Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Representation of illusory and physical rotations in human MST: A cortical site for the pinna illusion

Visual illusions have fascinated mankind since antiquity, as they provide a unique window to explore the constructive nature of human perception. The Pinna illusion is a striking example of rotation perception in the absence of real physical motion. Upon approaching or receding from the Pinna‐Brelstaff figure, the observer experiences vivid illusory counter rotation of the two rings in the figure. Although this phenomenon is well known as an example of integration from local cues to a global percept, the visual areas mediating the illusory rotary perception in the human brain have not yet been identified. In the current study we investigated which cortical area in the human brain initially mediates the Pinna illusion, using psychophysical tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of visual cortices V1, V2, V3, V3A, V4, and hMT+ of the dorsal and ventral visual pathways. We found that both the Pinna‐Brelstaff figure (illusory rotation) and a matched physical rotation control stimulus predominantly activated subarea MST in hMT+ with a similar response intensity. Our results thus provide neural evidence showing that illusory rotation is initiated in human MST rather than MT as if it were physical rotary motion. The findings imply that illusory rotation in the Pinna illusion is mediated by rotation‐sensitive neurons that normally encode physical rotation in human MST, both of which may rely on a cascade of similar integrative processes from earlier visual areas. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2097–2113, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved collision detection and cutting algorithm of the soft tissue in virtual surgical simulation

In virtual surgery simulation, we have to balance the realistic biomechanics behaviour and the system real-time performance, hence, the study of soft tissue deformation efficiency and authenticity remain a challenge. In this paper, we first describe a novel interactive method of using a computer mouse to manipulate objects instead of using the haptic device, which makes the system development more convenient. The partial information lost is a serious issue in the medical preoperative diagnosis and surgery planning. Then, we present an improved collision detection algorithm based on the strategy of triangular mesh classification, as well as a surface cutting algorithm based on removing the intersecting grid cells to avoid local deformation. Finally, experimental results show that the improved collision detection method has improved the collision query rate. Furthermore, the cutting algorithm is implemented more easily. Besides, it retains original information better, which helps improve the diagnosis accuracy.
Korean Currency Crisis and the Reform of International Financial Institutions

The currency crisis in Korea, by its nature, had a self -fulfilling element. Therefore an appropriate international lender of last resort could have prevented the worst crisis. In this context the characteristics of the Korean currency crisis and the role of the IMF in the Korean currency crisis are discussed. The IMF could not function as a proper international lender of last resort especially in currency crisis in Korea. Some wrong and even unnecessary conditionalities are required just siding with the creditors. To function as an efficient international lender and manager of last resort, the IMF must reform itself so that the demands of developing and poor countries can be properly accommodated. Also constructive and innovative alternatives to the current IMF should be continuously explored to prevent and cure future crises more efficiently and economically. A regional crisis lender and manager are needed desperately. The coexistence of both regional and global lenders of last resort will significantly contribute to balancing the current IMF. The Asian crisis of 1997 reignited the discussion on the reform of international financial institutions. The IMF’ s role in predicting, preventing, diagnosing, and providing prescriptions for the Asian crisis has widely been regarded as unsatisfactory. Asian countries, which depended on the IMF’ s stand-by credit, have doubts about the policy requirements de manded by the IMF. Malaysia even refused to ask for the IMF ’ s help and instead resorted to capital controls and a fixed exchange rate quite contrary to the IMF ’ s traditional prescription. In every respect the position of the IMF as an international lender of last resort has been seriously questioned. Most East Asian countries believe that the current IMF could not play the proper role in dealing with the currency crisis. I will be reviewing the crisis in Korea, especially in connection with the IMF. Instead of the current IMF, various other proposals for reforming the current international financial institution have been proposed. If there is any better alternative to the current IMF system, it should be seriously considered. A dvanced countries often led discussions on reform in the past but recently developing and poor countries have voiced their concerns as they began to recognize that a dysfunctional international financial institution could seriously damage them. Regional efforts to prevent the future c risis are also intensifying. The basic argument is that as crises are, by nature regional and contagious, regional devices may be more desirable. Furthermore, East Asian countries feel closer after experiencing Asian crisis and witnessing the successful launching of the euro.
Consensus Convolutional Sparse Coding Supplemental Material

Analogue to the ADMM method for the filter subproblem, we derive the following Algorithm 3 for solving for the sparse coefficient maps zi. However, unlike in the filter subproblem, we do not enforce consensus among the coefficient feature maps zi since there exists a distinct zi for each bi,∀i = [1 . N ]. In Algorithm 3, each zi update takes the form of a Tikhonov-regularized least squares problem, which has the analytical solution
The Effect of Managerial Ownership of Shares and Voting Concentration on Performance

We investigate the empirical relationship between managerial ownership of shares and corporate performance, using a panel dataset of 389 UK manufacturing companies. The two measures of performance investigated are: market valuation, as expressed by Tobin's Q, and total factor productivity growth, measured by estimating a production function. The explicit consideration of companies with dual structures of voting rights enables the study of the effects of a disparity in the ownership of equity and votes by managers, and the effects of the concentration of voting rights which is made possible by departures from one share-one vote. In our sample, managerial ownership of shares is not related to market valuation, as expressed by Tobin's Q: this casts doubts on the usual explanation of greater convergence of interests given for the increase in market value following a takeover or a buyout which results in a higher percentage of shares in the hands of the management. Managerial ownership of shares seems however to have a positive effect on productivity growth, even if our estimates are not highly significant. The disparity between equity and votes ownership has, instead, a strong and negative effect both for market valuation and productivity growth, when managers own more votes than equity claims: this is probably due to both the power that vote ownership has of entrenching management and insulating it from the market for corporate control, and the lack of the convergence of interests due to lower equity holdings. When equity and votes are held in the same proportion, the two effects on market valuation seem to balance out. Departures from share-one vote allow any shareholder, not just managers to choose different proportions of equity and votes, so we have used a measure of voting concentration to assess the impact of dual-classes security structures on the total market value of the firm. Positive values of voting concentration have a negative effect on market valuation and a possibly negative effect on productivity growth, providing further evidence that the incentive effects of equity and vote ownership are present and important.
My city – my brand: the different roles of residents in place branding

Purpose – This paper deals with the importance of residents within place branding. The aim of this paper is to examine the different roles that residents play in the formation and communication of place brands and explores the implications for place brand management.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on theoretical insights drawn from the combination of the distinct literatures on place branding, general marketing, tourism, human geography, and collaborative governance. To support its arguments, the paper discusses the participation of citizens in governance processes as highlighted in the urban governance literature as well as the debate among marketing scholars over participatory marketing and branding.Findings – The paper arrive at three different roles played by the residents: as an integral part of the place brand through their characteristics and behavior; as ambassadors for their place brand who grant credibility to any communicated message; and as citizens and voters who are vital fo.
Determinant factors of failures of international retailers in foreign markets

Abstract This article seeks to identify why international retail chains (IRCs) sometimes fail to successfully establish operations in foreign markets. The study focuses on the quality of managerial decision-making as a cause of failure. Four such causes are identified relating to the quality of: (1) strategic decision-making, (2) tactical decision-making, (3) decision-making by the management of the local entity (LE), and (4) cooperation between the IRC and its LE. Based on survey data from Israel, we find that causes (1), (3) and (4) are most critical. These results highlight that to avoid retail failure, strategic decisions, such as ensuring clear, distinct and superior values adapted to local consumer preferences, should take precedence over tactical ones. Furthermore, to ensure high quality of local management and smooth cooperation with their LEs, IRCs should strive to control local management and coordination mechanisms.
Observer-Based Output Stabilization of Integrators System with Lipschitz Nonlinear Term by Bounded Control

In this paper, the observer-based controller design for global stabilization of a class of nonlinear feedforward system with Lipschitz nonlinear term is considered. The control input can be made arbitrary small. Different from the result given in the recent paper by Polendo, J. and Schrader, C.B. (2005), we give in this paper another nested saturation feedback law. To deduce this feedback law, we firstly apply a linear transformation which translates the original system into a triangular form. The main advantage of the controller designed method in this paper is that there are more free parameters, which are the eigenvalues of the closed-loop linearized system, can be well chosen.
The Role of Trading-up in the Development of the Retailing System

T H E last few years have witnessed a renewal of interest in the study of the development process of marketing systems. In spite of this interest, the marketer's understanding of how and why new retailing forms do appear and develop seems to have advanced little. In the existing literature, the "cycle" theories occupy an important position. Basically, these are empirical generalizations that describe some characteristic patterns of evolution in retailing. For example, the movement from a general to a more specialized type of product assortment and back again to a general one was described by a number of authorities in terms of a cycle theory. 1 Regan analyzed the relationships between the level of services and the quality of merchandise offered by retailers in cyclical terms. " He argued that the historical trend in retailing is toward an increase in the number and complexity of services-merchandise combinations offered by retailers-and identified the simplex, multiplex, and omniplex stages of development. Dreesmann characterized evolution in retailing by using biological analogies, and specified patterns of "convergence," "hypertrophy," "regression," "assimilation," and"aging" as characterizing the behavior of retailing institutions. 3 Finally, Gist offered a
Extending valgrind framework with the MIPS MSA support

This paper presents an extension of Valgrind framework for dynamic binary code analysis to support MIPS MSA instruction set which includes instructions for vector (SIMD) processing of integer and floating-point data of different widths. First, a background on MIPS and its MSA extention is given. Then, Valgrind features for code instrumentation are described. Several changes have been made to Valgrind intermediate representation in order to support new instruction set. The implementation issues regarding the structures, formats, and functions needed for extension are discussed. Some low-level details and examples are also presented. Upgraded Valgrind tools are verified using dedicated regression test suite on the Linux platform.
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM IN PRODUCTION OF THE CASTINGS FROM SPHEROID CAST IRON

In work opinions of form incompatibility were executed during process of production of casting articles from spheroidal cast iron. Using the quality tools such as the Ishikawa diagram and the Pareto-Lorenz analyses one identified often-appeared defects and, were identified and qualified. Identification of critical points of productive system was executed and the range of correcting workings was qualified. On basis of data from analysis of causes of occurrence of incompatibilities and appointed critical points system of control of quality was worked out for serial and isolated production. Use of statistical method of casts in connection with active control of quality and selection of productive stages for serial production of casts from spheroid cast iron caused lower level of defects, and in economic aspect contributed to the reduction of costs of connected production with low level of quality. kompatibilnosti oblika tijekom procesa proizvodnje lijevanih predmeta iz sferoidnog lijevanog eljeza. Uporabom kvalitetnih metoda kao sto su Ishikawin dijagram i Pierto-Lorenzova analiza utvrđene su i opisane najcesce greske. Na osnovu podataka dobivenih analizom izvrsena je identifikacija kriticnih tocaka u proizvodnom sistemu i određene radnje za ispravljanje gresaka. Temeljem podataka dobivenih analizom uzroka pojava inkompatibilnosti i istaknutih tocaka razrađen je sustav kontrole za serijsku i pojedinacnu proizvodnju. Uporaba statisticke metode pracenja talina, zajedno s aktivnom kontrolom kvalitete i odabirom proizvodnih faza za serijsku i pojedinacnu proizvodnju talina iz lijevanog eljeza, smanjuje broj gresaka te s ekonomskog aspekta doprinosi niim troskovima.
Immunoregulatory Natural T Lymphocytes Survival, and Molecular Differentiation of B Controls Cell Fate Specification, κ NF-

Boothby and Sebastian JoyceNaoto Matsuki, Ana L. Mora, Luc Van Kaer, Mark R. Aleksandar K. Stanic, Jelena S. Bezbradica, Jang-June Park,http://www.jimmunol.org/content/172/4/2265J Immunol€2004; 172:2265-2273; ;Referenceshttp://www.jimmunol.org/content/172/4/2265.full#ref-list-1This article cites 63 articles, 36 of which you can access for free at: Subscriptionshttp://jimmunol.org/subscriptionsInformation about subscribing to The Journal of Immunology is online at: Permissionshttp://www.aai. org/ji/copyright.htmlSubmit copyright permission requests at: Email Alertshttp://jimmunol.org/cgi/alerts/etocReceive free email-alerts when new articles cite this article. Sign up at:
Service experiences beyond the direct use: indirect customer use experiences of smartphone apps

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine customers’ use experiences in a smartphone application (app) context. Apps have emerged as popular tools among marketing practitioners. In service research, however, smartphone apps, and their customers’ use experiences, have received limited attention. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a conceptual overview and draws on an empirical two-phase study comprising diary narratives of using a specific app and semi-structured interviews on the use of multiple apps by app users. Findings – Results show that indirect use experiences play an important role in the holistic service experience. Compared with direct experiences, indirect use experiences do not require the actual use of apps or direct contact with the user. Also the context, such as the time and location of app use, is important for both direct and indirect use experience. Research limitations/implications – This paper highlights indirect use experiences as a vital component of service e.
Multigene families in African swine fever virus: family 110

The genome of African swine fever virus was screened for the existence of repetitive sequences by hybridization between different cloned restriction fragments covering the viral DNA. Several sets of repeated sequences were detected in fragments located close to the DNA ends. One of these groups of repetitions involved fragments located at both ends of the genome. The remaining groups involved fragments that were located exclusively at the left end. The sequence of a 3.2-kilobase segment spanning from 7.5 to 11 kilobases from the left DNA end, which showed a complex pattern of cross-hybridizations, was determined. Two short and three long blocks of direct repeated sequences were found in this DNA region, which accounted for the hybridization results. The repeated sequences formed a family of five homologous genes with an average length of 116 codons (multigene family 110), one of which had a dimeric structure. Transcripts of the five members of the family were detected both in RNA synthesized in vitro by purified African swine fever virions and in RNA isolated at early times after infection. Comparison of the predicted protein sequences revealed a striking conservation of a cysteine-rich domain in the central part of the proteins. In addition, a highly hydrophobic NH2-terminal sequence present in all the proteins suggests that these proteins are processed through the endoplasmic reticulum.
Measuring Trust in Companies

This paper is going to deal with the topic of trust within real existing leadership relations. The design tries to test trust and trustworthiness in ongoing relations of leaders and followers in existing companies in order to gain more validity of data than other designs, often using students as probants. The paper first discusses traditional ways of measuring trust – mostly done by questionnaires and illuminates their weaknesses. Then a different way is going to be described by adopting and adapting the trust game to make it applicable in companies. The design focusses on real decisions regarding trusting and trustworthy behavior by putting the participants into situations where they have to transfer virtual money. Additional questions about the demographic background of the participants are formulated. Also a guideline for the implementation of the experiment in companies has been formulated.
Power-constrained contrast enhancement using locality-preserving histogram equalization

As mobile devices become more widespread, consumers increasingly demand greater image quality and longer battery lives. However, improving photo capabilities comes at the expense of battery life. In this paper, a power-constrained contrast enhancement method formulated as an optimization problem is proposed. The proposed locality condition is used to improve the conventional histogram equalization, whereas power constraint is used to reduce the power consumption of the enhanced image. The experiment results show that the proposed method effectively enhances the quality of the images.
Endowment of Intangible Resources and Phases of Internationalization in Emerging Economies. The Case of Russia

The paper explores the relationship between different types of intangible resources and phases of the internationalization in the context of emerging economies. The Uppsala model is applied to build internationalization index considering export, import and investment activities. The database of more than 2000 Russian companies is used to test the hypotheses put forward. The findings reveal that relational capital has significant positive impact on each stage of internationalization; organizational capital improves internationalization except the last stage of being multinational. Contrary to our expectations human capital has no direct impact on internationalization; notwithstanding it has positive effect on relational and structural capital
Group Features of Mobile Commerce Consumers Based on Data Mining

Compared to electronic commerce,mobile commerce has incomparable advantages in location,urgency and anytime,anywhere access.The paper summarizes the present situation and development trend of mobile commerce and data mining in domestic and international,propounds that collecting data sets through the network and data mining methods to study the user groups' features for the business enterprises.Through the mining and analysis of 1748 valid questionnaires it obtains the user groups' features which have used mobile commerce and have low cognitive and high willingness to use mobile commerce.The paper is thought to give reference to develop mobile commerce and realize precision marketing.
Heavy metal bioleaching and sludge stabilization in a single-stage reactor using indigenous acidophilic heterotrophs

ABSTRACT Simultaneous sludge digestion and metal leaching (SSDML) have been reported at mesophilic temperature. It is generally perceived that while sludge stabilization is effected by heterotrophs at neutral pH, metal bioleaching is done by acidophilic autotrophs. However, little information is available on the microbial communities involved in the process. This study carried out SSDML in a single-stage reactor using sludge indigenous microorganisms and looked at the bacterial communities responsible for the process. Volatile suspended solids were reduced by more than 40%. The concentration of zinc, copper, chromium, cadmium and nickel decreased by more than 45% in the dry sludge. Acidophilic species of Alicyclobacillus genus were the dominant heterotrophs. A few heterotrophic bacteria were detected which can oxidize iron (Alicyclobacillus ferrooxydans, Alicyclobacillus ferripilum and Ferrimicrobium acidiphilum). Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (autotroph) was responsible for the oxidation of both iron and sulfur which lead to a change in the pH from neutral to acidic. The presence of acidophilic heterotrophs, which can oxidize either iron or sulfur, enhanced the efficiency of SSDML process with respect to sludge stabilization and metal leaching. This study shows that it is possible to carry out the SSDML in a single-stage reactor with indigenous microorganisms. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT