Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Going for Derivatives or Forwards? Minimizing Cashflow Fluctuations of Electricity Transactions on Power Markets

In a competitive electricity market, both electricity retailers and generators predict future prices and volumes and execute electricity delivery contracts through power exchange. In such circumstances, they may suffer from uncertainties caused by fluctuations in spot prices and future demand due to their high volatility. In this study, we develop a unified approach using derivatives and forwards on the spot electricity price and weather data to mitigate the cashflow fluctuation for power utilities. We aim to clarify the applicability of our proposed methods and provide a new and useful perspective on hedging schemes involving various electricity utilities, such as power retailers, solar photovoltaic (PV) generators, and thermal generators. Moreover, we analyze the risk of risk takers (such as the insurance companies in this study) in the derivatives market. In addition, we perform empirical simulations to measure out-of-sample hedging effects on their cashflow management using actual data in Japan.
RFID and Auto-ID in Planning and Logistics: A Practical Guide for Military UID Applications

History and Background Introduction and History of Military Logistics U.S. Department of Defense and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Supply Classes and National Stock Numbers DOD Shipping Level Containers RFID Designations Overview of RFID and AIT Technologies Overview of AIT Technologies Basic Introduction to Common RFID Components Passive RFID System Components Active RFID System Components Overview of Equipment Interoperability Protocols and Standards Important RFID Mandates Standards Organizations and RFID Standards UID and RFID Standards for Military Implementation, Decision Making, and Testing Approaches RFID Project Management RFID System Design RFID Supply Chain Planning Levels Implementing RFID Systems Obsolete Inventory Reduction with Modified Carrying Cost Ratio Overview of Logistics Planning and Inventory Control Engineering Economics of RFID Forecasting Manpower Planning Production Planning and Scheduling RFID in Logistics Inventory Control Basics Transportation and RFID Applications Optimizing RFID Portal Locations in Distribution Using Systematic Layout Planning RFID Uses in Warehousing Military RFID Initiatives and Applications U.S. Army RFID Initiatives Marine Corps and Navy RFID Initiatives Marine Terminal RFID Applications Other Foreign Country Armed Forces Adoption of RFID Technology Other Potential Military RFID Applications and Radio Theory Military Physical Fitness RFID Applications Marine RFID Security Applications Military Mortuary RFID Implantation Applications Railroad Car Tracking by an RFID System to Organize Traffic Flow Six Sigma Case Study: Multichannel RFID Radio Frequency Theory Future RFID Applications
Molecular Cloning and Identification of NADPH Cytochrome P450 Reductase from Panax ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) is a precious Chinese traditional medicine, for which ginsenosides are the most important medicinal ingredients. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) and their primary redox molecular companion NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) play a key role in ginsenoside biosynthesis pathway. However, systematic studies of CPR genes in ginseng have not been reported. Numerous studies on ginsenoside synthesis biology still use Arabidopsis CPR (AtCPR1) as a reductase. In this study, we isolated two CPR genes (PgCPR1, PgCPR2) from ginseng adventitious roots. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that both PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 are grouped in classⅡ of dicotyledonous CPR. Enzyme experiments showed that recombinant proteins PgCPR1, PgCPR2 and AtCPR1 can reduce cytochrome c and ferricyanide with NADPH as the electron donor, and PgCPR1 had the highest enzymatic activities. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 transcripts were detected in all examined tissues of Panax ginseng and both showed higher expression in stem and main root. Expression levels of the PgCPR1 and PgCPR2s were both induced after a methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment and its pattern matched with ginsenoside accumulation. The present investigation suggested PgCPR1 and PgCPR2 are associated with the biosynthesis of ginsenoside. This report will assist in future CPR family studies and ultimately improving ginsenoside production through transgenic engineering and synthetic biology.
Aspect-Ratio-Guided Detection for Oriented Objects in Remote Sensing Images

Although existing oriented object detection methods have made considerable progress based on oriented heads or anchors, the training process itself is not perfect. In this letter, we point out the inconsistency problem between the fixed network setting and varying aspect ratios, which greatly limits the performance. For example, the fixed parameters in label assignment and regression loss cannot fit the changes of aspect ratios and, thus, are harmful to the training process. Considering the prior information about objects’ aspect ratios, the aspect-ratio-guided (ARG) methods are proposed. Specifically, the ARG label assignment is used to adjust the label assignment criteria (intersection over union (IoU) threshold) automatically, and the ARG IoU loss can change the weights of angle regression dynamically. This ARG design makes better use of training samples and pushes the detector more robust to the change of aspect ratios. With no additional cost, our method improves upon the ResNet-50-feature pyramid network (FPN) baseline with 3.99% AP50 and 6.09% AP75 on HRSC2016.
Thermal properties of rubidium frequency standard

The Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications (IET) of Poznan University of Technology (PUT) has been for many years conducting design and construction work for the needs of the synchronization layer of the Polish telecommunication network [3]. A certain group of these activities is performed by generators of standard frequencies, synchronized from the GPS system. Rubidium standards, constructed in the IET laboratories, use the LPFRS generator manufactured by TEMEX [9]. The decision to choose this source was based upon its good frequency parameters, relatively low price, small dimensions, and power supply from a 12V voltage source. The application of constructed devices with this generator assumes two kinds of generator operation. Firstly, the generator works in synchronism forced by a digital phase loop controlled by the GPS system. In that case, the standard achieves a frequency instability not worse than 10 in a 24-hour observation time. The second type of generator operation consists in the switching of the standard into the “Hold-Over” mode, in which the generator is disconnected from its synchronization source. In such a state the rubidium standard works freely and its output signal is gradually detuned relative to the values of frequency established in the synchronous working mode. Closer examination of phenomena accompanying the detuning of the generator have revealed that the differences observed may be caused by different temperature in the room in which the standard is placed. This observation gave rise to carrying out research on thermal properties of the rubidium generator; the results of those experiments are presented in a following part of this paper. It is worth mentioning here that the same rubidium generators, manufactured by several companies in the world, among them also that by TEMEX, are thermostated. In the case of the LPFRS standard discussed here, the thermostat temperature was equal to 85°C and it is maintained with a tolerance of 0.3°C. Another reason for carrying out this research was the use of a double thermostat in the class of BVA generators, which made it possible to achieve a frequency instability by an order better than in classical OCXO generators.
A High Frequency, High Efficiency and High Power Chopper SAZZ and the Test Evaluation at 100kHz-8kW

This paper presents a new high frequency, high efficiency and high power chopper SAZZ (Snubber Assisted Zero Voltage and Zero Current Transition chopper) aimed for the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The SAZZ offers new soft switching scheme resulting in the high frequency operation for the elimination of size and weight. Furthermore, the SAZZ operates in high efficiency and high power. For confirming the practical effectiveness of the SAZZ topology, one-tenth prototype model was fabricated actually and tested at the 100kHz 8kW rating. The circuit geometry, the basic operation and the efficiency were verified.
Applying Cooperative Localization to Swarm UAVS Using an Extended Kalman Filter

Abstract : Cooperative Localization (CL) is a process by which autonomous vehicles operating as a team estimate the position of one another to compensate for errors in the positioning sensors used by a single agent. By combining independent measurements originating from members of the team, a single estimate of increased accuracy will result. This approach has the potential to enhance the positional accuracy of an agent over use of a standard GPS, which would be essential for behaviors within a swarm requiring precision movements such as maintaining close formation. CL can also provide accurate positional information to the entire group when operating in an intermittent or denied GPS environment. In this thesis, a distributed CL algorithm is implemented on a swarm of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using an Extended Kalman Filter. Using a technique created for ground robots, the equations are modified to adapt the algorithm to aerial vehicles, and then operation of the algorithm is demonstrated in a centralized system using AR Drones and the Robot Operating System. During tests, the positional accuracy of the UAV using CL improved over use of dead reckoning. However, the performance is not as expected based on the results noted from the referenced two-dimensional application of the algorithm. It is presumed that the sensors on-board the AR Drone are responsible. Since the platform is simply a low-cost solution to show proof-of-concept, it is concluded that the implementation of CL presented in this thesis is a suitable approach for enhancing positional accuracy of UAVs within a swarm.
MYOELECTRIC ELECTRODE AMPLIFIERS: REJECTION OF UNWANTED COMMON MODE SIGNALS

It is well established that electrode amplifiers for myoelectric control require high input impedances, high common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) and mains frequency notch filters to cut out unwanted noise. Further, they generally offer a high degree of d.c. isolation. However, it is not generally recognised that the isolation between the skin ground electrode and the common lead may reduce at higher frequencies, and this can create a path for interfering common-mode signals. Harmonics of the mains frequency may be a particular concern as they are not rejected by the notch filter. Common-mode interference can adversely affect prostheses in electrically noisy environments, as long lead runs may act as antennas. Moreover, because of the nature of common-mode, screening the leads may have little effect. Measurements were made on a commercially available electrode amplifier to quantify the effect of injected common-mode signals with and without imbalance in the electrode contact impedances. The results presented here indicate that a low impedance a.c. path between input and output can contribute to the effect of common-mode injection. Analysis of the common mode mechanism is presented and possible alternatives are discussed.
Targeting Peptides Derived from Phage Display for Clinical Imaging

Phage display is a high-throughput technology used to identify peptides or proteins with high and specific binding affinities to a target, which is usually a protein biomarker or therapeutic receptor. In general, this technique allows peptides with a particular sequence to be presented on a phage particle. Peptides derived from phage display play an important role in drug discovery, drug delivery, cancer imaging, and treatment. Phage peptides themselves can act as sole therapeutics, for example, drugs, gene therapeutic, and immunotherapeutic agents that are com-prehensively described elsewhere. In this chapter, we discuss phage selection and screening procedures in detail including some modifications to reduce nonspecific binding. In addition, the rationale for discovery and utilization of phage peptides as molecular imaging probes is focused upon. Molecular imaging is a new paradigm that uses advanced imaging instruments integrated with specific molecular imaging probes. Applications include monitoring of metabolic and molecular functions, therapeutic response, and drug efficacy, as well as early cancer detection, personalized medicine, and image-guided therapy.
Micro-bioreactor design for Chinese hamster ovary cells

The research objective is to design a micro-bioreactor for the culture of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. There is an increasing demand for upstream development in high-throughput micro-bioreactors specifically for the recombinant CHO cell line, an important cell line for producing recombinant protein therapeutics. In order to translate a micro-bioreactor originally designed by our group for bacteria to CHO cells, there would need to be significant modifications in the design of the micro-bioreactor due to the extreme sensitivity of CHO cells to physical and chemical stresses. Shear stresses inside the growth chamber will have to be reduced by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, the long doubling time of CHO cells requires a 2 weeks long culture. In a high surface to volume ratio micro-bioreactor, evaporation becomes a major problem. Contamination control is also vital for CHO cultures. In addition, the offline sampling volume required for validation necessitates a doubling of the working volume to 2mL. The newly designed Resistive Evaporation Compensated Actuated (RECA) micro-bioreactor is fully characterized in this thesis to ensure that the design meets the physical specifications of the required CHO cell culture conditions. The RECA micro-bioreactor will be tested with industrial recombinant CHO cell lines. This work is done in collaboration with Genzyme, USA and Sanofi-Aventis, Frankfurt. In this thesis, we also propose the use of dielectric spectroscopy electrodes for online cell viability sensing of CHO cells in micro-bioreactors. The electrodes are fabricated on polycarbonate, a biocompatible and optically clear thermoplastic that will be one of the future base material for microfluidic devices which can be rapidly prototyped. To demonstrate the viability of dielectric spectroscopy as an online viability sensor for CHO cells in a micro-bioreactor, the electrodes are used to characterize samples taken daily from a CHO shake flask batch culture without any sample modifications. Two different electrode geometries and correction methods will be compared to find the optimal system for viability measurements in a micro-bioreactor. Thesis Supervisor: Rajeev J. Ram Title: Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Optimization and High Level Production of Recombinant Synthetic Streptokinase in E. coli Using Response Surface Methodology

Streptokinase (SK) is an extracellular protein comprising 414 amino acids with considerable clinical importance as a commonly used thrombolytic agent. Due to its wide spread application and clinical importance designing more efficient SK production platforms worth investigation. In this regard, a synthetic SK gene was optimized and cloned in to pET21b plasmid for periplasmic expression. Response surface methodology was used to design a total of 20 experiments for optimization of IPTG concentration, post-induction period, and cell density of induction (OD600). The optimum levels of the selected parameters were successfully determined to be 0.28 mM for IPTG concentration, 9.889 H for post induction period, and 3.40768 for cell density (OD600). These settings result in 4.14fold increase in SK production rate of optimum expression conditions (7663 IU/mL) in comparison to the primary expression conditions (1853 IU/mL). Achieving higher yields of SK production in shake flask could lead to more cost effective industrial production of this drug which is the ultimate aim of SK production studies.
Report of the Synthesis and Integration of Epidemiological and Toxicological Evidence Subgroup (SETE) of the Committee on Toxicity and the Committee on Carcinogenicity

There are a number of guidance documents and frameworks available on the use of epidemiological and toxicological information in chemical risk assessment, however the majority assesses these two evidence streams separately and subsequently bring them together qualitatively, using expert judgement. These frameworks and guidance documents generally provide little information on how toxicological and epidemiological data should be integrated in a transparent manner, giving appropriate weight to both. It was therefore proposed that a joint COT and COC subgroup be set up to review and make publicly available a pragmatic guidance document and a transparent reflection of how the Committees review such data and apply expert judgement.
Personnel Security Prescreening: An Application of the Armed Services Applicant Profile (ASAP)

Abstract : The Armed Services Applicant Profile (ASAP), a background /bio-data questionnaire, was investigated to determine if it could be used to predict the results of background investigations conducted for recruits applying for high security risk jobs. Using data from an ongoing ASAP validation study, an ASAP predictor key score was developed using a weighted application blank method. Results indicated that the ASAP scoring key correlated significantly with background investigation criterion measure. In addition, the validity of the key held up well across different subgroups. It was concluded that behavioral science tests such as ASAP could potentially play an important role in the personnel security screening process. Keywords: Security personnel, Defense systems, Prescreening, Personnel security, Bio-data, Background investigations, Clearances, Enlisted personnel.
Improving Students' Critical Thinking and Self-Efficacy by Learning Higher Order Thinking Skills Through Problem Based Learning Models

Higher-order thinking skills critical to being applied and developed in learning. Because the learning activity is focused on the higher-order thinking skills development, then learning activities will be more influential, effective, and efficient, so that the intellectual abilities of teachers and students become more skilled, it positively will affect the increase in the quality of education. There is a gap in students' critical thinking ability based on the pre-research survey results. The basic level of thinking is in the poor category, and self-efficacy is still lacking. This study aims to determine the extent to which the application of higher-order thinking skills learning through the problem-based learning (PBL) model improves student's critical thinking and self-efficacy. This study uses a quasi-experimental design and data collection techniques in tests, questionnaires, and observation sheets. This study's population was 123 students, sampling using a convenience sampling technique so that the sample used was 62 students. Based on the research results, there are differences. There is an increase between students' critical thinking skills and self-efficacy who use the PBL model rather than the conventional model. The research result implies that the PBL model is highly recommended for economics teachers. Still, it is necessary to provide innovation in the learning model so that in the learning process, it uses one model and innovates with other models.
Base-resolution prediction of transcription factor binding signals by a deep learning framework

Transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in regulating gene expression, thus the identification of the sites bound by them has become a fundamental step for molecular and cellular biology. In this paper, we developed a deep learning framework leveraging existing fully convolutional neural networks (FCN) to predict TF-DNA binding signals at the base-resolution level, called FCNsignal. The proposed FCNsignal can simultaneously achieve the following tasks: (i) modeling the base-resolution signals of binding regions; (ii) discriminating binding or non-binding regions; (iii) locating TF-DNA binding regions; (iv) predicting binding motifs. The experimental results on 53 TF ChIP-seq datasets and 6 chromatin accessibility ATAC-seq datasets show that our proposed framework outperforms some existing state-of-the-art methods. In addition, we explored to use the trained FCNsignal to locate all potential TF-DNA binding regions on a whole chromosome and predict DNA sequences of arbitrary length, and the results show that our framework can find most of the known binding regions and accept sequences of arbitrary length. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential ability of our framework in discovering causal disease-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through a series of experiments. Author summary Identification of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) is fundamental to study gene regulatory networks in biological systems, as TFs activate or suppress the transcription of genes by binding to specific TFBSs. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and deep learning (DL), several DL-based approaches have been developed for systematically studying TFBSs, achieving impressive performance. Nevertheless, these methods either excessively focus on discriminating binding or non-binding sequences or individually accomplish multiple TFBSs-associated tasks. In this work, we provide an integrated framework, which utilizes the FCN architecture to predict TF-DNA binding signals at the base-resolution level, to simultaneously study multiple TFBSs-associated tasks. More importantly, we also demonstrate that our proposed framework has the ability to locate all potential TF-DNA binding regions from DNA sequences of arbitrary length. We hope that our framework can provide a new perspective on studying the mechanism of TF-DNA binding and its related tasks.
BURNOUT CONDITIONS FOR SINGLE ROD IN ANNULAR GEOMETRY, WATER AT 600 TO 1400 PSIA

Tests were run to determine burnout conditions for sn electrically heated rod in a circular tube with an annular flow path for the upward water flow. The conditions correspond to those which might exist in a reactor core. The burnout results for the basic test geometry (straight concentric annulus) showed that a plot of burnout heat flux vs quality is a straight line with a negative slope, and that the burnout heat flux is increased by a decrease in flow or an increase in pressure, while the hydraulic diameter has a maximum effect on the flux at 0.25 to 0.5 inch. A correlation of the results is given for a certain range of conditions. The following modifications of the basic test geometry were also tested: eccentric rod, simulated spacer, sandblasted rod, and rough liner. The eccentric rod and sandblasted rod decreased the burnout heat flux, while the simulated space had no effect, and the flux for the rough liner is greater than for the smooth liner. The basic test geometry data are compared with other internally heated annular data and with multirod data. (D.L.C.)