Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling sustainability transitions on complex networks

There has been renewed interest in sociotechnical systems in the context of transitioning to a more sustainable society. While gains have been made in the qualitative understanding of sustainable transitions and sociotechnical systems, these approaches have not been well-operationalized. Given the importance of meeting future energy and environmental policy targets, there is need to develop predictive techniques and more robust methods to quantify and analyze sociotechnical systems undergoing rapid change and uncertainty due to sustainability pressures. Sustainability transitions depend on large-scale diffusion of technological and behavioral innovations on physical and virtual networked systems. Transitions can therefore be viewed as a subclass of diffusion phenomenon and subject to a range of mathematical and computational methods. We review, categorize, and critically assess methodological and theoretical approaches that integrate different aspects of sustainability, innovation, and complexity. We argue that these approaches should be adapted to improve our understanding of the behavior and dynamics of a broad range of sociotechnical systems to meet sustainability objectives. We therefore also make the conceptual link between complexity and sustainability as complimentary fields of research to inform policy and decision making to achieve more sustainable outcomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 8-22, 2014
Stromal hedgehog signaling maintains smooth muscle and hampers micro-invasive prostate cancer

ABSTRACT It is widely appreciated that reactive stroma or carcinoma-associated fibroblasts can influence epithelial tumor progression. In prostate cancer (PCa), the second most common male malignancy worldwide, the amount of reactive stroma is variable and has predictive value for tumor recurrence. By analyzing human PCa protein and RNA expression databases, we found smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are decreased in advanced tumors, whereas fibroblasts are maintained. In three mouse models of PCa, PB-MYC, ERG/PTEN and TRAMP, we found the composition of the stroma is distinct. SMCs are greatly depleted in advanced PB-MYC tumors and locally reduced in ERG/PTEN prostates, whereas in TRAMP tumors the SMC layers are increased. In addition, interductal fibroblast-like cells expand in PB-MYC and ERG/PTEN tumors, whereas in TRAMP PCa they expand little and stromal cells invade into intraductal adenomas. Fate mapping of SMCs showed that in PB-MYC tumors the cells are depleted, whereas they expand in TRAMP tumors and interestingly contribute to the stromal cells in intraductal adenomas. Hedgehog (HH) ligands secreted by epithelial cells are known to regulate prostate mesenchyme expansion differentially during development and regeneration. Any possible role of HH signaling in stromal cells during PCa progression is poorly understood. We found that HH signaling is high in SMCs and fibroblasts near tumor cells in all models, and epithelial Shh expression is decreased whereas Ihh and Dhh are increased. In human primary PCa, expression of IHH is the highest of the three HH genes, and elevated HH signaling correlates with high stromal gene expression. Moreover, increasing HH signaling in the stroma of PB-MYC PCa resulted in more intact SMC layers and decreased tumor progression (micro-invasive carcinoma). Thus, we propose HH signaling restrains tumor progression by maintaining the smooth muscle and preventing invasion by tumor cells. Our studies highlight the importance of understanding how HH signaling and stromal composition impact on PCa to optimize drug treatments. Summary: New insights are provided into the role of hedgehog signaling in maintaining prostate smooth muscle and place hedgehog as a candidate pathway of therapeutic value for treating individuals with prostate cancer.
Like Godfather, Like Son: Exploring the Intergenerational Nature of Crime

Sons (daughters) with criminal fathers have 2.06 (2.66) times higher odds of having a criminal conviction than those with noncriminal fathers. One additional paternal sentence increases sons’ (daughters’) convictions by 32 (53) percent. Compared to traditional labor market measures, the intergenerational transmission of crime is lower than that for high school completion but higher than that for poverty. At the intensive margin, the intergenerational crime relationship is as strong as those for earnings and years of schooling. Parental human capital and parental behaviors can account for 60–80 percent of the intergenerational crime relationship. Paternal role-modeling also matters.
Status of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry ; accomplishments and 3 challenges in breath analysis and other areas

18 This “Perspective” reflects our observations of recent accomplishments made using SIFT19 MS. Only brief descriptions are given of SIFT-MS as an analytical method and of the recent 20 extensions to the underpinning analytical ion chemistry required to realise more robust 21 analyses. The challenge of breath analysis is given special attention because, when achieved, 22 it renders analysis of other air media relatively straightforward. Brief overviews are given of 23 recent SIFT-MS breath analyses by leading research groups, noting the desirability of 24 detection and quantification of single volatile biomarkers rather than reliance on statistical 25 analyses, for breath analysis is to be accepted into clinical practice. A “SWOT” analysis of 26 SIFT-MS is made which should increase its utility for trace gas analysis. 27
Development of a dynamic simulator for a compliant humanoid robot based on a symbolic multibody approach

This paper reports on development of an open source dynamic simulator for the Compliant huMANoid robot, COMAN. The key advantages of this simulator are: it generates efficient symbolic dynamical equations of the robot with high degrees of freedom, it includes a user-defined model of the actuator dynamics (the passive elasticity and the DC motor equations), user defined ground models and fall detection. Users have the freedom to choose the proposed features or include their own models. The models are generated in Matlab and C languages, where the user can leverage the power of Matlab and Simulink to carry out analysis to parameter variations or optimization and also have the flexibility of C language for realtime experiments on a DSP or FPGA chip. The simulation and experimental results of the robot as well as an optimization example to tune the ground model coefficients are presented. This simulator can be downloaded from the IIT website [1].
I Like It, but I'm Not Sure Why: Can Evaluative Conditioning Occur without Conscious Awareness?

There is good evidence that, in general, autonomic conditioning in humans occurs only when subjects can verbalize the contingencies of conditioning. However, one form of conditioning, evaluative conditioning (EC), seems exceptional in that a growing body of evidence suggests that it can occur without conscious contingency awareness. As such, EC offers a unique insight into what role contingency awareness might play in associative learning. Despite this evidence, there are reasons to doubt that evaluative conditioning can occur without conscious awareness. This paper aims to critically review the EC literature and to draw some parallels to what is known about autonomic conditioning. In doing so, some important general issues about measuring contingency awareness are raised. These issues are illustrated with a brief report of an experiment in which a sensitive measure of contingency awareness is compared against a commonly used measure.
Dynamic power management - design techniques and CAD tools

From the Publisher: Dynamic Power Management: Design Techniques and CAD Tools addresses design techniques and computer-aided design solutions for power management. Different approaches are presented and organized in an order related to their applicability to control-units, macro-blocks, digital circuits and electronic systems, respectively. All approaches are based on the principle of exploiting idleness of circuits, systems, or portions thereof. They involve both detection of idleness conditions and the freezing of power-consuming activities in the idle components. Dynamic Power Management: Design Techniques and CAD Tools is of interest to researchers and developers of computer-aided design tools for integrated circuits and systems, as well as to system designers.
Machining of NiTi-shape memory alloys-A review

ABSTRACT The emerging trends in the development of advanced smart materials with better unique properties under different environments for a particular application fascinate the researchers and industrialists. Nickel-Titanium based shape memory alloys are exotic materials due to their unique properties such as SME, SE, high damping characteristics, high corrosion and wear resistance and biocompatibility. This article presents an overview of machining processes that can be used to machine the NiTi and its surface induced characteristics such as microhardness, surface roughness, topography, induced layer, residual stress, fatigue and phase transformation. The surface integrity characteristics are discussed for machining of NiTi-SMAs under the category of traditional, non-traditional and micro-machining with the effect of input parameters such as cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, type of lubricant and type of coating material on cutting tool. The conventional machining of NiTi alloys are quite complicated due to high toughness, severe strain hardening, fatigue hardening and distinctive property of NiTi-SMAs such as pseudoelastic and shape memory effect. From this study, non-traditional process is significantly used to machine the NiTi-SMAs due to its better results on surface integrity characteristics. Consequently, future trends are also identified for machining the NiTi-SMAs and to improve the surface integrity characteristics.
Forensic Potential of Atomic Force Microscopy with Special Focus on Age Determination of Bloodstains

An important aspect of any crime scene investigation is to detect, secure and analyze trace evidence. In forensic examinations where topographic characterization is important like in fingermark, textile and document forgery examinations, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging technique can be of value. However, it is the force spectroscopy that could make AFM a versatile tool in crime investigations. Particularly, the ability to measure changes in mechanical properties of forensic trace material over time makes this technology in potential interesting for forensic examinations. The usefulness of force measure- ments to evaluate the elasticity of red blood cells (RBCs) in relation to the age of a bloodstain is an interesting example. With minimally invasive AFM technology, time- dependent alterations in the viscoelasticity of RBCs that occur during the aging of bloodstains can be featured. A discrimination between traces left by the perpetrator and other persons that have been present at the crime scene will thus be enabled. A recently obtained proof-of-concept demonstrating the usefulness of AFM for age estimation of bloodstains will be described. Additionally, the usefulness of AFM imaging and force spectroscopy for human hair, document forgery, textile fiber, fingermark and gunshot and explosive residue examinations will be discussed.
T'ai chi for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives To summarise and critically evaluate the evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of t'ai chi as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Design Eleven databases were searched from their inception to July 2010. RCTs testing t'ai chi against any type of controls in human patients with OA localised in any joints that assessed any type of clinical outcome measures were considered. Two reviewers independently performed the selection of the studies, data abstraction and validations. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria. Results Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and most of them had significant methodological weaknesses. Six RCTs tested the effects of t'ai chi compared with that of an attention-control programme, a waiting list and routine care or self-help programmes in patients with OA in the knee. The meta-analysis suggested that t'ai chi has favourable effects on pain (n=256; standard mean difference (SMD), −0.79; 95% CI −1.19 to −0.39; p=0.0001; I2=55%), physical function (n=256; SMD, −0.86; 95% CI −1.20 to −0.52; p<0.00001; I2=38%) and joint stiffness (n=256; SMD, −0.53; 95% CI −0.99 to −0.08; p=0.02; I2=67%). Conclusion The results are encouraging and suggest that t'ai chi may be effective in controlling pain and improving physical function in patients with OA in the knee. However, owing to the small number of RCTs with a low risk of bias, the evidence that t'ai chi is effective in patients with OA is limited.
Usability studies of WWW sites: heuristic evaluation vs. laboratory testing

This paper describes the strengths and weaknesses of two usability assessment methods frequently applied to web sites. It uses case histories of WWW usability studies conducted by the authors to illustrate issues of special interest to designers of web sites. The discussion not only compares the two methods, but also discusses how an effective usability process can combine them, applying the methods at different times during site development. PREREQUISITES FOR ASSESSING WEB SITE USABILITY The two methods discussed in this paper for assessing the usability of web sites both require the usability specialist to have three vital pieces of background information: the purpose of the web site; profiles of its intended users; and typical scenarios for users accessing the site. These elements are equally important in evaluating the usability of any product or service, but here is how they apply especially to Web site evaluation. • When discussing the purpose of a web site, it’s helpful to consider three categories. Web sites that supply descriptions of companies (or other organizations) and their products, services, informational offerings, or events can be described as informational sites. Web sites that provide explicit links to extensive databases are called search sites. Web sites that behave like products, where users perform other tasks in addition to reading or retrieving information, are referred to as transactional sites. Multi-purpose sites blur these boundaries. • Unfortunately, the definition of user in our increasingly Web-centric environment is becoming more vague, because “anyone can access the site. ” However, we must keep in mind which site visitors are the most likely—or the most welcome—and focus usability efforts on those subgroups. • Finally, the scenario for accessing a web site might be a straightforward URL to a home page, or a more roundabout path through a link in search-engine results to a page deep in the bowels of a site. Evaluators should keep in mind that any web page might be the user’s door to that web site. Although users may perform more complex tasks in transactional sites, the free-form nature of navigation in any type of web site makes ensuring (and measuring) success more complex in the Web environment. Home
Anatomically Consistent Segmentation of the Human Cortex for Functional MRI Visualization

We describe a system that is being used to segment gray matter from volumetric representations of the human cortex obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. The segmentation algorithm identi es gray matter voxels and computes their connectivity. The method di ers from existing schemes in that it exploits knowledge of the anatomy of human cortex and produces anatomically consistent segmentations. The method is based on a novel and computationally e cient technique of incorporating structural constraints into the segmentation algorithm. Because the gray matter segmentation is anatomically consistent, it can be used together with functional magnetic resonance imaging measurements to visualize the spatial pattern of cortical activity within the gray matter.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 is specifically involved in sweet taste transmission

Five fundamental taste qualities (sweet, bitter, salty, sour, umami) are sensed by dedicated taste cells (TCs) that relay quality information to gustatory nerve fibers. In peripheral taste signaling pathways, ATP has been identified as a functional neurotransmitter, but it remains to be determined how specificity of different taste qualities is maintained across synapses. Recent studies demonstrated that some gut peptides are released from taste buds by prolonged application of particular taste stimuli, suggesting their potential involvement in taste information coding. In this study, we focused on the function of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) in initial responses to taste stimulation. GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) null mice had reduced neural and behavioral responses specifically to sweet compounds compared to wild‐type (WT) mice. Some sweet responsive TCs expressed GLP‐1 and its receptors were expressed in gustatory neurons. GLP‐1 was released immediately from taste bud cells in response to sweet compounds but not to other taste stimuli. Intravenous administration of GLP‐1 elicited transient responses in a subset of sweet‐sensitive gustatory nerve fibers but did not affect other types of fibers, and this response was suppressed by pre‐administration of the GLP‐1R antagonist Exendin‐4(3‐39). Thus GLP‐1 may be involved in normal sweet taste signal transmission in mice. — Takai, S. , Yasumatsu, K. , Inoue, M. , Iwata, S. , Yoshida, R. , Shigemura, N. , Yanagawa, Y. , Drucker, D. J., Margolskee, R. F. , Ninomiya, Y. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 is specifically involved in sweet taste transmission. FASEB J. 29, 2268‐2280 (2015). www.fasebj. org
QoS-Aware Web Service Composition

With the increase of Web services popularity, due to its well established secure protocols, service providers are competing in the market with services that provide overlapping, if not similar, functionalities. To be attractive to consumers Web service providers must improve the quality of their services. When considering complex composite Web services, the selection of the most appropriate candidate for each service becomes a dicult task. Previous research suggests the use of integer programming to solve the selection problem. In this paper a hybrid approach using integer programming and case-based reasoning will be presented. The compositions will be globally optimized using integer programming and stored in a case-based reasoning repository for future use. A set of experiments will show that not only does the system perform better than traditional approaches, but it also has the ability to “learn” quality patterns and solve the composition problem based on those patterns.
Food Detection and Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Network

In this paper, we apply a convolutional neural network (CNN) to the tasks of detecting and recognizing food images. Because of the wide diversity of types of food, image recognition of food items is generally very difficult. However, deep learning has been shown recently to be a very powerful image recognition technique, and CNN is a state-of-the-art approach to deep learning. We applied CNN to the tasks of food detection and recognition through parameter optimization. We constructed a dataset of the most frequent food items in a publicly available food-logging system, and used it to evaluate recognition performance. CNN showed significantly higher accuracy than did traditional support-vector-machine-based methods with handcrafted features. In addition, we found that the convolution kernels show that color dominates the feature extraction process. For food image detection, CNN also showed significantly higher accuracy than a conventional method did.
Effect of Pre-Grafting Incubation and Grafted Cuttings Position on Grape Grafting Success

HIS EXPREMENTS was carried out during two successive . seasons 2015 and 2016 at the nursery of pomology department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo university, Egypt. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of two fators namely i.e, pre-grafting incubation and grafting materials position during callusing on grafting success of flame seedless grapes onto Salt Creek rootstock. Callusing was carried out in three positions i.e, horizontal, upright and upright down either with or without pre-grafting incubation. The results showed that either pre-grafting incubation or callusing at uprightposition increased significantly callus percent and degree, sucker number, rooting rate, bud break percent during callusing period and grafting success percent. The interaction, betweentreatments revealed thatcallusing at uprightpositionaccompanied with pregrafting incubation gave the best results in this respect. It can be concluded that callusing at uprightposition either with or without pregrafting incubation increased grafting success significantly compared to callusing at horizontal or upright down position.Chemically, higher grafting success is accompanied with lower phenols, reducing sugars and total indoles. It may be concluded that there is no antagonistic effect between root and callusformation in grafted cuttings. Also, upright position for incubation the grafted cuttings are better than pregrafted incubation in increasing grape grafted cuttings.
A dual-tree complex wavelet transform with improved orthogonality and symmetry properties

We present a new form of the dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DT CWT) with improved orthogonality and symmetry properties. Beyond level 1, the previous form used alternate odd-length and even-length bi-orthogonal filter pairs in the two halves of the dual-tree, whereas the new form employs a single design of even-length filter with asymmetric coefficients. These are similar to the Daubechies orthonormal filters, but designed with the additional constraint that the filter group delay should be approximately one quarter of the sample period. The filters in the two trees are just the time-reverse of each other, as are the analysis and reconstruction filters. This leads to a transform, which can use shorter filters, which is orthonormal beyond level 1, and in which the two trees are very closely matched and have a more symmetric sub-sampling structure, but which preserves the key DT CWT advantages of approximate shift-invariance and good directional selectivity in multiple dimensions.
A systematic approach to user interface design for hypertext systems

Proposes a systematic process for the design of user interfaces for hypertext systems, within the context of a general-purpose semantic framework for hypertext functionality. Although a number of guidelines exist to enhance the usability of interactive systems, there has been no systematic and comprehensive approach to the design of self-evident interfaces for hypertext systems. We believe that there is a strong need for such an approach to user interface design for hypertext systems that should also include the semantic types of the underlying objects. This will not only reduce functional opacity but also system opacity. We present examples from a screen prototype to illustrate our design methodology. <<ETX>>