Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence on vehicle speed profiles of interactions with other road users

Speed profiles for motor vehicles on urban streets are influenced not only by the street design and traffic performance, events such as interactions with pedestrians and cyclists, buses, on-street parking, exits from minor roads etc. (called "side friction") also affect driver behaviour. A bottom-up research methodology was developed and applied including a wide range of stationary and mobile field surveys for study of individual driver behaviour. Controlled experiments in a driver simulator programmed to represent the studied field sites were also carried out. Speed profiles showed good resemblance between simulated and observed behaviour for the event of a pedestrian approach a crosswalk. Simulated speed behaviour of drivers passing an occupied bus stop proved that women drove with a lower speed than men did. All in all, the results showed that crossing pedestrians, occupied roadside bus stops and encounters with vehicles in the opposing direction of travel had significant impacts on driver speed choices. In a second stage of the project the observed driver behaviour including response to the studied side friction events was used for programming of a microscopic traffic simulation model which was calibrated to represent the speed profile changes caused by interactions with other road users and events as described above. The model was then applied for production of speed patterns and speed flow relationships for a range of different street designs, traffic environments and traffic flow. The resulting models are aimed for use in guidelines to assist planners and traffic engineers with selection and evaluation of alternative street designs and traffic management measures. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135582.
Line-based Classification of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data using Conditional Random Field

Abstract. This paper describes a line-based classification method, which labels TLS point clouds into vertical object, ground, tree and low objects. A local classifier implements labeling task on individual site independently of its neighborhood, the inference of which often suffers from similar local appearance across different object classes. In this paper, we describe an approach using contextual information as postclassification improvement to a local generative classifier. The contextual information is expected to compensate for ambiguity in objects' visual appearance. A generative classifier is produced using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), model parameters of which are iteratively optimized with Expectation-Maximization (EM). The model we use to incorporate contextual information is the Conditional Random Field (CRF), which improves the classification results obtained from GMM-EM classifier by incorporating neighborhood interactions among labeled objects as well as local appearance. The proposed method was validated with three TLS datasets acquired from RIEGL LMS-Z390i scanner using cross validation.
Formation of bimodal porous silica-titania monoliths by sol-gel route

Silica-titania monoliths with micrometer-scale macroporous and nanometer-scale mesoporous structure and high titania contents are prepared by sol-gel process and phase separation. Titanium alkoxide precursor was not effective in the preparation of high titania content composites because of strong decrease in phase separation tendency. Bimodal porous gels with high titania content were obtained by using inorganic salt precursors such as titanium sulfate and titanium chloride. Various characterization techniques, including SEM, XRD, Hg porosimetry and N2 adsorption have been carried out to investigate the formation process and physical-chemical properties of silica-titania monoliths. The characterization results show that the silica-titania monoliths possess a bimodal porous structure with well-dispersed titania inside silica network. The addition of titania in silica improves the thermal stability of both macroporous and mesoporous structures.
Immunolocalization of a putative cuticular collagen protein in several developmental stages of Meloidogynearenaria, Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis

Abstract The monoclonal antibody IACR-CCNj.3d has previously been used to isolate a gene (gp-col-8) with strong similarity to cuticular collagen from a mixed stage Globodera pallida cDNA expression library. The antibody has also been shown to label specifically the amphidial canal of pre-parasitic second stage juveniles (J2) of several plant nematode species without any reactivity on the cuticular surface, indicating that this protein is either not present or is inaccessible on the cuticular surface. This paper investigates the cross-reactivity of Mab IACR-CCNj.3d with Meloidogyne arenaria and the localization of the putative collagen protein on the cuticular surface of parasitic stages in planta and on the cuticular surface of juveniles inside eggs. The antigen was shown to be present in all developmental stages of the two species of potato cyst nematodes and M. arenaria. The antibody bound strongly to the amphidial canal and hypodermis of pre-parasitic J2 and adult females. The antigen was present on the cuticular surface of the sausage-shaped J2 in planta and of first stage juveniles (J1) inside the eggs. The presence of collagen on the surface of the cuticle of moulting stages of plant parasitic nematodes has been observed for the first time. It is clear that this protein has a role in the construction of the cuticle of the first stage juveniles and parasitic second stage juveniles, during moulting inside the eggs and in the root tissue, respectively.
A SPICE-compatible full-wave equivalent circuit model for printed circuit structure analysis

In this paper, a SPICE-compatible full-wave equivalent circuit model, based on the method of moments, for three dimensional printed circuit structure has been developed. It could be easily integrated into any circuit-based simulator to analyze the effects of the printed circuit board interconnects on high-speed circuit performance. The predicted results using the method proposed in this paper and the experimental results are in good agreement.
Agricultural research and extension linkages: Challenges and intervention options

The article presents the historical evolution of attempts made in Ethiopia to strengthen the agriculture research and extension linkages since the start of formal agricultural research and extension in the early 1950s. The result reveals that there is a gradual improvement with increased types and mechanisms of the research-extension linkage in recent years that are related with (i) institutional linkages of actors of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) with actors of formal agricultural technology delivery systems, (ii) technology demonstration and popularization promoted by the NARS in collaboration with MoA and Regional Bureaus of Agriculture (RBoA), (iii) Farmers’ Research Groups (FRGs) approach promoted by the NARS in collaboration with MoA and RBoA, (iv) Technology specific special pre-extension activities promoted by the NARS, (v) Publications made available by the NARS, and (vi) Agricultural Development Partners' Linkage Advisory Councils (ADPLACs) as research-extension linkage platforms. However, there are number of challenges that need policy and development attention to fully exploiting the potentials these approaches offer in strengthening the linkage, which is crucial for the aspired agricultural transformation. Key words : ADPLAC, NARS, extension, agricultural research, platforms
An alternate route for preparing deaf children for BiBi programs: the home language as L1 and cued speech for conveying traditionally spoken languages.

This article focuses on nonsigning hearing parents of deaf children who share the goals of bilingual-bicultural (BiBi) programs for their child, opt for their home language to be their deaf child's first language (L1), and have questions about communication options (e.g., oral methods, manually coded English [MCE] systems, or Cued Speech) for conveying that language. We present research findings related to the effectiveness of MCE systems and Cued Speech for conveying English and developing deaf children's reading abilities. We compare the cueing of English and the signing of MCE systems in terms of theoretical and practical advantages. Finally, we suggest research needs.
Development of the Polipo Pressure Sensing System for Dynamic Space-Suited Motion

Working inside the space suit causes injury and discomfort, but suit assessment techniques such as measuring joint torques and ranges of motion fail to evaluate injury because they fail to distinguish interactions between the human and the space suit. Contact pressure sensing would allow a quantitative assessment of the nature and location of suit-body contact where injuries occur. However, commercially available systems are not well suited for measurement inside the confined environment of the space suit during movement. We report on the design of a wearable pressure sensing system, the Polipo. The Polipo dynamically measures between 5 and 60 kPa of pressure with ~1 kPa sensitivity, is within 10% root mean square error from a known loading profile during dynamic movement, and is a standalone system able to accommodate a 50th percentile female to a 95th percentile male upper body dimensions with near shirt-sleeve mobility. This paper focuses on the upper body, but the methods may be extended to the full body as future work. It provides a pressure sensing system that could be applied beyond the field of aerospace to assess human-garment interactions, for example recommending armor protection for defense applications or to alleviate fall impacts for medical applications.
Riset Pemasaran & Perilaku Konsumen

Riset ini mutlak dibutuhkan mengingat pesatnya perubahan dan perkembangan yang akan terjadi abad ini. Riset Pemasaran dan Perilaku Konsumen bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi masalah dan peluang; mengumpulkan, mengolah, dan menganalisis data; memberikan informasi seakurat mungkin untuk membantu manajemen dalam mengambil keputusan dan solusi yang efektif dan efesien, sehingga roda perusahaan terus berputar karena mamapu menjawab kebutuhan dan harapan konsumen.
Mutation analysis of key genes in RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN pathways in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN signaling pathways play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN are key cancer-related genes in the RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN signaling pathways. Genetic alterations in these genes often lead to the dysregulation of the two cascades. Little is known regarding the frequency of hotspot mutations in these critical components among Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study, 57 somatic hotspot mutations in 36 HCCs samples collected from Chinese patients using direct DNA sequencing method were examined. Two cases of KRAS somatic mutations (KRAS codon 61; Gln to His) were identified among 36 HCCs (5.6%). However, no mutations were found in the NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN genes. These findings indicated that point mutations in the KRAS gene, but not mutations in NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN genes, at a somatic level contribute to the abnormal activation of the RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN pathways in HCC.
Reliable fabrication of 3 nm gaps between nanoelectrodes by electron-beam lithography

The reliable fabrication of nanoelectrode pairs with predefined separations in the few nanometer range is an essential prerequisite for future nanoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate a fine-tuned electron-beam lithographic (EBL) fabrication route which is suitable for defining nanoelectrode pairs with a gap size down to 3 ± 1 nm and with a yield of 55%. This achievement is based on an optimized two-layer resist system in combination with an adopted developer system, as well as on an elaborated nanoelectrode pattern design taking into consideration the EBL inherent proximity effect. Thus, even a structural control in the nanometer scale is achieved in the EBL process.
Meperidine and lidocaine block of recombinant voltage-dependent Na+ channels: evidence that meperidine is a local anesthetic.

BACKGROUND The opioid meperidine induces spinal anesthesia and blocks nerve action potentials, suggesting it is a local anesthetic. However, whether it produces effective clinical local anesthesia in peripheral nerves remains unclear. Classification as a local anesthetic requires clinical local anesthesia but also blockade of voltage-dependent Na+ channels with characteristic features (tonic and phasic blockade and a negative shift in the voltage-dependence of steady-state inactivation) involving an intrapore receptor. The authors tested for these molecular pharmacologic features to explore whether meperidine is a local anesthetic. METHODS The authors studied rat skeletal muscle mu1 (RSkM1) voltage-dependent Na+ channels or a mutant form heterologously coexpressed with rat brain Na+ channel accessory beta1, subunit in Xenopus oocytes. Polymerase chain reaction was used for mutagenesis, and mutations were confirmed by sequencing. Na+ currents were measured using a two-microelectrode voltage clamp. Meperidine and the commonly used local anesthetic lidocaine were applied to oocytes in saline solution at room temperature. RESULTS Meperidine and lidocaine produced tonic current inhibition with comparable concentration dependence. Meperidine caused phasic current inhibition in which the concentration-response relationship was shifted to fivefold greater concentration relative to lidocaine. Meperidine and lidocaine negatively shifted the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation. Mutation of a putative local anesthetic receptor reduced phasic inhibition by meperidine and lidocaine and tonic inhibition by lidocaine, but not meperidine tonic inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Meperidine blocks Na+ channels with molecular pharmacologic features of a local anesthetic. The findings support classification of meperidine as a local anesthetic but with less overall potency than lidocaine.
Human body position estimation system using electric field resonance coupling

Today in terms of security and caring, more various and robust information system about human existence in indoor environment (ex. rooms, buildings) are needed. Especially, human position estimation system in such kinds of spaces is basic. Generally, such kind of systems use radiowave devices, cameras and ultrasonic devices to estimate human position. But these kind of systems have some weakpoint when the system tries to estimate position. A purpose of this paper is to propose novel human position estimating system using electric field resonance coupling and validate the evidence for possibility of human position sensing system using resonance coupling by simulation experiment. In simulation experiment results using Gabriel's human phantom, relation between electric field strength and distance between sensor and human are confirmed. In conclusion, feasibility of the proposed human position estimation system is shown.
Evaluating human activity-based ambient lighting displays for effective peripheral communication

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) applications leverage pervasive sensing and ambient intelligence technologies to enable older people to live independently and to support their social inclusion and connectedness. Wearable sensors can be used to gather the elderly's activities of daily living (ADLs) data, thus enabling remote monitoring. Lately, ambient displays have been deployed to relay activity information in the periphery of the caregivers' attention in order to increase awareness of the activities of the elderly and to create a sense of connectedness. Moreover, there is accumulated evidence demonstrating the ability of ambient displays to influence and promote social connectedness between the elderly and their caregivers. In recent years, intelligent ambient lighting, a subclass of ambient displays, is emerging as an effective tool for conveying physical activity information. Existing literature suggests lighting encodings or configurations combining color, rate of change, position and brightness to communicate such information. Within AAL, there is little empirical evidence surrounding ambient lighting encodings that support this cause effectively. In this paper, we present an exploratory study investigating how potential caregivers perceive and interpret ambient lighting configurations for presenting activity information of the elderly. User preference, change noticeability and accuracy of the interpretation of three ambient lighting configurations were evaluated.
Life, death and rebirth of the B2B business model: the case of the cimber airline

Many airline companies are struggling to survive after the industry has been hit hard by several crises. The reaction of companies is however heterogeneous, with family businesses reacting in a particular way given their inherent characteristics and particular risks. One airline that has went through cycles of expansion and decline is the Danish family-owned Cimber airline. In this paper, we aim to understand how and why Cimber’s business model changed over time. Since its original establishment in 1950 the family-owned airline Cimber experienced many changes. To study the development of their business model, we adopt a qualitative case study approach. The empirical base of the case study is formed by a set of interviews, with previous and current managers and employees, including both family and non-family, conducted in the period 2011-2014, complemented with secondary data, such as annual reports, newspaper articles and industry analyses. Cimber’s business model development can be divided into three different stages with a changing focus on different business model components. Our analysis shows that there is an important difference between the internal (family) and external involvement, with an important association to the complexity of the business model. Our findings imply that family businesses need to be aware of not only the opportunities but also the possible costs and risks when opening up their business model. Whereas establishing early relationships with key stakeholders is vital, it can also be risky on the long term to rely on a limited business model. Finally, while acknowledging the dangers of business model complexity, family businesses have to find a delicate balance between building and respecting their traditional values, resources and relationships on the one hand and developing or even reinventing their business model on the other hand.
Governing Collaborative New Product Development: Toward a Configurational Perspective on the Role of Contracts†

This study inductively explores the interplay among different contractual functions and their impact on project performance in collaborative new product development (NPD) projects. Applying a configurational perspective, contracts are conceptualized as bundles of different functions. In line with the notion of discriminating alignment, an explicit distinction is made between different contextual settings in terms of innovation objectives (i.e., incremental versus radical) and relational embeddedness (i.e., presence versus absence of prior collaboration) in the exploration of the project performance implications of different contractual configurations. Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analyses on a sample of 125 collaborative NPD projects helped to generate propositions on the interplay between different contractual functions across different contextual settings. The results indicate that the contractual coordination function is an important function in achieving high project performance in collaborative NPD projects. However, the research findings demonstrate that it is not a sufficient condition and needs to be complemented with discrete safeguarding functions depending on the particular context. Together, these findings provide new insights into how particular combinations of contractual functions can help address the core governance challenges of collaborative NPD. They also point to the relevance of applying a configurational perspective to the study of the role of contracts in management research. Finally, they provide practitioners with specific recommendations concerning the design of contracts for collaborative NPD projects.
Sharp asymptotic profiles for singular solutions to an elliptic equation with a sign‐changing non‐linearity

Given B1(0) the unit ball of Rn ( n⩾3 ), we study smooth positive singular solutions u∈C2(B1(0)∖{0}) to −Δu=(u2★(s)−1/|x|s)−μuq . Here 01 and μ>0 . When μ=0 and s=0 , the profile at the singularity 0 was fully described by Caffarelli–Gidas–Spruck. We prove that when μ>0 and s>0 , besides this profile, two new profiles might occur. We provide a full description of all singular profiles. Special attention is given to solutions such that lim infx→0|x|(n−2)/2u(x)=0 and lim supx→0|x|(n−2)/2u(x)∈(0,+∞) . The particular case q=(n+2)/(n−2) requires a separate analysis, which we also perform.
Educational Methodologies Second Life for Dental Education

Dental education strives to balance the use of traditional teaching methods with technologically advanced systems to meet the needs of an ever-expanding curriculum. Establishing distance education technologies is an identified goal of dental education. Technologically adept students desire meaningful and efficient distance education instruction. A majority of preclinical instruction is devoted to acquiring psychomotor skills and methods of patient care delivery, and simulation is a pedagogical instructional tool used for acquisition of preclinical skills. The purpose of this article is to review the technological tool Second Life as a medium for total virtual patient simulation. Second Life demonstrates promise for enhancing current standardized instruction and competency testing and for promoting distance education. As an emerging technological tool, Second Life is valuable as an adjunct to preclinical teaching methods in virtual problem-solving and communication prior to student clinicians’ treating patients in the clinical setting and as a resource for continuing dental education for practitioners. Because some degree of consistency exists in the curriculum objectives of preclinical patient care and assessment in dental and dental hygiene education, within the context of this article the term “dental education” refers to both professions of dentistry and dental hygiene. Ms. Phillips is Clinical Instructor, Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Maryland/Baltimore College of Dental Surgery; and Dr. Berge is Professor, Department of Education, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Direct correspondence and requests for reprints to Dr. Zane L. Berge, Department of Education, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250; berge@umbc.edu.
Mechanism of integrin activation by disulfide bond reduction.

Integrin alphaIIbbeta3 plays a pivotal role in hemostasis and thrombosis by mediating platelet adhesion and platelet aggregation. Integrin alphaIIbbeta3 contains an on/off switch that regulates its ligand binding affinity. The switch from "off" to "on" is commonly referred to as integrin activation. We recently identified a redox site within the extracellular domain of the platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3 that exhibits many properties that one might expect of the on/off switch [Yan, B. , and Smith, J. W. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 39964-39972]. Several independent reports show that reducing agents, such as dithiothreitol, can activate integrins. The objective of the present study was to determine if the effects of DTT can be attributed to a perturbation at the integrin redox site. Indeed, we find that DTT reduces two disulfide bonds within the integrin's cysteine-rich domain. Such bond reduction leads to global conformational changes within both alphaIIb and beta3 and the opening of the RGD and fibrinogen binding sites. These findings causally link the reduction of disulfide bonds within the integrin's redox site to transitions in the integrin's activation state.