Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Energy Efficient Prediction-Based Technique for Tracking Moving Objects in WSNs

Wireless Sensor Networks applications are attracting more and more research, especially in energy saving techniques which is the focal point of most researchers in this area. One of the most interesting applications of Wireless Sensor Networks is the Object Tracking Sensor Networks (OTSNs) which are used mainly to track certain objects in a monitored area and to report their location to the application's users. This application is a major energy consumer among other Wireless Sensor Networks applications. In this paper, we propose the Predictionbased Tracking technique using Sequential Patterns (PTSP), which is designed to achieve significant reductions in the energy dissipated by the OTSNs, while maintaining acceptable missing rate levels. PTSP is tested against basic tracking techniques to determine the appropriateness of PTSP in various circumstances.
Electronic nose for evaluating water use in beer production

This paper is focused on the results of the research project simBART. Particular attention is paid on a method for water evaluation in beer production sector. This process, under investigation, can be targeted to small and not industrialised enterprises as well as to those home brewing productions. Experimental analyses are conducted by means of VPeN, a vapour phase e-nose based on a specific sensor array. Six kinds of Italian mineral water and one type of demineralised water were taken into account in order to carry out the related tests. A comparison among signatures produced by the analysed methodology in function of each sample was realized just to produce the classification of those kinds of water, which resulted to be the most appropriate ones for specific beer production.
Banking and Markets

A complex financial system comprises both financial markets and financial institutions. Financial institutions can take the form of intermediaries or banks. Bank-based financial systems unlike intermediary-based systems, are subject to crises, but crises do not imply market failure. We show that a sophisticated financial system - a system with complete markets for aggregate risk and limited market participation - is incentive-efficient, if the institutions take the form of intermediaries, or else constrained-efficient, if they take the form of banks. We also consider an economy in which the markets for aggregate risks are incomplete. In this context, there is a role for prudential regulation: regulating liquidity can improve welfare.
Femtosecond laser cataract surgery: challenging cases

Purpose of review Emerging data in the peer-reviewed literature indicate that femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS) is a well tolerated and effective alternative to conventional phacoemulsification. Initial reports have largely been based on findings from an optimal patient selection. As confidence with the technology has grown, clinical indications have expanded and the benefit of LCS in high-risk patients with complex cataracts is increasingly being considered. Recent findings We discuss challenging cataract surgery cases, citing the currently available literature alongside experience from over 3000 completed LCS cases at our centre. Summary Current experience is limited. However, LCS platforms are continuously evolving and improving. The results collected to date would suggest that the precision and safety offered by LCS may improve outcomes in these challenging cases.
Structure of Recombinant Rabies Virus Nucleoprotein-RNA Complex and Identification of the Phosphoprotein Binding site

ABSTRACT Rabies virus nucleoprotein (N) was produced in insect cells, in which it forms nucleoprotein-RNA (N-RNA) complexes that are biochemically and biophysically indistinguishable from rabies virus N-RNA. We selected recombinant N-RNA complexes that were bound to short insect cellular RNAs which formed small rings containing 9 to 11 N monomers. We also produced recombinant N-RNA rings and viral N-RNA that were treated with trypsin and that had lost the C-terminal quarter of the nucleoprotein. Trypsin-treated N-RNA no longer bound to recombinant rabies virus phosphoprotein (the viral polymerase cofactor), so the presence of the C-terminal part of N is needed for binding of the phosphoprotein. Both intact and trypsin-treated recombinant N-RNA rings were analyzed with cryoelectron microscopy, and three-dimensional models were calculated from single-particle image analysis combined with back projection. Nucleoprotein has a bilobed shape, and each monomer has two sites of interaction with each neighbor. Trypsin treatment cuts off part of one of the lobes without shortening the protein or changing other structural parameters. Using negative-stain electron microscopy, we visualized phosphoprotein bound to the tips of the N-RNA rings, most likely at the site that can be removed by trypsin. Based on the shape of N determined here and on structural parameters derived from electron microscopy on free rabies virus N-RNA and from nucleocapsid in virus, we propose a low-resolution model for rabies virus N-RNA in the virus.
Sourcing strategies in the Italian coffee industry

While the socio-economics of the coffee industry has received much attention, this article presents a novel analysis of B2B relationships in order to understand what determines coffee roasters' sourcing strategies. The theoretical framework is based on new institutional economics and relational contracting. The methodology is qualitative and uses a multiple-case approach. The evidence shows that different modes of transactions are devised in order to cope with the business uncertainty and to guarantee supplies of the coffee with the desired quality attributes. Traders offer to roasters guarantees that growers and exporters cannot provide. Relational components in transactions are essential to reduce uncertainty and transaction costs, and are important coordination mechanisms in trader-roaster linkages and even more so in the exporter-roaster interface. Roasters devise stronger coordination mechanisms with suppliers when the quality reputation of the core product is critical in their business strategy.
Retention Futility: Targeting High-Risk Customers Might be Ineffective

Companies in a variety of sectors are increasingly managing customer churn proactively, generally by detecting customers at the highest risk of churning and targeting retention efforts towards them. While there is a vast literature on developing churn prediction models that identify customers at the highest risk of churning, no research has investigated whether it is indeed optimal to target those individuals. Combining two field experiments with machine learning techniques, the author demonstrates that customers identified as having the highest risk of churning are not necessarily the best targets for proactive churn programs. This finding is not only contrary to common wisdom but also suggests that retention programs are sometimes futile not because firms offer the wrong incentives but because they do not apply the right targeting rules. Accordingly, firms should focus their modeling efforts on identifying the observed heterogeneity in response to the intervention and to target customers on the basis of their sensitivity to the intervention, regardless of their risk of churning. This approach is empirically demonstrated to be significantly more effective than the standard practice of targeting customers with the highest risk of churning. More broadly, the author encourages firms and researchers using randomized trials (or A/B tests) to look beyond the average effect of interventions and leverage the observed heterogeneity in customers' response to select customer targets.
An Interval‐Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Outranking Method with a Closeness‐Based Assignment Model for Multiple Criteria Decision Making

The concept of interval‐valued Pythagorean fuzzy (IVPF) sets is capable of handling imprecise and ambiguous information and managing complex uncertainty in real‐world applications. This paper focuses on multiple criteria decision analysis involving IVPF information and proposes a new outranking decision‐making method that uses a closeness‐based assignment model. In contrast to the existing assignment‐based methodology, the uniqueness of this paper is the consideration of uncertain information represented by IVPF values, the determination of criterion‐wise precedence rankings based on a closeness‐based approach, and the development of a new measure for scalar representation. First, to underlie anchored judgments in subjective decision‐making processes, this paper presents a compromising concept of the closeness index with the positive‐ideal and negative‐ideal IVPF values to identify criterion‐wise precedence ranks among alternatives. Next, this paper defines the concept of matrices of precedence frequency and contribution to provide a basis for the proposed assignment model. To overcome the difficulty of lacking nontrivial scalar representations, a useful measure is also developed to appropriately describe IVPF values. Based on a closeness‐based assignment approach, a novel outranking decision‐making method is proposed to transform the extended criterion‐wise ranks into the ultimate priority orders of the alternatives. The proposed method is first implemented in a practical problem of selecting a bridge construction method to demonstrate its feasibility and applicability. Moreover, its practicality and effectiveness are verified through a comparative analysis with relevant assignment‐based approaches. Further comparative analyses with newly developed IVPF decision‐making methods are conducted for both a risk evaluation problem and an investment problem to examine the advantages of the proposed method and extend the current technique by considering distinct preference information for adapting to the particularities in practice.
An Eye Location based Head Posture Recognition Method and Its Application in Mouse Operation

An eye location based head posture recognition method is proposed in this paper. First, face is detected using skin color method, and eyebrow and eye areas are located based on gray gradient in face. Next, pupil circles are determined using edge detection circle method. Finally, head postures are recognized based on eye location information. The proposed method has high recognition precision and is robust for facial expressions and different head postures, and can be used in mouse operation. The experimental results reveal the validity of proposed method.
Profits from Technical Trading Rules: The Case of Cyprus Stock Exchange

We examine the performance of various types of technical trading rules in the emerging Cyprus Stock Market (CSE). Furthermore, we examine the predictability of daily returns for the CSE with respect to the extent that the technical analysis method of moving averages can win the buy-and-hold policy. Also, we further our analysis via the bootstrap methodology under the model of EGARCH. This study becomes necessary given the important changes, which Cyprus is going through since joining the European Union on May 1 May 2004 and as it is preparing for the adoption of the Euro as its currency.
The Global Distribution of Average Volume of Alcohol Consumption and Patterns of Drinking

Aims: To make quantitative estimates on a global basis of exposure of disease-relevant dimensions of alcohol consumption, i.e. average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking. Design: Secondary data analysis. Measurements: Level of average volume of drinking was estimated by a triangulation of data on per capita consumption and from general population surveys. Patterns of drinking were measured by an index composed of several indicators for heavy drinking occasions, an indicator of drinking with meals and an indicator of public drinking. Average volume of consumption was assessed by sex and age within each country, and patterns of drinking only by country; estimates for the global subregions were derived from the population-weighted average of the countries. For more than 90% of the world population, per capita consumption was known, and for more than 80% of the world population, survey data were available. Findings: On the country level, average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking were independent. There was marked variation between WHO subregions on both dimensions. Average volume of drinking was highest in established market economies in Western Europe and the former Socialist economies in the Eastern part of Europe and in North America, and lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region and parts of Southeast Asia including India. Patterns were most detrimental in the former Socialist economies in the Eastern part of Europe, in Middle and South America and parts of Africa. Patterns were least detrimental in Western Europe and in developed countries in the Western Pacific region (e.g., Japan). Conclusions: Although exposure to alcohol varies considerably between regions, the overall exposure by volume is quite high and patterns are relatively detrimental. The predictions for the future are not favorable, both with respect to average volume and to patterns of drinking.
Adaptive CSI feedback scheme to maximize the throughput in IEEE 802.11ac system

In this letter, we propose a low-complexity adaptive channel state information (CSI) feedback scheme to maximize the throughput in IEEE 802.11ac systems. We analyze the two factors - the interference and the feedback overhead -and develop a method to attain an optimal CSI feedback quantization level with minimal additional complexity. Our numerical results and complexity comparisons verify the efficiency of the proposed scheme in terms of throughput and complexity.
Energy efficient actuators with adjustable stiffness: a review on AwAS, AwAS-II and CompACT VSA changing stiffness based on lever mechanism

Purpose This paper aims to discuss, analyze and compare members of a group of actuators with adjustable stiffness, namely: AwAS, AwAS-II and CompACT variable stiffness actuator (VSA) developed at Italian Institute of Technology (IIT). Design/methodology/approach These actuators are among series type of VSAs where one main motor is dedicated for link positioning and a secondary motor, in series with the first one, regulates the output link stiffness. Regulating the stiffness in this group of actuators is based on the lever concept. Initially, springs were moved along the lever to tune the stiffness while in the later versions stiffness was regulated through relocating pivot point along the lever. Findings This paper discusses how different mechanisms have been employed in realization of the lever concept in these actuators and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each realization. Practical implications Today’s robots are not supposed to be solid, isolated and rigid anymore but rather adaptive, cooperative and compliant entities in our daily life. The new attitudes demand for novel technologies substantially different from those developed for industrial domains both at the hardware and the software levels. This work presents latest three state-of-the-art actuators, developed at IIT, which are great answers to the needs of tomorrow’s robot. Originality/value These novel actuators are really ready for commercial exploitation, as they are compact and reliable. The main novelty is based on employing concept of lever mechanism for stiffness regulation. They have been designed and manufactured in a very professional and optimized way.
Tweeting the Spill: Online Informal Communications, Social Networks, and Conversational Microstructures during the Deepwater Horizon Oilspill

Informal online communication channels are being utilized for official communications in disaster contexts. Channels such as networked microblogging enable public officials to broadcast messages as well as engage in direct communication exchange with individuals. Here the authors investigate online information exchange behaviors of a set of state and federal organizations during the Deepwater Horizon 2010 oil spill disaster. Using data from the popular microblogging service, Twitter, they analyze the roles individual organizations play in the dissemination of information to the general public online, and the conversational aspects of official posts. The authors discuss characteristics and features of the following networks including actor centrality and differential mixing, as well as how structural features may affect information exchange in disasters. This research provides insight into the use of networked communications during an event of heightened public concern, describes implications of conversational features, and suggests directions for future research.
Research on Comprehensive Income Coordination Strategy for Three-echelon CLSC Based on TOPSIS Method

The closed-loop supply chain is studied among manufacturer,retailer and third party logistics service provider.Manufacturer is dominant firm,retailer collects the used products,and Forward and reverse logistics service price which is paid by retailer is introduced to CLSC system.Two types of price strategy are given by decentralized and joint decision-making.Profit coordination method is given with three coordination methods under joint decision-making.In order to avoid divergences,comprehensive coordination method is proposed with TPOSIS method so as to get multi-win and satisfactory situation.Finally,an example is given to verify the pricing and coordination method.
The impact of product design on supply chain risk: A case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the increasingly important issue of the impact of product design on supply chain risk management in an era of global supply arrangements. The need to include product design considerations in the development of global supply chain strategies is highlighted.Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology is based on an in‐depth longitudinal case study of a major UK retailer. Data collection tools included observation of supplier meetings/workshops, semi‐structured interviews and access to key company documentation and archives.Findings – This paper provides a framework for design‐led supply chain risk management and thus presents a case for recognising design as more than a creative function but as a platform to manage risk in supply chains.Research limitations/implications – The empirical research reported in this paper is specific to the clothing manufacturing and fashion retail industry. Though the findings will most likely apply to all industries .
Co-creation with Consumers: Who has the Competence and Wants to Cooperate?

Lead users and emergent nature consumers are two highly attractive targets for marketing co-creation. Based on a representative sample of the French population (n = 995), we show that the competence and engagement in co-creation of these two target groups are significantly greater than for other consumers. This result is encouraging for market research companies that face a growing reluctance of customer participation in marketing studies. In addition, we have normed the distribution of lead user and emergent nature consumer scores among the population. This results in specific reference points for naming customer data while at the same time making it easier to filter respondents for future co-creation initiatives.
Bartholomew the apostle: the saint of dermatology.

Author Contributions: Study concept and design: All authors. Acquisition of data: All authors. Analysis and interpretation of data: Zarchi, Jemec. Drafting of the manuscript: Zarchi, Dufour. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content:Dufour, Jemec. Obtained funding: Jemec. Administrative, technical, andmaterial support: Dufour, Jemec. Study supervision: Jemec. Conflict of Interest Disclosure:None reported.
Controlled Generation of Bright or Dark Solitons in a Fiber Laser by Intracavity Nonlinear Absorber

We numerically found that an intracavity nonlinear absorber (saturable absorber or reversed saturable absorber) plays a crucial role in the formation of dissipative bright or dark solitons in a fiber laser. The operation of an all-normal-dispersion fiber laser could evolve from a bright-soliton emission state to a black-soliton emission state, purely by changing the intracavity nonlinear absorber from a saturable absorber to an antisaturable absorber. Our simulation results are well supported by the experimental observations. The result suggests a new way to control the dissipative soliton operation of lasers and deepens our understanding of the properties of dissipative solitons.
Age-related response to interferon alfa treatment in women vs men with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND Interferon alfa is used widely for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Little is known, however, of the relationship between patients' sex and the effectiveness of interferon alfa treatment in these patients. METHODS We treated 311 patients (199 men and 112 women) with human lymphoblastoid interferon (6 million units subcutaneously every day for 2 weeks and 3 times a week for 22 weeks) and observed them for an additional 6 months. Serum HCV RNA levels and genotype were tested by polymerase chain reaction before treatment. A liver biopsy was also done. For the purposes of this study, a complete response was defined as the elimination of HCV RNA for at least 6 months after the termination of treatment. RESULTS The rate of complete response was 27.1% for men and 24.1% for women. With multiple logistic regression analysis, the HCV RNA level (P < .001), genotype (P < .001), patients' sex (P < .05), and the interaction between sex and age were associated with a complete response to interferon alfa. The rate of complete response was 33.3% in men aged 39 years and younger, 25.0% in men aged 40 years and older. 75.0% in women aged 39 years and younger, and 15.6% in women aged 40 years and older. The odds ratio by group was 1.00, 0.72, 4.38, and 0.21, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our finding that women aged 39 years and younger are responsive to interferon alfa treatment suggests that hormonal activity, in particular the level of estrogen, may be associated with the sustained elimination of HCV.
Regulation-Induced Disclosures: Is 'More' Actually 'Less'?

Regulators and practitioners have expressed concerns that accounting disclosures have become too much and too complex resulting in negative consequences for companies and financial statement users. We investigate whether more regulation-induced disclosures are associated with more effort to prepare and use financial statements. We create an index measuring firms’ exposure to regulation-induced disclosures. We show that a higher index is associated with longer 10-Ks, a longer reporting delay and higher audit fees. A higher index is also associated with fewer analysts following the firm, lower analyst accuracy and a higher dispersion. Our findings suggest that increases in regulation-induced disclosures have unintended consequences.