Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of distributed Positive Position Feedback Controllers

For automotive vibration control applications often decentralized approaches are useful because of a limited amount of space and readily available communication infrastructure like CAN, LIN and other established bus systems. In this contribution an idea for such a control system and meas-urements of a readily implemented system are presented. Results of the development of an em-bedded analogue controller for the distributed control system are shown. The embedded vibration controller consists of a microcontroller with a CAN interface, a signal conditioning unit for piezo-electric sensors, a tuneable analogue second order filter and a power amplifier for piezoelectric patch actuators. Experimental results of the manual and automated adjustment of the decentralized control nodes are shown.
Collaborative Control for Half-Centralized Open-End Winding Permanent-Magnet Linear Motor Drive Systems

Inthis article, a half-centralized open-winding primary permanent-magnet linear motor (HCOW-PPMLM) drives system is proposed, in which two independent voltage-source-inverters (VSIs) and one common VSI are required to supply two open-winding movers. Compared to the traditional open winding motor topology, the proposed topology requires less half-conductor switches, which can reduce the construction cost, system volume, system weight, operation and maintenance cost, and failure rate. To achieve high-performance operation, a collaborative control is proposed for the proposed topology. Based on the principle that minimizes maximum voltage of VSIs, the voltage distributor in the proposed collaborative control is designed to maximize the dc bus voltage utilization. The effectiveness of the proposed topology and the proposed collaborative control have been verified by experimental results. The proposed topology is also compared with conventional open-winding PPMLM topology by variable speed and load experiments.
The Journal of Toxicological Sciences

Developmental hypothyroidism as a model of autism spectrum disorders disrupts hippocampal neurogenesis through the adult stage. The present study investigated the ameliorating effect of postweaning exposure to antioxidant on the hypothyroidism-induced disruptive neurogenesis. Mated female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0 or 10 ppm 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) as an anti-thyroid agent in drinking water from gestational day 6 to postnatal day (PND) 21 on weaning. PTU-exposed male offspring were fed either basal diet, diet containing α-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) at 5,000 ppm or α-lipoic acid (ALA) at 1,000 ppm as an antioxidant from PND 21 to PND 77. PTU-exposure decreased DCX+ and NeuN+ granule cell lineage subpopulations, synaptic plasticity-related FOS+ granule cells, and hilar PVALB+ and GAD67+ GABAergic interneurons, increased hilar SST+ and CALB2+ interneurons, and upregulated Gria3, Otx2, and antioxidant enzyme genes in the dentate gyrus on PND 77. These results suggest disruption of neurogenesis remained in relation with increase of oxidative stress and compensatory responses to the disruption at the adult stage. AGIQ recovered expression of some antioxidant enzyme genes and was effective for restoration of NeuN+ postmitotic granule cells and PVALB+ and SST+ interneurons. In contrast, ALA was effective for restoration of all interneuron subpopulations, as well as postmitotic granule cells, and upregulated Grin2a that may play a role for the restoration. Both antioxidants recovered expression of Otx2 and AGIQ-alone recovered Gria3, suggesting a reversal of disruptive neurogenesis by compensatory responses. Thus, postweaning antioxidant exposure may be effective for ameliorating developmental hypothyroidism-induced disruptive neurogenesis by restoring the function of regulatory system.
Effect of Business Planning on Business Performance among Small and Medium Enterprises; A Case Study of Selected SMEs in Ghana

: Strategic planning has been found severally by a number of studies to be a necessary precursor of organizational performance and as such, the concept has become an important aspect of business management that is often resorted to in order to achieve sustainable growth. Nonetheless, while many scholars have demonstrated that strategic planning is a salient factor that contributes to business performance, others are of a contradictory view. Based on this backdrop, the study examined the effects of business planning on the performance of selected SMEs across three metropolises in Ghana. Among the specific aims of the investigation, the researcher set out to examine the relationship between business planning and the performance ofSMEs as well as assess the challenges of business planning among the SMEs. The study employed a purely quantitative approach in acquiring and processing the numerical data acquired from 150 SMEs sampled through a purposive sampling strategy. The principal findings of the study reveal that, although some considerable numbers of the surveyed SMEs (57.3%) are engaged in business planning processes, 50% of these businesses are unable to achieve their strategic business goals. The study also established a strong and positive relationship between strategic business planning and business performance although it identified that, a major challenge of business planning among the firms surveyed is access to credit.
Extending General Sentiment Lexicon to Specific Domains in (Semi-) Automatic Manner

This paper describes an approach to the construction of a sentiment analysis system that uses both automatic and manual processes. The system includes a domain-specific sentiment lexicon, modifier patterns and rules that are used to derive the sentiment values of sentences in new texts. The lexicon that includes single words (unigrams) is obtained in an automatic manner from the distribution of ratings for all words in the labelled training data. The sentiment values of phrases is derived from a list of modifier patterns, built/developed manually. These include a modifier and a focal element. The modifiers can be of different types, depending on whether the operation is intensification, downtoning or reversal. This approach was applied to texts on economics and finance in European Portuguese. In our view, this line of work deserves more attention in the community, as the system not only has reasonable performance, but also can provide understandable explanations to the user.
Impacts of Rapid Desiccation on Oxidative Status, Ultrastructure and Physiological Functions of Syzygium maire (Myrtaceae) Zygotic Embryos in Preparation for Cryopreservation

Syzygium maire is a highly threatened Myrtaceae tree species endemic to New Zealand. Due to its recalcitrant seed storage behaviour, cryopreservation is the only viable long-term ex situ conservation option for this species. This study investigated viability, oxidative stress, thermal properties, and ultrastructure of zygotic embryo axes (EAs) desiccated to various moisture contents (MC). Fresh EAs had a MC of c. 1.9 g/g with 100% viability but rapid desiccation to MC < 0.3 g/g significantly reduced viability and decreased the activities of the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, with a sevenfold increase in the production of protein carbonyls and lipid peroxides. Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis showed no thermal events in EAs desiccated to a MC of <0.2 g/g, indicating that all freezable water had been removed, but this was lethal to both EAs and enzymatic antioxidants. The ultrastructure of desiccated EAs showed signs of plasmolysis, while fully hydrated EAs exposed to cryogenic temperature had ultrastructural disintegration and membrane damage. The decline in enzymatic antioxidant activities and the increase in lipid peroxidation suggest that S. maire EA viability loss is due to oxidative stress rather than structural impacts.
Post-mitotic Prox1 expression controls the final specification of cortical VIP interneuron subtypes

Neuronal identity is controlled in multiple developmental steps by key transcription factors that determine the unique properties of a cell. During embryogenesis, the transcription factor Prox1 has been shown to regulate VIP interneuron migration, survival, and as a result, circuit integration. Here, we explore the role of Prox1 as a regulator of genetic programs that guide the final specification of VIP interneuron subtypes in early post-natal life. Using in-vitro electrophysiology we find that post-natal removal of Prox1 differentially affects the synaptic integration of VIP bipolar and multipolar subtypes. RNA sequencing reveals that one of the downstream targets of Prox1 is the postsynaptic protein Elfn1, a constitutive regulator of presynaptic release probability. Genetic, pharmacological and electrophysiological experiments demonstrate that knocking out Prox1 reduces Elfn1 function in VIP multipolar but not in bipolar cells. Thus, in addition to the activity-dependent and contextual processes that finalize developmental trajectories, genetic programs engaged by Prox1 control the differentiation and connectivity of VIP interneuron subtypes.
System thinking shaping innovation ecosystems

Abstract Over the last few decades, there has been a trend to build innovation platforms as enablers for groups of companies to jointly develop new products and services. As a result, the notion of co-innovation is getting wider acceptance. However, a critical issue that is still open, despite some efforts in this area, is the lack of tools and models that explain the synergies created in a co-innovation process. In this context, the present paper aims at discussing the advantages of applying a system thinking approach to understand the mechanisms associated with co-innovation processes. Finally, based on experimental results from a Portuguese co-innovation network, a discussion on the benefits, challenges and difficulties found are presented and discussed.
The Use of Mobile Technology in Lectures: Using an Audience Response System (Padlet) to Enhance the Student Learning Experience

This paper explores the usefulness of mobile technologies in the classroom, focusing on the Audience Response System of Padlet used during a specific module. Questionnaires (with both closed and open ended questions) were used to research how students engaged with this technology, particularly whether it encouraged greater participation as well as deep learning. Overall, the students had positive responses to Padlet as highlighted by the statistical findings. The comments in the open ended sections, though, noted that there are some issues with using such technology in classrooms. Importantly, it is worth noting that the technology should be embedded into the sessions within a variety of different methods in order to encourage deep learning.
Proteinase Inhibitors Not Controlled by Endogenous Serine Granzyme Activity in the Inflamed Lung Is

Numerous lung diseases, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), are characterized by the presence of activated alveolar CTL and NK cells. Since these cells produce granzymes, granzyme A and B levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) ﬂuids from 14 normal subjects and 12 patients with HP were measured by ELISA. Median (range) BAL granzyme A and B levels were 4 (0–37) and 0 (0–6) pg/ml in normal subjects. BAL granzyme levels were signiﬁcantly higher in HP patients, being at 74 (0–1889) and 10 (0–78) pg/ml for granzymes A and B, respectively. In vitro, neither of the three main serine protease inhibitors of the lung, namely a 1 -antitrypsin, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, and elaﬁn, showed any effect on granzyme A or B activity. In addition, granzyme A was shown to be fully active in BAL ﬂuids. Hence, these data show that granzyme activity may be poorly controlled by protease inhibitors in inﬂamed tissues. Thus, granzymes could contribute to tissue remodeling and inﬂammation characterizing HP. The Journal of Immunology, 2000, 165: 3966–3969. acid) (Ellman’s reagent). Ki- netic changes in absorbance were measured at 405 nm with a THERMO max mi-croplate reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA). ThesetwomethodsforgranzymeAandBactivitywerealsousedtodetermine thepresenceofactivegranzymeAandBconcentrationsintheBALﬂuidsamples.
Extending and Using a Sentiment Lexicon for Latin in a Linked Data Framework

In this paper we present the methodology followed to extend a Latin sentiment lexicon (called LatinAffec-tus), the process of inclusion of the lexicon in a knowledge base of interoperable linguistic resources for Latin and one use case performed on the treebank of Dante Alighieri’s Latin works annotated following the Universal Dependencies guidelines. In addition, we report on our first attempt at linking the polarity scores of SentiWordNet 3.0 to a manually revised version of Latin WordNet.
Comparative Study of the Current Processes used by Insurance Companies and application of Block Chain Technology on Business Performance in Kenya

: The insurance industry has been engaging in numerous processes which are characterized by the exchange of data updated by multiple parties, they have ramped up investments in their digital agenda to be at par with other industries. However, despite of such enormous investments, thousands of fraud cases have been reported and many more could have gone unreported on the same platforms intendedto increase efficiency. Blockchain, as a single source of truth, has the potential to increase transparency, efficiency and reduce the complexity of these processes. This research was carried outto comparethe current processes used by insurance companies and influence of block chain technology on business performance in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; To establish the procedures used by insurance companies in Kenya;to establish the challenges of the current processes used by insurance companies on business performance;to establish the level of awareness in insurance companies on block chain technology on their business performance and to establish the awareness of the benefits of block chain technology on business performance of insurance companies. The study was descriptive in nature, both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 16 companies out of the 52 insurance companies registered in Kenya, based on their domain of operation. The findings of the study were; there is no common procedures for all insurance companies in Kenya even those operating in the same domain;communication between clients and company, verification of payment details, misappropriation of clients’ premiums, missing records of payments, legal reporting systems are the key challenges facing receiving and making client’s payment; Lack of transparency between the parties involved in receiving payments, management misunderstanding, legal reporting systems fraudulent transaction, presentation of fictitious claims, provision of correct information/data, communication between the client and the company, misappropriation of clients’ payments, missing record of payment, verification of payment details are the risks involved in making payment to clients. Most organizations are aware of block chain but have not implemented it in their processes. The following were identified as the key benefits insurance companies can enjoy by adopting block chain technology; reduce fraud; fasten claim settlements;increase transparency among parties;increase data security and integrity; increased speed of digitization and reduce back end tasks. There is need for policy guideline on operations of insurance companies. The study recommends further research to be done on challenges that insurance companies face in adopting block chain technology.
Synchronisation mechanism and interfaces design of multi-FPGA-based real-time simulator for microgrids

Real-time simulation of a microgrid involving massive high-frequency power electronic converters, various distributed generators and energy storage systems is computationally demanding. Due to the prominent computing resources and high speed communication, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) can be used together to realise the real-time simulation of a microgrid. For a complete multi-FPGA-based real-time simulator, interfaces are essential to communicate with each other and with different types of apparatus. The internal interfaces between FPGAs make it possible to operate in parallel, sharing the computational burden. External interfaces between an FPGA and physical devices contribute to the implementation of hardware-in-the-loop simulation. In this study, interfacing techniques including multi-FPGA system topology determination, time-step synchronisation mechanism and precise communication are proposed in detail. An analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue interface is designed to facilitate physical connections to external devices. A modified microgrid benchmark with photovoltaics and a battery is simulated with a time-step of 3 μs on a 4-FPGA-based real-time simulator. Simulation results are compared with PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the interface design.
Fitness, Reproductive Success and Functions

The notion of fitness has traditionally played two roles in evolutionary biology: As an ecological descriptor and as a mathematical predictor (Sober [2001]). The orthodox notion of fitness fails to account for the role of the notion as an ecological descriptor. The propensity interpretation of fitness (PIF) aims at explaining the reproductive success of organisms by relying on the notion of disposition. If successful, it can account for the organism-environment relation through the stimulus conditions for the disposition to reproduce successfully, hence fulfilling the role of ecological descriptor. In this paper I will show that the PIF fails to do so. In order to fulfill the role of ecological descriptor, a new approach is needed.
La contaminación fecal en cenotes de interés turístico y recreacional del estado de Yucatán

RESUMEN La exposicion recreacional a aguas contaminadas con materia fecal o de otra indole es un problema de salud publica. La contaminacion fecal se determina a traves de la presencia de coliformes totales y fecales. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar cuan generalizada esta la contaminacion fecal en los cenotes de interes turistico y recreacional en el estado de Yucatan. Se tomaron muestras de agua de 48 cenotes con potencial turistico promocionados en la red. Las muestras fueron sometidas a un ensayo enzimatico comercial, Colitag ® con un limite de deteccion de una Unidad Formadora de Colonia por cada 100 mL de muestra. Todos los cenotes presentaron contaminacion fecal. Si las politicas gubernamentales contemplan el uso de cenotes como centros turistico-recreacionales, estos programas deberian venir acompanados de una politica de saneamiento, los cenotes no son piscinas y no deben ser usados como tal, sin sistemas de saneamiento adaptados a la ecologia del carst.
High-temperature GaN/SiC heterojunction bipolar transistor with high gain

A new high temperature heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) with a current gain as high as 100,000 has been fabricated. This HBT utilizes GaN for the emitter and SiC for the base and collector. The devices exhibit near ideal current-voltage characteristics, as demonstrated by their high current gain along with the absence of any observable Early effect, with the exception of high leakage currents at voltages above 10 V. High temperature operation has been demonstrated up to 260/spl deg/C with minimal degradation in output, except for an increase in leakage currents. <<ETX>>
A franchise-szervezetek értelmezésea tulajdonosi jogok elmélete és az ügynökelmélet keretében

A tanulmany a franchise-szervezetek belső strukturajat tanulmanyozza vallalatelmeleti megkozelitesben. A tulajdonosi jogok elmelete es az ugynokelmelet kereteben – az irodalom alapjan – foglalja ossze az azon kerdesekre adhato valaszokat, hogy mi hatarozza meg a vallalati tulajdonu es a franchise formaban műkodő egysegek egymashoz viszonyitott aranyat (a dualis iranyitast), a franchise-dijak merteket, valamint a szerződesbe foglalt kikoteseket. A ket elmelet elterő szemszogből kozeliti meg ugyanazt a kerdeskort, igy egymas kiegeszitesenek tekinthetők. A tulajdonosi jogok elmeleteben a nem kezzelfoghato tudaseszkozok ket fel kozotti megoszlasanak van meghatarozo szerepe a fenti tenyezők alakulasaban, mig az ugynokelmeleti megkozelites eseten az ellenőrzesi koltsegek lenyegesek. A tanulmany roviden osszefoglalja az ezekre iranyulo empirikus munkakat is.
Design and Optimization of Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power Microgrid with Energy Storage Station Service

: This study aims to symmetrically improve the economy and environmental protection of combined cooling, heating and power microgrid. Hence, the characteristics of conﬁguration ways of energy storage devices in traditional combined cooling, heating and power systems are analyzed, and a scheme for the operator to establish an energy storage station is designed. An improved aquila optimizer for the optimal conﬁguration of the system is proposed to symmetrically enhance the economic and environmental protection performance. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is veriﬁed through experiments in three different places. The results show that the economic cost and exhaust emission of the system with energy storage station are reduced to varying degrees compared with the system with energy storage equipment alone and the system without energy storage equipment based on symmetry concept. Especially in Place 1, the scheme with energy storage station in the system can reduce the electric energy purchased from power grid by 43.29% and 61.09%, respectively, compared with other schemes. This study is conducive to promoting the development of clean energy, alleviating the energy crisis, reducing the power supply pressure of power grid, and improving the proﬁts of operators by symmetrically considering the economic and environmental performance of the system.
Sentiment Analysis meets Linguistic Linked Data: An overview of the State of the Art

Sentiment Analysis has received plenty of attention from both industry and academia because its application can reveal new insights from social interactions. The wide range of final users of these services includes public services, businesses, and individuals. Linked data technologies provide an effective and seamless way for integrating services and interlinking language resources. This paper provides an introduction to the main approaches, applications, and datasets.