Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Statistical Study to Analyse the Effect of Services Experience Quality in a Library on User’s Behaviour

The paper adduce the quantitative analysis of the student’s perception about the service provided by campus library and to find out how the library experience factors (Outcome Focus, Product experience, Peace-of-mind, and Moments-of-truth) have an mark on customers loyalty, word-of-mouth & satisfaction. Questionnaires with 34 different questions were circulated among the students of an engineering college of Delhi. Finally, the analysis was carried out on 311 responses. The linear regression test was performed on responses to check the linear relationship between the library experience factors and loyalty, word-of-mouth & satisfaction. The analysis verifies that the services have a beneficial impact on the user and also library experience factors correlate with the loyalty, word-of-mouth & satisfaction. The authors believe that they have used EXQ scale first time in India library context.
The genome of the tegu lizard Salvator merianae: combining Illumina, PacBio, and optical mapping data to generate a highly contiguous assembly

Abstract Background Reptiles are a species-rich group with great phenotypic and life history diversity but are highly underrepresented among the vertebrate species with sequenced genomes. Results Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly of the tegu lizard, Salvator merianae, the first lacertoid with a sequenced genome. We combined 74X Illumina short-read, 29.8X Pacific Biosciences long-read, and optical mapping data to generate a high-quality assembly with a scaffold N50 value of 55.4 Mb. The contig N50 value of this assembly is 521 Kb, making it the most contiguous reptile assembly so far. We show that the tegu assembly has the highest completeness of coding genes and conserved non-exonic elements (CNEs) compared to other reptiles. Furthermore, the tegu assembly has the highest number of evolutionarily conserved CNE pairs, corroborating a high assembly contiguity in intergenic regions. As in other reptiles, long interspersed nuclear elements comprise the most abundant transposon class. We used transcriptomic data, homology- and de novo gene predictions to annotate 22,413 coding genes, of which 16,995 (76%) likely have human orthologs as inferred by CESAR-derived gene mappings. Finally, we generated a multiple genome alignment comprising 10 squamates and 7 other amniote species and identified conserved regions that are under evolutionary constraint. CNEs cover 38 Mb (1.8%) of the tegu genome, with 3.3 Mb in these elements being squamate specific. In contrast to placental mammal-specific CNEs, very few of these squamate-specific CNEs (<20 Kb) overlap transposons, highlighting a difference in how lineage-specific CNEs originated in these two clades. Conclusions The tegu lizard genome together with the multiple genome alignment and comprehensive conserved element datasets provide a valuable resource for comparative genomic studies of reptiles and other amniotes.
Comparison of methodologies for mitigating coordinate transformation bias in target tracking

Nonlinearities in coordinate transformation equations introduce bias that, unless corrected, can affect the statistical fidelity of parameter estimates. Several correction methods have been studied, differing both in their algebraic form (additive versus multiplicative) and in their underlying statistical basis (fixed-truth versus fixed-measurement scenario assumptions). This paper, extending previous work of the authors and others, compares alternative approaches for mitigating the bias induced in the transformation of the target position measurements from sensor range-azimuth-elevation angle coordinates to Cartesian x-y-z coordinates. Comparisons are made initially for a static tracking environment involving coordinate transformations at a single measurement time. The comparisons are then extended to a time-sustained tracking period in which sequential measurements are passed through a Kalman filter to produce a track estimate.
Solar Highway in Bangladesh Using Bifacial PV

Renewable energy is one of the nature base sources of energy which is called clean energy. Solar energy is one of the nature base energy among renewable energy which is utilized by the photovoltaic effect. Bangladesh has huge opportunity to utilize solar energy to meet the future energy demand as well as help to reduce the environmentally harmful material which actually produced by fuel base power plant. However, to utilize solar base power plant require vast amount of land area which is not possible for overpopulated country like Bangladesh. Bangladesh has 3790.861km national highway, 4206.121km regional highway as well as 13121.757 km district road. In addition, open space of the roads is available. By converting these roads into solar highway by vertically installed bifacial solar module will be open new door for power generation in the Bangladesh. The whole research work of implementing solar highway will give a detail idea like the concept of vertical installation of bifacial solar panel, solar panel efficiency etc. The power generation based on these thoughts are optimized by theoretical and simulation data analysis. So it is vital time to utilize bifacial PV based solar highway with latter concept.
Integrating Distributed Pattern Recognition Technique for Event Monitoring within the IoT-Blockchain Network

Blockchain technology is currently emerging as the next promising revolutionary technology. Many different applications have started to venture into this technology. The decentralization and distribution nature of blockchain allows dynamic applications to be build on it, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. IoT devices have been commonly linked to smart systems with its applications mainly surrounding on event detection and monitoring. Coupling this IoT capabilities with blockchain network offers great potential for scalable event detection and monitoring for large-scale network. Nevertheless, detection mechanism should be able to scale up with such requirements. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework on implementation of distributed pattern recognition for event monitoring within IoT-blockchain network. This conceptual framework is supported by a preliminary study on IoT-blockchain implementation and distributed pattern recognition implementation using a Graph Neuron (GN) approach.
Prognostic factors for recovery and non-recovery in patients with non-specific neck pain: a protocol for a systematic literature review

Introduction Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder worldwide. It can result in significant disability and impaired quality of life. More than 50% of patients with neck pain still report symptoms 1 year later despite receiving different forms of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment. Identifying patient characteristics that are modifiable or predict recovery and non-recovery for an individual patient might identify ways of improving outcomes. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarise the existing evidence regarding baseline patient characteristics associated with recovery and non-recovery, as defined by measures of pain intensity, disability and global perceived improvement. Methods and analysis Six electronic databases, PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro Database, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, will be searched, with terms related to the review question such as neck pain, prognostic or predictive research, from inception to 28 September of 2018. Studies will be included if they have investigated an association between patient characteristics and outcomes, with at least one follow-up time point. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts followed by a full-text review to assess papers regarding their eligibility. Data from included papers will be extracted using standardised forms, including study and participants’ characteristics, outcomes, prognostic factors and effect size of the association. The risk of bias of each study will be assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. A narrative synthesis will be conducted considering the strength, consistency of results and the methodological quality. Ethics and dissemination This systematic review does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-review journal, as a chapter of a doctoral thesis and through presentations at national and international conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018091183.
Mean and extreme precipitation over European river basins better simulated in a 25 km AGCM

Abstract. Limited spatial resolution is one of the factors that may hamper applications of global climate models (GCMs), in particular over Europe with its complex coastline and orography. In this study, the representation of European mean and extreme precipitation is evaluated in simulations with an atmospheric GCM (AGCM) at different resolutions between about 135 and 25 km grid spacing in the mid-latitudes. The continent-wide root-mean-square error in mean precipitation in the 25 km model is about 25 % smaller than in the 135 km model in winter. Clear improvements are also seen in autumn and spring, whereas the model's sensitivity to resolution is very small in summer. Extreme precipitation is evaluated by estimating generalised extreme value distributions (GEVs) of daily precipitation aggregated over river basins whose surface area is greater than 50 000 km2. GEV location and scale parameters are measures of the typical magnitude and of the interannual variability of extremes, respectively. Median model biases in both these parameters are around 10 % in summer and around 20 % in the other seasons. For some river basins, however, these biases can be much larger and take values between 50 % and 100 %. Extreme precipitation is better simulated in the 25 km model, especially during autumn when the median GEV parameter biases are more than halved, and in the North European Plains, from the Loire in the west to the Vistula in the east. A sensitivity experiment is conducted showing that these resolution sensitivities in both mean and extreme precipitation are in many areas primarily due to the increase in resolution of the model orography. The findings of this study illustrate the improved capability of a global high-resolution model in simulating European mean and extreme precipitation.
Automatic Application-Specific Calibration to Enable Dynamic Voltage Scaling in FPGAs

Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) is one of the most effective ways to reduce integrated circuit power. However, the programmability of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) means that the critical paths depend on the application configured into the FPGA and this makes DVS more difficult. We propose a DVS technique that is able to determine the minimum safe <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V_{\text {dd}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of any application for each FPGA chip. For each application, we create multiple calibration bit-streams that are used to generate a calibration table (CT), which stores the actual failing points of that application on a specific FPGA, under various operating conditions. This CT is used to scale <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${ V_{\text {dd}}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> while the application is running to guarantee safe operation with minimal power consumption. We develop an automated tool (FRoC) that ensures a fast-robust-calibration of the FPGA to any application using it. FRoC makes the calibration process invisible to FPGA users, does not add any extra manual steps to the design process, and uses novel algorithms to minimize the extra flash storage requirements for calibration. Our results show that across a large suite of benchmarks the calibration process requires a geomean of less than four bit-streams and our DVS technique achieves a 33% total power reduction on two large applications.
Optimized GPR signal deconvolution using an adaptative conjugate gradient method

Presents a signal processing method to improve the identification of interface between different layered media, using a deconvolution process. Our methodological approach is based on an inverse problem algorithm, called conjugate gradient method. The emitted pulse is assumed to be known, and the convolution is considered as a linear operator that must be inverted. We take into account the distortion of the signal and the noise of the recorded signal.
Determination of the binding mechanism of histone deacetylase inhibitors

This article places its focus on methods and tools enabling the elucidation of the mechanism by which ligands, small‐molecule inhibitors, or substrates interact with zinc‐containing bacterial or human members of the histone deacetylase family (HDACs). These methods include biochemical and biophysical approaches and can be subdivided into equilibrium and kinetic methods. More information about the exact mode of action can be obtained by combining these methods with specific mutant variants of the enzymes and/or series of structural similar ligands. All available equilibrium and kinetic data including additional information from 3D structures of HDAC–ligand complexes can be beneficially combined in a data analysis procedure called Integrated Global‐Fit analysis eventually providing the most likely binding mechanism.
New therapeutics based on emerging concepts in pulmonary fibrosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fibrosis is an irreversible pathological endpoint in many chronic diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and often fatal condition characterized by (myo)fibroblast proliferation and transformation in the lung, expansion of the extracellular matrix, and extensive remodeling of the lung parenchyma. Recent evidence indicates that IPF prevalence and mortality rates are growing in the United States and elsewhere. Despite decades of research on the pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis, few therapeutics have succeeded in the clinic, and they have failed to improve IPF patient survival. Areas covered: Based on a literature search and our own results, we discuss the key cellular and molecular responses that contribute to (myo)fibroblast actions and pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis; this includes signaling pathways in various cells that aberrantly and persistently activate (myo)fibroblasts in fibrotic lesions and promote scar tissue formation in the lung. Expert opinion: Lessons learned from recent failures and successes with new therapeutics point toward approaches that can target multiple pro-fibrotic processes in IPF. Advances in preclinical modeling and single-cell genomics will also accelerate novel discoveries for effective treatment of IPF.
Luteolin‐mediated Kim‐1/NF‐kB/Nrf2 signaling pathways protects sodium fluoride‐induced hypertension and cardiovascular complications

The use of sodium fluoride (NaF) as a major ingredient for tooth paste, mouth wash, and mouth rinse has become inevitable in our day-to-day life. However, flavonoids such as Luteolin might be of great value in the prevention of toxicity associated with accidental or inevitable ingestion of NaF. In the study, 40 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups with 10 rats in a group. Group A was the control group and received normal saline, Group B was exposed to NaF at 300 ppm (300 mg/L) in drinking water daily for a week, Groups C and D were exposed to 300 ppm (300 mg/L) of NaF and coadministered with Luteolin orally daily at a dosage of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for the same time point. Our results indicated that NaF caused significant increases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, myeloperoxidase, advanced oxidative protein products, together with significant reductions in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The electrocardiogram results showed that NaF alone caused significant prolongation of QT and QTc intervals. Immunohistochemistry revealed that NaF caused increase expressions of Kidney injury marker 1 (Kim-1), nuclear factor kappa bet (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factors 2 (Nrf2), and cardiac troponin I (CTnI). Together, Luteolin coadministration with NaF improved NO bioavailability, reduced high blood pressure, markers of oxidative stress, reversed prolongation of QT and QTc intervals, and lowered the expressions of Kim-1, NF-κB, and CTnI. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(6):518-531, 2018.
BBN: Description of the PLUM System as Used for MUC-4

Traditional approaches to the problem of extracting data from texts have emphasized hand-crafted linguistic knowledge. In contrast, BBN's PLUM system (Probabilistic Language Understanding Model) was developed as part of a DARPA-funded research effort on integrating probabilistic language models with more traditional linguistic techniques. Our research and development goals are• more rapid development of new applications,• the ability to train (and re-train) systems based on user markings of correct and incorrect output,• more accurate selection among interpretations when more than one is found, and• more robust partial interpretation when no complete interpretation can be found.
Visual Servoing Based Model Reference Adaptive Control with Lyapunov Rule for a Ball on Plate Balancing System

The 2 Degree of Freedom (DoF) ball balancer system is a highly nonlinear system where the position of the ball is controlled by controlling the two servo motors simultaneously. In general, conventional Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller and Proportional Velocity (PV) is used to control the location of the ball on a plate in $\pmb{X}$ and $\pmb{Y}$ axes. But the major concerns are both classic PID and PV fails to track the ball position accurately due to non-linearity, process parameters variations and uncertainties. The above demerits are overcome by implementing Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) based PID controller. The closed loop reference model is chosen based on desired time domain specifications and by dominant pole placement technique. The gain values of the PID controller are tuned by MRAC to obtain optimal performance. MRAC based PID controller with MIT rule, modified MRAC with MIT approach, and modified MRAC with the Lyapunov rule are implemented in Simulink. The controller's performance on the benchmark Quanser 2 Dof ball balancer system is evaluated in real-time and comparative analysis is made. From the comparison, it is found modified MRAC based Lyapunov approach suppress the overshoot, provides better stability and tracks the system set-point accurately. On the other hand modified MRAC offers less Root Mean Square (RMS) value and faster tracking with less adaptation gain.
Characterization of forest recovery from fire using Landsat and SAR data

The Forest fire during May 6-June 4, 1987 in Northeastern China burned 1.14 million hectares of forest and nearly 25 million cubic meters of timber. Landsat (5 and 7) and radar data (ERS and JERS-1) in combination with field measurements, were analyzed in terms of forest destruction and recovery and the results were evaluated. Temporal Landsat data enabled the identification of burned regions and the characterization of forest recovery, but sensitivity after 10 years was gradually lost. While the 1993 (and later) C-band SAR data from ERS cannot identify the fire scars, the 1997 JERS-1 L-band data can be used to characterize the burned area.
Ultra-Low Energy LIF Neuron Using Si NIPIN Diode for Spiking Neural Networks

An energy efficient neuron is essential for spiking neural network (SNN) to operate at low energy to mimic the human brain functionalities in hardware. Several CMOS-based Si transistors, memory devices, spintronic devices have been used as a neuron for SNN. However, the main concern is the energy efficiency for these neurons. In this letter, we experimentally demonstrate a Si-based CMOS compatible asymmetric NIPIN diode as a LIF neuron. First, we demonstrate the LIF neuron characteristics by comparing the spike-frequency (f) versus voltage curve with that of a simple LIF neuron model. This neuron shows a classical ReLU behavior, which is attractive for typical software neuron models. Then, we show an ultra-low energy consumption of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim \text {2}\times \text {10}^{-\text {17}} {J}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula> per spike at 10-nm node of this neuron, as NIPIN diode is highly scalable (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text {4}{F}^{\text {2}}$ </tex-math> </inline-formula>) due to its capacitorless structure. This is the lowest reported energy/spike for any LIF neuron for SNN application. Thus, the NIPIN is suitable for ultra-low energy LIF neuron application for energy efficient SNN.
A Wideband U-Slot Microstrip Patch Antenna for Large-Angle Mmw Beam Scanning

A simple U-slot microstrip patch antenna for wide band mm W beam scanning is designed and presented. The patch antenna is very simple and simulated result shows that the antenna has a wide relative bandwidth of 21.92% in the mmWave frequency band from 23.15GHz to 28.85GHz. Moreover, the patch's radiation pattern possesses a 100° beam width at 28GHz, providing the capability of large-angle beam scanning.
Doublesex Evolution Is Correlated with Social Complexity in Ants

Abstract The Dmrt (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor) genes are transcription factors crucial for sex determination and sexual differentiation. In some social insects, doublesex (dsx) exhibits widespread caste-specific expression across different tissues and developmental stages and has been suggested as a candidate gene for regulating division of labor in social insects. We therefore conducted a molecular evolution analysis of the Dmrt gene family in 20 ants. We found that the insect-specific oligomerization domain of DSX, oligomerization domain 2, was absent in all ants, except for the two phylogenetically basal ant species (Ponerinae), whose social structure and organization resemble the presumed ancestral condition in ants. Phylogenetic reconstruction and selection analysis revealed that dsx evolved faster than the other three members of the Dmrt family. We found evidence for positive selection for dsx in the ant subfamilies with more advanced social organization (Myrmicinae and Formicinae), but not in the Ponerinae. Furthermore, we detected expression of two Dmrt genes, dsx and DMRT11E, in adult ants, and found a clear male-biased expression pattern of dsx in most species for which data are available. Interestingly, we did not detect male-biased expression of dsx in the two ant species that possess a genetic caste determination system. These results possibly suggest an association between the evolution of dsx and social organization as well as reproductive division of labor in ants.
Perceptual Constancy: why things look as they do

Synopsis Perceptual Constancy examines a group of long-standing problems in the field of perception and provides a review of the fundamentals of the problems and their solutions. Experts in several different fields - including computational vision, physiology, neuropsychology, psychophysics and comparative psychology - present their approaches to one of the fundamental problems of perception: How does the brain extract a stable world from an ever-changing retinal input How do we achieve color constancy despite changes in the wavelength content of daylight How do we recognize objects from different viewpoints And how do we know the sizes of those objects The volume is divided into three sections, each of which addresses developmental, clinical and comparative issues, psychophysics, and physiology. The first section is on color constancy, the second section describes size, shape and speed, and the third is on perceptual inconstancies. The final chapters address how the visual system must retain the ability to learn and also how the errors we make reveal the mechanisms we use.