Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sharper Generalization Bounds for Pairwise Learning

Pairwise learning refers to learning tasks with loss functions depending on a pair of training examples, which includes ranking and metric learning as speciﬁc examples. Recently, there has been an increasing amount of attention on the generalization analysis of pairwise learning to understand its practical behavior. However, the existing stability analysis provides suboptimal high-probability generalization bounds. In this paper, we provide a reﬁned stability analysis by developing generalization bounds which can be √ n -times faster than the existing results, where n is the sample size. This implies excess risk bounds of the order O ( n − 1 / 2 ) (up to a logarithmic factor) for both regularized risk minimization and stochastic gradient descent. We also introduce a new on-average stability measure to develop optimistic bounds in a low noise setting. We apply our results to ranking and metric learning, and clearly show the advantage of our generalization bounds over the existing analysis.
The use of peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, that affects large intestine. The symptoms of IBS include: abdominal pain, discomfort, change in bowel habits and disordered defecation. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome have not yet been fully investigated and determined. Peppermint ( Mentha ×piperita ) is a hybrid type of mint, a cross between watermint ( Mentha aquatica ) and spearmint ( Mentha spicata ). Peppermint oil is produced in the proces of steam distillation of fresh leaves of peppermint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Our study material consisted of publications, which were found in PubMed, ResearchGate and Google Scholar databases. The first step was to find proper publications from the last 30 years. The second step was to carry out an overview of the found publications. Based on the results of mentioned studies it can be concluded that peppermin oil is effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome due to providing global symptom improvement and significant reduction of abdominal pain, and its short-term use is safe. However, further research is needed to estabilish the role of peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and to determine the optimal duration of treatment, dosage of peppermint oil, and its possible side effects related to long-term usage.
Regulation of P450-dependent hepatic steroid hydroxylation by growth hormone and thyroxine

Complex, gender-dependent developmental patterns characterize the expression of several individual rat liver steroid hydroxylase cytochromes P450 (CYP). Multiple pituitarydependent factors regulate the expression of these enzymes; of greatest importance are the gonadal steroids and the sex-dependent secretory patterns of growth hormone (GH) that they impart. The continuous presence of GH in circulation, a characteristic of adult female rats, positively modulates expression of the female-specific steroid disulfate 150hydroxylase CYP 2C12, while expression of the male-specific steroid 16aand 2ahydroxylase CYP 2CU is stimulated by the intermittent pituitary secretion of GH that occurs in adult male rats. Intermittent GH can stimulate CYP 2C11 gene expression even when presented to the hepatocyte at a non-physiological pulse amplitude, duration and frequency, provided that an interpulse interval of no GH (obligatory recovery period) is maintained for at least 2.5 hr [1]. Analysis of CYP 2C11 and CYP 2C12 hnRNAs using gene-specific, exon/intron junction probes established that these nuclear RNA precursors are responsive to circulating GH profiles in a manner indistinguishable from the corresponding mature, cytoplasmic mRNAs [2]. Thus, transport of 2C11 and 2C12 RNA to the cytoplasm and cytoplasmic mRNA stability are unlikely control points for sex-specific P450 RNA expression. Run-on transcription analysis further established that GH controls the sex-specific expression of the 2C11 and 2C12 genes at the level of transcript initiation. Transcription was also shown to be the major step for regulation of the male-specific CYP 2A2 RNA, whose expression, unlike 2C11, is not obligatorily dependent on pulsatile GH release. In vitro footprinting analysis of 2C11 and 2C12 promoter fragments incubated with liver nuclear proteins isolated from rats differing in GH status revealed several sexand GH-dependent differences in DNase I cleavage patterns, demonstrating that GH can modulate specific protein-DNA interactions in the 5'-flanking sequences of these two genes.
An Approximate and Practical Approach to Including Uncertainty Concepts in Generating Capacity Reliability Evaluation

This paper presents an approximate but practical method based on Fourier transform techniques for evaluating the significance of uncertainty associated with the basic system parameters on the LOLE index of single area systems. The method utilizes a continuous representation of a generating capacity model. The IEE Reliability Test System is used not only to illustrate the method but also to compare it with other existing methods used for considering system uncertainty.
More with Less – Deriving More Translation Rules with Less Training Data for DBTs Using Parameterization

Dynamic binary translation (DBT) is widely used in system virtualization and many other important applications. To achieve a higher translation quality, a learning-based approach has been recently proposed to automatically learn semantically-equivalent translation rules. Because translation rules directly impact the quality and performance of the translated host codes, one of the key issues is to collect as many translation rules as possible through minimal training data set. The collected translation rules should also cover (i.e. apply to) as many guest binary instructions or code sequences as possible at the runtime. For those guest binary instructions that are not covered by the learned rules, emulation has to be used, which will incur additional runtime overhead. Prior learning-based DBT systems only achieve an average of about 69% dynamic code coverage for SPEC CINT 2006.In this paper, we propose a novel parameterization approach to take advantage of the regularity and the well-structured format in most modern ISAs. It allows us to extend the learned translation rules to include instructions or instruction sequences of similar structures or characteristics that are not covered in the training set. More translation rules can thus be harvested from the same training set. Experimental results on QEMU 4.1 show that using such a parameterization approach we can expand the learned 2,724 rules to 86,423 applicable rules for SPEC CINT 2006. Its code coverage can also be expanded from about 69.7% to about 95.5% with a 24% performance improvement compared to enhanced learning-based approach.
GC-MS analysis and in vitro evaluation of methanol root extract of Tagetes patula against Meloidogyne incognita

The non-polar and polar fractions of methanol root extracts of Tagetes patula were assayed against Meloidogyne incognita. Methanol extract and its fractions were tested for egg hatch and mortality against second stage juveniles of M. incognita in the laboratory at five different concentrations. The non-polar fraction of methanol extract inhibited egg hatching and was extremely toxic to juveniles of M. incognita at concentration of 5 mg/mL and this lethality was highly significant compared to the other extracts. The more active non-polar fractions was analysed by GC-MS. Twenty-four compounds representing 85% of the total extract were identified of which 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (14.87%), Ascorbic acid 2,6dihexadecanoate (12.82%), Thianthrene (11.91%), 5-(4-acetoxy-1-butynyl)-2,2'-bithienyl (11.76%), Alpha. -terthienyl (8.77%) etc. were the major compounds. The present study suggests that hexane fraction was active against M. incognita due to the presence of thiophenes, fatty acid, fatty acid ester and steroids present as major compounds.
A deep learning approach to face image quality assessment

This research presents two approaches to assess the quality of a face image. These approaches can be used to reject low-quality face images and this allows facial analysis systems to only do an analysis on face images of high quality. First, a new face quality measure is proposed, referred to as the empirical quality score, that can be used to increase the performance of a baseline facial analysis system with roughly 11%, 2%, and 4% on emotion-, gender-, and age classification, respectively. Next, a deep learning approach to face quality assessment is presented, which can be used to increase the performance of the baseline system with roughly 3% and 7% for genderand age classification, respectively. Here, the results show that the deep learning approach does not accurately assess the quality of emotive faces. Finally, the influence of face normalization methods on the performance of the baseline facial analysis system is presented. The results show that face normalization does have a significant influence on this performance. More specifically, forcing the face to fully fit the normalized image increases the F1-Score on emotion-, gender-, and age classification with 1.35%, 0.15%, and 1.73%, respectively. key words: Computer Vision, Deep Learning, Face Quality Assessment, Face Normalization, Face Recognition, Image Classification
Auto-tuning controllers of a class of plants using gradient descent algorithm

 Abstract : In industry, PID controller is widely used in the regulator of technology processes. Many methods of designing conventional PID controllers do not work well for time-delayed linear, vague, and nonlinear systems. Therefore, PID parameter adjustment plays an important role. To solve this problem, many recent studies have focused on the development of auto-tuning controllers. Using the method of gradient descent algorithm to the parameter space of the controller whose coefficients developed by adaptive algorithms in this paper is adjusted automatically online to minimize the performance index without knowing the exact mathematical model of the plant. The simulation and test results on real plant are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed auto-tuning PID controllers and a comparison with its traditional PID controller is made.
An Investigation on the Effect of Aluminium Back-Contacts on LeTID During Firing

Introduction The phenomena of lightand elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID) was first coined by Kersten et al. to describe a degradation mechism observed in multicrystalline silicon passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar cell structures by Ramspeck et al. [1,2]. Although the exact root cause and mechanics behind the degradation is still a topic of heavy debate, there has been increasing evidence to suggest the involvement of hydrogen [3,4]. One peculiar behaviour pertaining to LeTID is that such phenomena was not observed in historical devices such as the aluminium back-surface field (Al-BSF) solar cell. Although it has been postulated that the reason for such degradation in PERC structures is the increase in hydrogen introduced from the additional rear-side aluminium oxide (AlOx:H) and silicon nitride (SiNx:H) films [5], little effort has been put into understanding the impact of the aluminium rearcontact. Aluminium is well known for its ability to getter and segregate defects and bulk impurities [6] and should, in a similar fashion facilitate the removal of interstitial hydrogen from the bulk. Terry et al. in [7] showed a segregation of hydrogen into aluminium crystallized silicon through the use of SIMS measurements. In this work, we investigate the impact of the aluminium rear-contact in PERC structures during metallization fast-firing on subsequent formation of LeTID. We observe a direct correlation between the rear-aluminium contact area, as facilitated through dielectric openings, with the LeTID extent. Samples containing a higher density of PERC contact openings were observed to show reduced LeTID related defect concentrations.
User-Centric Strategy for Base-Station Virtualization in 5G Networks

—This paper proposes a new user-centric base-station (BS) virtualization strategy aiming to adapt users communication links to their quality of service (QoS) requirements and environments. The developed user-centric virtual base stations (uVBS)s offer substantial improvements in terms of power and spectral efﬁciencies while requiring minimum signaling changes at both user and network sides. They also better leverage new 5G features such as massive connectivity and extreme densiﬁcation as well as new concepts such as massive MIMO and mmWave spectrum. Furthermore, our uVBSs are able to adapt to multiple network dimensions such as time, space, etc.
MECHANICAL CHARATERIZATION OF MEMS VIBRATION MEMBRANE WITH PLANAR SPRING DESIGN FOR ENERGY HARVESTER

In this paper, we report the study of the mechanical properties of the vibration sensor membrane implemented for energy harvester application. The study is done using Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. The structure and geometry of the membrane with a planar spring arm design are the parameters of the analysis in this study. Some common MEMS materials, such as silicon, polyimide and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) are also chosen for analysis. While the mechanical property of the membrane is analysed in terms of the resonance frequency, deflection height, surface deformation and the von-Mises-stress. The results show that the deflection height is proportional to the membrane material, thickness and applied pre-stress. It is shown that the thinner the membrane or the higher the pre-stress level is applied to the membrane the higher the membrane can be deflected. The PDMS is a promising material to be used as the flexible membrane material, as it has the highest deformation capability among other materials. It can be seen also that the higher elastic modulus of the material the higher membrane arm deflection could be achieved. These analyses will provide an insight into the mechanical property of a flexible membrane as the movable part of the electromagnetic energy harvester system.
Prototype ATLAS IBL Modules using the FEI 4 A 2 Front-End Readout Chip

The ATLAS Collaboration will upgrade its semiconductor pixel tracking detector with a new Insertable B-layer (IBL) between the existing pixel detector and the vacuum pipe of the Large Hadron Collider. The extreme operating conditions at this location have necessitated the development of new radiation hard pixel sensor technologies and a new front-end readout chip, called the FE-I4. Planar pixel sensors and 3D pixel sensors have been investigated to equip this new pixel layer, and prototype modules using the FE-I4A have been fabricated and characterized in a 120 GeV pion beam at CERN SPS, before and after module irradiation. Beam test results are presented, including charge collection efficiency, tracking efficiency and charge sharing. 7
The influence of plant root systems on soil erodibility and infiltration processes in mountain ecosystems

1. Context Mountain ecosystems provide important regulation ecosystem services such as erosion mitigation. These processes are largely determined by the type of plant community, that is modified with elevation. The influence of plant community changes on soil processes with elevation is still poorly known. 2. Methods In June 2018, a study was carried out along an elevational gradient (1400 – 2400m) in the Massif de Belledonne (French Alps). At six altitudinal levels and under three keystone species ( Picea abies, Juniperus communis and Vaccinium myrtillus ), we measured root biomass and fine-root traits at the community level and two soil processes linked to erosion mitigation: erodibility and infiltration. We aimed to test environment-trait and trait-processes relationships considering vegetation, climate and soil. 3. Results At high elevation, where temperature and fertility are lower, we observed an increased production of roots with high absorptive capacity (small diameters and high specific root length), a strategy favouring belowground resource acquisition in the short growing season. Roots also demonstrated increasing persistence through the production of greater tissue density. Erosion mitigation decreased along elevation, and were explained by both soil properties and – to a lesser extent – root characteristics. 4.Perspectives The understanding of theses processes would be improved by the study of soil animal and micro-organisms diversity and activity. forest structure understorey determine subsurface flow through biopores formed by plant roots.
Identification and Functional Characterization of Cysteine Protease from Nine Pear Cultivars (Pyrus pyrifolia)

This study was performed to compare the total protein and protease content among the whole fruit, flesh, and peel of nine different pear cultivars. Pear proteases were functionally characterized with respect to three enzyme assays. Proteases from pears were further identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in gel activity staining, and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry analysis. Flesh from Whasan, Nikita, and Hanareum cultivars contained relatively more total protein and protease and showed high enzyme activities, while Chuwhang contained the lowest amount of protein and protease activity. Protease content and enzyme activities found in the pear flesh or whole fruits were two to six times higher than those in the pear peel. Pear cultivars contained one or two protease bands with molecular weights of 36 kDa and/or 38k Da. The larger band was further identified as a cysteine proteinase with 70% homology to the pear cysteine protease from Pyrus pyrifolia.
Dotierungseigenschaften von Silber in Silizium

Bei Ni-dotierten n- und p-Kristallen mit Schottkykontakten konnen mit DLTS-Untersuchungen mehr als funfzehn Energieterme nachgewiesen werden. Ein Donator bei Ev + 0,17 eV und ein Akzeptor bei Ec − 0,38 eV werden durch die Zustande Ni+, Ni− einer Volumenstorstelle verursacht. Nach der Kontaktierung und im Verlauf einer Temperung (T < 400°C) kann eine Abnahme der Konzentration Ni+ und Ni− in den Randschichtbereichen der Kristalle (Tiefe 10 bis 20 μm) beobachtet werden. Die Reaktionen erzeugen dabei etwa zehn zusatzliche Storstellen. Bei n-Si mit Pd-Kontakten wird vor allem die Reaktion Ni− En2 mit En2 = Ec − 0,22 eV beobachtet. For Ni-doped n- and p-type crystals with Schottky contacts more than fifteen energy levels are observed by DLTS-techniques. A donor at Ev +0.17 eV and an acceptor at Ec − 0.38 eV are related with the levels Ni+, Ni− of an impurity center in the bulk of the crystals. After the contact-preparation or an annealing (T < 400°C) a decrease of the concentration Ni+ and Ni− in the surface regions of the crystals (depth 10 to 20 μm) is observed. These reactions are related with the production of about ten impurity centres. For n-Si with Pd-contacts above all the reaction Ni− En2 with En2 = Ec − 0.22 eV is observed.
Susceptibility of Field Populations of Beet Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Commercial and Experimental Insecticides

Susceptibility of field-collected strains of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), to commercial and experimental insecticides was evaluated in a diet overlay bioassay by using 2-d-old larvae. Larvae were collected from cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. , fields in Alabama, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and from Rio Bravo, Mexico. Several field strains exhibited reduced susceptibility to chlorpymos and thiodicarb, which are the only 2 labeled insecticides recommended for beet armyworm control in Louisiana. In chlorpyrifos bioassays, 7 of the 11 field strains had significantly higher LC50s than the reference strain from the Southern Insect Management Laboratory at Stoneville, MS. In thiodicarb bioassays, 3 of the 10 field strains had significantly higher LC50s than the reference strain. Generally, LC50s of field strains to the experimental insecticides chlorfenapyr, spinosad, and tebufenozide were comparable to those of the reference strain. In chlorfenapyr bioassays, a field strain from Red Cross, LA, had a significantly higher LC50 than the reference strain. In spinosad bioassays, 3 field strains had LC50s that were significantly lower than the reference strain. In tebufenozide bioassays, a field strain from Starkville, MS, had a significantly higher LC50 than the reference strain.
METHANE EFFLUX FROM EMERGENT VEGETATION IN PEATLANDS

1 Methane emissions from emergent plants in two peatlands were measured in plant enclosure experiments. During the summer growing season, methane emissions on a plant dry mass basis from Scheuchzeriapalustris (130 + 14 4umol g-' day-') were higher than from other peatland plants, such as Chamaedaphne calyculata (20 + 3 umol g-' day-') and Carex oligosperma (91 + 38 4umol g-' day-'), but were lower than from Calla palustris (280 + 37 umol g-' day-'). 2 The contribution to net methane efflux from S. palustris, the dominant emergent plant in one peatland, was 15.6 + 2.2 mmol m-2 day-', based on the plant enclosure experiments and areal biomass measurements. These results were not significantly different from the difference between measurements of methane efflux using chambers enclosing clipped and unclipped plots (12.0-27.9 mmol m-2 day-'). 3 We determined that methane transport through S. palustris contributed between 64 and 90% of the net methane efflux from the peatland, while the other peatland without plants capable of rapid methane transport had significantly lower methane efflux. The higher annual efflux from peat with aerenchymatous plants appears to be due to several factors, including increased substrate production which enhances methane production, reduction in methane oxidation, as well as easier methane transport from the site of production. 4 Plants capable of transporting methane regulated the methane pool in the saturated zone by depleting both dissolved methane in the pore-waters and the concentration of methane in gas bubbles trapped in the saturated peat. 5 Our experiments indicate that methane transport through S. palustris is due to molecular diffusion, and is not influenced by pressurization or stomatal aperture.