Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Statistical Approach to Malware Class Recognition

In this paper, we describe the proposed work on texture pattern classification using different Wavelet family, i. e. wavelet statistical features such as first order statistical feature vector. The WSF vector is formed to discriminate the various texture patterns of the Malware classes. The standard databases are used for experimental analysis of malware as a grayscale image. The database consists of 24 malware which belong to different variants with types of malware classes. The feature vector is further analyzed with malware classes the image to be classified based on the similarities in the image patterns. The experimental results shown that the efficiency of the wavelet based statistical features gives better classification results.
Quantifying uncertainty in kinetic modelling parameters of hyperpolarized dynamic nuclear polarization data through the application of Bayesian Inference fitting techniques

Quantifying uncertainty in kinetic modelling parameters of hyperpolarized dynamic nuclear polarization data through the applicaton of Bayesian Inference fitting techniques Samira Kazan, Steven Reynolds, Gillian Tozer, Martyn Paley, and Michael Chappell CR-UK/YCR Sheffield Cancer Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Probabilistic deployment of dissemination points in urban areas to support vehicular communication

This work presents a probabilistic constructive heuristic to support the design of roadside infrastructure for information dissemination in vehicular networks. We formulate this as a Probabilistic Maximum Coverage Problem (PMCP) and we intend to maximize the number of vehicles that get in contact with the infrastructure. We compare our approach with non-probabilistic MCP in simulated urban areas following a Manhattan-style topology with variable traffic conditions. The main contributions of this work are (i) the formal definition of the Probabilistic Maximum Coverage Problem, (ii) the application of PMCP to solve one instance of the problem of facilities allocation and (iii) the application of a probabilistic approach to model the volume of vehicles along the urban area, where the position of each vehicle is no longer considered deterministic, but it is treated as a probability function distributed over all the intersections. The vehicles no longer have a position. Instead, vehicles have a probability of being in a given position at a given instant of time. The results reveal that PMCP requires less dissemination points (DPs) to achieve similar coverage ratio than non-probabilistic MCP, while preserving the same samples deviation. Keywords: vehicular networks, maximum coverage problem, information dissemination.
Implementing the nitrogen cycle into the dynamic global vegetation, hydrology, and crop growth model LPJmL (version 5.0)

Abstract. The well-established dynamical global vegetation, hydrology, and crop growth model LPJmL is extended with a terrestrial nitrogen cycle to account for nutrient limitations. In particular, processes of soil nitrogen dynamics, plant uptake, nitrogen allocation, response of photosynthesis and maintenance respiration to varying nitrogen concentrations in plant organs, and agricultural nitrogen management are included in the model. All new model features are described in full detail and the results of a global simulation of the historic past (1901–2009) are presented for evaluation of the model performance. We find that the implementation of nitrogen limitation significantly improves the simulation of global patterns of crop productivity. Regional differences in crop productivity, which had to be calibrated via a scaling of the maximum leaf area index, can now largely be reproduced by the model, except for regions where fertilizer inputs and climate conditions are not the yield-limiting factors. Furthermore, it can be shown that land use has a strong influence on nitrogen losses, increasing leaching by 93 %.
The Statistical Filter Approach to Constrained Optimization

Abstract Expensive black box systems arise in many engineering applications but can be difficult to optimize because their output functions may be complex, multi-modal, and difficult to understand. The task becomes even more challenging when the optimization is subject to multiple constraints and no derivative information is available. In this article, we combine response surface modeling and filter methods in order to solve problems of this nature. In employing a filter algorithm for solving constrained optimization problems, we establish a novel probabilistic metric for guiding the filter. Overall, this hybridization of statistical modeling and nonlinear programming efficiently utilizes both global and local search in order to quickly converge to a global solution to the constrained optimization problem. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, we perform numerical tests on a synthetic test problem, a problem from the literature, and a real-world hydrology computer experiment optimization problem.
Particle detectors, cavities, and the weak equivalence principle

We analyze a quantum version of the weak equivalence principle, in which we compare the response of a static particle detector crossed by an accelerated cavity with the response of an accelerated detector crossing a static cavity in (1+1)-dimensional flat spacetime. We show, for both massive and massless scalar fields, that the non-locality of the field is enough for the detector to distinguish the two scenarios. We find this result holds for vacuum and excited field states of different kinds and we clarify the role of field mass in this setup.
The assessment of TGGE for the detection of interspecific and intergeneric DNA-marker polymorphism within Solanaceae

RFLP markers are currently the most appropriate marker system for the identification of uncharacterised polymorphism at the interspecific and intergeneric level. Given the benefits of a PCR-based marker system and the availability of sequence information for many Solanaceous cDNA clones, it is now possible to target conserved fragments, for primer development, that flank sequences possessing interspecific polymorphism. The potential outcome is the development of a suite of markers that amplify widely in Solanaceae. Temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) is a relatively inexpensive gel-based system that is suitable for the detection of most single-base changes. TGGE can be used to screen for both known and unknown polymorphisms, and has been assessed here, for the development of PCR-based markers that are useful for the detection of interspecific variation within Solanaceae. Fifteen markers are presented where differences between Lycopersicon esculentum and L. pennellii have been detected by TGGE. The markers were assessed on a wider selection of plant species and found to be potentially useful for the identification of interspecific and intergeneric polymorphism in Solanaceous plants.
Turkish synonym identification from multiple resources: monolingual corpus, mono/bilingual online dictionaries, and WordNet

In this study, a model is proposed to determine synonymy by incorporating several resources. The model extracts the features from monolingual online dictionaries, a bilingual online dictionary, WordNet, and a monolingual Turkish corpus. Once it has built a candidate list, it determines the synonymy for a given word by means of those features. All these resources and the approaches are evaluated. Taking all features into account and applying machine learning algorithms, the model shows good performance of F-measure with 81.4%. The study contributes to the literature by integrating several resources and attempting the first corpus-driven synonym detection system for Turkish.
Groundwater-fed irrigation impacts spatially distributed temporal scaling behavior of the natural system: a spatio-temporal framework for understanding water management impacts

Regional scale water management analysis increasingly relies on integrated modeling tools. Much recent work has focused on groundwater–surface water interactions and feedbacks. However, to our knowledge, no study has explicitly considered impacts of management operations on the temporal dynamics of the natural system. Here, we simulate twenty years of hourly moisture dependent, groundwater-fed irrigation using a three-dimensional, fully integrated, hydrologic model (ParFlow-CLM). Results highlight interconnections between irrigation demand, groundwater oscillation frequency and latent heat flux variability not previously demonstrated. Additionally, the three-dimensional model used allows for novel consideration of spatial patterns in temporal dynamics. Latent heat flux and water table depth both display spatial organization in temporal scaling, an important finding given the spatial homogeneity and weak scaling observed in atmospheric forcings. Pumping and irrigation amplify high frequency (sub-annual) variability while attenuating low frequency (inter-annual) variability. Irrigation also intensifies scaling within irrigated areas, essentially increasing temporal memory in both the surface and the subsurface. These findings demonstrate management impacts that extend beyond traditional water balance considerations to the fundamental behavior of the system itself. This is an important step to better understanding groundwater’s role as a buffer for natural variability and the impact that water management has on this capacity.
Avian communities in Spartina maritima restored and non-restored salt marshes

Capsule Salt marsh restoration with the native halophytes Spartina maritima and Zostera noltii can lead to significant improvement in habitat, increasing bird diversity over a 2-year period. Aims To assess the evolution of the avian communities in S. maritima restored salt marshes 2 years after planting, in comparison with adjacent non-restored marshes in the Odiel Marshes (southwest Iberian Peninsula). Methods Bird censuses were conducted from October 2008 to September 2009 in rectangular plots in three locations in both restored and non-restored marshes during high tides and low tides. Results A total of 44 bird species, including 20 shorebird species, were recorded. Most species belonged to Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Laridae and Sterninae. Eight threatened bird species were recorded in restored marshes. Ecological diversity of the avian communities varied between 1.13 and 1.77. Restored marshes showed higher ecological diversity and evenness and lower Simpson dominance index than non-restored marshes. Conclusion Salt marsh restoration with the native halophytes S. maritima and Z. noltii can lead to significant short-term (over 2 years) improvements in bird diversity.
Impacts of Social Learning (SL) on Paragraph Writing Skills

This quasi-experimental study probed the effects of implementing SL on paragraph writing skills in terms of content, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. The participants of the study were grade 11 students at Yekatit 12 Preparatory School, Ethiopia. The experimental group was taught paragraph writing skills in line with the principles of SL. The control group was taught similar paragraph writing skills through the traditional method in which SL was not effectively implemented. Pre- and post-tests were used on paragraph writing tasks. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In addition, the selected participants from the experimental group were interviewed. Their responses were recorded and analyzed qualitatively to learn their feelings about the effects of implementing SL in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) class. The results of the study after the intervention indicated that the experimental group significantly outscored the control group (p<0.05) on a paragraph writing post-test with regard to content, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. The focus group discussion results also showed that the experimental group participants preferred to use an appropriate implementation of SL than the traditional implementation of SL. Finally, it was concluded that implementing SL in an EFL class helped the experimental group participants compose better paragraphs in terms of content, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. On the basis of the findings and conclusions, a painstaking employment of social skills during paragraph writing stages was suggested as a pedagogical implication.
Effects of Heart-Rate Variability Biofeedback Training and Emotional Regulation on Music Performance Anxiety in University Students

Student musicians were recruited to participate in an experimental repeated measures research design study to identify effects of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training and emotional self-regulation techniques, as recommended by HeartMath® Institute, on music performance anxiety (MPA) and music performance. Fourteen students were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group following a 5 minute unaccompanied baseline performance. Treatment group participants received 4-5 HRV training sessions of 30-50 minutes each. Training included bibliotherapy, using the computerized Freeze-Framer® 2.0 interactive training software, instruction in the Freeze-Frame® and Quick Coherence® techniques of emotional regulation, and also use of an emWave® portable heart rate variability training device for home training. Measures included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Performance Anxiety Inventory (PAI), Flow State Scale (FSS), average heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). Quade's rank transformed ANCOVA was used to evaluate treatment and no-treatment group comparisons. Combined MPA scores showed statistical significance at p=. 05 level with large effect size of eta2=. 320. Individual measurements of trait anxiety showed a small effect size of eta2=. 001. State anxiety measurement showed statistical significance at the p=. 10 level with a large effect size eta2=. 291. FSS showed no statistical or effect size difference. PAI showed no statistical significance and a large effect size eta2=. 149. HR showed no statistical significance and a large effect size eta2=. 143. HRV showed statistical significance at p=. 000 level and a large effect size eta2=. 698. This study demonstrated practical/clinical significance of a relatively quick and inexpensive biofeedback training that had large effect at decreasing mental, emotional, and physiological symptoms of MPA for university students.
Consumer Theory and the Demand for Money

AbstractThe following sections are included:IntroductionThe Definition of MoneyThe Microeconomic Theory of a Monetary EconomyThe Aggregation-Theoretic Approach to Money DemandIndex Number TheoryThe Links Between Aggregation Theory, Index Number Theory, and Monetary TheoryUnderstanding the New Divisia AggregatesThe Optimal Level of Monetary SubaggregationEconometric ConsiderationsApproximating the Monetary Services Subutility FunctionAn ExampleEmpirical DimensionsEmpirical Comparisons of Index NumbersEmpirical Results for the Demand System ApproachExtensionsConclusions
The effect of N-stearoylethanolamine on adipocytes free cholesterol content and phospholipid composition in rats with obesity-induced insulin resistance

Obesity induces molecular changes that promote associated disorders, such as insulin resistance (Ir) and type 2 diabetes. low insulin sensitivity occurs primarily due to defects in the pathway of insulin action in target tissues, and there is a hypothesis that Ir may originate in adipose tissue and is followed by dyslipidemia. In this study using methods of thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography we investigated free cholesterol content and phospholipid composition of adipocytes of obesity-induced Ir rats and its changes induced by the N-stearoylethanolamine (NSe) administration. The results we obtained demonstrated that free cholesterol content significantly increased in adipocytes of IR rats compared to control. The analysis of phospholipid composition indicated a reduction of phosphatidylcholine and the total content of phosphatidylinositol with phosphatidylserine, whereas the content of lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine increased in Ir group compared to control. as far as NSe administration caused a statistically significant decrease in free cholesterol level and had a considerable effect on normalization of individual phospholipids content of adipocytes, we can consider NSe as a prospective compound worthy more complex investigation of its action under the pathological conditions.
The Influence of Aluminum on Iron Oxides: XIV. Al-Substituted Magnetite Synthesized at Ambient Temperatures

Mixtures of magnetite and goethite were formed by the slow oxidation of mixed FeCl2-AlCl3 solutions in an alkaline environment at room temperature. The compositions of the products ranged from almost exclusively magnetite in Al-free systems to goethite only at Al/(Al + Fe) ~ 0.3. The magnetic phase consisted of a partly oxidized (Fe2+/Fe3+ < 0.5), Al-substituted magnetite. The unit-cell edge length a of the magnetite decreased with increasing Al (Al = 0–0.37 per formula unit, corresponding to 0–14 mole % Al) and decreasing Fe2+ in the structure as described by the empirical relationship a (A) = 8.3455 + 0.0693 Fe2+ - 0.0789 Al. A correlation between the experimentally determined a and that calculated from the unit-cell edge lengths of end-member magnetite, maghemite, and hercynite was highly significant (r = .96) although shifted by about 0.01 Å. Mössbauer spectra showed Al to have entered preferentially the tetrahedral rather than the octahedral sites at low Al substitutions (<0.15 per formula unit), perhaps because of steric reasons. With increasing Al substitution the crystal size of magnetite decreased and structural strain increased, indicating that the structure had a limited capability to incorporate Al under these synthesis conditions. The capacity of the goethite structure to tolerate more Al may explain why goethite replaced magnetite at higher Al concentrations.
A Model of Acceptance of Web 2.0 in learning in higher education: a case study of two cultures

Though a few empirical studies on acceptance of Web 2.0 as a social networking tool in teaching and learning exist, apparently none of such studies is on students and faculties views from different cultures which is the focus of this study. This paper reports on a pilot study that begins to fill this gap by investigating the perceptions, attitude and acceptance of Web 2.0 in teaching and learning from two countries (developed and developing). A conceptual model of 9 variables and associated hypotheses was designed based on literature review and initial primary study. A questionnaire was developed from the model operationalization and used to collect data from 317 students from 5 universities in Nigeria and 273 students and lecturers from one university in Scotland. The findings that came from data analysis indicate that all the variables are validated from the data collected in Scotland but motivation via learning management systems which are not presently used in these universities in Nigeria affect intention to use Web 2.0 in e-learning in Nigeria. Some of the validated variables are perceived usefulness and prior knowledge. The major conclusions and recommendations include the utilization of Web 2.0 facilities to stimulate participation in learning. This work will contribute to the body of knowledge on acceptance of Web 2.0 social networking tools in teaching and learning. It will aid the key players of e-learning which include content developers, technology vendors and service providers. It may also support management decisions toward investing better on technology so as to improve the educational sector.
Power Devices Comparison in Synchronous Half Bridge Topology

The aim of this paper is to investigate the efficiency improvement obtained by using wide band-gap semiconductors instead of the traditional silicon power devices in synchronous half bridge topology application. WBG technology has been focused in order to show the peculiar characteristics and most important differences between SiC and GaN and their optimal use in different types of applications. In order to evaluate the efficiency at different power levels and switching frequencies, those devices have been tested using two different experimental boards both operated in hard switching and implementing, respectively, the synchronous half bridge topology Buck and Boost converters. Finally, the impact of the device's performance on the total converter losses has been calculated, also addressing the impact of conduction or switching losses.
Network-based Iterative Learning Control Approaches with Communication Delay Adjustment Factors for LTI Systems

The paper develops two novel network-based iterative learning control approaches with communication delay adjustment factors for SISO LTI systems. Suppose that communication delay is subject to 0-1 Bernoulli distribution. In these two approaches, the actual system input is synchronous at the previous iteration if the system input is delayed at the current iteration, otherwise it is a linear combination of the synchronous system inputs at the current and previous iterations, where the coefficients are dependent upon the input communication delay probability. Two strategies are given for the output signals used by the ILC unit. One is the same as that for the actual system input; as for the other one, the actually utilized output is the synchronous desired output if the system output is delayed, otherwise it is a linear combination of the synchronous system output at the current iteration and the synchronous desired output, where the coefficients are dependent upon the output communication delay probability. It is shown that the expectation of the system output is convergent to the desired output under certain conditions. Finally, we use an example to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed NILC approaches.
Determination of bubble size distribution in a laboratory mechanical flotation cell by a laser diffraction technique

In this study, a laser diffraction technique (LDT) was used to measure a size distribution of bubbles generated in a two-phase system in a laboratory mechanical flotation cell. In LDT, a laser light beam passed through the bubbles inside the measurement cell and the scattered light was recorded by detectors. In order to show the effectiveness of LDT, an image analysis technique (IAT) was paralellly applied to measure the size of bubbles. To determine the bubble size by IAT, around 200 images were taken in each test. In addition, the important operating parameters of the mechanical flotation cell affecting the bubble size distribution, including the impeller speed, aeration rate and frother concentration, were investigated. The response parameter in this study was Db(50) which represent the size of bubble at which there is 50% of the distribution. The results of this study showed that the LDT and IAT techniques were in a good agreement when Db(50) was in the range of -800+400 µm and there was a discrepancy for Db(50) in the range of -400+100 µm. Furthermore, Db(50) decreased from 727 to 284 µm when impeller speed increased from 700 to 1200 rpm. Additionally, an increase in the aeration rate from 1 dm 3 /min to 2.5 dm 3 /min led to a rise in Db(50) from 418 to 456 µm. Finally, increasing the frother concentration from 10 to 60 ppm reduced the Db(50) from 704 to 387 µm.