Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF CLOACAL BACTERIA ON GROWTH AND FLEDGING SIZE IN NESTLING PIED FLYCATCHERS (FICEDULA HYPOLEUCA) IN SPAIN

Abstract Effects of bacteria on avian hosts in the wild have received little attention until recently. Whereas the pathogenic effects of bacteria are well known, positive effects of symbiotic bacteria are more rarely considered. Nestling growth has important repercussions for offspring fitness in avian populations and may be affected by microbial colonization of the gut. Enterococcus faecalis is a common opportunistic pathogen, whereas E. faecium has been used as a growth promoter because it interacts competitively with pathogenic bacteria, E. faecalis included. We followed the growth in tarsus length and mass of 18 Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) broods. Chicks were weighed and measured on days 4, 8, 10, and 13 after hatching. On day 13, wing length was also measured and cloacal swabs were taken of two chicks in each brood for detection of enterococci. In all, the methods used allowed us to detect six species of bacteria among a possibly much richer community. Most chicks had E. faecalis, whereas E. faecium was less prevalent. There was a negative association between scores for E. faecalis and for the rest of the species pooled. The presence of E. faecalis showed no detectable association with nestling mass or size at any age, whereas the presence of the other species showed significantly positive associations with mass and size on day 13, but not before. Presence of E. faecium on its own was positively associated with nestling mass and size shortly before fledging. E. faecium may act as a growth promoter in the wild through its competitive interactions with facultative pathogenic bacteria. The presence of some microbes are critically important in avian growth and development.
A multi-agent system for the decentralized resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem

A restart evolution strategy (RES) for the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP), as well as its integration in a multi-agent system (MAS) for solving the decentralized resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem (DRCMPSP) will be presented. To evaluate the developed approach, problem instances of the RCPSP taken from the literature with up to 300 activities are used, as well as 80 generated instances of the DRCMPSP, with up to 20 projects and with up to 120 activities each. For 73 instances of the RCPSP, the RES found better solutions than the best ones found so far. In addition, the MAS is suitable for solving large multi-project instances decentrally. The results for the DRCMPSP instances show that the presented decentralized MAS is competitive with a central solution approach.
Stress-induced defect generation in HfO2/SiO2 stacks observed by using charge pumping and low frequency noise measurements

The technique of combining the low frequency drain current noise and the frequency-dependent charge pumping techniques has been employed to extract the trap densities in both the interfacial SiO2 layer and high-k layer in the n-type MOSFETs with HfO2/SiO2 stacks. It is found that positive bias stress creates more traps in the gate dielectric stack near the gate electrode while negative stress increases the density of traps generated in the proximity of the Si substrate. The results show that under electrical stress new traps are predominantly created close to the anode side and the degree of asymmetry is surprisingly large.
Macro Protections for Micro Grids Toward a New Protection Paradigm Subsequent to Distributed Energy Resource Integration

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Three-dimensional dental arch evaluation of children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate three-dimensionally the dental arches of children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) prior to primary surgeries and one year after palatoplasty. Setting and sample population: Thirty dental arch models of UCLP children composed the sample. Material and methods: The evaluation was performed through three-dimensional (3D) images of maxillary arch study models, obtained at the following treatment periods: T1 – prior to primary surgeries; T2 – 1 year after palatoplasty. On the 3D images, the points and lines required to perform the evaluation measurements were marked. The following measurements were obtained: intercanine and intertuberosity distances. For statistical analysis, paired t test was applied to compare the different treatment periods. Results: Statistically significant differences at the different treatment periods were found for intercanine (p=0.005) and intertuberosity distances (p=0.022). Conclusion: Based on the results obtained for the studied sample and according to the methodology employed, it can be concluded that lip surgery had a restrictive shaping effect on the anterior portion of the dental arch of children with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Correspondence to: Thais Marchini Oliveira, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Community Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Alameda Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Bauru, São Paulo, 17012-901Brazil, Tel: 55 14 32358224; E-mail: marchini@usp.br
Mean performance optimization of analog integrated circuits via expectation-based stochastic programming

In this paper we propose to formulate the mean performance optimization of analog ICs as an expectation-based stochastic program, which can be further approximated as a more tractable optimization problem that interior-point methods can efficiently solve. Using such stochastic optimization approach, we can obtain statistical analog circuit designs with optimized mean performance. A ring oscillator design is given to demonstrate the method
Aberrant frequency of TNFR2+ Treg and related cytokines in patients with CIN and cervical cancer

Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) are highly suppressive and are associated with immune homeostasis in various diseases. However, the role of TNFR2+Treg subset and relevant cytokines in the development of cervical cancer (CC) remained unclear. In this study, 72 patients with CC, 30 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The level of circulating TNFR2+Tregs was investigated through flow cytometry. The plasma concentrations of soluble TNFR1 (s-TNFR1) and soluble TNFR2 (s-TNFR2) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2, and Foxp3 were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that both peripheral and tumor infiltrating TNFR2+Tregs significantly increased in patients with CIN and CC and levels of circulating s-TNFR1 and s-TNFR2 increased in patients with CC. Moreover, the percentage of peripheral TNFR2+Tregs was inversely correlated with the clinical stages of CC. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, TNFR2, and Foxp3 increased in patients with CIN and CC. Overall, these results indicate that TNFR2+Tregs and relevant cytokines contribute to CC development and are promising targets in future immunotherapeutic approaches.
Intersubband Scattering in Double-Gate MOSFETs

Quantum mechanical features of even the most basic of semiconductor components can be expected to become of paramount importance for future nanoelectronics and quantum information technology. Here, we show that the conductivity of even a two-dimensionally extended double-gate silicon-on-insulator metal-oxide-silicon field-effect transistor can develop a distinct peak structure in its top-gate voltage dependence at low temperatures, due to the discreteness of subband edges resulting from quantum mechanical confinement in the vertical gating direction. Our findings are confirmed using low-temperature magnetic field measurements
Human resource practices in Hong Kong and Singapore: a comparative analysis

HumanResource Practices In HongKong AndSingapore:A Comparative AnalysisJames B. ShawSchool of BusinessBond UniversityGold Coast, QLDAustralia422961-75-952235Paul S. KirkbrideAshridgeManagementCollege, UKCynthia D. FisherSchool of BusinessBond UniversitySara F.Y. TangMass TransitRailway Corporation of HongKong
Impact of land consolidation on the visual characteristics (scenery) of a landscape

New spatial and functional rearrangement of the territory represented by the changed structure of the plots (change of the landscape structure) is one of the main and most visible results of a comprehensive landscape adaptation. Projects of comprehensive landscape adaptation are designed to accommodate for production and landscape value of the territory. Landscape structure belongs to the most important components of landscape character. The landscape structure was evaluated in three levels: historical structure (2nd military mapping), present-day structure (results of mapping survey in the frame of a comprehensive landscape adaptation) and the new landscape structure (results of the proposed plan of the functional rearrangement of the territory) based on the cadastral territory of Veľke Vozokany in Nitra region (near Zlate Moravce), South-Western Slovakia. The changes in the landscape are identified by the rearrangement of the arable land, forests, vineyards, gardens, fruit gardens/plantations, permanent grassland, water surfaces, and other areas. In this contribution, we made an attempt to describe the role of the comprehensive landscape adaptations in the process of designing landscape changes which do significantly contribute to modification of the landscape character.
Gaussons: Solitons of the Logarithmic Schrödinger Equation

Properties of the Schrodinger equation with the logarithmic nonlinearity are briefly described. This equation possesses soliton-like solutions in any number of dimensions, called gaussons for their Gaussian shape. Excited, stationary states of gaussons of various symmetries, in two and three dimensions are found numerically. The motion of gaussons in uniform electric and magnetic fields is studied and explicit solutions describing linear and rotational internal oscillations are found and analyzed.
A coverage-based guidance algorithm of multiple interceptors for uncertain targets

This paper addresses the cooperative guidance problem of multiple interceptors to capture the mobile targets. Due to the measurement noise and decoys, the location of the real target can only be described by a probability density function. A coverage-based guidance algorithm is developed to maximize the probability of interception. Moreover, the lower bound of interception probability is given, which goes up with the increase of the number of interceptors. Finally, the numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Tunable dual-wavelength actively mode-locked fiber laser with an F-P semiconductor modulator

A novel actively mode-locked fiber laser for generating dual-wavelength picosecond pulses is proposed by using a Fabry-Perot laser diode as the modulator in the ring cavity. A linear chirped fiber grating was used as a wavelength selector and produces temporal-spectral multiplexing of the pulses in the gain medium to reduce gain cross-saturation effects. About 2-GHz stable dual-wavelength pulses with a wavelength spacing of 0.92 nm at room temperature were experimentally demonstrated and the wavelengths could be tuned in a range of about 3 nm.
Relations between personality traits and empathy for social pain and physical pain

Empathy for social pain (e.g., that caused by social exclusion) may be crucial for social bonding because it allows to understand others' feeling and facilitate pro-social behavior such as consolation. Studies have indicated the relationship between personality traits and empathy for physical pain. However, few studies have addressed the personality traits that are related to empathy for social pain. The present study examined how personality traits would be related to social and physical empathy. Participants observed social exclusion (i.e., Cyberball movies) and photographs of painful situations of another person, which increased empathetic responses to the depicted person. The correlation analyses revealed that female participants with more extravert trait and/or more other-oriented feelings of sympathy and concern for unfortunate others tended to show greater empathy for physical pain. This result may suggest that attention toward other persons is a factor for physical empathy. Additionally, female participants with agreeableness trait tended to exhibit social empathy. Since agreeableness is related to general concern for social harmony, the tendency to avoid social conflicts may be related to social empathy.
Empirical research on the day-of-the-week liquidity patterns in Chinese Stock Index Futures market

This paper examines the day-of-the-week liquidity effect of CSI300 Stock Index Futures. Empirical results show that the day-of-the-week liquidity pattern exhibits a reverse V-shaped for the CSI300 index futures. The regression analysis results consistent with previous analysis also demonstrate the day-of-the-week liquidity have statistically significant effect. Furthermore, this paper investigates the influencing factors to stock index futures liquidity and give some recommendations for the trading regime of Chinese Stock Index Futures market.
Single-Phase Four Switches Z-Source AC-AC Converter

A new family of single-phase four switches Z-source AC-AC converter are proposed, including voltage-fed and current-fed. Compared to the traditional ac-ac converters, they have unique features: providing a larger range of output ac voltage with buck-boost, reversing or maintaining phase angle, reducing in-rush and harmonic current. A new commutation strategy for single-phase four switches Z-source AC-AC converters is proposed to solve the commutation problem existing in AC-AC converters. Analysis, simulation and experimentation are given on the voltage-fed Z-source AC-AC converter. Experimental results verified the analysis.
Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation : Concept and Application 1 – 3

The indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method is based on the concept that when 1 indispensable amino acid (IDAA) is deficient for protein synthesis, then all other IDAA, including the indicator amino acid, will be oxidized. With increasing intakes of the limiting amino acid, IAAO will decrease, reflecting increasing incorporation into protein. Once the requirement for the limiting amino acid is met, there will be no further change in the indicator oxidation. Originally, the IAAO method was designed to determine amino acid requirements in growing pigs. The minimally invasive IAAO method developed in humans has been systematically applied to determine IDAA requirements in adults. Due to its noninvasive nature, the IAAO method has also been used to determine requirements for amino acids in neonates and children, and in disease. The IAAO model has recently been applied to determine the metabolic availability (MA) of amino acids from dietary proteins and to determine total protein requirements. The IAAO method is robust, rapid, and reliable; it has been used to determine amino acid requirements in different species, across the life cycle, and in diseased populations. The recent application of IAAO to determine MA of amino acids and protein requirements is also very novel.
A Safety Enhanced, High Step-Up DC–DC Converter for AC Photovoltaic Module Application

Within the photovoltaic (PV) power-generation market, the ac PV module has shown obvious growth. However, a high voltage gain converter is essential for the module's grid connection through a dc-ac inverter. This paper proposes a converter that employs a floating active switch to isolate energy from the PV panel when the ac module is off; this particular design protects installers and users from electrical hazards. Without extreme duty ratios and the numerous turns-ratios of a coupled inductor, this converter achieves a high step-up voltage-conversion ratio; the leakage inductor energy of the coupled inductor is efficiently recycled to the load. These features explain the module's high-efficiency performance. The detailed operating principles and steady-state analyses of continuous, discontinuous, and boundary conduction modes are described. A 15 V input voltage, 200 V output voltage, and 100 W output power prototype circuit of the proposed converter has been implemented; its maximum efficiency is up to 95.3% and full-load efficiency is 92.3%.
Data-driven robust regulation of nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances

This paper proposes a data-driven robust regulation method of input-affine nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances. First, the relationship between the robust control problem and the optimal control problem is built, which indicates that the robust control of original systems can be the solution of the optimal control problem of the auxiliary system. Then, within the framework of adaptive dynamic programming, we present a data-driven algorithm to solve the optimal control problem. To implement the data-driven algorithm, we use two kinds of neural networks (NNs): actor NNs are used to approximate the sub-control policies of the augmented control and a critic NN is applied to estimate the value function. To learn the unknown parameters of actor and critic network weight vectors, the Monte Carlo integration method is employed. Finally, we provide a third-order benchmark model of the armature-controlled DC motor to illustrate the applicability of the developed control strategy.
Vowels in Speaker Verification

In the paper the possibility of using a single vowel in peoples’ identity verification process is described. The usage of sounds which period do not change over the whole duration time, allows applying Fourier series to its analysis. The amplitudes of consecutive harmonics as well as their frequencies are the basis of creating individual features’ vector. In order to record sounds of such characteristic, the acquisition process has been performed taking strict measurement’s assumption into consideration. The similarity measure of two vowels can be a coefficient which construction is based on the Euclidean distance with contribution of particular components.
Ameliorating effect of gamma-irradiated Moringa leaves against arsenic-induced oxidative damage in rat liver.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gamma (γ)-irradiation on the microbiological quality and phenolic components of dried Moringa oleifera leaves (ML) powder and to compare the effect of raw and γ-irradiated ML against arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity. The results of the present study showed that gamma irradiation of ML improved its microbiological quality and increased the percentage of phenolic compound kaempferol. The results also revealed that male albino rats fed on a diet containing sodium arsenite NaAsO2 (200mg/kg) for 6 weeks displayed increased activities of serum alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase and transaminases and increased malondialdehyde level and xanthine oxidase activity concomitant with a decrease in glutathione level and xanthine dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The addition of ML (200mg/kg) either gamma-irradiated or not to the diet of rats has significantly ameliorated the alteration in the antioxidant/oxidant status and improving liver function enzymes. It is concluded that ML modulates hepatic toxicity associated with oxidative stress and the γ-irradiation of ML increased its hygienic quality without a significant loss in its quality attributes.
Robust piecewise planar stereo with modified segmentation cues in urban scenes

This paper proposes a robust piecewise planar multi-view stereo (MVS) approach specifically designed for urban scenes. These architectural scenes are problematic for traditional computer vision methods. In our work, we focus on exploiting some useful constraints of artificial structures such as piecewise coplanarity and boundaries of superpixels. Firstly, we reconstruct quasi-dense 3D point clouds of urban scenes using patches-based MVS (PMVS) method. Secondly, a set of 3D candidate planes are generated by the obtained point clouds without any assumption on the normals of planes, unlike famous Manhattan-world assumption. Then, we segment multi-view images with watershed algorithm and modify the contours of superpixels by the classical Douglas-Peucker approximation algorithm to fit the contours to the boundaries of objects in urban scenes as much as possible. Finally, we use the candidate planes as labels and superpixels as nodes to formulate our Markov Random Field (MRF) optimization problem, then a piecewise planar depth map for each view is recovered by solving the optimization problem using graph-cuts. Experiments show that our method outperforms previous approaches in terms of accuracy.
Analysis of Public Management Change Processes: The Case of Local Government Accounting Reforms in Germany

In Germany, financial pressure and a lack of efficiency have caused the need for several reform processes in the local governments of German municipalities. These local governments are facing a growing contradiction between decreasing levels of financial support and increasing responsibilities. In order to address this tension, municipalities are starting to change their accounting systems by implementing accrual accounting and output-based budgeting. Starting from a description of reform processes in German municipalities, we use the concept both of the resource-based view and of dynamic capabilities in order to observe the implementation of these new accounting standards. Based on six case studies, our empirical findings show that the idiosyncratic adaptation of new standards in municipalities leads to a diversity of outcomes in the implementation process. Finally, the future prospects of further public financial management reform processes in Germany are presented.
Community detection based on graph models of data

Analyzing relations between people belonging to a social circle helps in forming potential communities on the Internet. The increasing social circles on various networking sites make this analysis all the more important. Community detection, as it is called, is closely related to clustering; however, different data models are also used in the same. The paper aims at community detection using Weighted Graph Clustering. The proposed improvement to a recent work of Liu et al in this direction is tested for performance on two real life datasets — College Football and YouTube. The desired result is reduced cost while detecting close to original communities.