Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contributions to the Mathematical Theory of Evolution. II. Skew Variation in Homogeneous Material

An asymmetrical frequency curve may arise from two quite distinct classes of causes. In the first place the material measured may be heterogeneous and may consist of, a mixture of two or more homogeneous materials. Such frequency curves, for example, arise when we have a mixed population of two different races, a homogeneous population with a sprinkling of diseased or deformed members, a curve for tbe frequency of matrimony covering more than one class of the population, or in economics a frequency of interest curve for securities of different types of stabilit — railways and government stocks mixed with mining and financial companies. The treatment of this class of frequency curves requires us to break up the original curve into component parts, or simple frequency curves. This branch of the subject (for the special case of the compound being the sum of two normal curves) has been treated in a paper presented to the Poyal Society by the author, on October 18,1893. 1 lie second class of frequency curves arises in the case of homogeneous material when the tendency to deviation on one side of the mean is unequal to the tendency to deviation on the other side. Such curves arise in many physical, economic and biological investigations, for example, in frequency curves for the height of the barometer, in those for prices and for rates of interest of securities of the same class, in mortality curves, especially the percentage of deaths to cases in all kinds of fevers, in income tax and house duty returns, and in various types of anthropological measurements. I t is this class of curves, which are dealt with in the present paper. The general type of this class of frequency curve will be found to vary (see Plate 7, fig. 1) through all phases from the form close to the negative exponential curve: y = Ce - px , to a form close to the normal frequency curve y = Ce - px2 where C and p are constants.
CPERS: Contextual and Personalized Event Recommender System

This paper proposes CPERS, a contextual and personalized event recommender system that exploits overall user preference and context influences to produce recommendations in event-based social networks (EBSNs). Diversely from items in traditional recommendation scenarios (e.g. movies, songs), events in EBSNs are only valid for a short period of time, having no explicit feedback. Therefore the event recommendation problem is essentially cold-start. To overcome this limitation, CPERS combines content preferences and context influences derived from users' historical events. In particular, besides content preference based on events' description, CPERS exploits temporal impact from users' time preference, spatial constraints based upon geographical preference, cost consideration derived from expenditure history and social influence from social relationship between hosts and users. Furthermore, CPERS integrates the above factors to rank events for personalized recommendation. We collect a real-world dataset from a popular EBSNs called "Douban Events", and the experimental results on the dataset demonstrate that CPERS improves recommendation performance.
ELITE — A novel ranking algorithm for social networking sites

Social networks need to manage and control the drift of insane amount of information by filtering and ranking everything in order to ensure they are right there for users' viewing pleasure. However, the realization of social networks ranking is currently dictated by fairly straightforward optimization algorithms. Hence, there is a need for a newly enhanced and improved ranking algorithm to be formulated since users have been occasionally seeing what they should not. A composition of a generic score and a collective score that would equate to a whopping new-fangled algorithm called E.L. I.T. E. which comprises of five essential elements - Engagement-U, Lifetime, Impression, Timeframe and Engagement-O in ensuring a more accurate result for users to see more of what they care about, less of what they do not and more of who they are interested in, less of who they are not.
Experimental study of arrhythmia due to mild therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitation of cardiac arrest

The therapeutic hypothermia (under 34 °C-32 °C during 12 - 24h) can help reduce cerebral oxygen demand and improve neurological outcomes after the cardiac arrest. However it can have many adverse effects. The cardiac arrhythmia generation represents an important part among these adverse effects. In order to study the arrhythmia generation after therapeutic hypothermia, an experimental cardiomyocytes model is used. The experiments showed that at 35 °C, the acquired extracellular potential of the culture are characterized by period-doubling phenomenon. Spiral waves are observed as well in this case. The results suggested that the global dynamics of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest can be represented by a Pitchfork bifurcation, which could explain the different ratio of arrhythmia among the adverse effects after this therapy. A variable speed of cooling / rewarming, especially when passing 35 °C, would help reduce the post-hypothermia arrhythmia.
Reaching a Consensus in Multi-Agent Systems: A Time Invariant Nonlinear Rule

Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) have attracted more and more interest in recent years. Most researches in the study of discrete-time MAS, presented in the past few years, have considered linear cooperative rules. However, local interactions between agents are more likely to be governed by nonlinear rules. In this paper, we investigate the consensus of discrete-time MAS with time invariant nonlinear cooperative rules. Based on our presented nonlinear model, we show a consensus in the discrete-time MAS. Our model generalizes a classical time invariant De Groot model. It seems that, unlike a linear case, a consensus can be easily achieved a nonlinear case.
On the Effect of Negative Emotional Events on the Emotion,Satisfaction and Commitment of Frontline Employees:Taking High-interactive Service Industry as An Example

High interaction is one of the important features of service industry.During the process of service,staff would have highly frequent contact with customers and service value is delivered through these interactions.Normally some emotional events will be accompanied,most of which are negative emotional events.They will affect the emotion and satisfaction of the staff.Based on the retrospect of literature,the study constructs the model which indicates that emotional events will have impact on the emotion of frontline staff in high-interactive industry and makes empirical testing under catering circumstance.The paper finally concludes that manager's care-orientation and events attribution will have negative impact on the staff and affect their satisfaction and emotional commitment after internal remedial measures.Meanwhile,staff's emotional intelligence differences will have moderating effect on the model.Finally,the authors elaborate the study conclusion and drawback as well as future orientation for studies.
Direct Sensing of Endothelial Oxidants by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 and c-Src

Background ADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in redox homeostasis and signal transduction in endothelial cells (ECs). We previously demonstrated that c-Src plays a key role in VEGF-induced, ROS-dependent selective activation of PI3K-Akt but not PLCγ-1-ERK1/2 signaling pathways. The aim of the present study was to understand how VEGFR-2-c-Src signaling axis ‘senses’ NADPH oxidase-derived ROS levels and couples VEGF activation of c-Src to the redox state of ECs. Methodology/Principal Findings Using biotinylated probe that detects oxidation of cysteine thiol (cys-OH) in intracellular proteins, we demonstrate that VEGF induced oxidative modification in c-Src and VEGFR-2, and that reduction in ROS levels using siRNA against p47phox subunit of Rac1-dependent NADPH oxidase inhibited this phenomenon. Co-immunoprecipitation studies using human coronary artery ECs (HCAEC) showed that VEGF-induced ROS-dependent interaction between VEGFR-2 and c-Src correlated with their thiol oxidation status. Immunofluorescence studies using antibodies against internalized VEGFR-2 and c-Src demonstrated that VEGF-induced subcellular co-localization of these tyrosine kinases were also dependent on NADPH oxidsase-derived ROS. Conclusion/Significance These results demonstrate that VEGF induces cysteine oxidation in VEGFR-2 and c-Src in an NADPH oxidase-derived ROS-dependent manner, suggesting that VEGFR-2 and c-Src can ‘sense’ redox levels in ECs. The data also suggest that thiol oxidation status of VEGFR-2 and c-Src correlates with their ability to physically interact with each other and c-Src activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that prior to activating downstream c-Src-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, VEGFR-2-c-Src axis requires an NADPH oxidase-derived ROS threshold in ECs.
Discontinuous Control of Nonlinear Systems with convex input constraint via Locally Semiconcave Control Lyapunov Functions

Abstract Recently, locally semiconcave control Lyapunov functions (LS-CLFs) play important roles in nonlinear control theory. Many LS-CLF based stabilizing controllers are proposed. In this paper, we consider the locally asymptotic stabilization problem of the input affine nonlinear systems with convex input constraints. To design a stabilizing state feedback under the input constraints, we employ the LS-CLF and convex optimization theory. Due to nonsmoothness of LS-CLF, the proposed state feedback is discontinuous on the state space. Therefore, we consider sample and hold solutions and guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed loop system in the sense of sample stability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by the numerical example.
A Study of the Private Set Intersection Protocol Based on Negative Databases

Nowadays, data privacy has been widely concerned. The private set intersection means that several parties calculate the intersection of their private sets while without revealing extra information about their private data. The negative database (NDB) is a new technique for preserving privacy, and it stores information in the complementary set of a traditional database (DB). Reversing the NDB to recover the corresponding DB is an NP-hard problem, and this property is the security foundation of the NDB. Moreover, the NDB can directly support some database operations such as intersection, union, select and Cartesian product. However, so far, there is no research work about the secure multi-party computation based on NDBs. In this paper, firstly, a two-party private set intersection protocol based on NDBs is proposed, and its security and efficiency are analyzed. Then, the multi-party private set intersection protocol based on NDBs is given.
Challenges and Recent Developments in Hearing Aids

This is the second part of a review on the challenges and recent developments in hearing aids. Feedback and the occlusion effect pose great challenges in hearing aid design and usage. Yet, conventional solutions to feedback and the occlusion effect often create a dilemma: the solution to one often leads to the other. This review discusses the advanced signal processing strategies to reduce feedback and some new approaches to reduce the occlusion effect. Specifically, the causes of three types of feedback (acoustic, mechanical, and electromagnetic) are discussed. The strategies currently used to reduce acoustic feedback (i.e., adaptive feedback reduction algorithms using adaptive gain reduction, notch filtering, and phase cancellation strategies) and the design of new receivers that are built to reduce mechanical and electromagnetic feedback are explained. In addition, various new strategies (i.e.,redesigned sound delivery devices and receiver-in-the-ear-canal hearing aid configuration) to reduce the occlusion effect are reviewed. Many manufacturers have recently adopted laser shell-manufacturing technologies to overcome problems associated with manufacturing custom hearing aid shells. The mechanisms of selected laser sintering and stereo lithographic apparatus and the properties of custom shells produced by these two processes are reviewed. Further, various new developments in hearing aid transducers, telecoils, channel-free amplification, open-platform programming options, rechargeable hearing aids, ear-level frequency modulated (FM) receivers, wireless Bluetooth FM systems, and wireless programming options are briefly explained and discussed. Finally, the applications of advanced hearing aid technologies to enhance other devices such as cochlear implants, hearing protectors, and cellular phones are discussed.
Anatomic Organization of the Basilar Pontine Projections from Prefrontal Cortices in Rhesus Monkey

In our ongoing attempt to determine the anatomic substrates that could support a cerebellar contribution to cognitive processing, we investigated the prefrontal cortical projections to the basilar pons. A detailed understanding of these pathways is needed, because the prefrontal cortex is critical for a number of complex cognitive operations, and the corticopontine projection is the obligatory first step in the corticopontocerebellar circuit. Prefrontopontine connections were studied using the autoradiographic technique in rhesus monkey. The pontine projections were most prominent and occupied the greatest rostrocaudal extent of the pons when derived from the dorsolateral prefrontal convexity, including areas 8Ad, 9/46d, and 10. Lesser pontine projections were observed from the medial prefrontal convexity and area 45B in the inferior limb of the arcuate sulcus. In contrast, ventral prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices did not demonstrate pontine projections. The prefrontopontine terminations were located preferentially in the paramedian nucleus and in the medial parts of the peripeduncular nucleus, but each cortical area appeared to have a unique complement of pontine nuclei with which it is connected. The existence of these corticopontine pathways from prefrontal areas concerned with multiple domains of higher-order processing is consistent with the hypothesis that the cerebellum is an essential node in the distributed corticosubcortical neural circuits subserving cognitive operations.
Joint Technology Design at the End of the Second Millenium : Designing to Get Yoghurt into Containers

A number of studies have been carried out of the social character of the technology design process. In order to verify and extend knowledge of this process, an extended field study was carried out of a mechanical engineering project. During the study, six interlocking analytical dimensions surfaced which have have also been noted in the literature: Management Discourse and Strategies, Group Dynamics, Politics of Design, Social Organization of the Design Work and Organizational Context, Role of Artefacts, and Actor Networks. The seventh dimension emphasized here is that of Ambiguity and Uncertainty. In the conclusion I stress the importance of a broad and heterogeneous analysis for an understanding of joint design work, and suggest that in addition to their current value for understanding this work, such studies constitute important historical records.
Unified Power Quality Conditioner for Compensating Voltage Interruption

This paper proposes a new configuration for the Unified Power Quality Conditioner, which has a DC/DC converter with super-capacitors for energy storage. The proposed UPQC can compensate the reactive power, harmonic current, voltage sag and swell, voltage imbalance, and voltage interruption. The performance of the proposed system was analyzed through simulations with PSCAD/EMTDC software. The feasibility of system implementation is confirmed through experimental works with a prototype. The proposed UPQC has ultimate capability to improve the power quality at the point of installation on power distribution systems and industrial power systems.
Norges Teknisk-naturvitenskapelige Universitet a Combined Filon/asymptotic Quadrature Method for Highly Oscillatory Problems

A combined Filon/asymptotic quadrature method for highly oscillatory problems by Andreas Asheim preprint numerics no. 9/2007 norwegian university of science and technology trondheim, norway A cross between the asymptotic expansion of an oscillatory integral and the Filon-type methods is obtained by applying a Filon-type method on the error term in the asymptotic expansion, which is in itself an oscillatory integral. The efficiency of the method is investigated through analysis and numerical experiments. The case of multivariate oscillatory integrals is treated with an example.
Rapid formation of isoprene photo-oxidation products observed in Amazonia

Isoprene represents the single most important re- active hydrocarbon for atmospheric chemistry in the tropical atmosphere. It plays a central role in global and regional at- mospheric chemistry and possible climate feedbacks. Photo- oxidation of primary hydrocarbons (e.g. isoprene) leads to the formation of oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs). The evolu- tion of these intermediates affects the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere (by reacting with OH) and can contribute to secondary aerosol formation, a poorly understood process. An accurate and quantitative understanding of VOC oxida- tion processes is needed for model simulations of regional air quality and global climate. Based on field measurements conducted during the Amazonian Aerosol Characterization Experiment (AMAZE-08) we show that the production of certain OVOCs (e.g. hydroxyacetone) from isoprene photo- oxidation in the lower atmosphere is significantly underpre- dicted by standard chemistry schemes. Recently reported fast secondary production could explain 50% of the observed discrepancy with the remaining part possibly produced via a novel primary production channel, which has been pro- posed theoretically. The observations of OVOCs are also used to test a recently proposed HOx recycling mechanism via degradation of isoprene peroxy radicals. If generalized our observations suggest that prompt photochemical forma- tion of OVOCs and other uncertainties in VOC oxidation schemes could result in uncertainties of modelled OH re- activity, potentially explaining a fraction of the missing OH sink over forests which has previously been largely attributed to a missing source of primary biogenic VOCs.
On the power of quantum cryptography and computers

It is well known that threats and attacks to information on the digital network environment are growing rapidly, putting extra pressure on individuals and businesses to protect their privacy and intellectual property. For this reason, many cryptographic security protocols have been developed over the past decades in an attempt to protect the privacy between communicating parties and to reduce the risk of malicious attacks. However, most of the cryptographic algorithms developed so far are based on mathematical models and suffer from many security defects, such as: a brute force attack, factorization problem, and many others. Thus, most of these proposed cryptographic systems are not proven to be completely secure against the main threats of modern networking technologies and computing systems. In this paper, a security framework model for quantum cryptography system which is based on the physical properties of light particles is proposed and all security requirements to assist in ensuring confidentiality between communicating parties are incorporated. The research work in this paper is based on a series of experiments which have been advocated recently by some agencies and researchers who used the quantum technology as a more effective method for solving the key distribution problem. The results of the proposed method is demonstrated and validated by experimental results.
Myocardial Structure and Function Differ in Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure

Background— To support the clinical distinction between systolic heart failure (SHF) and diastolic heart failure (DHF), left ventricular (LV) myocardial structure and function were compared in LV endomyocardial biopsy samples of patients with systolic and diastolic heart failure. Methods and Results— Patients hospitalized for worsening heart failure were classified as having SHF (n=22; LV ejection fraction (EF) 34±2%) or DHF (n=22; LVEF 62±2%). No patient had coronary artery disease or biopsy evidence of infiltrative or inflammatory myocardial disease. More DHF patients had a history of arterial hypertension and were obese. Biopsy samples were analyzed with histomorphometry and electron microscopy. Single cardiomyocytes were isolated from the samples, stretched to a sarcomere length of 2.2 &mgr;m to measure passive force (Fpassive), and activated with calcium-containing solutions to measure total force. Cardiomyocyte diameter was higher in DHF (20.3±0.6 versus 15.1±0.4 &mgr;m, P<0.001), but collagen volume fraction was equally elevated. Myofibrillar density was lower in SHF (36±2% versus 46±2%, P<0.001). Cardiomyocytes of DHF patients had higher Fpassive (7.1±0.6 versus 5.3±0.3 kN/m2; P<0.01), but their total force was comparable. After administration of protein kinase A to the cardiomyocytes, the drop in Fpassive was larger (P<0.01) in DHF than in SHF. Conclusions— LV myocardial structure and function differ in SHF and DHF because of distinct cardiomyocyte abnormalities. These findings support the clinical separation of heart failure patients into SHF and DHF phenotypes.
Optimal Bundling and Pricing Under a Monopoly: Contrasting Complements and Substitutes from Independently Valued Products

We develop an analytical model of contingent valuations and address two questions of import to a monopolist: (i) should a given pair of complements or substitutes be sold separately (pure components), together (pure bundling), or both (mixed bundling), and at what prices? (ii) How do optimal bundling and pricing strategies for complements and substitutes differ from those for independently valued products? We find that the combination of marginal cost levels and the degree of complementarity or substitutability determines which of the three bundling strategies is optimal. Complements and substitutes should typically be priced higher than independently valued products.
INFLATION PERSISTENCE IN THE EURO AREA : PRELIMINARY SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

This report presents results from a research project developed by the European Central Bank and the 12 National Central Banks of the Eurosystem on the persistence of inflation in the euro area and its member countries. The analysis, conducted by a team called the Inflation Persistence Network (IPN), focuses on measuring and comparing patterns of price setting and inflation persistence in the euro area. For this purpose researchers have used data on individual goods prices and also data at the area-wide, national and sectoral levels. This paper summarises the results obtained so far and proposes tentative interpretations for the findings, relevant for macroeconomic modelling and for monetary policy. Since the project is expected to extend into 2005, the major aim of circulating a paper at this stage is to stimulate discussion and feedback that can help the team in the final part of its work.
Classification of fNIRS data using wavelets and support vector machine during speed and force imagination

In this paper, we present a method for classifying functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data using wavelets and support vector machine (SVM). fNIRS data is acquired by ETG-4000 during speed and force imagination. Probes location is around C3 and C4 in 10–20 international system. After preprocessing the data using NIRS-SPM, we decompose it with ‘db5’ wavelet for 9 levels to do a multiresolution analysis (MRA). Then, the approximation and detail signal at every level are used for SVM classification using libSVM toolbox. The results show that frequency band between 0.02 and 0.08Hz is important for classification, especially frequency band between 0.02 and 0.04Hz. This finding is useful for building an fNIRS-based brain computer interface (BCI) system.