Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formation control in multi-player pursuit evasion game with superior evaders

In this paper, we consider a multi-pursuer multi-evader pursuit evasion game where some evaders' maximal speeds are higher than those of all pursuers. In multi-player pursuit evasion game, hierarchical framework is applied widely in order to decompose the original complicated multi-player game into multiple small scale games, i.e. one-pursuer one-evader games and multi-pursuer single-evader games. The latter is especially required for superior evaders. Although usually only suboptimal results are obtained, the resulted decentralized approaches are favored by researchers from the point view of communication aspect for practical applications. Based on our previous work, for a multi-pursuer single-superior- evader game on a plane, we first study the number of pursuers which necessitates the capture. Regarding each player as a mass point, a moving planar coordinate system is fixed on the evader. Then formation control is used for pursuers in their pursuit strategies deriving to 1) avoid collision between pursuers; 2) reduce the distance between each pursuer and the evader over the evolution of game; 3) keep the pursuers' angular distribution around the evader invariant during the pursuit process and enclose the superior evader within the union of each pursuer's capture domain at the end of game. The validity of our method is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Throughput performance analysis and experimental evaluation of IEEE 802.11b radio link

In this paper, parameters such as basic data rate, packet size as well as MAC scheme that restrict saturation throughput were studied in details. An analytical model has been developed based on theoretical analysis and experimental study to predict the throughput performance in IEEE 802.11b WLANs. Impact of mobility on the throughput performance was also evaluated for any deployment of WLAN. Subsequently, the throughput performance analytical model was modified to predict throughput performance in any physical environment taking into account the effect of channel conditions. Measurements were conducted in parallel to verify the analysis and modifications were made to the theoretical model for realistic scenario.
Sampling and integration of near log-concave functions

Sampling and Integration of Near Log-Concave Functions David Applegate* Ravi Kannan* An important class of functions that arise in statistics and other areas are the log-concave functions. Here we provide the first polynomial time algorithm to generate samples from a given log-concave distribution. The algorithm is fairly simple and natural; it is the proof of its fast convergence that is new. To this end, we prove a general isoperimetric inequality for convex sets and use this together with recent developments in the theory of rapidly mixing Markov chains. We use our sampling algorithm to develop an algorithm for integrating log-concave functions. As one application, we are able to develop an algorithm for approximating the volume of convex bodies given by an oracle; we do so by enclosing the given body in a cube, defining a log-concave function that is 1 on the body and exponentially falls off outside, and integrating this function. This a.llo ws us to avoid one of the complications in prior algorithms for computing volumes – dealing with sharp corners – and results in an algorithm which is faster than previous algorithms.
Motor evoked potential of upper-limbs is predictive of aphasia recovery

ABSTRACT Background: Recovery from aphasia impacts the quality of life in stroke patients but remains difficult to predict. Some neuroanatomical factors combined with anagraphical factors contribute to the prediction of longitudinal outcomes, but still fail to predict changes in severity of symptoms. Among the language features predicting recovery from aphasia, production scores such as repetition or phonology seem to be more relevant predictors than only severity. As motor cortex is strongly involved in language processes, both production and perception, the present study builds on the hypothesis that assessment of the anatomo-functional motor pathways could improve predictive models on top of factors based on neuroanatomy. Aim: In this prospective longitudinal study, we aimed to determine whether the integration of an electrophysiological measure of the motor network using Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) with an anatomical approach—diffusion-weighted MRI— in the acute phase of stroke can improve the prediction of recovery from post-stroke aphasia. Methods and Procedures: Fifteen aphasic patients were included in the post-stroke acute phase. Electrophysiological assessment exploring resting motor threshold ratio (rMTr) of the two upper-limbs and neuroanatomy exploration using MRI and diffusion tensor imaging were performed in the acute phase. Language impairment was assessed at the same stage and six months after the stroke. Multivariate regression analyses were carried out on aphasia severity score at M6, on recovery rates (change of severity) and on speech and language features as the dependent variables. Outcomes and Results: A first-level model, including only clinical variables (i.e., the initial severity) predicted severity at six months. When the rMTr of upper limbs was added in a second-level model, the predictive power significantly increased from 51% to 79%, as well as adding in a third-level model rMTr of upper limbs and the initial fibers number ratio (iFNr) of the corticospinal tracts (51% to 80%). With the changes in severity as the dependent variable, the same factors made a significant contribution and the predictive power of a second-level model increased from 23% to 50% to the same extent as in a third-level model (23% to 51%). A similar improvement when adding MEPs was noted for the prediction of articulatory agility and naming skills. Conclusions: Our results suggest that MEPs of upper limbs measured within 15days post-stroke are strong determinants of the prediction of longitudinal severity of post-stroke aphasia as well as of changes in symptoms and that the combination of electrophysiological and anatomical biomarkers improve this prediction.
Review of Wagner’s Artificial Gene RegulatoryNetworks Model and its Applications forUnderstanding Complex Biological Systems

In the mid of 1990s, Andreas Wagner proposed a gene regulatory network model where the self-development process was explicitly modelled in the system. The many-to-one mapping mechanism of genotype to phenotype in Wagner’s GRN model enables genes to buffer against and even exploit likely variations in the genome. This mechanism is crucial for evolutionary innovations, because genotypes which control gene-gene interactions can change profoundly without affecting phenotypes which represent gene activities or expression concentrations. Wagner’s GRN model motivates research on the evolution of genetic networks and has been successfully employed to study many fundamental evolutionary and ecological questions. In this paper, I will review Wagner’s GRN model and currently available research papers that fall into its framework
Choice of the Group Increases Intra-Cooperation

This research investigates how variation in sociality, or the degree to which one feels belonging to a group, affects the propensity for participation in collective action. By bringing together rich models of social behavior from social psychology with decision modeling techniques from economics, these mechanisms can ultimately foster cooperation in human societies. While variation in the level of sociality surely exists across groups, little is known about whether and how it changes behavior in the context of various economic games. Specifically, we found some socialization task makes minimal group members behavior resemble that of an established group. Consistent with social identity theory, we discovered that inducing this type of minimal sociality among participants who were previously unfamiliar with each other increased social identity, and sustained cooperation rates in the newly formed groups to the point that they were comparable to those in the already established groups. Our results demonstrate that there are relatively simple ways for individuals in a group to agree about appropriate social behavior, delineate new shared norms and identities.
High-Speed, Low-Power Quasi Delay Insensitive Handshake Circuits Based on FinFET Technology

FinFET transistor is a promising alternative to CMOS transistor beyond 25nm technology. Independent-Gate FinFET (IGFinFET) are particularly interesting, as they have double gates and offer various options to designers. In the context of this technology, asynchronous circuits are being considered. Due to sizing and transistors shrinkage, synchronous circuits have encountered problems such as clock skew and clock tree distribution, whereas asynchronous circuits have addressed these problems by removing the global clock. Pre-Charged Half and Full Buffer (PCHB, PCFB) are asynchronous design template blocks to which high level descriptions are synthesized. In this paper, using different IGFinFET configurations, we reduce PCHB (PCFB) handshaking circuits area and power consumption by 21% and 19% (by 21% and 15%), respectively. In addition, by suitably biasing IGFinFET transistors, during the handshaking phase, we can enter evaluate and precharge phases earlier in PCHB (PCFB) circuits and thus increase throughput by 11% (9%) and decrease power consumption by 7% (5%) with no area overhead.
Proxy-Based Visual Content Repurposing Using Selection Algorithm

This paper presents a proxy-based visual content repurposing approach, which is used to repurpose visual content dynamically for the transmission over heterogeneous networks and end devices. We use a series of repurposing proxies in a chain fashion between the server and multiple client devices. In order to find the appropriate chain of repurposing services that maximizes the user's satisfaction with the delivered content, we propose a novel service selection algorithm based on user's satisfaction with the quality of the repurposed content which is used as an optimization metric for the repurposing service selection and configuration process. Experimental results show that our approach performs complicated repurposing tasks by breaking them into a series of intermediate tasks and executing them in distributed repurposing proxies with minimal degradation of the final delivered content quality in terms of PSNR.
Predictors of Turnover and their Effects on Academic Staff Performance in Private Higher Learning Institutions in Rwanda: A Case of Four selected institutions

The study investigated predictors of turnover and their effects on academic staff performance in Private Higher Learning Institutions in Rwanda (PHLIs). It aimed at assessing factors that contribute to academic staff job dissatisfaction in PHLIs. The study mainly revolved on identifying non monetary incentives that contribute to academic staff job satisfaction, effects of lack of motivation on academic staff research and consultancy, how lack of development opportunities impacts on academic staff research and consultancy, the effects of turnover on academic staff research and consultancy as well as mechanisms to address it. Four selected institutions constituted the sample and 170 respondents were selected using simple random sampling with the help of random table numbers. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The findings proved job dissatisfaction, lack of motivation and lack of development opportunities to be the main predictors of turnover in PHLIs. The study has proved that PHLIs need to improve research capabilities since publications have found to be at very low level especially publications at international level. It was noted that the quality of research and consultancy suffers when academic staff are not motivated and satisfied and when they do not have required skills. They need job satisfaction and stability to concentrate their time on their noble career of research and consultancy. Recommendations to different stakeholders involved in Higher Learning Institutions on how to make academic staff more satisfied and more loyal were provided. The study recommends that none financial incentives be given priority among academic staff so as to satisfy their intrinsic needs which contribute more to their satisfaction. Key words: Dissatisfaction, motivation, development opportunities, turnover, performance
CHRNA4 and tobacco dependence: from gene regulation to treatment outcome.

CONTEXT Given the probable importance of the alpha4 subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, the gene that codes for this subunit (CHRNA4) represents an excellent starting point for a genetic investigation of smoking behavior. OBJECTIVE To achieve a better understanding of the role of this gene in the cause and treatment of tobacco dependence, we adopted a transdisciplinary pharmacogenetic approach. DESIGN Study at the behavioral and clinical levels of analysis. SETTING Academic research. PARTICIPANTS Smokers (n = 316) between the ages of 18 and 50 years were recruited from the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bioinformatics analyses, cell culture experiments, and analyses of CHRNA4 expression and nicotine binding in postmortem human brain tissue advanced 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs6122429 and rs2236196). RESULTS Both single-nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with subjective responses to smoking in the laboratory among 316 smokers. Likewise, among 353 participants in a clinical trial, rs2236196 was associated with smoking cessation outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Results of analyses ranging from basic biological approaches to clinical outcome data provide consistent evidence that 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CHRNA4 are functional at a biological level and are associated with nicotine dependence phenotypes. This interdisciplinary approach to the genetics of nicotine dependence provides a model for testing how functional genetic variation is translated from changes in messenger RNA and protein to individual differences in behavior and treatment outcome.
Efficacy of FOLFIRI-3 (irinotecan D1,D3 combined with LV5-FU) or other irinotecan-based regimens in oxaliplatin-pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer in the GERCOR OPTIMOX1 study.

BACKGROUND Second-line irinotecan-based chemotherapy is commonly used in metastatic colorectal cancers after first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. No standard schedule of irinotecan has been established in this situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Metastatic colorectal cancer patients included in the OPTIMOX1 phase III study received first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (FOLFOX). No second line was defined in the protocol, but data concerning second line were prospectively registered. Inclusion criterion was patients receiving an irinotecan-based second-line chemotherapy. Second-line progression-free survival (PFS) and tumor response were evaluated according to type of irinotecan-based regimen administered. RESULTS A total of 342 patients received irinotecan-based chemotherapy as second-line chemotherapy: FOLFIRI-3 [n = 109, irinotecan 100 mg/m(2) days 1 and 3 combined with leucovorin (LV) 400 mg/m(2) day 1 and 46-h continuous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 2000 mg/m(2)], FOLFIRI-1 (n = 112, irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) day 1 combined with LV 400 mg/m(2) day 1, 5-FU bolus 400 mg/m(2) and 46-h continuous 5-FU 2400 mg/m(2)) and other various irinotecan-based regimens (n = 121). Median second-line PFS was 3.0 months (FOLFIRI-3: 3.7 months; FOLFIRI-1: 3.0 months; other regimens: 2.3 months). In multivariate analysis, FOLFIRI-3 regimen (relative risk 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.68, P = 0.0003) and lactate deshydrogenase level at inclusion (P = 0.0006) in OPTIMOX1 were associated with a longer second-line PFS. CONCLUSION In unselected patients pretreated with oxaliplatin, PFS in second line appeared to be improved by FOLFIRI-3 regimen.
Investigation of Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Turkish Foreign Language Teacher Candidates Oriented Instructional Strategies

The aim of this study is to determine the pedagogical content knowledge of Turkish teacher candidates for instructional strategies while teaching Turkish as a foreign language. One of the theories that are based on educating prospective teachers in a qualified and equipped manner is pedagogical content knowledge. In this study, the instructional strategies that one of the pedagogical content knowledge components and the pedagogical content knowledge of the teacher candidates were examined and how much they can apply the information, methods, techniques and strategies they have. The sample of this research, which is one of the qualitative research methods, consists of 47 senior class teacher candidates in Amasya University Turkish Language Department. In the study “Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language Instructional Strategies Knowledge Test” was used as a data collection tool that developed by the researcher. Knowledge test consisting of six open-ended questions for cognitive process steps and the implementation step; a total of six experts, including four field experts and two assessment experts were consulted. The data of the study was carried out by descriptive analysis method to evaluate pedagogical content knowledge. According to the results of the study, it was determined that the teacher candidates have not difficulty in the questions about determining the teaching methods, techniques and student errors. However, they have difficulty in the applications to eliminate student errors.
Morphological and biomechanical disparity of crocodile-line archosaurs following the end-Triassic extinction

Mesozoic crurotarsans exhibited diverse morphologies and feeding modes, representing considerable ecological diversity, yet macroevolutionary patterns remain unexplored. Here, we use a unique combination of morphological and biomechanical disparity metrics to quantify the ecological diversity and trophic radiations of Mesozoic crurotarsans, using the mandible as a morpho-functional proxy. We recover three major trends. First, the diverse assemblage of Late Triassic crurotarsans was morphologically and biomechanically disparate, implying high levels of ecological variation; but, following the end-Triassic extinction, disparity declined. Second, the Jurassic radiation of marine thalattosuchians resulted in very low morphological disparity but moderate variation in jaw biomechanics, highlighting a hydrodynamic constraint on mandibular form. Third, during the Cretaceous terrestrial radiations of neosuchians and notosuchians, mandibular morphological variation increased considerably. By the Late Cretaceous, crocodylomorphs evolved a range of morphologies equalling Late Triassic crurotarsans. By contrast, biomechanical disparity in the Cretaceous did not increase, essentially decoupling from morphology. This enigmatic result could be attributed to biomechanical evolution in other anatomical regions (e.g. cranium, dentition or postcranium), possibly releasing the mandible from selective pressures. Overall, our analyses reveal a complex relationship between morphological and biomechanical disparity in Mesozoic crurotarsans that culminated in specialized feeding ecologies and associated lifestyles.
Long-Term Memory in Adults Exposed to Childhood Violence: Remembering Genital Contact Nearly 20 Years Later

Recent changes in statutes of limitations for crimes against children permit accusations of decades-old child sexual abuse to be considered in court. These laws challenge scientists to address the accuracy of long-term memory of genital contact. To examine theoretical, clinical, and legal concerns about long-term memory accuracy, children who in the 1990s (Time 1) were 3 to 17 years old and experienced a documented child maltreatment medical examination that included genital touch were interviewed between 2012 and 2014 (Time 2), as adults, about the medical experience. Almost half of the adults reported the childhood genital contact. Child sexual abuse and greater depression in adulthood predicted greater memory accuracy. No participant falsely reported chargeable offenses that did not occur, even when such offenses had been falsely suggested in a childhood interview. Some participants erred with regard to specific and misleading questions implying less egregious acts. Ramifications for theory and application are discussed.
Peritoneal adhesions as a cause of mechanical small bowel obstruction based on own experience.

UNLABELLED Bowel obstruction is a condition which has been known for many years. As time goes by, the problem is still often encountered at surgical emergency rooms. More than 20% of emergency surgical interventions are performed because of symptoms of digestive tract obstruction with the disease mostly situated in the small bowel. Rates of causative factors of the disease have changed over recent years and there have been increasingly more cases of small bowel obstruction caused by peritoneal adhesions, i.e., adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO). The aim of the study to analyse the reasons and incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction during two periods of time (1990-1995 and 2005-2010). MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients hospitalized at the 1st Department of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology of the Provincial Polyclinic Hospital in Płock between 1990 and 1995. The outcomes were compared with another period of 2005-2010. RESULTS We found that the incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction increased from 58 cases in the first period to 215 cases in the second one, and the outcomes improved. The proportion of patients who underwent surgery diminished from 38% to 13%. The mean hospitalization time shortened and was 11.3 days and 6.95 days during 1990-1995 and 2005-2010 periods of time, respectively. In the first group, patients who had a surgery were hospitalized for 17.8 days and those who were treated conservatively for 8.08 days. In the second group, the mean hospital stay decreased to 15.6 days and 5.7 days in the case of surgical and conservative treatment, respectively. The age of onset declined from 56.63 years in the first period to 52.54 years in the other one. CONCLUSIONS Analysed data show an increasing number of patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction. The highest risk of the disease was associated with operations on the large bowel and gynaecological procedures.
Multi-sensors, Multi-resolution Data Fusion Using Principal Components Analysis and Histogram Specification Techniques

Image data fusion is the process of setting together information gathered by different heterogeneous sensors, mounted on different platforms. This paper presents an effective multi-resolution image data fusion methodology, which is based on utilizing the Principal Component Analysis "PCA" and Histogram Specification "HS" techniques. The first principal component "PCA1" involves much of the variability in the spectral data; while the reminder PCAs contain the remaining variability in a descend order. In this research, the low resolution multispectral are, firstly, resized (i.e. enlarged) into the high resolution "panchromatic" image size, then transformed into several PCAs. The high resolution panchromatic image should be normalized to have the same number of gray levels as the PCA1. The renormalized panchromatic image, then, replace the PCA1 of the low- resolution- multispectral image in the PCA transformed domain. The preliminary high-resolution-multispectral images are produced by inversely transform the modified PCA's file. The final high-resolution- multispectral bands are created by pushing the histogram of each created image bands toward the histogram of its corresponding original multispectral band, utilizing the histogram-specification method.