Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ISO 12006-2 and IFC - Prerequisites for Coordination of Standards for Classification and Interoperability

There are two major candidates for Core Ontologies for the construction and facilities management sector, the ISO 12006-2 Framework for classification of information, and the Industry Foundation Classes, IFC. ISO 12006-2 has been developed to harmonize different national and regional classification systems. It is applied world wide in the development of classification systems for everyday use in the construction industry. The IFCs are intended to enable effective infor¬mation sharing within the AEC/FM industry, but are still mainly at a prototype stage of development. The stan¬dards have similar objectives but show fundamental differences in semantics and structure. This work compares the standards and points out similarities and differences, firstly in order to understand their structure, and secondly to initiate a discussion about the need and the possibility to co-ordinate them. An integration of IFC with ISO 12006-2 would facilitate and speed up the application in everyday practise of object-based information management. According to the documentation, the starting point of IFC was to reject classification, and therefore integration with ISO 12006-2 would require a major shift of approach. Development of a common meta model, a generic domain model, and a coordinated domain framework are con-sidered necessary tasks.
Efficient online estimation of bursty wireless links

Rapidly changing link conditions make it difficult to accurately estimate the quality of wireless links and predict the fate of future transmissions. In particular bursty links pose a major challenge to online link estimation due to strong fluctuations in their transmission success rates at short time scales. Therefore, the prevalent approach in routing algorithms is to employ a long term link estimator that selects only consistently stable links — PRR > 90% — for packet transmissions. The use of bursty links is thus disregarded although these links provide considerable additional resources for the routing process. Based on significant empirical evidence of over 100,000 transmissions over each link in widely used 802.15. 4 and 802.11 testbeds, we propose two metrics, Expected Future Transmissions (EFT) and MAC3, for runtime estimation of bursty wireless links. We introduce the Bursty Link Estimator (BLE) that, based on these two metrics, accurately estimates bursty links in the network rendering them available for packet transmissions.
Upscaling Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Related Agroecosystems Services in Smallholder Farming Systems

Smallholder farming systems form unique ecosystems that can protect beneficial soil biota and form an important source of useful genetic resources. They are characterized by high level of agricultural diversity mainly focused on meeting farmers' needs. Unfortunately, these systems often experience poor crop production mainly associated with poor planning and resource scarcity. Soil fertility is among the primary challenges faced by smallholder farmers, which necessitate the need to come up with affordable and innovative ways of replenishing soils. One such way is the use of microbial symbionts such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a beneficial group of soil microbiota that form symbiotic associations with majority of cultivated crops and play a vital role in biological soil fertility, plant nutrition, and protection. AMF can be incorporated in smallholder farming systems to help better exploit chemical fertilizers inputs which are often unaffordable to many smallholder farmers. The present review highlights smallholder farming practices that could be innovatively redesigned to increase AMF symbiosis and related agroecosystem services. Indeed, the future of global food security depends on the success of smallholder farming systems, whose crop productivity depends on the services provided by well-functioning ecosystems, including soil fertility.
Influence of Acculturation Strategies on the Judgment of a Violent Act Committed by a North African Woman

The aim of this research was to examine how judgment of an aggressive act committed by a North African immigrant woman was influenced by the perpetrator’s acculturation strategies and the participants’ level of social dominance orientation (SDO). Two hundred seven students read a scenario describing a physical assault committed by a North African woman. She was described as having one of four acculturation profiles (assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization). The consequences of the assault were manipulated (low impact vs. high impact). Participants judged both the act and its perpetrator on different dimensions. When the aggressor had not adopted French culture and/or had maintained her original culture, the offense was explained by internal causes and was judged more severely, and the offender was judged more negatively and was perceived as having more masculine characteristics than in the other conditions. These results were particularly true for participants with a high level of SDO. SDO level also affected how participants rated the feminine characteristics of the offender. The acculturation strategy adopted by the aggressor as a factor not directly related to the act and SDO level played a crucial role in the way participants judged a North African woman carrying out a physical assault. The implications and issues of this study are discussed.
A short proof of Zheludev's theorem

We give a short proof of Zheludev's theorem that states the existence of precisely one eigenvalue in sufficiently distant spectral gaps of a Hill operator subject to certain short-range perturbations. As a by-product we simultaneously recover Rofe-Beketov's result about the finiteness of the number of eigenvalues in essential spectral gaps of the perturbed Hill operator. Our methods are operator theoretic in nature and extend to other one-dimensional systems such as perturbed periodic Dirac operators and weakly perturbed second order finite difference operators. We employ the trick of using a selfadjoint Birman-Schwinger operator (even in cases where the perturbation changes sign), a method that has already been successfully applied in different contexts and appears to have further potential in the study of point spectra in essential spectral gaps.
Dynamic Spike Thresholds during Synaptic Integration Preserve and Enhance Temporal Response Properties in the Avian Cochlear Nucleus

Neurons of the cochlear nuclei are anatomically and physiologically specialized to optimally encode temporal and spectral information about sound stimuli, in part for binaural auditory processing. The avian cochlear nucleus magnocellularis (NM) integrates excitatory eighth nerve inputs and depolarizing GABAergic inhibition such that temporal fidelity is enhanced across the synapse. The biophysical mechanisms of this depolarizing inhibition, and its role in temporal processing, are not fully understood. We used whole-cell electrophysiology and computational modeling to examine how subthreshold excitatory inputs are integrated and how depolarizing IPSPs affect spike thresholds and synaptic integration by chick NM neurons. We found that both depolarizing inhibition and subthreshold excitatory inputs cause voltage threshold accommodation, nonlinear temporal summation, and shunting. Inhibition caused such large changes in threshold that subthreshold excitatory inputs were followed by a refractory period. We hypothesize that these large shifts in threshold eliminate spikes to asynchronous inputs, providing a mechanism for the enhanced temporal fidelity seen across the eighth nerve/cochlear nucleus synapse. Thus, depolarizing inhibition and threshold shifting hone the temporal response properties of this system so as to enhance the temporal fidelity that is essential for auditory perception.
ISLAMIC FINANCE: A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

There is a great deal in Western Literature that focuses upon the major issues in the Islamic economic paradigm, such as, the prohibition of interest and the causes of the business cycle. There is much to be gained from utilizing also the empirical approach of Western economic literature. Rather than develop in isolation from Western literature, Islamic scholars would do well to exploit the wealth of supportive arguments found in Western Literature.
Nucleotide Sequence-Based Multitarget Identification

ABSTRACT MULTIGEN technology (T. Vinayagamoorthy, U.S. patent 6,197,510, March 2001) is a modification of conventional sequencing technology that generates a single electropherogram consisting of short nucleotide sequences from a mixture of known DNA targets. The target sequences may be present on the same or different nucleic acid molecules. For example, when two DNA targets are sequenced, the first and second sequencing primers are annealed to their respective target sequences, and then a polymerase causes chain extension by the addition of new deoxyribose nucleotides. Since the electrophoretic separation depends on the relative molecular weights of the truncated molecules, the molecular weight of the second sequencing primer was specifically designed to be higher than the combined molecular weight of the first sequencing primer plus the molecular weight of the largest truncated molecule generated from the first target sequence. Thus, the series of truncated molecules produced by the second sequencing primer will have higher molecular weights than those produced by the first sequencing primer. Hence, the truncated molecules produced by these two sequencing primers can be effectively separated in a single lane by standard gel electrophoresis in a single electropherogram without any overlapping of the nucleotide sequences. By using sequencing primers with progressively higher molecular weights, multiple short DNA sequences from a variety of targets can be determined simultaneously. We describe here the basic concept of MULTIGEN technology and three applications: detection of sexually transmitted pathogens (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum), detection of contaminants in meat samples (coliforms, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli O157:H7), and detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human N-acetyltransferase (NAT1) gene (S. Fronhoffs et al., Carcinogenesis 22:1405-1412, 2001).
Blind Nonlinear System Identification Under Gaussian And / Or I.I.D. Excitation Using Genetic Algorithms

The blind identification of a special class of nonlinear system is pursued in this paper. In particular a genetic algorithm is developed for blind identification of quadratic Volterra model excited by an unobservable input signal which can either be a stationary Gaussian process or an i.i. d process. This approach enables a nonlinear relationship between model kernels and output cumulants up to third order. Simulation results are presented to show good performance of this approach.
Definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells manifest distinct differentiation output in the zebrafish VDA and PBI

One unique feature of vertebrate definitive hematopoiesis is the ontogenic switching of hematopoietic stem cells from one anatomical compartment or niche to another. In mice, hematopoietic stem cells are believed to originate in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM), subsequently migrate to the fetal liver (FL) and finally colonize the bone marrow (BM). Yet, the differentiation potential of hematopoietic stem cells within early niches such as the AGM and FL remains incompletely defined. Here, we present in vivo analysis to delineate the differentiation potential of definitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the zebrafish AGM and FL analogies, namely the ventral wall of dorsal aorta (VDA) and the posterior blood island (PBI), respectively. Cell fate mapping and analysis of zebrafish runx1w84x and vlad tepes (vltm651) mutants revealed that HSPCs in the PBI gave rise to both erythroid and myeloid lineages. However, we surprisingly found that HSPCs in the VDA were not quiescent but were uniquely adapted to generate myeloid but not erythroid lineage cells. We further showed that such distinct differentiation output of HSPCs was, at least in part, ascribed to the different micro-environments present in these two niches. Our results highlight the importance of niche in shaping the differentiation output of developing HSPCs.
On the track of a Scottish impact structure: a detrital zircon and apatite provenance study of the Stac Fada Member and wider Stoer Group, NW Scotland

Abstract The Stac Fada Member of the Stoer Group, within the Torridonian succession of NW Scotland, is a melt-rich, impact-related deposit that has not been conclusively correlated with any known impact structure. However, a gravity low approximately 50 km east of the preserved Stac Fada Member outcrops has recently been proposed as the associated impact site. We investigate the location of the impact structure through a provenance study of detrital zircon and apatite in five samples from the Stoer Group. Our zircon U–Pb data are dominated by Archaean grains (> 2.5 Ga), consistent with earlier interpretations that the detritus was largely derived from local Lewisian Gneiss Complex, whereas the apatite data (the first for the Stoer Group) display a single major peak at c. 1.7 Ga, consistent with regional Laxfordian metamorphism. The almost complete absence of Archaean-aged apatite is best explained by later heating of the > 2.5 Ga Lewisian basement (the likely source region) above the closure temperature of the apatite U–Pb system (c. 375–450°C). The U–Pb age distributions for zircon and apatite show no significant variation with stratigraphic height. This may be interpreted as evidence that there was no major change in provenance during the course of deposition of the Stoer Group or, if there was any significant change, the different source regions were characterized by similar apatite and zircon U–Pb age populations. Consequently, the new data do not provide independent constraints on the location of the structure associated with the Stac Fada Member impact event.
Peridynamics for multiscale materials modeling

The paper presents an overview of peridynamics, a continuum theory that employs a nonlocal model of force interaction. Specifically, the stress/strain relationship of classical elasticity is replaced by an integral operator that sums internal forces separated by a finite distance. This integral operator is not a function of the deformation gradient, allowing for a more general notion of deformation than in classical elasticity that is well aligned with the kinematic assumptions of molecular dynamics. Peridynamics effectiveness has been demonstrated in several applications, including fracture and failure of composites, nanofiber networks, and polycrystal fracture. These suggest that peridynamics is a viable multiscale material model for length scales ranging from molecular dynamics to those of classical elasticity.
Understanding and coping with immigration detention: Social identity as cure and curse

Over 29,000 foreign nationals are detained yearly in British Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) for undefined periods. This study investigated the role played by social identities in the way detainees are affected by, make sense of, and deal with detention. An opportunity sample of 40 detainees were interviewed on topics including support, identity, and well-being, and data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. Participants struggled with loss of social networks, loss of rights, loss of agency and joining a stigmatised group. Social identities guided exchange of support, aided meaning-making, and mitigated distrust, serving as 'Social Cures'. However, shared identities could also be sources of burden, ostracism, and distress, serving as 'Social Curses'. Inability to maintain existing identities or create new ones fuelled feelings of isolation. Participants also reported rejection/avoidance of social identities to maximise their benefits. This study is the first to apply the Social Identity Approach to the experience of immigration detention.
The Contribution of Managed and Unmanaged Forests to Climate Change Mitigation—A Model Approach at Stand Level for the Main Tree Species in Bavaria

Forestry-based carbon sequestration projects demand a comprehensive quantification of the different climate change mitigation effects. In our study, we modeled a life cycle of managed pure stands consisting of the four main tree species in Bavaria (spruce, pine, beech and oak). For spruce and beech, an unmanaged stand was additionally integrated in order to analyze the differences in climate change mitigation effects compared to the managed stands. We developed a climate change mitigation model, where stand development and silvicultural treatments including harvested timber volumes were conducted using the tree growth model Silva 2.3. The harvested wood products (HWP), including their substitution effects were calculated with a subsequent model. For unmanaged beech forests, we compiled measured data from the literature, and Bavarian strict forest reserves for validating our model results. The results for the managed stands reveal that spruce provides the highest total climate change mitigation effects. After a simulation period of 180 years, one hectare leads to a mean mitigation benefit of 13.5 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1. In comparison, results for pine, beech and oak reveal lesser benefits with 10.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1, 9.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1 and 7.2 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1, respectively. However, these results assume current growing conditions. Considering climate change, it is very likely that spruce will not be suitable in several regions of Bavaria in the future. Furthermore, excessive disturbances could affect spruce more drastically than the other tree species. In that case, the order could change and beech could exceed spruce. Thus the results cannot be seen as a general recommendation to establish spruce stands in order to achieve optimal climate change mitigation benefits. Nevertheless, results for spruce illustrate that high increment and especially wood use in long-lived products is crucial for high climate change mitigation effects. Mitigation effects in unmanaged spruce and beech stands do not differ in the first decades from their managed counterparts, but are below them in the long term with a total climate change mitigation benefit of 8.0 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1 and 7.2 Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1, respectively. These differences are mainly caused by the missing substitution effects in the unmanaged stands. However, the precise dimensions of substitution effects still remain uncertain and the lack of data should be reduced via additional life cycle assessments for more products and product classes. However, neglecting substitution effects in climate change mitigation models leads to severe underestimations of the mitigation effects in managed forests.
A laboratory study of consumers' preferences and purchasing behavior with regards to software components

Component-based software development is widely regarded as a promising approach to improving productivity and quality. However, progress in component-based software development has been slower than expected. A possible explanation for this slow progress is that there are not enough software components that can satisfy users (consumers). From this perspective, the purpose of this paper is to increase our knowledge about consumers of software components and to understand what aspects of software components are likely to affect consumer behavior. Specifically, this paper seeks to establish links between objective features of software components and consumers' preferences and purchasing behavior.The pragmatic utility of using objective features as predictors of consumers' behavior in regard to software components can be high. Since these objective features are under the direct control of producers, by understanding the relationship between the objective features and consumer behavior, producers can more effectively develop software components adapted to consumers' needs. We conducted this research in an artificial environment using a system called SofTrade, which was built for the purpose of teaching and studying the design, production, marketing, and purchasing of software components. Our results suggest that objective features of software components can be effective predictors of consumers' preferences and purchasing behavior, and therefore may provide practical guidance to software component producers regarding how to develop more marketable software components.
'Neither a professional nor a friend': the liminal spaces of parents and volunteers in family support

Home-Start is a family support charity whose delivery model is a national and global example of how targeted volunteer support can benefit parents, carers and children experiencing difficult times, in both domestic and other spaces. Parenting support continues to be a key policy area for the current UK government and other policy-makers across the Global North. In this article we draw on qualitative findings from an ethnography of a Home-Start organisation in a city in the north of England. The theoretical framework of liminality, a space between social structures, allows for an appreciation of the ambiguous nature of supporting parents in the private domestic spaces, and the ways in which this support enables parents and families to move forward. The article has broader implications for global social care and social work practice, specifically demonstrating the importance of the relationships between parents and volunteers in the every day, and contributes to the literature on liminality.
Do emotions play an essential role in moral judgments?

Abstract The past few decades of moral psychology research have yielded empirical anomalies for rationalist theories of moral judgments. An increasing number of psychologists and philosophers argue that these anomalies are explained well by sentimentalism, the thesis that the presence of an emotion is necessary for the formation of a sincere moral judgment. The present review reveals that while emotions and moral judgments indeed often co-occur, there is scant evidence that emotions directly cause or constitute moral judgments. Research on disgust, anger, sympathy, and guilt indicates that people only reliably experience emotions when judging conduct that is relevant to the welfare of the self and valued others. Moreover, many recent studies have either failed to replicate or exposed crucial confounds in the most cited evidence in support of sentimentalism. Moral psychologists should jettison sentimentalism, and focus instead on how considerations of harm and welfare—the core concepts of rationalist theories— interact with empirical beliefs to shape moral judgments.