Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semantic Security via Seeded Modular Coding Schemes and Ramanujan Graphs

A novel type of functions called biregular irreducible functions is introduced and applied as security components (instead of, e.g., universal hash functions) in seeded modular wiretap coding schemes, whose second component is an error-correcting code. These schemes are called modular BRI schemes. An upper bound on the semantic security information leakage of modular BRI schemes in a one-shot setting is derived which separates the effects of the biregular irreducible function on the one hand and the error-correcting code plus the channel on the other hand. The effect of the biregular irreducible function is described by the second-largest eigenvalue of an associated stochastic matrix. A characterization of biregular irreducible functions is given in terms of connected edge-disjoint biregular graphs. It allows for the construction of new biregular irreducible functions from families of edge-disjoint Ramanujan graphs, which are shown to exist. A concrete and frequently used arithmetic universal hash function can be converted into a biregular irreducible function for certain parameters. Sequences of Ramanujan biregular irreducible functions are constructed which exhibit an optimal trade-off between the size of the regularity set and the rate of decrease of the associated second-largest eigenvalue. Together with the one-shot bound on the information leakage, the existence of these sequences implies an asymptotic coding result for modular BRI schemes applied to discrete and Gaussian wiretap channels. It shows that the separation of error correction and security as done in a modular BRI scheme is secrecy capacity-achieving for every discrete and Gaussian wiretap channel. The same holds for a derived construction where the seed is generated locally by the sender and reused several times. It is shown that the optimal sequences of biregular irreducible functions used in the above constructions must be nearly Ramanujan.
On the Fundamental Recovery Limit of Orthogonal Least Squares

Orthogonal least squares (OLS) is a classic algorithm for sparse recovery, function approximation, and subset selection. In this paper, we analyze the performance guarantee of the OLS algorithm. Specifically, we show that OLS guarantees the exact reconstruction of any K-sparse vector in K iterations, provided that a sensing matrix has unit l2-norm columns and satisfies the restricted isometry property (RIP) of order K + 1 with
Lexical convergence and collective identities on Facebook

Recent studies, targeting Facebook, showed the tendency of users to interact with information adhering to their preferred narrative and to ignore dissenting information. Primarily driven by conﬁrmation bias, users tend to join polarized clusters where they cooperate to reinforce a like-minded system of beliefs, thus facilitating fake news and misinformation cascades. To gain a deeper understanding of these phenomena, in this work we analyze the lexicons used by the communities of users emerging on Facebook around veriﬁed and unveriﬁed contents. We show how the lexical approach provides important insights about the kind of information processed by the two communities of users and about their overall sentiment. Furthermore, by focusing on comment threads, we observe a strong positive correlation between the lexical convergence of co-commenters and their number of interactions, which in turns suggests that such a trend could be a proxy for the emergence of collective identities and polarization in opinion dynamics.
A Series of Planktonic Ecosystem Models with an Identical Kernel

For prognostic studies of the global carbon cycle it is critical to correctly reproduce primary productivity in different marine environments with the same model. Any given, single model will simulate biogeochemical processes with varying accuracy at different oceanic sites. In general, we seek for different model formulations that are appropriate for different specific biogeochemical questions. These individual models are required to share a common set of basic parameterisations (the kernel). The efforts put into evaluating and improving a common kernel greatly pay off with a simplified error analysis. Our strategy also helps to determine important processes and those which play only a minor role.
Potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), in tomatoes: plant canopy distribution and binomial sampling on processing tomatoes in California.

A binomial sampling method for the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), on processing tomato plants, Lycopersicon esculentum (Mill), is proposed. Relationships between mean number of M. euphorbiae per leaf and proportion of leaves infested (P(I)) with M. euphorbiae for both upper and interior leaves of the processing tomato varieties OAltaO and OHalleyO are presented. A split-plot design was used with variety, position in the plant canopy, and block as the factors examined through linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results supported the hypotheses that M. euphorbiae densities on upper canopy leaves are predictive of densities on inner canopy leaves and that proportion of M. euphorbiae infested leaves are predictive of mean densities per leaf. Mean M. euphorbiae density was greater on OAltaO than OHalleyO tomato plants, supporting the assumption that OAltaO is the more susceptible variety. TaylorOs Power Law coefÞcients, a and b, were similar for proportion of M. euphorbiaeÐinfested upper and inner leaves of both OAltaO and OHalleyO. TaylorOs b coefÞcients ranged from 1.57 to 1.74, indicating a highly clumped distribution for M. euphorbiae.
Calculation of measurement uncertainty of biochemical parameters

Objective: The aim of this study is the calculation of measurement uncertainty values of ten different biochemical parameters by using internal and external quality control datas with three different, but same model and trademark device and the comparison of these values with Fraser’s and CLIA’s total allowable error % (TEa%) values. Methods: In the calculation of measurement uncertainty, six step “uncertainty calculation model”, that is defined in Nordest guide which is based on European Accreditation Guideline / 12 /, European Technical Report: 1 / 3 / and ISO / DTS 21748 Guideline / 8 / was used. Results: TEa% values of blood urea nitrogen for Device A, potassium values for Device B and albumin, creatinine, sodium and total protein values for Device C were found to be higher when compared to TEa% values of Fraser. TEa% of blood urea nitrogen, which has been calculated for Device A, B and C was found to be higher when compared to TEa% values of CLIA. TEa% values which has been calculated for glucose, AST, cholesterol and triglyceride in each three device was not found to be higher than TEa% values of CLIA and Fraser. Conclusion: Laboratories should establish the model for calculation of uncertainity measurement and evaluation criterias and take the analytical difference between devices under control. Also they should give the results which are not exceeding the targeted TEa% values and should inform the clinicians about it.
Iterative Learning Control design for uncertain and time-windowed systems

Iterative Learning Control (ILC) is a control strategy capable of dramatically increasing the performance of systems that perform batch repetitive tasks. This performance improvement is achieved by iteratively updating the command signal, using measured error data from previous trials, i.e., by learning from past experience. This thesis deals with ILC for time-windowed and uncertain systems. With the term "time-windowed systems", we mean systems in which actuation and measurement time intervals differ. With "uncertain systems", we refer to systems whose behavior is represented by incomplete or inaccurate models. To study the ILC design issues for time-windowed systems, we consider the task of residual vibration suppression in point-to-point motion problems. In this application, time windows are used to modify the original system to comply with the task. With the properties of the time-windowed system resulting in nonconverging behavior of the original ILC controlled system, we introduce a novel ILC design framework in which convergence can be achieved. Additionally, this framework reveals new design freedom in ILC for point-to-point motion problems, which is unknown in "standard" ILC. Theoretical results concerning the problem formulation and control design for these systems are supported by experimental results on a SISO and MIMO flexible structure. The analysis and design results of ILC for time-windowed systems are subsequently extended to the whole class of linear systems whose input and output are filtered with basis functions (which include time windows). Analysis and design theory of ILC for this class of systems reveals how different ILC objectives can be reached by design of separate parts of the ILC controller. Our research on ILC for uncertain systems is divided into two parts. In the first part, we formulate an approach to analyze the robustness properties of existing ILC controllers, using well developed µ theory. To exemplify our findings, we analyze the robustness properties of linear quadratic (LQ) norm optimal ILC controllers. Moreover, we show that the approach is applicable to the class of linear trial invariant ILC controlled systems with basis functions. In the second part, we present a finite time interval robust ILC control strategy that is robust against model uncertainty as given by an additive uncertainty model. For that, we exploit H1 control theory, however, modified such that the controller is not restricted to be causal and operates on a finite time interval. Furthermore, we optimize the robust controller so as to optimize performance while remaining robustly monotonically convergent. By means of experiments on a SISO flexible system, we show that this control strategy can indeed outperform LQ norm optimal ILC and causal robust ILC control strategies.
Pedagogies of Difference : Rethinking Education for Social Justice

1. Towards a Decolonizing Pedagogy 2. Challenging the Construction of Difference as Deficit: Where are Identity, Intellect, Imagination, and Power in the New Regime of Truth? 3. Derrida, Pedagogy and the Calculation of the Subject 4. Pedagogies of Difference, Race, and Representation: Film as a Site of Translation and Politics 5. Discomforting Truths: the Emotional Terrain of Understanding Difference 6. The Struggle for Happiness: Commidified Black Masculinities, Vernacular Culture, and Homoerotic Desires 7. Queer Pedagogies: Camping Up the Difference 8. Inside Noah's Tent: the Sodomitical Genesis of "Race" in the Christian Imagination 9. Towards an Integrative Approach to Equity in Education 10. Towards a Deconstructive Pedagogies of Differance
External acquisition of technology : exploration and exploitation in international innovation networks

19 Introduction 20 Theoretical background and hypotheses 21 Technological and social capital 21 Exploring new technologies 25 Empirical setting 27 Definition and characteristics 27 Data, variables and modeling 29 Data 29 Variable definitions and operationalization 32 Dependent variable 32 Independent variables 32 Control variables 36 Model specification and econometric issues 37 Results 38 Discussion and conclusions 45 Chapter 3 EXPLORATIVE AND EXPLOITATIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED ALLIANCE NETWORKS 49 Abstract 49 Introduction 50 Theoretical background and hypotheses 52 Strategic alliances and their role in exploitative and explorative learning 52 Direct ties 53 Indirect ties 55 Network structure of social capital 57 Data, variables and methods 59 Data 59 Variables 61 Dependent variables 61 Independent variables 62 Model estimation 68 Results 70 Conclusion 8249 Introduction 50 Theoretical background and hypotheses 52 Strategic alliances and their role in exploitative and explorative learning 52 Direct ties 53 Indirect ties 55 Network structure of social capital 57 Data, variables and methods 59 Data 59 Variables 61 Dependent variables 61 Independent variables 62 Model estimation 68 Results 70 Conclusion 82
Biofilm Formation by Listeria monocytogenes Utilizes a Primary Colonizing Microorganism in Flowing Systems.

Listeria monocytogenes serotype 3a and Pseudomonas fragi ATCC 4973 were examined for attachment capability and biofilm development on glass coverslips under flowing systems. Tryptic soy broth supplemented with yeast extract was the growth medium. A continuous flow slide chamber was developed for in situ observations using phase-contrast microscopy. Glass coverslips were examined by epifluorescent and scanning electron microscopy for biofilm formation. The ultrastructure of attached test organisms was examined for the presence of exopolymers using transmission electron microscopy. In pure cultures, attachment of L. monocytogenes to glass coverslips was sparse, while P. fragi accumulated on glass coverslips as a confluent layer of cells. When L. monocytogenes was grown in mixed culture with P. fragi , an exopolymer-producing microorganism, attachment and microcolony formation by L. monocytogenes was enhanced. Results suggest that under flowing conditions the presence of an exopolymer-producing microorganism may be more important than hydrophobicity, surface charge, or flagellar movement in attachment of L. monocytogenes to inert surfaces.
Model predictive control for stochastic systems by randomized algorithms

The main topic of this thesis is control of dynamic systems that are subject to stochastic disturbances and constraints on the input and the state. The main motivation for dealing with control of such systems is that there is no method available that adequately deals with this problem, despite the fact that stochastic, constrained systems are often encountered in real world problems. For example, in process industry the margins of physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, concentration, velocity and position can be expressed as amplitude constraints in a natural way. Such constraints are usually persistent in that suitable control actions need to be implemented that respect these constraints irrespective of the presence of uncontrolled disturbances that effect the system. Goals of the thesis are to 1. Formulate a mathematical problem for the synthesis of a controller that will achieve desired performance of the controlled system. More precisely, to minimize a performance measure that captures desired performance while respecting constraints in the face of stochastic disturbances. 2. Deduce verifiable conditions under which the problem formulated in 1. is solvable. 3. Formulate a solution concept for the problem in 1. that is based on the model predictive control technique. 4. Create feasible computational algorithms for the synthesis of controllers that solve control problems from 1. within the solution setup from 3. 5. Investigate convergence properties of the approximate solutions obtained by computational algorithms from 4. The main tool that is used in the thesis to solve the problem formulated in 1. is the model predictive control technique. Model predictive control has had a significant and widespread impact on industrial process control. When dealing with stochastic systems, however, application of the standard model predictive control algorithms results in a significant loss in the controlled system performance. Therefore, to deal with the problem 1. within the model predictive control framework, it was necessary to develop alternative model predictive control techniques. Contributions of the thesis are twofold. The first set of contributions is made with regard to the model predictive control of constrained, stochastic systems. In this thesis, we develop a novel approach to the model predictive control of such systems, that is based on the optimization in closed loop over the control horizon and stochastic sampling of the disturbance i.e. a randomized algorithm. The second set of contributions has been made in more general framework of the optimal control of stochastic systems that are subject to input and state constraints. We present a novel problem setup for control of such systems and give initial results that are concerned with solvability conditions for the posed optimization problem and the characterization of the optimal solution.
Standing crop and pattern in pure stands of Mercurialis perennis and Rubus fruticosus in mixed deciduous woodland

Standing crop of Mercurialis perennis L. shoots was measured by dimension analysis, a technique not previously used in herb production studies. It is accurate, and allows several measurements to be made on the same material. Maximum standing crop (970? 244 kg ha--) occurred in May, after maximum shoot density, and thereafter fell linearly until September. Above-ground biomass of Rubus fruticosus in May was assessed by harvesting, and sub-dividing the material into separate year classes. Standing crop was 749 kg ha-l. Weights of standing dead and litter were each almost as high. Two year old canes were each about five times the weight of one year old canes; total weight of canes in these classes was similar. Pattern of shoot distribution in M. perennis and cane distribution in R. fruticosus was examined. Through time, shoot distribution in M. perennis altered from aggregated towards randomness, indicating death in areas of high shoot density. All cohorts of canes in R. fruticosus were extremely clumped. The results are explained for both species in terms of patterns of morphology and growth.
Casca de banana em dietas para vacas mestiças em lactação

The study purpose was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior and milk production of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows fed with diets containing dried banana peel in the sun with or without addition of chemical agents during the drying process. We used two Latin squares 4 x 4, composed of four diets, four animals and four experimental periods. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenious with forage to concentrate ratio of 75: 25. Treatments consisted of 20% inclusion of dried banana peel with or without addition of 2% of limestone or 2% of calcium oxide, replacing the sorghum silage, apart from free banana peel diet. Were used eight cows with 80 ± 10 days in milk at the beginning of the experiment, which lasted 72 days, divided into four periods of 18 days with 14 days for diet adaptation and four days of sampling and data collection. The banana peel with calcium oxide decreases rumination time, the total chewing time and the number amounts ruminated per day. However, it didn’t change the feed and rumination efficiencies of DM and NDF. The utilization of dried banana peel in the sun in 20% of the diet doesn’t alter milk yield, with average production of 16.88 kg of milk with 3.5% of fat.day-1. However, reduces DM and nutrients digestibility, which may limit the weight gain of the animals. The use of additives in banana skin drying does not improve the consumption and production of milk.
Short Communication Ataxia-Telangiectasia-Mutated (ATM) Gene in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Promoter Hypermethylation with Clinical Correlation in 100 Cases

The Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) gene product is a well-characterized tumor suppressor that plays a key role in maintenance of genomic stability. We have recently documented that the ATM promoter is a target for epigenetic silencing in cultured tumor cells. Here we show that aberrant methylation of the ATM promoter occurs in a significant percentage (25%) of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The presence of methylated ATM promoter shows a statistically significant correlation with an earlier age of initial diagnosis and decreased overall survival, particularly in early-stage tumors. These findings indicate that ATM promoter hypermethylation occurs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and this feature is a potentially useful prognostic marker in this tumor type.
PREVALENCIA DE DISFUNCIÓN ERÉCTIL EN CHILE

Erectile and sexual function are important for men’s health and couple’s well being. Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been acknowledged as a high prevalence disease in men over 40 years of age. We present the results of our investigation in 1447 men aged between 40-92: 83.5% recognized themselves as sexually active; ED was present in 51.5% of men in our sample. 77-87% of patients affected with moderate or severe ED recognized that this condition is important to their lifes.
Design optimization of a switched reluctance motor by electromagnetic and thermal finite-element analysis

This paper presents the design optimization of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) by using a combination of two-dimensional electromagnetic and thermal finite-element analysis, three-dimensional correction factors, and computer search techniques. To achieve the required performance within a specified space envelope, the physical dimensions of the SRM were optimized, subject to a minimal total material cost including motor and power electronics. A prototype SRM was built and its test results validated the design methodology.
Workshop Report A Workshop Report on Wheat Genome Sequencing: International Genome Research on Wheat Consortium

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a wheat genome sequencing workshop was held November 10-11, 2003, in Washington, DC. It brought together 63 scientists of diverse research interests and institutions, including 45 from the United States and 18 from a dozen foreign countries (see list of participants at http:/ /www.ksu.edu/igrow). The objectives of the workshop were to discuss the status of wheat genomics, obtain feedback from ongoing genome sequencing projects, and develop strategies for sequencing the wheat genome. The purpose of this report is to convey the information discussed at the workshop and provide the basis for an ongoing dialogue, bringing forth comments and suggestions from the genetics community.
Microfluidic techniques for DNA melting analysis and digital polymerase chain reaction

Microfluidic methods were applied to nucleic acid mutation identification and quantification. DNA melting analysis interrogation volumes were reduced 4 orders of magnitude (down to 1 nL volumes) from commercial instrumentation, allowing less reagent consumption while yielding adequate signal for genotyping and scanning of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. A microfluidic instrument was developed for digital PCR applications, using a spinning plastic disk patterned by xurography. The platform offers faster thermocycling times (30 cycles in ~12 min), simplified fluid partitioning, and a less expensive disposable when compared to currently available digital PCR platforms. PCR within the disk was validated by quantifying plasmid DNA sample using “on/off” fluorescence interrogation across 1000 wells (30 nL/well) at varying template concentration. A 94% PCR efficiency and product amplification specificity were determined by aggregate real-time PCR and melting analysis. The technique of quasi-digital PCR was also applied within this platform, wherein a single mutation copy was preferentially amplified from a large background of wild-type DNA, to detect and quantify low levels of rare mutations. This method demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.01% (detecting a mutant to wild-type DNA ratio of 43:450000), by mixing known concentrations of an oncogene mutation with thousands of wild-type template copies. Statistic analysis tools were constructed in order to interpret digital PCR data, with results comparing well to DNA absorption measurements.