Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new family of spherical parallel manipulators

In the literature, 3-RRPRR architectures were proposed to obtain pure translation manipulators. Moreover, the geometric conditions, which 3-RRPRR architectures must match, in order to make the end-effector (platform) perform infinitesimal (elementary) spherical motion were enunciated. The ability to perform elementary spherical motion is a necessary but not sufficient condition to conclude that the platform is bound to accomplish finite spherical motion, i.e. that the mechanism is a spherical parallel manipulator (parallel wrist). This paper demonstrates that the 3-RRPRR architectures matching the geometric conditions for elementary spherical motion make the platform accomplish finite spherical motion, i.e. they are parallel wrists (3-RRPRR wrist), provided that some singular configurations, named translation singularities, are not reached. Moreover, it shows that 3-RRPRR wrists belong to a family of parallel wrists which share the same analytic expression of the constraints which the legs impose on the platform. Finally, the condition that identifies all the translation singularities of the mechanisms of this family is found and geometrically interpreted. The result of this analysis is that the translation singularity locus can be represented by a surface (singularity surface) in the configuration space of the mechanism. Singularity surfaces drawn by exploiting the given condition are useful tools in designing these wrists.
In search of the antecedents of adolescent authoritarianism: the relative contribution of parental goal promotion and parenting style dimensions

Although research drew attention to the importance of both parental goal promotion and parental rearing style in explaining adolescent authoritarian submission (Right‐Wing Authoritarianism or RWA) and authoritarian dominance (Social Dominance Orientation or SDO), research failed to examine their combined effects. This study examines the relative contribution of parenting goals (i.e. extrinsic vs. intrinsic and conservation goals) and styles (i.e. need support and regulation) and their interactions in the prediction of adolescent RWA and SDO. Cross‐sectional analyses show that, whereas parenting goals and styles and their interactions predict RWA, SDO is predicted by parental goals only. However, in a second, longitudinal study, changes in RWA and SDO were predicted by parenting goals only. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hardware Implementation of Proposed Antenna Selection Algorithm and Its Performance Evaluation Using Received Signals in Field Experiment

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with antenna selection are practical ones that can intuitively alleviate the computational complexity at the receiver and achieve good reception performance. Channel correlation, not just carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), has a great impact on the reception performance in MIMO channels. We propose a simple antenna selection algorithm that exploits the condition number of the channel matrix and a predetermined threshold CNR. This paper describes the hardware implementation of the proposed algorithm and its performance evaluation, which was conducted in an indoor measurement using received signals obtained in the actual mobile outdoor experiment. The results confirm that our proposed method provides good bit error rate performance by setting a threshold CNR properly.
Decadal time‐series of SeaWiFS retrieved CDOM absorption and estimated CO2 photoproduction on the continental shelf of the eastern United States

Published algorithms were employed to convert SeaWiFS images of normalized water‐leaving‐radiance to absorption images of CDOM (chromophoric dissolved organic matter). The best performing algorithm was employed to produce decadal time‐series of CDOM monthly composites from 1998 through 2007. Deficits in CDOM absorption coefficient for surface waters across the shelf over the summer were then acquired relative to the uniformly mixed waters prior to and following stratification (spring and fall, respectively). Estimates were attained of the photochemical oxidation of carbon to CO2 on and beyond the shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight. Approximately 3–7 × 1010 g C as CO2 were estimated to be produced via photooxidation of CDOM over the summertime, highlighting the significance of CDOM photochemistry and pointing out the importance of CO2 photoproduction at a global scale. In principle, this approach could be applied to global ocean color data.
Control Points for Multivariate B‐Spline Surfaces over Arbitrary Triangulations

This paper describes first results of a test implementation that implements the new multivariate B‐splines as recently developed by Dahmen et al. 10for quadratics and cubics. The surface scheme is based on blending functions and control points and allows the modelling of Ck− 1 ‐continuous piecewise polynomial surfaces of degree k over arbitrary triangulations of the parameter plane. The surface scheme exhibits both affine invariance and the convex hull property, and the control points can be used to manipulate the shape of the surface locally. Additional degrees of freedom in the underlying knot net allow for the modelling of discontinuities. Explicit formulas are given for the representation of polynomials and piecewise polynomials as linear combinations of B‐splines.
Knowledge and knowledge sharing in retail internationalization: IKEA's entry into Russia

Abstract Research on retail internationalization and internationalization in general acknowledges the relevance of knowledge management and organizational learning, even though there is a lack of discussion about the specific constructs and approaches that would be most fruitful. The central role of knowledge sharing in the internationalization process is rarely stressed. Furthermore, the specificities of retailing are likely to require special considerations if we are to be able to develop a theoretical as well as a practical understanding of knowledge and knowledge sharing in the internationalization process. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to develop a tentative approach to knowledge and knowledge sharing in international retailing based upon previous literature about knowledge sharing and the internationalization process and a case study of IKEA's entry into the Russian market.
Natural proteins: Sources, isolation, characterization and applications

Worldwide, plant protein contributes substantially as a food resource because it contains essential amino acids for meeting human physiological requirements. However, many versatile plant proteins are used as medicinal agents as they are produced by using molecular tools of biotechnology. Proteins can be obtained from plants, animals and microorganism cells. The abundant economical proteins can be obtained from plant seeds. These natural proteins are obtained by isolation procedures depending on the physicochemical properties of proteins. Isolation and purification of single protein from cells containing mixtures of unrelated proteins is achievable due to the physical and chemical attributes of proteins. The following characteristics are unique to each protein: Amino acid composition, sequence, subunit structures, size, shape, net charge, isoelectric point, solubility, heat stability and hydrophobicity. Based on these properties, various methods of isolation exist, like salting out and isoionic precipitation. Purification of proteins is quiet challenging and, therefore, several approaches like sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and chromatography are available. Characterization of proteins can be performed by mass spectrometry/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The amino acid sequence of a protein can be detected by using tandem mass spectrometry. In this article, a review has been made on the sources, isolation, purification and characterization of natural proteins.
A Population-Based Study on Myelodysplastic Syndromes in the Lazio Region (Italy), Medical Miscoding and 11-Year Mortality Follow-Up: the Gruppo Romano-Laziale Mielodisplasie Experience of Retrospective Multicentric Registry

Data on Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are difficult to collect by cancer registries because of the lack of reporting and the use of different classifications of the disease. In the Lazio Region, data from patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MDS, treated by a hematology center, have been collected since 2002 by the Gruppo Romano-Laziale Mielodisplasie (GROM-L) registry, the second MDS registry existing in Italy. This study aimed at evaluating MDS medical miscoding during hospitalizations, and patients’ survival. For these purposes, we selected 644 MDS patients enrolled in the GROM-L registry. This cohort was linked with two regional health information systems: the Hospital Information System (HIS) and the Mortality Information System (MIS) in the 2002–2012 period. Of the 442 patients who were hospitalized at least once during the study period, 92% had up to 12 hospitalizations. 28.5% of patients had no hospitalization episodes scored like MDS, code 238.7 of the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). The rate of death during a median follow-up of 46 months (range 0.9–130) was 45.5%. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the first cause of mortality, interestingly a relevant portion of deaths is due to cerebro-cardiovascular events and second tumors. This study highlights that MDS diagnosis and treatment, which require considerable healthcare resources, tend to be under-documented in the HIS archive. Thus we need to improve the HIS to better identify information on MDS hospitalizations and outcome. Moreover, we underline the importance of comorbidity in MDS patients’ survival.
Is there a Recognition Memory Deficit in Parkinson's Disease? Evidence from Estimates of Recollection and Familiarity

ABSTRACT There is conflicting evidence whether Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with impaired recognition memory and which of its underlying processes, namely recollection and familiarity, is more affected by the disease. The present study explored the contribution of recollection and familiarity to verbal recognition memory performance in 14 nondemented PD patients and a healthy control group with two different methods: (i) the word-frequency mirror effect, and (ii) Remember/Know judgments. Overall, recognition memory of patients was intact. The word-frequency mirror effect was observed both in patients and controls: Hit rates were higher and false alarm rates were lower for low-frequency compared to high-frequency words. However, Remember/Know judgments indicated normal recollection, but impaired familiarity. Our findings suggest that mild to moderate PD patients are selectively impaired at familiarity whereas recollection and overall recognition memory are intact.
Reconciling software requirements and architectures within MDA

Reconciling software requirements and architectures within MDA In the software development world little guidance and few methods are available for reconciling software requirements and architecture which satisfies those requirements. In fact none of these methods use formal basis for the reconciling process. The main goal of this paper is to define an approach by which it is possible to reconcile software requirements and architectures within model driven architecture. Model driven architecture considers system from three viewpoints. Each viewpoint has its own model by which the viewpoint is modelled. It is possible to use topological functioning model of system to reconcile software requirements and architectures and to make formal transformation from computation independent model into platform independent model. The use of topological functioning model provides possibility for traceability between software artefacts, e.g. between requirements and architecture elements. By using case study we have proven that it is possible to reconcile requirements and architectures by using topological functioning model. The software architecture in this case is modelled by using topological class diagrams. At the end of the case study we have shown how we can introduce more formalism into UML diagrams by transforming topology from topological functioning model to class diagrams.
Variant translocations in two Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines are located in the MLV14 locus

The human MLV14 locus, located 20 kilobases 3′ of MYC, is rearranged in two Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines with either a t(2;8)(p 12;q24) or t(8;22)(q24;q 11). Alterations of MLV14 may have prognostic significance in some types of B‐cell malignancies.
11F-1 A Flexion Mode Piezoelectric Micro-Transformer Processed by Aerosol Deposition Method

This paper presents a design and fabrication of a disk- type piezoelectric micro-transformer. The working resonance mode of transformer is flexion mode. To reduce the boundary constrain force and raise the step up ratio, the four legs were used to support the disk structure. The outer diameter of transformer is 1500 mum. The 8 mum thick PZT film and 8 mum thick silicon film constructed the body of disk transformer. The lead- zirconate-titanate (PZT) was used as piezoelectric film and deposited by aerosol deposition method. The maximum step up ratio is 0.58 measured at 95.5 kHz.
Impact Of Higher Education On Earnings Of Women In The Public Sector Educational Institutions In Pakistan

Formal education is one of the most important components of “human capital”. The Economics of Education and especially the role of education in growth and development became prominent topics during the early years of the 1960’s. T.W. Schultz, Gary Becker and others applied the new “human capital” frame work to the study of education and other activities that had until then been considered outside the mainstream of economic analysis. It is a universally accepted fact that universal primary education is very important for a country’s development and so is the secondary education as it forms a basis for higher education and technical/vocational training. However, economists differ in view with respect to the importance of higher education. The main purpose of this study was to find the impact of Higher Education and Experience on the Earnings of women teaching at public sector educational institutions in Pakistan. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has been trying to encourage the spread of higher education in Pakistan during the past three years or so. The study tried to see whether the emphasis is well placed or not. Data was collected about the qualification level, experience and monthly “take home” salary (March 2004) of female teachers in Islamabad. Only public sector schools, colleges and a university were chosen. A sample of hundred teachers/lecturers/professors was selected from these institutions. Two equations were estimated using the Ordinary Least Square method. Log linear functions were used to estimate both the equations. The first equation uses the number of years of schooling, experience and experience squared as the three independent variables. Its result shows that an additional year of schooling increases a teacher’s monthly income by 14.2 % (which is higher than the previous studies) the additional year of experience increases the income by 7.4 %. All the coefficients are highly significant. The second equation uses six dummy variables to represent each completed level of education instead of the number of years of schooling, besides experience and its square. Its result shows that with every increase in the education level there is a substantial increase in the monthly earnings. Seven out of eight coefficients are highly significant. Thus the study concludes that Higher Education plays an important role in enhancing the earnings of women teaching at public sector educational institutions in Pakistan, besides personality building.
The exploitation of an international firm's relational capabilities: an empirical study

The study focuses on an international firm's relational capabilities that mediate to effectively facilitate organizational collaborations. We assess how the influence that arises from an international firm's cooperative strategies including market futures, trust and business network may affect the exploitation of the firm's relational capabilities and its impact on performance, using survey data from 320 firms. This study empirically tests how the effects of an international firm's market futures, trust and business network influence the exploitation of the firm's relational capabilities. Results of structural equation modeling do indicate that trust and business network influence the exploitation of a firm's relational capabilities. This study confirms that the leveraging of an international firm's relational capability within its focal trust and business networking does achieve superior performance.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Variability and Genetic Structure in Populations of New World Screwworm Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Uruguay

Abstract The New Word screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel 1858) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is one of the most important insect pests of livestock in the Neotropical region. In this work, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was used to study the diversity and population structure of seven geographically distinct populations of C. hominivorax from most of the important livestock areas in Uruguay. The control region (A+T/12S) and subunits 1 and 2 of cytochrome oxidase (cox1/cox2) were amplified and digested with restriction endonucleases. Nine haplotypes were observed among the populations sampled. The mean nucleotide diversity and the haplotype diversity indicated high mtDNA variability in this species. The similarity index, average nucleotide divergence, and analysis of molecular variance results showed no evidence of subpopulation differentiation, indicating that the C. hominivorax populations of Uruguay form a single panmitic population. The distribution pattern of the genetic variation in natural populations of C. hominivorax and the implications of these results for establishing control program are discussed.
Examining the effects of brand love and brand image on customer engagement: An empirical study of fashion apparel brands

Abstract Organizations are making huge investments to embrace customer engagement. Customer engagement has become a central concept in customer–brand relationships. The empirical investigation of customer engagement is covered in previous literature, yet none of the studies so far have empirically examined the relationships between brand image and brand love simultaneously with regard to customer engagement in the fashion apparel context. This study is the first to investigate customer engagement in the context of fashion apparel. It examines the effects of brand image and brand love on customer engagement. Customer loyalty as an outcome of customer engagement is also studied. To collect data, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 430 students, of whom 403 students returned the completed questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 20.0 software was used to test the hypotheses. Results reveal that brand image and brand love significantly influence customer engagement. Brand love was also found to act as a mediator between brand image and customer engagement. The results also reveal that customer engagement influences customer loyalty. The results can prove helpful to practitioners in engaging customers while branding and marketing their fashion apparel brands so as to build a loyal customer base. The development of the research model can also provide a stage for scholars to undertake future research.
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Canine Cutaneous Melanotic Tumor

The Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway is important in many developmental processes and during tumorigenesis. β-Catenin acts as a signal transducer. To investigate whether the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway is involved in canine cutaneous melanomagenesis, 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine cutaneous melanotic tumor tissues were examined. For cloning and sequencing of the full-length canine ctnnb1 gene encoding β-catenin, conserved sequences of the human and mouse ctnnb1 gene were used to design the primers. For analysis of expression and translocation of β-catenin in canine cutaneous melanotic tumors, semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed. The canine ctnnb1 sequence showed a high degree of similarity to those of human and mouse. Semiquantitative RT-PCR showed a substantial increase in expression of ctnnb1 mRNA in canine cutaneous melanotic tumors compared to normal canine melanocytes, regardless of whether the tumor was benign or malignant. Immunohistochemistry revealed cytoplasmic accumulation of β-catenin in melanotic tumors. In melanoma tissues, nuclear translocation of β-catenin was also observed. The present study demonstrated that abnormal intracellular accumulation and substantially increased expression of β-catenin are involved in canine cutaneous melanotic tumor.
Indirect economic drivers for end-of-life handling in the aviation sector

An important issue that is getting increasing attention in the aviation sector is the handling of end-of-life aircraft. Traditionally, retired aircraft are parked in the desert waiting for a buyer, but more attractive options are available. There is some literature on direct economic factors influencing end-of-life decisions, but little is known about the indirect economic factors and on corporate social responsibility (CSR) factors. In this research we explore the impact of indirect economic factors, such as consumer trust, reliability, reputation and entrepreneurship, on the handling of end-of-life aircraft.
Feature extraction for Darfur: geospatial applications in the documentation of human rights abuses

Geospatial technologies are rapidly becoming adopted by advocates of human rights abuses, engaged in non-governmental monitoring. Limited available funding puts constraints on the amount of time staff can perform Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote-sensing tasks. Therefore, semi-automated techniques are forthcoming in order to facilitate data-analysis tasks aimed at sharing information about violent conflict and human rights abuses. As a contribution to these efforts, this paper details classification of a pre-conflict image, binary partitioning of the classification results, application of morphological filters, estimation of total number of pre-conflict structures and overlay of the refined information onto the post-conflict image for damage assessment in Darfur, Sudan. We present a novel application of geospatial technologies and image-processing techniques aimed at expediting the dissemination of critical information necessary to inform the public and policy makers of detailed multi-temporal analyses of evidence of human rights abuses.