Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of dynamical biological systems based on random effects models

System identification is a data-driven modeling approach more and more used in biology and biomedicine. In this application context, each assay is always repeated to estimate the response variability. The inference of the modeling conclusions to the whole population requires to account for the inter-individual variability within the modeling procedure. One solution consists in using random effects models but up to now no similar approach exists in the field of dynamical system identification. In this article, we propose a new solution based on an ARX (Auto Regressive model with eXternal inputs) structure using the EM (Expectation-Maximisation) algorithm for the estimation of the model parameters. Simulations show the relevance of this solution compared with a classical procedure of system identification repeated for each subject.
Implementation of dialogic approach of teaching science in Ghanaian grade 7 science classroom

Boadi, Joseph Sarfo. 2019. Introducing dialogic approach of teaching Science in Ghanaian Grade 7 Science Classroom. Master’s Thesis in Education. University of Jyväakylä, Finland. Department of Education. The aim of this study was to implement dialogic approach of teaching science in Ghanaian classrooms and how students response to this approach. Despite the moves to change curricula to be more student-centered, the approach of teaching science in Ghana remains authoritative and monologic. To achieve the aim of this research, this thesis carried out action research in grade 7 classrooms in Opoku Ware Junior High School, Ghana. During the action research, lessons were video recorded and students were randomly selected and interviewed. This study analysed the interview data using qualitative content analysis to answer the research questions. The responses from the students indicated that the dialogic approach of teaching science supported their understanding of the lessons and encouraged students’ active participation in the lessons. Major challenge confronted during the implementation of the dialogic approach of teaching science in the Ghanaian classroom was large class sizes. Though the introduction of the group activities helped the students to participate in the lesson, it would have been more effective if the class sizes were smaller.
Transaction Costs in Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives: Effects on Market Performance

Managing an agricultural marketing cooperative is largely a matter of managing relationships with its members. They are not just owners participating in decision making and the provision of funds; they are also suppliers of the product the cooperative is offering to the market. This study analyses how transaction costs in the relationship of the cooperative with its member-suppliers contribute to its success in the market. An analysis of data from 124 Spanish marketing cooperatives operating in the fresh fruit and vegetables sector confirms most of the study's research hypotheses. The authors find that a cooperative's market performance is improved when it invests in specific assets and has more safeguards, lower levels of behavioural and environmental uncertainty and higher levels of adaptation in the relationship with its member-suppliers.
Combining disparate data sources for improved poverty prediction and mapping

Significance Spatially finest poverty maps are essential for improved diagnosis and policy planning, especially keeping in view the Sustainable Development Goals. “Big Data” sources like call data records and satellite imagery have shown promise in providing intercensal statistics. This study outlines a computational framework to efficiently combine disparate data sources, like environmental data, and mobile data, to provide more accurate predictions of poverty and its individual dimensions for finest spatial microregions in Senegal. These are validated using the concurrent census data. More than 330 million people are still living in extreme poverty in Africa. Timely, accurate, and spatially fine-grained baseline data are essential to determining policy in favor of reducing poverty. The potential of “Big Data” to estimate socioeconomic factors in Africa has been proven. However, most current studies are limited to using a single data source. We propose a computational framework to accurately predict the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) at a finest spatial granularity and coverage of 552 communes in Senegal using environmental data (related to food security, economic activity, and accessibility to facilities) and call data records (capturing individualistic, spatial, and temporal aspects of people). Our framework is based on Gaussian Process regression, a Bayesian learning technique, providing uncertainty associated with predictions. We perform model selection using elastic net regularization to prevent overfitting. Our results empirically prove the superior accuracy when using disparate data (Pearson correlation of 0.91). Our approach is used to accurately predict important dimensions of poverty: health, education, and standard of living (Pearson correlation of 0.84–0.86). All predictions are validated using deprivations calculated from census. Our approach can be used to generate poverty maps frequently, and its diagnostic nature is, likely, to assist policy makers in designing better interventions for poverty eradication.
Wireless Power Transfer to Millimeter-Sized Nodes Using Airborne Ultrasound

We propose the use of airborne ultrasound for wireless power transfer to mm-sized nodes, with intended application in the next generation of the Internet of Things (IoT). We show through simulation that ultrasonic power transfer can deliver 50 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> to a mm-sized node 0.88 m away from a ~ 50-kHz, 25-cm<sup>2</sup> transmitter array, with the peak pressure remaining below recommended limits in air, and with load power increasing with transmitter area. We report wireless power recovery measurements with a precharged capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer, demonstrating a load power of 5 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at a simulated distance of 1.05 m. We present aperture efficiency, dynamic range, and bias-free operation as key metrics for the comparison of transducers meant for wireless power recovery. We also argue that long-range wireless charging at the watt level is extremely challenging with existing technology and regulations. Finally, we compare our acoustic powering system with cutting edge electromagnetically powered nodes and show that ultrasound has many advantages over RF as a vehicle for power delivery. Our work sets the foundation for further research into ultrasonic wireless power transfer for the IoT.
Co-scheduling on Upcoming Many-Core Architectures

Co-scheduling is known to optimize the utilization of supercomputers. By choosing applications with distict resource demands, the application throughput can be increased avoiding an underutilization of the available nodes. This is especially true for traditional multi-core architecture where a subset of the available cores are already able to saturate the main memory bandwidth. In this paper, we apply this concept to upcoming many-core architectures by taking the example of the Intel KNL. Therefore, we take a memory-bound and a compute-bound kernel from the NPB as example applications. Furthermore, we examine the effect of different memory assignment strategies that are enabled by the two-layered memory hierarchy of the KNL.
A 195Gb/s 1.2W 3D-stacked inductive inter-chip wireless superconnect with transmit power control scheme

An inductively coupled wireless interface achieves aggregated data rate of 195Gbit/s among 4 stacked chips in a package by arranging 195 transceivers in 50/spl mu/m pitch with power dissipation of 1.2W. The transmit power is controlled in accordance to the communication distance to reduce both the power dissipation and the crosstalk of the system.
Thermoelectric efficiency optimization of nanoantennas for solar energy harvesting

Abstract. We compared 9 × 9 arrays of bimetallic Ni(Nickel)-Pt(Platinum) nanoantennas for a classic and evolutive dipole configuration. We fabricated the nanoantennas by e-beam lithography and characterized them with a solar simulator to analyze the I − V curves. From these curves, a thermoelectric voltage dependence associated by classic and evolutive dipole configuration was observed. We show that the evolutive dipole nanoantennas (EDN) generate up to three times more voltage in contrast with the classic dipole nanoantenna (CDN). Indeed, the evolutive configuration is 1.3 times more efficient than its classical counterpart. The results are corroborated by absorbance of these nanoantennas in the 20 to 36 THz range, where EDN is 40% more efficient than CDN and 30% in the range of 36.1 to 90 THz. Moreover, the experimental results match the thermoelectric behavior obtained using numerical simulations. The EDN can be used in applications ranging from aerospace technology to energy harvesting, photodetector, and sensors, where high thermoelectric efficiency is needed.
The KAP1 Corepressor Functions To Coordinate the Assembly of De Novo HP1-Demarcated Microenvironments of Heterochromatin Required for KRAB Zinc Finger Protein-Mediated Transcriptional Repression

ABSTRACT KAP1/TIF1β is proposed to be a universal corepressor protein for the KRAB zinc finger protein (KRAB-zfp) superfamily of transcriptional repressors. To characterize the role of KAP1 and KAP1-interacting proteins in transcriptional repression, we investigated the regulation of stably integrated reporter transgenes by hormone-responsive KRAB and KAP1 repressor proteins. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of endogenous KAP1 levels by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly inhibited KRAB-mediated transcriptional repression of a chromatin template. Similarly, reduction in cellular levels of HP1α/β/γ and SETDB1 by siRNA attenuated KRAB-KAP1 repression. We also found that direct tethering of KAP1 to DNA was sufficient to repress transcription of an integrated transgene. This activity is absolutely dependent upon the interaction of KAP1 with HP1 and on an intact PHD finger and bromodomain of KAP1, suggesting that these domains function cooperatively in transcriptional corepression. The achievement of the repressed state by wild-type KAP1 involves decreased recruitment of RNA polymerase II, reduced levels of histone H3 K9 acetylation and H3K4 methylation, an increase in histone occupancy, enrichment of trimethyl histone H3K9, H3K36, and histone H4K20, and HP1 deposition at proximal regulatory sequences of the transgene. A KAP1 protein containing a mutation of the HP1 binding domain failed to induce any change in the histone modifications associated with DNA sequences of the transgene, implying that HP1-directed nuclear compartmentalization is required for transcriptional repression by the KRAB/KAP1 repression complex. The combination of these data suggests that KAP1 functions to coordinate activities that dynamically regulate changes in histone modifications and deposition of HP1 to establish a de novo microenvironment of heterochromatin, which is required for repression of gene transcription by KRAB-zfps.
Ultra-Reliable Short-Packet Communications: Half-Duplex or Full-Duplex Relaying?

This letter analyzes and compares the performance of full-duplex relaying (FDR) and half-duplex relaying (HDR) for ultrareliable short-packet communications. Specifically, we derive both approximate and asymptotic closed-form expressions of the block error rate (BLER) for FDR and HDR using short packets with finite blocklength codes. We define and attain a closed-form expression of a critical BLER, which can be used to efficiently determine the optimal duplex mode for ultrareliable low latency communication scenarios. Our results unveil that FDR is more appealing to the system with relatively lower transmit power constraint, less stringent BLER requirement, and stronger loop interference suppression.
Evaluation of filtering techniques to extract movement intention information from low-frequency EEG activity

Low-frequency electroencephalographic (EEG) activity provides relevant information for decoding movement commands in healthy subjects and paralyzed patients. Brainmachine interfaces (BMI) exploiting these signals have been developed to provide closed-loop feedback and induce neuroplasticity. Several offline and online studies have already demonstrated that discriminable information related to movement can be decoded from low-frequency EEG activity. However, there is still not a well-established procedure to guarantee that this activity is optimally filtered from the background noise. This work compares different configurations of non-causal (i.e., offline) and causal (i.e., online) filters to classify movement-related cortical potentials (MRCP) with six healthy subjects during reaching movements. Our results reveal important differences in MRCP decoding accuracy dependent on the selected frequency band for both offline and online approaches. In summary, this paper underlines the importance of optimally choosing filter parameters, since their variable response has an impact on the classification of low EEG frequencies for BMI.
Social Determinants of Health, Violent Radicalization, and Terrorism: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract Background: Terrorism-related deaths are at an all-time high as there were 32,685 and 29,376 terrorism-related deaths in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Terrorism is defined as the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. Terrorism is detrimental for mental health, premature mortality, and economic losses and undermines the central tenets of public health to improve the health and well-being of populations. Despite the impact terrorism has on avoidable morbidity and mortality, population health research largely overlooks social determinants of terrorism and risk factors that contribute to terrorist activities. Methods: Drawing from what is known about commonly studied social determinants of health topics, including the relationships between structural and interpersonal discrimination, social cohesion, and gang violence and health, we present a public health framework, rooted in the social determinants of health, for identifying potential factors influencing terrorism and violent radicalization. Results: Social determinants of health provide unique insight into how interpersonal and structural factors can influence risk for violent radicalization and terrorist activity. Each of the topics we review provides an entry point for existing public health and behavioral science knowledge to be used in preventing and understanding violent radicalization and terrorism. For example, anti-Muslim sentiment has promoted discrimination against Muslims, while also serving to marginalize and stigmatize Muslim communities. These conditions limit the social resources, like social cohesion, that Muslims have access to and make political violence more appealing to some. Conclusions: Public health can contribute much to the ongoing debate around terrorism. The field must take a more prevention-focused approach to the problem of terrorism. Failure to do so only perpetuates approaches that have not been successful.
Influence of Plate Size and Design upon Healing of Ulna-Shortening Osteotomies

Abstract Purpose Ulna-shortening osteotomy is one of the most established and most frequent operations in hand surgery. However, bone union is not always achieved and the use of plates implies potential risks and problems. The traditional points of criticism are the duration of bone healing, the incidence of nonunion, and the necessity of hardware removal due to the soft tissue irritation by the plate or the screws. These shortcomings have been addressed by an increasing standardization of the procedure and finally specific instruments and implants. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare a new LCP (locking compression plate) Ulna Osteotomy System 2.7 mm (Synthes, Paoli, PA) with the former 3.5-mm LCDCP (limited-contact dynamic compression plate) (Synthes) regarding consolidation, complications, and rate of plate removal. Methods To investigate the effect of an implant and technique specifically designed for this purpose, we have compared the course of healing and the result in 72 patients who have undergone ulnar shortening osteotomy using general instruments and applying a standard osteosynthesis plate (Synthes, 3.5-mm LCDCP) to a consecutive cohort of 40 patients who had ulnar shortening using the new dedicated ulna-shortening osteotomy system plate (Synthes, 2.7-mm LCP). Clinical and radiologic evaluation was performed 8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively in all patients. Results The latter displayed shorter bone healing time, suggesting an advantage of an oblique osteotomy. There was no significant difference in rate of plate removal. Ultimate complication and consolidation rate was not different. Conclusion Using the new LCP 2.7 implant, time to consolidation was shorter and oblique osteotomies healed faster than transverse ones. However, in spite of the smaller plate, screws, and tapered design, the plate did not cause less local problems and failed to decrease the necessity of plate removal. Furthermore, the cost of the implant is higher than the LCDPC 3.5. Type of Study Retrospective comparative study. Therapeutic evidence Level III
Design and testing of a high-speed aerospace permanent magnet starter/generator

This paper presents the implementation of a surface mounted permanent magnet machine for use as an aerospace starter/generator. The application requires a starting torque significantly exceeding the maximum generator torque, as well as a fail-safe design that can withstand short-circuits. These requirements conflict and the impact on basic inverter and machine performance is analyzed. A machine is designed and analyzed in detail, highlighting winding and rotor eddy-current loss effects. The machine is manufactured and the basic performance is tested to confirm the models.
Meta-Regulation: Legal Accountability for Corporate Social Responsibility

The law is traditionally concerned with accountability - 'holding people to threshold criteria of good conduct and performance'. Responsibility goes beyond accountability to ask how much people 'care about their duties, ideals as well as obligations, values as well as rules' (see Selznick, The Communitarian Persuasion, 2002, 29). Traditional legal regulation of business is primarily concerned with accountability. Recently, law and regulatory enforcement action are being used (by consumers, employees and NGOs as well as governments) to encourage and enforce corporate economic, social and environmental responsibility. The law is (directly or indirectly)requiring companies to implement governance measures such as compliance systems, whistle-blower protections, CSR reporting initiatives, stakeholder complaints and consultation processes etc, in order to build up their corporate conscience (to build values that transcend narrow self-interest into the practice and structure of the enterprise: Selznick, 101). This has been referred to as 'meta-regulation' - the regulation of self-regulation of responsibility (Parker, The Open Corporation, 2002). This paper sets out and examines the character of these meta-regulating innovations in the use of law, and asks whether they can meet their aspirations to make companies accountable for responsibility? I will argue that rather than imposing rules and judgments on businesses through hierarchical law-making and an adversarial court system, meta-regulating law aspires to work proactively into a world which is rich with indigenous regulatory possibilities (including corporate governance), teaching businesses to become responsible for themselves (to ethically self-regulate within the framework of the law). Meta-regulating law tries to turn itself inside out - it explicitly promotes responsible (and democratic) moral deliberation about values and obligations by business, rather than imposing its own rules and standards on business assuming they will be accepted as legitimate. But in turning itself inside out, metaregulating law faces the grave danger that it will hollow itself out into regulatory processes that lack substance. This paper will argue that this is in fact occurring, that legal regulation that seeks to encourage corporate responsibility often does little more than requiring businesses to put in place window-dressing that makes business appear more legitimate while avoiding fundamental social change to improve responsibility.
Inhibition of HOX/PBX dimer formation leads to necroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells

The HOX genes encode a family of transcription factors that have key roles in both development and malignancy. Disrupting the interaction between HOX proteins and their binding partner, PBX, has been shown to cause apoptotic cell death in a range of solid tumors. However, despite HOX proteins playing a particularly significant role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the relationship between HOX gene expression and patient survival has not been evaluated (with the exception of HOXA9), and the mechanism by which HOX/PBX inhibition induces cell death in this malignancy is not well understood. In this study, we show that the expression of HOXA5, HOXB2, HOXB4, HOXB9, and HOXC9, but not HOXA9, in primary AML samples is significantly related to survival. Furthermore, the previously described inhibitor of HOX/PBX dimerization, HXR9, is cytotoxic to both AML-derived cell lines and primary AML cells from patients. The mechanism of cell death is not dependent on apoptosis but instead involves a regulated form of necrosis referred to as necroptosis. HXR9-induced necroptosis is enhanced by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, and HXR9 combined with the PKC inhibitor Ro31 causes a significantly greater reduction in tumor growth compared to either reagent alone.
Do Quantitative Country Selection Strategies Really Work

Our study tests and compares 16 distinct country selection strategies based on inter-market value, size, momentum, quality and volatility effects within a sample of 78 countries for the period 1999-2014. By accounting for country-specific dividend tax rates, market liquidity and openness for investment flows, we design portfolios and assess their performance with asset pricing models. We find that the value strategies based on earnings to price ratio prove useful for investors, while momentum strategies should be approached with caution, as they appear effective only in small markets and may lead to loses in large markets. Selecting low leveraged and illiquid countries also proves profitable. Finally, while the relation between volatility and returns remains strong, it displays different characteristics for open and closed economies. Most return patterns are uneven and abnormal returns result from investments in extreme markets.
BEYOND AUSTERITY A EUROPEAN RECOVERY POLICY IS FEASIBLE

The European Council of 8 February 2013, with its decision to cut the EU budget to 1% of GDP, made a great mistake: it aggravated the recession of the European economy and, tacitly, admitted that a European recovery policy is impossible. In this paper the Authors show that with an annual EU budget of only 1.19% of GDP, a recovery plan of 2% of GDP is possible, in order to fill the gap in European aggregate demand for investment and consumption. The twofold aim of this exercise is to show that European parties and leaders can put forward an alternative economic policy to austerity and that European fiscal imbalance is one of the major causes of the crisis of democracy in Europe