trained, male runners performed five incremental protocols in randomized order to measure their VO2max: i) an incremental test (INCS+I) with pre-defined increases in speed (2 min at 8.64 km·h(-1), then a rise of 1.44 km·h(-1) every 30 s up to 14.4 km·h(-1)) and thereafter inclination (0.5° every 30 s); ii) an incremental test (INCI) at constant speed (14.4 km·h(-1)) and increasing inclination (2° every 2 min from the initial 0°); iii) an incremental test (INCS) at constant inclination (0°) and increasing speed (0.5 km·h(-1) every 30 s from the initial 12.0 km·h(-1)); iv) a graded exercise protocol (GXP) at a 1° incline with increasing speed (initially 8.64 km·h(-1) + 1.44 km·h(-1) every 5 min); v) an individual exercise protocol (INDXP) in which the runner chose the inclination and speed. VO2max was lowest (-4.2%) during the GXP (p = 0.01; d = 0.06-0.61) compared to all other tests. The highest rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, ventilation and end-exercise blood lactate concentration were similar between the different protocols (p < 0.05). The time to exhaustion ranged from 7 min 18 sec (INCS) to 25 min 30 sec (GXP) (p = 0.01). The VO2max attained by employing an individual treadmill protocol does not differ from the values derived from various standardized incremental protocols. Key pointsThe mean maximum oxygen uptake during the GXP was lower than for all other tests.Differences in the maximum rate of oxygen uptake between the various protocols exhibited considerable inter-individual variation.From the current findings, it can be concluded that well trained athletes are able to perform an individually designed treadmill running protocol.
Modeling and Optimal Control of Batch Processes Using Recurrent Neuro-Fuzzy Networks

A recurrent neuro-fuzzy network based strategy for batch process modeling and optimal control is presented in this paper. The recurrent neuro-fuzzy network allows the construction of a "global" nonlinear long-range prediction model from the fuzzy conjunction of a number of "local" linear dynamic models. In this recurrent neuro-fuzzy network, the network output is fed back to the network input through one or more time delay units. This particular structure ensures that predictions from a recurrent neuro-fuzzy network are long-range or multi-step-ahead predictions. Long-range predictions are particularly important for batch processes where the interest lies in the product quality and quantity at the end of a batch. To enhance batch process control and monitoring, a model capable of predicting accurately the product quality/quantity at the end of a batch is required. Process knowledge is used to initially partition the process nonlinear characteristics into several local operating regions and to aid in the initialization of the corresponding network weights. Process input output data is then used to train the network. Membership functions of the local regimes are identified and local models are discovered through network training. An advantage of this recurrent neuro-fuzzy network model is that it is easy to interpret. This helps process operators in understanding the process characteristics. The proposed technique is applied to the modeling and optimal control of a fed-batch reactor.
Synergistic inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro by azidothymidine and recombinant alpha A interferon

Both recombinant alpha A interferon and azidothymidine inhibit the replication of human immunodeficiency virus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Combinations of recombinant alpha A interferon and azidothymidine at concentrations that are easily achievable in patients synergistically inhibit human immunodeficiency virus in vitro with minimal toxicity. Combinations of antiretroviral compounds that act by different mechanisms may prove useful in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related disorders.
MR imaging predictors of molecular profile and survival: multi-institutional study of the TCGA glioblastoma data set.

PURPOSE To conduct a comprehensive analysis of radiologist-made assessments of glioblastoma (GBM) tumor size and composition by using a community-developed controlled terminology of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging visual features as they relate to genetic alterations, gene expression class, and patient survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Because all study patients had been previously deidentified by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a publicly available data set that contains no linkage to patient identifiers and that is HIPAA compliant, no institutional review board approval was required. Presurgical MR images of 75 patients with GBM with genetic data in the TCGA portal were rated by three neuroradiologists for size, location, and tumor morphology by using a standardized feature set. Interrater agreements were analyzed by using the Krippendorff α statistic and intraclass correlation coefficient. Associations between survival, tumor size, and morphology were determined by using multivariate Cox regression models; associations between imaging features and genomics were studied by using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS Interrater analysis showed significant agreement in terms of contrast material enhancement, nonenhancement, necrosis, edema, and size variables. Contrast-enhanced tumor volume and longest axis length of tumor were strongly associated with poor survival (respectively, hazard ratio: 8.84, P = .0253, and hazard ratio: 1.02, P = .00973), even after adjusting for Karnofsky performance score (P = .0208). Proneural class GBM had significantly lower levels of contrast enhancement (P = .02) than other subtypes, while mesenchymal GBM showed lower levels of nonenhanced tumor (P < .01). CONCLUSION This analysis demonstrates a method for consistent image feature annotation capable of reproducibly characterizing brain tumors; this study shows that radiologists' estimations of macroscopic imaging features can be combined with genetic alterations and gene expression subtypes to provide deeper insight to the underlying biologic properties of GBM subsets.
The feasibility test of state-of-the-art face detection algorithms for vehicle occupant detection

Vehicle seat occupancy detection systems are designed to prevent the deployment of airbags at unoccupied seats, thus avoiding the considerable cost imposed by the replacement of airbags. Occupancy detection can also improve passenger comfort, e.g. by activating air-conditioning systems. The most promising development perspectives are seen in optical sensing systems which have become cheaper and smaller in recent years. The most plausible way to check the seat occupancy by occupants is the detection of presence and location of heads, or more precisely, faces. This paper compares the detection performances of the three most commonly used and widely available face detection algorithms: Viola- Jones, Kienzle et al. and Nilsson et al. The main objective of this work is to identify whether one of these systems is suitable for use in a vehicle environment with variable and mostly non-uniform illumination conditions, and whether any one face detection system can be sufficient for seat occupancy detection. The evaluation of detection performance is based on a large database comprising 53,928 video frames containing proprietary data collected from 39 persons of both sexes and different ages and body height as well as different objects such as bags and rearward/forward facing child restraint systems.
Circuit managers as agents of school development and support

The intention of this article is to provide clarity into the almost untapped role that circuit managers have to play in providing development and support to schools under their control. A definition of what it means to be a Circuit Manager and the roles and responsibilities attached to this position are presented. These are then juxtaposed with the supposed new role that Circuit Managers have to play as school development and support officers. In pursuit of the new role that circuit managers have to play in providing development and support to schools, this article argues that Circuit Managers need to provide instructional leadership to the schools under their control. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n9p439
Manipulation of the Phenylalanine Metabolism in Human Keratinocytes by Retroviral Mediated Gene Transfer

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited disease causing increased levels of phenylalanine in body fluids due to deficiency of hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) or other enzymes involved in the phenylalanine metabolism. With the long-term goal of using gene transfer to the skin to remove phenylalanine, we have previously shown that overexpression of PAH, catalyzing the hydroxylation of phenylalanine, and GTP cyclohydrolase (GTP-CH), involved in the formation of the necessary cofactor BH4,are required. Here we investigate whether manipulation of additional steps in the phenylalanine clearance pathway can further improve the phenylalanine uptake and metabolism. Transport of phenylalanine into human keratinocytes could be increased by overexpressing the two subunits LAT1 and 4F2hc of the large neutral amino acid transporter. The PAH enzyme activity was titrated by employing mutant PAH enzymes with different specific activity and by increasing the PAH copy number in transduced keratinocytes using a repeated transduction procedure. Finally, the intracellular tyrosine concentration was lowered by overexpression of tyrosinase converting tyrosine to dopaquinone. However, measured over a 24-hour period neither of these manipulations resulted in an increased phenylalanine uptake. These results suggest that other enzymes than GTP-CH, involved in BH4 synthesis and/or regeneration, can be rate-limiting in the genetically modified keratinocytes.
Fuzzy multi-period mean-variance-skewness portfolio selection model with transaction cost

This paper deals with a multi-period portfolio selection problem with fuzzy returns. A mean-variance-skewness model for multi-period portfolio selection is presented by taking into account four criteria viz., short and long term returns, dividends, liquidity and number of assets in the portfolio. The return and risk level are measured by interval numbers in the proposed model. Furthermore, an intelligent algorithm is designed to obtain the optimal portfolio strategy. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed model and the designed algorithm.
The inactivation of the π gene in chicken erythroblasts of adult lineage is not mediated by packaging of the embryonic part of the α-globin gene domain into a repressive heterochromatin-like structure

The developmental switch of globin gene expression is a characteristic feature of vertebrate organisms. The switch of β-globin expression is believed to depend on reconfiguration of the active chromatin hub, which contains transcribed genes and regulatory elements. Mechanisms controlling the switch of α-globin gene expression are less clear. Here, we studied the mode of chromatin packaging of the chicken α-globin gene domain in red blood cells (RBCs) of primitive and definite lineages and the spatial configuration of this domain in RBCs of primitive lineage. It has been demonstrated that RBCs of primitive lineage already contain the adult-type active chromatin hub but the embryonal α-type globin π gene is not recruited to this hub. Distribution of active and repressive histone modifications over the α-globin gene domain in RBCs of definite and primitive lineages does not corroborate the hypothesis that inactivation of the π gene in RBCs of adult lineage is mediated via formation of a local repressed chromatin domain. This conclusion is supported by the demonstration that in chicken erythroblasts of adult lineage, the embryonal and adult segments of the α-globin gene domain show similar elevated sensitivities to DNase I.
Development of Decision Support System for House Evaluation and Purchasing

Home is important for Chinese people. Because the information regarding the house attributes and surrounding environments is incomplete in most real estate agency, most house buyers are difficult to consider the overall factors effectively and only can search candidates by sorting-based approach. This study aims to develop a decision support system for housing purchasing, in which surrounding facilities of each house are quantified. Then, all considered house factors and customer preferences are incorporated into Simple Multi-Attribute Ranking Technique (SMART) to support the housing evaluation. To evaluate the validity of proposed approach, an empirical study was conducted from a real estate agency. Based on the customer requirement and preferences, the proposed approach can identify better candidate house with consider the overall house attributes and surrounding facilities. Keywords—decision support system, real estate, decision analysis, housing evaluation, SMART