Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adding Validity and New Results to the Global Explanations of e-democracy

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in democratic processes, often summarized by the term e-democracy, has seldom been analysed from a global perspective. Although the UN eParticipation index provides one of the few examples of an international measurement of e-democracy, it has been thoroughly criticized. At the same time, however, a number of studies have added knowledge in the field of global determinants of e-democracy by using this very index. In this study I resolve this by: (1) examining whether the UN index is a valid measurement of e-democracy; (2) inquiring whether there are alternative measurements of e-democracy and finally (3) retesting the determinants of e-democracy using the UN index and alternatives together with a larger data set and more suitable estimations than have previously been used in this field. The paper gives answer to these questions. First, even if the index has flaws it is not necessarily as problematic as assumed. Second, combining this index with measurements of democracy corresponds with the emphasis in the literature on e-democracy being embedded in democracy. Third, the determinants of e-democracy on a global scale show the positive importance of technology but also of socio-economic variables and population size.
TECHNOLOGY, NETWORKS AND COMMUNITIES

Technologies such as the internet offer tremendous and potentially transformative possibilities for imagining and living with others. The possibility for new ways of being together raises the question of appropriate concepts, languages and theories to describe, analyse and engage with these social forms and practices. Network and community concepts and rhetoric are most commonly employed for this purpose, yet the differences between them and the rationale for their specific uses are unclear. In order to gain a more nuanced and informed picture, this paper attempts a very broad overview of the fields of network and community theory particularly in relation to technologically mediated social practices. The intent is to begin mapping the uses, limitations and strengths of community and network theory. In the process, the paper will bring to light some of the tensions, issues and concerns surrounding the analysis of technosociality.
Recognition of non-Gaussian signals against a background of noise using higher order statistics

The aim of the paper is to study the possibility of advancing noised non-Gaussian processes recognition using the features based on higher-order statistics. Several new recognition features based on the higher-order statistics, the basis of advancing recognition results in the presence of noise, decision rules and recognition system frameworks we proposed in the paper. The efficiency test of the proposed method is performed by statistical modeling. We proposed features of recognition based on the third-order statistics.
Critical Thinking About Research: Psychology and Related Fields

To become informed consumers of research, students need to thoughtfully evaluate the research they read rather than accept it without question. This second edition of a classic text gives students what they need to apply critical reasoning when reading behavioral science research. It updates the original text with recent developments in research methods, including a new chapter on meta-analyses. Part I gives a thorough overview of the steps in a research project. It focuses on how to assess whether the conclusions drawn in a behavioral science report are warranted by the methods used in the research. Topics include research hypotheses, sampling, experimental design, data analysis, interpretation of results, and ethics. Part II allows readers to practice critical thinking with a series of fictitious journal articles containing built-in flaws in method and interpretation. Clever and engaging, each article is accompanied by a commentary that points out the errors of procedure and logic that have been deliberately embedded in the article. This combination of instruction and practical application will promote active learning and critical thinking in students studying the behavioral sciences.
A Two-Phase Maxi-Min Algorithm for Forward-Inverse Experiment Design

In customer-driven design of systems or products, one has performance targets in mind and would like to identify system design parameters that yield the target performance vector. Since most simulation models predict performance given design parameter values, this identification must be done iteratively through an optimization search procedure. In some cases it would be preferable to find design parameter values directly via an explicit inverse model. Regression and other forms of approximation 'metamodels' provide estimates of simulation model outputs as a function of design parameters. It is possible to design fitting experiments (DOE's) that allow simultaneous fitting of both forward and inverse metamodels. This paper discusses the potential for this strategy and shows a simple two-phase DOE strategy using a maxi-min measure of DOE quality
Multiuser diversity for MIMO wireless systems with linear receivers

MIMO communication links, i.e. those with multiple transmit and receive antennas, offer significant advantages in terms of rate and reliability. In cellular systems, however, gains may be limited due to fading and interference. One potential solution is known as multiuser diversity, in which a packet scheduler improves throughput by exploiting the independence of the fading and interference statistics of different users. In this paper, we consider the problem of exploiting multiuser diversity in MIMO systems, especially those with zero forcing linear receivers. We propose a number of different scheduling disciplines and compare them in terms of average throughput as a function of the number of users and number of antennas.
A two-way model for motor control of redundant systems

The biological motor control system is an adaptive system exhibiting vast redundancy at all its hierarchical levels. Redundancy improves reliability and flexibility and might be the salient reason for the superb dexterity of human motor control. However, introducing redundancy in an inversely controlled object results in an ill-posed problem. The authors describe a general two-way model for redundancy control. This model includes the selection of a single solution by the dynamics of the system at the lower level, and a multiple controller that can use different solutions under different circumstances at the higher level. The authors demonstrate the role of the system dynamics in facilitating the stereotypical features of rapid movements, and suggest an architecture as well as a theoretical framework for many-to-one function approximation and inversion.
A Closed-Loop Controlled Nanomanipulation System for Probing Nanostructures Inside Scanning Electron Microscopes

Probing nanostructures (e.g., nanoelectronics) requires accurate and precise nanopositioning. Furthermore, since measuring I-V data from dc to GHz typically takes more than a minute, tolerance for position drift is stringent during the data collection process. This paper reports a closed-loop controlled nanomanipulation system for operation inside a scanning electron microscope. A new position sensing method with low power consumption is used to achieve nanometer sensing resolution and effective heat dissipation management. For automated probing of nanostructures, the position sensor-based closed-loop probing approach was found to be four times faster than visually servoed probing, and ten times faster compared to manual operation. Probing accuracy was determined to be better than 3 nm and a drift rate lower than 1 nm/min.
Stereovision-based control for automated MOEMS assembly

Microassembly represents a very promising solution to microproducts and complex Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) fabrication. Since, in the case of teleoperated assembly, an operator is the main source of errors, there is a great interest in microassembly automation. Its main issue consists in precise estimation of object position. Previous studies demonstrate the possibility of application of modelbased visual tracking algorithms from ViSP (Visual Servoing Platform) library. However, the methods of macroassembly cannot be directly applied when working with microobjects. The characterization of single-view visual tracking notably revealed the complexity of depth estimation in microscale, which is due to small depth variation in the seen images compared with the distance from camera. So, an algorithm of Z coordinate reconstruction using a second camera was developed and analyzed for visual servoing task. It was then used to automate microassembly. Experiments demonstrate the possibility of complex microcomponent automatic microassembly with precision better than 10 micrometers.
New Template-Template-enhanced ICALL System for a Second Language Composition Course

To solve a bottleneck problem of authoring a finite state automaton (FSA)-based ICALL system capable of automatically correcting free format English composition sentences, we have developed a new template-template scheme to simplify and streamline the labor-intensive input processes of the network of possible answers. This is achieved by exploiting a simple rule-based approach to the template construction which allows us to integrate complex template patterns into a simpler single template and also to generate many patterns, particularly those of grammatical errors, automatically. This approach contributes to a reduction both in computational processing time and complexity of the system and opens a wide door for a new natural language processing (NLP)-based dialogue system (written and spoken) of future man-machine interactive systems.
Modeling and Worst-Case Dimensioning of Cluster-Tree Wireless Sensor Networks

Time-sensitive wireless sensor network (WSN) applications require finite delay bounds in critical situations. This paper provides a methodology for the modeling and the worst-case dimensioning of cluster-tree WSNs. We provide a fine model of the worst-case cluster-tree topology characterized by its depth, the maximum number of child routers and the maximum number of child nodes for each parent router. Using Network Calculus, we derive "plug-and-play " expressions for the end-to-end delay bounds, buffering and bandwidth requirements as a function of the WSN cluster-tree characteristics and traffic specifications. The cluster-tree topology has been adopted by many cluster-based solutions for WSNs. We demonstrate how to apply our general results for dimensioning IEEE 802.15. 4/Zigbee cluster-tree WSNs. We believe that this paper shows the fundamental performance limits of cluster-tree wireless sensor networks by the provision of a simple and effective methodology for the design of such WSNs
Metaplectic Demazure operators and Whittaker functions

In a previous paper the first two named authors defined an action of a Weyl group on rational functions and used it to construct multiple Dirichlet series. These series are related to Whittaker functions on an n-fold metaplectic cover of a reductive group. In this paper, we define metaplectic analogues of the Demazure and Demazure-Lusztig operators. We show how these operators, together with results of McNamara, can be used to compute Whittaker functions on metaplectic groups over p-adic fields.
The perceived information needs of girls with Turner syndrome and their parents

The age range at diagnosis, complexity of the condition, and sensitive nature of the issues involved in a diagnosis of Turner syndrome (TS), present specific challenges for health professionals in sharing information. Little is known about the perceived information needs of girls with TS and their parents.A flexible qualitative design, guided by the principles of symbolic interactionism was employed in this exploratory study. This design enabled meanings girls and their parents attached to TS, how they interpreted, shared and valued information to be uncovered. A purposive sample of 15 families with daughters aged 9 to 16years were recruited from a tertiary paediatric endocrinology clinic. Girls and parents participated in a total of 27 recorded semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the framework approach and the constant comparative method. Analysis revealed how girls and their parents interpreted and used information within the context of their everyday experiences of living with TS.Three activities were described by families: gathering and receiving, making sense of, and using and sharing information. Throughout these activities, themes of uncertainty, normalising and identity were present. A series of tensions described by the girls and their parents illustrated diverse approaches to the management of information. Meanings assigned to TS by girls and their parents influenced when, what and how information was shared with others. Despite a wealth of information, the girls and their parents described unfulfilled information needs. The interviews were dominated by discussion of the social implications of the condition and more specifically to social functioning, puberty and infertility. Parents were the primary source of information. These findings provide a basis for developing evidence based approaches to information sharing.
An MRI study of sex- and age-related differences in the dimensions of the corpus callosum and brain

The primary purposes of this study were to investigate the possible existence of sex- and age-related differences in 1) the various dimensions of the corpus callosum, and 2) its relative position within the brain. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) from 21 females and 14 males, ranging in age from 24 to 80, were reviewed. Only MRI studies without any pathologic findings were included in analysis. The following corpus callosum measurements were done: maximum longitudinal dimension (frontal to occipital pole-AB); maximum vertical dimension (upper to lower surface-CD); length of the genu (EZ/3); length of the splenium (EZ/5); and total longitudinal dimension of the corpus callosum (EZ). Callosal longitudinal dimensions were measured using the Witelson division method, and were correlated with brain dimensions in the same living humans, in order to examine for sex- and age-related differences. To investigate age-related differences, we stratified the studied population into age subgroups (24-45, 46-65, 6680). Statistical analysis involved Spearman correlations and Wilcoxon sign ranks tests. Across all subjects, there was minimal variability in the dimensions and relative dimensions of the corpus callosum. The longitudinal dimension of the genu (EZ/3) and total corpus callosum (EZ) were found to be larger in males, whereas the longitudinal dimension of the splenium (EZ/5) was larger in females. Females exhibited a smaller brain vertical dimension versus males. The ratios -EZ:AE and EZ:CD - were larger in females, but the dimensions EZ/3, EZ, and EZ/5 did not vary with gender. Corpus callosum dimensions were statistically less, by 3%, in those over age 45 versus those younger than 45. The corpus callosum’s dimensions and position remain stable relative to surrounding brain, but some sex differences exist. Also, the brain and corpus callosum both appear to decrease in size in older individuals. Neuroanatomy; 2007; 6: 63–65.
Critical concept for 2-rainbow domination in graphs

For a graph G, let f : V (G) → P({1, 2, . . . , k}) be a function. If for each vertex v ∈ V (G) such that f(v) = ∅ we have ∪u∈N(v)f(u) = {1, 2, . , k}, then f is called a k-rainbow dominating function (or simply kRDF) of G. The weight, w(f), of a kRDF f is defined as w(f) = ∑ v∈V (G) |f(v)|. The minimum weight of a kRDF of G is called the k-rainbow domination number of G, and is denoted by γkr(G). The concept of criticality with respect to various operations on graphs has been studied for several domination parameters. In this paper we study the concept of criticality for 2-rainbow domination in graphs. We characterize 2-rainbow domination vertex (edge) super critical graphs and we will give several characterizations for 2-rainbow domination vertex (edge) critical graphs.
Documenting APIs with examples: Lessons learned with the APIMiner platform

Software development increasingly relies on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to increase productivity. However, learning how to use new APIs in many cases is a nontrivial task given their ever-increasing complexity. To help developers during the API learning process, we describe in this paper a platform - called APIMiner - that instruments the standard Java-based API documentation format with concrete examples of usage. The examples are extracted from a private source code repository - composed by real systems - and summarized using a static slicing algorithm. We also describe a particular instantiation of our platform for the Android API. To evaluate the proposed solution, we performed a field study, when professional Android developers used the platform by four months.
Induction of specific tissue transplantation tolerance using fractionated total lymphoid irradiation in adult mice: long-term survival of allogeneic bone marrow and skin grafts

BALB/c mice were treated with fractionated high dose (3,400 rads) total lymphoid irradiation (TLI), and given semiallogeneic (BALB/c x C57BL/Ka) or allogeneic (C57BL/Ka) bone marrow and/or skin allografts. TLI alone prolonged the mean survival time (m.s.t.) of C57BL/Ka skin grafts to 49.1 days (control, 10.7 days). Shielding of the thymus during TLI produced only a slight increase in graft survival (m.s.t., 19 days). TLI combined with splenectomy was no more effective than TLI alone. Infusion of 10(7) semiallogeneic or allogeneic bone marrow cells after TLI produced stable chimeras in 7/8 and 8/15 recipients, respectively. Chimeras were specifically tolerant to donor tissues, since C57BL/Ka skin grafts were accepted for more than 250 days, but third-party (C3H/He) skin grafts were rejected rapidly. In addition, chimeric lymphocytes responded to C3H/He and C3H. Q but not to C57BL/Ka cells in the one-way mixed leukocyte reactions. BALB/c C57BL/Ka chimeras showed no clinical evidence of graft vs. host disease. These findings may have application of clinical organ transplantation, since (a) the recipient treatment (TLI) has already been shown to be safe in humans, (b) donors and recipients can be completely allogeneic, and (c) bone marrow and skin graft survival was permanent (greater than 250 days).
Development and security analysis of WAPI

In this paper, the new version of China Wireless LAN Standard-WAPI is analyzed; security problems in the old version are partly resolved, however, there are still some problems existing, such as Denial of Services and masquerading attacks are easily mounted. In order to solve these security problems, a solution which uses hash chain to structure authentication token to is proposed.
Multiple task optimization with a mixture of controllers for motion generation

Simultaneous mastering of multiple tasks during motion generation is challenging. Traditional null-space based approaches for redundant robots implement a strict, hierarchical prioritization for tracking multiple objectives. In consequence, these schemes are not suited to impose smooth priorities or changing them during motion execution. A recently developed mixture of controller approach superpose torques from several control modules for motion generation and thereby enables to flexibly impose priorities for pursuing different goals in parallel. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a framework which allows for automatic derivation of suitable mixture coefficients which represent priorities. The functionality of the optimization framework is demonstrated for a virtual 3 DOF pendulum and the humanoid robot COMAN.
Structure of a Zinc-binding Domain in the Junín Virus Envelope Glycoprotein*

Arenaviruses cause acute hemorrhagic fevers with high mortality. Entry of the virus into the host cell is mediated by the viral envelope glycoprotein, GPC. In contrast to other class I viral envelope glycoproteins, the mature GPC complex contains a cleaved stable signal peptide (SSP) in addition to the canonical receptor-binding (G1) and transmembrane fusion (G2) subunits. SSP is critical for intracellular transport of the GPC complex to the cell surface and for its membrane-fusion activity. Previous studies have suggested that SSP is retained in GPC through interaction with a zinc-binding domain (ZBD) in the cytoplasmic tail of G2. Here we used NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of Junín virus (JUNV) ZBD (G2 residues 445–485) and investigate its interaction with a conserved Cys residue (Cys-57) in SSP. We show that JUNV ZBD displays a novel fold containing two zinc ions. One zinc ion is coordinated by His-447, His-449, Cys-455, and His-485. The second zinc ion is coordinated by His-459, Cys-467, and Cys-469 and readily accepts Cys-57 from SSP as the fourth ligand. Our studies describe the structural basis for retention of the unique SSP subunit and suggest a mechanism whereby SSP is positioned in the GPC complex to modulate pH-dependent membrane fusion.
Improving the Reconstruction Accuracy of GAs-Based NDE/NDT Methods through a Level Set Approach

In the framework of nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDE/NDT), this paper deals with the problem of the detection of unknown anomalies in dielectric materials. The proposed inverse scattering approach consists of a two-step procedure aimed at firstly estimating the region-of-interest where the defect is supposed to be located and then improving the qualitative imaging (i.e., the shape and position) of the crack. In order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an illustrative result from representative numerical test cases is presented and discussed.
Role of mitochondrial calcium uptake homeostasis in resting state fMRI brain networks

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake influences both brain energy metabolism and neural signaling. Given that brain mitochondrial organelles are distributed in relation to vascular density, which varies considerably across brain regions, we hypothesized different physiological impacts of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake across brain regions. We tested the hypothesis by monitoring brain “intrinsic activity” derived from the resting state functional MRI (fMRI) blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fluctuations in different functional networks spanning the somatosensory cortex, caudate putamen, hippocampus and thalamus, in normal and perturbed mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake states. In anesthetized rats at 11.7 T, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was inhibited or enhanced respectively by treatments with Ru360 or kaempferol. Surprisingly, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake inhibition by Ru360 and enhancement by kaempferol led to similar dose‐dependent decreases in brain‐wide intrinsic activities in both the frequency domain (spectral amplitude) and temporal domain (resting state functional connectivity; RSFC). The fact that there were similar dose‐dependent decreases in the frequency and temporal domains of the resting state fMRI‐BOLD fluctuations during mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake inhibition or enhancement indicated that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and its homeostasis may strongly influence the brain's functional organization at rest. Interestingly, the resting state fMRI‐derived intrinsic activities in the caudate putamen and thalamic regions saturated much faster with increasing dosage of either drug treatment than the drug‐induced trends observed in cortical and hippocampal regions. Regional differences in how the spectral amplitude and RSFC changed with treatment indicate distinct mitochondrion‐mediated spontaneous neuronal activity coupling within the various RSFC networks determined by resting state fMRI. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.