Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trading system of environmental loads: Interregional cap and trade system using an ecological footprint

National lands are classifiable by their usage into source areas and sink areas. Urban areas are environmentally dependent on the land use of rural areas. The concept of environmental balance provides a key perspective. Urban and regional planning including land use planning based on that concept can address environmental problems comprehensively. In recent years, based on the concept of the environmental balance, Ujihara et al. proposed an interregional trading system of environmental loading using ecological footprint. The system is designed to conduct interregional trading based on urban and regional planning. By providing incentives, the system is anticipated as a mode of securing financial resources to promote measures for improvement of the environmental balance voluntarily. However, to consider introduction of the system specifically, it is necessary to examine whether the system provides a structure to improve the environmental balance from the perspective of securing financial resources for urban and regional planning. This study proposed a mechanism for securing financial resources based on an interregional cap and trade system using EF. The study explored future prospects of the system to examine effects on financial resources for urban and regional planning. Results of those analyses show that trading prices related with interregional cap and trade systems using EF are highly influential for financial resources intended for urban and regional planning. The case study demonstrated the possibility that implementation costs are covered by the trading price, even if large-scale measures that drastically reform the regional structure are implemented.
The Factors Affecting the Redemption of Credit Card Reward Points in Indonesia

Reward point is a form of customer loyalty program used by many credit card issuers in many countries, including Indonesia. This paper presents the result of a descriptive study that was conducted in an attempt to assess the Indonesian credit cards users’ level of awareness about the reward-point programs, and identify the factors affecting the redemption of reward points. The respondents of the study are the credit card users in two major cities in Indonesia in 2009. Snowball sampling technique is used to collect data from the users using questionnaire as a measurement tool. Of the 500 questionnaires distributed for this study, 276 usable questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 55%, which was considered satisfactory for subsequent analysis. The Chi-Square and logit regression analysis are used to analyze the data. Results show that 82.20% of the sample reported being either completely or partially aware of their credit cards’ point-reward program. Regarding the factors affecting the redemption of reward points, the study found that redemption rate is related to the awareness about reward point program, duration of credit card usage, average usage of credit cards, and the customers’ attitude toward incentives of reward point program.
The Work and Social Adjustment Scale: a simple measure of impairment in functioning.

BACKGROUND Patients' perspectives concerning impaired functioning provide important information. AIMS; To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). METHOD Data from two studies were analysed. Reliability analyses included internal scale consistency, test-retest and parallel forms. Convergent and criterion validities were examined with respect to disorder severity. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha measure of internal scale consistency ranged from 0.70 to 0.94. Test-retest correlation was 0.73. Interactive voice response administrations of the WSAS gave correlations of 0.81 and 0.86 with clinician interviews. Correlations of WSAS with severity of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms were 0.76 and 0.61, respectively. The scores were sensitive to patient differences in disorder severity and treatment-related change. CONCLUSIONS The WSAS is a simple, reliable and valid measure of impaired functioning. It is a sensitive and useful outcome measure offering the potential for readily interpretable comparisons across studies and disorders.
Automatic Processing of Duration in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit deficits in processing information about time. Most studies, however, have required participants to perform active tasks and consequently it is unclear if performance deficits are due to impaired processing of temporal information, attentional deficits, or to impairments at a later stage of decision-making. This study used mismatch negativity (MMN) to examine automatic processing of temporal information in children with ADHD. The sample consisted of 11 children with typical development (8 boys; mean age/SD = 9.3/0.6 years) and 12 with ADHD (10 boys; mean age/SD = 8.9/0.8 years). Using the MMN paradigm, responses to standards and four deviants (hard/easy frequency, hard/easy duration) were elicited during the same sequence. The children's ability to actively discriminate each deviant was also assessed. Both groups exhibited MMNs to all deviants suggesting successful automatic discrimination. Furthermore, amplitude and latency measures were roughly comparable across groups. No group differences were seen on the active discrimination task, but performance was worse for duration than for frequency deviants. These results suggest that children with ADHD are able to automatically process temporal information, so deficits reported in active discrimination paradigms are likely due to deficits in subjective perception or usage of temporal information. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–9)
Abnormal adherence junctions in the heart and reduced angiogenesis in transgenic mice overexpressing mutant type XIII collagen

Type XIII collagen is a type II transmembrane protein found at sites of cell adhesion. Transgenic mouse lines were generated by microinjection of a DNA construct directing the synthesis of truncated α1(XIII) chains. Shortened α1(XIII) chains were synthesized by fibroblasts from mutant mice, and the lack of intracellular accumulation in immunofluorescent staining of tissues suggested that the mutant molecules were expressed on the cell surface. Transgene expression led to fetal lethality in offspring from heterozygous mating with two distinct phenotypes. The early phenotype fetuses were aborted by day 10.5 of development due to a lack of fusion of the chorionic and allantoic membranes. The late phenotype fetuses were aborted by day 13.5 of development and displayed a weak heartbeat, defects of the adherence junctions in the heart with detachment of myofilaments and abnormal staining for the adherence junction component cadherin. Decreased microvessel formation was observed in certain regions of the fetus and the placenta. These results indicate that type XIII collagen has an important role in certain adhesive interactions that are necessary for normal development.
A case study assessment of the operational performance of a multiple fresh produce distribution centre in the UK

Purpose – The aim of this research is to evaluate the current operational status of fresh produce distribution centres in the UK and identify the nature and magnitude of the main logistical problems within them.Design/methodology/approach – A critical evaluation of space and time utilization efficiency has been achieved by studying on‐site operations in a multiple produce handling and short‐term storage facility in Kent, UK. The objective of this research was to measure operational performance of distribution centres for agricultural perishables in terms of through‐put and space utilization.Findings – The inefficient utilization of storage space within cold rooms has been identified and quantified accurately, whilst the quality control task has been recognized as the most time‐consuming task and a critical cause for hindering product flow.Practical implications – Despite their importance, distribution centres for fresh fruit and vegetables have received little attention in the distribution and performance.
Проблемы безопасности облачных вычислений. Анализ методов защиты облаков от cloud Security Alliance

Different types of existing cloud computing threats are considered in the article. Cloud elements attacks and their elimination solutions as well as the approbation of the solution concerning the protection from clouds security threats suggested by the company Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) are analyzed. Solutions concerning the protection from cloud computing security threats are presented.
Smart Grid Security: Threats, Vulnerabilities and Solutions

The traditional electrical power grid is currently evolving into the smart grid. Smart grid integrates the traditional electrical power grid with information and communication technologies (ICT). Such integration empowers the electrical utilities providers and consumers, improves the efficiency and the availability of the power system while constantly monitoring, controlling and managing the demands of customers. A smart grid is a huge complex network composed of millions of devices and entities connected with each other. Such a massive network comes with many security concerns and vulnerabilities. In this paper, we survey the latest on smart grid security. We highlight the complexity of the smart grid network and discuss the vulnerabilities specific to this huge heterogeneous network. We discuss then the challenges that exist in securing the smart grid network and how the current security solutions applied for IT networks are not sufficient to secure smart grid networks. We conclude by over viewing the current and needed security solutions for the smart gird.
Free Energy Calculations on the Binding of Colchicine and Its Derivatives with the α/β-Tubulin Isoforms

Tubulin is the target for numerous small molecule ligands which alter microtubule dynamics leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Many of these ligands are currently used clinically for the treatment of several types of cancer, and they bind to one of three distinct binding sites within beta-tubulin (paclitaxel, vinca, and colchicine), all of which have been identified crystallographically. Unfortunately, serious side effects always accompany chemotherapy since these drugs bind to tubulin indiscriminately, leading to the death of both cancerous and healthy cells. However, the existence and distribution of divergent tubulin isoforms provide a platform upon which we may build novel chemotherapeutic drugs that can differentiate between different cell types and therefore reduce undesirable side effects. We report results of computational analysis that aims at predicting differences between the binding energies of a family of colchicine derivatives against 10 human alpha/beta-tubulin isoforms. Free energy perturbation method has been used in our calculations and the results provide a proof of principle by indicating significant differences both among the derivatives and between tubulin isoforms.
Control of synchronization for multi-agent systems in acceleration motion with additional analysis of formation control

The synchronization control of multi-agent systems plays a significant role in military and civil applications. This paper investigates the acceleration motion of multi-agent systems unlike other synchronization protocols, we introduce the constant value into the protocol, which acts as the acceleration of the agents. Furthermore, we expand the acceleration protocol into the formation control protocol, by which the multi-agents can achieve the desired formations. Simulations are provided for both protocols, and additionally we adopt the Amigobots as our experiment environment to verify our theoretical results. Compared with the Matlab simulations, we conclude that, under the proposed protocols, the system goes to acceleration synchronization or desired formation with acceptable error.
OVERVIEW OF COMMON MOVEMENT DISORDERS

Movement disorders are a diverse group of hypokinetic and hyperkinetic neurologic diseases characterized by abnormal function of the basal ganglia. In this chapter, we will discuss the four most common diagnoses encountered in subspecialty movement disorders clinics: Parkinson disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and spasticity. The presentation and natural history of each of these disorders varies widely in terms of age of onset, anatomic distribution, and severity. We will review the demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, natural history, and management of these diseases. The medical and surgical management of Parkinson disease will be covered in the chapters "Update on the Medical Management of Parkinson Disease" and "Deep Brain Stimulation in Movement Disorders," respectively.
The Natural History of Human Papillomavirus Related Condyloma In a Multinational Cohort of Men

Background: Data on the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection progression to genital warts (GW) in men are sparse. We described the distribution of HPV types in incident GW and estimated GW incidence and time from type-specific incident HPV infections to GW detection in a multinational cohort of men ages 18-70. Methods: Participants included 2,487 men examined every 6 months and followed for a median of 17.9 months. Samples obtained from 112 incident GW were tested for HPV DNA by PCR. Genotyping tested for the presence of 37 HPV types. Findings: Incidence of GW was 2.35 per 1,000 person-years with the highest incidence rate observed among men ages 18-30 (3.43 per 1,000 person-years). HPV 6 (43.8%), 11 (10.7%), and 16 (9.8%) were the most common types detected in GW. The 24 month cumulative incidence of GW among men with incident HPV 6/11 infections was 14.6% (95% CI: 7.5-21.1). The median time to any GW detection was 17.1 months (95% CI: 12.4-19.3), with the shortest time to detection observed among men with incident infections with HPV 6/11 only (6.2 months; 95% CI: 5.6-24.2). Interpretation: HPV 6/11 plays an important role in GW development with the highest incidence and shortest time to GW development observed among men with incident HPV 6/11 infections. Funding: National Cancer Institute.
Network Structure and Evolvability of Innovation Ecosystems

This study examines how the inter-firm network structure of an innovation ecosystem may condition its evolvability. An innovation ecosystem is modeled as a directed network of firms connected by transactional relationships induced from technological interdependences. A tunable random network model is created to generate networks that can represent innovation ecosystems with varied degrees of embedded hierarchy. Then Kaufman NK model is used to generate the “performance landscapes” of such ecosystem-like networks. Simulation results show that hierarchy in ecosystem networks gives rise to landscape ruggedness, indicating higher likelihood for an innovation ecosystem to be locked in local optima and the difficulty to evolve further. Vice versa, less hierarchical ecosystem networks tend to be more evolvable. Such simulation results are applied to interpret the empirical knowledge of the differences in inter-firm network structures and evolvability of the automotive and electronics ecosystems. The new understa.
Wavelet transform analysis of chromatin texture changes during heat shock

Texture analysis can be a useful tool to investigate the organization of chromatin. Approaches based on multiscale analysis and in particular the ‘à trou’ wavelet analysis has already been used for microscopy (Olivo Marin). In order to analyse texture changes, the statistical properties of the wavelet coefficient images were summarized by the first four statistical orders: mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis of the coefficient image histogram. The ‘à trou’ transform provided a representation of the wavelet coefficients and texture parameters with the same statistical robustness throughout the scale spaces. It was applied for quantifying chromatin texture and heat‐induced chromatin changes in living cells. We investigated the changes by both laser scanning and spinning disk confocal microscopies and compared the texture parameters before and after increasing duration of heat shock exposure (15 min, 30 min and 1 h). Furthermore, as activation of the heat shock response also correlates with a rapid localization of HSF1 within a few nuclear structures termed nuclear stress bodies (nSBs), we compared the dynamics of nSBs formation with that of textural changes during 1 h of continuous heat shock. Next, we studied the recovery phase following a 1‐h heat shock. Significant differences were observed, particularly affecting the perinucleolar region, even for the shortest heat shock time affecting mostly the skewness and standard deviation. Furthermore, progressive changes could be observed according to the duration of heat shock, mostly affecting fine details (pixel‐wise changes) as revealed by the parameters, obtained from the first‐ and second‐order wavelet coefficients. ‘A trou’ wavelet texture analysis provided a sensitive and efficient tool to investigate minute changes of chromatin.
Self-organizing feature maps and hidden Markov models for machine-tool monitoring

Vibrations produced by the use of industrial machine tools can contain valuable information about the state of wear of tool cutting edges. However, extracting this information automatically is quite difficult. It has been observed that certain structures present in the vibration patterns are correlated with dullness. We present an approach to extracting features present in these structures using self-organizing feature maps (SOFMs). We have modified the SOFM algorithm in order to improve its generalization abilities and to allow it to better serve as a preprocessor for a hidden Markov model (HMM) classifier. We also discuss the challenge of determining which classes exist in the machining application and introduce an algorithm for automatic clustering of time-sequence patterns using the HMM. We show the success of this algorithm in finding clusters that are beneficial to the machine-monitoring application.
A Market Expansion Ability Approach to Identify Potential Exporters

The authors develop and apply a probabilistic model designed to identify currently nonexporting manufacturers with a relatively high potential for future exports. The proposed model includes a new predictive construct (market expansion ability), which incorporates the time dimension of firm behavior, in addition to more familiar attitudinal constructs such as perceived barriers to exporting. The model is demonstrated with a sample of 345 nonexporting manufacturers. Several evaluative tests, including a test of predictive validity with a sample of 43 current exporters, provide evidence of the model's ability to identify nonexporting manufacturers with export potential.
A fast retrieval algorithm for the earth mover's distance using EMD lower bounds and the priority queue

Earth Mover's Distance (EMD) is a distance measure between two distributions, and has been widely used in multimedia information retrieval systems, especially content-based image retrieval systems. When the EMD is applied to image problems based on color or texture, the EMD reflects the human perceptual similarities. Its computations, however, is too expensive to use in large-scale databases. In order to achieve the efficient computation of the EMD during query processing, we have developed “fastEMD”, a library for high-speed feature-based similarity retrievals in large databases. This paper introduces techniques that are used in the implementation of the fastEMD and demonstrates the efficiency in extensive experiments.
Multigrain Parallelism: Bridging Coarse-Grain Parallel Programs and Fine-Grain Event-Driven Multithreading

The overwhelming wealth of parallelism exposed by Extreme-scale computing is rekindling the interest for finegrain multithreading, particularly at the intranode level. Indeed, popular parallel programming models, such as OpenMP, are integrating fine-grain tasking in their newest standards. Yet, classical coarse-grain constructs are still largely preferred, as they are considered simpler to express parallelism. In this paper, we present a Multigrain Parallel Programming environment that allows programmers to use these well-known coarse-grain constructs to generate a fine-grain multithreaded application to be run on top of a fine-grain event-driven program execution model. Experimental results with four scientific benchmarks (Graph500, NAS Data Cube, NWChem-SCF, and ExMatEx's CoMD) show that fine-grain applications generated by and run on our environment are competitive and even outperform their OpenMP counterparts, especially for data-intensive workloads with irregular and dynamic parallelism, reaching speedups as high as 2.6x for Graph500 and 50x for NAS Data Cube.
An Empirical Analysis of Transparency-Related Characteristics of European and US Sovereign Bond Markets

We examine transparency-related characteristics of European and US sovereign bond markets and relate these to differences in primary issuance approaches and the design of the different trading platforms. We highlight the existence of a winner’s curse problem in the interaction between B2C and B2B segments of the market, and we provide evidence to analyze its prevalence. We examine the problems that can arise as the result of increasing the transparency of the B2B segment of the market and use the experience of the eSpeed platform in the US to obtain insights into these effects. Our analysis is directly relevant to the policy debate about whether to apply MiFID transparency requirements to the EU sovereign bond markets: our results suggest great caution in creating an extremely homogenous and transparent trading environment for sovereign bonds.
Development and validation of a numerical tool for simulating the surface temperature field and the infrared radiance rendering in an urban scene

A new simulator devoted to urban environment is presented. Its aims at generating the synthetic scene viewed by an infrared sensor after solving the direct heat transfer problem at the surface level. The software SOLENE (CERMA, Nantes) was coupled with two tools for realising this task: SUSHI (Simulation in Urban Scene of Heat dIffusion) and MOHICANS. SUSHI purpose is to compute the external surface temperature of a building based on a 1D or a 2D heat transfer model. The 2D model is used in specific parts of the walls for simulating the impact of the thermal bridges on the façade temperature. Then, MOHICANS yields the infrared at-sensor radiance taking account reflections and atmosphere radiative contributions. A joined ground and airborne experiment has been done to validate this simulator. The results of this validation are presented showing a good adequacy between simulated and measured values for both temperature and infrared radiance.
ERP Customization vs. Business Process Reengineering: Technical and Functional Perceptions

Information system failures and cost overruns have plagued organizations for decades. In order to take full advantage of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, implementations require drastic structural and cultural changes within the organization including business process reevaluation and reengineering. These changes are difficult to accomplish and organizations continue to struggle with change management of ERP systems. Stakeholder involvement and perceptions regarding the ERP system change over time. Understanding evolving perceptions may lead to improved long-term ERP system management and reduced costs. The purpose of this research is to gain dynamic insight into the software project management of pre-packaged enterprise-wide information systems (i.e. ERP). This study uses system dynamics modeling together with interviews of ERP project members to better understand the technical and functional perceptions regarding customization versus business process reengineering to satisfy functionality gaps.