Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Fully Parallel Approach of Model Checking Via Probe Machine

Model checking is a verification technique that explores all possible system states in a brute-force manner. However, the state space can be extremely large for many practical systems and the verification time grows exponentially with the size of systems. It is a major limitation for state-space search algorithms of model checking. This paper presents a novel approach to perform Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) and Computation Tree Logic (CTL) model checking by using the connective probe machine, which is a fully parallel computing model. Our state-space search algorithm is based on the semantics of CTL properties and we design transformation algorithms to transform the model of a system into the structure that can run on the existing probe machine. We propose another approach to find multiple accepting cycles in linear time, which greatly shortens the verification time of LTL model checking. Compared to the traditional model checker, our approach can find multiple counterexamples according to the given property, which can trace as many system defects as possible. Simultaneously, it can greatly reduce the verification time for systems with large state spaces. We develop a model checker called MC2PROBE based on our approach and prove the feasibility and efficiency of our checker by experiments.
The Incorporation of Etanercept into a Porous Tri-Layer Scaffold for Restoring and Repairing Cartilage Tissue

Cartilage diseases currently affect a high percentage of the world’s population. Almost all of these diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), cause inflammation of this soft tissue. However, this could be controlled with biomaterials that act as an anti-inflammatory delivery system, capable of dosing these drugs over time in a specific area. The objective of this study was to incorporate etanercept (ETA) into porous three-layer scaffolds to decrease the inflammatory process in this soft tissue. ETA is a blocker of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). For this reason, the scaffold was built based on natural polymers, including chitosan and type I collagen. The scaffold was grafted next to subchondral bone using hydroxyapatite as filler. One of the biomaterials obtained was also crosslinked to compare its mechanical properties with the non-treated one. Both samples’ physicochemical properties were studied with SEM, micro-CT and photoacoustic imaging, and their rheological properties were also compared. The cell viability and proliferation of the human chondrocyte C28/I2 cell line were studied in vitro. An in vitro and in vivo controlled release study was evaluated in both specimens. The ETA anti-inflammatory effect was also studied by in vitro TNF-α and IL-6 production. The crosslinked and non-treated scaffolds had rheological properties suitable for this application. They were non-cytotoxic and favoured the in vitro growth of chondrocytes. The in vitro and in vivo ETA release showed desirable results for a drug delivery system. The TNF-α and IL-6 production assay showed that this drug was effective as an anti-inflammatory agent. In an in vivo OA mice model, safranin-O and fast green staining was carried out. The OA cartilage tissue improved when the scaffold with ETA was grafted in the damaged area. These results demonstrate that this type of biomaterial has high potential for clinical applications in tissue engineering and as a controlled drug delivery system in OA articular cartilage.
High-dimensional linear mixed model selection by partial correlation

Abstract We wish to perform variable selection in high-dimensional linear mixed models where the number of the potential covariates is much larger than the sample size and where the random effects are utilized to describe correlated observations. We propose a variable selection procedure based on the Thresholded Partial Correlation (TPC) algorithm (Li, Liu, and Lou 2017) to conduct variable selection using the partial correlation between the covariates and the response variable conditional on the random effects, and this procedure is called the conditional Thresholded Partial Correlation, denoted by TPCc. This TPCc approach is able to select the fixed effects in high-dimensional data when the covariates are highly correlated. We investigate the performance of the proposed method (TPCc) in a variety of simulated high-dimensional data sets. The simulation results show that the TPCc outperforms the TPC in selecting the most appropriate model among the candidate pool in the mixed modeling setting. We also apply the proposed method to a real high-dimensional data set in the production of riboflavin.
Body Size Poorly Predicts Host-Associated Microbial Diversity in Wild Birds

All animals coexist and interact with microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, microscopic eukaryotes, and viruses. These microorganisms can have an enormous influence on the biology and health of macro-organisms. ABSTRACT The composition and diversity of avian microbiota are shaped by many factors, including host ecologies and environmental variables. In this study, we examine microbial diversity across 214 bird species sampled in Malawi at five major body sites: blood, buccal cavity, gizzard, intestinal tract, and cloaca. Microbial community dissimilarity differed significantly across body sites. Ecological theory predicts that as area increases, so does diversity. We tested the hypothesis that avian microbiota diversity is correlated with body size, used as a proxy for area, using comparative phylogenetic methods. Using Pagel’s lambda, we found that few microbial diversity metrics had significant phylogenetic signals. Phylogenetic generalized least squares identified a significant but weak negative correlation between host size and microbial diversity of the blood and a similarly significant but weakly positive correlation between the cloacal microbiota and host size among birds within the order Passeriformes. Phylosymbiosis, or a congruent branching pattern between host phylogeny and their associated microbiota similarity, was tested and found to be weak or not significant in four of the body sites with sufficient sample size (blood, buccal, cloaca, and intestines). Taken together, these results suggest that the avian microbiome is highly variable, with microbiota diversity demonstrating few clear associations with bird size. Finally, the blood microbiota have a unique relationship with host size. IMPORTANCE All animals coexist and interact with microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, microscopic eukaryotes, and viruses. These microorganisms can have an enormous influence on the biology and health of macro-organisms. However, the general rules that govern these host-associated microbial communities are poorly described, especially in wild animals. In this paper, we investigate the microbial communities of over 200 species of birds from Malawi and characterize five body site bacterial microbiota in depth. Because the evolutionary relationships of the host underlie the relationship between any host-associated microbiota relationships, we use phylogenetic comparative methods to account for this relationship. We find that the size of a host (the bird) and the diversity and composition of the microbiota are largely uncorrelated. We also find that the general pattern of similarity between host phylogeny and microbiota similarity is weak. Together, we see that bird microbiota are not strongly tied to host size or evolutionary history.
True Nulls-Free Magnetoinductive Waveguides Using Alternate Coupling Polarities for Batteryless Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Applications

A dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system using the conventional magnetoinductive (MI) waveguide suffers from periodic power nulls resulting from standing waves. Although numerous methods have been developed to mitigate the nulls, additional active circuitry was required, increasing the complexity. In this article, the MI waveguide with alternate magnetic coupling polarities between successive resonator cells is proposed for a true nulls-free DWPT system with no use of active components. Two configurations of the alternately coupled MI (ACMI) waveguide are developed—one with the incorporation of a quadrature-phase termination for a linear waveguide, and the other with the adoption of a circular waveguide. Extensive analysis of the generalized ACMI waveguide is provided, and the developed configurations are theoretically verified to maintain power transfer efficiency, independent of the free-positioned load. Practical implementation of DWPT systems using the linear and circular ACMI configurations with seven resonator cells at 13.56-MHz operation are experimentally demonstrated to exhibit no power transfer nulls and achieve up to fivefold reduction in efficiency variation, as compared to their MI counterparts. Comparisons with theoretical calculation are given for verification of the analysis integrity. An experimental model of a batteryless DWPT system is also demonstrated using the circular waveguide as accompanied by a video.
Impact of IFN-γ Deficiency on the Cardiomyocyte Function in the First Stage of Experimental Chagas Disease

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the parasitic protozoan T. cruzi. The progression of CD in ~30% of patients results in Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCM). Currently, it is known that the inflammatory system plays a significant role in the CCM. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is the major cytokine involved in parasitemia control but has also been linked to CCM. The L-type calcium current (ICa,L) is crucial in the excitation/contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes. Thus, we compared ICa,L and the mechanical properties of cardiomyocytes isolated from infected wild type (WT) and IFN-γ(−/−) mice in the first stage of T. cruzi infection. Using the patch clamp technique, we demonstrated that the infection attenuated ICa,L in isolated cardiomyocytes from the right and left ventricles of WT mice at 15 days post-infection (dpi), which was not observed in the IFN-γ(−/−) cardiomyocytes. However, ICa,L was attenuated between 26 and 30 dpi in both experimental groups. Interestingly, the same profile was observed in the context of the mechanical properties of isolated cardiomyocytes from both experimental groups. Simultaneously, we tracked the mortality and MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6, and IL-10 serum levels in the infected groups. Importantly, the IFN-γ(−/−) and WT mice presented similar parasitemia and serum inflammatory markers at 10 dpi, indicating that the modifications in the cardiomyocyte functions observed at 15 dpi were directly associated with IFN-γ(−/−) deficiency. Thus, we showed that IFN-γ plays a crucial role in the electromechanical remodeling of cardiomyocytes during experimental T. cruzi infection in mice.
A case study on open innovation on Procter & Gamble. Part I: Innovation strategy over years

The purpose of the present paper is to analyse how product innovation process has been organized by a multinational company, such as Procter & Gamble. Since open innovation is a new approach on the local market, we have chosen to conduct a research in form of a case study showing the steps that the company has taken in order to involve other organizations to contribute to the development of new products. The paper will first describe what innovation management theory is suggesting. Following this, the mission and vision of Procter & Gamble will be analysed emphasizing its innovation efforts in time. The approach that the company has nowadays, related to development of new products, has its roots in several complex initiatives in the past, initiatives that have in their central attention the customer. Finally, it provides the research limitations and implications for future analysis on the case of Procter & Gamble open innovation approach.
A 4-Degree-of-Freedom Parallel Origami Haptic Device for Normal, Shear, and Torsion Feedback

We present a finger-mounted 4-degree-of-freedom (DoF) haptic device created using origami fabrication techniques. The 4-DoF device uses a parallel kinematic mechanism and is capable of delivering normal, shear, and torsional haptic feedback to the fingertip. Traditional methods of robot fabrication are not well suited for designing small robotic devices because it is challenging and expensive to manufacture small, low-friction joints. Our device uses origami manufacturing principles to reduce complexity and device footprint. We characterize the bandwidth, workspace, and force output of the device. The capabilities of the device, particularly the torsion degree of freedom, are demonstrated in a virtual reality scenario. Our results show that the device can deliver haptic feedback in 4 DoFs with an effective operational workspace of 0.64 cm3 with +/- 30 degrees of rotation at every location. When isolated to a single DoF, the maximum force and torque the device can apply in the x-, y-, z-, and theta-directions are +/-1.0 N, +/-1.25 N, 1.6 N, and +/-5 Nmm; the device has an operating bandwidth of 9 Hz.
Assessing the use of climate change information in State Wildlife Action Plans

Assessing how climate change information is used in conservation planning is an important part of meeting long‐term conservation and climate adaptation goals. In the United States, state agencies responsible for fish and wildlife management create State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) to identify conservation goals, prioritize actions, and establish plans for managing and monitoring target species and habitats. We created a rubric to assess and compare the use of climate change information in SWAPs for 10 states in the Intermountain West and Great Plains. Interviews with SWAP authors identified institutional factors influencing applications of climate change information. Access to professional networks and climate scientists, funding support for climate change vulnerability analysis, Congressional mandates to include climate change, and supportive agency leadership facilitate using climate change information. Political climate could either support or limit options for using this information. Together, the rubric and the interview results can be used to identify opportunities to improve the use of climate information, and to identify entry points to support conservation planning and natural resource managers in successful adaptation to climate change. This research is directly relevant to future SWAP revisions, which most states will complete by 2025, and more broadly to other conservation planning processes.
Simplifying Release Engineering for Multi-Stacked Container-Based Services

Today, large and complex solutions are needed to provide the services that users require, where cloud-based solutions have been the panacea to help solve this problem. However, these solutions, are complex in the nature of their implementation, and the need for a standardized way of handling the services are in order. This thesis aims to explore the possibilities of simplifying release engineering processes, with the usage of multi-stacked container-based services. A model is designed with the goal of reducing the complexity in release engineering processes. It enables restriction of possible outcomes by enabling constraints to specify the wanted state of an environment, and enforces a single method approach towards achieving a more uniform environment. The model has been implemented in a prototype, which enables the documentation, configuration and orchestration of the deployed services, that are deployed with the usage of Docker containers. Through the implementation, the validity of the designed model is verified, and the complexity of the release engineering processes are reduced.
Modeling and characterization of electrical effects of Ge integration in Metal/High-k/SiGe MOS structures

Maintaining good threshold voltage (VT) centering is a paramount challenge for CMOS technology. The SiGe introduction in bulk and FDSOI pFETs requires VT control for such devices. To this end, we have to extract accurately electrical parameters and to understand Ge integration effects in SiGe based pFETs. In this thesis, first, we have proposed extraction methods to determine VT, flat band voltage (VFB) and equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) parameters in bulk and FDSOI transistors. The extraction methods have been validated via Poisson-Schrodinger (PS) simulations and successfully applied to measurements. Second, we have highlighted and explained electric effects of Ge on pMOS gate stack parameters. Electrical characterizations compared with PS simulations have evidenced an additional effective work function increase, induced by Ge, related to interfacial dipoles. STEM, EELS and SIMS characterizations have demonstrated that dipoles are located at SiGe/IL interface.
Category Change in Cultural Fields: Practice deviation and the discursive maintenance of category meanings in jazz music

Deviation from normative practices is common in established categories, stimulating category gatekeepers to reevaluate their approaches to defining and enforcing category boundaries and meanings. While scholars agree that categories are mutable and dynamic, we lack a theoretical framework explaining the mechanisms through which practice deviation stimulates category change. Using structural topic modeling and inductive hand-coding of a large text corpus, I analyse critical reviews of jazz records between 1968 and 1975 to show the discursive mechanisms through which gatekeepers codify change in cultural categories. As jazz musicians experimented with new practices associated with a style now known as jazz fusion, critics discursively reordered their criteria for assessing membership, quality, and value in jazz music, expanding the jazz category into new realms yet retaining its semantic coherence. This paper contributes to research on category dynamics including change and subcategorization, and extends knowledge of category maintenance and gatekeeping in cultural fields.
Assessing the Role of Youth Groups in Community Development in the Nkwanta South Municipality

The youth is said to be the backbone of every society because of the critical role they play in the community development. The youth, therefore, form the pivot of societal development. This paper assessed the role of youth groups in the community development in Akyode Traditional Area in the Nkwanta South Municipality. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, specifically concurrent triangulation where the researchers employed both the quantitative and qualitative approaches to study a phenomenon at the same time. The simple random sampling technique was employed to select 200 respondents for the study. It was realized that the youth groups play diverse roles including sensitizing members on the importance of education and initiating community development projects. It was also realised that there is a positive relationship between youth development and their role in the community development processes in the area. The study recommends that the competences, attitudes, values and skills of the youth could be further developed through symposia, club meetings, workshops, conferences, seminars and sports and games to enable them to contribute meaningfully towards community development.
Effects of Varying Mass Inflows on Star Formation in Nuclear Rings of Barred Galaxies

Observations indicate that the star formation rate (SFR) of nuclear rings varies considerably with time and is sometimes asymmetric rather than being uniform across a ring. To understand what controls temporal and spatial distributions of ring star formation, we run semiglobal, hydrodynamic simulations of nuclear rings subject to time-varying and/or asymmetric mass inflow rates. These controlled variations in the inflow lead to variations in the star formation, while the ring orbital period (18 Myr) and radius (600 pc) remain approximately constant. We find that both the mass inflow rate and supernova feedback affect the ring SFR. An oscillating inflow rate with period Δτ in and amplitude 20 causes large-amplitude (a factor of ≳5), quasi-periodic variations of the SFR when Δτ in ≳ 50 Myr. We find that the time-varying interstellar medium (ISM) weight and midplane pressure track each other closely, establishing an instantaneous vertical equilibrium. The measured time-varying depletion time is consistent with the prediction from self-regulation theory provided the time delay between star formation and supernova feedback is taken into account. The supernova feedback is responsible only for small-amplitude (a factor of ∼2) fluctuations of the SFR with a timescale ≲40 Myr. Asymmetry in the inflow rate does not necessarily lead to asymmetric star formation in nuclear rings. Only when the inflow rate from one dust lane is suddenly increased by a large factor do the rings undergo a transient period of lopsided star formation.
Can big data increase our knowledge of local rental markets? A dataset on the rental sector in France

Social Scientists and policy makers need precise data on market rents. Yet, while housing prices are systematically recorded, few accurate data sets on rents are available. In this paper, we present a new data set describing local rental markets in France based on online ads collected through to webscraping. Comparison with alternate sources reveals that online ads provide a non biased picture of rental markets and allow coverage of the whole territory. We then estimate hedonic models for prices and rents and document the spatial variations in rent-price ratios. We show that rents do not increase as much as prices in the tightest housing markets. We use our dataset to estimate the market rent of each transaction and of social dwellings. In the latter case,this allows us to estimate the in-kind benefit received by social tenants which is mainly driven by the level of private rent in their municipality.
Adult schistosomes have an epithelial bacterial population distinct from the surrounding mammalian host blood

Background Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic and chronic disease affecting hundreds of millions of people. Adult schistosomes reside in the blood stream of the definitive mammalian host. These helminth parasites possess two epithelial surfaces, the tegument and the gastrodermis, both of which interact with the host during immune evasion and in nutrient uptake. Methods Female ARC Swiss mice (4–6 weeks old) were infected percutaneously with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae freshly shed from Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi snails (Philippines strain). Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) was performed by using fresh adult S. japonicum perfused from those infected mice. Adult S. japonicum worms were processed to isolate the tegument from the carcass containing the gastrodermis; blood and bile were collected individually from infected and uninfected mice. Total DNA extracted from all those samples were used for microbiome profiling. Results FISH and microbiome profiling showed the presence of bacterial populations on two epithelial surfaces of adult worms, suggesting they were distinct not only from the host blood but also from each other. Whereas microbial diversity was reduced overall in the parasite epithelial tissues when compared with that of host blood, specific bacterial taxa, including Anoxybacillus and Escherichia, were elevated on the tegument. Minimal differences were evident in the microbiome of host blood during an active infection, compared with that of control uninfected blood. However, sampling of bile from infected animals identified some differences compared with controls, including elevated levels of Limnohabitans, Clostridium and Curvibacter. Conclusions Using FISH and microbial profiling, we were able to demonstrate, for the first time, that bacteria are presented on the epithelial surfaces of adult schistosomes. These schistosome surface-associated bacteria, which are distinct from the host blood microenvironment, should be considered as a new and important component of the host-schistosome interaction. The importance of individual bacterial species in relation to schistosome parasitism needs further elucidation.