Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient Simulation-Based Toll Optimization for Large-Scale Networks

This paper proposes a simulation-based optimization technique for high-dimensional toll optimization problems of large-scale road networks. We formulate a novel analytical network model. The latter is embedded within a metamodel simulation-based optimization (SO) algorithm. It provides analytical and differentiable structural information of the underlying problem to the SO algorithm. Hence, the algorithm no longer treats the simulator as a black box. The analytical model is formulated as a system of nonlinear equations that can be efficiently evaluated with standard solvers. The dimension of the system of equations scales linearly with network size. It scales independently of the dimension of the route choice set and of link attributes such as link length. Hence, it is a scalable formulation suitable for the optimization of large-scale networks. For instance, the model is used in the case study of the paper for toll optimization of a Singapore network with more than 4,050 OD (origin-destination) pairs and 18,200 feasible routes. The corresponding analytical model is implemented as a system of 860 nonlinear equations. The analytical network model is validated based on one-dimensional toy network problems. It captures the main trends of the simulation-based objective function and, more importantly, accurately locates the global optimum for all experiments. The proposed SO approach is then used to optimize a set of 16 tolls for the network of expressways and major arterials of Singapore. The proposed method is compared with a general-purpose algorithm. The proposed method identifies good quality solutions at the very first iteration. The benchmark method identifies solutions with similar performance after 2 days of computation or similarly after more than 30 points have been simulated. The case study indicates that the analytical structural information provided to the algorithm by the analytical network model enables it to (i) identify good quality solutions fast and (ii) become robust to both the quality of the initial points and to the stochasticity of the simulator. The final solutions identified by the proposed algorithm outperform those of the benchmark method by an average of 18%.
Spatial distribution of lateral heterogeneity in the upper mantle around the western Pacific region as inferred from analysis of transverse components of teleseismic P‐coda

We investigated the spatial distribution of lateral heterogeneity in the upper mantle in the western Pacific region analyzing transverse components of teleseismic P‐coda recorded by broad‐band seismic networks. Large amplitude transverse components are observed at stations close to plate boundaries such as island arcs for the frequency range of 0.04–2.56 Hz, while small amplitudes are observed at stations on stable continents. Our envelope inversion applied to the observed P‐coda reveals large scattering coefficients at depths from 100 to more than 300 km beneath the island arcs, which are interpreted as strong heterogeneities originating from subducting slabs and mantle diapirs. Analyses of a dense seismic network further show a significant difference of heterogeneity between East and West Japan: the former is more heterogeneous than the latter. In contrasts, scattering coefficients less than 20% of the maximum beneath the island arcs are obtained beneath the stable continents, which represents homogeneous and transparent upper mantle.
Explaining Human Behavior in Dynamic Tasks through Reinforcement Learning

Modeling human behavior in dynamic tasks can be challenging. As human beings possess a common set of cognitive processes, there should be certain robust cognitive mechanisms that capture human behavior in these dynamic tasks. This paper argues for a learning model of human behavior that uses a reinforcement learning (RL) mechanism that has been widely used in the fields of cognitive modeling, and judgement and decision making. The RL model has a generic decision-making structure that is well suited to explaining human behavior in dynamic tasks. The RL model is used to model human behavior in a popular dynamic control task called Dynamic Stock and Flows (DSF) that was used in a recent Model Comparison Challenge (MCC). The RL model’s performance is compared to a winner model that won the MCC, that also uses the RL mechanism, and that is the best known model to explain human behavior in the DSF task. Results of comparison reveal that the RL model generalizes to explain human behavior better than the winner model. Furthermore, the RL model is able to generalize to human data of best and worst performers better than the winner model. Implications of this research highlight the potential of using experienced-based mechanisms like reinforcement learning to explain human behavior in dynamic tasks.
ANKLE The Manchester – Oxford Foot Questionnaire ( MOXFQ ) DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A SUMMARY INDEX SCORE

Bone Joint Res 2013;2:66–9. Received 25 October 2012; Accepted after revision 27 February 2013 Objectives The Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) is a validated 16-item, patient-reported outcome measure for evaluating outcomes of foot or ankle surgery. The original development of the instrument identified three domains. This present study examined whether the three domains could legitimately be summed to provide a single summary index score.
Sepa An Outer-Inner approximation for separable MINLPs

A common structure in convex mixed-integer nonlinear programs is separable nonlinear functions. In the presence of such structures, we propose an extension to the open source solver Bonmin [2] including three improvements to the outer approximation algorithms. The first improvement is a refinement of the outer approximation process, the second is a heuristic based on an inner approximation of the feasible region and the last consists of an automatic generation of perspective cuts. These methods have been implemented in the Sepa tool and are available for download from the COIN-OR project website. The proposed tools lead to an important reduction in average computing time on most tested instances.
Magnesium induced vascular relaxation and role of Calcium-dependent K+ Channels

Background and objectives: Magnesium is established as a neuro-protective agent and now also known as a vasodilator. It has been known for treating vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, its action mechanism in cerebral vascular relaxation is not clear. Potassium channels play a pivotal role in the relaxation of smooth muscle cells. To investigate their role in magnesium-induced relaxation of basilar smooth muscle cells, we examined the effect of magnesium on potassium channels using the patch clamp technique on cells from rabbit basilar artery. Material and Methods : Fresh smooth muscle cells were isolated from the basilar artery by enzyme treatment. Whole cell current recording was done using patch-clamp technique. Appropriate bath solution was used to have potassium current. The effect of Magnesium was observed and to identify the potassium (K + ) channel involved in the magnesium-induced currents, different potassium channel blockers were used. Results: Magnesium increased the step pulse-induced outward K + currents by more than fortyfive percent over control level (p<0.01). The outward K + current was decreased significantly by application of tetraethylammonium, a non-specific K + channel blocker, and by iberiotoxin, a largeconductance Ca 2+ -activated K + (BK Ca ) channel blocker, but was not inhibited by glibenclamide an ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channel blocker. Magnesium failed to increase the outward K+ currents in the presence of IBX. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that calcium dependent pottassium (BK Ca ) channels has role in magnesium induced vascular relaxation in rabbit basilar smooth muscle cells and needs to be worked out for human. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i1. 7880 Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (1):9-13
Categorization of broadcast audio objects in complex auditory scenes

This paper presents a series of experiments to determine a categorization framework for broadcast audio objects. Object-based audio is becoming an evermore important paradigm for the representation of complex sound scenes. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding object level perception and cognitive processing of complex broadcast audio scenes. As categorization is a fundamental strategy in reducing cognitive load, knowledge of the categories utilized by listeners in the perception of complex scenes will be beneficial to the development of perceptually based representations and rendering strategies for object-based audio. In this study, expert and non-expert listeners took part in a free card sorting task using audio objects from a variety of different types of programme material. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering suggests that there are 7 general categories, which relate to sounds indicating actions and movement, continuous and transient background sound, clear speech, non-diegetic music and effects, vocalisations, and prominent attention grabbing transient sounds. A three dimensional perceptual space calculated via multidimensional scaling suggests that these categories vary along dimensions related to the semantic content of the objects, the temporal extent of the objects, and whether the object indicates the presence of people.
f-Kenmotsu manifolds with the Schouten-van Kampen connection

We study 3-dimensional f -Kenmotsu manifolds with the Schouten– van Kampen connection. With the help of such a connection, we study projectively flat, conharmonically flat, Ricci semisymmetric and semisymmetric 3-dimensional f -Kenmotsu manifolds. Finally, we give an example of 3dimensional f -Kenmotsu manifolds with the Schouten–van Kampen connection.
Zonal differences in phosphorus pools, turnover and deficiency across the tropical North Atlantic Ocean

The oceanic phosphorus (P) cycle is often overlooked in biogeochemical studies because it is dominated by geological processes. However, recent reports indicate that some oceanic regimes are P limited; thus an evaluation of the P pools and the biological cycling of P is warranted in these locations. The subtropical and tropical North Atlantic is one area proposed to be P deficient. A cruise across a wide swath of the tropical North Atlantic (∼25–60°W and 0–15°N) allowed us to investigate spatial differences in these parameters, including in waters influenced by the Amazon River plume. The majority of the total P pool was present as dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP, ∼80%), with soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and particulate organic phosphorus (POP) comprising much smaller fractions. Concentrations of both SRP and POP were elevated in areas influenced by the Amazon River, while DOP was not. The turnover time of the PO43− pool was more rapid on the western side of the basin (<10 h) and slower to the east (>100 h). Fast turnover times are indicative of P deficiency, and the observed trend suggests an east to west increase in P deficiency in the tropical North Atlantic. The maximal PO43− uptake rate (Vmax) of Trichodesmium spp. , a well‐studied nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium, also indicates higher P deficiency in the western compared to eastern basin. These data support the hypothesis that P could be an important nutrient limiting certain biological processes in the North Atlantic, although it may be spatially (as well as temporally) variable in this basin.
A Review of Hydrothermal Carbonization of Carbohydrates for Carbon Spheres Preparation

Carbon spheres have attracted a great deal of attention due to their applications as super capacitors, catalyst supports, and adsorbents. Carbon spheres can be prepared with controlled size and with oxygenated functional groups on the surface by the hydrothermal carbonization. The further processed products have a high surface area and high thermal stability. Among various methods for fabrication of carbon spheres, the hydrothermal carbonization is favored because of its mild operating conditions. In addition, hydrothermal carbonization can synthesize micro or nano scale carbon spheres environmentally friendly without employing organic solvents, surfactants, or catalysts. In this review, we present the effects of process parameters, structural characteristics of carbon spheres, possible formation mechanisms of carbon spheres, and applications in catalysis. Citation: Li, R. and Shahbazi, A. (2015). "A Review of Hydrothermal Carbonization of Carbohydrates for Carbon Spheres Preparation. " Trends in Renewable Energy, 1(1), 43-56. DOI: 10.17737/tre.2015. 1.1. 009
Eleven mechanisms for the evolution of cooperation

Cooperation is one of the basic elements of social life. It is essential for emergent social phenomena, such as the formation of families, groups, and societies. However, evolutionary forces counter cooperation. The trait of supporting others is dominated by selfish behavior. In the last few decades scientists, in particular biologists, achieved extraordinary progress regarding the question of how cooperation is possible despite of evolutionary forces. This produced an enormous amount of literature. This paper identifies and reviews the known solutions explaining cooperation under evolutionary forces. Using bibliometric methods in combination with extant review articles and traditional reviewing of original literature, it is possible to isolate 11 mechanisms of cooperation under the conditions of evolution. Developing a categorization of the mechanisms according to shared characteristics establishes a fundamental framework for institutional and mechanism design activities. Implications for future research paths are identified, in particular for the mechanism of indirect reciprocity.
Learning technology-enabled ( meta )-cognitive scaffolding to support learning aspects of written argumentation

This paper reports on an AI-informed and NLP-based work in progress. It shares the technology, educational and cognitive approaches for enabling science students to engage with automated (AI) personalized (meta)-cognitive scaffolding to learn aspects of written scientific argumentation. We briefly report on the features and functionalities of MindWare technology and preliminary and brief results of a small-scale pilot to gauge the impact of technology-mediated scaffolding on students’ learning of how to argue (in written form). CCS Concepts •Computing methodologies ➝ Cognitive
Evaluation of Electron Microscopic Sample Preparation Methods and Imaging Techniques for Characterization of Cell-Mineral Aggregates

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used to image geomicrobiological samples, typically containing interfaces between “hard and soft materials” such as minerals and cells, which represent challenges for artifact-free preparation for high-resolution imaging. We used cell-mineral aggregates produced during microbial Fe(II) oxidation and Fe(III) reduction to evaluate different sample preparation and imaging techniques. Both rapid freezing and standard critical point drying (CPD) preserve structures of geomicrobiological samples, at least the ones obtained for Fe(II)-oxidizing and Fe(III)-reducing bacteria, without artifacts. We recommend a SEM sample preparation scheme for geomicrobiological specimens and discuss critical parameters like fixation, dehydration, coating, and acceleration voltages.
Quantum Mechanical Approach for the Catalytic Mechanism of Dinuclear Zinc Metallo-β-lactamase by Penicillin and Cephalexin: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Points of View

Metallo-β-lactamases (MβL) catalyzing the hydrolytic cleavage of the four-membered β-lactam ring in broad spectrum of antibiotics and therefore inactivating the drug; However, the mechanism of these enzymes is still not well understood. Electronic structure and electronic energy of metallo-β-lactamase active center, two inhibitors of this enzyme including penicillin and cephalexin, and different complexes between these inhibitors and active center of metallo-β-lactamase have been investigated. For both substrates (S), the nucleophilic attack of the substrate amide group to model’s active site dinuclear zinc (E) formed an ES reactive complex that by passing through the first transition state (TS1), first intermediate (INT1), the second intermediate (INT2) and second transition state (TS2) converted to the product. Also, all the thermodynamic functions, ∆Ho, ∆So and ∆Go, to form two transition states, TS1 and TS2, and for the total reaction for two MβL inhibitors are evaluated at 25 °C and 1 atmosphere pressure. In all calculations, solvent effects have been considered in water using PCM method.
Impact of Macroeconomic and Endogenous Factors on Non Performing Bank Assets

Determinants of default risk of banks in emerging economies have so far received inadequate attention in the literature. Using panel data techniques, this paper seeks to examine the impact of macroeconomic and endogenous factors on non-performing assets for the period from 1997-2009. The findings of the study reveal some interesting inferences contrary to the perception of few opinion makers. Lending Rates have been found to be not so significant in affecting the NPAs contrary to the general perception Bank Assets has turned out to be negatively significant indicating that large banks may have better risk management procedures and technology which definitely allows them to finish up with lower levels of NPAs. Further, this study has established that private banks and foreign banks have advantages in terms of their efficiencies in better credit management in containing the NPAs that indicates that bank privatization can lead to better management of default risk.
Computerized Interpretation of Cardiovascular Physiological Signals

The conventional mode of health delivery can be profiled as follows: a patient, if he does not feel good, will visit his physician and report his symptoms (e.g., headache, bellyache, and nausea, etc); the physician strives to make a few empirical hypotheses based on the patient’s complaints and medical history; in general, the physician has to further examine the patient’s vital signs (e.g., body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, etc.) so as to confirm or reject his initial hypotheses; if the physician is confident enough on his hypotheses, the final diagnosis decision can be made and the according treatments are hereby delivered; if not, the physician will resort to various medical instruments (e.g., electrocardiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography, etc) and laboratory tests (e.g., blood test, urinalysis, and immunological analysis, etc); during this procedure, the initial hypotheses may be updated at any time; to those complicated diseases, the physicians will propose a few tentative treatments and modify them in accordance with clinical observations. It is noteworthy that above procedure is triggered and driven by patients’ symptoms. But most symptoms are subjective, and are late manifestations of a disease or a group of diseases. In other words, they often incur expensive and painful clinical treatments. Furthermore, once the patients perceive malign symptoms, they may have missed the best opportunity of medical treatments. Take cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) for an example. Nowadays it is possible to treat or relieve nearly all CVDs by medical interventions, such as controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol. In the case of refractory or congenital CVDs, various sophisticated clinical instruments and operations, including pacemakers, prosthetic valves, coronary artery bypass and even whole heart transplantation, have been developed and practiced too. As a consequence, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports “. at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided
First report of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus antigen from pneumonic cattle in Sudan

To explore the expected role of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in pneumonia in cattle, cattle lungs (n=242) showing signs of pneumonia were collected from slaughter houses of three different localities located at Northern, Central and Western Sudan during 2010–2013. The collected samples were tested for the presence of BVDV antigen using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT). Twenty six (10.7%) out of 242 samples were found to be positive for BVDV. Positive results were seen in all the three studied areas, with the highest prevalence (16.7%; n=4/24) at Gezira State in Central Sudan. BVDV genome could be detected in all ELISA positive samples. The results indicated the existence of BVDV infection in cattle in different areas in Sudan, and its possible association with respiratory infections in cattle. Analysis using BLAST indicated that the sequence was identical to the previously reported BVDV-1 (GenBank accession AF220247.1.); nucleotide A was found in our study at position 9 of our sequence, whereas T was present instead in the reference virus. This is the first report of detecting BVDV antigen, genome, and its sequence analysis collected from cattle lungs in Sudan.
MOLECULAR TAXONOMY AND PHYLOGENETICS OF SOME SPECIES OF AUSTRALIAN PALAEMONID SHRIMPS

Abstract The evolutionary history and classification of the palaemonid shrimps has been the subject of constant speculation and debate. At present, all major systematic treatments have been based on morphological characteristics. To help resolve the phylogenetic relationships, and thus enable the creation of a classification system that reflects evolutionary history, a region of the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene was sequenced for a number of Australian Palaemonidae. The resulting phylogenetic analyses indicated the presence of major anomalies in the current classification of Australian Palaemonidae. Significantly, three species belonging to three separate genera, Macrobrachium intermedium, Palaemon serenus, and Palaemonetes australis, are closely related, with genetic differences more characteristic with that of congeneric species. The results also demonstrate non-monophyly in Australian palaemonids with respect to both Palaemonetes and Macrobrachium.
Approaches in Social and Personality Psychology

Social neuroscience is an interdisciplinary approach to studying the social mind and behavior by considering their neural and biological underpinnings. This chapter describes the methodological approach of social neuroscience and research that has applied this approach to address the interplay of the person and situation in the domains of social cognition, attitudes, emotion and motivation, intergroup relations, and personality. This chapter illustrates the contribution of neuroscience to classic questions about personality and social psychology, with an emphasis on how the social neuroscience approach promotes the integration of dispositional and situational accounts of the mind and behavior.
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Duct Fan Flows with Top-Wall Rectangular-Wing Turbulators

Fluid flow and heat transfer in duct fan flows with a 90° rectangular-wing turbulator, mounted on the top duct wall, were experimentally studied and compared with the bottom-wall turbulator results. Threecomponent velocities were measured to characterize the flow structures and to obtain near-wall flow parameters. Temperatures on heat transfer surfaces were measured to obtain Nusselt number distributions. Results show that the turbulator has the effect to increase the near-wall axial mean velocity, axial vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy, and, consequently, augment the heat transfer. The axial mean velocity and axial vorticity play an influential role on the heat transfer distributions for the flows across the top-wall and bottom-wall turbulators, respectively.