Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Convergence of Constrained Parallel Variable Distribution Algorithms

We consider the parallel variable distribution (PVD) approach proposed by Ferris and Mangasarian [SIAM J. Optim. , 4 (1994), pp. 815--832] for solving optimization problems. The problem variables are distributed among p processors with each processor having the primary responsibility for updating its block of variables while allowing the remaining "secondary" variables to change in a restricted fashion along some easily computable directions. For constrained nonlinear programs, convergence in [M. C. Ferris and O. L. Mangasarian, SIAM J. Optim. , 4 (1994), pp. 815--832] was established in the special case of convex block-separable constraints. For general (inseparable) constraints, it was suggested that a dual differentiable exact penalty function reformulation of the problem be used. We propose to apply the PVD approach to problems with general convex constraints directly and show that the algorithm converges, provided certain conditions are imposed on the change of secondary variables. These conditions are both natural and practically implementable. We also show that the original requirement of exact global solution of the parallel subproblems can be replaced by a less stringent sufficient descent condition. The first rate of convergence result for the class of constrained PVD algorithms is also given.
Processing: a programming handbook for visual designers and artists

The visual arts are rapidly changing as media moves into the web, mobile devices, and architecture. When designers and artists learn the basics of writing software, they develop a new form of literacy that enables them to create new media for the present, and to imagine future media that are beyond the capacities of current software tools. This book introduces this new literacy by teaching computer programming within the context of the visual arts. It offers a comprehensive reference and text for Processing (www.processing.org), an open-source programming language that can be used by students, artists, designers, architects, researchers, and anyone who wants to program images, animation, and interactivity. Written by Processing's cofounders, the book offers a definitive reference for students and professionals. Tutorial chapters make up the bulk of the book; advanced professional projects from such domains as animation, performance, and installation are discussed in interviews with their creators.This second edition has been thoroughly updated. It is the first book to offer in-depth coverage of Processing 2.0, and all examples have been updated for 2.0 syntax. Every chapter has been revised, and new chapters introduce new ways to work with data and geometry. New "synthesis" chapters offer discussion and worked examples of such topics as sketching with code, modularity, and algorithm. New interviews have been added that cover a wider range of projects. "Extension" chapters are now offered online so they can be updated to keep pace with technological developments in such fields as computer vision and electronics. InterviewsSUE.C, Larry Cuba, Mark Hansen, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Jrg Lehni, LettError, Golan Levin and Zachary Lieberman, Benjamin Maus, Manfred Mohr, Ash Nehru, Josh On, Bob Sabiston, Jennifer Steinkamp, Jared Tarbell, Steph Thirion, Robert Winter
“Cittaslow”: Quality of Life and Visitor Experiences

ABSTRACT Cittaslow (‘slow-towns'), a network of 182 towns, is contributing to local urban development. The aim is to improve the quality of life in slow-towns. These improvements also have the potential of developing tourism as the towns become more “visitor-friendly”. Data were collected through a combination of face-to-face interviews, workshops and observations conducted in Vize, one of the nine Cittaslow destinations in Turkey. The Cittaslow indicators, projects and events are used to illustrate the power of the network. The study describes numerous ongoing projects that will positively affect the quality of life for residents in the community and enhance visitor experience. Findings suggest that the residents are supportive of the initiatives and are becoming more involved in the Cittaslow activities. Tourism is found to be at the initial stages of its development.
Reassessment of the Application of TQM in the Public Sector

Numerous articles have been written regarding the application of TQM in the public sector. The purpose of this article is to delve into the roots of and to assess TQM, past and present, within the framework of public administration theory, and to highlight some of the issues that relate to the implementation of TQM in the public sector. Suggestions are made to address the concerns identified in the article.
Audio coding using variable-depth multistage quantization

An algorithm for high-quality coding of 48 kHz sampled audio signals is presented. The algorithm employs a perceptual transform and a variable-depth multistage quantizer. The resulting audio reproduction quality is better than that of the Motion Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) layer I coder and roughly equivalent to that of the MPEG layer II coder.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the exceptional adaptations of batoid fins

Significance With pectoral fins that surround much of the body, by fusing to the head, the skate is a cartilaginous fish that has one of the most unique appendages of all vertebrates. Here, we use an unbiased RNA screen to uncover genetic pathways underlying this morphology. Unlike tetrapods and other fishes, skates induce a second growth center in the anterior region, by the redeployment of an ancient genetic module. We find that some of the genes involved in generating the anterior–posterior fin function differently in skates than they do in limbed animals. Our data reveal the mechanisms for the unique skate fin morphology and also provide insights into the genetic origins of fin variation and morphological innovation in paired appendages. Extreme novelties in the shape and size of paired fins are exemplified by extinct and extant cartilaginous and bony fishes. Pectoral fins of skates and rays, such as the little skate (Batoid, Leucoraja erinacea), show a strikingly unique morphology where the pectoral fin extends anteriorly to ultimately fuse with the head. This results in a morphology that essentially surrounds the body and is associated with the evolution of novel swimming mechanisms in the group. In an approach that extends from RNA sequencing to in situ hybridization to functional assays, we show that anterior and posterior portions of the pectoral fin have different genetic underpinnings: canonical genes of appendage development control posterior fin development via an apical ectodermal ridge (AER), whereas an alternative Homeobox (Hox)–Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)–Wingless type MMTV integration site family (Wnt) genetic module in the anterior region creates an AER-like structure that drives anterior fin expansion. Finally, we show that GLI family zinc finger 3 (Gli3), which is an anterior repressor of tetrapod digits, is expressed in the posterior half of the pectoral fin of skate, shark, and zebrafish but in the anterior side of the pelvic fin. Taken together, these data point to both highly derived and deeply ancestral patterns of gene expression in skate pectoral fins, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind the evolution of novel fin morphologies.
Hydrogen tunnelling in enzyme-catalysed H-transfer reactions: flavoprotein and quinoprotein systems

It is now widely accepted that enzyme-catalysed C–H bond breakage occurs by quantum mechanical tunnelling. This paradigm shift in the conceptual framework for these reactions away from semi-classical transition state theory (TST, i.e. including zero-point energy, but with no tunnelling correction) has been driven over the recent years by experimental studies of the temperature dependence of kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) for these reactions in a range of enzymes, including the tryptophan tryptophylquinone-dependent enzymes such as methylamine dehydrogenase and aromatic amine dehydrogenase, and the flavoenzymes such as morphinone reductase and pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase, which produced observations that are also inconsistent with the simple Bell-correction model of tunnelling. However, these data—especially, the strong temperature dependence of reaction rates and the variable temperature dependence of KIEs—are consistent with other tunnelling models (termed full tunnelling models), in which protein and/or substrate fluctuations generate a configuration compatible with tunnelling. These models accommodate substrate/protein (environment) fluctuations required to attain a configuration with degenerate nuclear quantum states and, when necessary, motion required to increase the probability of tunnelling in these states. Furthermore, tunnelling mechanisms in enzymes are supported by atomistic computational studies performed within the framework of modern TST, which incorporates quantum nuclear effects.
A wireless wellness monitor for personal weight management

Despite increasing possibilities for the citizen to play a more active role in personal health management, the use of Internet based health applications remains limited. Poor usability, limited personalization, and problems with security and accessibility often frustrate a continued use. The paper presents a possible solution by actively using wireless communications and ad-hoc networking techniques to minimize the user's efforts in using the application. Overweightness is a widespread and increasing problem in western countries. There are indications that self-monitoring combined with guidelines provide a good basis for personal weight management. The wireless wellness monitor implements a self-monitoring and guidance system using Bluetooth- and Jini-based networking. A scale, heart rate monitor, mobile terminal (personal digital assistant or WAP-enabled digital cellular phone), and home server communicate locally via Bluetooth. Internet based communications take care of remote use. The set-up allows us to investigate the behavior and use cases based on equipment and protocols that are expected to be in general use in the coming years. Thus, the system provides a useful test-bed for evaluating new techniques that may bring personal health management to a new level.
Sparse linearized iterative coherence estimation (SLICE) and risk assessment in image analysis

Many methods form manifold learning have been proposed recently to accurately embed some high dimensional sets of points into low dimensional space. Most of these methods make assumptions about the spectral support of the high dimensional space being sampled and the consistency of these assumptions over time. Additionally, most of these methods do not directly incorporate a means of assessing the embedding in terms of probability distributions for estimation and detection purposes. Finally, most of these methods do not take into consideration noise in the estimation of the true underlying space. We propose a new method using sparse coherence-based estimation of distributions of points sampled from a high dimensional space that iteratively refines its notion of the support of the space. This approach will enable a new method of estimation, detection, and identification risk analysis and mitigation in a general class of image analysis problems.
The many and the few: rounding up the SMEs that manage CSR in the supply chain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the anatomy of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that try to manage corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The data used for analysis stem from a large‐scale survey of 1,071 Danish SMEs carried out in 2005.Findings – It is concluded that CSR activities directed towards the supply chains still remain the privilege of a small group of SMEs with quite advanced CSR systems.Research limitations/implications – The survey was not specifically designed for this article. Moreover, only Danish SMEs participated in the survey. Whether the evidence from Denmark can be generalised to cover SMEs in other countries is left to determine.Practical implications – The results indicate that there may be a need for more differentiated initiatives to promote CSR that will enable smaller enterprises to address CSR issues in the supply chain. Thus far, CSR has often been associated with large, high‐profile multinationals t.
Proteomic analysis of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa: dealing with the issues of a non‐conventional yeast

Red yeasts ascribed to the species Rhodotorula mucilaginosa are gaining increasing attention, due to their numerous biotechnological applications, spanning carotenoid production, liquid bioremediation, heavy metal biotransformation and antifungal and plant growth‐promoting actions, but also for their role as opportunistic pathogens. Nevertheless, their characterization at the 'omic' level is still scarce. Here, we applied different proteomic workflows to R. mucilaginosa with the aim of assessing their potential in generating information on proteins and functions of biotechnological interest, with a particular focus on the carotenogenic pathway. After optimization of protein extraction, we tested several gel‐based (including 2D‐DIGE) and gel‐free sample preparation techniques, followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Contextually, we evaluated different bioinformatic strategies for protein identification and interpretation of the biological significance of the dataset. When 2D‐DIGE analysis was applied, not all spots returned a unambiguous identification and no carotenogenic enzymes were identified, even upon the application of different database search strategies. Then, the application of shotgun proteomic workflows with varying levels of sensitivity provided a picture of the information depth that can be reached with different analytical resources, and resulted in a plethora of information on R. mucilaginosa metabolism. However, also in these cases no proteins related to the carotenogenic pathway were identified, thus indicating that further improvements in sequence databases and functional annotations are strictly needed for increasing the outcome of proteomic analysis of this and other non‐conventional yeasts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business "Buyers" Are People Too: Do Personal Characteristics Help to Explain the Effectiveness of Selected Marketing Activities in a B2B Setting?

Business "Buyers" Are People Too: Do Personal Characteristics Help to Explain the Effectiveness of Selected Marketing Activities in a B2b Setting? By Joel Patrick Dardick Mier May 2016 Committee Chair: Danny Bellenger Major Academic Unit: J. Mack Robinson College of Business Due to its role relative to company performance, the topic of sales effectiveness has been richly explored for decades. Academic researchers in the fields of sales effectiveness, organizational purchasing, purchase types, and market segmentation have identified the importance of understanding the personal characteristics of decision makers in business-tobusiness (B2B) environments. Most of the historic literature focuses on demographic characteristics, which has been deemed insufficient for understanding individual’s motivations. While there has been recognition of the opportunity for psychographics and lifestyle data in B2B purchasing, there has been limited empirical research. Employing a contingency framework informed by Weitz and utilizing sales and marketing activities as well as results for 2,710 dyads, this study posits that the psychographic and lifestyle nature of B2B purchase decision makers, as well as the buyclass category of the purchase decision, moderate the relationship between specific sales activities and sales effectiveness. The results from this empirical study identify that there is strong support for the moderating effect of the purchasing decision maker’s psychographic and lifestyle composition on the relationship between sales activities and sales effectiveness and partial support for the moderating effect of buyclass category on the relationship between sales activities and sales effectiveness. In addition, the results identify that the sales activities of the internal sales function, not the external “customer-facing” sales
Internet community bonding:the case of macnews.de

This paper presents a structure for understanding Internet communities. A conceptual framework is developed with a view to enabling an understanding of the delivery of service and engendering of loyalty in an on‐line community. This framework, termed the customer bonding triangle, incorporates three elements, service value, technical infrastructure and interactivity. These elements were directly developed from the authors' experience with an on‐line community, macnews.de. The paper examines these elements and their function in developing Internet community bonding and develops a questionnaire based on Kano's (1984) model of customer satisfaction requirements which is tested using participants from the macnews.de site. It is found that for this group technical infrastructure was not perceived as providing satisfaction while providing solutions to problems was of more importance. The paper considers the implications of these findings for Internet communities.
Review: The role of microRNAs in kidney disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNAs that modulate physiological and pathological processes by inhibiting target gene expression via blockade of protein translation or by inducing mRNA degradation. These miRNAs potentially regulate the expression of thousands of proteins. As a result, miRNAs have emerged rapidly as a major new area of biomedical research with relevance to kidney disease. MiRNA expression has been shown to differ between the kidney and other organs as well as between different kidney regions. Furthermore, miRNAs have been found to be functionally important in models of podocyte development, diabetic nephropathy and polycystic kidney disease. Of particular interest, podocyte‐specific deletion of Dicer, a key enzyme in the biogenesis of miRNA, results in proteinuria and severe renal impairment in mice. One miRNA (miR‐192) can also act as an effector of transforming growth factor‐β activity in the high‐glucose environment of diabetic nephropathy. Differential expression of miRNAs has been reported in kidney allograft rejection. It is anticipated that future studies involving miRNAs will generate new insights into the complex pathophysiology underlying various kidney diseases, generate diagnostic biomarkers and might be of value as therapeutic targets for progressive kidney diseases. The purpose of this review is to highlight key miRNA developments in kidney diseases and how this might influence the diagnosis and management of patients with kidney disease in the future.
Testing of a low-VMIN data-aware dynamic-supply 8T SRAM

Due to the demand of lower power, a lot of research effort has been devoted into developing new SRAM cell designs that can operate with low supply voltage. The new SRAM cell designs have their own cell structures and design techniques, which may result in different faulty behaviors than the conventional 6T SRAM. Accordingly, specialized test methods are usually required for the uncovered faults of traditional tests. In this paper, we focus on testing open defects in a new low-VMIN data-aware dynamic-supply 8T SRAM design. The new SRAM utilizes a data-aware dynamic-supply circuitry cooperating with two write-word-lines to assist the write and an independent read path to enhance the read-SNM. Based on the specific cell structure, we propose a novel test method for the open defects. The test method creates an in-cell self-attacking environment and can detect all the defects undetected by traditional tests in both the SRAM cell and the data-aware dynamic-supply circuitry. Also, the method requires much less test time when being compared to the traditional floating bit-line attacking method.
Risk of selected gastrointestinal toxicities in breast cancer patients treated with regimens containing lapatinib; a pooled analysis of randomized controlled studies

We performed a pooled analysis of randomized controlled studies evaluating selected gastrointestinal adverse events associated with lapatinib use in breast cancer patients. Eligible studies included randomized Phase II and III trials of patients with breast cancer on lapatinib; describing events of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomatitis. Our search strategy yielded 390 potentially relevant citations on lapatinib from Pubmed/Medline and other databases. After exclusion of ineligible studies, a total of 19 clinical trials were considered eligible for the analysis. The relative risk (RR) of all-grade diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomatitis were 3.09 (95% CI: 2.14–4.43; p < 0.00001), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.07- 1.43; p < 0.005), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.22–1.49; p = 0.0001), 1.96 (95% CI: 1.07–2.67; p = 0.02); respectively. Exploratory subgroup analysis showed no effect of disease stage on the RR of the relevant adverse events. While, The RR of high-grade diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomatitis were 6.63 (95% CI: 2.94–14.96; p < 0.00001), 1.37 (95% CI: 0.91–2.06; p = 0.13), 1.80 (95% CI: 1.21–2.68; p = 0.004), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.41–4.22 p < 0.001); respectively. Our pooled analysis has demonstrated that regimens containing lapatinib are associated with a significantly increased risk of high-grade diarrhea, vomiting and stomatitis in patients with breast cancer. Clinicians should be aware of these risks and perform regular clinical monitoring.
What can work health and safety learn from road safety

Work health and safety (WHS) and road safety are distinctive perspectives of public health but they share much in common. Both talk of incidents rather than accidents. Both are characterised by proactive rather than reactive responses. Both suffer from a tendency to normalise levels of risk and to prefer training of individuals over system-wide, integrated approaches. As well, compliance and enforcement are important in both WHS and road safety, and their hierarchies of control share many commonalities. A literature review and a series of workplace interviews identified where various aspects of WHS policy and practice could be reviewed in relation to the road safety experience, particularly in relation to how compliance and enforcement approaches work best, the use of rewards and incentives, making fuller use of violation data, establishing chains of responsibility, and looking beyond regulatory solutions. WHS data collection and analysis approaches could be reviewed with respect to optimising use of auditing programs and considering employing non-traditional WHS performance indicators.