Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PCR-amplification and detection of the human D1S80 VNTR locus Amplification conditions, population genetics and application in forensic analysis

A series of experiments has been performed to evaluate amplification and typing of the D1S80 VNTR locus. The validation study that has been carried out showed that correct D1880 typing results can be obtained when a defined amplification protocol and a highresolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method are used. The use of the Chelex extraction protocol has substantially reduced the processing time. DNA-extraction, amplification and subsequent typing can be performed in one day. The discrimination power of this locus is 0.94 in a Dutch Caucasian population sample. The system is extremely sensitive: 0.1ng of genomic DNA gave a correct typing result. The test could also detect the correct genotypes in mixed samples containing DNA from different individuals. Even if the major type was in a 20-fold excess, the minority type could still be amplified and typed correctly. We have found no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a Dutch Caucasian population sample. Evidence for the somatic stability of this locus was obtained from a set of experiments where we compared DNA-profiles from corresponding blood, semen and saliva samples. The results of this study suggest that in the near future analysis of the D1880 locus by DNA-amplification can be applied in actual forensic case work.
Neural-Guided Symbolic Regression with Asymptotic Constraints

Symbolic regression is a type of discrete optimization problem that involves searching expressions that fit given data points. In many cases, other mathematical constraints about the unknown expression not only provide more information beyond just values at some inputs, but also effectively constrain the search space. We identify the asymptotic constraints of leading polynomial powers as the function approaches zero and infinity as useful constraints and create a system to use them for symbolic regression. The first part of the system is a conditional production rule generating neural network which preferentially generates production rules to construct expressions with the desired leading powers, producing novel expressions outside the training domain. The second part, which we call Neural-Guided Monte Carlo Tree Search, uses the network during a search to find an expression that conforms to a set of data points and desired leading powers. Lastly, we provide an extensive experimental validation on thousands of target expressions showing the efficacy of our system compared to exiting methods for finding unknown functions outside of the training set.
Land use change dynamics in the Mt. Kenya region – a remotely sensed analysis using RapidEye satellite images

In the context of land use changes in sub-Saharan Africa and especially deforestation due to agricultural intensifi cation, this study aimed to characterize recent land use developments in eastern parts of the Mt. Kenya region. A remote sensing approach with high resolution RapidEye satellite images from 2010 and 2015 was conducted. The main research goals were to (1) clarify in how far RapidEye data can contribute to a land use change analysis in the small-scale farming-driven Mt. Kenya region; (2) detect general land use and land cover structures and changes between 2010 and 2015; (3) examine how far forest encroachment can be reduced with the arrangement of Nyayo Tea Zones. The results showed that it is possible to detect main land cover classes. Diff erent limitations of the classifi cation occurred due to heterogeneous characteristics of the land cover and the spatial and spectral mixture of diff erent areas (e.g. agriculture and scrublands). The land use pattern can be described as a concentric arrangement of diff erent types of land use around Mt. Kenya, including forest areas, tea plantations, other agricultural areas, scrubland and fallow and barren ground. Land use change detection between 2010 and 2015 showed a general increase in croplands. While single forest clusters are characterized by a massive decrease, forests in Mt. Kenya National Park are widely untouched by human activities. This can be linked to the creation of Nyayo Tea Zones, which passes into the protection of the natural forest areas.
Nirpjit Kaur and Nirvair Neeru, International Journal of Advanced Computronics and Management Studies (IJACMS), Volume 1,Issue 5, August, 2016, pp26-33,ISSN:2456-1835

Automated biometric systems are most popular to characterise a person for identification and verification purposes because of its robustness. Among biometric characteristics like face, fingerprint, iris etc Hand geometry is well known used because of its simplicity. In this paper, we propose an approach which combines hand geometry and palm print characteristics and Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) is used to extract features. To improve the performance optimization is performed using genetic algorithm which reduces the complexity as by this e can find more accurate feature dataset. In proposed work features extracted from scale invariant feature transform are invariant to scale are passed to genetic algorithm for optimization. The optimized features from both the hand and palm print are then classified individually using one of the distance classifier called hamming distance. Finally both the modalities are fused together for identification purpose. Experimental results are improved as compare to previous proposed work. Experiments have been taken under MATLAB software toolbox.
Determination of Trailer Park Criteria in Rural Areas

The aim of the present study is to determine the important criteria in the planning of trailer parks (caravan parks) in rural destinations based on expert opinions. The present research is an exploratory study, originated from the need to deeply understand and examine a social phenomenon. Delphi technique was used in systematically determining the trailer park criteria based on the consensus reached through expert opinions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted during the first round of the research, in which 19 experts were consulted, and expert evaluation forms were used in the second and third rounds. The main criteria determined for trailer parks were the environmental and natural, recreation activities, recreational elements and the socio-cultural. Based on the outcomes of the present study, it was observed that socio-cultural stood out as a new factor, whereas transport and accessibility were not among the trailer parks criteria. The present study focused on the travel requirements of short-term caravanners (trailer campers) and the basic services that should be provided in trailer camps. In this respect, the present research provides the basic criteria necessitated by trailers in rural destinations, moreover, defines the key criteria that separate trailer parks from campgrounds.
Social Business Model and Sharing Economy for Community-Based Tourism Development: A Case Study of Lisinia Doğa

Sharing economy Business model Tourism Abstract This study explores the role of a community-based tourism enterprise at micro rural tourism destination level (i.e., Lisinia Doğa) in creating sharing economy through a social business model. The findings reveal i) critical associations between boundary objects and visitors participation patterns; ii) vital importance of project-based boundary objects in designing a destination-specific communities of practice (a simple social system); and iii) deployment of boundary objects and communities of practice in harmony within the components of a social business model creates a sharing economy. The case study shows that exploring sharing economy within a social business model can be a new driver for the success of the community-based tourism (CBT) implications especially in the involvement of community individuals. Community Community-based tourism enterprises
FLEXURE SECTION OPTIMIZATION USING ADVANCED PARTICLE SWARM-ASSISTED GENETIC ALGORITHM

This paper is focused on the development of an efficient hybrid optimizer using particle swarm optimization and an improved genetic algorithm with an effective constraint handling scheme for constrained nonlinear optimization. The basic operators of genetic algorithm, i.e., crossover and mutation are revisited and a new rank-based multi-parent crossover operator is proposed. The rank-based crossover operator enhances both the local as well as the global exploration simultaneously. The performance of the algorithm is investigated using a mixed discrete constrained engineering optimization problem. The results indicate remarkable improvements in terms of efficiency and robustness as compared to other state-of-theart algorithms. The proposed algorithm is then employed for the design of flexbeam cross-section of a fullscale bearingless helicopter.
A PLANAR WIDEBAND TWO-LEVEL SEQUENTIALLY ROTATED ARRAY ANTENNA FOR X-BAND CUBESAT

A planar wideband circularly-polarized (CP) antenna array is designed for an X-band CubeSat. The design is a two-level sequential phase architecture, consisting of a 4 × 4 element array composed of sequentially rotated of 2×2 subarrays. Each subarray consists of sequentially rotated 2×2 antennas using metasurface. These antenna elements are incorporated with a two-level sequentially rotated phase network in order to obtain wideband characteristic and high gain. The final prototype with a size of 100mm × 100mm × 2.032mm yields a measured |S11| < −10 dB bandwidth of 50% (6–10GHz) and measured axial ratio < 3-dB bandwidth of 40.7% (6.45–9.75 GHz). Additionally, the proposed design achieves a good broadside right-hand CP radiation with a peak gain of 17.0 dBic, 3dB gain bandwidth of 20.4% (7.5–9.2 GHz), and radiation efficiency of > 82%. With these features, the proposed antenna can be compatible with any CubeSat standard structure, as well as other small satellites.
Meeravali, and Chandrasekhar Power Quality Enhancement Using Multi-Level Cascaded H-Bridge Based D-STATCOM with IRP Theory

1756 Meeravali, and Chandrasekhar Power Quality Enhancement Using Multi-Level Cascaded H-Bridge Based D-STATCOM with IRP Theory  AbstractThis paper presents a three-phase, five-level and seven level cascaded multilevel voltage source inverter based active filter to improve the power factor and power quality in the distribution network. Cascaded multilevel configuration of the inverter has the advantage of its simplicity and modularity over the configurations of the diode-clamped and flying capacitor multilevel inverters. Shunt compensation for medium voltage distribution systems requires higher rating for voltage source converters (VSCs). Ratings of the semiconductor devices in a VSC are always limited; therefore, for higher rated converters it is desirable to distribute the stress among the number of devices using multilevel topology. The DSTATCOM helps to eliminate the Total Harmonics Distortion (THD) drawn from a Non-Linear Diode Rectifier Load (NLDRL). The compensation process is based on concept of p-q theory. The simulation of the proposed system is carried out in the MATLAB environment using Simulink and power system toolboxes.
Social construction of innovation and the role of innovation brokers in the construction sector

The purpose of this paper is to re-visit social construction of technology (SCOT) framework in understanding of innovation in the construction sector and unpack the role of innovation brokers in this context. ,This is a conceptual paper adopting SCOT framework to understand innovation in the context of the construction sector. The role of innovation brokers is unpacked in the paper, currently under-explored in the construction innovation studies. ,The authors suggest SCOT framework as a useful overarching frame through which to understand construction innovation. The authors argue that innovation brokers should be positioned to oversee the interface of multiple social groups. ,Further empirical research is proposed to test the theoretical assumptions outlined in the paper. The research agenda is to conduct further empirical research adopting a socio-technical theoretical lens and appropriate qualitative or mixed-design methodologies. There are other socio-technical theoretical frameworks that could be used to explore socio-technical interactions in different ways, e.g. socio-technical systems theory, sociomateriality, actor-network theory, etc.,Three propositions are developed regarding the position of an innovation broker from the perspectives of multi-social-groups interfaces, shifting significance of the roles of innovation broker and the collaboration with government. ,The authors outline the value of SCOT framework for innovation study within project-based construction sector. The authors contribute to better understanding of the role of innovation brokers in the system of construction innovation.
Mapping the Roman Water Supply System of the Wadi el Melah Valley in Gafsa, Tunisia, Using Remote Sensing

In recent years, very high-resolution satellite remote-sensing tools have been progressively used in archaeological prospecting to acquire information and improve documentation. Satellite remote sensing has also benefited from technical improvements, including better spectral and spatial resolution of sensors, which have facilitated the detection and discovery of unknown archaeological areas. This paper focuses on investigations conducted using multi-spectral satellite remote-sensing data of the ancient canal systems of the Wadi el Melah Valley (WMV) in southern Tunisia. The area used to be part of a huge military defense system along the desert border. This paper describes the use of GeoEye-1 and Ziyuan-3 satellite remote-sensing data to reveal ancient Roman canals, which were part of an advanced hydraulic system devised to capture runoff water and cope with the lack of water in the area. In general, this research provides new information on some essential sections of the Roman walled defense system Limes (Fossatum) in the southern part of the empire, where we study previously undetected sites.
Rethinking architectural vocabulary. Comprehensive design resolution via integrated BIM platforms

This paper revisits established practices in architecture related to the instruments of production and addresses their profound influences upon the design outcome. Cartesian geometry has been used as a common reference to represent architectural elements, a view that has been applied into mainstream design software. The enduring ideologies assume the architectural product to be the result of aesthetic-driven operations supporting geometric regularity in defining elements’ shape and relative positioning. These approaches are compared to alternative ones described as form-finding, making extensive use of the computer’s power, often deviating from Cartesian basis, setting the ground for contemporary design research. In these cases, architectural elements are topological compounds undergoing generative operations. Architectural form is seen as an organic output emerging from interactions, shared functions, performed relationships and feedback loops, rather than ones typically offering full aesthetic control. It is noted that processes related to data inputs, agent management, simulation and recursive testing generally applied to facilitate tectonic resolution via integrated BIM platforms may equally describe those of early design decisions. Such a prospect may set the framing to update existing BIM software, so that the phases of analysis, ideation and conceptualisation are linked with those related to further development, engineering, manufacturing and completion.
Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of retinal vessels in Waldenstr€om’s macroglobulinemia

Purpose: To image retinal blood vessels in patients with Waldenstr€om’s macroglobulinemia using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Retrospective case series examining fundus photographs and OCT scans of 16 eyes in eight patients with Waldenstr€om’s macroglobulinemia. Analyses included intravascular OCT reflectivity profiles and vessel diameters, and their relation to total immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. Results: In six out of eight patients, cross-sectional OCT scans of larger retinal vessels (diameter > 100 lm) showed normal intravascular reflectivity and retrovascular shadowing. In two patients with the highest total IgM > 60 g/l, altered intravascular reflectivity, distinct anterior and posterior vessel wall reflexes, and retrovascular hyposhadowing were seen. Normalization of the OCT reflectivity in these patients occurred after reduction of total IgM to < 17 g/l and was accompanied by decreasing venous tortuosity and disappearance of retinal haemorrhages and cotton wool spots. Conclusion: This study found that Waldenstr€om’s macroglobulinemia and total IgM > 60 g/l were associated with abnormal intravascular reflectivity and retrovascular shadowing on OCT. Awareness of these signs of hyperviscosity could potentially enable earlier detection of critical conditions in patients with Waldenstr€om’s macroglobulinemia and improve the assessment of severity and treatment effect.
Psychosocial Risk Management: The Importance and Impact of Policy Level Interventions

In the last decade, a number of organisations have developed measures and programmes to assess and manage psychosocial risks at work. International organisations, as well as EU and international bodies have published reports on ways to deal with psychosocial risk factors (ILO, 1986; WHO, 2003; EU: the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work). Both general guidelines and basic steps in a risk control cycle have been provided as well as more detailed accounts of various measures. The 2002 European Week for Safety and Health at Work gathered examples of best practice both on stress and violence and bullying at work (EASHW, 2002). Psychosocial risk management approaches differ from each other in many ways. A common distinction has been between organisational and individual orientations, or between primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. However, the focus of the various interventions has mainly been at the enterprise/organisational level while the important level of policy interventions on psychosocial risks at the macro level (national/European/international) has been largely ignored in the mainstream academic literature.
CALIBRATION OF THE CROP GROWTH MODELS FOR WINTER WHEAT

Calibration of the crop growth models DAISY and HERMES was based on experimental results from the Experimental station in Domanínek (49°31,470 ́N, 16°14,400 ́E, altitude 530 m a.s.l.). Crop parameters of winter wheat, represented by cultivars Etela and Bohemia, were calibrated. Experimental data (included observations within field trials with two different sowing dates and two nitrogen fertilization levels) from the year 2012 were used for calibration. Evaluation of agreement between simulated and observed data was done using selected statistical indicators, e.g. the root mean square error (RMSE) as a parameter of average magnitude of error and the mean bias error (MBE) as an indicator of systematic error. Namely measured and simulated leaf area development, phenological phases, soil moisture content and yields were compared. According to the statistical parameter MBE the average simulated flowering by DAISY fit the mean observations and it was slightly underestimated by 0.5 days using HERMES. Also maturity was estimated very slightly earlier (0.5 and 0.8 days on the average) using DAISY and HERMES respectively. DAISY overestimated yields by 0.89 t∙ha and HERMES overestimated yields by 0.57 t∙ha. According to the statistical parameter RMSE the average error within DAISY results was 4.5 days for flowering, 3.5 days for maturity and 1.03 t∙ha in yield. The RMSE for HERMES model was 5.0 days for flowering, 4.3 days for maturity and 0.79 t∙ha in yields.
www.econstor.eu Heterogeneous expectations and asset price dynamics

Within the seminal asset-pricing model by Brock and Hommes (1998), heterogeneous boundedly rational agents choose between a fixed number of expectation rules to forecast asset prices. However, agents’ heterogeneity is limited in the sense that they typically switch between a representative technical and a representative fundamental expectation rule. Here we generalize their framework by considering that all agents follow their own time-varying technical and fundamental expectation rules. Estimating our model using the method of simulated moments reveals that it is able to explain the statistical properties of the daily behavior of the S&P500 quite well. Moreover, our analysis reveals that heterogeneity is not only a realistic model property but clearly helps to explain the intricate dynamics of financial markets.
Natural Gradient for the Gaussian Distribution via Least Squares Regression

The natural gradient is the Riemannian gradient of a function defined over a statistical model, evaluated with respect to the Fisher information metric. In machine learning and stochastic optimization, the natural gradient is effectively employed in many different contexts, for instance in the optimization of the stochastic relaxation of a function, in policy learning for reinforcement learning, in Bayesian variational inference, and for the training of neural network. In this paper we study the natural gradient for models in the Gaussian distribution, parametrized by a mixed coordinate system, given by the mean vector and the precision matrix, i.e., the inverse covariance matrix. This parameterization allows an efficient estimation of the natural gradient starting from a sample of points, based on the empirical estimation of covariances, in particular in the case of sparse precision matrices. An important contribution of the paper is given by the formalization of the estimation of the natural gradient for the Gaussian distribution as a least squares regression problem. This implies that in the high-dimensional setting it is possible to perform model selection simultaneously to the computation of the natural gradient, using for instance subsect selection techniques from linear regression.
Abrasive Wear Behavior of Cryogenically Treated Boron Steel (30MnCrB4) Used for Rotavator Blades

Rotavator blades are prone to significant wear because of the abrasive nature of sand particles. The aim of this research work is to investigate the effect of cryogenic treatment and post tempering on abrasive wear behavior, in the presence of angular quartz sand (grain size of 212–425 μm), of rotavator blade material of boron steel (30MnCrB4). Cryogenic treatment has caused an improvement in the abrasive wear resistance and microhardness of 30MnCrB4 by 60% and 260.73%, respectively, compared to untreated material due to enhancement in hardness, the conversion of retained austenite into martensite, and the precipitation of secondary carbides in boron steel after exposure to cryogenic temperature. Economic analysis justifies the additional cost of cryogenic treatment.
University of Groningen Vitreous advanced glycation endproducts and alpha-dicarbonyls in retinal detachment patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic controls Fokkens,

Purpose Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and their precursors α-dicarbonyls are implicated in the progression of diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to assess AGEs and α-dicarbonyls in the vitreous of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with early stages or absence of diabetic retinopathy.