Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling, simulation, analytic linearization and optimal control of a 6 tendon-driven biomimetic eye: a tool for studying human oculomotor control

The brain is a pivotal organ in animal systems. However, it is not yet fully understood how it controls all the subsystems that compose the full organism. One of these subsystems, the oculomotor system, will be the main focus of this thesis. This project’s goal is to study the properties of eye movement when redirecting our line of sight. A simulator and optimal control strategies were developed, in order to mimic human saccades (rapid eye movements). However, in the real system muscles can only exert force in one direction, meaning they only pull the eye. One can see this as a rubber band: if it is not stretched, it goes slack. Previously developed systems did not incorporate this limitation, and, therefore, here, it is attempted to eliminate this phenomenon. Since the eye saccadic system is non-linear, in order to apply control strategies, the model had to be linearized. This is not a trivial task given the complexity of the dynamical equations and eye-direction dependent force computation. Furthermore, eye kinematics are known to be determined by two degrees of orientational freedom (Listing’s law). Given that it is controlled by six independent muscles, this constraint to two degrees of freedom makes it an interesting problem to investigate. Although many studies have modeled the oculomotor system, most of them only do it on one dimension, and often only study either the kinematics or dynamics. The relation between peak velocity, duration and amplitude, known as Main Sequence is used as a metric (along with Listing’s law) for evaluating the system’s emulation of the human eye. In conclusion, the work performed aimed to have accurate results regarding the kinematics and dynamics of this system, considering all degrees of freedom. So, all aspects of shifting our gaze (eye orientation with respect to the world) will be analysed: eye orientations, velocity profiles, torsion and optimal motor commands.
Frequency dependence of core loss in rapidly quenched Fe‐6.5 wt. %Si

The frequency, field, and temperature dependencies of core loss in rapidly quenched Fe‐6.5 wt. %Si ribbons are reported. The annealed material exhibits (001)〈uv0〉 fiber texture, resulting in isotropic properties in plane; equivalent losses and B‐H loops are seen in tape‐wound toroids and in annuli punched from ribbon. Hysteresis losses predominate in the present Fe‐6.5%Si up to about 1 kHz, as the thin gauge and high resistivity reduce eddy current losses from those of conventional nonoriented steels. The 2‐kHz/1.0‐T core losses are a factor of 6–8 higher in conventional M‐15 than in Fe‐6.5%Si. The core losses of Fe‐6.5%Si are about 40% higher at 77 than at 373 K. The loss data are not in agreement with the predictions of Bertotti’s theory.
Block Chain Technology: Smart Contract Application in the Real Estate Industry in Kenya

: Block chain is widely known as the underlying technology powering bitcoin. However, with the wide usage of technology, the block chain based smart contracts are being used to serve a wide range of data set such as financing, purchasing, leasing, sale and management of property transactions. This research embarked on determining the applicability of smart contract in the real estate industry. The researcher explored the usage of smart contract in management of property, purchasing, leasing and sales. Data was collected using secondary data from different articles and journals. From the findings revealed that, the real estate industry is transforming fast and there is need to have all the data in one place to reduce cases of fraud and simplify the title deed record process. Smart contract eases the lack of trust between the buyer and seller since with block chain, data is more transparent and there is accurate record keeping. It also provides an opportunity for auto-confirmation by the land registries and enhances transparency. It was further revealed that with smart contracts, several entitles can modify the database including tenants, owners, investors and lenders. Recommendations indicate the real estate industry should adopt block chain due to its usefulness and ability to create a difference in the industry.
The Physiology of Adventitious Roots

Adventitious roots are plant roots that form from any nonroot tissue and are produced both during normal development (crown roots on cereals and nodal roots on strawberry [Fragaria spp.]) and in response to stress conditions, such as flooding, nutrient deprivation, and wounding. They are important economically (for cuttings and food production), ecologically (environmental stress response), and for human existence (food production). To improve sustainable food production under environmentally extreme conditions, it is important to understand the adventitious root development of crops both in normal and stressed conditions. Therefore, understanding the regulation and physiology of adventitious root formation is critical for breeding programs. Recent work shows that different adventitious root types are regulated differently, and here, we propose clear definitions of these classes. We use three case studies to summarize the physiology of adventitious root development in response to flooding (case study 1), nutrient deficiency (case study 2), and wounding (case study 3).
Rare Event Analysis for Minimum Hellinger Distance Estimators via Large Deviation Theory

Hellinger distance has been widely used to derive objective functions that are alternatives to maximum likelihood methods. While the asymptotic distributions of these estimators have been well investigated, the probabilities of rare events induced by them are largely unknown. In this article, we analyze these rare event probabilities using large deviation theory under a potential model misspecification, in both one and higher dimensions. We show that these probabilities decay exponentially, characterizing their decay via a “rate function” which is expressed as a convex conjugate of a limiting cumulant generating function. In the analysis of the lower bound, in particular, certain geometric considerations arise that facilitate an explicit representation, also in the case when the limiting generating function is nondifferentiable. Our analysis involves the modulus of continuity properties of the affinity, which may be of independent interest.
Analysis of the Determining Factors for the Renovation of the Walloon Residential Building Stock

The issue of energy retrofitting of existing building stock occupies an increasingly prominent place in energy transition strategies in Europe. Adopting models representing the building stock and accounting for occupancy influence on final housing energy use must be developed to advise new policies. In this respect, this study aims to characterize the Walloon residential building stock and to analyze the existing correlations between the stock’s technical data and its occupants’ socioeconomic data. This study uses existing databases on buildings and inhabitants in Wallonia. Several statistical analyses make it possible to highlight the preponderant criteria and existing correlations between these different criteria. This study affirms the importance of accounting for certain socioeconomic categories, such as low-income groups, in a global strategic reflection on energy renovation. Multiple linear regression shows us that each percent increase in the category of households that declare between 10,000–20.000 EUR of income per year corresponds to an increase of 7.22 kWh/m2.y in the average energy efficiency of the built stock. The results highlight the importance of focusing on renovation strategies for particular types of buildings, such as semi-detached houses, which combine unfavorable technical and socioeconomic factors. Thus, the results confirm the interest of a mixed model approach to adapt to effective renovation policy strategies.
Kinetic Analysis of Heterogeneous Photocatalysis: Role of Hydroxyl Radicals

This article provides the current research activities that concentrate on the role of hydroxyl radicals in heterogeneous photocatalysis by transition metal oxides for different nanostructures. We devote most attention to Al-based Fe2O3 nanostructures that have been synthesized using chemical methods. The visible light photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline pure and Al-based Fe2O3 photocatalysts for degradation of Salicylic acid, 4-Cholorphenol, and Acid orange 7 (Azo dye) is reported. The catalytic activity and selectivity for organic species are remarkably influenced by the size of the different photocatalyst. Utilization of various structures, advanced oxidation processes, heterojunction between Al-based Fe2O3 and TiO2, and application of solar energy for heterogeneous photocatalysis of water impurities were discussed. Extent of complete mineralization of such compounds by measuring COD and TOC was discussed. We conclude this review with personal perspectives on the directions towards which future research on this new class of nanostructured materials for photocatalysis might be directed.
Influence of the lateral alkoxy chain length on the gas chromatographic properties of five liquid crystals

The gas Chromatographic properties of five laterally substituted liquid crystals are the subject of a comparative study. These liquid crystals belong to the homologous series: 2-alkoxy-3-methyl-4-(4-ethoxybenzoyl-oxy)-4′-(4-trans-n-pentyclcyclohexanecarboxyloxy) azobenzene, referred to as ALn, where n, the carbon number in the lateral alkoxy chain, is equal to 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 carbon atoms. Their thermal properties were established by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It appears that the introduction of a lateral alkoxy chain affects the nematic temperature range which decreases when the carbon number increases. The chromatographic separation abilities of AL4, AL6, AL8, AL10, and AL12 were studied using capillary glass columns. The five liquid cystals are efficient before and after solid-nematic or nematic-liquid transitions; however, the plate numbers are higher in the nematic state. Interesting analytical properties were noted in various fields: iisomeric separation of alkanes, aromatics, polyaromatics, volatile aroma compounds, and cis and trans isomers. However, the chain length does not exert any great influence on the separation abilities.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF EMPLOYEE SERVICE ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ANDWOM INTENTION AT CASUAL DINING RESTAURANTS IN JAKARTA

The increase in restaurant numbers every year has affected the intensity of competition in the restaurant industry. To be stand out among competitors, the right perceived image of the restaurant is needed and could bemaintained by positive word-of-mouth spread in the community. The present study examines if employee behavior comprising of personal and functional service aspects in casual dining restaurant has an impact on customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth intention at casual dining restaurants. Using a survey approach, the questionnaire was distributed to 198 respondents age 17 years and above, which have already been to one of the particular casual dining restaurants in Jakarta. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Based on the study results, both personal and functional aspects can significantly predict customer satisfaction, although the functional aspects have contributed more considerably than the individual aspects. Besides, the result revealed that customer satisfaction would eventually affect word-of-mouth positively. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
Thresholding Approach for Automatic Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms from Fluorescence in situ Hybridization Images

 Abstract — Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that forms surface-associated microbial communities (biofilms) on artificial implant devices and on human tissue. Biofilm infections are difficult to treat with antibiotics, in part, because the bacteria in biofilms are physiologically heterogeneous. One measure of biological heterogeneity in a population of cells is to quantify the cellular concentrations of ribosomes, which can be probed with fluorescently labeled nucleic acids. The fluorescent signal intensity following fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis correlates to the cellular level of ribosomes. The goals here are to provide computationally and statistically robust approaches to automatically quantify cellular heterogeneity in biofilms from a large library of epifluorescent microscopy FISH images. In this work, the initial steps were developed toward these goals by developing an automated biofilm detection approach for use with FISH images. The approach allows rapid identification of biofilm regions from FISH images that are counterstained with fluorescent dyes. This methodology provides advances over other computational methods, allowing subtraction of spurious signals and non-biological fluorescent substrata. This method will be a robust and user-friendly approach which will enable users to semi-automatically detect biofilm boundaries and extract intensity values from fluorescent images for quantitative analysis of biofilm heterogeneity.
An Optimized Method for 3D Magnetic Navigation of Nanoparticles inside Human Arteries

A computational method for optimum magnetic navigation of nanoparticles that are coated with anticancer drug inside the human vascular system is presented in this study. For this reason a 3D carotid model is employed. The present model use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) techniques along with Covariance Matrix Adaptation (CMA) evolution strategy for the evaluation of the optimal values of the gradient magnetic field. Under the influence of the blood flow the model evaluates the effect of different values of the gradient magnetic field in order to minimize the distance of particles from a pre-described desired trajectory. Results indicate that the diameter of particles is a crucial parameter for an effective magnetic navigation. The present numerical model can navigate nanoparticles with diameter above 500 nm with an efficiency of approximately 99%. It is found that the velocity of the blood seems to play insignificant role in the navigation process. A reduction of 25% in the inlet velocity leads the particles only 3% closer to the desired trajectory. Finally, the computational method is more efficient as the diameter of the vascular system is minimized because of the weak convective flow. Under a reduction of 50% in the diameter of the carotid artery the computational method navigate the particles approximately 75% closer to the desired trajectory. The present numerical model can be used as a tool for the determination of the parameters that mostly affect the magnetic navigation method.
Instrument of Improving Hotel Management Service: Evidence of Visegrad Group

Successful operation of hotels and their development depends on satisfying customer needs. The Internet has brought significant changes in everyday life. It creates new opportunities and challenges in a world that is constantly changing but also for companies that operate in it. The Internet has also significantly changed the operating environment of the hotel industry. The objective of this article is to determine the link between online customer reviews expressing the quality of hotels and the willingness of customers to recommend the accommodation, based on the research conducted within the Visegrad Group. In view of the existing research gap on factors affecting customer satisfaction in accommodation facilities, the article helps to broaden the theoretical basis of the issue and helps hotel and accommodation establishments to establish marketing strategies that will lead to a better understanding of indicators affecting their customers' satisfaction. Research is based on customer reviews of hotel services published by Expedia.com, which focus on rating hotels in the Visegrad countries. Within the selected hotel ratings, we used automatic data collection for monitored variables (ratings). 345175 ratings have been analysed for 1500 hotels. The focus was on the percentage of guests recommending hotels in relation to selected variables. Data collection took place in the first half of 2017. The outputs of our research point to the fact that in the Visegrad Group countries there is a significant impact of specific variables expressing the quality of the hotel on the percentage of customers recommending the accommodation. Hotels that have a marketing philosophy primarily or secondarily built for achieving a good reputation should not neglect activities that have a positive effect on Room cleanliness, Service and staff, Room comfort or Hotel condition as they reflect the increasing value of the recommendation in the theoretical but especially practical, and thus a steadily increasing competitive advantage.
Financial and Banking Services Market

This paper investigates the financial channels of shocks transmission and crises diffusion in an emerging market economy and highlights the role of debtcreating capital flows. Analysing the determinants of capital flows, author decomposes them into the contribution of global «push» factors and country-specific «pull» factors and estimates their significance on Ukraine’s example. Author argues, that «push» factors play a major role in driving capital flows as long as a business cycle in emerging economy is synchronized with a global business cycle; however, being affected by local or regional crisis, emerging economy is getting decoupled from the global developments and «pull» factors are gaining the dominant role. Author also considers the macroeconomic implications of debtcreating capital flows and external debt in emerging market economies and provides empirical estimates of economic growth effect in Ukraine. © Tetiana Bogdan, 2020. Bogdan Tetiana, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Chief of Department for Public Finance at NGO «Growford Institute», Ukraine. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6133-5336 Email: tetiana.bogdan@gmail.com. J o u r n a l o f E u r o p e a n E c o n o m y Vol. 19. No 1 (72). January–March 2020 ISSN 2519-4070 115
Effect of different zinc application methods on grain yield and zinc concentration in wheat cultivars grown on zinc‐deficient calcareous soils

Abstract The effect of six different zinc (Zn) application methods on grain yield and concentrations of Zn in whole shoots and grain was studied in wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum, L. cvs. Gerek‐79, Dagdas‐94 and Bezostaja‐1 and Triticum durum, Desf. cv. Kunduru‐1149) grown on severely Zn‐deficient calcareous soils (DTPA‐extractable Zn: 0.12 mg‐kg‐1 soil) of Central Anatolia which is the major wheat growing area of Turkey. Zinc application methods tested were: a) control (no Zn application), b) soil, c) seed, d) leaf, e) soil+leaf, and f) seed+leaf applications. Irrespective of the method, application of Zn significantly increased grain yield in all cultivars. Compared to the control, increases in grain yield were about 260% with soil, soil+leaf, and seed+leaf, 204% with seed and 124% with leaf application of Zn. In a similar manner, biomass production (dry weight of above‐ground parts) was increased by Zn treatments. The highest increase (109%) was obtained with the soil application and the lowest inc.
Isolation and identification of Aspergilli causing Banana fruit rot

Banana is a commercially and nutritionally important food crop worldwide and is affected by several fungal diseases. The most important post-harvest disease is fruit rotting. Fruit rot is responsible for significant losses in banana. The present study was therefore, designed to isolate and explore the mycoflora associated with banana fruit rot. For this, infected samples were grown on different media to obtain pure cultures of isolated fungal pathogens. Identifications were made initially on morphological basis and then confirmed by genetic analysis. A comprehensive study of micro and macroscopic features revealed four Aspergillus species with two of Aspergillus fumigatus, one of Aspergillus flavus and one of Aspergillus niger. Genetic analysis by Nucleotide sequence analysis of ITS region of rDNA was performed. The sequence alignment of two different isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus showed \(99\%\) homology to different strains deposited in Genbank i.e., \(004(\text{KU}321562.1)\), \(\text{SK}1(\text{KM}207771.1)\), and \(98\%\) homology to \(\text{AHBR}16(\text{KF}305755.1), \ \ \text{SF}8(\text{KX}011021.1). \)
Virtual Reality Design Platform to Easily Create Virtual Reality Experiences

 Abstract — The interest in Virtual Reality (VR) keeps increasing among the community of designers. To develop this type of immersive experience, the understanding of new processes and methodologies is as fundamental as its complex implementation which usually implies hiring a specialized team. In this paper, we introduce a case study, a platform that allows designers to easily create complex VR experiences, present its features, and its development process. We conclude that this platform provides a complete solution for the design and development of VR experiences, no-code needed.
Lightweight Inspection of Data Preprocessing in Native Machine Learning Pipelines

Machine Learning (ML) is increasingly used to automate impactful decisions, and the risks arising from this wide-spread use are garnering attention from policy makers, scientists, and the media. ML applications are often very brittle with respect to their input data, which leads to concerns about their reliability, accountability, and fairness. In this paper we discuss such hard-to-identify data issues and describe mlinspect , a library that enables lightweight lineage-based inspection of ML preprocessing pipelines. The key idea is to extract a directed acyclic graph representation of the dataﬂow from ML preprocessing pipelines in Python, and to use this representation to automatically instrument the code with predeﬁned inspections based on a lightweight annotation propagation approach. In contrast to existing work, mlinspect operates on declarative abstractions of popular data science libraries like estimator/trans-former pipelines and does not require manual code instrumentation. We discuss the design and implementation of the mlinspect prototype, and give a complex end-to-end example that illustrates its functionality.
A novel approach to assess the policy contributions of growth and redistribution to poverty reduction

Inclusive and sustainable development requires the eradication of poverty. To better understand poverty developments, they can be decomposed into their proximate sources – changes in income and inequality. In this paper, we propose a novel poverty decomposition approach that does not simply analyze observed income and inequality changes and their contribution to poverty reduction but compare those to a hypothetical counterfactual. We therefore predict expected income and inequality changes for each country, based on the economic rationales of convergence and a relationship between inequality and development (“Kuznets curve”). We use data from 144 countries to estimate those relationships and construct our counterfactual poverty predictions for 71 developing countries, based on those hypothetical income and inequality developments. Those predictions indicate the poverty reduction that countries could expect to achieve, given their initial income and inequality situation. We argue that comparing actual achievements against these predictions is a more appropriate measure for actual policy contributions to poverty reduction. For example, we can identify countries where growth fell short of expectations, with adverse poverty effects (e.g. Kenya, 1992-2005) while poverty reduction exceeded expectations in other countries, either due to an overperformance in growth (e.g. Chad, 2003-2011) or inequality reduction (e.g. Cabo Verde, 2001-2007). Countries that fell particularly short of expectations often underwent political transition and state fragility.