Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new approach in considering vagueness and lack of knowledge for selecting sustainable portfolio of production projects

Today's changing and competitive market forces the organizations to consider uncertain factors in any production related decision making efforts. On the other hand, considering sustainability in choosing a portfolio of production projects to make justice between generations is essential. Achieving satisfactory results in sustainable goals without considering uncertainty is almost out of the question. Therefore, in this paper a new approach in considering uncertainty in sustainable decision making is introduced that is based on Atanassov fuzzy sets. This new model of sustainable project portfolio selection with application in production projects has two main phases: first, a new decision index is extended to evaluate the proposed projects. Second, a mathematical model is proposed to consider sustainability and risk. Moreover, a highly flexible method of ranking is introduced. Eventually, to depict the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach, it is used to solve a practical example and the results are presented.
The Geometry of Statistical Machine Translation

Most modern statistical machine translation systems are based on linear statistical models. One extremely effective method for estimating the model parameters is minimum error rate training (MERT), which is an efficient form of line optimisation adapted to the highly nonlinear objective functions used in machine translation. We describe a polynomial-time generalisation of line optimisation that computes the error surface over a plane embedded in parameter space. The description of this algorithm relies on convex geometry, which is the mathematics of polytopes and their faces. Using this geometric representation of MERT we investigate whether the optimisation of linear models is tractable in general. Previous work on finding optimal solutions in MERT (Galley and Quirk, 2011) established a worstcase complexity that was exponential in the number of sentences, in contrast we show that exponential dependence in the worst-case complexity is mainly in the number of features. Although our work is framed with respect to MERT, the convex geometric description is also applicable to other error-based training methods for linear models. We believe our analysis has important ramifications because it suggests that the current trend in building statistical machine translation systems by introducing a very large number of sparse features is inherently not robust.
On Existence of Global-in-Time Trajectories of Non-deterministic Markovian Systems

We consider the following question: given a continuous-time non-deterministic (not necessarily time-invariant) dynamical system, is it true that for each initial condition there exists a global-in-time trajectory. We study this question for a large class of systems, namely the class of complete non-deterministic Markovian systems. We show that for this class of systems, the question can be answered using analysis of existence of locally defined trajectories in a neighborhood of each time.
Comparative study of the effects of 2% ibopamine, 10% phenylephrine, and 1% tropicamide on the anterior segment.

PURPOSE To assess in normal and glaucomatous eyes the effect of the dopaminergic drug 2% ibopamine on visual acuity, IOP, pupil size and anterior segment geometry, compared with 10% phenylephrine and 1% tropicamide. METHODS Fifteen healthy subjects and 15 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, aged from 40 to 70 years (mean age: 54.8 +/- 9.6), were recruited into this open prospective study. After instillation of 2% ibopamine, refraction, visual acuity, pupil diameter, IOP, five A-scan ultrasonographic parameters, and 15 ultrasound biomicroscopy parameters were evaluated. The study was repeated with assessment of the same parameters 20 to 30 days later in 10 subjects (5 normal and 5 with glaucoma), using first 10% phenylephrine and then 1% tropicamide. A second group of 15 healthy subjects, aged from 45 to 70 years (mean age: 53.5 +/- 8.6) was examined to evaluate the dose-response effect and time course on pupil diameter, of ibopamine, phenylephrine, and tropicamide. RESULTS After 40 minutes 2% ibopamine induced a marked mydriatic effect (from 5 to 9.1 mm; P < 0.0001) greater than that produced by 10% phenylephrine (from 4.7 to 7.9 mm; P < 0.0001) or 1% tropicamide (from 4.6 to 6.9 mm; P < 0.0001), with no changes in refraction or visual acuity. IOP was significantly increased only in patients with glaucoma after instillation of either 2% ibopamine (from 22.2 to 24.8 mm Hg; P < 0.0001) or 1% tropicamide (from 21.2 to 23.6 mm Hg; P = 0.004), whereas 10% phenylephrine induced no statistically significant changes. Ibopamine (2%) caused a significant increase in iris thickness with a reduction of the sulcus ciliaris and posterior chamber depth. The anterior chamber angle (ACA) showed a mean 5 degrees widening with an increase in scleral-iris angle (SIA) and sclera-ciliary process angle. In 11 (37%) of 30 cases, separation of the pupil border and lens surface occurred, whereas contact was maintained only with the zonule in the other 19 (63%) of 30. The changes after 10% phenylephrine instillation were similar, although only the increase in iris thickness and SIA was statistically significant. Tropicamide (1%) induced a slight but significant increase in SIA. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm the potent mydriatic effect of 2% ibopamine, which is greater than that of either 10% phenylephrine or 1% tropicamide, as well as its ability to induce an increase in intraocular pressure when used in patients with glaucoma alone. These data support the hypothesis that the widening of the ACA induced by 2% ibopamine is due to posterior rotation of the iris plane and ciliary processes. These changes are quantitatively greater than those induced by 10% phenylephrine and 1% tropicamide and are related to the greater mydriatic effect of the drug.
Integrated sensing for ionic polymer–metal composite actuators using PVDF thin films

Compact sensing methods are desirable for ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuators in microrobotic and biomedical applications. In this paper a novel sensing scheme for IPMC actuators is proposed by bonding an IPMC and a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) thin film with an insulating layer in between. The insulating layer thickness is properly designed to minimize the stiffness of the composite IPMC/PVDF structure while reducing the electrical feedthrough coupling between the IPMC and PVDF. A distributed circuit model is developed to effectively represent the electrical coupling dynamics, which is then used in real-time compensation for extraction of the true sensing signal. Experimental results show that the developed IPMC/PVDF structure, together with the compensation algorithm, can perform effective, simultaneous actuation and sensing. As the first application, this sensori-actuator has been successfully used for performing and monitoring open-loop micro-injection of living Drosophila embryos.
A Validation of the Spectral Power Clustering Technique (SPCT) by Using a Rogowski Coil in Partial Discharge Measurements

Both in industrial as in controlled environments, such as high-voltage laboratories, pulses from multiple sources, including partial discharges (PD) and electrical noise can be superimposed. These circumstances can modify and alter the results of PD measurements and, what is more, they can lead to misinterpretation. The spectral power clustering technique (SPCT) allows separating PD sources and electrical noise through the two-dimensional representation (power ratio map or PR map) of the relative spectral power in two intervals, high and low frequency, calculated for each pulse captured with broadband sensors. This method allows to clearly distinguishing each of the effects of noise and PD, making it easy discrimination of all sources. In this paper, the separation ability of the SPCT clustering technique when using a Rogowski coil for PD measurements is evaluated. Different parameters were studied in order to establish which of them could help for improving the manual selection of the separation intervals, thus enabling a better separation of clusters. The signal processing can be performed during the measurements or in a further analysis.
Starting a computational science program

It is evident from the recent discussions about computational thinking and the number of papers, panels and birds-of-a-feather sessions at the 2010 SIGCSE Symposium that there is not only a deep connection between computer science and many other disciplines, especially in the sciences, but also a desire to think of computation as an equal partner with experimentation and theory in the solution of science problems. As David Hemmendinger said in a thought piece that appeared recently in ACM Inroads: “Teaching computational thinking [to students in disciplines other than computer science] . is to teach them how to think like an economist, a physicist, an artist, and to understand how to use computation to solve their problems, to create, and to discover new questions that can be fruitfully explored. ” [1].
AutoCell—The Self-Organizing WLAN

By definition, IEEE 802.11 wireless LANS (WLANs) are constantly in flux. There is no way to predict where a particular client will be at any moment, making it equally impossible to predetermine the load on any wireless access point (AP). How will 802.11 Wi-Fi networks running in adjoining offices or on different floors affect one another? Even something as seemingly trivial as rearranging cubicle partitions—or people standing in front of an AP—can affect network conditions.
From quantum theory to classical dynamics under the reduction of wave packets

A quantum master equation of the Lindblad form is obtained in this paper by considering the reduction of wave packets. Different classical equations are derived after exactly mapping such a quantum master equation to a continuous time random walk (CTRW). Although this CTRW is a quasiclassical walk, the effects due to the quantum interference can still be important in such a walk. It is shown that macroscopically we shall consider the uncertainty of the potential and determine the effective kernel (transition probability) of this CTRW by a family of Schrödinger equations (or operators).
Study on decision making model on information presentation by client's management: an experimental test on halo and recency effect

Auditing is a process to verify financial statements that require a high degree of professional skepticism from auditors. However, auditors individually have cognitive limitation in processing information. Overall assessment potentially leads to halo effect that will influence auditors’ decision making. On the other hand, the sequence and type of information presentation affect primacy and recency effect. Our experimental research design manipulated the information about client (convincing or unconvincing), type of information presentation (step by step and end of sequence), sequence of presentation (positive-negative, negative-positive) and length of information (long and short). The subjects of experiment were students who had taken auditing courses. The results shows that (1) there was higher halo bias when individuals had convincing clients than unconvincing clients, (2) there was halo and primacy effects when individuals had convincing clients and information was presented simultaneously and sequentially, (3) there was halo and primacy effects when individuals had convincing clients and information was presented both with positive-negative and negative-positive sequences and both with short and long series.
Effect of Aminoguanidine in Sperm DNA Fragmentation In Varicocelized Rats

Background and purpose: The sperm of infertile men with varicocele exhibit markedly high DNA damage that appears to be related to high oxidative stress (OS). Aminoguanidine (AG) is a specific inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms iNOS and an antioxidant, the effects of which decrease NO and peroxynitrite production. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of AG on sperm chromatin in varicocelized rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, sham, varicocele, and AG and placebo-treated groups. At 10 weeks after varicocele induction, sperm chromatin was evaluated in all groups, except in the treated groups. The treated groups received intraperitoneal injections of 50 mg/kg AG or placebo daily for 10 weeks and then were killed for chromatin assessment. Sperm chromatin was evaluated by aniline blue, acridine orange, toluidine blue, and chromomycin A3 staining. Results: The results of the 4 above tests were significantly increased between varicocele and control (and sham) groups (P < .05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that AG improves sperm DNA fragmentation that is associated with infertility in varicocelized rats, and treatment with AG can reduce the damage to sperm DNA.
Inter-limb coordination in bimanual reach-to-grasp following stroke

Purpose. To determine the extent to which inter-limb coordination in the execution of unimanual and bimanual tasks was impaired following stroke. Methods. Thirteen stroke survivors aged 55 – 77 years and 13 healthy, neurologically intact participants aged 57 – 86 years performed a unimanual and two bimanual tasks involving the relocation of single and paired objects. Movements were recorded using electromagnetic sensors attached to the wrists and a series of micro switches placed under the objects. Main outcome measures included time to complete components of the tasks; comparison between sides; deviation of the hands from a linear trajectory; coordination of the two sides as indicated by relative phase angle. Results. Stroke survivors took longer to complete the bimanual tasks, but did not deviate from the optimal trajectories more than the healthy participants. Both groups performed unimanual tasks faster than bimanual and stroke participants were only slightly less synchronised when performing bimanual tasks. Conclusions. In conclusion, in a group of stroke patients with reasonable strength, inter-limb coordination was mildly impaired. This impairment in coordination was not due to lateral deviation of the impaired limb.
A Hybrid Scheme With Nyström Discretization for Solving Transient Electromagnetic Scattering by Conducting Objects

The interaction of transient electromagnetic (EM) waves with objects can be formulated by the integral equation approach in time domain. For conducting objects or homogeneous penetrable objects, the time-domain surface integral equations (TDSIEs) can be applied. Traditionally, the TDSIEs are solved by combining the method of moments (MoM) in spatial domain and a march-on-in-time (MoT) scheme in temporal domain. The MoM usually requires conforming meshes with a well-designed basis function and the MoT may suffer from a stability problem. In this work, we propose a hybrid scheme in which the Nyström method is used in spatial domain while the MoM with Laguerre function as basis and testing functions is employed with a march-on-in-degree (MoD) manner in the temporal domain. The Nyström method does not require any basis and testing functions and can use nonconforming meshes in spatial domain, whereas the MoM with Laguerre function as basis and testing functions can fully eliminate the stability problem in temporal domain. Numerical examples for EM scattering by typical conducting objects are presented to demonstrate the scheme and its merits have been verified.
The role of haemoglobin mass on VO2max following normobaric ‘live high–train low’ in endurance-trained athletes

It remains unclear by which mechanism ‘live high–train low’ (LHTL) altitude training increases exercise performance. Haematological and skeletal muscle adaptations have both been proposed. To test the hypotheses that (i) LHTL improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and (ii) this improvement is related to hypoxia-induced increases in total haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and not to improved maximal oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle, we determined VO2max before LHTL and after LHTL, before and after the altitude-induced increases in Hbmass (measured by carbon-monoxide rebreathing) had been abolished by isovolumic haemodilution. We obtained skeletal muscle biopsies to quantify mitochondrial oxidative capacity and efficiency. Sixteen endurance-trained athletes were assigned (double-blinded, placebo controlled) to ≥16 h/day over 4 weeks to normoxia (placebo, n=6) or normobaric hypoxia equivalent to 3000 m altitude (LHTL, n=10). Four-week LHTL did not increase VO2max, irrespective of treatment (LHTL: 1.5%; placebo: 2.0%). Hbmass was slightly increased (4.6%) in 5 (of 10) LHTL subjects but this was not accompanied by a concurrent increase in VO2max. In the subjects demonstrating an increase in Hbmass, isovolumic haemodilution elicited a 5.8% decrease in VO2max. Cycling efficiency was altered neither with time nor by LHTL. Neither maximal capacity of oxidative phosphorylation nor mitochondrial efficiency was modified by time or LHTL. The present results suggest that LHTL has no positive effect on VO2max in endurance-trained athletes because (i) muscle maximal oxidative capacity is not improved following LHTL and (ii) erythrocyte volume expansion after LHTL, if any, is too small to alter O2 transport.
Reactivation of latent leishmaniasis by inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) is required for the resolution of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis in resistant C57BL/6 mice. As is the case in several other infections, the clinically cured host organism still harbors small amounts of live Leishmania major parasites. Here, we demonstrate lifelong expression of iNOS at the site of the original skin lesion and in the draining lymph node of long-term-infected C57BL/6 mice. iNOS activity in the lymph node was dependent on CD4+, but not on the CD8+ T cells. By double labeling techniques, iNOS and L. major were each found in macrophages (F4/80+, BM-8+, and/or MOMA-2+) and dendritic cells (NLDC-145+), but not in granulocytes or endothelial cells. In situ triple labeling of lymph node sections revealed that approximately 30-40% of the L. major foci were associated with iNOS- positive macrophages or dendritic cells. The majority of the L. major foci (60-70%), however, was located in areas that were negative for both iNOS and the macrophage and dendritic cell markers. In L. major- infected C57BL/6 mice, which had cured their cutaneous lesions, administration of L-N6-iminoethyl-lysine (L-NIL), a potent inhibitor of iNOS, led to a 10(4)-10(5)-fold increase of the parasite burden in the cutaneous and lymphoid tissue and caused clinical recrudescence of the disease. Persistent expression of iNOS and resumption of parasite replication after application of L-NIL was also observed in resistant C3H/HeN and CBA/J mice. We conclude that iNOS activity is crucial for the control of Leishmania persisting in immunocompetent hosts after resolution of the primary infection. Failure to maintain iNOS activity might be the mechanism underlying endogenous reactivation of latent infections with NO-sensitive microbes during phases of immunosuppression.
Acute effects of very-low-protein diet on FGF23 levels: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES High levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 are associated with mortality, CKD progression, and calcification in CKD patients. The aim of this pilot study is to assess whether a very-low-protein diet (0.3 g/kg per day) with a consequent low intake of phosphorus would reduce fibroblast growth factor 23 compared with a low-protein diet (0.6 g/kg per day) in CKD patients not yet on dialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A prospective, randomized, controlled crossover study was performed in which 32 patients were randomized into two groups. Group A (16 patients) received a very-low-protein diet (0.3 g/kg body wt per day) supplemented with ketoanalogues during the first week and a low-protein diet during the second week, and group B (16 patients) received a low-protein diet during the first week and a very-low-protein diet during the second week. Fibroblast growth factor 23, seric, and urinary phosphate levels were measured at baseline and the end of each study period. RESULTS After only 1 week of the very-low-protein diet, reductions in fibroblast growth factor 23 levels (33.5%), serum phosphate (12%), and urinary phosphate (34%) with the very-low-protein diet compared with the low-protein diet were observed. Serum and urinary phosphate levels and protein intake were significant determinants of fibroblast growth factor 23 (95% confidence interval=1.04-1.19, 1.12-1.37, and 1.51-2.23, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A very-low-protein diet supplemented with ketoanalogues reduced fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in CKD patients not yet on dialysis.
Face detection in color images using skin color, Laplacian of Gaussian, and Euler number

In this a paper, a feature based approach to face detection has been proposed using an ensemble of algorithms. The method uses chrominance values and edge features to classify the image as skin and nonskin regions. The edge detector used for this purpose is Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG) which is found to be appropriate when images having multiple faces with noise in them. Eight connectivity analysis of these regions will segregate them as probable face or nonface. The procedure is made more robust by identifying local features within these skin regions which include number of holes, percentage of skin and the golden ratio. The method proposed has been tested on color face images of various races obtained from different sources and its performance is found to be encouraging as the color segmentation cleans up almost all the complex facial features. The result obtained has a calculated accuracy of 86.5% on a test set of 230 images.
Gender Difference and the Formation of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy

Although the prevalence of women-owned businesses is increasing, the research into the reasons behind their success is scarce. Researchers have posited that women entrepreneurs have less self-confidence than men entrepreneurs.Self-efficacy, or a person's confidence in performing a particular task, has been shown to aid entrepreneurial intentions and actions.In this study, self-efficacy is hypothesized as essential in creating an entrepreneurial motivation among aspiring entrepreneurs. Surveys are administered to 67 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a business simulation course during their final semester before graduating. The findings reveal that an individual's level of education does not significantly influence self-efficacy.The level of self-efficacy is found to be significantly related to one's perceived financial knowledge, and the relationship between education level and self-efficacy differs based on gender.Women with higher education exhibit a positive relationship to self-efficacy, while men with higher educational attainment show a slightly negative relationship to self-efficacy.However, an overall comparison to women shows that men exhibit higher levels of self-efficacy at all education levels.The limitations of this study are presented, as are implications. (AKP)