Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Mutation Rate of Measles Virus: Direct Estimation Based on Mutations Conferring Monoclonal Antibody Resistance

ABSTRACT High mutation rates typical of RNA viruses often generate a unique viral population structure consisting of a large number of genetic microvariants. In the case of viral pathogens, this can result in rapid evolution of antiviral resistance or vaccine-escape mutants. We determined a direct estimate of the mutation rate of measles virus, the next likely target for global elimination following poliovirus. In a laboratory tissue culture system, we used the fluctuation test method of estimating mutation rate, which involves screening a large number of independent populations initiated by a small number of viruses each for the presence or absence of a particular single point mutation. The mutation we focused on, which can be screened for phenotypically, confers resistance to a monoclonal antibody (MAb 80-III-B2). The entire H gene of a subset of mutants was sequenced to verify that the resistance phenotype was associated with single point mutations. The epitope conferring MAb resistance was further characterized by Western blot analysis. Based on this approach, measles virus was estimated to have a mutation rate of 9 × 10−5 per base per replication and a genomic mutation rate of 1.43 per replication. The mutation rates we estimated for measles virus are comparable to recent in vitro estimates for both poliovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus. In the field, however, measles virus shows marked genetic stability. We briefly discuss the evolutionary implications of these results.
The importance of native panel contrast and local dimming density on perceived image quality of high dynamic range displays

We evaluated the perceived image quality of High Dynamic Range (HDR) content rendered using different types of local dimming and organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays. Using an OLED display that is capable of achieving high contrast at a pixel level, we emulated local dimming displays to evaluate their image quality. In a set of subjective experiments, observers compared HDR images and videos rendered with different local dimming densities and native panel contrast. There was a strong effect of panel contrast on perceived quality and also a strong trend toward preference for a larger number of dimming zones. We also evaluated the panel contrast and number of local dimming zones necessary to achieve image quality comparable with OLED. The findings of these experiments demonstrated that the use of a high‐contrast panel remains of critical importance. Also, the preference for panel rendering mode remains robust to normal levels of indoor ambient light.
A Framework for Behavioural Cloning

This paper describes recent experiments in automatically constructing reactive agents. The method used is behavioural cloning, where the logged data from skilled, human operators are input to an induction program which outputs a control strategy for a complex control task. Initial studies were able to successfully construct such behavioural clones, but suered from several drawbacks, namely, that the clones were brittle and dicult to understand. Current research is aimed at solving these problems by learning in a framework where there is a separation between an agent’s goals and its knowledge of how to achieve them.
When Your Ear Sets the Stage: Musical Context Effects in Film Perception

Psychological experiments dealing with the music-dependent perception of film sequences often use reductionist approaches (stereotyped stimuli) and rely on subjects' direct (overt) ratings of the material (e.g., using semantic differentials). For this study, a more ecologically valid covert design was constructed to investigate experimentally musical context effects on perceivers' plot-related expectations. Forty-eight participants were presented with one of two music versions (original v. fake score) of the visually identical film sequence. They then wrote brief continuations of the plot, which were subsequently analysed using quantitative and qualitative content analysis, with the focus on emotional content. Results show that viewers'/listeners' anticipations about the further development of a sequence are systematically influenced by the underlying film music, which implicitly co-determines the psychological reality of the scene.
Sufficient Neurocontrollers can be Surprisingly Simple

Behaviors such as exploration and homing, that seemingly demand a complex control system, only require a perceptron that connects a robot’s sensors to its motors. This is shown by evolving such neurocontrollers for the Khepera robot. An exploitation of the robot’s perception of the environment’s geometrical shape allows the robot to encode time, even though explicitly it is not presented with the time and there are no recurrent connections in the neurocontroller. In a biological context, the robotics approach to show sufficient requirements for obtaining specific behaviors suggest that some biological experiments have to be re-done in order for the conclusions drawn from these biological experiments to be
Human face detection for automatic classification and annotation of personal photo collections

The recent proliferation of digital images captured by digital cameras and, as a result, the users’ needs for automatic annotation tools to index huge multimedia databases arouse a renewed interest in face detection and recognition technologies. After a brief state-of-the-art, the paper details a model-based face detection algorithm for color images, based on skin color and face shape properties. We compare a stand-alone model-based approach with a hybrid approach in which this algorithm is used as a pre-processor to provide candidate faces to a supervised SVM classifier. Experimental results are presented and discussed on two databases of 250 and 689 pictures respectively. Application to a system to automatically annotate the photos of a personal collection is eventually discussed from the human factors point of view.
Scheduling Self-Suspending Periodic Real-Time Tasks Using Model Checking

—In this paper, we address the problem of scheduling periodic, possibly self-suspending, real-time tasks. We provide schedulability tests for PFP and EDF and a feasibility test using model checking. This is done both with and without the restriction of work-conserving schedules. We also provide a method to test the sustainability w.r. t the execution and suspension durations of the schedulability and feasibility properties within a restricted interval. Finally we show how to generate an on-line scheduler for such systems when they are feasible.
Credit Scoring, Risk, and Consumer Lendingscapes in Emerging Markets

Statistical modelling has superseded traditional methods of assessing character and trustworthiness through personal knowledge and face-to-face interaction. Advances in credit scoring allow lenders to extend loans to a wider proportion of the population in spatially disparate locations and simultaneously reduce losses associated with nonperforming loans. Contrary to scientific approaches to credit and risk assessment, cultural theorists maintain that risk should be understood through a richer reading of social and cultural analysis and interpretation. I focus on consumer lendingscapes in emerging markets as an example of understanding the social and cultural constructed nature of risk and credit scoring by assessing technological expertise, legal systems, culture, norms, beliefs, and social relations of financial institutions in specific places. There are significant problems with extending methods of credit scoring and networks of credit bureaus developed in advanced societies to emerging markets.
A Novel Fuzzy based Phase Angle Estimation Scheme for Grid Connected Bidirectional Contactless Power Transfer System suitable for EVs and PHEVs

This paper presents a fuzzy based synchronization scheme for grid connected three phase Bidirectional Contac tless Power Transfer (BCPT) system suitable for Electric Vehicleand Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The proposed synchronization scheme estimates the phase angle directly by tracking the gr id voltage and frequency variations and facilitates synchron ization of BCPT system with grid for charging and discharging operations. The entire BCPT system together with the synchroniza tion scheme and its associated controllers is designed for a maxi mum power handling capacity of 2kW. The verification of design is done using simulations.
Developmental Shifts in the Basis of Organization in Memory: The Role of Associative versus Categorical Relatedness in Children's Free Recall.

Deux experiences de rappel libre, menees aupres d'enfants des 1er, 4eme et 7eme degres etudient la possibilite du passage evolutif d'une organisation mnemonique fondee sur des criteres associatifs a une organisation mnemonique fondee sur des criteres de categorie
State, Strategy, and Scale in the Competitive City: A Neo-Gramscian Analysis of the Governance of ‘Global Sydney’

In this paper I argue that a neo-Gramscian strategic relational approach (SRA) offers the relational and constructivist perspectives necessary to enhance our concrete and theoretical understandings of urban governance. Moreover, I argue for the utility of using discourse as a productive entry point for neo-Gramscian analysis. Taking a discursive approach to a case study of the governance of ‘global Sydney’ since the mid-1990s, I explore how engaging a neo-Gramscian SRA can connect theoretically informed explanation of the practical accomplishment of urban governance to its broader politico-economic embeddedness and to the territoriality of the state. I explore how the activation of Sydney's governance via the hegemonic project of producing the ‘competitive city’ is shaping a contingent and scaled state form—with a specific (and scaled) institutional form, regime of representation, and range of interventions. Additionally, I consider how counterhegemonic claims and currents shape this process. The relational and constructivist perspectives of the neo-Gramscian SRA ensure that, at all times, urban governance is understood both as a multiscalar production and as a political construction. The result of neo-Gramscian analysis, then, is more theoretically informed and theoretically informative studies of the situated practice of urban governance.
Analysis of an unreliable batch machine and a finite buffer fed by an unreliable single-item machine: partial batches

This paper considers a flow line with two unreliable machines and a finite buffer. The first machine is an unreliable single-item machine and the second machine is an unreliable batch machine. The purpose of this paper is to present a model, and exact analysis of this system under the assumption of partial-batch control policy. We demonstrate generalized conservation of flow and flow rate-idle time relationships. We present performance measures such as production rate, expected in-process inventory, mean size of batch served in the second machine, and probabilities of blocking and starvation.
Design Parameter Estimation using a Modified QFD Method to Improve Customer Perception

This article presents an integrated approach to optimize cost while respecting the customer perception of a product using a modified Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method. This QFD method helps a design team to determine the effect of various design strategies for customer satisfaction. The new QFD method uses a two-phased approach for finding an optimum design strategy. During the first phase, the design team sets goals for customer perception for each customer attribute and relates them to those of its competitors (benchmarking); then, in the second phase, a goal-based model with a separated, mixed integer structure is used to minimize cost while respecting customer desires. The model defines fixed cost as a major improvement in design solutions such as changing parts, materials, or operational mechanisms. It also defines variable cost as a minor improvement in the current design solution. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the use of the method, and a sensitivity analysis for budget limitation is shown. The method is applicable to a wide spectrum of design problems where, setting preferences over competitors’ products and respecting budget limitations are the major criteria in the design strategy.
Distributional Conflict in Organizations

Hierarchy can function as an instrument to channel influence activities or power struggles in organizations. Contrary to what has frequently been argued, we show that multi-divisional organizations may involve lower influence costs than single-tier organizations, even though they offer more scope for organizational conflict and have more executives that can be influenced. These benefits derive from two effects. First, part of the conflict in multi-divisional organizations takes place on the division level, where a small number of agents fight over only a fraction of the overall prize. Second, by grouping agents into common divisions, multi-divisional organizations create free-rider problems in rent seeking. We apply our framework to divestitures and the transition from the U- to the M-form by US corporations in the 1920s.
Fostering metacognitive awareness among teachers: Implications for the Nigerian school system

Abstract This article focused on the concept of metacognition. Some theoretical models of metacognition were discussed to provide a general framework to understand the relationship between the different aspects or components of this phenomenon. The study also looked at five metacognitive strategies that enhance learning in schools, namely: (1) graphic organizers; (2) metacognitive scaffolding; (3) reciprocal teaching; (4) explicit instruction; and (5) collaborative learning. The work also briefly highlighted the problems of metacognitive strategies used in Nigerian schools. We noted that all learners do not engage spontaneously in metacognitive thinking unless they are explicitly encouraged to do so through carefully designed instructional activities. The study therefore recommended effective practice of scaffolded instruction on metacognitive strategies use in Nigerian schools and other countries in the world.
Restoration Seed Banks—A Matter of Scale

Seed banks must shift from being “stamp-collections” of species to collections that can provide tons of seeds and the expertise to improve restoration efforts. With nearly two-thirds of the world's ecosystems degraded (1), the October 2010 meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-10) highlighted ecological restoration as a significant opportunity for achieving global conservation goals (2). The restoration of nature, natural assets, and biodiversity is now a global business worth at least $1.6 trillion annually and likely to grow substantially (3). Although seed banks have emerged as a tool to protect wild plant species (4), off-site (ex situ) conservation measures at seed banks must be complementary to “on the ground” management at the conservation site. For example, whereas global targets are for restoration or management of at least 15% of each ecological region or vegetation type (1, 5), recognition of the mechanisms required to achieve these goals is largely absent from policies.
Effect of human papillomavirus vaccination on cervical cancer screening in Alberta

Background: A school-based program with quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was implemented in Alberta in 2008. We assessed the impact of this program on Pap test cytology results using databases of province-wide vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Methods: We conducted a nested case–control study involving a cohort of women in Alberta born between 1994 and 1997 who had at least 1 Pap test between 2012 and 2015. Women with negative cytology results were controls. Women with low-grade (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) and high-grade (atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out a high-grade lesion; or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) cervical abnormalities were cases. Exposure status was assigned according to records of HPV vaccination. Odds ratios (ORs) for abnormal cytology results by vaccination status were adjusted for neighbourhood income, laboratory service, rural versus urban residency, and age. Results: The total study population was 10 204. Adjusting for age, vaccinated women had a higher screening rate than unvaccinated women (13.0% v. 11.4%, p < 0.001). Among women who received full vaccination (≥ 3 doses), the adjusted OR for cervical abnormalities was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–0.82). For high-grade lesions, the adjusted OR was 0.50 (95% CI 0.30–0.85). With 2-dose HPV vaccination, the adjusted OR for cervical abnormalities was 1.08 (95% CI 0.84–1.38). Interpretation: Quadrivalent HPV vaccination significantly reduced high-grade cervical abnormalities but required 3 doses. Vaccination against HPV was associated with screening uptake. Population-based vaccination and screening programs should work together to optimize cervical cancer prevention.
Risk of heavy drinking and alcohol use disorders in social phobia: a prospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE The risks of heavy drinking and alcohol abuse/dependence were prospectively assessed among individuals with DSM-III social phobia and individuals with subclinical social phobia (irrational fear of social situations without significant impairment or avoidance). METHOD The baseline interview for the Baltimore site of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area program was completed in 1981. Between 1993 and 1996 the original cohort was traced. Among the 1,161 individuals who did not have episodes of heavy drinking or current or prior alcohol abuse/dependence at baseline, logistic regression was used to assess the association of social phobia and subclinical social phobia with incident alcohol abuse/dependence and incident episodic heavy drinking. RESULTS Among the 33 individuals with a DSM-III diagnosis of social phobia at baseline, only one developed heavy drinking by follow-up, and none developed alcohol abuse or dependence. Among the 84 individuals with a history of subclinical social phobia, the cumulative incidence rates of heavy drinking and alcohol abuse/dependence were 119 per 1,000 and 95 per 1,000, respectively. After adjustment for sex, age, race, education level, marital status, age at first alcohol intoxication, and history of other psychiatric or illicit drug use disorder, the estimated relative risk for heavy drinking among respondents with subclinical social phobia was 2.41, and the estimated relative risk for alcohol abuse/dependence was 2.30, relative to respondents without social phobia or subclinical social fears. CONCLUSIONS The data may improve our understanding of the relationship of social phobia and risk for alcohol conditions, which may have important implications for preventive measures.
The Leader and Religious Faith

The study investigates the relationship between the exercise of religious faith by the leader, and goal achievement, self fulfillment, and community good. Results support the premise that entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officers who "always" consciously apply the teachings of their religion during the daily decision making process, attain superior goal achievement results over those CEOs who "never" apply the teachings of their religion. CEOs of faith have more profitable companies and greater annual, personal net worth increases. They rank in the top quartile of questionnaire results that measure business acumen, leader performance, and organizational goal achievement skills. They are quick to point out that the intensity of one's religion is not necessarily tied to good times and positive increases in net worth. Research results support its value in times of stress, turbulence, instability, and trouble. The CEO of faith also has less focus on profits and wealth, and indicates that their superior profit performance is a by-product of religion based practices. Their personal lives benefit from a stronger feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction as well as better health. Community involvement is evidenced by charitable contributions far exceeding those less intense in the application of their faith. Practices of the CEO of faith are characterized by emphasis on service to others, faith that everything will turn out for the best, and the view that the company is simply a vehicle to carry one to their personal goals. Type of religion is important with Protestants and Born Again Christians dominating the top performing category. Although CEOs of faith exhibit superior governance skills, they are under represented in large companies. The research signals a convergence between the results obtained from the conscious application of historically based and validated religious teachings, and the scientific "one best way" as championed by business scientists Frederick Taylor, the Gilbreths, and Rensis Likert.
An interaction language for argumentation-based negotiation

Language is the medium used by heterogeneous and autonomous members of a community to communicate and to exchange knowledge. Social work allows members in a community to resolve problems that they could not face individually, but they must be able to interact in order to do it. Furthermore, is necessary to have a negotiation mechanism that allows members of a system to interact through it, trying to reach an agreement in order to satisfy their goals. Our work is oriented towards the design of an interaction language that allows argumentation-based negotiation among collaborative BDI agents.
Gut Microbiome Metagenomics Analysis Suggests a Functional Model for the Development of Autoimmunity for Type 1 Diabetes

Recent studies have suggested a bacterial role in the development of autoimmune disorders including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Over 30 billion nucleotide bases of Illumina shotgun metagenomic data were analyzed from stool samples collected from four pairs of matched T1D case-control subjects collected at the time of the development of T1D associated autoimmunity (i.e., autoantibodies). From these, approximately one million open reading frames were predicted and compared to the SEED protein database. Of the 3,849 functions identified in these samples, 144 and 797 were statistically more prevalent in cases and controls, respectively. Genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, adhesions, motility, phages, prophages, sulfur metabolism, and stress responses were more abundant in cases while genes with roles in DNA and protein metabolism, aerobic respiration, and amino acid synthesis were more common in controls. These data suggest that increased adhesion and flagella synthesis in autoimmune subjects may be involved in triggering a T1D associated autoimmune response. Extensive differences in metabolic potential indicate that autoimmune subjects have a functionally aberrant microbiome. Mining 16S rRNA data from these datasets showed a higher proportion of butyrate-producing and mucin-degrading bacteria in controls compared to cases, while those bacteria that produce short chain fatty acids other than butyrate were higher in cases. Thus, a key rate-limiting step in butyrate synthesis is more abundant in controls. These data suggest that a consortium of lactate- and butyrate-producing bacteria in a healthy gut induce a sufficient amount of mucin synthesis to maintain gut integrity. In contrast, non-butyrate-producing lactate-utilizing bacteria prevent optimal mucin synthesis, as identified in autoimmune subjects.