Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sidney Q. Cohlan (1915-1999)

Sidney Q. Cohlan studied birth defects [4] in the US during the twentieth century. Cohlan helped to discover that if a pregnant woman ate too much vitamin A her fetus [5] faced a higher than normal risk of teratogenic effects, such as cleft palate. A teratogen is a substance that causes malformation of a developing organism. Cohlan also identified the teratogenic effects of several other substances including a lack of normal magnesium and prenatal exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline. Cohlan's experiments with vitamins and other chemicals brought attention to how nutrition and environmental agents adversely affect human pregnancy [6] outcomes.
Design of optimal membership functions for fuzzy controllers of the water tank and inverted pendulum with PSO variants

In this paper a metaheuristic for Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and two of its variants (inertia weight and constriction coefficient) are used as optimization strategies for designing the membership functions of Fuzzy Control Systems for the water tank and inverted pendulum. Each variant has its own advantages in the algorithm, allowing the exploration and exploitation in different ways and this allows us to find the optimum in a better way.
Distributed Cooperative Fault Diagnosis Method for Internal Components of Robot Systems

Robot systems have recently been studied for real world situations such as space exploration, underwater inspection, and disaster response. In extreme environments, a robot system has a probability of failure. Therefore, considering fault tolerance is important for mission success. In this study, we proposed a distributed cooperative fault diagnosis method for internal components of robot systems. This method uses diagnostic devices called diagnosers to observe the state of an electrical component. These diagnosers execute each diagnosis independently and in parallel with one another, and it is assumed that they are interconnected through wireless communication. A fault diagnosis technique was proposed that involves gathering the diagnosis results. Further, computer simulations confirmed that the distributed cooperative fault diagnosis method could detect component faults in simplified fault situations.
Detection Faults for Induction Machine Sensors Based on Fuzzy Logic Techniques

This paper concerns the development of the detection of faults the sensors of an induction machine by estimation methods for systems modeled in the form of state representation. The sensors monitors in our case are those of speed. To achieve our objective, many of the techniques of artificial intelligence have been used to fault sensors detection of rotating machinery, where several selection techniques have been explored during the construction of the detection process. We develop and combine the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) method with fuzzy logic approach to achieve our objectives. This type of estimation is applied to the supervision of the speed sensor in the system; this is done in order to give more robustness of the overall process, the second one is to study and develop an intelligent adaptation method based on the fuzzy logic algorithms, keeping the same performances. The new presented approach improves the performances of our system compared to the usual methods. Finally, the validity of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by a series of computer simulations and the obtained results show that the designed system can achieve satisfactory performances.
Effective customer requirements management using an information supply based model

Managing customer requirements is a crucial process in any project, especially when these requirements usually keep changing throughout a project life cycle. Despite the high importance of customer requirement management in any project, there is no available customer requirements management tool that has an effective interface with project management tools. This paper presents a new information supply model for integrating customer requirements management with project management. The model proposed, an Information Supply Tool (IST), can be used to manage customer functional requirements for product design process, and to improve communication among managers, project team members, customers, and other stakeholders. The aim of IST model is to supply information about the product design processes for managers to support decision making. It also provides information about the design process status on all granulation levels. The benefits of this model include using resources rationally for projects, exclude duplication of jobs, increase quality of project decisions, and better support achieving customer requirement. Senior managers will be able to evaluate the current state of the project against desired product functions, and to analyze the impact of managerial decisions. Managers will be able to model their managerial actions and receive information about the possible consequences to improve customers benefit management. The model is introduced in the paper, and a case study is presented.
PiecewiseAffineRegression viaRecursiveMultiple Least Squares andMulticategoryDiscrimination ⋆

In nonlinear regression choosing an adequate model structure is often a challenging problem. While simple models (such as linear functions) may not be able to capture the underlying relationship among the variables, over-parameterized models described by a large set of nonlinear basis functions tend to overfit the training data, leading to poor generalization on unseen data. Piecewise-affine (PWA) models can describe nonlinear and possible discontinuous relationships while maintaining simple local affine regressor-to-output mappings, with extreme flexibility when the polyhedral partitioning of the regressor space is learned from data rather than fixed a priori. In this paper, we propose a novel and numerically very efficient two-stage approach for PWA regression based on a combined use of (i) recursive multi-model least-squares techniques for clustering and fitting linear functions to data, and (ii) linear multi-category discrimination, either offline (batch) via a Newton-like algorithm for computing a solution of unconstrained optimization problems with objective functions having a piecewise smooth gradient, or online (recursive) via averaged stochastic gradient descent.
The paradox of idealization

A well-known proof by Alonzo Church, first published in 1963 by Frederic Fitch, purports to show that all truths are knowable only if all truths are known. This is the Paradox of Knowability. If we take it, quite plausibly, that we are not omniscient, the proof appears to undermine metaphysical doctrines committed to the knowability of truth, such as semantic antirealism. Since its rediscovery by Hart and McGinn (1976), many solutions to the paradox have been offered. In this article, we present a new proof to the effect that not all truths are knowable, which rests on different assumptions from those of the original argument published by Fitch. We highlight the general form of the knowability paradoxes, and argue that anti-realists who favour either an hierarchical or an intuitionistic approach to the Paradox of Knowability are confronted with a dilemma: they must either give up anti-realism or opt for a highly controversial interpretation of the principle that every truth is knowable.
3D workflow for segmentation and interactive visualization in brain MR images using multiphase active contours

In this paper, we are proposing a 3D segmentation and interactive visualization workflow. The segmentation implementation uses a globally convex multiphase active contours without edges. This algorithm has been proven to be initialization independent due to their globally convex formulation and better than other approaches due to robustness to image variations and adaptive energy functionals. The workflow includes a flexible 3D visualization application that can handle very large volumes using multi-resolution hierarchical data formats following the segmentation. We also designed a custom fragment shader that is capable of meaningfully fusing the data from three different volumes: a segmented label volume, a mean value per voxel volume and a skull striped volume for effective visualization without modifying the segmented results. Giving researchers the access to a whole end to end pipeline, from 3D segmentation to custom real time interactive 3D visualization is, in our opinion, a powerful tool focused on an analyst/expert centric workflow.
Understanding the Characteristics of Physical Color in Human – an Article Review

Evaluation of human appearance might be quite tricky in population, especially head and face region. Somatoscopy is used by Physical Anthropologists to evaluate morphological diversity in humans including the characteristics of skin color, hair, and iris. The aim is to know the variation in characteristics both between individuals and in groups or populations. Characteristics of skin color, hair, and iris have a standardized scale in evaluating it to improve the objectivity of the data.
A Comparative Study of English and Czech Money-related Idioms

The aim of this thesis is to compare the differences of Czech and English money-related idioms. The thesis consists of two parts: theory and analysis. Theoretical part focuses on the definitions of idiom, types of idioms, their occurrence and application. Practical part is based on the occurrence of money-related idioms in two British notable journals and their comparison with translations into Czech.
THE LINK BETWEEN CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AND CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Jyväskylä

In light of the huge recent interest in climate change and environmental issues, this thesis aims to explore why companies invest in environmental performance. This is done by investigating the link between between corporate environmental performance (CEP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) for listed Swedish companies during the period of 2004-2007. Previous research has mainly focused on aggregated global, American or European data, despite Sweden being a leading country in terms of environmental awareness. Using a fixed effects panel data regression model, we study the effects of a corporate environment score on ROE and Tobin’s q. These measures were chosen in order to reflect the potential direct and indirect effects of environmental performance. Our results show that there is a positive relationship between both CFP indicators and corporate environmental performance. Furthermore, the results are accentuated when allowing for a lag period of one year. Thus we can conclude that investments in environmental activities are beneficial to shareholders.
Directions in Physiological Game Evaluation and Interaction

Physiological sensors are becoming cheaper and more available to game players. This has led to their in- creased usage in game research and the game indus- try, where applications range from biofeedback games to design evaluation tool s supporting game user re- searchers in creating more engaging gameplay experi- ences. This paper gives a brief overview of these cur- rent directions of game indu stry and resear ch threads.
Mating for variety increases foraging activity in the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

Multiple mating by females characterizes most insect species, but is relatively uncommon in social insects. Females may mate with multiple mates because they experience the direct benefits of increased survival or fecundity, to acquire high quality mates, or to lower the risk of reduced fecundity by mating with incompatible males. We used the extensive natural variation in mating frequency in the western harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, to test the hypothesis that increased mating by the queen leads to an increase in colony performance. Colonies with greater genetic diversity began to forage earlier in the day and foraged for longer time periods. The workers which initiated foraging were a nonrandom subset of the genotypes present in the colony. We used a statistical approach to correctly predict the direction and magnitude of the correlation between genetic diversity and colony foraging activity.
VASP phosphorylation at serine239 regulates the effects of NO on smooth muscle cell invasion and contraction of collagen

Nitric oxide triggers cGMP‐dependent kinase‐mediated phosphorylation of the actin regulator vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) at residue serine239. The function of this phosphorylation for smooth muscle cell (SMC) adhesion, spreading, matrix contraction, and invasion is not well understood. We reconstituted VASP deficient SMC with wild‐type VASP (wt‐VASP) or VASP mutants that mimic “locked” serine239 phosphorylation (S239D‐VASP) or “blocked” serine239 phosphorylation (S239A‐VASP). Collagen gel contraction was reduced in S239D‐VASP compared to S239A‐VASP and wt‐VASP expressing cells and nitric oxide (NO) stimulation decreased gel contraction of wt‐VASP reconstituted SMC. Invasion of collagen was enhanced in S239D‐VASP and NO‐stimulated wild‐type SMCs compared to S239A‐VASP expressing cells. Expression of S239D‐VASP impaired SMC attachment to collagen, reduced the number of membrane protrusions, and caused cell rounding compared to expression of S239A‐VASP. Treatment of wt‐VASP reconstituted SMCs with NO exerted similar effects as expression of S239D‐VASP. As unstimulated cells were spreading on collagen S239A‐VASP and wt‐VASP localized to actin fibers whereas S239D‐VASP was enriched in the cytosol. NO interferes with SMC invasion and contraction of collagen matrices. This requires phosphorylation of VASP on serine239, which reduces VASP binding to actin fibers. These findings support the conclusion that VASP phosphorylation at serine239 regulates cytoskeleton remodeling. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:230–237, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localisation of the human N‐ras oncogene to chromosome 1cen ‐ p21 by in situ hybridisation.

The N‐ras gene is a transforming gene isolated from a variety of human tumour cell lines and is a member of a family of related ras genes. Somatic cell hybrids have previously shown that the N‐ras gene is located on chromosome 1. We have confirmed this localisation by in situ hybridisation to metaphase preparations of lymphocytes and localised the gene to the region 1cen ‐ p21. A survey has found 47 reported cases of malignancy involving deletions in the short arm of chromosome 1. Fifteen of the 47 involved a deletion in this region.
Communication Subsystems for Emerging Wireless Technologies

The paper describes a multi-disciplinary design of modern communication systems. The design starts with the analysis of a system in order to define requirements on its individual components. The design exploits proper models of communication channels to adapt the systems to expected transmission conditions. Input filtering of signals both in the frequency domain and in the spatial domain is ensured by a properly designed antenna. Further signal processing (amplification and further filtering) is done by electronic circuits. Finally, signal processing techniques are applied to yield information about current properties of the frequency spectrum and to distribute the transmission over free subcarrier channels.
Debt Correlations in the Wake of the Financial Crisis: What are Appropriate Default Correlations for Structured Products?

This paper proposes several frameworks to estimate the appropriate default correlations for structured products, each of which jointly considers the role of co-movements in modeled risk characteristics and unmodeled systematic risk, or ‘frailty. ’ We contrast our estimates with credit rating agencies’ default correlation assumptions, which were only 0.01 for Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) pre-crisis and have increased to 0.03 post-crisis. In contrast, the joint consideration of observable risk factors and frailty leads to substantially higher estimates of 0.12. We show that this translates into CLOs with credit risk understated by 26%, suggesting caution for the post-crisis structured finance market.
Coordinated Control of Multiple Ramp Metering Based on DHP (λ) Controller

we presented a novel control method in previous studies, which is action-dependent heuristic dynamic programming based on eligibility traces (ADHDP (lambda)). Although ADHDP (lambda) has good performance in local ramp metering control, it can't efficiently deal with the problems of multiple ramp metering control. Then in this article, a new method which is called dual heuristic programming based on eligibility traces (DHP (lambda)) is presented. The new method DHP (lambda) is composed of DHP and eligibility traces. DHP has efficiently solved the problem of coordinate ramp metering control, and eligibility traces can accelerate the learning rate of DHP. DHP (lambda) is an approximate optimal ramp metering method. Simulation studies on a hypothetical freeway are reported, whereby the results are compared with those obtained by applying ALINEA as a stand-alone strategy. It is shown that the proposed control scheme is efficient.
The Karnofsky performance status scale: An examination of its reliability and validity in a research setting

The Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) is widely used to quantify the functional status of cancer patients. However, limited data exist documenting its reliability and validity. The KPS is used in the National Hospice Study (NHS) as both a study eligibility criterion and an outcome measure. As part of intensive training, interviewers were instructed in and tested on guidelines for determining the KPS levels of patients. After 4 months of field experience, interviewers were again tested based on narrative patient descriptions. The interrater reliability of 47 NHS interviewers was found to be 0.97. The construct validity of the KPS was analyzed, and the KPS was found to be strongly related (P < 0.001) to two other independent measures of patient functioning. Finally, the relationship of the KPS to longevity (r = 0.30) in a population of terminal cancer patients documents its predictive validity. These findings suggest the utility of the KPS as a valuable research tool when employed by trained observers.
Energetic variational approach in complex fluids: Maximum dissipation principle

We discuss the general energetic variational approaches for hydrodynamic systems of complex fluids. In these energetic variational approaches, the least action principle (LAP) with action functional gives the Hamiltonian parts (conservative force) of the hydrodynamic systems, and the maximum/minimum dissipation principle (MDP), i.e., Onsager's principle, gives the dissipative parts (dissipative force) of the systems. When we combine the two systems derived from the two different principles, we obtain a whole coupled nonlinear system of equations satisfying the dissipative energy law. We will discuss the important roles of MDP in designing numerical method for computations of hydrodynamic systems in complex fluids. We will reformulate the dissipation in energy equation in terms of a rate in time by using an appropriate evolution equations, then the MDP is employed in the reformulated dissipation to obtain the dissipative force for the hydrodynamic systems. The systems are consistent with the Hamiltonian parts which are derived from LAP. This procedure allows the usage of lower order element (a continuous $C^0$ finite element) in numerical method to solve the system rather than high order elements, and at the same time preserves the dissipative energy law. We also verify this method through some numerical experiments in simulating the free interface motion in the mixture of two different fluids.
Encoding feedforward networks for topology optimization by simulated evolution

While in the past years enhanced training algorithms for multilayer networks were devised, the construction of application specific network topologies, by comparison, remains something like a black art. Construction rules for determining an application specific network topology, e.g. the number of hidden units, the number of layers and the interconnection patterns between the network components, do not exist. Usually, the topology of the networks is optimized manually by trial and error and it takes up a lot of time and effort from the human designer. Due to the tremendous complexity of the problem, it is useful to look for automatic search procedures that scan the space of possible topologies in order to find application specific network graphs. Simulated evolution is well suited to this task: it replicates intermediate solutions by evolutionary operators (mutation, crossover) before evaluating the newly created solution. The fitness of a solution controls the chance of becoming selected as the parent of more enhanced solutions found later on. Because of its relationship to the evolutionary operators the network encoding (chromosomes) is essential for the simulated evolution. In order to restrict the search space to useful topologies one has to choose compact and complete coding schemes. In the talk, I present a general framework for such efficient encoding schemes, developed in the GANNAS (Genetic Artificial Neural Network Synthesis) project. Based on GANNAS, several application specific networks were bred on a big cluster computing machine providing the necessary computing power.
Segmentation and Analysis of Early Reflections from a Binaural Room Impulse Response

In this paper, a novel method for analysis of binaural room impulse responses is presented. Individual reflections are localized in time and frequency from a measured binaural room impulse response based on the continuous cross-wavelet transform (XWT). The directions of the reflections are then analyzed based on KEMAR and CIPIC reference data lookup, and compared a previous approach. Analysis of the directions and arrival times of reflections allows detailed study of measured binaural room impulse responses. The reflections can also be resynthesized based on the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and spread apart in time, resulting in a slow-motion room impulse response that can be useful for room acoustics design as well as in teaching room acoustics.
Unusual Molecular Architecture of the Machupo Virus Attachment Glycoprotein

ABSTRACT New World arenaviruses, which cause severe hemorrhagic fever, rely upon their envelope glycoproteins for attachment and fusion into their host cell. Here we present the crystal structure of the Machupo virus GP1 attachment glycoprotein, which is responsible for high-affinity binding at the cell surface to the transferrin receptor. This first structure of an arenavirus glycoprotein shows that GP1 consists of a novel α/β fold. This provides a blueprint of the New World arenavirus attachment glycoproteins and reveals a new architecture of viral attachment, using a protein fold of unknown origins.
A new transform for signal representation utilizing DCT symmetries

Signal transforms are basic components of many signal processing applications. Simplification of transform kernels is advantageous in terms of computational requirements. Symmetries in kernels of existing transforms can be utilized to arrive at new transforms. This paper presents a new transform by using the symmetries of the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT).
All That’s Old is New Again: Capital Controls and the Macroeconomic Determinants of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets

While a growing amount of economic evidence has emerged that capital controls as a tool may both be ineffective for many of their stated purposes, there has been little examination of their long-term effects that can harm rather than help entrepreneurship in emerging markets. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap and examine capital controls in both a historical and recent context, ascertaining their possible effect on firms and entrepreneurship in emerging markets in coming years. What will the impact be on emerging markets and firms in developing countries if capital controls continue to gain credibility? How has the rebirth of controls in the wake of the global financial crisis affected entrepreneurship in emerging markets?