Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of visual representations under top-down modulation

A key question within systems neuroscience is how the brain translates physical stimulation into a behavioral response: perceptual decision making. To answer this question, it is important to dissociate the neural activity underlying the encoding of sensory information from the activity underlying the subsequent temporal integration into a decision variable. Here, we adopted a decoding approach to empirically assess this dissociation in human magnetoencephalography recordings. We used a functional localizer to identify the neural signature that refl ects sensory-specifi c processes, and subsequently traced this signature while subjects were engaged in a perceptual decision making task. Our results revealed a temporal dissociation in which sensory processing was limited to an early time window and consistent with occipital areas, whereas decision-related processing became increasingly pronounced over time, and involved parietal and frontal areas. We found that the sensory processing accurately refl ected the physical stimulus, irrespective of the eventual decision. Moreover, the sensory representation was stable and maintained over time when it was required for a subsequent decision, but unstable and variable over time when it was task-irrelevant. In contrast, decision-related activity displayed longlasting sustained components. Together, our approach dissects neuro-anatomically and functionally distinct contributions to perceptual decisions. This chapter has been published as: Mostert, P., Kok, P., & de Lange, F. P. (2015) Dissociating sensory from decision processes in human perceptual decision making. Scientifi c Reports 5, 18253. doi: 10.1038/srep18253.
Common Ownership, Domestic Competition, and Export: Evidence from Thailand

We use administrative data of all registered firms in Thailand, both public and private, to study the relationships between common ownership, market power, and firms' export behaviors. Our results suggest that firms in ownership networks tend to have higher market power as measured by markup. In addition, markup is negatively associated with a firm's propensity to export, its likelihood of product upgrade, and the chance of survival in foreign markets. Our findings have policy implications on antitrust regulations and competitiveness policies, especially in export-oriented economies dominated by powerful business conglomerates.
On-chip quantum opticsand integrated optomechanics

Recent developments in quantum computing and the growing interest in optomechanics and quantum optics need platforms that enable rapid prototyping and scalability. This can be fulfilled by on-chip integration, as we present here. The different nanofabrication steps are explained, and our automated measurement setup is discussed. We present an opto-electromechanical device, the H-resonator, which enables optomechanical experiments such as electrostatic springs and nonlinearities and thermomechanical squeezing. Moreover, it also functions as an optomechanical phase shifter, an essential element for our integrated quantum optics efforts. Besides this, the equivalent of a beam splitter in photonics-the directional coupler-is shown. Its coupling ratio can be reliably controlled, as we show with experimental data. Several directional couplers combined can realize the CNOT operation with almost ideal fidelity.
Data Evaluation Software for X-ray Standing Waves Investigation of Element-Specific Density Profiles in Biomembranes

Various methods of atom position characterization in in bulk and surface regions of crystals, using x-ray standing wave (XSW), have emerged during development of x-ray experimental techniques in 20-th century. The XSW approach can be also applied to non-periodic objects, deposited on a crystal surface, with the standing wave generated inside a bulk used to probe the atomic arrangements above the surface. Alternatively, the standing waves can be produced by Bragg diffraction on long period artificial multilayer structures (ML). Various attempts were made to apply the ML-generated XSW for biomembranes characterization. Recently, in was demonstrated that the method can be directly applied to biomembranes in native surrounding. Here we present a Python software, developed for fitting of XSWF data from such objects. The new software was successfully tested on both model and experimental datasets and has proved to be fast and user-friendly. Noticeably, the program allows the user to introduce his own models, to put constraints in an existing model and simultaneously fit multiple data sets. This allows one to involve a priori information, which is often necessary in biological objects investigation. ∗marin@phystech.edu †dmitri.novikov@desy.de
Hardware Implementation Of Multi-Level Inverter Based DVR

This project proposes the Hardware implementation of the multilevel inverter based DVR system which can mitigate the problem related with the voltage sag in the distribution system for single phase supply. Voltage sag can causes many problems to entire system. The Multi-level inverter based DVR which is used to protect the sensitive equipment such as computer, printer from line fault such as voltage sag. This proposed work consist of the implementation of the DVR in the distribution system is based on the multilevel inverter topology against voltage sag by using microcontroller.
Small-Signal Stability Analysis and Optimal Parameters Design of Microgrid Clusters

The two-layer distributed control architecture, including the microgrid (MG) control layer and MG cluster (MGC) control layer, can be used for interconnecting multiple MGs to form the MGC. However, the coupling among multiple elements and the interaction between two control layers may introduce new low-damping oscillatory modes and even reduce the stability margin. Unfortunately, the detailed small-signal stability analysis and stability enhancement method of the MGC with the two-layer distributed control strategy have not been reported. To fill this gap, this paper first presents a unified small-signal dynamic model of the MGC. Subsequently, a comprehensive small-signal stability analysis based on the model is presented to analyze: 1) the mechanism of coupling/interaction among MGs and multiple control layers; 2) the participation factors of the low-damping modes; and 3) the sensitivity of the distributed control parameters. Moreover, the design of the distributed control parameters is formulated as an optimization problem, where the particle swarm optimization is employed to search for an optimal combination of parameters to enhance system stability. Finally, the stability assessment and time-domain simulation are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
SYNTHESIS OF ZnO-Аg NANOPARTICLES BY SOL-GEL METHOD

Zinc oxide is a highly applicable semiconductor material. Wide applica-tion of this nanomaterial is connected to wide spectrum of energy band gap, high bond en-ergy, great thermal conductivity, but also with its non-toxicity, antibacterial activity, bio-compatibility and biodegradability characteristics. The aim of this paper is synthesis and characterization of silver doped ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO:Ag NP) using sol-gel method. Ob-tained samples of silver doped ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by following tech-niques: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV/VIS spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spec-troscopy (EDX). Efficiency of provided synthesis method was examined by FTIR spectros-copy. XRD determined the purity and crystallinity, and wurtzite structure of synthesized material. Surface morphology and the effect of doping were examined using SEM and EDX characterization methods. Results showed better conductivity after doping ZnO nanoparti-cles with silver. SEM micrographs showed ZnO:Ag NP in the form of nanorods with a par-ticle average size of 6 nm.
Multimodal Classification of Mangoes

Grading, sorting, and classification of agricultural products are important steps to ensure a profitable and sustainable food industry. Human-intensive labors are replaced with better devices/machines that can be used in-line and generate sufficiently fast measurements for a high production volume. Most previous works focused on only one of the external quality parameters, such as color, size, mass, shape, and defects. In this work, we proposed an integrated machine vision system that can grade, sort, and classify man-goes using multiple features including weight, size, and external defects. We found that weight estimation using our proposed algorithm based on visual information was not statistically different from that of a conventional weight measurement using a static digital load cell; the estimation error is relatively small (4–5%). We also constructed an artificial neural network model to classify mango having multiple types of external defect; the classification error is less than 8% for the worst possible case. The results indicate that our system shows a great potential to be used in a real industrial setting. Future work will aim to investigate other features such as ripeness and bruises to increase the effectiveness and practicality of the system.
MICROPHOTOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF SPECTRAL ABSORPTION AND ITS POTENTIAL APPLICATION FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF HARMFUL ALGAL SPECIES

A comparison was made of microphotometric measurements and spectrophotometric measurements of particulate spectral absorption of four algal species, including the chlorophyte Dunaliella tertiolecta Butcher; a nontoxic dinoflagellate, Amphidinium carterae Hulburt; a diatom, Chaetoceros gracilis Schütt; and a toxic dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium breve Steidinger. Particulate spectral absorption of monospecies cultures was estimated as the product of the average absorption efficiency factor, Qa, determined by microphotometry, the cellular cross‐sectional area, and the cell number density. Estimates of particulate spectral absorption from microphotometric measurements were, in most cases, within one standard deviation of values determined from spectrophotometric measurements of algal suspensions. Estimates of Qa(675) were shown to be consistent with values reported in previous studies for cells of similar size and pigmentation and were consistent with theoretical predictions. Absorption spectra of mixtures of C. gracilis and G. breve were numerically decomposed into contributions by absorption signatures of monospecies cultures using either spectrophotometric or microphotometric measurements as the basis for end members. Modeled contributions assigned to either species displayed trends consistent with the actual proportions contributed to the spectrum by each algal culture. However, the technique was sensitive to measurement variability, which reduced the level of agreement between modeled and actual contributions. The utility of this approach for identification of algal taxa will depend on the degree to which algal spectral absorption signatures differ and the capabilities for acquiring high‐resolution data with low signal‐to‐noise ratios.
Aggregation-deficient Mutants of Streptococcus gordonii Channon Altered in Production of Cell-surface Polysaccharide and Proteins

Three spontaneous mutants of Streptococcus gordonii strain Channon were isolated that were deficient in cell-cell aggregation. The mutants had reduced cell-surface hydrophobicity, were impaired in saliva-mediated cell aggregation, and had greatly reduced amounts of ruthenium red stained material at their cell surfaces as visualised by electron microscopy. Alkali treatment of intact cells removed the ruthenium red-stained material together with a subset of polypeptides. One of these, a surface protein of molecular mass approximately 150 kDa, was present in the wild-type strain but not in the mutants. Parent and mutant strains secreted similar amounts of SSP-5 salivary agglutinin receptor, glucosyltransferase, and proteinase. The results implicate the ruthenium red-stained material and a 150-kDa polypeptide in hydrophobicity and aggregation properties of S. gordonii . Keywords: Oral streptococci; Streptococcus gordonii ; Aggregation; Saliva; Ruthenium red layer; Cell-surface proteins.
An Investigation of Partners' Attempts to Control Each Others' Eating Behaviors

The current study examines eating regulation in the context of romantic relationships. One hundred and four heterosexual couples provided information about their weight, satisfaction with their partners’ bodies, weight concerns, healthy dieting behaviors, and attempts to regulate their partners’ eating behaviors. Results indicated that women were more likely to monitor their partners’ eating behaviors than were men. Both men and women who attempted to regulate their partners’ eating behaviors tended to have relatively heavy partners and tended to be dissatisfied with their partners’ bodies. However, only women’s attempts to regulate men’s eating behaviors were associated with men’s weight concerns and healthy dieting behaviors.
Primitiae africanae. VIII. A revision of the genus Cadia Forskal (Caes). and some remarks regarding Dicraeopetalum Harms (Pap). and Platycelyphium Harms (Pap.).

SUMMARY The history of the nomenclature of Cadia has been compiled. Cadia, which is judged to belong in Caesalpiniaceae, has six species, all except one indigenous in Madagascar. A key is given, the geographical distribution mapped; Platycelyphium Harms and Dicraeopetalum Harms, which belong in Papilionaceae, are surveyed.
Does audit firms’ professional insurance affect auditors’ behaviors in terms of audit quality and audit fees

We examine the effect of insurance on auditors’ behaviors, particularly in terms of audit quality and audit fee. First, insured accounting firms can shift the litigation liability onto insurance companies. In this sense, although insured and uninsured accounting firms both provide reasonable assurance with regard to their clients’ financial statements, insured accounting firms have less of an incentive to provide high quality auditing than uninsured auditors, as insurance companies cover their litigation costs. This means that insured auditors’ behaviors are less likely to change in order to avoid future litigation in the face of higher exposure to litigation risks. By contrast, if sued, uninsured accounting firms must pay the entire costs from their own pockets. Uninsured accounting firms therefore have a great incentive to audit conservatively than insured accounting firms. Second, insured accounting firm incur more expenses than uninsured accounting firms, in the form of insurance premiums. Insurance expenses are not reimbursed even if no instances of litigation arise in the insurance period. In contrast, uninsured accounting firms with self-insurance do not recognize any official expenses in the form of reserve funds for self-insurance, even if they do not pay litigation costs. Therefore, we assume that ceteris paribus, insured accounting firms charge higher audit fees than uninsured accounting firms in order to transfer those expense to their clients. In sum, we assume that if accounting firms can shift their contingency liability onto insurance companies, regardless of the current trend and new amended rules, the quality of the auditing service will not improve. However, insured accounting firm will be charging higher audit fees than uninsured accounting firms in order to cover the extra expense form insurance fees.
Ecosystem respiration in two Mediterranean evergreen Holm Oak forests: drought effects and decomposition dynamics

Summary 1. We present ecosystem respiration data from two Mediterranean forest sites in central Italy (Castelporziano) and southern France (Puechabon) in order to analyse the role of soil drought and decomposition dynamics using different models. 2. Ecosystem respiration was derived from continuous eddy covariance measurements. The entire data set was separated into 5-day periods. For each period a function depending on three parameters was fitted to the scatter of eddy CO 2 flux versus photosynthetic photon flux density. The y intercept of each curve was taken as an estimate of the average night-time ecosystem respiration during the period. The ecosystem respiration was analysed with different regression models as a function of soil water content and temperature. 3. Ecosystem respiration ranged from 1 to 7 μ mol m ‐2 s ‐1 and showed a clear seasonality, with low rates during drought periods and in winter. The regression model analysis revealed that in drier soil, ecosystem respiration was more sensitive to soil moisture than is expressed by the often used hyperbolic model. 4. In contradiction to a simple multiplicative model, the Q 10 of ecosystem respiration was not independent of moisture, but increased from nearly 1·0 at low moisture to above 2·0 at field capacity. Several explanations are discussed. 5. Of the variance in ecosystem respiration, 70‐80% was explained with a model where Q 10 of ecosystem respiration is a function of soil water content. 6. For the Puechabon site, a soil carbon-balance model predicted only small changes in litter pool size (max. 7%), which caused only minor changes in soil microbial respiration (0·1 μ mol m ‐2 s ‐1 ). In contrast, the contribution of microbial regrowth dynamics to ecosystem respiration is estimated to be substantial ( ∪ 1·6 μ mol m ‐2 s ‐1 ). The model predicted that soil microbial respiration probably provides the largest contribution to ecosystem respiration ( ∪ 50%). The importance of below-ground processes for ecosystem C balances is thus emphasized.
Performance Isolation in Virtualized Machines

Data centers of today are rapidly moving towards the use of server virtualization as a preferred way of sharing a pool of server hardware resources between multiple ‘guest domains’ that host different applications. The hypervisors of the virtualized servers, such as the Xen use fair schedulers to schedule the guest domains, according to priorities or weights assigned to the domain by administrators. The hosted application’s performance is sensitive to the scheduling parameters of the domain on which the application runs. However, the exact relationship between these parameters of the domain and the application performance measures such as response time or throughput is not obvious and not static as well. Furthermore, due to the dynamics present in the system there is need for continuous tuning of the scheduling parameters. The main contribution of our work is the design and implementation of a controller that optimizes the performance of applications running on guest domains. We focus on a scenario where a specific target for the response time of an application may not be provided. The goal is to dynamically compute the CPU shares for the virtual machines in such a way that the application throughput should be maximized, while keeping the response time as low as possible, with the minimum possible allocation of CPU share for the guest domain. The optimizing controller design is based on the feedback control theoretic concept called Linear Quadratic Regulator(LQR). The controller computes the values of the scheduling parameters for every guest domain in such a way that it minimizes the CPU usage and response time, and maximizes throughput of the applications. To evaluate our work, we deployed multi-tier application in virtual machines hosted on the Xen virtual machine monitor. The performance evaluation results show that the controller brings the cap value close to the expected optimal value. The optimizing controller also rapidly responds to changes in the system when a disturbance task is introduced or load on the application is changed.
Impact of Selected Marketing Elements on Strategic Brand Management for Improving Brand Equity

In this paper we defined an structural model of the effects of the marketing mix element on brand equity. Research hypotheses are defined according to the identified structural model. In order to test the defined structural model and research hypotheses empirical research was conducted on the sample of customers of Mobile Phone and Television in Tehran. Research results indicate that the structural model has an acceptable level of fit to the empirical data. The estimated structural coefficients and indirect effect coefficients indicate the direction and intensity of effects of each analysed element of marketing mix on brand equity. Finally, implications of research results for the theory and practice of brand management are analysed and discussed.
3MW DUAL OUTPUT HIGH VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY OPERATION: RESULTS FOR ACCURACY, STABILITY AND PROTECTION

In a nuclear fusion, plasma temperature is increased by external heating systems like neutral beam injectors (NBI) and radio frequency heating. Radio Frequency (RF) heating devices generate frequency ranges from few MHz to tens of GHz viz. ion cyclotron (IC), electron cyclotron(EC) and lower hybrid(LH) systems where high voltage power supply (HVPS) are required preliminary. ITER requires 20 MW of ICRF for heating and driving plasma current. Seeing the availability of vacuum tubes and stringent specifications demanded for plasma heating, a series connection of power amplifiers seems only a feasible technical solution where RF power amplified at each stage. A required RF Amplifier must be having power capability of 1.5MW supporting matched and mismatched load (VSWR 2) over the wide frequency range of 35MHz65MHz. Pulse step modulation (PSM) based HVPS are in use for similar application since last 2 decades. A unique scheme of feeding two stages of RF Amplifier by single HVPS is endeavoured. Developed HVPS supports the operation by providing dc voltage to intermediate stage and end stage of IC RF amplifiers, subsequently 8-13.5 kV, 250 kW and 15-27 kV, 2800 kW. Present papers describes the consumption of dual output HVPS with IC RF Amplifiers system for different load conditions. A detailed description of vital wire-burn test towards amplifier side, demonstrating tight synchronization among both stages is discussed including test set up and fuse wire dimension. HVPS performance parameters of ripple, accuracy and stability over extended duration are presented for various scenario of RF Amplifier operation taking due care of all interlock protections.
Cost-Efficient Resource Provisioning for Dynamic Requests in Cloud Assisted Mobile Edge Computing

Mobile edge computing is emerging as a new computing paradigm that provides enhanced experience to mobile users via low latency connections and augmented computation capacity. As the amount of user requests is time-varying, while the computation capacity of edge hosts is limited, Cloud Assisted Mobile Edge (CAME) computing framework is introduced to improve the scalability of the edge platform. By outsourcing mobile requests to clouds with various types of instances, the CAME framework can accommodate dynamic mobile requests with diverse quality of service requirements. In order to provide guaranteed services at minimal system cost, the edge resource provisioning and cloud outsourcing of the CAME framework should be carefully designed in a cost-efficient manner. Specifically, two fundamental issues should be answered: (1) what is the optimal edge computation capacity configuration? and (2) what types of cloud instances should be tenanted and what is the amount of each type? To solve these issues, we formulate the resource provisioning in CAME framework as an optimization problem. By exploiting the piecewise convex property of this problem, the Optimal Resource Provisioning (ORP) algorithms with different instances are proposed, so as to optimize the computation capacity of edge hosts and meanwhile dynamically adjust the cloud tenancy strategy. The proposed algorithms are proved to be with polynomial computational complexity. To evaluate the performance of the ORP algorithms, extensive simulations and experiments are conducted based on both the widely-used traffic models and the Google cluster usage tracelogs, respectively. It is shown that the proposed ORP algorithms outperform the local-first and cloud-first benchmark algorithms in system flexibility and cost-efficiency.