Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Behavioral Representations with Realistic Personality and Cultural Characteristics

Abstract : The Personality-enabled Architecture for Cognition or PAC is a new technical capability to create human behavioral representations (HBRs) with pre-defined and specific personality traits and cultural characteristics. This capability meets a current and growing need for human models that exhibit personality and cultural variability. The need arises from multiple sources, but primarily from the increased frequency and complexity of military operations involving coalition forces with great cultural and personality diversity, and the growing trend toward asymmetrical conflicts involving adversaries with poorly understood cultural values, characteristics, and behavior patterns. PAC integrates theory and empirical data from personality psychology, social psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. Unlike existing cognitive architectures that attempt to build affective and personality factors as customizations to an underlying formally rational symbolic architecture, PAC uses dimensions of personality, emotion, and culture as foundations for the cognitive process. The structure of PAC allows it to function as a personality/emotional layer that can be used stand-alone or integrated with existing constrainedrationality cognitive architectures. In addition, a set of tools was developed to support the authoring, analysis, and testing of PAC HBRs. Demonstration PAC-HBRs were based on characters from VECTOR, a game-based cultural familiarization trainer.
Detección automática de manos con caminos geodésicos en datos multi-modales

In the last years, with the appearance of the multi-modal RGBDepth information provided by the low cost KinectTM sensor, new ways of solving Computer Vision challenges have come and new strategies have been proposed. In this work the main problem is automatic hand detection in multi-modal RGB-Depth visual data. This task involves several difficulties due to the changes in illumination, viewport variations and articulated nature of the human body as well as its high flexibility. In order to solve it the present work proposes an accurate and efficient method based on hypothesis that the hand landmarks remain at a nearly constant geodesic distance from automatically located anatomical reference point. In a given frame, the human body is segmented first in the depth image. Then, a graph representation of the body is built in which the geodesic paths are computed from the reference point. The dense optical flow vectors on the corresponding RGB image are used to reduce ambiguities of the geodesic paths’ connectivity, allowing to eliminate false edges interconnecting different body parts. Finally, as the result, exact coordinates of both hands are obtained without involving costly learning procedures. 5 Vitaliy Konovalov
What has Europe Taught Us about Banking Integration and Financial Stability

Financial theory advocates cross-border banking integration to lead to greater financial stability, as risks are spread around the world. The financial crisis has also shown us that in the integrated banking system the instability is easily propagated to otherwise healthy banking systems. This study is the first empirical examination of European cross-country relationship between banking integration and stability of the banking system. The study employs panel cointegration analysis to establish a highly significant negative impact of banking integration on financial stability in European countries.
A review of the studies on pteropods from the northern Indian Ocean region with a report on the pteropods of Irrawaddy continental shelf off Myanmar (Burma)

Ever since the Challenger Expedition the Indian Ocean pteropods have been recognized as important constituents of biogenic flux. Initially they were of interest only to biologists or the fishery departments and their distribution was studied only in plankton tow samples. Over the past three decades micropalaeontologists have paid attention to investigate pteropods from water and sediment samples to understand their distribution and ecological significance. Since then substantial work has been reported in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, northern Arabian Sea, along west coast of India and around the Andaman Nicobar Archipelago. Work has neither been attempted in the Bay of Bengal nor in the northern Andaman Sea. These aragonitic microfossils have proved to be reliable indicators of bathymetry, productivity, upwelling, current circulation, intensity of Aragonite Compensation Depths, Oxygen Minimum Zone and monsoons, thus very useful in palaeoclimatic reconstructions. Works on its counterparts such as foraminifers and ostracods have been reviewed earlier and this is the first time a review of the pteropod studies in the northern Indian Ocean is being attempted, in view of the vast data generated in this region. The pteropod assemblages from two cores collected on the Irrawaddy continental shelf, in the northern Andaman Sea is also reported for the first time. The downcore distribution of pteropods suggests that no significant sea level change has occurred over the past ~1280 Cal yrs.
Durable resistance in wheat

Several rust resistance genes have been identified and used in breeding for resistance but new variants of the pathogen (referred to as races) overcome the resistance over a period of time. Most plant breeders and pathologists now advocate durable resistance to rusts based on multiple genes as best source of resistance as breeding for this type of resistance tends to produce long-lasting solutions. Wheat breeders are now increasingly focusing on the identification and incorporation of race non-specific resistance genes that may provide only partial resistance but when used in combination with other genes can condition highly effective resistance. Molecular markers are becoming available for many genes and their use in marker-assisted selection will certainly have a remarkable impact in practical breeding. Key word: Durable resistance, molecular markers, wheat, pathogen, Lr34 gene
Simplification and Optimization of Visual Tracking Convolutional Neural Networks Parameters

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which has achieved great success in traditional computer vision tasks such as image classification, object detection, scene segmentation, etc. has also gained great success in fields of visual tracking. However, the algorithm based on CNN is both computation and memory intensive, which makes it hard to deploy it on various systems, especially for embedded system. In this paper, we choose the champion of VOT 2015 challenge which is multi-domain convolutional neural network for visual tracking (MDNet) as our algorithm prototype. We eliminate the zero value and even more non-zero intermediate values in the process of algorithm to reduce both computation and memory resources. While the threshold of non-zero values is not easily determined, we experiment some thresholds and give the result of compression ratio and tracking accuracy to find the relationship between thresholds and tracking accuracy. Finally we achieve some relationship such as nearly 50% compression ratio with 2.3% area-under-the-curve (AUC) loss and analyze the reason of the case in which algorithm is failed.
Temperature and pH Characteristics of Amylase and Lipase at Different Developmental Stages of Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens Regan, 1910)

Temperature (20-80°C) and pH (2-12) profiles of amylase and lipase at three stages (10-dayold, 1.5-month-old and 3-month-old) in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens Regan, 1910) were studied. At least nine amylase activities were observed during development: pH 7 at 40°C, pH 9 at 30°C and 50° C, pH 8 and pH 11 at 50°C in females and pH 8 and pH 11 at 40°C and 60°C in males. At the younger stage (≤ 1.5 month old), activity at pH 7 and 40°C, and at pH 9 and 30°C and 50°C was observed. At the older stage (≥ 1.5 month old), amylase activity at pH 8 and pH 11 in the temperature range of 40-60°C was found. Lipase had at least five levels of activity: pH 7 at 20°C and 40°C, pH 8 at 20-40°C and 60°C, and at pH 11, where the activity peak disappeared in the maturing stage (3 month old) in both sexes. Amylase had very low specific activity at the 10-day-old stage, while lipase had a high specific activity, similar to older stages. The most suitable pH to determine amylase and lipase activity in Siamese fighting fish was pH 8, whereas a temperature of 50°C was appropriate for amylase and 40°C was suitable for lipase, regardless of sex and age. This information is a prerequisite for future studies of the in vitro
Improving Data Integrity in Communication Systems by Designing a New Security Hash Algorithm

The objective of this paper is to design a new secure hash algorithm with final hash code length 512 bits. The proposed hash code algorithm based on the combination of SHA-256 algorithm -with modification in its message expansion- and MD5algorithm based on double-Davis-Mayer scheme to reduce the weakness existing in these functions.In this paper; we modified message expansion for SHA-256 in the proposed algorithm . By using MATLAB, The proposed algorithm has been simulated. And hash code for different messages is obtained using MD5, SHA-256, combination of MD5 and SHA-256 with final hash code length 265 bits algorithms and the proposed algorithm . Hash code of the proposed algorithm is different from hash code obtained by MD5, SHA-256 and combination of MD5 and SHA-256 with final hash code length 256 bits algorithms for the same messages. Avalanche test, with one bit difference and more than one bit difference, is applied toSHA-256, combination of MD5 and SHA-256 with final hash code length 256 bits and the proposed algorithm . The proposed algorithm passed avalanche test with higher probability than SHA-256 and combination of MD5 and SHA-256 with final hash code length 256 bit algorithms . The proposed algorithm is more complicated and more secure.
Psychological aspects of price: An empirical test of order and range effects

This study tested the effects of price order, price range and number of price points on the average price respondents are willing to pay for selected fmcg and durable products. For each product category (fmcg, household appliances), three factors were tested: order of prices (ascending, descending, random); number of price points (3, 4 or 5); and price range (large: anchor + 100%; small: anchor + 50%). Respondents were presented with price lists based on the 18 possible combinations of factors and levels and, from each list, were asked to select the price that they would be willing to pay for the specified product. Separate regression models were computed for the fmcgs and household appliances to examine the relative contributions of the elements. A notable finding was that, for both sets of products, the models accounted for only about 10% of the variation. For fmcgs, the highest price was obtained by presenting the prices in descending order, using a wide price range, and four price points. For the household appliances, the highest price was obtained using a wide price range and five price points; order was unimportant. While these results demonstrate both range and order pricing effects, further research is required to identify boundary conditions.
Phylogeographic analysis detects congruent biogeographic patterns between a woodland agamid and Australian wet tropics taxa despite disparate evolutionary trajectories

Aim To test the congruence of phylogeographic patterns and processes between a woodland agamid lizard (Diporiphora australis) and well‐studied Australian wet tropics fauna. Specifically, to determine whether the biogeographic history of D. australis is more consistent with a history of vicariance, which is common in wet tropics fauna, or with a history of dispersal with expansion, which would be expected for species occupying woodland habitats that expanded with the increasingly drier conditions in eastern Australia during the Miocene–Pleistocene.
Corporate Taxation and Exports: Evidence from Italian Firm-Level Data

This paper analyses the relationship between corporate taxes and exports of Italian firms. We use an integrated dataset for the manufacturing industry combining, for the period 2004-2006, survey data on enterprises and company accounts to analyse firms' export participation. Our results suggest that export propensity as well as export intensity are positively associated with corporate taxation. This finding can be traced out to greater ability of exporting firms to transfer the tax-induced costs on international markets, compared to domestic firms. The methodology used to calculate the average and the marginal corporate tax rates allows deriving firm-specific effective corporate tax rates.
Characterization of wild genotypes of Aroeira: Subsidy for plant breeding

The selection of genetically superior materials of different forest species with economic potential involves studies of germplasm characterization. Facing the exploitation of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.) in areas of natural occurrence the genetic and chemical characterization of individuals is extremely important to suit the selection. The work was carried out to identify genetic and chemical differences in individuals of aroeira located in different forest fragments. The genetic polymorphism was accessed using 19 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers and the fragments generated were used to evaluate the Nei's gene diversity, percentage of polymorphic loci, Shannon index, number of alleles observed and effective number of alleles. The fruits of all individuals were submitted to hydro distillation of essential oils. The oil chemistry composition was analyzed by Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/ME) and the averages of the compounds were compared by Scott-Knott (p<0.05). The correlations using genetic, geographic distances and chemical composition were analyzed by the Mantel test. There are considerable levels of genetic and chemistry variability among the individuals studied, which allows markers assisted selection aiming to identify potential genitors for use in plant breeding. Key words: Aroeira, genetic polymorphism, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), poivre-rouge, volatile chemicals.
Results from the OSQAR photon-regeneration experiment: No light shining through a wall

A new method to amplify the photon-axion conversions in a magnetic field is proposed using a buffer gas at a specific pressure in a photon-regeneration experiment. As a first result, new bounds for mass and coupling constant for laboratory experiments aiming to detect any hypothetical scalars and pseudoscalars, which can couple to photons were obtained, excluding with 95% confidence level, the recently withdrawn PVLAS result.
Recent Progress in Synthesis of Plate-like ZnO and its Applications: A Review

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most versatile semiconductors, and one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanostructures have attracted significant interest for use in ultraviolet (UV) lasers, photochemical sensors, and photocatalysts, among other applications. It is known that 1D ZnO nanowires can be fabricated readily owing to the anisotropic growth of ZnO along the [0001] direction. However, this type of growth results in a decrease in the surface area of the (0001) plane, which plays a vital role not only in UV lasing but also in the photocatalytic process. Thus, we attempted to synthesize ZnO crystals with an increased polar surface area by controlling the crystal growth process. The purpose of this review is to propose a simple route for the synthesis of plate-like ZnO crystals with highly enhanced polar surfaces and to explore their feasibility for use in UV lasers as well as as a photocatalyst and antibacterial agent. In addition, we highlight the recent progress made in the pilot-scale synthesis of plate-like ZnO crystals for industrial applications.
Development of Growth Medium for Centella Asiatica Cell Culture Via Response Surface Methodology

The effects of sucrose, Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and 6-BenzylAminoPurine (BAP) concentrations on cell growth of Centella asiatica cell suspension culture were studied. The concentrations were designed using Central-composite experimental design and regression analysis was carried out to obtain response surface model describing cell growth for prediction of optimum conditions. Only sucrose as a single factor was positively significant for cell growth. Increasing sucrose concentration from 3.32 to 6.68% (w/v) resulted in an increase in dry cell weight from 16-27 g L-1. IAA and BAP as single factors and other possible interaction effect were insignificant. The optimum values predicted to be 6.68% (w/v) sucrose, 0.84 mg L-1 IAA and 1.17 mg L-1 BAP yielding 27.4 g L-1 dry cell weight with 81.4% regression equation fitness of the experimental data.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE INTER-RATER RELIABILITY OF THE ASHWORTH SCALES IN ASSESSMENT OF SPASTICITY

Ashworth and modified Ashworth scales are the most widely used tests to assess the severity of muscle spasticity. These clinical scales offer qualitative and subjective information and consequently there are issues concerning reliability when two or more clinicians are involved in assessment of spasticity. This article presents the result of a study assessing inter-rater reliability of the original and of the modified Ashworth scales for the assessment of elbow flexor muscle spasticity in patients with hemiplegia. Thirteen patients with hemiplegia (8 men and 5 women) participated in this study. Two physiotherapists rated the muscle tone of elbow flexors according to the original and to the modified Ashworth scales. Each patient was assessed during a single session in a supine position on a bed with the arms at the sides of the body. Movements were performed three times by each assessor. No discussion of the results between the assessors occurred during the course of the study to ensure they were blind to each others’ results. Kappa values for the original Ashworth and the modified Ashworth scales were 0.22 (SE 0.27, P = 0.43) and 0.24 (SE 0.23, P = 0.24), respectively. The modified Ashworth scale was slightly more reliable than was the original scale but this difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Inter-rater reliability of the original and of the modified Ashworth scales in the assessment of elbow flexor spasticity was poor and therefore these spasticity scales may not be valid.
Effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on complete blood count , lipid and glycemic profiles of patients with an indication for surgical coronary revascularization

Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the complete blood count, glycemic and lipid profiles in cardiopathic patients with indication for surgical revascularization. Material and Methods: this study evaluated 22 patients with chronic periodontitis, over 35 years of age (mean age 59.45 years) randomly assigned to 2 groups. The test group (n=11) received periodontal treatment before the surgical procedure and the control group (n=11) did not receive periodontal treatment prior to surgery. Results: periodontal treatment resulted in a significant reduction in probing depth in sites with periodontal probing depth >3 mm (reduction of 11.4%) and >5 mm (reduction of 6.3%) (P<0.05). The differences in clinical attachment level were not statistically significant between the groups (P>0.05). The values regarding to leukocyte count, glucose, hemocyte and hemoglobin did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05). Total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein presented a statistically significant reduction in the test group (P<0.05). Light density lipoprotein showed no statistically significant difference between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: non-surgical periodontal treatment was effective for controlling periodontal disease and diminished serum levels of total cholesterol and high density lipoproteins. The other blood components presented no significant alterations.
Edward Simpson: Bayes at Bletchley Park

Edward Simpson CB ceased being an active statistician in 1947, when he joined the Civil Service. But statistics owes him much. He is the Simpson of Simpson's index of diversity 1 and of Simpson's paradox 2 , the bizarre apparent contradiction which he published in 1951 and which has puzzled students of statistics ever since. Perhaps more importantly, for the world as well as for statistics, from 1942 to 1945 he was a code breaker at Bletchley Park, where Alan Turing and others broke enemy ciphers and the world's first modern computer was developed. Here Edward Simpson tells the hitherto unpublished story of the part that Bayesian statistics played in breaking two of the enemy ciphers.
Transverse Vibration Analysis of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Embedded in an Elastic Medium Using Bernoulli-Fourier Method

Based on the Timoshenko beam theory and Bernoulli-Fourier method, a single-elastic beam model is developed for transverse vibrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes under additional axial load, which includes the effects of the elastic medium around them. Explicit expressions are derived for the natural frequencies and transversal responses of simply supported single-walled carbon nanotubes. The influence of addition axial load and the properties of elastic medium on the vibrations are discussed. The results showed that the effects of addition axial load on the lower natural frequencies of single-walled carbon nanotubes are sensitive to the lower vibration modes and the stiff elastic medium. The lower natural frequencies depend on the axial load; they become smaller with increasing axial load and vary with the vibration modes. In addition, except for the first mode, the effects of the axial load on the stiff elastic medium are considerably greater than those on the flexible one. However, the constants of the elastic medium have little effect on the first mode. The critical axial buckling stress and strain for simply-supported single-walled carbon nanotubes are also obtained.
Optimization of silver for a 200 nm Fishnet grating fabricated by NIL

In this paper we show the fabrication of large area silver Fishnet gratings using Nanoimprint Lit hography (NIL). The dimensions are designed such that the response of the Fishnet is within the visible. One main problem for such materials is the silver quality and its degradation by oxidation. We report on the fabrication of silver structures and its manipulation of grain size using plasma processes to reduce silver oxide and to improve the stability of the samples on air. 1. I ntroduction Negative index materials (NIM) are characterized by designed structures that provide resonances for the electric and magnetic field such that negative refraction occurs [1]. A famous structure is the fishnet grating, which was shown to exhibit negative refraction [2], [3] and related structures fabricated using focus ion beam were recently shown to exhibit negative refraction within the visible regime [4]. It is of paramount importance to fabricate such structures with a fast and cost efficient technique suitable for industrial use. Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) is such a promising technology, where large areas can be nano-structured within a few seconds. Here, we show the fabrication of single layer Fishnet made of silver aiming at the visible regime. Further we show annealing steps to influence the grain size and to reduce the AgO which is formed after taking out the samples from the evaporation chamber. This approach improves the silver properties like conductivity and roughness. In addition a plasma process is performed to passivate the silver surface and to increases the stability of silver on air and therefore increasing the life time of a negative index response of a silver fishnet. 2. Fabrication of silver NIM structures using NIL