Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flower morphological differentiation and plant-pollinator interactions among sympatric Aframomum species (Zingiberaceae) with floral trumpet type in the tropical African rainforest

Background and aims – Diversification in plant-pollinator interactions based on floral diversity is potentially a mechanism of coexistence in angiosperms. However, besides high floral diversity, some genera seemingly exhibit the same floral type in many of their species. This contradicts some expectations of competitive exclusion. We thus tested on a finer flower morphological scale whether five sympatric Aframomum species (61 spp., Zingiberaceae) in southeastern Gabon exhibiting the same general floral type (trumpet) were differentiated, and whether this resulted in different “pollinator niches”. Material and methods – We carried out a detailed survey measuring 18 flower morphological parameters as well as nectar volume (μl) and sugar concentration (% Brix) on five flowers per species and locality. Furthermore, we observed inflorescence phenology and pollinator activity from 8 am to 4 pm for 12 to 50 hours per species and conducted pollinator exclusion experiments.Key results – This study proves fine-scale flower morphological and resource differentiation within the trumpet floral type. Pollination-relevant parts of the flowers, however, remain constant across species. Our pollinator observations reveal the same broad bee pollinator spectrum for all observed simultaneously flowering sympatric species.Conclusion – As we could not detect a pollinator-based differentiation in the studied sympatric Aframomum species we assume that species boundaries developed randomly by genetic drift during geographic isolation in the past. The trumpet floral type and its pollinator guild, however, were maintained due to similar selection pressures in comparable habitats during isolation and are potentially an advantage for increased pollinator attraction through co-flowering.
The Causes of Seam Effects in Panel Surveys

For some domains, panel surveys collect information about the period between interviews. Such data are typically affected by â€œseam effectsâ€ : transition rates from one month (or week) to the next are typically far higher if the months were covered in two different interviews, than if they were covered in the same interview. The causes of seam effects are not well understood. As a result, data collection methods designed to reduce the problem appear to work for some types of items, but not for others. This paper presents a theoretical framework of the causes of seam effects that unifies existing theories and evidence. The predictions from the framework are tested using data from the British Household Panel Survey and find support.
Heterologous Expression and Assembly of Human TLR Signaling Components in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is key to detect pathogens and initiating inflammation. Ligand recognition triggers the assembly of supramolecular organizing centers (SMOCs) consisting of large complexes composed of multiple subunits. Building such signaling hubs relies on Toll Interleukin-1 Receptor (TIR) and Death Domain (DD) protein-protein interaction domains. We have expressed TIR domain-containing components of the human myddosome (TIRAP and MyD88) and triffosome (TRAM and TRIF) SMOCs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a platform for their study. Interactions between the TLR4 TIR domain, TIRAP, and MyD88 were recapitulated in yeast. Human TIRAP decorated the yeast plasma membrane (PM), except for the bud neck, whereas MyD88 was found at cytoplasmic spots, which were consistent with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria junctions, as evidenced by co-localization with Mmm1 and Mdm34, components of the ER and Mitochondria Encounter Structures (ERMES). The formation of MyD88-TIRAP foci at the yeast PM was reinforced by co-expression of a membrane-bound TLR4 TIR domain. Mutations in essential residues of their TIR domains aborted MyD88 recruitment by TIRAP, but their respective subcellular localizations were unaltered. TRAM and TRIF, however, did not co-localize in yeast. TRAM assembled long PM-bound filaments that were disrupted by co-expression of the TLR4 TIR domain. Our results evidence that the yeast model can be exploited to study the interactions and subcellular localization of human SMOC components in vivo.
Thermal component model for electrothermal analysis of IGBT module systems

The insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules are getting more accepted and increasingly used in power electronic systems as high power and high voltage switching components. However, IGBT technology with high speed and greater packaging density leads to higher power densities on the chips and increases higher operating temperatures. These operating temperatures in turn lead to an increase of the failure rate and a reduction of the reliability. In this paper, the static and dynamic thermal behavior of IGBT module system mounted on a water-cooled heat sink is analyzed. Although three-dimensional finite element method (3-D FEM) delivers very accurate results, its usage is limited by an imposed computation time in arbitrary load cycles. Therefore, an RC component model (RCCM) is investigated to extract thermal resistances and time constants for a thermal network. The uniqueness of the RCCM is an introduction of the time constants based on the Elmore delay, which represents the propagation delay of the heat flux through the physical geometry of each layer. The dynamic behavior predicted by the thermal network is equivalent to numerical solutions of the 3-D FEM. The RCCM quickly offers insight into the physical layers of the components and provides useful information in a few minutes for the arbitrary or periodic power waveforms. This approach enables a system designer to couple the thermal prediction with a circuit simulator to analyze the electrothermal behavior of IGBT module system, simultaneously.
Fourier Compatible Near-Field Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Terahertz Imaging with Sparse Non-Uniform Apertures

Among image reconstruction methods, Fourier transform-based techniques provide computationally better performance. However, conventional Fourier-based reconstruction techniques require uniform data sampling at the radar aperture. In this paper, a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scenario for near-field (NF) terahertz imaging systems is considered. A compressive-sensing-based method compatible with efficient fast Fourier-based techniques for image reconstruction is proposed. To reduce the error due to the multistatic array topology in the NF, a multistatic-to-monostatic conversion is used. Employing the proposed method significantly reduces the number of antennas and channels. This, in addition to saving hardware resources, can improve the overall performance of the system depending on the type of channel access scheme. The results based on both numerical and electromagnetic data, presented as reconstructed images of the scene, confirm the performance of the proposed method.
Pearson’s Redundancy Multi-Filtering with BAT Algorithm for Selecting High Dimensional Imbalanced Features

Feature selection plays a vital role for every data analysis application. Feature selection aims to choose prominent set of features after removing redundant and irrelevant features from original set of features. High Dimensional dataset poses a challenging task for Machine Learning algorithms. Many state-of-art solutions were developed to handle this issue. High dimensionality in addition to imbalance ratio in the dataset becomes a tedious task. To overcome the issue, this paper introduces a novel method namely Pearson’s Redundancy Based Multi Filter algorithm with improved BAT algorithm (PRBMF-iBAT) to obtain multiple feature subsets. PRBMF is implemented using multiple filters to obtain highly relevant features. iBAT algorithm uses these features to find best subset of features for classification. The results prove that PRBMF-iBAT perform better for the classifier in terms of Accuracy, Precision, Recall and F- Measure for three micro array datasets with SVM classifier. The proposed system achieves 97.99% of accuracy as highest compared to the existing rCBR-BGOA algorithm.
Responses of Two Tall Buildings in Tokyo, Japan, before, during, and after the M9.0 Tohoku Earthquake of 11 March 2011

The 11 March 2011 M 9.0 Tohoku earthquake generated significant long duration shaking that propagated hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter and affected urban areas throughout much of Honshu. Recorded responses of tall buildings at several hundred km from the epicenter of the main shock and other events show tall buildings were affected by long-period motions of events at distant sources. This study presents behavioral aspects of 29-story and 30-story neighboring buildings in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo, Japan, as inferred from records retrieved from a sparse array of accelerometers deployed in the superstructures, at ground and 100 m below the ground level over a time interval covering before, during, and after the main shock. Such long-period effects are common in several regions of Japan as well as in the United States and in other seismically active countries. Permanent shifts in fundamental frequencies are observed. Drift ratios indicate possible structural nonlinear behavior occurred during the main shock. The need to consider risks to built environments from distant sources, including those in neighboring countries, is emphasized.
Optimising digital marketing and social media strategy: from push to pull to performance

ABSTRACT Social media and firm applications are two mobile service marketing mechanisms that rely on push or pull promotions to be effective. Literature, however, has yet to uncover how the promotions may complement each other when purposefully implemented. Our study examines this possibility in the grocery industry over three months. First, we create and manage a supermarket’s Instagram profile, posting to the account (push promotion). Next, we compare performance measures with a third-party mobile app (pull promotion), which provides aggregated customer views and access to the supermarket profile. A time-series analysis reveals a sequential chain from push promotion to pull promotion to performance, the temporal effect of a push to pull, and the mediating effect from push to pull to purchase with an elasticity of . 23. Results are important to those balancing push and pull promotional efforts and those involved with digital marketing and promotion in retailing.
Adaptive Control of Quadrotor UAVs in the Presence of Actuator Uncertainties

This paper describes the application of model reference adaptive control on a light-weight, low-cost quadrotor UAV platform. An adaptive controller was designed to augment an existing linear controller that provides autonomy and waypoint following. The design of the adaptive controller is driven by Lyapunov stability arguments and has a proof of stability grounded in a nonlinear framework. The approach was validated using flight testing inside an indoor test facility. The adaptive controller was found to offer increased robustness to parametric uncertainties. In particular, it was found to be effective in mitigating the effects of a loss of thrust anomaly, which may occur due to component failure or physical damage. The design of the adaptive controller is presented, followed by a comparison of flight test results using the existing linear and augmented adaptive controllers.
Interplay between baroreflex sensitivity, obesity and related cardiometabolic risk factors (Review)

The baroreflex represents a rapid negative feedback system implicated in blood pressure regulation, which aims to prevent blood pressure variations by regulating peripheral vascular tone and cardiac output. The aim of the present review was to highlight the association between baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and obesity, including factors associated with obesity, such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For the present review, a literature search was conducted using the PubMed database until August 21, 2021. The searched terms included ‘baroreflex’, and other terms such as ‘sensitivity’, ‘obesity’, ‘metabolic syndrome’, ‘hypertension’, ‘diabetes’, ‘gender’, ‘aging’, ‘children’, ‘adolescents’, ‘physical activity’, ‘bariatric surgery’, ‘autonomous nervous system’ and ‘cardiometabolic risk factors’. Obesity and its related metabolic disorders can influence baroreflex functionality and decrease BRS, mostly by potentiating sympathetic nervous system activity. Obesity induces inflammation, which can increase sympathetic system activity and lead to a higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Obesity also represents an important risk factor for hypertension through numerous mechanisms; in this setting, dysfunctional baroreceptors are not able to protect against constantly elevated blood pressure. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress result in deterioration of BRS, whereas aging is also generally related to reduced cardiovagal BRS. Differences in BRS have also been observed between men and women, and overall cardiovagal BRS in healthy women is less intense compared with that in men. BRS appears lower in children with obesity compared with that in children of a healthy weight. Notably, physical exercise can increase BRS in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects, and BRS can also be significantly improved following bariatric surgery and weight loss. In conclusion, obesity and its related metabolic disorders may influence baroreflex functionality and decrease BRS, and baroreceptors cannot protect against the constantly elevated blood pressure in obesity. However, following bariatric surgery and weight loss, BRS can be significantly improved. The present review summarizes the role of obesity and related metabolic risk factors in BRS, providing details on possible mechanisms and shedding light on their interplay leading to autonomic neuropathy.
In-process 3D laser measurement to control the fiber tape-laying for composite production

Metrology is the key to an economically feasible production of fiber-reinforced composites in the field of automated tape laying, applying a novel laser light-section sensor system (LLSS) to measure process quality and feed back the results to close control loops of the production system. The developed method derives 3D measurements from height profiles through an in-process surface scan by the integrated LLSS. Gaps, overlaps, misalignment and defects of the composite tapes are detected during their lay-up and consolidation by comparing the measurement results with a CAD/CAM model of the lay-up. The height profiles are processed with a novel algorithm based on a non-linear least-square fitting to a set of sigmoid functions to ensure sub-pixel accuracy.
Implementation of the Standardized Precipitation Index in semi-arid North African areas: reply to the discussion of “Drought assessment in a south Mediterranean transboundary catchment”

ABSTRACT We are very grateful to the authors Aksoy and Cavus for their constructive contributions to the discussion of our earlier paper “Drought assessment in a south Mediterranean transboundary catchment. ” Our paper focused on the variability of rainfall and drought patterns in the Medjerda catchment in Tunisia and analysed the underlying causes resulting in these changes. Scope exists to improve the integration of the space–time variability in the drought assessment methodology. Different drought indices and statistical methods are employed in the study. The discussion of the article concentrates almost exclusively on the use of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and some mistyped equations. In this reply, we clarify the problematic points of misunderstanding and discuss the classification of droughts based on the SPI values.
A review of multi-criteria decision making techniques for supplier evaluation and selection

Article history: Received 11 May 2010 Received in revised form June, 14, 2011 Accepted 14 June 2011 Available online 15 June 2011 Supplier evaluation and selection has been a vital issue of strategic importance for long time. Different multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches have been proposed by the researchers in past, to solve the supplier evaluation and selection problem. In this paper, we present a review of various MCDM methodologies reported in the literature for solving the supplier evaluation and selection process. The review is solely based on sixty-eight research articles, including eight review articles in the academic literature from 2000 to 2011. We try to find out the most prevalent approach in the articles and thereby present the future scope of arriving at an optimal solution to the problem, based on the specifications, the strategies and the requirements of the buyers. The study presents that with the change in processes and the requirements, how the approach of the manufacturing industry has shifted from striving for operational effectiveness to the strategic partnership in the dyadic relationship. © 2011 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Supervisory control for emission compliance of heavy-duty vehicles

Heavy freight trucks globally contribute to a significant proportion of transportrelated air pollution. The dominant air pollutants from heavy freight trucks with diesel engine and exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS) are CO2, hydrocarbons (HC), CO, particulate matter (PM), NOx (NO and NO2), and NH3. The greenhouse gas emission legislation limits the amount of CO2 emission, and Euro VI emission legislation limits the other dominant air pollutants. Emission legislation is gradually becoming more and more stringent to reach the long term goal of near-zero-emission. Several parties are working together to reduce the emissions, keeping both the short and long term goal in mind. Any step which results in ICE downsizing contributes to the reduction of all dominant emissions. But, with size and type of the ICE decided, there is a trade-off between NOx emission and other emissions: reduced NOx emission means reduced fuel efficiency (i.e. increased CO2, PM, and HC emissions). It is a challenge to fulfil the current emission legislation—especially real-driving NOx emission legislation—with existing control functionalities in the engine management system (EMS). However, better control of NOx emission is possible by exploiting predictive driving information and considering the coupling between the engine system and EATS. This work pursues this idea and concludes that fulfilling real-driving NOx emission legislation is possible, considering the coupling between the engine system and EATS while using predictive information. The work provides a mathematical formulation of the concept and then develops, evaluates, and implements an engine-EATS supervisor which optimizes total fuel consumption and fulfils both the world harmonized transient cycle (WHTC) based and real-driving NOx emission legislation. The developed supervisor is a distributed economic nonlinear model predictive controller (E-NMPC). This work develops and analyzes two different versions of the distributed E-NMPC based supervisory control algorithm. The more efficient one of the two is again compared for three variants. Considering the computation time of the three algorithms and processing speed of the existing EMS, one algorithm is selected for implementation. The supervisor performs much better compared to a baseline controller (optimized offline). Simulation results show that the supervisory controller has 1.7% less total fuel consumption and 88.4% less NH3 slip, compared to the baseline controller, to achieve the same real-driving NOx emission.
Predicting residents’ adoption of living environment improvement practices toward sustainable development: the role of internet use

Improving the living environment through household efforts remains a challenge for many developing countries. Little attention has been given to the role of Internet use in previous studies. Based on the Attitude Behavior Context (A-B-C) theory, this paper builds a theoretical framework where Internet use affects residents’ adoption of living environment improvement practices (LEIPs). Using large-scale household survey data from China, this paper adopts the recursive bivariate probit model to overcome the endogeneity biases and investigate the treatment effects of Internet use on residents’ adoption of integrated flushing toilets (IFT) and centralized disposal of domestic waste (CDDW). The results indicate that Internet use increases the likelihood of adopting IFT and CDDW by 24.5% and 19.0% respectively for Internet users. Besides, the counterfactual results show that the possibility of adopting IFT and CDDW will increase by 28.8% and 26.4% respectively if they use the Internet. Moreover, residents who are female, the CPC members, having more years of education and higher household income are more likely to adopt LEIPs. Additionally, the results show evidence of regional heterogeneity. Overall, the impact of Internet use on LEIPs adoption is larger for residents in less-developed and urban areas. The findings suggest that policies embedded with expanding Internet access shall help to promote the sustainable improvement of residents’ living environment.
A Low-Power Analog Bus for On-Chip Digital Communication

At present, performance and efficiency of a system-on-chip (SoC) design depends significantly on the on-chip global communication across various modules on the chip. On-chip communication is mostly implemented using a bus architecture that runs long distances, covering significant area of the integrated circuit. Difficult challenges in designing of a large SoC, e.g., one containing many processor cores, include hardware area, power dissipation, routing complexity, congestion and latency of the communication network. In this work, we propose an analog bus for digital data. In our scheme we replace n wires of an n-bit digital bus carrying data between cores with just one (or few) wire(s) carrying analog signal(s) encoding 2 levels of voltage. This analog bus uses digital-to-analog converter (DAC) drivers and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) receivers. Such on-chip communication scheme can potentially save hardware area and power. Reduction in number of wires saves chip area and the reduction in total intrinsic wire capacitance consequently reduces bus power consumption. The scheme should also reduce signal interference and crosstalk by eliminating the need for multiple line drivers and buffers. In spite of overheads of the DACs and ADCs, savings in power consumption from our scheme is significant. We have carried out simulated experiments that serve as a proof-of-concept by evaluating power consumption of a single wire with DAC/ADC encoding in comparison to an n-bit digital bus of a large system. SPICE simulation for an ideal case shows that the ratio of bus power consumed by the proposed analog scheme to a typical digital scheme (without bus encoding or differential signaling) is given by Panalog/Pdigital = 1/(3n). For 500MHz frequency and 1mm intermediate wire line, 4−bit replacement analog bus consumes 16μW over 219μW in parallel bus. Whereas, the 8−bit replacement bus consumes 18μW over the 470μW power consumption in the 8-bit parallel bus.
Design of electromagnetic crystal filters for rectangular waveguides

In this paper, a new implementation of rectangular waveguide filters using dielectric periodic structures called electromagnetic crystals is presented. By tuning its forbidden band with the desired rejection band of the rectangular waveguide, the filtering behavior is obtained. The dependence of the filter features as a function of the periodic structure characteristics is shown. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 30: 81–84, 2001.