Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of chaotic systems using a self-constructing recurrent neural network

This paper presents a self-constructing recurrent neural network (SCRNN) capable of building itself with a compact structure from input-output measurements for identification of chaotic systems. The proposed SCRNN is constituted by a static nonlinear network cascaded with a linear dynamic network. A unified learning algorithm consisting of two mechanisms, a hybrid weight initialization method and a parameter optimization method, has been developed for the structure and parameter identification. With this learning algorithm, the SCRNN is exempted from trial and error in structure initialization as well as parameterization. Computer simulations on discrete-time chaotic systems, including logistic and Henon mappings, validate that the proposed SCRNN is capable of capturing the dynamical behavior of chaotic systems with a compact network size.
Minimising Changeover Costs in the Heijunka Board with Shortest Path Algorithms

A Heijunka Board is a Lean Production technique that helps to communicate a timed production plan to the factory floor. Lean advocates that production plans should be generated to level the volume and to level the mix. It is the mix levelling aspect of the Heijunka Board that we are concerned with. In particular, given that a number of products have to be produced on a production line, the order or sequence of production is of importance. This is because changing from one product to the next in the sequence incurs a set-up or changeover cost. If the set-ups are different for each pair of products in a changeover, the question arises “which is the optimal sequence that minimises the total set-up costs as we go round the Product Wheel? ” It is this question that we answer here. We show that this mixed model production schedule problem can be represented as a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) where the edges of the graph represent the changeover costs. This allows us to apply various Shortest Path Algorithms to minimise the total changeover associated with going through one complete cycle of the product range. We show how the Product Wheel can be formulated as a DAG and solved by hand for small cases when all the changeover over costs are non-negative. Here we use the intuitive, logarithmic time, Dijkstra’a Shortest Path Algorithm (DSPA). For larger problems we have developed both a User Defined Function in Excel and a Java application based on both Topological Sort Algorithm operating in linear time and DSPA. Numerical examples are provided to test the solution methods and computational results illustrate the effectiveness of both approaches to randomly generated problem instances.
Establishing preconditions for Baló's concentric sclerosis.

Concentric sclerosis is a rare variant of multiple sclerosis, first described by Balo in 1928 (Balo, 1928). It is characterized by the development of alternating bands of demyelinated and myelinated white matter, forming concentric rings or irregular stripes. In an affected patient these lesions are usually multiple but may be admixed with other, typical plaques. Although often a feature of rapidly progressive disease, Balo's sclerosis is not always fatal and can also occur in chronic multiple sclerosis, as has been well demonstrated by the use of MRI (Bolay et al ., 1996; Karaarslan et al ., 2001). The pathogenesis of this histologically striking form of demyelination has long been a puzzle. Although in some cases the bands of myelinated white matter include remyelinated fibres (Moore et al ., 1985), the myelin sheaths within the bands are mostly of normal thickness, indicating that they have been preserved from demyelination rather than being a product of remyelination (Moore et al ., 2001). There is some loss of oligodendrocytes, but much less so in the preserved white matter than in the intervening bands of demyelination. Similarly, mRNA levels for myelin-related proteins are lowest in demyelinated areas, intermediate in the preserved bands, and highest in the normal-appearing white matter away from the lesions (Yao et al ., 1994). In previous studies of multiple sclerosis, Lassman and colleagues found that the oligodendrocytes in some plaques had similar abnormalities to those …
Stability analysis of islanded micro-grids

Islanding of micro-grids is inevitable to improve the reliability of the system and hence this paper proposes a new methodology for adaptive re-configuration and islanding of micro-grids based on the knowledge of domains and commons of the distributed generators (DGs). The DGs are modeled with Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) loop so as to regulate the frequency and voltage of the system during disturbances. The stability of the system has been analyzed while adopting the proposed islanding method by considering different contingency cases. The efficacy of the proposed method is verified by performing case studies on the standard 33 bus distribution system transformed into an autonomous micro-grid.
Foreign direct investment from China to developed economies : do extant conceptual and policy frameworks explain the cross-border investment behaviour of Chinese MNEs?

The growth of Chinese MNEs has stimulated great interest in their outward foreign direct investment (FDI) strategies. This thesis attempts to contribute to the theoretical debate as to the usefulness of extant MNE conceptual and theoretical models. Theoretical frameworks are tested through the analysis of Chinese MNE FDI to developed economies, which are rich in strategic assets. The thesis is broken down into five main chapters. Chapter one examines the literature on Chinese MNEs and the conceptual frameworks used to understand their international investment behaviour in developed economies. Chapter two contributes to the rapidly growing theoretical literature set on Chinese MNEs which argues they use aggressive acquisitions, often to psychically distant, developed host countries, to obtain the strategic assets that they themselves lack. My results are broadly supportive of the growing theoretical literature on Chinese MNEs, arguing acquisitions are the primary mode of strategic asset seeking in developed markets. Chapter three evaluates the outcomes of strategic asset acquisitions. This chapter focuses specifically on the extent to which Chinese MNEs are able to absorb and productively harness the intangible strategic assets of their developed market acquisitions. In this chapter, I find no significant results for target country patent generation. Domestic (Chinese market) patents, however, rise significantly in the wake of acquiring an innovative firm from Japan, the US or Europe. Chapter four analyses the efficacy of developed market policies in generating FDI from China. I find that the presence of investment promotion agencies significantly increases the propensity for a Chinese firm to locate in a given location. Chapter five provides the conclusion for this thesis.
Damage behavior and life prediction for lead-free solder joints in a CSP assembly under thermal cycling

Finite element modeling (FEM) was applied to investigate the reliability of solder joints in a chip scale package (CSP) device mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). The stress/strain field distribution on solder joint interface zone as well as the failure mode of solder joints subjected to thermal cycling was analyzed. A unified viscoplastic constitutive model was used to describe the deformation behavior of SnAgCu solder joint, and the solder joint life was predicted based on solder joint reliability analysis. For finite element analysis, submodel method was adopted, and the life model parameters were obtained by element volume-averaged technology during general postprocessing. The results showed that, the accumulated plastic work density for solder joint increased with the increase of the number of thermal cycles. The failure mode exhibited as that failure site was close to solder/intermetallic compound (IMC) interface, and the thicker the IMC layer, the more accumulated plastic work damage per cycle in the solder joint. These results demonstrate that EVIC impacts solder joint life, and the bond at interfacial IMC/solder interface is most vulnerable to thermofatigue damage.
Patients' view of the alliance of psychotherapy: exploratory factor analysis of three alliance measures.

Extending a previous study (R.L. Hatcher, A. Barends, J. Hansell, & M.J. Gutfreund, 1995), factor analysis of 3 alliance measures completed by 231 patients explored patients' views of the alliance. Two of 6 factors, Confident Collaboration and Idealized Relationship (with the substantial general factor removed), correlated with patients' estimate of improvement (rs = .37 and -.23, respectively; p < .001). Patients view the core of the alliance as a purposive mutual collaboration, or working alliance; patients who acknowledge some hostility do better in therapy. Three other factors--Goals and Tasks, Bond, and Dedicated Patient--resemble established subscales but are unrelated to improvement beyond the general factor. Factor 6 assesses improvement rather than alliance. The collaborative working alliance should be given prominence in alliance theory and measurement.
A FUZZY ADAPTIVE LEARNING CONTROL NETWORK FOR SECURE MULTI FACTOR FACE AUTHENTICATION

The face authentication is the most significant technology to provide secure environments among government and private sectors such as bank ATM, military and online services. The face authentication is a challenging task to validate the user with uncontrolled environment like variations on expression, pose, illumination and occlusion. The proposed work produces the solution for the combination of all these constraints. During enrollment process, the facial region of still image for the authorized user is detected and features are extracted using local tetra pattern (LTrP) technique. The features are trained and classified by using fuzzy adaptive learning control network (FALCON). During authentication process, the test image varying either with expression, pose, illumination and occlusion is taken as test image and the authentication process follows the same procedure as enrollment process to train the features of test image. These features are compared with existing feature set to authenticate a person. This proposed work was tested among 1150 face images which are collected from different datasets like Yale, ORL, AR and JAFFE and it produces highest recognition rate. The work was also analyzed by employing Alyuda neuro intelligence software to simulate face authentication by producing highest correct classification rate.
Health Equity Is the Issue We Have Been Waiting for.

T he focus on health equity as the ultimate goal of efforts to address health disparities is gradually becoming the norm. The importance of this change in framing cannot be overstated. Having been directly involved for years in research and consensus building to address the inequities in health status we observe in the US population, I offer my perspective on how this shift in thinking and language has come about and what it can mean for public health practice. While writing this commentary, the familiar refrain “we are the ones we have been waiting for” came to mind. I took the liberty of adapting it for my title, to convey my view that embracing health equity as a mandate empowers all in the public health workforce to demand and create change.
High resistivity silicon DRA array for millimeter-wave high gain applications

The paper presents the design, and measurement results of a new millimeter-wave Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) array implemented in high resistivity Silicon Image Guide (SIG) technology. The proposed SIG antenna offers a low-cost, and high gain DRA array concept for millimeter-wave applications. The design includes a low loss SIG power splitter which has been used to feed the 4-by10 antenna array. The antenna with the feed has a measured return loss better than −10 dB within the frequency range from 90 GHz to 110 GHz. The measured gain is 19 dB at 97 GHz. The measurements data are in good agreement with the simulation results. A single mask dry etching process has been used to realize the proposed antenna. A group of narrow non-radiative supporting beams are designed to enhance the structure mechanical stability.
A diversified approach towards purchasing and supply : evaluation of production management methods

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers. Link to publication
Corporate responsibility and the tourism sector in Cambodia

Even as FIAS launched this brief study, the Minister of Tourism proposed to the FIAS team that there was a need for a more in-depth tourism sector study. Most people interviewed for this study agreed that a sector study along the lines of a value chain analysis, with a particular focus on sustainable tourism could help identify specific administrative, and market-based barriers to a more efficient industry, determine opportunities for improved backward and forward linkages, and prioritize policy options to reap the benefits of tourism growth, while putting in place social and environmental safeguards. Such an assessment would help Cambodia take advantage of its full potential for sustainable tourism development that would help develop the nation, distribute benefits to more sectors of society, and help reinforce the nation's cultural and environmental heritage. This brief study concludes with four recommendations for the Royal Government of Cambodia, that could help leverage the private sector's interest in sustainable tourism development: 1) The government should develop a national sustainable tourism plan, building on existing efforts for strategic planning in the sector. 2) Steps can be taken to increasingly involve the private sector in sustainable tourism development, tapping expertise and interest in enhancing the drive for preservation of the culture, environmental and social sustainability, and contribution to poverty reduction. 3) Marketing strategies for the country could be linked to corporate social responsibility, in line with the government's strategy to market Cambodia as a responsible place to do business, building on the success of improving working conditions in the garment industry. 4) There is a need to support institutional development, and capacity building for the full range of actors in the tourism sector, including hotel associations, trade unions, and the government.
Deep brain stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder affects language: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with refractory neuropsychiatric disorders. Along with symptom improvement, DBS may have concurrent behavioral effects that help to unravel the role of specific brain circuitries in complex human behavior. CLINICAL PRESENTATION This article reports on 2 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder who received DBS targeted at the nucleus accumbens that resulted in a temporary change of accent and use of vocabulary. CONCLUSION Changes in accent and speaking manners are most likely related to direct DBS stimulation effects of the electrode targeted at the nucleus accumbens. The shift in accent, resembling foreign accent syndrome after injuries in brain language centers, has not been reported before in the course of DBS. Induction of aggressive vocabulary may be related to transient hypomanic behavior after DBS.
Similar Efficacy of Ciclesonide Once Daily Versus Fluticasone Propionate Twice Daily in Patients with Persistent Asthma

This 12-week, double-blind, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of once daily ciclesonide and twice daily fluticasone propionate in patients aged 12–75 years with persistent asthma. Patients were randomized to once-daily ciclesonide 80 μg (n = 278) or 160 μ g (n = 271), or twice daily fluticasone propionate 88 μ g (n = 259) (all ex-actuator). Significant improvements from baseline were seen in all three treatment groups for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, asthma symptom scores and rescue medication use (all p < 0.0001). Asthma exacerbation rates were low (each ciclesonide group, n = 2; fluticasone group, n = 1). Adverse event reporting indicated good tolerability. Once daily ciclesonide 80 μg or 160 μg showed comparable efficacy and tolerability to twice daily fluticasone propionate 88 μg in persistent asthma.
Tumor apoptosis induced by ruthenium(II)‐ketoconazole is enhanced in nonsusceptible carcinoma by monoclonal antibody to EGF receptor

Ketoconazole (KTZ) has been used as a second‐line agent in hormone‐refractory cancer therapy. Since transition metal complexes including those of Ru(III), show important anticancer activity with limited toxicity, we investigated the potential antitumor efficacy of Ru(II) complexed to KTZ or clotrimazole (CTZ) compared to Ru(II) alone or uncomplexed azoles. RuCl2(KTZ)2 exerted greater apoptosis‐ associated caspase‐3 activation than RuCl2(CTZ)2, KTZ, CTZ or RuCl2(MeCN)4 against several human tumor cell monolayers. PARP cleavage and a decrease in S+G2 cells were evident after RuCl2(KTZ)2 treatment in genetically matched C8161 melanoma monolayers with unequal p53 functional status. Release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and Mn‐SOD suggest mitochondria as a target of RuCl2(KTZ)2. Treatment of WM164 melanoma monolayers with 25 μM of cisplatin or RuCl2(KTZ)2 showed that the latter is more effective than cisplatin at inducing PARP fragmentation and proapoptotic Bak expression. Such results suggest that these Ru(II) and Pt(II) metal complexes are unequally effective and act through alternative signaling pathways. In studies with multicellular spheroids, which frequently are more resistant to cytotoxic anticancer drugs than monolayers, those from wt p53 C8161 melanoma underwent PARP fragmentation in response to RuCl2(KTZ)2. In contrast, spheroids of mut p53 A431 carcinoma overexpressing EGF receptor were resistant to either RuCl2(KTZ)2 or anti‐EGF receptor C225 MAb. However, joint treatment with both agents restored growth arrest and apoptosis in these spheroids. In contrast to the antitumor action of cisplatin, which is known to be hampered by p53 dysfunction, we show that RuCl2(KTZ)2 is active irrespective of p53 functional status against several adherent tumor cells and synergizes with anti‐EGF receptor C225 MAb to kill tumor spheroids resistant to either agent. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between water resource utilization and economic growth of Xinjiang.

Xinjiang is located in the hinterland of Eurasia and its climate is typical of arid regions,facing a serious problem of water resource shortage.With the high development of economy and society,the contradiction between supply and demand of water resources becomes increasingly prominent.The development of Xinjiang's economy mainly depends on the exploitation and utilization of water resource,the shortage of water resource has become a bottle-neck problem for Xinjiang's development,so the exploitation and utilization of water resource should be under the precondition of environment protection,and it should be taken in consideration that the economy and society sustainable development must base on water resources sustainable utilization of Xinjiang.This paper analyzed the relationship between water utilization and economic growth from 1987 to 2004 in Xinjiang with Cointegration Theory.The result shows that the water use and the GDP growth in arid areas exists cointegration relationship,and it provides a long-term equilibrium relationship.At last,according to the tendency of productivity and technical level and using the ECM model,the total volume of water supply was predicted under the condition of the economic growth ratio of 9% and the suitable economic growth velocity simulated on the base of the environment protection and water resource capacity.
EU Kids Online III: a thematic network to stimulate and coordinate investigation into the use of new media by children (final annual report)

This report is Deliverable D1.5C (Third Annual Progress Report, to cover the period from 01/11/13 to 31/12/14). - This report is based on the work of the whole EU Kids Online network of 33 countries as well as the International Advisory Panel (see Annex 1 for a list of all members). - This third and final annual report is organised in two ways. First, we report on activities by date, noting key activities and events in accordance with the project timeline. - Second, we summarise activities by WP, noting progress and any issues arising for each. - The annexes provide additional information (meeting agendas and participants, lists of contacts and dissemination activities, etc.) as appropriate.
Liquidity risk: supervisory models and best practices

Il progressivo deterioramento della qualita dei mutui subprime ha innescato una crisi che, sebbene inizialmente circoscritta al mercato di mutui e dei prodotti strutturati, si e in seguito estesa all’intero sistema finanziario. Gli effetti della suddetta crisi sono stati tali da richiamare l’attenzione dei Supervisor sull’impatto sistemico del modello di intermediazione – e di trasferimento dei rischi – fondati sul frazionamento delle attivita di intermediazione finanziaria. Infatti, tale modello ha fatto venir meno il tradizionale collegamento fra l’attivita di origination e di distribution, arricchendo la platea di intermediari finanziari coinvolti in tale attivita e rendendo piu complessa la funzione di trasferimento dei fondi – e dei relativi rischi – dalle unita in surplus e quelle in deficit. In tale ambito, il venir meno di uno stretto collegamento fra prodotti finanziari e attori coinvolti nel processo di intermediazione ha sviluppato l’orientamento a comportamenti basati su un orizzonte di brevissimo periodo (short term oriented1): gli operatori, infatti, rispetto a quanto avviene nel modello tradizionale di intermediazione bancaria, sono piu orientati a massimizzare i volumi intermediati e le relative commissioni, sottovalutando al contempo i rischi impliciti in tale attivita. In particolare, la pressione concorrenziale che ha portato, tra l’altro, alla compressione generalizzata dei margini, ha indotto gli intermediari a ricercare combinazioni attivo-passivo piu redditizie (spesso imprudenti), riducendo al minimo le attivita liquide detenute, confidando eccessivamente nella funzionalita dei mercati secondari2 ed interbancari per reperire risorse finanziarie in caso di necessita. Tuttavia, gli operatori che hanno utilizzato strumenti finanziari strutturati, per massimizzare la redditivita e «in linea teorica» per migliorare la gestione dei rischi, non sempre hanno tenuto conto che la ridotta standardizzazione e l’elevata complessita di valutazione di tali strumenti sarebbero state causa del ritardo nella formazione di mercati secondari liquidi ed efficienti. 1