Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Two Methods Used for Measuring the Antagonistic Activity of Bacillus Species

In this study, we have aimed to determine antagonistic effects of various Bacillus against representatives of Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria, ( Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 517 and Escherichia coli TISTR 887) with a comparison between the cross streak method and agar well diffusion method. Both methods used in the experiment gave better inhibition results on the S. aureus TISTR 517 compared to the E. coli TISTR 887. Interestingly, in the case of the cross streak method, both indicator bacteria were clearly inhibited in their growth by the Bacillus species used in this study. The cross streak method was suitable for a preliminary assessment of the antagonistic effects of Bacillus species.
Are Fund Managers Better in Financial Centers

The economic literature predicts that the average skill level in any industry is higher in larger cities. The existing labor sorting mechanism may also increase overconfidence of managers in financial centers if they attribute too much of their successes to their ability rather than luck. This article examines the relation between managerial ability and behavior across cities using U.S. equity mutual fund data and the Gervais and Odean (2001) model of overconfidence. Funds in financial centers on average perform better in terms of both gross and risk-adjusted returns. These funds however exhibit under-diversification and excessive trading, which is particularly high among young funds and managers and becomes detrimental for performance for high-performing funds and following bull markets. Our results suggest that financial centers attract more sophisticated, yet overconfident money managers. JEL Classification: G14; G23
A New Kind of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Algorithm Enhanced by Control Lyapunov Functions

With the abilities of handling constraints and performance of optimization, model based predictive control (MPC), especially linear MPC, has been extensively researched in theory and applied in practice since it was firstly proposed in 1970s (Qin & Badgwell, 2003). However, when used in systems with heavy nonlinearities, nonlinear MPC (NMPC) results often in problems of high computational cost or closed loop instability due to their complicated structure. This is the reason why the gaps between NMPC theory and its applications in reality are larger and larger, and why researches on NMPC theory absorbs numerous scholars (Chen & Shaw, 1982; Henson, 1998 ; Mayne, et al., 2000 ; Rawlings, 2000). When the closed loop stability of NMPC is concerned, some extra strategies is necessary, such as increasing the length of the predictive horizon, superinducing state constraints, or introducing Control Lyapunov Functions (CLF). That infinite predictive/control horizon (in this chapter, predictive horizon is assumed equal to control horizon) can guarantee the closed loop stability is natural with the assumption of feasibility because it implicates zero terminal state, which is a sufficient stability condition in many NMPC algorithm (Chen and Shaw, 1982). In spite of the inapplicability of infinite predictive horizon in real plants, a useful proposition originated from it makes great senses during the development of NMPC theory, i.e., a long enough predictive horizon can guarantee the closed loop stability for most systems (Costa & do Val, 2003; Primbs & Nevistic, 2000). Many existing NMPC algorithm is on the basis of this result, such as Chen & Allgower (1998), Magni et al. (2001). Although long predictive horizon scheme is convenient to be realized, the difficulty to obtain the corresponding threshold value makes this scheme improper in many plants, especially in systems with complicated structure. For these cases, another strategy, superinducing state constraints or terminal constraints, is a good substitue. A typical predictive control algorithm using this strategy is the so called dual mode predictive control(Scokaert et al., 1999 ; Wesselowske and Fierro, 2003 ; Zou et al., 2006), which is originated from the predictive control with zero terminal state constrains and can increase its the stability region greatly. CLF is a new introduced 3
Excellent teachers' thinking model: implications for effective teaching

This study aimed to suggest an Excellent Teacher Thinking Model that has the potential to be utilized in the development of excellent teachers. Interaction survey method using survey questions, observation, document review and interview was conducted in this study. One hundred and five excellent teachers were selected randomly as research respondents. Two sets of instrument constructed and used in this study were Teachers’ Thinking questionnaire and Teachers’ Teaching Performance observation form. Cronbach Alpha reliability value was between 0.73-0.92 for every component in each division. Multiple regression analysis (stepwise) was used to answer the research questions. R square value (R2 = 0.31) showed that the overall contribution of the two significant variables (expectations and subject expertise) to teaching performance was 31.10 percent. The linear regression equation was Y = 40.30 + 13.39 (Expectations) - 1.37 (Subject Expertise). Excellent Teacher Thinking Model generated from this study showed that all five components of thinking domain contributed significantly to excellent teachers’ teaching performance. Among the five thinking components, teacher expectation showed the highest contribution to excellent teacher teaching performance. This study showed that teacher expectations play a vital role in shaping the objectives, goals, curriculum, and instructional methods of schools. Hence, excellent teachers’ professional development programs will help school teachers improve the profession.
Endogenous thrombospondin-1 and proteases in the regulation of lymphocyte adhesion and motility

The human immune system, which protects the body from invading pathogens, largely depends on the proper function of lymphocytes, which are highly motile and constantly recirculate the blood and lymph. Adhesive and motile capability is often amplified or uncontrolled during chronic inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune diseases. This thesis comprises four studies of T lymphocyte motility and adhesion aiming to elucidate the regulative role of endogenous secretion of enzymes and the matricellular protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). We initially investigated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in seven leukemia T cell lines and found a strict correlation between secretion of MMP-9, its natural inhibitor tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP-1) and ability to infiltrate a threedimensional (3D) gel of extracellular (ECM) components. However, cell migration to two-dimensional (2D) ECM-components was not correlated to MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression. The role for MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in motility was unclear since an inhibitor of MMP-9 activity rather enhanced infiltrative capacity over 24h. We conclude that MMP-9 and TIMP-1 play a role for spontaneous T lymphocyte motility in 3D-matrices, which is a functional property separated from ability to migrate to 2D ECM-
More faithfulness graph embedding

Using dimensionality reduction idea to visualize graph data sets can preserve the properties of the original space and reveal the underlying information shared among data points. Continuity Trustworthy Graph Embedding (CTGE) is new method we have introduced in this paper to improve the faithfulness of the graph visualization. We will use CTGE in graph field to find new understandable representation to be more easy to analyze and study. Several experiments on real graph data sets are applied to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method, which showed CTGE generates highly faithfulness graph representation when compared its representation with other methods.
The universal Poisson deformation of hypertoric varieties and some classification results

In this paper, we study and describe the universal Poisson deformation space of hypertoric varieties concretely. In the first application, we show that affine hypertoric varieties as conical symplectic varieties are classified by the associated regular matroids (this is a partial generalization of the result by Arbo and Proudfoot). As a corollary, we obtain a criterion when two quiver varieties whose dimension vector have all coordinates equal to one are isomorphic to each other. Then we describe all 4- and 6-dimensional affine hypertoric varieties as quiver varieties and give some examples of 8-dimensional hypertoric varieties which cannot be raised as such quiver varieties. In the second application, we compute explicitly the number of all projective crepant resolutions of some 4-dimensional hypertoric varieties by using the combinatorics of hyperplane arrangements.
Factors controlling nitrate fluxes in groundwater in agricultural areas

The impact of agricultural chemicals on groundwater quality depends on the interactions of biogeochemical and hydrologic factors. To identify key processes affecting distribution of agricultural nitrate in groundwater, a parsimonious transport model was applied at 14 sites across the U.S. Simulated vertical profiles of NO3−, N2 from denitrification, O2, Cl−, and environmental tracers of groundwater age were matched to observations by adjusting the parameters for recharge rate, unsaturated zone travel time, fractions of N and Cl− inputs leached to groundwater, O2 reduction rate, O2 threshold for denitrification, and denitrification rate. Model results revealed important interactions among biogeochemical and physical factors. Chloride fluxes decreased between the land surface and water table possibly because of Cl− exports in harvested crops (averaging 22% of land‐surface Cl− inputs). Modeled zero‐order rates of O2 reduction and denitrification were correlated. Denitrification rates at depth commonly exceeded overlying O2 reduction rates, likely because shallow geologic sources of reactive electron donors had been depleted. Projections indicated continued downward migration of NO3− fronts at sites with denitrification rates <0.25 mg‐N L−1 yr−1. The steady state depth of NO3− depended to a similar degree on application rate, leaching fraction, recharge, and NO3− and O2 reaction rates. Steady state total mass in each aquifer depended primarily on the N application rate. In addition to managing application rates at land surface, efficient water use may reduce the depth and mass of N in groundwater because lower recharge was associated with lower N fraction leached. Management actions to reduce N leaching could be targeted over aquifers with high‐recharge and low‐denitrification rates.
Research on Models of Decision-making Problem Recognition

Firstly, this paper introduces the concept of problem identification that is an early stage of decision- making process. The paper proposes that, as a subjective process, problem identification is mainly influenced by people's cognition capability. Actually, the identification process is an evaluation process whose final aim is to evaluate the gap between the reality and the expected condition. Then, according to this feature, the paper establishes a gray incidence degree model and a satisfaction degree model based on response value. Further, the paper validates the models through an example.
Comparison of walleye pollock target strength estimates determined from in situ measurements and calculations based on swimbladder form

The target strength of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) at 38 kHz has been determined in each of two ways: (1) in situ measurement with dual‐beam and split‐beam echo sounders, and (2) theoretical calculation based on the swimbladder form. Respective probability density functions of target strength are compared. The several estimates of mean target strength (TS) determine the relation TS=20 log l−66.0, where l is the fish fork length in centimeters.
The Real Effects of the Credit Constraints in the Economic Crisis

The great recession starting in 2008 has destroyed jobs and firms at an unprecedented scale in the Western world and in particular in the EU-area. The question to many has been if the economic policy could have been more supportive for a quicker return to normal job creation and destruction. The monetary policy has in many countries been a major focus point and in some countries there has been a discussion between those who meant that the tightened credit policy is one of the reasons why firms have not grown and that firms have been more focused on increasing savings than on investing. Those who mean that demand for credit has gone down because of lack of demand from good projects have confronted this view. There has been little evidence to support the latter and only scattered newspaper and other types of coincidental evidence for the former. This paper attempts to present evidence from a study of firm behaviour that the credit constraint and perceived access to credit has had a significant effect on the real economy by contributing to the destruction of jobs. However, the paper also shows that lack of demand plays a role. effect of a who performance measured by the z-score that how is to
Adoption of Mobile Money Services among University Students in Tanzania

The focus of the study was to assess factors influencing adoption of mobile money services among university students in Tanzania. The study adopted a quantitative approach where questionnaire was used to collect data from students of Ruaha Catholic University. Stratified sampling was used to ensure sample representation among students from different faculty and level of education thereafter simple random sampling was used to pick a sample size of 383 of respondents from the strata developed. Exploratory factors analysis was used to ensure construct validity of four construct. Cronbach alpha indicated that all variables had achieved an accepted range of internal consistent by yielding a Cronbach alpha p-value grater that 0.6. Using multiple regression analysis, findings revealed that students' attitude, social factor and facilitating condition are significant factors influencing university students adoption of mobile money services in Tanzania.Based on these findings this study concludes that students' attitudes, social pressure and facilitating conditions are factors influencing university students' adoption of mobile money services in Tanzania higher learning institutions. This study recommend that, for speeding up the adoption of mobile money services, services provider should attract more peer pressure that could help to increase mobile money adoption among university students.
Effects of Balance Training on Different Support Surface on Balance and Gait in Patients with Chronic Stroke

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of balance training on different support surface (affected and non-affected sides) on the balance and gait function of chronic stroke patients.METHODS:The patients were randomly assigned to 1 of4 groups. Group 1 received balance training on the stable surface, group 2 received balance training on the unstable surface, group 3 received balance training on different support surface (affected side: stable surface, non-affected side: unstable surface), and group 4 received balance training on different support surface (affected side: unstable, non-affected side: stable). Twelve sessions (30 min/d, 3 times/wk for 4 wk) were applied. There were assessed before and after the intervention with Balancia, functional reach test (FRT), lateral reach test (LRT), timed up-and-go (TUG), and 10-meter walking test (10MWT). RESULTS:After the training, all of the groups improved
A third‐generation wave model for coastal regions: 2. Verification

A third-generation spectral wave model (Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN)) for small-scale, coastal regions with shallow water, (barrier) islands, tidal flats, local wind, and ambient currents is verified in stationary mode with measurements in five real field cases. These verification cases represent an increasing complexity in two- dimensional bathymetry and added presence of currents. In the most complex of these cases, the waves propagate through a tidal gap between two barrier islands into a bathymetry of channels and shoals with tidal currents where the waves are regenerated by a local wind. The wave fields were highly variable with up to 3 orders of magnitude difference in energy scale in individual cases. The model accounts for shoaling, refraction, generation by wind, whitecapping, triad and quadruplet wave-wave interactions, and bottom and depth-induced wave breaking. The effect of alternative formulations of these processes is shown. In all cases a relatively large number of wave observations is available, including observations of wave directions. The average rms error in the computed significant wave height and mean wave period is 0.30 m and 0.7 s, respectively, which is 10% of the incident values for both.
Googling for 'opposites' : a web-based study of antonym canonicity

This paper seeks to explain why some semantically-opposed word pairs are more likely to be seen as canonical antonyms (for example, cold/hot) than others (icy/scorching, cold/fiery, freezing/hot, etc.). Specifically, it builds on research which has demonstrated that, in discourse, antonyms are inclined to favour certain frames, such as ‘X and Y alike’, ‘from X to Y’ and ‘either X or Y’ (Justeson and Katz, 1991; etc.), and to serve a limited range of discourse functions (Jones, 2002). Our premise is that the more canonical an antonym pair is, the greater the fidelity with which it will occupy such frames. Since an extremely large corpus is needed to identify meaningful patterns of co-occurrence, we turn to Internet data for this research. As well as enabling the notion of antonym canonicity to be revisited from a more empirical perspective, this approach also allows us to evaluate the appropriateness (and assess the risks) of using the World Wide Web as a corpus for studies into certain types of low-frequency textual phenomena.
The Retrieval of Profiles of Particulate Extinction from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) Data: Algorithm Description

Abstract This work describes the algorithms used for the fully automated retrieval of profiles of particulate extinction coefficients from the attenuated backscatter data acquired by the lidar on board the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) spacecraft. The close interaction of the Hybrid Extinction Retrieval Algorithms (HERA) with the preceding processes that detect and classify atmospheric features (i.e., cloud and aerosol layers) is described within the context of the analysis of measurements from scenes of varying complexity. Two main components compose HERA: a top-level algorithm that selects the analysis pathway, the order of processing, and the analysis parameters, depending on the nature and spatial extent of the atmospheric features to be processed; and a profile solver or “extinction engine,” whose task it is to retrieve profiles of particulate extinction and backscatter coefficients from specified sections of an atmospheric scene defined by the top-level alg.
Manifold-ranking based image retrieval using natural neighbor

The manifold-ranking based method is widely used in semi-supervised learning, and its performance is closely related to the structure of the constructed graph. In this paper, we propose a novel graph structure named natural neighbor graph and an algorithm to construct it. We apply the new graph structure into the framework of manifold-ranking based image retrieval. The greatest superiority over k-NN based method is that the free parameter k need not to be explicitly specified any more. We have shown that the manifold ranking algorithm based on our proposed graph structure performs better than k-NN graph. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Atomistic modeling of graphene nanostructures and single-electron quantum dots

Geng, Junzhe. M.S.E.C. E. , Purdue University, August 2012. Atomistic Modeling of Graphene Nanostructures and Single-Electron Quantum Dots. Major Professor: Gerhard Klimeck. The technological advancement in the semiconductor industry in the past few decades has mainly been driven by the continuous down-scaling of CMOS devices following Moore’s Law [1]. However, device scaling is fundamentally limited by a number of technological issues, such as short-channel effects. The length scale of today’s device is quickly approaching its fundamental limit [3]. As a result, extensive research efforts are invested to find new materials and novel device concepts to enhance device performance. Computational modeling serves as a highly effective and efficient approach in exploring these materials and device concepts. This work utilizes several computational modeling methods to study two types of devices (a) graphene based nanostructures, and (b) silicon based quantum dots. The first part of this thesis is focused on modeling a new class of graphene based nanostructures, namely graphene nanomesh (GNM). It is a 2D nanostructure obtained by fabricating periodic perforations on a piece of graphene sheet. According to experimental studies [18] [19], this is an effective approach of tuning the bandgap. This work applies an advanced nearest-neighbor tight-binding model [20] in the electronic structure calculation of GNM. The model details as well as its advantages compared to the conventional model are discussed. Transport properties of GNM are investigated using non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method. Two types of hole geometries in GNM, circular and rectangular holes, are studied in details. It is demonstrated that bandstructures of GNM can be engineered via hole geometry. Some intriguing features in the GNM bandstructures are observed, such as
Altimeter Signal-to-Noise for Deep Ocean Processes in Operational Systems

The ocean signal for this study is the sea surface height due to the slowly varying (greater than 5-day) ocean processes, which are predominantly the deep ocean mesoscale. These processes are the focus of present assimilation systems for monitoring and predicting ocean circulation due to ocean fronts and eddies and the associated environmental changes that impact real time activities in areas with depths greater than about 200 m. By this definition, signal-to-noise may be estimated directly from altimeter data sets through a crossover point analysis. The RMS variability in crossover differences is due to instrument noise, errors in environmental corrections to the satellite observation, and short time period oceanic variations. The signal-to-noise ratio indicates that shallow areas are typically not well observed due to the high frequency fluctuations. Many deep ocean areas also contain significant high frequency variability such as the subpolar latitudes, which have large atmospheric pressure systems moving through, and these in turn generate large errors in the inverse barometer correction. Understanding the spatial variations of signal to noise is a necessary prerequisite for correct assimilation of the data into operational systems.