Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation von Instrumenten zum Wissensmanagement in Small-Scale Business Units am Beispiel von Wissenskarten Evaluation of Instruments for Knowledge Management in Small-Scale Business Units Using the Example of Knowledge Maps

The importance of knowledge management rises more and more. But besides enterprises, it becomes important for the public administration, too. In the hanseatic city of Rostock a pilot project started, that introduced two knowledge maps as a first basis for a future knowledge management system in several public agencies. These first maps are developed, but not implemented yet. This bachelor thesis is about the evaluation process of these knowledge maps. This evaluation process is supported by the use of the Knowledge Management Success Model of Jennex and Olfman, that bases on several years of empirical studies and further development. The process of evaluation has three steps: First the map got presented by their creator, Mr. Hengl and then discussed by several representatives of the agencies. The impressions of this discussion is used to develop a comprehensive survey, submitted to the participants of the discussion. Finally the results of the discussion and the survey are used for a comprehensive evaluation and suggestions for the future development of knowledge management solutions in the public administration. These suggestions does not only include a basic strategy, but concrete advises and requirements for a successful knowledge management, too. Towards a modern and successful knowledge management system for the agencies of Mecklenbug-Hither Pomerenia.
Periodically Nonuniform Coupled Microstrip Lines with Equalized Even- and Odd-Mode Velocities for Harmonic Suppression in Filter Design

Periodically nonuniform coupled microstrip line (PNCML) loaded with transverse slits is characterized using the fullwave method of moments and short-open calibration technique. Guided-wave characteristics of both even- and odd-modes are thoroughly investigated in terms of two extracted per-unit-length transmission parameters, i.e., phase constants and characteristic impedances. As such, frequency-dependent coupling between the lines of the finite-extended PNCML is exposed via two dissimilar impedances. Meanwhile, two phase constants try to be equalized at a certain frequency by properly adjusting the slit depth and periodicity, aiming at realizing the transmission zero. Further, equivalent J-inverter network parameters of this finite-length PNCML are derived to reveal the relationship between the transmission zero and harmonic resonance. By allocating this zero to the frequency twice the fundamental passband, one-stage and two-stage PNCML filters are then designed, fabricated and measured to showcase the advantageous capacity of the proposed technique in harmonic suppression.
A low-power imager and compression algorithms for a brain-machine visual prosthesis for the blind

We present a synchronous time-based dual-threshold imager that experimentally achieves 95.5 dB dynamic range, while consuming 1.79 nJ/pixel/frame, making it one of the most wide-dynamic-range energy-efficient imagers reported. The imager has 150×256 pixels, with a pixel pitch of 12. 5μm × 12. 5μm and a fill factor of 42.7%. The imager is intended for use in a brain-machine visual prosthesis for the blind where energy efficiency and power are of paramount importance. Such prostheses will also need to convey visual information to patients with relatively few electrodes and in a manner that minimizes electrode interactions, just as cochlear implants have accomplished for deaf subjects. To achieve these goals, we present a strategy that compresses visual information into the basis coefficients of a few image kernels that encode enough information to provide reasonably good image reconstruction with 60 electrodes. The strategy also uses time-multiplexed stimulation of electrodes to minimize channel interactions like the continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) strategy used in cochlear implants. Some of the image kernels that we employ are similar to the receptive fields observed in biology and may thus be natural to learn, just as cochlear-implant subjects have learned to reconstruct sound from a few filter basis coefficients.
Modeling and PID cascade control of a Quadcopter for trajectory tracking

This paper presents the mathematical model of a quadricopter under the Newton-Euler formulation. A Transfer function has been chosen, which represents a brushless motor and its driver as one system. PID cascade control had been designed to solve the path tracking problem for a quadcopter. The controller is evaluated in a 3D environment in Simulink.
Throughput enhancement for fixed WiMAX network using distributed model

Recently, broadband wireless communication serves as one of the most growing and developing technology in the field of telecommunications. The broadband provides multimedia services for voice, video, High Definition TV (HDTV), and games with certain Quality of Service (QoS). For these services, a high data transmission is greatly needed. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Network aims to provide this QoS with high data rate and throughput. However the existing WiMAX architecture does not provide sufficient QoS. In this regard, a Distributed Master-Slave Model was developed to improve QoS with respect to throughput in the Fixed WiMAX Network in order to evaluate the throughput performance for the delivery of better services to the end users. The new model was simulated in OPNET modeler 16.0 with introduction Master Base Stations (BSs) using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques and compared with the existing model which is centralized using Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) techniques. The proposed model throughput results obtained show that the proposed model has better results as compared with the existing model.
Functional vector generation for HDL models using linearprogramming and Boolean satisfiability

Our strategy for automatic generation of functional vectors is based on exercising selected paths in the given hardware description language (HDL) model. The HDL model describes interconnections of arithmetic, logic, and memory modules. Given a path in the HDL model, the search for input stimuli that exercise the path can be converted into a standard satisfiability (SAT) checking problem by expanding the arithmetic modules into logic gates. However, this approach is not very efficient. We present a new HDL-SAT checking algorithm that works directly on the HDL model. The primary feature of our algorithm is a seamless integration of linear-programming techniques for feasibility checking of arithmetic equations that govern the behavior of data-path modules and SAT checking for logic equations that govern the behavior of control modules. This feature is critically important to efficiency, since it avoids module expansion and allows us to work with logic and arithmetic equations whose cardinality tracks the size of the HDL model. We describe the details of the HDL-SAT checking algorithm in this paper. Experimental results that show significant speedups over state-of-the-art gate-level SAT checking methods are included.
Towards the use of model structure analysis for designing flexible learning itineraries

Some large system dynamics models drive simulator interfaces used for teaching; this is the case of the MacroLab model. Such a model may be useful for making students with basic instruction in system dynamics explore the economy as a dynamic system, allowing for diverse inquiry itineraries. The question is if different exploration itineraries yield sufficiently similar learning outcomes. This has been tried with ten student groups. The results are encouraging, but also indicate that the inquiry scenario design should be based on systematic analysis of the model’s structure: some variables may not be reachable from everywhere. An ad-hoc structure exploration found such isolated areas. The use of a reachability matrix is suggested and an initial example is shown. Also, students need systematic guidance in constructing a loop set that will frame their exploration. Concluding, it is argued that this kind of instructional design may bring other large system dynamics models closer to instructional use.
Quantitative Evaluation and Comparison of Lung Contour Extraction Methods

Pulmonary contours in chest CT images are closed curves that may, in some cases, exhibit multiple concave and convex irregularities. In this paper we assess the quality of pulmonary contours obtained by several fully automated methods. A comparison among these contours and corresponding manually drawn reference contours was performed and several figures of merit were assigned to each one of the automated contours extraction algorithms. Likeness between a computed contour and reference contour was measured through the Pratt figure of merit, similarity index, mean error and fraction of errors greater than 5 pixels. For each of these figures we present an exploratory statistical analysis and discuss its sensibility to the longitudinal location of the CT slice.
Coded Path Protection Part 1: Efficient Conversion of Sharing to Coding

Link failures in wide area networks are common and cause significant data losses. Mesh-based protection schemes offer high capacity efficiency but they are slow and require complex signaling. Additionally, real-time reconfigurations of cross-connects threaten their transmission integrity. On the other hand, there are other schemes that are proactive. Proactivity results in higher restoration speed, lower signaling complexity, and higher transmission integrity. This paper introduces a coding-based proactive protection scheme, named Coded Path Protection (CPP). In CPP, a backup stream of the primary data is encoded with other data streams, resulting in capacity savings. In addition to a systematic approach of building valid coding structures, this paper presents an optimal and simple capacity placement and coding group formation algorithm. The algorithm converts the sharing structure of any solution of a Shared Path Protection (SPP) technique into a coding structure with minimum extra capacity. We conducted quantitative and qualitative comparisons of our technique with the SPP. Simulation results confirm that CPP provides faster link failure recovery than SPP while it incurs marginal extra capacity beyond that of SPP. In this Part 1 of the paper, we describe the theory and an algorithm for converting a given SPP solution into a CPP solution.
Pregnancies conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have low levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) leading to a high rate of false-positive results in first trimester screening for Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND First trimester screening (FTS) for Down syndrome combines measurement of nuchal translucency, free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). The aim of this study was to undertake a detailed analysis of FTS results in singleton pregnancies conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and non-ART pregnancies. METHODS A record linkage study compared outcomes in 1739 ART-conceived and 50 253 naturally conceived pregnancies. RESULTS Overall, significantly lower PAPP-A levels were detected in ART pregnancies (0.83 multiples of median, MoM) than in controls (1.00 MoM) (t-test P < 0.001). This difference remained after excluding complicated pregnancies. Analysis of factors affecting PAPP-A levels suggested fresh compared with frozen embryo transfers and use of artificial cycles compared with natural cycles for frozen transfers were associated with lower values. The adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) for receiving a false-positive result was 1.71 (95% CI 1.44-2.04; P < 0.001) for ART pregnancies compared with non-ART pregnancies, and this leads to a higher AdjOR (1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.49; P = 0.02) for having a chorionic villous sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. CONCLUSIONS ART pregnancies have reduced FTS PAPP-A levels leading to an increased likelihood of receiving a false-positive result and having a CVS/amniocentesis. Lower PAPP-A may reflect impairment of early implantation with some forms of ART.
A kernel-based spectral model for non-Gaussian spatio-temporal processes

Spatio-temporal processes can often be written as hierarchical state-space processes. In situations with complicated dynamics such as wave propagation, it is difficult to parameterize state transition functions for high-dimensional state processes. Although in some cases prior understanding of the physical process can be used to formulate models for the state transition, this is not always possible. Alternatively, for processes where one considers discrete time and continuous space, complicated dynamics can be modeled by stochastic integro-difference equations in which the associated redistribution kernel is allowed to vary with space and/or time. By considering a spectral implementation of such models, one can formulate a spatio-temporal model with relatively few parameters that can accommodate complicated dynamics. This approach can be developed in a hierarchical framework for non-Gaussian processes, as demonstrated on cloud intensity data.
Revealing Contentious Concepts Across Social Groups

In this paper, a computational model based on concept polarity is proposed to investigate the influence of communications across the diacultural groups. The hypothesis of this work is that there are communities or groups which can be characterized by a network of concepts and the corresponding valuations of those concepts that are agreed upon by the members of the community. We apply an existing research tool, ECO, to generate text representative of each community and create community specific Valuation Concept Networks (VCN). We then compare VCNs across the communities, to attempt to find contentious concepts, which could subsequently be the focus of further exploration as points of contention between the two communities. A prototype, CPAM (Changing Positions, Altering Minds), was implemented as a proof of concept for this approach. The experiment was conducted using blog data from pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli communities. A potential application of this method and future work are discussed as well.
Transfusion of pooled buffy coat platelet components prepared with photochemical pathogen inactivation treatment: the euroSPRITE trial.

A nucleic acid-targeted photochemical treatment (PCT) using amotosalen HCl (S-59) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light was developed to inactivate viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and leukocytes in platelet components. We conducted a controlled, randomized, double-blinded trial in thrombocytopenic patients requiring repeated platelet transfusions for up to 56 days of support to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of platelet components prepared with the buffy coat method using this pathogen inactivation process. A total of 103 patients received one or more transfusions of either PCT test (311 transfusions) or conventional reference (256 transfusions) pooled, leukoreduced platelet components stored for up to 5 days before transfusion. More than 50% of the PCT platelet components were stored for 4 to 5 days prior to transfusion. The mean 1-hour corrected count increment for up to the first 8 test and reference transfusions was not statistically significantly different between treatment groups (13,100 +/- 5400 vs 14,900 +/- 6200, P =.11). By longitudinal regression analysis for all transfusions, equal doses of test and reference components did not differ significantly with respect to the 1-hour (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.1 to 6.1 x 10(9)/L, P =. 53) and 24-hour (95% CI, -1.3 to 6.5 x 10(9)/L, P =. 19) posttransfusion platelet count. Platelet transfusion dose, pretransfusion storage duration, and patient size were significant covariates (P <.001) for posttransfusion platelet counts. Clinical hemostasis, hemorrhagic adverse events, and overall adverse events were not different between the treatment groups. Platelet components prepared with PCT offer the potential to further improve the safety of platelet transfusion using technology compatible with current methods to prepare buffy coat platelet components.
The Use of Online Supplemental Materials in College Courses to Improve Retention

The Use of Online Supplemental Materials in College Courses to Improve Retention by Amy Lynn Hennings MA, Saint Mary’s University, 1997 BS, University of Wisconsin, 1993 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2016
Playing equilibria : What ’ s the outcome function , again ?

We propose a logic where the players may not know the outcome function of the strategic game being played. It is an epistemic extension of games of propositional control. The main contribution of the paper is to lay down a logical framework for the combined analysis of (1) game theoretic properties of strategic games and (2) epistemic properties. The logic enables reasoning about agents and coalitions knowingly bringing about a particular consequence or a particular solution concept.
Human T cell activation. II. A new activation pathway used by a major T cell population via a disulfide-bonded dimer of a 44 kilodalton polypeptide (9.3 antigen)

In previous studies (17-21), monoclonal antibody (mAb) 9.3 has been shown to react with a major population of human T cells, which include T4+ helper/inducer T cells and T8+ cytotoxic T cells. In this investigation, mAb 9.3 was shown to precipitate a disulfide-bonded dimer of a 44 kD polypeptide. Comodulation experiments showed that this molecule is not linked to T3/Ti or T11 antigens. mAb 9.3 was capable of inducing T cell proliferation in the presence of 12-o-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). This effect was monocyte-independent. T cell activation with mAb 9.3 and TPA was associated with increases in interleukin 2(IL-2) receptor expression and IL-2 secretion. mAb 9.3 did not activate T cells, even with the addition of IL-1 or IL-2. Modulation of the T3 complex did not abolish mAb 9.3-induced T cell proliferation in the presence of TPA. These results suggest that the 9.3 antigen may serve as a receptor for an activation pathway restricted to a T cell subset.
Interactive cellular and cordless video telephony: State-of-the-art system design principles and expected performance

Second-generation (2G) mobile radio standards have not been designed with video communications in mind, although the employment of error-resilient, constant-bit-rate proprietary video codecs over these systems is realistic. The third-generation (3G) systems are capable of providing higher rates and better communications integrity in support of video applications. This paper advocates the employment of burst-by-burst adaptive transceivers, which are capable of accommodating the time-variant channel quality fluctuation of wireless channels. This paper is concluded with a range of performance figures and system design guidelines for wireless systems.
Experimental investigation of the genetic text memory using Markov chain models

The statistical structure of DNA-sequences is of a great interest to molecular biology, genetics and theory of evolution. One of the approaches is sequence modeling using Markov processes of different orders, and further statistical estimation of their parameters. This approach is evolved in the paper and the test for serial independence, suggested by Ryabko, Astola (Stat. Methodology, 2006), is used to investigate the genetic text ldquomemoryrdquo (or connectivity) in order to determine, if it stabilizes or not while the length of the considered genetic text part is increasing.
Locomotion as an emergent property of muscle contractile dynamics

ABSTRACT Skeletal muscles share many common, highly conserved features of organization at the molecular and myofilament levels, giving skeletal muscle fibers generally similar and characteristic mechanical and energetic properties; properties well described by classical studies of muscle mechanics and energetics. However, skeletal muscles can differ considerably in architectural design (fiber length, pinnation, and connective tissue organization), as well as fiber type, and how they contract in relation to the timing of neuromotor activation and in vivo length change. The in vivo dynamics of muscle contraction is, therefore, crucial to assessing muscle design and the roles that muscles play in animal movement. Architectural differences in muscle–tendon organization combined with differences in the phase of activation and resulting fiber length changes greatly affect the time-varying force and work that muscles produce, as well as the energetic cost of force generation. Intrinsic force–length and force–velocity properties of muscles, together with their architecture, also play important roles in the control of movement, facilitating rapid adjustments to changing motor demands. Such adjustments complement slower, reflex-mediated neural feedback control of motor recruitment. Understanding how individual fiber forces are integrated to whole-muscle forces, which are transmitted to the skeleton for producing and controlling locomotor movement, is therefore essential for assessing muscle design in relation to the dynamics of movement. Summary: The in vivo dynamics of muscle contractile function reflect the interplay of muscle–tendon architecture and neural activation timing relative to the forces and work that muscles produce to power locomotor movement.
Eurographics/ Ieee-vgtc Symposium on Visualization 2010 a Salience-based Quality Metric for Visualization

Salience detection is a principle mechanism to facilitate visual attention. A good visualization guides the ob-server's attention to the relevant aspects of the representation. Hence, the distribution of salience over a visual-ization image is an essential measure of the quality of the visualization. We describe a method for computing such a metric for a visualization image in the context of a given dataset. We show how this technique can be used to analyze a visualization's salience, improve an existing visualization, and choose the best representation from a set of alternatives. The usefulness of this proposed metric is illustrated using examples from information visualization, volume visualization and flow visualization.
The effects of milk thistle on hepatic fibrosis due to methotrexate in rat

Background Extracts of milk thistle (MT), Silybum marianum, have been used as medical remedies since the time of ancient Greece. Methotrexate is a potentially hepatotxic drug. Objectives To clarify the hepatoprotective effects of MT on methotrexate. Materials and Methods From January 2010 to April 2010, 30 male rats were recruited into three 10-rat subgroups in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Normal saline was injected intraperitoneally in the first group (A; the controls); intraperitoneal methotrexate plus oral MT extract were administered to the second group (B) and intraperitoneal methotrexate alone was given to the third group (C). Pre- and post-interventional measuring of serum parameters were carried out every 15 days. After six weeks, the rats were decapitated and histopathological evaluation of liver was done. Results Serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, creatinine and BUN were measured on days 0, 15, 30, 45. They were significantly higher in the group C, comparing with other two groups. Serum albumin was the least in group C animals as well. There were no significant differences between groups A and B. The mean±SD fibrosis score using semi-quantitative scoring system (SSS) was 1.25±0.46, 1.40±0.52 and 6.70±0.82, in groups A, B and C, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusions MT extract can effectively prevent methotrexate-induced liver dysfunction and fibrosis in rats.