Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive actuator failure compensation using multiple-model switching

A new adaptive actuator failure compensation control scheme is developed, using a multi-layer multiple-model and switching approach, for effective and faster compensation of failure uncertainties, and improvement of system transient performance. A basic-layer multiple-model adaptive compensation control structure is first developed to ensure effective failure compensation, by using a set of basic multiple adaptive controllers, each designed for one failure pattern from a failure pattern set. Then, a multi-layer multiple-model adaptive control scheme is employed to improve system transient performance, using multiple groups of adaptive controllers. Each group is designed by expanding each basic controller structure to a set of subgroups of controllers, with controllers from different subgroups initialized from different parameter subregions, and controllers within each subgroup updated by different adaptation gains. A control switching mechanism is designed based on cost functions formed from tracking error related estimation errors, and selects the applied control input from the multiple control signals, which corresponds to the minimal cost function. Simulation results from an aircraft flight control example are presented to show the desired system performance despite the presence of uncertain actuator failures.
Effects of Nicotine on Streptococcus gordonii Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Cell Aggregation

ABSTRACT Streptococcus gordonii is a commensal species of human oral flora. It initiates dental biofilm formation and provides binding sites for later colonizers to attach to and generate mature biofilm. Smoking is the second highest risk factor for periodontal disease, and cigarette smoke extract has been reported to facilitate Porphyromonas gingivalis-S. gordonii dual-species biofilm formation. Our hypothesis is that nicotine, one of the most important and active components of tobacco, stimulates S. gordonii multiplication and aggregation. In the present study, S. gordonii planktonic cell growth (kinetic absorbance and CFU), biofilm formation (crystal violet stain and confocal laser scanning microscopy [CLSM]), aggregation with/without sucrose, and 11 genes that encode binding proteins or regulators of gene expression were investigated. Results demonstrated planktonic cell growth was stimulated by 1 to 4 mg/ml nicotine treatment. Biofilm formation was increased at 0.5 to 4 mg/ml nicotine. CLSM indicated bacterial cell mass was increased by 2 and 4 mg/ml nicotine, but biofilm extracellular polysaccharide was not significantly affected by nicotine. Cell aggregation was upregulated by 4, 8, and 16 mg/ml nicotine with sucrose and by 16 mg/ml nicotine without sucrose. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR indicated S. gordonii abpA, scaA, ccpA, and srtA were upregulated in planktonic cells by 2 mg/ml nicotine. In conclusion, nicotine stimulates S. gordonii planktonic cell growth, biofilm formation, aggregation, and gene expression of binding proteins. Those effects may promote later pathogen attachment to tooth surfaces, the accumulation of tooth calculus, and the development of periodontal disease in cigarette smokers.
Effects of Changing Object Size During Prehension

ABSTRACT The authors tested how fast the grasp component of prehension was able to adjust to a sudden change in object size. Participants grasped an object, the size of which could suddenly increase. Whereas previous researchers usually applied perturbations through a change in illumination at movement onset, the present perturbations involved a change in the object's physical size at 1 of 4 moments during the movement (125, 200, 275, and 350 ms after movement onset). The results showed that grasp adjustments came in many forms and could be as fast as 120 ms. The implications for the understanding of the coordination of reaching and grasping in prehension are discussed.
Mechanistic Insights into Specificity, Activity, and Regulatory Elements of the Regulator of G-protein Signaling (RGS)-containing Rho-specific Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) p115, PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), and Leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG)*

The multimodular guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) of the Dbl family mostly share a tandem Dbl homology (DH) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domain organization. The function of these and other domains in the DH-mediated regulation of the GDP/GTP exchange reaction of the Rho proteins is the subject of intensive investigations. This comparative study presents detailed kinetic data on specificity, activity, and regulation of the catalytic DH domains of four GEFs, namely p115, p190, PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), and leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG). We demonstrate that (i) these GEFs are specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the Rho isoforms (RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC) and inactive toward other members of the Rho family, including Rac1, Cdc42, and TC10. (ii) The DH domain of LARG exhibits the highest catalytic activity reported for a Dbl protein till now with a maximal acceleration of the nucleotide exchange by 107-fold, which is at least as efficient as reported for GEFs specific for Ran or the bacterial toxin SopE. (iii) A novel regulatory region at the N terminus of the DH domain is involved in its association with GDP-bound RhoA monitored by a fluorescently labeled RhoA. (iv) The tandem PH domains of p115 and PRG efficiently contribute to the DH-mediated nucleotide exchange reaction. (v) In contrast to the isolated DH or DH-PH domains, a p115 fragment encompassing both the regulator of G-protein signaling and the DH domains revealed a significantly reduced GEF activity, supporting the proposed models of an intramolecular autoinhibitory mechanism for p115-like RhoGEFs.
Is There a Need to Modify Existing Coping Scales to Include Using Electronic Media for Coping in Young People?

Children and adolescents spend an average of 7 h a day using electronic media which include television, radio, cellphones, computers, and handheld devices (1); it would be naive to think that time spent on these devices has no effects (2). Indeed, it is clear that media has an effect on all of us, especially, youth who have grown up in a world surrounded by electronic devices (3–5). Decades of study on media use indicate a profound effect on the lives, health, and well being of youth (1). In particular, findings from a large number of studies, though often subject to controversy, link media use to psychosocial (6, 7), behavioral, and health problems (8–10) in children and youth. Potential positive effects of media use have been less studied. Media entertains, teaches, is a tool for communication, and may also be used as a means to cope with stress. We propose a need for the development of a novel assessment scale that will facilitate studies of the role of electronic media as a youth coping strategy.
Recharging of EV in a typical Italian urban area: Evaluation of the hosting capacity

The paper addresses impact on planning of Low Voltage (LV) distribution grids within the urban area of a major Italian metropolis due to the introduction of the Electric Mobility. It takes into account that, in this area, the diffusion of Electric Vehicles (EV), will be greater than in the rest of Italy. Two scenarios are analyzed. In the 2020 scenario, the expected penetration of cars in LV distribution grids will require the substitution of a small amount of MV/LV transformers, while in the 2030 scenario, the amount of EV recharging on LV networks will double, since all additional EV will use fast charging stations connected to MV lines. In the worst case, less that 3% of MV/LV transformers will need to be considered for substitution. Hosting capacity of each lateral feeder, feeder and main feeder of a LV grid are also evaluated. For this purpose data collected by the smart metering systems become very helpful. The hosting capacity is calculated as the difference of the rating of each cable and load curves obtained integrating load curves recorded by smart meters of each customer.
Combining Naïve Bayes and Modified Maximum Entropy Classifiers for Text Classification

Text Classificat ion is done mainly through classifiers proposed over the years, Naïve Bayes and Maximum Entropy being the most popular of all. However, the individual classifiers show limited applicability according to their respective domains and scopes. Recent research works evaluated that the combination of classifiers when used for classification showed better performance than the individual ones. This work introduces a modified Maximum Entropy-based classifier. Maximum Entropy classifiers provide a great deal of flexibility for parameter defin itions and follow assumptions closer to real world scenario. This classifier is then combined with a Naïve Bayes classifier. Naïve Bayes Classification is a very simple and fast technique. The assumption model is opposite to that of Maximum Entropy. The combination of classifiers is done through operators that linearly co mbine the results of two classifiers to predict class of documents in query. Proper validation of the 7 proposed modifications (4 modifications of Maximum Entropy, 3 combined classifiers) are demonstrated through implementation and experimenting on real life datasets.
On the re-engineering of transaction systems

This paper provides a framework for considering the problems of re-engineering transaction processing systems. Such systems are key components of most modern business operations, and their continued enhancement is crucial for competitiveness. The paper grew out of a study of software re-engineering problems and practices carried out by Andersen Consulting at several major companies in the telecommunications industry. It describes some of the practical difficulties found in re-engineering transaction systems, especially the problems caused by the need for an incremental approach and the difficulties of re-engineering in parallel with the continuing evolution of the operational system. This paper presents a model of the maintenance and re-engineering processes showing the main activities that are needed and the data flows among them. Existing tools for re-engineering are then analysed against this model to identify gaps and potential for further tool development. Finally, there is a brief discussion of the very stringent personnel needs of software re-engineering projects.
Attitudes of Older Korean Americans Toward Mental Health Services

Given the increasing evidence that older ethnic minorities underuse mental health services, the present study assessed determinants of attitudes toward mental health services with a sample of older Korean Americans (N=472). Adapting Andersen's behavioral health model, predisposing factors (age, sex, marital status, education, length of residence in the United States), mental health needs (anxiety, suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms), and enabling factors (personal experiences and beliefs) were considered as potential predictors. Shorter residence in the United States and higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with more‐negative attitudes toward mental health services. Culture‐influenced personal beliefs (knowledge about mental illness and stigmatism) were found to play a substantial role in shaping individuals' attitudes toward mental health services. Findings call attention to the need to investigate how culture influences the response to mental health needs and to develop community education and outreach programs to close the gaps between mental health needs and service utilization in older ethnic minority populations.
Revisiting IT Governance in the Light of Institutional Theory

IT governance research has been largely normative and has provided a great deal of useful insight into what effective IT governance should be. What has received less attention is an understanding of what really happens as organizations struggle to achieve effective IT governance. We argue that the time has come to supplement the important research on what IT governance should be with research on how IT governance is actually accomplished. Before moving forward we take a step back. We trace the evolution of IT governance research and the shared theoretical base. We then suggest institutional theory as a promising alternative for answering three questions yet to be fully addressed in the literature: (1) How is IT governance actually done? ; (2) What are the links between IT governance and performance? ; and (3) How does IT governance change over time?
Simple mental addition in children with and without mild mental retardation.

The speeded performance on simple mental addition problems of 6- and 7-year-old children with and without mild mental retardation is modeled from a person perspective and an item perspective. On the person side, it was found that a single cognitive dimension spanned the performance differences between the two ability groups. However, a discontinuity, or "jump," was observed in the performance of the normal ability group on the easier items. On the item side, the addition problems were almost perfectly ordered in difficulty according to their problem size. Differences in difficulty were explained by factors related to the difficulty of executing nonretrieval strategies. All findings were interpreted within the framework of Siegler's (e.g., R. S. Siegler & C. Shipley, 1995) model of children's strategy choices in arithmetic. Models from item response theory were used to test the hypotheses.
Dengue virus infection: Need for appropriate laboratory tests for diagnosis and management of the condition in children during an outbreak.

BACKGROUND Outbreaks of dengue infection occur in several parts of India with clockwork precision closely related to changing seasons. Most recent outbreak in Puducherry occurred between October 2012 and January 2013, affected a sizable pediatric population. A prospective study was done to characterize the demographic, diagnostic and clinical profile of pediatric patients in a tertiary care center in Puducherry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data of patients serologically positive for either dengue NS1 antigen or anti-dengue IgM antibodies were analyzed. Duration of fever, platelet count, complications, risk factors, morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS Among pediatric cases with fever who were screened for NS1/IgM antibody during the recent outbreak, 161 (37.5%) tested positive. NS1 was detected in 85% while 5.5% tested positive for IgM and 3% for IgG. Few (4.9%) tested positive for both NS1 and IgM and 1.2% were positive for both NS1 and IgG. The mean age was 6 years of which 9% were <1-year, the youngest being 1-month old infant. Mean duration of fever was 4 days. Vomiting was associated in 42% of cases. Thrombocytopenia (51%) and hepatomegaly (41%) were two major observations. Among the NS1 positive cases, 49% had thrombocytopenia. IgM alone and NS1 with IgM were associated with thrombocytopenia in 67% and 78% respectively. 14 children had complications of dengue shock syndrome, and four had dengue hemorrhagic fever. Totally, 22 of the children had platelet transfusion. There was no mortality reported among any of these children. CONCLUSION Combination of clinical findings and rapid NS1, IgM detection helped in confirming the diagnosis for appropriate management of dengue in children.
Influence of GA Siwabessy Reactor Irradiation Period on The Molybdenum-99 (99Mo) Production by Neutron Activation of Natural Molybdenum to Produce Technetium-99m (99mTc)

Production of 99Mo by neutron activation of natural Mo in multipurpose reactor GA Siwabessy is an alternative solution to overcome the 99Mo shortage, particularly in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the irradiation period of the reactor on the quality of the produced 99Mo and 99mTc. A natural molybdenum was packed in quartz ampule and aluminium capsule, irradiated in the research reactor for around 100 hours. The 99Mo - 99mTc separation was conducted in Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology using zirconium-based material (ZBM). The observed parameters are 99Mo activity, 99mTc yield percentage, adsorption capacity ZBM and 99mTc quality. Both the obtained 99Mo activity and 99mTc yield percentage were influenced by the irradiation period. On the other hand, neither the adsorption capacity of ZBM nor quality parameters of 99mTc were influenced by the irradiation period.
Exonic deletion of SLC9A9 in autism with epilepsy

Genes encoding proteins critical for intracellular vesicular transport are an emerging area of importance for neurologists. In particular, proteins that create and maintain the correct compartmental pH, such as the endosomal Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs), have been implicated in a wide range of human diseases, including cardiovascular, inflammatory bowel, renal, and neurologic disorders, which demonstrates the critical cellular function of these proteins.1–3 Two NHEs, NHE6 and NHE9, have been linked to neurologic disorders in children.4 Pathologic variants in SLC9A6 encoding NHE6 cause an Angelman-like disorder called Christianson syndrome. Fewer variants have been described in SLC9A9 encoding NHE9, but individuals carrying these variants have been diagnosed with neurologic disorders ranging from autism to epilepsy to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The majority of described variants are missense, resulting in amino acid substitutions, making it difficult to determine their functional consequence.4
Miniaturized hybrid ring circuits using T-type folded substrate integrated waveguide (TFSIW)

T-type folded substrate integrated waveguide (TFSIW) scheme is an effective SIW miniaturization technique for developing high-density integrated circuits. In this paper, the propagation constant and characteristic impedance of TFSIW structures are analyzed on the basis of their equivalent circuits. To demonstrate the circuit applications, the design procedure of a proposed TFSIW hybrid ring is presented and discussed with reference to the calculated parameters. Simulation results of the designed coupler ring circuit are compared with measurement results.
Scattering analysis of H-plane T-junction between fully dielectric-filled rectangular waveguide and partially dielectric-filled parallel-plate

A power divider presented in this paper can be used as a key component in a feeding structure for partially dielectric-filled parallel-plate slot-arrays. Power divider can be cascaded in series in order to feed parallel-plates. Each power diver can be tuned for desired power division and minimum input reflection by coupling window and inductive post respectively. By introducing partially dielectric-filled parallel-plates in stead of fully filled ones, lower equivalent dielectric constant is expected. Such lower equivalent dielectric constant provides simultaneously three important benefits: reduction of dielectric-loss, bandwidth enhancement and slow wave factor.
Über die Auswirkungen von Refactoring auf Softwaremetriken

Softwaremetriken wurden in der Vergangenheit bereits vielfach diskutiert und auch kritisiert, werden aber in der industriellen Praxis nach wie vor als einfach zu erhebende Indikatoren fur Codequalitat oder gar die Qualitat einer Software selbst angewendet. Gemessene Werte und Grenzwerte sind dabei oft schwierig zu interpretieren bzw. willkurlich festgelegt, so dass ihr Nutzen nach wie vor in Frage gestellt werden muss. Dieser Beitrag untermauert die bestehenden Kritiken an Softwaremetriken, indem er zunachst beispielhaft zeigt, wie Messergebnisse gangiger Metriken mit schlechter lesbarem aber funktional identischem Code kunstlich „verbessert“ werden konnen. Darauf aufbauend prasentiert er erste Analyseergebnisse (von Fowlers „Video-Store“ und dem Lucene-Open-SourceProjekt), die darlegen, dass bekannte Softwaremetriken Code-Verbesserungen durch Refactoring nicht erkennen konnen, bzw. umgekehrt betrachtet, Refactoring die Codequalitat verschlechtert. Ferner zeigen sich gangige Qualitatsmodelle ebenfalls weitgehend unempfindlich fur die durchgefuhrten Refactorings.
In vitro lymphocyte functions in the presence of bovine surfactant and its phospholipid fractions

Endotracheal administration of human or xenogenic surfactant preparations is an effective treatment of the respiratory distress syndrome of preterm infants. The application of large amounts of phospholipids to the lung may result in a significant alteration of the local immune response. We studied the influence of the bovine surfactant preparation SF-RI 1 (Alveofact) on lymphocyte functions in vitro. PHA-induced cell proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis in the presence of whole surfactant as well as six different defined phospholipids were investigated. A marked concentration-dependent suppression of immunoglobulin production independent of the immunoglobulin isotype and cell proliferation was observed in the range of 5 ng/ml-3 mg/ml of a single phospholipid (or SF-RI 1 respectively). It could be demonstrated that suppression of lymphocyte functions was only due to the phospholipid content of the surfactant preparation. These data indicate that in vivo immune functions may be significantly altered by the administration of exogenous surfactant. This may be particularly important in the presence of primary or secondary pulmonary infections.
Regulation of the differentiation and function of osteoclasts

The osteoclast is the cell that resorbs bone. It has been known for many years that its formation and function are regulated by cells of the osteoblastic lineage. Recently the molecular basis for this regulation was identified; osteoblastic cells induce osteoclastic differentiation and resorptive activity through expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) activation‐induced cytokine (TRANCE) (also known as RANKL, ODF, OPGL, and TNFSF11), a novel membrane‐inserted member of the TNF superfamily. Osteoclastic regulation is assisted through secretion of an inhibitor, osteoprotegerin (OPG) (OCIF, TNFRSF11B), a soluble (decoy) receptor for TRANCE. Osteoclast formation and survival also depend on and are substantially enhanced by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), which is abundant in bone matrix. Surprisingly, not only TRANCE but also TNF‐α can induce osteoclast formation in vitro from bone marrow‐derived mononuclear phagocytes, especially in the presence of TGF‐β. Whether or not TNF‐α does the same in vivo, its ability to generate osteoclasts in vitro has significant implications regarding the nature of osteoclasts and their relationship to other mononuclear phagocytes, and a possible wider role for TRANCE in macrophage pathobiology. A hypothesis is presented in which the osteoclast is a mononuclear phagocyte directed towards a debriding function by TGF‐β, activated for this function by TRANCE, and induced to become specifically osteoclastic by the characteristics of the substrate or signals from bone cells that betoken such characteristics. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desserte TGV et villes petites et moyennes. Une illustration par le cas du tourisme à Arras, Auray, Charleville-Mézières et Saverne

Comme dans les plus grandes villes, les dessertes TGV sont souvent percues dans les villes petites et moyennes comme une opportunite d’ameliorer l’image, d’accroitre leur attractivite, et comme un outil permettant de developper l’activite touristique. Ce developpement est notamment attendu pour compenser le declin des activites productives ou dans certains cas de l’emploi public. Or, les analyses menees la plupart du temps dans de plus grandes villes leur sont difficilement transposables. D’une part, les VPM doivent disposer d’un potentiel touristique adapte a l’usage du TGV, et d’une clientele deja existante a partir des villes de provenance. D’autre part, si ces villes peuvent beneficier d’un effet d’image lie au TGV, qui peut etre benefique au tourisme dans le long terme, cet effet depend en grande partie d’une volonte politique forte, de moyens importants et d’un reel deficit d’image.