Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Absolute Totality, Causality, and Quantum: The Problem of Metaphysics in the Critique of Pure Reason

Kant‟s metaphysics which says that the absolute whole of magnitude has nothing to do with any possible experience presses him to think of a thing in itself, which is merely intelligible. The difficulty is related to the issue of the absolute totality of series of conditions in connection with the issue of the absolute magnitude of the series in the world of sense, which looms as the antinomy of pure reasons. Is it possible to solve this problem in such a way that we can comprehend transcendental aesthetics and the world-whole through empirical intuition and synthesis in accordance with experience or possible experience? Our „transcendental analytic,‟ grounded on the law of nature, has shown that 1) the absolute unity of the thinking subject and the absolutely unconditioned in a series of given conditions signify nullity in space-time, i.e., quantum; and 2) a being of all beings signifies space-time itself, i.e., quantum, suggesting that the understanding can never accomplish a priori anything more than to anticipate an object of experience or of possible experience. Our transcendental analytic, which is grounded on Kant‟s metaphysics in the Critique of Pure Reason, would potentially lead us to an alternative view of the universe in conjunction with quantum mechanics.
Adaptive memory-aware chunk sizing techniques for data-intensive queries over web services

Modern applications of Web Services (WSs) that involve the processing of large amounts of data tend to transmit data in chunks. Several performance control techniques have been proposed to dynamically select the appropriate chunk size with a view to minimize the communication cost. However, when the data consumer is slower than the data producer, the consumer applications may suffer from memory shortage if high volumes of data arrive in the incoming buffers. To this end, we propose a specific approach to coupling performance control with congestion control features, in order to consider both performance and memory overflow issues in an integrated manner. The performance results with real data show that we can combine these controllers effectively and efficiently, so that no memory overflow occurs at the expense of negligible performance degradation.
A Blended Learning Approach to Teaching Project Management : A Model for Active Participation and Involvement : Insights from Norway

The paper demonstrates and evaluates the effectiveness of a blended learning approach to create a meaningful learning environment. We use the term blended learning approach in this paper to refer to the use of multiple or hybrid instructional methods that emphasize the role of learners as contributors to the learning process rather than recipients of learning. Contribution to learning is attained by using in class gaming as pathways that ensure active involvement of learners. Using a blended learning approach is important in order to be able to address different learning styles of the target group. The approach was also important in order to be able to demonstrate different types of challenges, issues and competences needed in project management. Student evaluations of the course confirmed that the use of multiple learning methods and, in particular, in class gaming was beneficial and contributed to a meaningful learning experience.
Measuring IgA Anti-β2-Glycoprotein I and IgG/IgA Anti-Domain I Antibodies Adds Value to Current Serological Assays for the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Introduction Currently available clinical assays to detect antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) test for IgG and IgM antibodies to cardiolipin (aCL) and β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI). It has been suggested that testing for IgA aPL and for antibodies to Domain I (DI), which carries the key antigenic epitopes of β2GPI, could add value to these current tests. We performed an observational, multicenter cohort study to evaluate the utility of IgG, IgM and IgA assays to each of CL, β2GPI and DI in APS. Methods Serum from 230 patients with APS (n = 111), SLE but not APS (n = 119), and 200 healthy controls were tested for IgG, IgM and IgA aCL, aβ2GPI and aDI activity. Patients with APS were further classified into thrombotic or obstetric APS. Logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic analyses were employed to compare results from the nine different assays. Results All assays displayed good specificity for APS; IgG aCL and IgG aβ2GPI assays however, had the highest sensitivity. Testing positive for IgA aβ2GPI resulted in a higher hazard ratio for APS compared to IgM aβ2GPI. Positive IgG, IgM or IgA aDI were all associated with APS, and in subjects positive for aCL and/or aβ2GPI, the presence of aDI raised the hazard ratio for APS by 3–5 fold. IgG aCL, aβ2GPI, aDI and IgA aDI were associated with thrombotic but not obstetric complications in patients with APS. Conclusion Measuring IgG aDI and IgA aβ2GPI and aDI may be useful in the management of patients with APS, particularly thrombotic APS.
Joint blind source separation from second-order statistics: Necessary and sufficient identifiability conditions

This paper considers the problem of joint blind source separation (J-BSS), which appears in many practical problems such as blind deconvolution or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In particular, we establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for the solution of the J-BSS problem by exclusively exploiting the second-order statistics (SOS) of the observations. The identifiability analysis is based on the idea of equivalently distributed sets of latent variables, that is, latent variables with covariance matrices related by means of a diagonal matrix. Interestingly, the identifiability analysis also allows us to introduce a measure of the identifiability degree based on Kullback-Leibler projections. This measure is clearly correlated with the performance of practical SOS-based J-BSS algorithms, which is illustrated by means of numerical examples.
The origin of the Solar System in the field of a standing sound wave

According to the planetary origin conceptual model proposed in this paper, the protosun centre of the pre-solar nebula exploded, resulting in a shock wave that passed through it and then returned to the centre, generating a new explosion and shock wave. Recurrent explosions in the nebula resulted in a spherical standing sound wave, whose antinodes concentrated dust into rotating rings that transformed into planets. The extremely small angular momentum of the Sun and the tilt of its equatorial plane were caused by the asymmetry of the first, most powerful explosion. Differences between inner and outer planets are explained by the migration of solid matter, while the Oort cloud is explained by the division of the pre-solar nebula into a spherical internal nebula and an expanding spherical shell of gas. The proposed conceptual model can also explain the origin and evolution of exoplanetary systems and may be of use in searching for new planets.
Suppressed Neuronal Activity and Concurrent Arteriolar Vasoconstriction May Explain Negative Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent Signal

Synaptic transmission initiates a cascade of signal transduction events that couple neuronal activity to local changes in blood flow and oxygenation. Although a number of vasoactive molecules and specific cell types have been implicated, the transformation of stimulus-induced activation of neuronal circuits to hemodynamic changes is still unclear. We use somatosensory stimulation and a suite of in vivo imaging tools to study neurovascular coupling in rat primary somatosensory cortex. Our stimulus evoked a central region of net neuronal depolarization surrounded by net hyperpolarization. Hemodynamic measurements revealed that predominant depolarization corresponded to an increase in oxygenation, whereas predominant hyperpolarization corresponded to a decrease in oxygenation. On the microscopic level of single surface arterioles, the response was composed of a combination of dilatory and constrictive phases. Critically, the relative strength of vasoconstriction covaried with the relative strength of oxygenation decrease and neuronal hyperpolarization. These results suggest that a neuronal inhibition and concurrent arteriolar vasoconstriction correspond to a decrease in blood oxygenation, which would be consistent with a negative blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging signal.
Feasibility and preliminary outcomes from a pilot study of a brief psychological intervention for families of children newly diagnosed with cancer.

OBJECTIVE To report initial feasibility and outcome from a pilot study of a new three-session intervention for caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer, Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program-Newly Diagnosed (SCCIP-ND). METHOD Nineteen families (38 caregivers) were randomly assigned to SCCIP-ND or treatment as usual subsequent to learning of their child's illness. The study design included pre- and 2-month postintervention assessments, with state anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms as outcomes. Feasibility was based on therapist feedback and supervision, program evaluations, and data from study-tracking procedures. RESULTS SCCIP-ND appears to be an acceptable intervention that can be used successfully with caregivers over the first few months after diagnosis. Recruitment and retention data document feasibility but also highlight challenges. Preliminary outcome data show changes in the desired direction [e.g., reduced anxiety and parental posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS)]. CONCLUSIONS The pilot data are supportive of the value and challenges of developing evidence-based family interventions in pediatric psychology.
Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Neuronal Signals for Brain-Machine Interfaces: Will One Prevail?

Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) translate neuronal activity of the brain into signals driving an external effector or affecting internal body parts and functions. Initially, their applications were seen in the field of rehabilitation and medical care for patients to restore social interaction or movement capabilities. Inspired by their success we can already witness the advent of bidirectional and commercial BMIs. Contemporary BMIs allow for real-time control of prostheses (Gilja et al., 2015), communication (Chen et al., 2015) and " sensation " (O'doherty et al., 2011), notably, the cochlea implant could be considered as the most successful BMI. These applications exemplify that performance can be high but is far from natural interaction with the environment and success depends on manifold factors. This Opinion is not about algorithms and paradigms but about possibilities and limitations of invasive vs. non-invasive means to electrically interface the brain, argued in the realm of BMIs for direct and intuitive motor control. Current techniques allow to interface electric neuronal activity in vivo ranging from intracellular potentials over extracellular action potentials (APs) up to local field potentials (LFPs). These neurophysiological processes are inherently coupled: neurons can interact ephaptically and via electric synapses, spikes change LFPs via synaptic input which in turn influences spiking activity, electric fields of APs can influence LFPs directly without involvement of synaptic currents. Although the LFP is difficult to interpret (Einevoll et al., 2013), correlations between APs and LFPs vary (Buzsaki et al., 2012) and the information they convey can be independent (Belitski et al., 2008), this coupling may have given rise to discussions I have come across and which have triggered this Opinion: the misconception that, to a certain extent, information conveyed by invasive (APs/LFPs) vs. non-invasive (EEG) signals are similar enough for non-invasive signals, and thus non-invasive BMIs, not to be subject to intrinsic impediments. Such speculations may have been nourished by studies showing similar performance for intracortical BMIs based on APs vs. LFPs (Mehring et al., 2003) as the latter are detectable by EEG techniques. Similar performance might be evident for multi-unit APs vs. high-frequency LFPs (>≈200 Hz), which contain extracellular fields of APs. However, also low/band-pass filtered LFPs below 8 Hz, generally free of such direct AP influences (Waldert et al., 2013), can show similar BMI performance as APs and are suitable for online BMIs (Stavisky et al., 2015). Importantly, this LFP component also carries information about movement parameters if recorded …
The effects of sexually explicit material use on romantic relationship dynamics

Background and aims Pornography use has become increasingly common. Studies have shown that individuals who use sexually explicit materials (SEMs) report negative effects (Schneider, 2000b). However, Bridges (2008b) found that couples who use SEM together have higher relationship satisfaction than those who use SEM independently. A further investigation into various types of SEM use in relationships may highlight how SEM is related to various areas of couple satisfaction. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to examine the impact of SEM use related to different relationship dynamics. Methods The current study included a college and Internet sample of 296 participants divided into groups based upon the SEM use in relationships (i.e., SEM alone, SEM use with partner, and no SEM use). Results There were significant differences between groups in relationship satisfaction [F(2, 252) = 3.69, p = . 026], intimacy [F(2, 252) = 7.95, p = <. 001], and commitment [F(2, 252) = 5.30, p = . 006]. Post-hoc analyses revealed additional differences in relationship satisfaction [t(174) = 2.13, p = . 035] and intimacy [t(174) = 2.76, p = . 006] based on the frequency of SEM use. Discussion Further exploration of the SEM use function in couples will provide greater understanding of its role in romantic relationships.
Reducing Thermal and Autogenous Shrinkage Contributions to Early-Age Cracking

Early-age cracking continues to be a significant problem for new concrete construction. Two of the major contributors to such cracking are the heat released by cement hydration during the first few days of curing and the autogenous shrinkage that often occurs during the same time frame. In this paper, three potential alternatives for reducing these contributions by modifying the concrete mixture proportions are investigated, namely increasing the water-cement ratio (w/c), using a coarser cement, or replacing a portion of the portland cement with a coarse limestone powder. Each alternative reduces the heat generated per unit volume by either reducing the volumetric cement content or its early-age reactivity, and reduces autogenous shrinkage by increasing the interparticle spacing between grains in the three-dimensional microstructure. These reductions are quantified for paste and mortar systems by measuring their semi-adiabatic temperature rise and autogenous deformation along with measurements of compressive strength to indicate the strength trade-off that will be experienced in reducing the risk of early-age cracking. These mixtures each have the additional advantage that they should result in a cost savings in comparison with an initial (control) mixture.
STOCHASTIC STABILIZATION AND H∞ CONTROL FOR DISCRETE JUMPING SYSTEMS WITH TIME DELAYS

In this paper, robust stochastic stabilization and H∞ control for a class of uncertain discrete‐time linear systems with Markovian jumping parameters are considered. Based on a new bounded real lemma derived upon an inequality recently proposed, a new iterative state‐feedback controller design procedure for discrete time‐delay systems is presented. Sufficient conditions for stochastic stabilization are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) based on an equivalent model transformation, and the corresponding H∞ control law is given. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the solvability of the problems and effectiveness of the results.
Verification of the IBM RISC System/6000 by a Dynamic Biased Pseudo-Random Test Program Generator

Verification of a computer that implements a new architecture is especially difficult since no approved functional test cases are available. The logic design of the IBM RISC System/6000™ was verified mainly by a specially developed random test program operator (RTPG), which was used from the early stages of the design until its successful completion. APL was chosen for the RISC System/6000 RTPG implementation after considering the suitability of this programming language for modeling computer architectures, the very tight schedule, and the highly changeable environment in which RTPG would operate.
Robust Speech Recognition with MSC / DRA Feature Extraction on Modulation Spectrum Domain

This report introduces noise robust speech recognition and proposes advanced speech analysis techniques named MSC (Modulation Spectrum Control)/DRA (Dynamic Range Adjustment). The dynamic range of cepstrum obtained from noisy speech is usually smaller than that from the same speech without noise since some speech features are hidden in noise. This difference may cause recognition errors. Therefore the adjustment of dynamic range can realize the accurate extraction of speech features. The proposed techniques DRA and MSC focus on the speech feature adjustment. DRA normalizes dynamic ranges and MSC eliminates the noise corruption of speech feature parameters. The experiments on isolated word recognition were carried out using 40 male and female speakers for training and 5 male and female speakers for recognition. The result of recognition rate improving from 17% to 64% versus running car noise at -10dB SNR is shown as an example.
Replaceability : An NFR Approach

Building software systems from components instead of from scratch is a trend in software industry world. Software replaceability gains growing interest recently since the replaceable, standard components in the marketplace is claimed as one of the goals and benefits of components. Treating software components as fully replaceable units will help CBS (Component Based System) development and evolvement dramatically. However, the market place for replaceable components is still not at sight due to many reasons. Unlike hardware system, software replaceability is a more complicate, flexible and broad concept besides standardization. In this paper, we will give a comprehensive definition of replaceability, use NFR (non-functional requirement) framework to analyze software replaceability, and illustrate the NFR approach using a BOM (Bill of Materials) management system.
Performance and Reliability of Secondary Storage Systems – Invited Paper –

Hard disk drives (HDDs) are now capable of storing a large amount of data, and their storage capacities are still rapidly improving. From the performance and reliability point of view, a large capacity HDD, however, has problems. It is, therefore, desirable to improve the performance of a secondary storage system that uses a large number of small HDDs. To maintain a high reliability of such a system, it is essential to keep redundant data in the parallel small HDDs. This paper provides, firstly, an overview of several approaches for constructing reliable parallel disks, as well as their problems. Next, network disk configuration, such as network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area network (SAN) is discussed. Our approach of autonomous disks to provide an efficient secondary storage system is then introduced.
Layered Peer-to-Peer Architecture for Mobile Web Services via Converged Cellular and Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile communication technology is rapidly developed with the enhanced networking capacities as well as the expanding population of mobile subscribers. Providing Web services via converged mobile cellular and Ad Hoc networks has attracted growing attentions. In this paper, a layered peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture is designed for providing Web services via converged mobile cellular and Ad Hoc networks. To speed up the service discovery, a vertical tunneling model is developed as well as the service being classified into "hot", "warm " and "cold". A plug-and-play middleware architecture is developed enabling mobile Web services communication and adapting the heterogeneity of mobile terminals. The diagram of the message sequences implementing the plug-and-play middleware architecture is designed with the case of weather service provision.
Parallel Compressed Sensing method to accelerate MRI

MRI is a breakthrough technology in medical diagnosis, but has a critical disadvantage of slow processing. Among the techniques used to accelerate the process of conventional MRI, SENSitivity Encoding (SENSE) is the most popular one. Also, the development of Compressed Sensing (CS) method has contributed to decrease the processing time of MRI. Both CS and SENSE accelerate conventional MRI by reducing the number of collected data and the combination of the two techniques can tremendously accelerate MRI setting time. In this paper, we propose a method combining the two techniques to accelerate conventional MRI, named p-CS. This method first uses CS to reconstruct a set of aliased images with a field of view (FOV) in each coil and applies the basic SENSE algorithm to produce the final full image. The empirical results show that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the image obtained by this method is larger than that those of other methods.
Effects of In Vivo and In Vitro Administration of Ghrelin, Leptin and Neuropeptide Mediators on Pulsatile Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Secretion from Male Rat Hypothalamus Before and After Puberty

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of leptin and ghrelin on pulsatile pulsatile gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion in vitro with emphasis on neuropeptide mediators and changes between prepuberty (15 days) and sexual maturity (50 days) in the male rat. When hypothalamic explants were studied 90 min after an intraperitoneal injection of leptin, ghrelin or agouti‐related protein (AgRP) at 15 days, the GnRH interpulse interval (IPI) was significantly increased by ghrelin and AgRP and decreased by leptin. At 50 days, an increase in GnRH IPI was also caused by ghrelin and AgRP. When the peptides were directly incubated with the explants, the effects of leptin and AgRP in vitro were consistent with those seen after in vivo administration. By contrast, ghrelin resulted in a reduction of GnRH IPI and this was observed at 15 days only. To delineate the neuropeptide mediators of leptin and the effects of ghrelin in the hypothalamus, various hypothalamic neuropeptides and antagonists were used in vitro. At 15 days, the GnRH IPI was significantly decreased after incubation with cocaine and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART), α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). The reduction of GnRH IPI caused by leptin was partially prevented by either an anti‐CART antiserum or SHU 9119, a melanocortin MC3/MC4 receptor antagonist or a CRF receptor antagonist. The NPY‐Y5 receptor antagonist did not influence the effects of leptin whereas that antagonist totally prevented the decrease in GnRH IPI caused by ghrelin. The ghrelin‐induced reduction of GnRH IPI was partially prevented by SHU 9119. When used alone, SHU 9119 or a CRF‐receptor antagonist resulted in increased GnRH IPI at 50 days while they had no effects at 15 days. The NPY‐Y5 receptor antagonist resulted in increased GnRH IPI at 15 and 50 days. In conclusion, leptin and ghrelin show opposing effects on pulsatile GnRH secretion after administration in vivo whereas they both have stimulatory effects in vitro. Such effects involve consistently the anorectic peptides CART and CRF for leptin that are mainly active at 15 days. The melanocortigenic system appears to mediate the effects of both leptin and ghrelin. The effects of ghrelin also involve NPY receptors and operate effectively before and at sexual maturity.