Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3-D biped walking using double support phase based on the assumption of point-contact

This paper describes a three-dimensional biped walking based on the assumption of point-contact. Most of biped walking control methods based on point-contact assume that foot-contact is completely inelastic collision and it occurs for a moment. Thus, it is difficult to realize biped walking when the assumptions are not satisfied. In order to solve this problem, we propose a three-dimensional biped walking control using a double support phase based on Passive Dynamic Autonomous Control (PDAC) that is one of point-contact methods. By use of the double support phase, the robot dynamics converges to stable orbit even if a disturbance happens at a foot-contact. Also, this paper introduces an adaptation control method of the PDAC constants that facilitates stabilization. Finally, the proposed biped walking algorithm is verified by numerical simulation.
[Psychometric analysis of a short form of the "Hamburg Modules for the Assessment of Psychosocial Health" (HEALTH-49)].

OBJECTIVES The HEALTH questionnaire, which originally consisted of 79 items, aims to assess generic aspects of psychosocial health. METHODS Based on large clinical and healthy samples (n = 1548 psychotherapy inpatients, n = 5630 primary-care patients), the questionnaire was shortened and psychometrically analyzed. RESULTS The resulting 49-item questionnaire ("HEALTH-49") comprises six discrete modules with nine scales (somatoform complaints, depressiveness, phobic anxiety, psychological wellbeing, interactional problems, self-efficacy, activity and participation, social support, and social stress). It proves to be well accepted and feasible under routine conditions. Factor analyses confirm the intended dimensional configuration and the relative independence of modules. The scales reveal high reliability. Evidence of their validity and sensitivity to change are demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS The HEALTH-49 is a self-rating instrument that allows for the comprehensive and economic assessment of generic aspects of psychosocial health. It is highly suitable for use in clinical practice. The questionnaire is available as a free download from http://www.hamburger-module.de/
830 nm laser irradiation induces varicosity formation, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks fast axonal flow in small and medium diameter rat dorsal root ganglion neurons: implications for the analgesic effects of 830 nm laser

Abstract We report the formation of 830 nm (cw) laser‐induced, reversible axonal varicosities, using immunostaining with β‐tubulin, in small and medium diameter, TRPV‐1 positive, cultured rat DRG neurons. Laser also induced a progressive and statistically significant decrease (p < 0.005) in MMP in mitochondria in and between static axonal varicosities. In cell bodies of the neuron, the decrease in MMP was also statistically significant (p < 0.05), but the decrease occurred more slowly. Importantly we also report for the first time that 830 nm (cw) laser blocked fast axonal flow, imaged in real time using confocal laser microscopy and JC‐1 as mitotracker.
Nutritional geometry of paternal effects on embryo mortality

Well-established causal links exist between maternal nutritional deficits and embryo health and viability. By contrast, environmental effects operating through the father that could influence embryo mortality have seldom been examined. Yet, ejaculates can require non-trivial resource allocation, and seminal plasma components are increasingly recognized to exert wide-ranging effects on females and offspring, so paternal dietary effects on the embryo should be expected. We test for effects of varying levels of protein (P), carbohydrate (C) and caloric load in adult male diet on embryo mortality in Drosophila melanogaster. We demonstrate that macronutrient balance and caloric restriction exert significant effects, and that nutritional effects are more impactful when a prior mating has occurred. Once-mated males produced embryos with marginally elevated mortality under high-caloric densities and a 1 : 8 P : C ratio. In contrast, embryos produced by twice-mated males were significantly more likely to die under male caloric restriction, an outcome that may have resulted from shifts in ejaculate quality and/or epigenetic paternal effects. Body nutrient reserves were strongly and predictably altered by diet, and body condition, in turn, was negatively related to embryo mortality. Thus, sire nutritional history and resultant shifts in metabolic state predict embryo viability and post-fertilization fitness outcomes.
Comparison between accelerometer and laser vibrometer to measure traffic-excited vibrations on bridges

The use of accelerometer based measurement techniques for evaluating bridge forced vibrations or to perform bridge modal analysis is well established. Some of the goals of this experimental approach and typical results are here reviewed. It is well known to all researchers who have experience in vibration measurements that values of acceleration amplitude can be very low at low frequencies and that a limitation to the use of accelerometer can be due to the threshold parameter of this kind of transducer. Under this condition the measurement of displacement seems more appropriate. On the other hand laser vibrometer systems detect relative displacements as opposed to the absolute measures of accelerometers. In this paper the results of some in field measurements on a highway little bridge, excited by traffic, under normal operating conditions, are analyzed. Vibrations have been measured simultaneously by a typical accelerometer for civil structures and by a laser vibrometer equipped with a fringe counter board in terms of velocity and displacements. The accelerations calculated from the laser vibrometer signals and the one directly measured by the accelerometer has been compared. The advantages of the use of a laser vibrometer at low frequency are relevant and it appears possible to open up new possibility to analyze bridge loads in operating conditions, monitoring bridge health state, predict fatigue life and improve the bridge design.
Spatial pattern of structural ageing in eastern Croatia: evolution and explanations

The article aims to examine the ageing situation and social policy issues in the Osijek-Baranja County of Eastern Croatia. Using historical evidence from Census data, the research suggests that the evolution of the ageing pattern has been mainly determined by such factors as development of the transport system; changes in political-territorial organisation; supply of jobs in the cities; deagrarianisation and a domestic war in the 1990s. The increased importance of urban centres, through planned industrialisation and administrative centralisation, has accelerated and intensified rural-to-urban migration. Consequently, the spatial pattern of structural ageing has been substantially affected. A significant variation was found in urban and rural areas and also within sub-regional units. The findings suggest that the evolution of spatial disparities in the ageing pattern has been due to unplanned migration; also to spatial differences in the level of socio-economic development; the influence of tradition, such as higher fertility rates historically in some areas and suburbanisation, notably around the city of Osijek. The article concludes that ageing is affecting the country’s economic growth and the formal and informal social support systems including the provision of resources for older citizens in the endangered areas.
Microscopic organization of the sperm storage tubules in the oviducal gland of the female gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus), with observations on sperm distribution and storage

Oviducal gland morphology, the microscopic organization of the terminal zone, and sperm storage were described in the female gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus). Mustelus antarcticus is a nonplacental viviparous hound shark, which displays minimal histotrophy during embryonic development. The animals examined represented all stages of maturity and gestation. The oviducal gland was found to have the same fundamental zonation as in most chondrichthyans. Using recent terminology, the oviducal gland of chondrichthyans has an anterior club zone, followed by a papillary zone, both of which produce jelly that surrounds the egg, a baffle zone that elaborates the tertiary egg envelope and a terminal zone, where sperm storage occurs. Each zone is composed of simple tubular glands that connect to transverse grooves, which extend the full width of the gland. The exception is the terminal zone, which does not have transverse grooves but consists of individual tubules. The microscopic organization and histochemical nature of the zones display similar patterns to those of other chondrichthyan genera. Tubules of the terminal zone contain four types of cell: ciliated cells, alcian blue‐positive secretory cells, periodic acid‐Schiff and alcian blue‐negative secretory cells, and secretory columnar cells. These tubules end in recesses, the sperm storage tubules, which extend beyond the periphery of the baffle zone. Sperm were stored in the sperm storage tubules of all maturing and mature animals examined. Of note is the observation of stored sperm in an animal 1 year prior to first ovulation. Sperm were also observed throughout the uterine sphincter, body of the uterus, isthmus, and oviduct of maturing and mature animals, and in the uterine sphincter of an immature animal. These sperm represent immediately postcopulation aggregations of sperm and sperm in the process of migrating to the site of storage or to the site of fertilization. J. Morphol. , 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food distribution's socio-economic relationships and public policy: Mexico City's municipal public markets

Traditional food supply systems, like municipal public markets (MPM), are in crisis. Nevertheless, MPMs continue to demonstrate importance in the lives of the cities. In this article we discuss the case of Mexico City and the importance of the public markets for its neighbourhoods. We present the results of two research projects, completed in Mexico City at two different historical times and interpreted longitudinally. The results demonstrate the importance of socio-economic relationships for MPM's survival and potential. The article concludes with public policy recommendations to permit conservation, given the MPM's importance for the city's social cohesion.
SISTEMA FINANCEIRO E DESENVOLVIMENTO ECONÔMICO: EVIDÊNCIAS DE CAUSALIDADE EM UM PAINEL PARA O BRASIL

This article aims to verify the direction of causality between the level of development economic and the financial system through a panel analysis applied to a sample of Brazilian States. In order to implement the tests, we propose a procedure based on the methodologies suggested by Holtz-Eakin, Newey and Rosen (1988) and Granger and Huang (1997). Two results should be mentioned. First, there is strong evidence of causality from financial indicators to activity level. The second one is related to the finding of causality on the contrary direction when monthly data are used. This inversion of results can be explained by the long run’s nature of the relationship between economic development and financial system.
Apprenticeship and progression in the healthcare sector: can labour market theory illuminate barriers and opportunities in contrasting occupations?

There is growing research and policy interest in the extent to which government supported Apprenticeship in England provides a platform for educational and career progression in different occupational sectors. This paper makes a contribution to this debate by presenting research on the healthcare sector undertaken in a regional health authority in England, and by suggesting that ideas associated with labour market theory can shed light on some of the key differences in Apprenticeship frameworks and the progression opportunities available in different kinds of healthcare occupations. The research included policy and documentary review as well as qualitative interviews with employers in NHS Trusts. More specifically, our analysis applies key characteristics of occupational and internal labour markets to show how Apprenticeship frameworks fit and reinforce variations in employment, training and career opportunities in two contrasting Advanced Apprenticeship frameworks; Clinical Healthcare Support and Pharmacy Services. We conclude that the labour market lens is useful in focusing attention on the structures and key stakeholder relationships which determine the development of vocational training and the barriers or opportunities for educational or career progression in diverse sectoral contexts and occupations across the economy.
Crustal S‐wave velocity structure of the Main Ethiopian Rift from ambient noise tomography

SUMMARY Ambient noise tomography has been used to construct Rayleigh-wave group velocity maps covering the northern (NMER), central (CMER) and southern (SMER) parts of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER). In addition, dispersion curves, extracted from the group velocity maps, have been inverted to obtain a quasi-3-D model of crustal shear wave velocities. In comparison to crustal structure on the Ethiopian Plateau, we find (1) lower shear wave velocities at all crustal depths beneath the Yerer-Tullu Wellel Volcanotectonic Lineament, (2) lower shear wave velocities throughout the MER at upper crustal depths (<10 km), (3) regions of lower shear wave velocities at mid- (10–20 km) crustal depths beneath the Wonji Fault Belt (WFB), in the transition between the NMER and CMER, and beneath the Silti-Debre zeit Fault Zone (SDFZ) on the western side of the CMER, (4) an offset in the velocity pattern at mid-crustal depths between the NMER and CMER coincident with the Boru-Toru Structural High (BTSH) and (5) little evidence for lower shear wave velocities at mid- or lower-crustal depths beneath the SMER. We attribute these findings primarily to along-strike changes in crustal composition, melt content and thermal structure resulting from the Cenozoic to recent magmatism, and also, at upper crustal depths (<10 km), to basin structure and fill. Our findings corroborate a magmatic plumbing model for the MER that shows two major zones of magmatic activity, one beneath the WFB and the other beneath the SDFZ. The shear wave velocity patterns in our model show good correlation with the depth extent of seismicity, upper-mantle seismic anomalies and seismic anisotropy, as would be expected if the along-strike changes in shear wave velocity reflect the thermal and compositional structure of the crust.
Genetically Modified Foods: Consumers' Attitudes and Labeling Issues

Consumers' attitudes to genetically modified (GM) food ingredients and their reactions to and preferences for labeling of GM food are topical issues for Canadian food policy and are the subjects of this study. This project included several components. The first of these was an assessment of public attitudes to biotechnology and to GM food based on evidence from polls and other studies. These show increasing awareness and some increase in wariness of GM food, in Canada and elsewhere. In the second component of the project, analysis of survey data on Alberta consumers' preferences for different policy approaches to GM food was undertaken. This analysis indicates a preference by Alberta residents for GM food policy to emphasize the provision of more information to consumers, through labeling, over a policy that would provide for more rigorous inspection; even so, more inspection was favored by many respondents. More regulation that would restrict biotechnology was the least favoured of the three options that were presented to Alberta respondents. In a third component of the project, a case study on individual's attitudes to and preferences for GM ingredients in two selected food items (one of which was a nacho chip and the other of which was bread) was pursued through focus groups that were conducted in Edmonton, Alberta in 2002. This indicated highly varied attitudes and responses to GM food in general and to the selected products in particular. Attitudes to and preferences for environmental and health benefits that might be introduced through biotechnology were explored in these groups. Some 50 percent of focus group respondents indicated a willingness to buy the identified GM products, at a price discount. The fourth and final component of the project involved two sections of a Canada- wide survey, conducted in early 2003. These components queried respondents' assessments of the importance of various food safety risks and various environmental issues associated with food and agriculture, as well as attitudes to labelling policy. Overall, Canadians tended to see agricultural biotechnology as more of an environmental risk than a food risk and numbers of other food and environmental issues were seen to be more risky by many respondents. However the use of genetic modification/engineering in food production was seen as a very high risk issue by about one-fifth of respondents. Respondents also indicated a strong desire for public involvement in biotechnology policy, voted strongly for mandatory labeling and disagreed that labeling is not needed if the product's quality remains unchanged. An appreciable majority of respondents expressed a degree of skepticism concerning the use of voluntary labeling. The findings of this project have served as a basis for subsequent more extensive and detailed assessment of Canadian consumers' risk preferences and trade-offs in the context of specific product GM labelling policies.
A tool for data cube construction from structurally heterogeneous XML documents

Data cubes for OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) often need to be constructed from data located in several distributed and autonomous information sources. Such a data integration process is challenging due to semantic, syntactic, and structural heterogeneity among the data. While XML (Extensible Markup Language) is the de facto standard for data exchange, the three types of heterogeneity remain. Moreover, popular path-oriented XML query languages, such as XQuery, require the user to know in much detail the structure of the documents to be processed and are, thus, effectively impractical in many real-world data integration tasks. Several Lowest Common Ancestor (LCA) -based XML query evaluation strategies have recently been introduced to provide a more structure-independent way to access XML
Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensor design and its application on alcohol detection

Alcohol concentration measurement becomes very important in mixing a chemical solution. The measurement in general uses a conventional method that requires direct contact and a long time of measurement period, such as using a capacitive sensor. Another method is Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) which is capable of measuring the concentration of alcohol without any direct contact and within relatively short test period. In NDIR system, infrared light generated by an infrared source passes through the sample tube. Then, the infrared light that can be absorbed by the hydrocarbon particles of the alcohol is sensed by an infrared detector. In this paper, the infrared source is made of inexpensive 19 Gauge nichrome wire heated at different temperatures to find the best alcohol absorption. PID controller system is employed to maintain constant temperature of the infrared source. The infrared light absorbed is then detected by a thermopile sensor. The result showed that the best alcohol absorption is at 60 °C, and it is proportional to the magnitude of the concentration, the greater the concentration, the higher the value of its absorbance. Absorbance value for distilled water is 0 while the absorbance value for 20% alcohol is at 0.15 and for 60% alcohol is 0.26. This proves that the higher the concentration of alcohol, the infrared light absorbed will be higher. Overall, the inexpensive NDIR system is capable of observing and detecting alcohol that may be used for other solutions in further research.
The influence of employee behavioural performance on customer focus strategies

The research context of this paper focuses on organisational desires to achieve and maintain satisfactory exchanges between themselves and their customers in the business-to-business high technology industry in the UK. The fundamental research question to be answered by this investigation is whether organisations can increase customer focus strategies through the behavioural performance of employees in their delivery of customer focus strategies.
Exploring the mediating role of trust on the relationship between guanxi and knowledge sharing: a social network perspective

The current study adopts the social network perspective to propose a conceptual model and examine how guanxi influences knowledge sharing via trust. This paper addresses the concept of interpersonal relationships in the context of Chinese culture and applies it as a guanxi. This research gathers data from 213 employees from 100 high-technology firms in Taiwan and performs data management and analysis using hierarchical regression analyses to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that guanxi has a positive effect on both trust and knowledge sharing on an individual level. Trust has a positive effect on knowledge sharing, and it partially mediates the effects of guanxi on knowledge sharing. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed, for example, the designs of teamwork and incentives.
Further thoughts on the shift and share approach

Stilwell F. J. B. (1970) Further thoughts on the shift and share approach, Reg. Studies 4, 451–458. This article is a general appraisal of the contribution of the shift and share analysis to the study of regional growth. The technique itself is shown to have little relevance to the theory of regional growth. However, the organization of information achieved by the shift and share method is useful in the analysis of historical data on either population or employment, and also in forecasting the future regional distribution of economic activity. Many conceptual and empirical limitations are considered, but more ambitious use of the technique in forecasting is advocated because of its ability to handle large amounts of information when used in conjunction with regression analysis.
Interaction between CD44 and hyaluronate is directly implicated in the regulation of tumor development

CD44 is implicated in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis but the mechanism by which expression of different CD44 isoforms determines the rate of primary and secondary tumor growth remains unclear. In the present study we use a human melanoma transfected with wild-type and mutant forms of CD44 to determine which functional property of the CD44 molecule is critical in influencing tumor behavior. We show that expression of a wild-type CD44 isoform that binds hyaluronic acid augments the rapidity of tumor formation by melanoma cells in vivo, whereas expression of a CD44 mutant, which does not mediate cell attachment to hyaluronate, fails to do so. The importance of CD44- hyaluronate interaction in tumor development is underscored by the differential inhibitory effect of soluble wild-type and mutant CD44-Ig fusion proteins on melanoma growth in vivo. Whereas local administration of a mutant, nonhyaluronate binding, CD44-Ig fusion protein has no effect on subcutaneous melanoma growth in mice, infusion of wild-type CD44-Ig is shown to block tumor development. Taken together, these observations suggest that the tumor growth promoting property of CD44 is largely dependent on its ability to mediate cell attachment to hyaluronate.