Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adex - A meta modeling framework for repository-centric systems building

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for building and maintaining their information systems around a central repository, which is essentially an information system of information systems. Models are the artifacts with which information systems are described. A repository should therefore provide a modeling framework that is flexible enough to support models of different methodologies, different implementation and deployment platforms, and enterprise specific domain knowledge, at various levels of granularity. In addition it should be possible to use the models for automation of code generation and coordination of various processes of system building and maintenance. Since information systems evolve over time and also since systems typically have many variants, it is essential that a repository should provide good versioning and configuration management facilities. Adex is a modeling tool, with a meta modeling framework, which fulfils the above mentioned requirements. The meta models that come as part of standard modeling tools are often inadequate for capturing all the domain specific abstractions of an enterprise’s data and processes. Adex’s ' meta modeling' framework enables natural categorization of abstractions through creation and customization of enterprise specific meta models, diagramming notations, and methodologies. Unlike most standard modeling tools, Adex provides constructs for componentization and versioning of models. More importantly, Adex has primitives for defining notions of compatibility of components and completeness of an aggregate of components. Adex is a customizable, multi-user, secure and open modeling environment. It has been successfully used in a wide range of large (> 100 persons) and small (< 10 persons) projects. Its ‘meta modeling’ framework has been used to create meta models for component-based information system modeling and generation tools, program analysis and reverse engineering tools, and performance modeling and simulation tools.
Norwegian Companies' Capital Structure: An Overview

This paper is the first comprehensive documentation of the capital structure of the population of Norwegian private and public companies. By the use of a well specified dataset with 138,990 firms and 852,862 firm-years for the years 1992-2005, I manage both to analyze overall capital structure as well as relevant and still large sub-samples. The subsamples reflect size and listed/unlisted firms, as well as groups expected to differ in terms of financial constraints, e.g., dividend payers or firms that have received formal notifications from their auditors. I also include a limited analysis of capital structure including capitalized rental agreements and find significantly increased adjusted leverage ratios. Leverage ratios are analyzed in a dynamic panel regression using the System GMM-method proposed by Blundell and Bond (1998). The results confirm known US findings regarding "partial adjustment" of leverage and shows in addition interesting variations by subgroups. The analysis also highlights the sensitivity of the results to the choice of regression method. The main contributions of the paper are to document a national population of firms, show drivers of changes in leverage, illustrate the effects of including capitalized rents in overall leverage and exemplify the importance of panel regression methodology.
Considering Source Dynamics in Computer-Aided Parameteric Average-Value Modeling of PWM Converters

Average-value modeling of PWM converters has received significant attention in the literature, wherein the computer-aided methodologies appear to be particularly promising. A numerical procedure has recently been proposed that avoids excessive analytical derivations and results in fairly accurate dynamic average-value models that include effects of parasitics. This methodology is extended here to account for input source dynamics. In particular, the so-called duty-ratio constraint and correction matrix are expressed as nonlinear functions of the duty cycle and the new quantity defined through the averaged dynamic impedance of the switching cell. The resulting model is shown to be accurate in predicting large-signal time-domain transients and small-signal frequency-domain characteristics
Diazoxide preconditioning of endothelial progenitor cells improves their ability to repair the infarcted myocardium

Reduced survival and homing of the transplanted cells in the oxidative stressed ischemic environment limits the potential outcome of cell therapies for myocardial ischemia. Diazoxide (DZ), a highly selective mitochondrial ATP sensitive K+ channel opener, is known to improve the survival and therapeutic ability of mesenchymal stem cells and skeletal myoblasts for the repair of heart failure. The current study explored the effect of DZ preconditioning in improving the ability of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to counteract, in vitro oxidative stress, and to repair the infarcted myocardium. The EPCs were preconditioned by 30 min incubation with 200 μM DZ followed by exposure to 200 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 2 h. Non‐preconditioned EPCs with and without exposure to H2O2 were used as control. DZ preconditioning of EPCs resulted in significantly reduced cell injury as shown by reduced lactate dehydrogenase release and expression of annexin V‐PE in comparison to untreated EPCs. Furthermore, DZ preconditioned EPCs exhibited upregulated expression of prosurvival genes (VEGF, SDF‐1α, PCNA, and Bcl2), improved chemokines release (VEGF, IGF, and SDF‐1α), viability, Akt phosphorylation and tube formation. In vivo experiments involved transplantation of DZ preconditioned and untreated EPCs in the left ventricle after permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. The results demonstrated that DZ EPCs transplanted group showed significant reduction in infarct size along with robust cell proliferation, angiogenesis and improvement in cardiac function. The current study demonstrates that DZ preconditioning enhances EPCs survival under oxidative stress in vitro and their ability to treat myocardial infarction.
Texture based change detection of built-up on SPOT panchromatic imagery using PCA

This paper addresses built up change detection using texture features derived from SPOT Panchromatic imagery and principal component analysis (PCA). SPOT imagery combines the adequate ground sampling distance (GSD) and large area coverage that extends beyond cities to include the peri-urban areas where urban sprawl (built-up change) typically occurs. This study uses SPOT 1 and SPOT 5 panchromatic data over Casablanca. The texture based “Built up area presence index” is used to provide a likelihood of built up area. The changes in texture in t0 and t1 are then quantified using PCA. The procedure is simple to implement and requires minimum manual intervention. The analysis shows that the method is reliable for rapid assessments built up changes but that these detected changes need to be visually inspected if operational products have to be derived. The technique performs adequately when changes occur over large areas. The Casablanca study results are encouraging despite the coarse GSD of SPOT 1 and the different illumination and viewing angle. The procedure should be tested over cities in different geographical regions. Finer resolution input data and data with similar acquisition and illumination angle are likely to yield better the results.
Ergodic capacity of multi-antenna spectrum sharing cognitive radio with outdated CSI

The multi-antenna spectrum sharing cognitive radio system in Nakagami-m fading environment is analyzed in this paper. Both cases when secondary user is provided with perfect and outdated channel state information (CSI) of the channel from the secondary user's transmitter to the primary user's receiver are considered. Ergodic capacity of spectrum sharing system is studied for different transmission techniques using multiple antennas. It has been shown that the selection of optimal technique is complex and it depends on various factors such as the system dimensions, the fading characteristics of the propagation environment and the delay of provided CSI.
A security algorithm for wireless sensor networks in the Internet of Things paradigm

In this paper we explore the possibilities of having an algorithm that can protect Zigbee wireless sensor networks from intrusion; this is done from the Internet of Things paradigm. This algorithm is then realised as part of an intrusion detection system for Zigbee sensors used in wireless networks. The paper describes the algorithm used, the programming process, and the architecture of the system developed as well as the results achieved.
The Notch Signaling Pathway Is Related to Neurovascular Progression of Pancreatic Cancer

Objective:To analyze the potential role of the Notch signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer angiogenesis and invasion. Background:Angiogenesis, pain, and early neuroinvasion are clinical features of pancreatic cancer. Blood vessels and nerves develop together and use common routes through the organism. The Notch pathway (Notch-1/4, Jagged-1/2, Delta-1) appears crucial in this process. The current study analyzed the Notch pathway in pancreatic cancer and characterized its angiogenic and invasive effects. Methods:Five PaCa cell lines were cultured for the in vitro experiments. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was done to quantify mRNA expression in 31 human PaCa specimens, and immunohistochemistry was used to localize protein expression within tumor specimens. Activation of the Notch signaling was done by transfection of PaCa cells with a constitutive active Notch-1 mutant (Notch-IC). Overexpression of Jagged and Delta was achieved by transfection of full-length cDNA. Spheroid assays were used to study angiogenesis and ELISAs to measure VEGF, bFGF, and angiogenin expression. Matrigel invasion assays were used to analyze tumor cell invasion. Results:Notch-3 and Notch-4 mRNA were significantly (P < 0.001) overexpressed in PaCa. Immunohistochemistry revealed protein accumulation of Notch-1 as well. All ligands were significantly up-regulated. A positive immunosignal of ligands was seen in nerves, blood vessels, and ductal tumor cells. Transfection of PaCa cells with the constitutive active Notch-IC mutant and with Jagged-1 revealed increased levels for VEGF. Concomitantly, recombinant Jagged-1 increased sprouting of endothelial cells in the spheroid assay. Conclusion:The Notch pathway most likely regulates neurovascular development in pancreatic cancer. Activation of this signaling pathway by constitutive Notch-1 mutants and by Jagged-1 causes an angiogenic and invasive tumor phenotype. Specific blockade of Notch signaling may therefore be beneficial for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Open boundary dynamic time warping for satellite image time series classification

In this paper, we present weighted version of the Dynamic Time Warping algorithm for land cover and land use classification. The method is flexible to account for multiyear crops and double cropping, tropical forests, and pasture using few training samples. In our case study the algorithm had global accuracy of 87% showing results in line with other land use/cover products. We consider the method suitable to make land cover and land use maps using data sets such as the EVI time series from the MODIS sensor.
Reduced arterial stiffness in very fit boys and girls

Abstract Low cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, whereas high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness protect the cardiovascular system. Carotid intima-media thickness and arterial distensibility are well-established parameters to identify subclinical cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength on carotid intima-media thickness and arterial distensibility in 697 children and adolescents (376 girls), aged 7–17 years. Cardiorespiratory fitness and strength were measured with the test battery FITNESSGRAM; carotid intima-media thickness, arterial compliance, elastic modulus, stiffness index β, and pulse wave velocity β were assessed by B- and M-mode ultrasound at the common carotid artery. In bivariate correlation, cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with all cardiovascular parameters and was an independent predictor in multivariate regression analysis. No significant associations were obtained for muscular strength. In a one-way variance analysis, very fit boys and girls (58 boys and 74 girls>80th percentile for cardiorespiratory fitness) had significantly decreased stiffness parameters (expressed in standard deviation scores) compared with low fit subjects (71 boys and 77 girls<20th percentile for cardiorespiratory fitness): elastic modulus −0.16±1.02 versus 0.19±1.17, p=0.009; stiffness index β −0.15±1.08 versus 0.16±1.1, p=0.03; and pulse wave velocity β −0.19±1.02 versus 0.19±1.14, p=0.005. Cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with healthier arteries in children and adolescents. Comparison of very fit with unfit subjects revealed better distensibility parameters in very fit boys and girls.
Changes in mild cognitive impairment and its subtypes as seen on diffusion tensor imaging

ABSTRACT Background: Previous studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have observed microstructural abnormalities in white matter regions in both Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this work was to examine the abnormalities in white matter and subcortical regions of MCI and its subtypes in a large, community-dwelling older aged cohort Methods: A community-based sample of 396 individuals without dementia underwent medical assessment, neuropsychiatric testing, and neuroimaging. Of these, 158 subjects were classified as MCI and 238 as cognitively normal (controls) based on international MCI consensus criteria. Regional fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) measures were calculated from the DTI and compared between groups. The false discovery rate correction was applied for multiple testing. Results: Subjects with MCI did not have significant differences in FA compared with controls after correction for multiple testing, but had increased MD in the right putamen, right anterior limb of the internal capsule, genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, right posterior cingulate gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, and right and left corona radiata. When compared with controls, changes in left anterior cingulate, left superior frontal gyrus, and right corona radiata were associated with amnestic MCI (aMCI), whereas changes in the right putamen, right anterior limb of the internal capsule, and the right corona radiata were associated with non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). On logistic regression, the FA values in the left superior gyrus and MD values in the anterior cingulate distinguished aMCI from naMCI. Conclusions: MCI is associated with changes in white matter and subcortical regions as seen on DTI. Changes in some anterior brain regions distinguish aMCI from naMCI.
Compatible Spherical Stereo Panorama by Single Camera with Regular Lens

A spherical stereo panorama is a pair of panoramic images with horizontal parallax, that both have a complete spherical projection covering 360◦ in azimuth and 180◦ in elevation. We present an analyze a new method to generate spherical stereo panorama by using one camera with regular lens, which are compatible for VR HMD display.
Linking pangenomes and metagenomes: the Prochlorococcus metapangenome

Pangenomes offer detailed characterizations of core and accessory genes found in a set of closely related microbial genomes, generally by clustering genes based on sequence homology. In comparison, metagenomes facilitate highly resolved investigations of the relative distribution of microbial genomes and individual genes across environments through read recruitment analyses. Combining these complementary approaches can yield unique insights into the functional basis of microbial niche partitioning and fitness, however, advanced software solutions are lacking. Here we present an integrated analysis and visualization strategy that provides an interactive and reproducible framework to generate pangenomes and to study them in conjunction with metagenomes. To investigate its utility, we applied this strategy to a Prochlorococcus pangenome in the context of a large-scale marine metagenomic survey. The resulting Prochlorococcus metapangenome revealed remarkable differential abundance patterns between very closely related isolates that belonged to the same phylogenetic cluster and that differed by only a small number of gene clusters in the pangenome. While the relationships between these genomes based on gene clusters correlated with their environmental distribution patterns, phylogenetic analyses using marker genes or concatenated single-copy core genes did not recapitulate these patterns. The metapangenome also revealed a small set of core genes that mostly occurred in hypervariable genomic islands of the Prochlorococcus populations, which systematically lacked read recruitment from surface ocean metagenomes. Notably, these core gene clusters were all linked to sugar metabolism, suggesting potential benefits to Prochlorococcus from a high sequence diversity of sugar metabolism genes. The rapidly growing number of microbial genomes and increasing availability of environmental metagenomes provide new opportunities to investigate the functioning and the ecology of microbial populations, and metapangenomes can provide unique insights for any taxon and biome for which genomic and sufficiently deep metagenomic data are available.
Measurement of Contact Conditions Between Swashplate and Shoe in the Automotive Swashplate Compressor

In this paper, contact conditions between a swashplate and shoes in the swashplate compressor for automotive air conditioning use are investigated experimentally. The conditions are measured with the electric resistance method that utilizes the swashplate surface and the shoe surface as electrodes respectively. The instrumented compressor is connected to an experimental gas cycle with R134a, and is operated under various operating conditions of pressure and rotational speed. It is indicated by the measurement that the voltage of the contact signal decreases generally, which means better lubricating condition, with the increase of the rotational speed and with the decrease of the compression pressure. The relationship between the contact voltage and the Sommerfeld number is examined in order to evaluate the lubricating condition. The contact voltage is also related to the value of clearance between the contact surfaces experimentally under the static condition with and without oil between the surfaces.
The Relative Impact Of Competitiveness Factors And Destination Equity On Tourists Loyalty In Koh Chang, Thailand

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative impact of competitiveness factors and destination equity on tourist’s loyalty toward Koh Chang (Chang Island) one of the famous tourist destination in Thailand). Multiple regression analysis indicated that attitudinal loyalty was mainly driven by destination equity (destination image and destination awareness). The competitiveness factors that significantly influence domestic tourists are (1) location of destination, (2) quality of service and (3) natural resources while the competitiveness factor that influence international tourists is natural resources.
ARTIFICIAL SEED PRODUCTION IN POINTED GOURD (TRICHOSANTHES DIOICA ROXB.)

Encapsulation of nodal segments was successfully developed for pointed gourd towards the formation of artificial seed with sodium alginate. Encapsulated nodal segments (artificial seed) were cultured in MS basal medium containing different concentrations and combinations of BAP and NAA to induce germination and shoot proliferation. Highest (95%) shoot formation was obtained in MS + 1.0 mg/l BAP followed by MS + 0.5 mg/l BAP. The encapsulated nodal segments also regenerated in vitro on different substrates. Frequency of plantlet formation was low on these substrates compared to plantlet development on MS media. Among these substrates, the percentage of plantlet formation was better on moist cotton (42%) followed by filter paper (35%). The hardened plants were transferred successfully to soil in the earthen pots. The protocol for encapsulating the nodal segments for the production of artificial seeds and their subsequent regeneration is a new area of research to develop in vitro conservation strategies for pointed gourd.
The Controlling Effects of Land-use Planning on Construction Land Expansion Based on the Perspective Compositing Consistency and Effectiveness

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether land-use planning has controlled construction land expansion based on the perspective compositing consistency and effectiveness. The conceptual model was built up and used in a case study of Tongzhou in Jiangsu. The GIS spatial analysis method and a Logistic model were used to evaluate the consistency of construction land expansion before and after the land-use planning, and the effectiveness of landuse planning, respectively. The results showed that: 1) Based on the perspective of consistency,the controlling effects of space scale and space structure show that, the construction land expansion controlling effects of Tongzhou are poorer in the last round of general land-use planning.In contrast, the controlling effects of newly-increased urban industrial and mining land are better than land use at the rural residential land. 2) Based on the perspective of effectiveness, landuse planning has an significant impact on construction land expansion; the reserved area of construction of land- use planning has played an obvious space guiding function in construction land expansion. But contrary to expectations, planning of basic farmland protection areas has not played a proper role in constraint. 3) Taken together, the consistency of land-use planning implementation was poor and the land- use planning in an incomplete ideal state has an effect just to a certain degree. 4) It is known by contrast, the driving action of space location variables for construction land expansion will be relatively stronger after the development to a certain stage. It means that cluster development may become inevitable and it is necessary to strengthen space controlling effects of land-use planning implementation. This model can evaluate the controlling effects of land-use planning on construction land expansion better; it can provide a reference for improving the planning implementation evaluation method of theory and technology.
Family influence on young adult's brand evaluation. An empirical analysis focused on parent–children influence in three consumer packaged goods

Throughout the years, there has been debate in the consumer research literature on how families influence their children's attitudes to brands. This paper analyses parent–young adult children influence on the creation of brand associations, perceived quality and willingness to pay a price premium. In order to fulfil these goals, an empirical analysis using a sample of 349 young adults has been conducted. Relationships have been analysed by means of structural equations models in three consumer packaged goods, and results obtained allow us to conclude that the information provided by parents may foster the creation of brand associations, it may favour young adults' positive perception of the brand's quality, and finally, it may lead young adults to be willing to pay a price premium for the brand.