Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study on Linear Elastic FEM by Cloud Computing

This paper proposes a parallel algorithm of assembling global stiffness matrix of linear elastic finite element method (FEM) and solving linear equations using conjugate gradient (CG) method based on the MapReduce architectural pattern, then implements it on a 6-nodes Hadoop laboratory test cloud computing cluster. For the spatial truss systems, the numerical results show that it is simple and easy to use the proposed parallel algorithm to implement the FEM calculation on the cloud computing platform. This paper has achieved a speedup ratio of 3 in assembling global stiffness matrix, and it will increase with increasing the scale of the model and the number of cluster's nodes, but the performance in solving linear equations is limited, which should be improved in the future.
Tourism aesthetics in ruinscapes: Bargaining cultural and monetary values of Detroit’s negative image

Based on the premise that pictures are not only culturally but also economically meaningful in the context of tourism, this article proposes a rearrangement of MacCannell’s model “semiotics of attraction” to discuss current negotiations of meaning of sight/site marking with urban photography. In Detroit, the city’s negative image has changed from ill-reputed urban wasteland to picturesque ruinscape of “America’s Great Comeback City. ” Turning the post-industrial shrinking city into a tourist attraction has not resolved socio-economic problems but instead commodified them. Carving out the underlying neoliberal ideology in cultural meaning of urban decline at the example of Detroit’s changed image, this article puts forth to debate in how far tourism shifts from being a leisure activity to being a marketing strategy and what that means for negotiations of cultural values through tourism semiotics, the significance of photography, and the visual in urban tourism, and eventually for the significance of tourism in urban development.
A martingale approach to continuous-time marginal structural models

Marginal structural models were introduced in order to provide estimates of causal effects from interventions based on observational studies in epidemiological research. The key point is that this can be understood in terms of Girsanov's change of measure. This offers a mathematical interpretation of marginal structural models that has not been available before. We consider both a model of an observational study and a model of a hypothetical randomized trial. These models correspond to different martingale measures -- the observational measure and the randomized trial measure -- on some underlying space. We describe situations where the randomized trial measure is absolutely continuous with respect to the observational measure. The resulting continuous-time likelihood ratio process with respect to these two probability measures corresponds to the weights in discrete-time marginal structural models. In order to do inference for the hypothetical randomized trial, we can simulate samples using observational data weighted by this likelihood ratio.
Peak to Average Power Ratio Reduction in Filter Bank Based Multicarrier System

Developments in multi-carrier modulation systems have made communication, a fast growing field in the modern world. In the conventional OFDM systems use of cyclic prefix results in loss of capacity and the use of IFFT for modulation leads to poor spectral containment and high narrowband interference. To overcome these disadvantages filter bank based multicarrier system using cosine modulated filter bank has been proposed. The prototype filter for the CMFB system is developed using a low pass Kaiser window from which the entire filter bank is developed. Peak to average Power Ratio (PAPR) is one of the main drawbacks of every multi-carrier system. PAPR reduction using clipping and companding methods are carried out and their performance is evaluated using CCDF plot and BER plot.
Subjective Culture

The definition of subjective culture is followed by a listing of the elements of subjective culture and an examination of the content of each element and the methodological problems in studying that element. Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. This article is available in Online Readings in Psychology and Culture: http://scholarworks.gvsu. edu/orpc/vol2/iss2/6
The Economics of Sustainability: A Review of Journal Articles

Concern about sustainability helped to launch a new agenda for development and environmental economics and challenged many of the fundamental goals and assumptions of the conventional, neoclassical economics of growth and development. We review 25 years’ of refereed journal articles on the economics of sustainability, with emphasis on analyses that involve concern for intergenerational equity in the long-term decisionmaking of a society; recognition of the role of finite environmental resources in long-term decisionmaking; and recognizable, if perhaps unconventional, use of economic concepts, such as instantaneous utility, cost, or intertemporal welfare. Taken as a whole, the articles reviewed here indicate that several areas must be addressed in future investigation: improving the clarity of sustainability criteria, maintaining distinctions between economic efficiency and equity, more thoroughly investigating many common assumptions in the literature about prospects for resource substitution and resource-enhancing technical change, and encouraging the empirical investigation of sustainability issues.
The Formation of Brand Loyalty: A Partial Dual-Factor Explanation

ABSTRACT This study examines the roles of both brand satisfaction and brand trust in the formation and development of brand loyalty among Chinese mobile phone users. Drawing on Herzberg's Dual-factor Theory of Job Satisfaction, we proposed and empirically tested hypotheses about the roles of brand satisfaction and brand trust on brand loyalty. Our results suggest that the roles of brand satisfaction and brand trust in the formation and development of brand loyalty are different, both in their own asymmetric manner. Particularly, in contrast with previous research, we find that neither brand satisfaction nor brand trust is fully qualified as “Hygienic Factor” and “Motivator,” correspondingly, in a Dual-factor framework. In addition, the quadratic effects by, and the mediation roles of, the latent variables are identified. Managerial significance of the findings is discussed.
Metatranscriptomics and Pyrosequencing Facilitate Discovery of Potential Viral Natural Enemies of the Invasive Caribbean Crazy Ant, Nylanderia pubens

Background Nylanderia pubens (Forel) is an invasive ant species that in recent years has developed into a serious nuisance problem in the Caribbean and United States. A rapidly expanding range, explosive localized population growth, and control difficulties have elevated this ant to pest status. Professional entomologists and the pest control industry in the United States are urgently trying to understand its biology and develop effective control methods. Currently, no known biological-based control agents are available for use in controlling N. pubens. Methodology and Principal Findings Metagenomics and pyrosequencing techniques were employed to examine the transcriptome of field-collected N. pubens colonies in an effort to identify virus infections with potential to serve as control agents against this pest ant. Pyrosequencing (454-platform) of a non-normalized N. pubens expression library generated 1,306,177 raw sequence reads comprising 450 Mbp. Assembly resulted in generation of 59,017 non-redundant sequences, including 27,348 contigs and 31,669 singlets. BLAST analysis of these non-redundant sequences identified 51 of potential viral origin. Additional analyses winnowed this list of potential viruses to three that appear to replicate in N. pubens. Conclusions Pyrosequencing the transcriptome of field-collected samples of N. pubens has identified at least three sequences that are likely of viral origin and, in which, N. pubens serves as host. In addition, the N. pubens transcriptome provides a genetic resource for the scientific community which is especially important at this early stage of developing a knowledgebase for this new pest.
Fast and Accurate Learning When Making Discrete Numerical Estimates

Many everyday estimation tasks have an inherently discrete nature, whether the task is counting objects (e.g., a number of paint buckets) or estimating discretized continuous variables (e.g., the number of paint buckets needed to paint a room). While Bayesian inference is often used for modeling estimates made along continuous scales, discrete numerical estimates have not received as much attention, despite their common everyday occurrence. Using two tasks, a numerosity task and an area estimation task, we invoke Bayesian decision theory to characterize how people learn discrete numerical distributions and make numerical estimates. Across three experiments with novel stimulus distributions we found that participants fell between two common decision functions for converting their uncertain representation into a response: drawing a sample from their posterior distribution and taking the maximum of their posterior distribution. While this was consistent with the decision function found in previous work using continuous estimation tasks, surprisingly the prior distributions learned by participants in our experiments were much more adaptive: When making continuous estimates, participants have required thousands of trials to learn bimodal priors, but in our tasks participants learned discrete bimodal and even discrete quadrimodal priors within a few hundred trials. This makes discrete numerical estimation tasks good testbeds for investigating how people learn and make estimates.
Reliability and Validity of an Accelerometer-based Balance Assessment for Fall Risk Screening

Saunders, N.W. , M.J. Garver, S.T. Jamison, C.M. Scheadler, A.M. Chaudhari, and S.T. Devor. Postural control in figure skaters following a neuromuscular training intervention. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 43: S645, 2011. Scheadler, C.M. , N.W. Saunders, M.J. Garver, A.M. Chaudhari, and S.T. Devor. Sampling rates influence interpretation of data from force plate center of pressure measures of postural control. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 43: S643, 2011. DiGeronimo, M.K. , C.M. Scheadler, M.J. Garver, N.W. Saunders, M.T. Rose, and S.T. Devor. Energy cost and stroke parameter changes during long distance swimming in ironman triathletes. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 43: S74, 2011. Brian C. Focht, Steven K. Clinton, Alexander R. Lucas, Nathan W. Saunders, Elizabeth Grainger, & Jennifer M. Thomas-Ahner. Effects of Exercise on Disablement Process Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Systematic Review.
Textual Inference and Meaning Representation in Human Robot Interaction

This paper provides a first investigation over existing textual inference paradigms in order to propose a generic framework able to capture major semantic aspects in Human Robot Interaction (HRI). We investigate the use of general semantic paradigms used in Natural Language Understanding (NLU) tasks, such as Semantic Role Labeling, over typical robot commands. The semantic information obtained is then represented under the Abstract Meaning Representation. AMR is a general representation language useful to express different level of semantic information without a strong dependence to the syntactic structure of an underlying sentence. The final aim of this work is to find an effective synergy between HRI and NLU.
Pathogenicity of Shigella in Chickens

Shigellosis in chickens was first reported in 2004. This study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of Shigella in chickens and the possibility of cross-infection between humans and chickens. The pathogenicity of Shigella in chickens was examined via infection of three-day-old SPF chickens with Shigella strain ZD02 isolated from a human patient. The virulence and invasiveness were examined by infection of the chicken intestines and primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed Shigella can cause death via intraperitoneal injection in SPF chickens, but only induce depression via crop injection. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy revealed the Shigella can invade the intestinal epithelia. Immunohistochemistry of the primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells infected with Shigella showed the bacteria were internalized into the epithelial cells. Electron microscopy also confirmed that Shigella invaded primary chicken intestinal epithelia and was encapsulated by phagosome-like membranes. Our data demonstrate that Shigella can invade primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and chicken intestinal mucosa in vivo, resulting in pathogenicity and even death. The findings suggest Shigella isolated from human or chicken share similar pathogenicity as well as the possibility of human-poultry cross-infection, which is of public health significance.
MOTIVATION FOR INDIVIDUALS’ INVOLVEMENT WITH FAN PAGES

This research examines the empirical model of individuals’ involvement with fan pages. The research model was developed based on the social influence factors and the brand post popularity model. The research employed an online survey questionnaire. 300 samples were collected by using a purposive sampling technique, and analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The results showed that identification, interactivity, informational content and valence of comment were the motivating factors for the intent to become involved with fan pages. It was indicated that the brand popularity model was not the only relevant model to explain the social computing phenomenon in the context of fan pages, but social influence factors also play a part. The implications for stakeholders and further research are discussed. Keywords: Social influence factors, brand post popularity factors, intention, and involvement with fan pages
Morphologically distinct sperm subpopulations defined by Fourier shape descriptors in fresh ejaculates correlate with variation in boar semen quality following cryopreservation.

This study investigated two hypotheses: 1) that consistent between-boar variation in frozen semen quality exists and is genetically determined, and 2) that morphologically distinct subpopulations of spermatozoa exist within fresh boar ejaculates and that the incidence of these subpopulations is correlated with semen quality following cryopreservation. Five ejaculates were collected from each of 15 boars (5 boars from each of 3 breeds). An objective sperm morphology analyzer used Fourier shape descriptors to describe variation in the morphology of 300 spermatozoa per ejaculate before freezing. Semen was diluted into a commercial freezing buffer (700 mOsm/kg, 3% glycerol) and 5 straws (0.5 mL) per ejaculate were cryopreserved (to -5 degrees C at 6 degrees C/min, then -5 degrees C to -80 degrees C at 40 degrees C/min). Semen was assessed for percentage of motile cells and motility characteristics (with computer-aided sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14 positive), and acrosome integrity (fluorescein-labeled peanut agglutinin positive). Consistent between-boar variability was detected for post-thaw sperm motility (P < .01), membrane integrity (P < .01), acrosome integrity (P < .01), curvilinear velocity (P < .01), straight-line velocity (P < .05), beat cross-frequency (P < .05), and amplitude of lateral head displacement (P < .01). Three morphologically distinct subpopulations of spermatozoa, defined by Fourier descriptors, were detected. The proportion of these subpopulations within the fresh ejaculate correlated with semen quality assessments made following cryopreservation. These findings support the hypothesis that consistent interindividual variation in sperm freezability is genetically determined and may relate to processes that occur during spermatogenesis. Subsequent characterization of these genetic differences between "good" and "poor" freezers may ultimately identify biophysical components of the spermatozoa that are essential for successful cryopreservation.
A review and critique of assessment instruments for patients with persistent pain

Background Early identification of individuals at risk of developing persistent pain is important to decrease unnecessary treatment costs and disability. However there is scant comprehensive information readily available to assist clinicians to choose appropriate assessment instruments with sound psychometric and clinical properties. Objective A national insurer commissioned the development of a compendium of assessment instruments to identify adults with, or at-risk of developing, persistent pain. This paper reports on the instrument identification and review process. Methods A comprehensive systematic literature review was undertaken of assessment instruments for persistent pain of noncancer origin, and their developmental literature. Only assessment instruments which were developed for patients with pain, or tested on them, were included. A purpose-built ‘Ready Reckoner’ scored psychometric properties and clinical utility. Results One hundred sixteen potentially useful instruments were identified, measuring severity, psychological, functional and/or quality of life constructs of persistent pain. Forty-five instruments were short-listed, with convincing psychometric properties and clinical utility. There were no standard tests for psychometric properties, and considerable overlap of instrument purpose, item construct, wording, and scoring. Conclusion No one assessment instrument captured all the constructs of persistent pain. While the compendium focuses clinicians’ choices, multiple instruments are required for comprehensive assessment of adults with persistent pain.
Methanocella conradii sp. nov., a Thermophilic, Obligate Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen, Isolated from Chinese Rice Field Soil

Background Methanocellales contributes significantly to anthropogenic methane emissions that cause global warming, but few pure cultures for Methanocellales are available to permit subsequent laboratory studies (physiology, biochemistry, etc.). Methodology/Principal Findings By combining anaerobic culture and molecular techniques, a novel thermophilic methanogen, strain HZ254T was isolated from a Chinese rice field soil located in Hangzhou, China. The phylogenetic analyses of both the 16S rRNA gene and mcrA gene (encoding the α subunit of methyl-coenzyme M reductase) confirmed its affiliation with Methanocellales, and Methanocella paludicola SANAET was the most closely related species. Cells were non-motile rods, albeit with a flagellum, 1.4–2.8 µm long and by 0.2–0.3 µm in width. They grew at 37–60°C (optimally at 55°C) and salinity of 0–5 g NaCl l−1 (optimally at 0–1 g NaCl l−1). The pH range for growth was 6.4–7.2 (optimum 6.8). Under the optimum growth condition, the doubling time was 6.5–7.8 h, which is the shortest ever observed in Methanocellales. Strain HZ254T utilized H2/CO2 but not formate for growth and methane production. The DNA G+C content of this organism was 52.7 mol%. The sequence identities of 16S rRNA gene and mcrA gene between strain HZ254T and SANAET were 95.0 and 87.5% respectively, and the genome based Average Nucleotide Identity value between them was 74.8%. These two strains differed in phenotypic features with regard to substrate utilization, possession of a flagellum, doubling time (under optimal conditions), NaCl and temperature ranges. Taking account of the phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, we propose strain HZ254T as a representative of a novel species, Methanocella conradii sp. nov. The type strain is HZ254T ( = CGMCC 1.5162T = JCM 17849T = DSM 24694T). Conclusions/Significance Strain HZ254T could potentially serve as an excellent laboratory model for studying Methanocellales due to its fast growth and consistent cultivability.
Plant cover detection from visible satellite imagery

This paper explores green field detection methods for visible satellite images by applying well-known combination of vegetative index (COM), and developing two methods that are enhanced versions of COM to increase detection accuracies. An experiment was conducted on visible satellite images of 6 locations and 4 zoom levels obtained through Google Map API. The three methods were implemented to compare the detection accuracies. Results show that the proposed methods improved detection accuracies (computed using F-Measures) of the test image set.
Analysis of operator differential-algebraic equations arising in fluid dynamics. Part I. The finite dimensional case

Existence and uniqueness of solutions to initial value problems for a class of abstract differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) is shown. The class of equations cover, in particular, the spatially semi-discretized Stokes and Oseen problem describing the motion of an incompressible or nearly incompressible Newtonian fluid. Moreover, we derive explicit solution formulas.
Aeroacoustic Investigation of a Single Airfoil Tip Leakage Flow

Combined near and far field aeroacoustic measurements have been carried out during an original laboratory scale low Mach number (0–0.3) experiment about the tip leakage flow past a single non-rotating airfoil. Such measurements were made possible by the use of a single airfoil located in the potential core of an open jet flow in the anechoic wind tunnel of the Ecole Centrale de Lyon. The airfoil was mounted between two flat plates. A strong tip clearance flow was achieved without rotation by paying a special attention to the choice of the airfoil which was a 5% camber, 10% thickness NACA5510 airfoil that provided a high lift at a 15° angle of attack. The experiment gave rise to an extensive data set obtained with several flow velocity measurement techniques (HWA, LDA, PIV), steady and unsteady pressure measurements on the airfoil and the casing plate as well as far field pressure measurements. Further, cross-analyses of various velocity and pressure signals allowed to locating sources and identifying their mechanisms. Results showed evidence of two components of tip leakage broadband self noise.
Yaw rate and sideslip tracking for 4-wheel steering cars using sliding mode control

In this paper, a robust sliding mode controller is proposed for automotive vehicles with 4-wheel steering capability in order to emulate some desired sideslip and yaw rate dynamics. Analytically, it is shown that the proposed controller is robust to plant parameter variations by ±%10, and is invariant to unmeasurable wind disturbance. The performance of the sliding mode controller is evaluated via computer simulations to verify its robustness to vehicle parameter variations and delay in the loop, and its insensitivity to wind disturbance.
The ignored audience: A multi-method reception study on children and television news in Albania

Children are not considered to be an appropriate audience for news coverage based on their presumed lack of emotional maturity, critical thinking and proper knowledge. This article challenges these views by presenting the opinions of children aged 10–15 who report having watched broadcast news nearly every day. Additionally, the views of adults aged 25–62 are investigated. Children contest to the ways they are being portrayed by the news media and demonstrate their need to be considered as active participants in the public sphere, which is presented by the news media as an exclusive domain for adults.