Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomy of Economic Agents in Peer-to-Peer Systems (short paper)

The transition from a traditional economy to a digital economy based on Web 3.0 and blockchain technologies is accompanied by some changes in the structure of relations between participants. Such changes relate to the blurring of the concept of the ultimate beneficiary and the center of responsibility in the case when certain digital categories are behind this or that type of relationship, devoid of the center of control traditional for the economic system. As a rule, such relations between participants have a high level of autonomy and a low level of control by the state or traditional economic organizations. Thus, autonomous economical agents, as completely independent actor, using peer-to-peer economy platforms have the potential to have a large impact on values and behavior in society. Understanding of the economical level of autonomy in peer-to-peer systems of such agents requires analysis of their role in such and design of the control mechanisms in order to determine the benefits from positive effects and at the same time mitigate negative consequences from possible mistakes. This requires a structured overview of the levels of agent autonomy and its impact on the existing system. The purpose of this article is to structure the study of economic agent autonomy in peer-to-peer systems, taking into account the possibilities of the digital environment. The article also provides an overview and analysis of the main technological developments in the field of autonomous economic agents and decentralized autonomous organizations, characteristics and framework of economic autonomy of the agents, taking into account digital environment of peer-to-peer digital systems.
A Java-Like Calculus with User-Defined Coeffects

We propose a Java-like calculus where declared variables can be annotated by coeffects specifying constraints on their use, such as linearity or privacy levels. Annotations are written in the language itself, as expressions of type Coeffect , a predefined class which can be extended by user-defined subclasses, modeling the coeffects desired for a specific application. We formalize the type system and prove subject reduction, which includes preservation of coeffects, and show several examples.
A primary microcephaly-associated sas-6 mutation perturbs centrosome duplication, dendrite morphogenesis, and ciliogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

The human SASS6(I62T) missense mutation has been linked with the incidence of primary microcephaly in a Pakistani family, although the mechanisms by which this mutation causes disease remain unclear. The SASS6(I62T) mutation corresponds to SAS-6(L69T) in C. elegans. Given that SAS-6 is highly conserved, we modeled this mutation in C. elegans and examined sas-6(L69T) effect on centrosome duplication, ciliogenesis and dendrite morphogenesis. Our studies revealed that all the above processes are perturbed by the sas-6(L69T) mutation. Specifically, C. elegans carrying the sas-6(L69T) mutation exhibit an increased failure of centrosome duplication in a sensitized genetic background. Further, worms carrying this mutation also display shortened phasmid cilia, an abnormal phasmid cilia morphology, shorter phasmid dendrites and chemotaxis defects. Our data show that the centrosome duplication defects caused by this mutation are only uncovered in a sensitized genetic background, indicating that these defects are mild. However, the ciliogenesis and dendritic defects caused by this mutation are evident in an otherwise wild-type background, indicating that they are stronger defects. Thus, our studies shed light on the novel mechanisms by which the sas-6(L69T) mutation could contribute to the incidence of primary microcephaly in humans.
Instantly adhesive and ultra-elastic patches for dynamic organ and wound repair

Bioadhesive materials and patches are promising alternatives to surgical sutures and staples. However, many existing bioadhesives do not meet the functional requirements of current surgical procedures and interventions. Here we present a translational patch material that exhibits: (1) instant adhesion to wet tissues (2.5-fold stronger than Tisseel, an FDA-approved fibrin glue), (2) ultra-stretchability (stretching to >300% its original length without losing elasticity), (3) compatibility with rapid photo-projection (<2 min fabrication time/patch), and (4) ability to deliver therapeutics. Using our established procedures for the in silico design and optimization of anisotropic-auxetic patches, we create next generation patches for instant attachment to wet and dry tissues while conforming to a broad range of organ mechanics ex vivo and in vivo. Patches coated with exosomes demonstrate robust wound healing capability in vivo without inducing a foreign body response and without the need for patch removal that can cause pain and bleeding. We further demonstrate a new single material-based, void-filling auxetic patch designed for the treatment of lung puncture wounds. Teaser We demonstrate a sticky and highly elastic patch with conforming designs for dynamic organ repair.
A semi-analytical model accounting for multiple scattering in optical coherence tomography

We present a semi-analytical model of optical coherence tomography (OCT) taking into account multiple scattering. The model rests on the assumptions that the measured portion of the backscattered sample field is spatially coherent and that the sample is motionless relative to measurement time. This allows modeling an OCT signal as a sum of spatially coherent fields with random phase arguments-constant during measurement time-caused by multiple scattering. We calculate the mean OCT signal from classical results of statistical optics and a Monte Carlo simulation. Our model is shown to be in very good agreement with a whole range of experimental data gathered in a comprehensive study of cross-talk in wide-field OCT realized with spatially coherent illumination. The study consists of depth scan measurements of a mirror covered with an aqueous suspension of microspheres. We investigate the dependence of cross-talk on important optical system parameters, as well as on some relevant sample properties. We discuss the more complex OCT models based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle, which rest on different assumptions since they assume partially coherent interfering fields.
Correlations between GoodReads Appreciation and the Sentiment Arc Fractality of the Grimm brothers' Fairy Tales

Despite their widespread popularity, fairy tales are o昀琀en overlooked when studying literary quality with quantitative approaches. We present a study on the relation between sentiment fractality and literary appreciation by testing the hypothesis that fairy tales with a good balance between unpredictability and excessive self-similarity in their sentiment narrative arcs tend to be more popular and more appreciated by audiences of readers. In short, we perform a correlation study of the degree of fractality of the fairy tales of the Grimm brothers and their current appreciation as measured by their Goodreads scores. Moreover, we look at the popularity of these fairy tales through time, determining which ones have come to form a strong “internal canon” in the corpus of the authors and which one have fallen into relative obscurity.
Flux analysis reveals specific regulatory modalities of gene expression

The level of a given protein is determined by rates of mRNA and protein synthesis and degradation. The reliable quantification of these rates is thus essential to understand how protein levels are regulated. While several studies have quantified the contribution of different steps of gene expression in regulating protein levels, these are limited by the use of equilibrium approximations when studying out-of-equilibrium biological systems. Here we introduce flux analysis to quantify the contribution of gene expression steps to regulate the dynamics of the expression level for specific proteins. We use flux analysis to analyze a published RNA-seq and proteomics dataset of mouse bone marrow-derived DCs stimulated with LPS. Our analysis revealed six regulatory modalities shared by sets of genes with clear functional signatures. We also find that protein degradation plays a stronger role than expected in the adaptation of protein levels to LPS stimulation. These findings suggest that shared regulatory strategies can lead to versatile responses at the protein level and highlight the importance of going beyond steady-state approximations to uncover the dynamic contribution of different steps of gene expression to protein levels.
Kinetochore-fiber lengths are maintained locally but coordinated globally by poles in the mammalian spindle

At each cell division, nanometer-scale components self-organize to build a micron-scale spindle. In mammalian spindles, microtubule bundles called kinetochore-fibers attach to chromosomes and focus into spindle poles. Despite evidence suggesting that poles can set spindle length, their role remains poorly understood. In fact, many species do not have spindle poles. Here, we probe the pole’s contribution to mammalian spindle length, dynamics, and function by inhibiting dynein to generate spindles whose kinetochore-fibers do not focus into poles, yet maintain a metaphase steady-state length. We find that unfocused kinetochore-fibers have a mean length indistinguishable from control, but a broader length distribution, and reduced length coordination between sisters and neighbors. Further, we show that unfocused kinetochore-fibers, like control, can grow back to their steady-state length if acutely shortened by drug treatment or laser ablation: they recover their length by tuning their end dynamics, albeit slower due to their reduced baseline dynamics. Thus, kinetochore-fiber dynamics are regulated by their length, not just pole-focusing forces. Finally, we show that spindles with unfocused kinetochore-fibers can segregate chromosomes but fail to correctly do so. We propose that mammalian spindle length emerges locally from individual k-fibers while spindle poles globally coordinate k-fibers across space and time.
Intensity variation function and template matching-based pedestrian tracking in infrared imagery with occlusion detection and recovery

Abstract. Robustly and efficiently tracking pedestrians in the infrared spectrum is a crucial requirement for a number of applications. At the same time, it is also particularly critical due to both the peculiarities of infrared images and pedestrian targets. In fact, low resolutions and high signal-to-noise ratios combined with extremely variable target signatures, chaotic trajectories, and frequent occlusions have forced researchers to develop ever more complex strategies characterized by a neat trade-off between tracking accuracy and computational complexity. Thus, most of the existing techniques might not be capable of ensuring real-time performances with a suitable degree of robustness, especially on limited-resource hardware used, e.g., in automotive or security scenarios. We present a technique that extends an extremely efficient tracking method originally tailored to targets that exhibit a clear and stable hot spot to allow it to deal with pedestrian targets by reusing its core components and integrating an occlusion detection and recovery mechanism. Experimental results obtained on public datasets confirmed that the devised method is able to obtain a robustness that is superior to that of other common approaches by maintaining the high tracking speed of the reference method.
Extracellular matrix protein anosmin-1 overexpression regulates dopaminergic phenotype in the CNS and the PNS with no pathogenic consequences in MPTP model of Parkinson’s disease

The development and survival of dopaminergic neurons are influenced by the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathway. Anosmin-1 (A1) is an extracellular matrix protein that acts as a major regulator of this signaling pathway, controlling FGF diffusion, and receptor interaction and shuttling. Furthermore, overexpression of A1 in vivo gives rise to higher number of dopaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb. Here, using A1 overexpressing mice (A1-mice), we studied the effects of A1 on different populations of catecholaminergic neurons in the central (CNS) and the peripheral nervous systems (PNS). A1 overexpression increases the number of dopaminergic SNpc neurons and alters the striosome/matrix organization of the striatum. Interestingly, these numerical and morphological changes in the nigrostriatal pathway of A1-mice do not confer an altered susceptibility to experimental MPTP-parkinsonism with respect to wild type controls. Moreover, the study of the effects of A1 overexpression was extended to different dopaminergic tissues associated with the PNS, detecting a significant reduction in the number of dopaminergic chemosensitive carotid body glomus cells in A1-mice. Overall, these analyses confirm A1 as a principal regulator of the FGF pathway in the development and survival of dopaminergic neurons in different nuclei of the mammalian nervous system.
Modifications of the Correlation Method of Face Detection in Biometric Identification Systems (short paper)

The accuracy of the functioning of modern neural networks both in the reproduction mode and in the learning mode remains insufficient for many practical tasks, therefore it is expedient to create new methods and algorithms for processing signals and data in neural environments. The purpose of the work is to create a pattern recognition method based on modified differential Hebb learning to increase the accuracy of the functioning of modern neural networks both in the playback mode and in the learning mode. Modifications of the correlation method of face detection were developed, which made it possible to reduce the total classification error by more than two times. A scheme of the parallel process of face recognition based on 2D and 3D images by the appropriate algorithm is proposed.
Cholecystokinin exerts a major control on corticostriatal synapse and motor behavior

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide detected and produced at high concentrations in the brain. To date it was mainly used as a neuronal marker of neuronal subtypes and its role as a neuromodulator was poorly known. However, few studies showed that it could be an essential neuromodulator in various brain structures, playing a role on synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. In order to better understand the processes by which CCK impacts plasticity, we focus our attention on the striatum, a nucleus involved in procedural learning and motor behavior, with a rich expression of CCK receptor type 2 (CCK2R). By using in-vivo and ex-vivo electrophysiological approaches, we show that CCK is involved in the corticostriatal synaptic transmission and has a key role in its plasticity. Using in-vivo optopatch-clamp of identified MSNs, we observe a decrease of corticostriatal synaptic transmission after an injection of CCK2R antagonist, leading to a reduction of evoked excitatory post synaptic potential recorded on both MSNs populations (direct and indirect pathways). In addition, we evaluate the impact of CCK2R antagonist on corticostriatal synaptic plasticity using Spike Timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP) protocols on MSNs of acute rat brain slices. Results demonstrate that the CCK2R antagonist is able to reverse the corticostriatal synaptic plasticity (i.e. LTP protocol leads to LTD). Finally, we evaluate the effect of CCK2R antagonist on the motor behavior of juvenile rats challenged with different locomotor tests and show a sex-dependent impairment of motor behavior. Overall, our results demonstrate that CCK and its receptor CCK2R are essential for inputs processing encoding in the corticostriatal network with consequences on motor activity. Significant statement Cholecystokinin (CCK) is considered to be one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the brain but its role as a neuromodulator is not well understood. In our study we investigate its role on the corticostriatal transmission which is a well characterized synapse highly involved in motor and cognitive functions. Here, we show that CCK2R is crucial for the corticostriatal synaptic transmission and plasticity. Indeed, CCK binding on CCK2R is essential for LTP induction by STDP. Finally, we demonstrate that the blockage of CCK2R affects corticostriatal synaptic transmission and motor ability in male rats.
An AI-based Approach and Platform for the Preservation and Exploitation of Knowledge on the History of Computing (short paper)

There is an urgent need for preserving and making available the knowledge related to the history of computing, for research and education purposes. This is a peculiar kind of Cultural Heritage, since it tightly mixes hardware, software, documental and even immaterial heritage. The interlinks among these items and their context is fundamental to properly understand them and their role. Advanced AI techniques can support this vision and open unprecedented opportunities to the researchers, practitioners and hobbyists. We are pursuing these objectives in a project based the GraphBRAIN platform for Knowledge Graphs management.
The Computational Memorability of Iconic Images

The perception of historic events is frequently shaped by speci昀椀c images that have been ascribed an iconic status. These images are widely reproduced and recognised and can therefore be considered memorable. A question that arises given such images is whether the memorability of iconic images is intrinsic or whether it is shaped. In this work we analyse the memorability of iconic images by means of computational techniques that are speci昀椀cally designed to measure the intrinsic memorability of images. To judge whether iconic images are inherently more memorable we establish two baselines based on datasets of diverse imagery and of newspaper imagery. Our 昀椀ndings show that iconic images are not more memorable than modern day newspaper imagery or when compared to a diverse set of everyday images. In fact, by and large many of the iconic images analysed score on the low end of the memorability spectrum. Additionally, we explore the variation in memorability of reproductions of iconic images and 昀椀nd that certain images have been edited resulting in higher memorability scores, but that the images by and large are reproduced with memorability close to the original.
Gender and Power in Japanese Light Novels

In Japanese culture, the light novel – a combination of text and anime-style illustrations–is a relatively new literary form. It derives from the broader otaku culture, which is also associated with video games, manga, cosplay, anime, and other forms of Japanese popular culture. Though the light novel lacks the global reach of some of these other genres, such as manga and anime, it nonetheless attracts millions of readers across a range of gender and age groups. While distinct subgenres of the light novel have emerged, such as romance, adventure, horror, and harem, issues of gender stereotyping, power imbalances and other forms of inequality remain strongly entrenched. These issues can be attributed to how otaku culture is rooted in heterosexual male desire. This paper o昀昀ers a quantitative assessment of these issues of gender inequality. We analyze 290 light novels, scraped from the Baka-Tsuki Translation Community Wiki, in terms of the power relationships between female and male characters as they evolve over the course of each novel. We 昀椀nd patterns consistent with issues of gender stereotyping and power di昀昀erentials. More speci昀椀cally, we 昀椀nd that female characters consistently wield less power than male characters, especially toward the end of each novel. We 昀椀nd some variation in speci昀椀c subgenres. We conclude with close readings of two light novels, demonstrating how a power frames approach to analyzing gender stereotypes in otaku culture augments existing work on the subject.
Modified Delta Maintainability Model of Object-Oriented Software (short paper)

Modern software systems are increasingly integrated into vital society areas, from managing critical infrastructure to piloting vehicles. That is why one of the most important priorities is the reduction of possible software defects. The speed of development of social processes and technologies determines the need for adaptation, which in turn requires software adjustments. Analysis of various definitions and aspects of maintainability, as well as established models and approaches to measuring object-oriented software, remains a relevant issue. This analysis makes it possible to determine the possibilities of improving the efficiency of the assessment by methods of statistical analysis. Predictive assumptions about object development include maintainability of object-oriented software. At the same time, the method of modifying Delta Maintainability Model (DMM) by expanding the measurable properties of the source code is used. It is important to demonstrate the stability and effectiveness of object-oriented software change measurement by conducting comparative analysis for source code changes, which makes it possible to measure maintainability in processes with continuous delivery and uninterrupted integration methodological approaches. At the same time, the interpretation of the assessment results makes it possible to establish a causal relationship and eliminate shortcomings.
Nonlinear optical studies of an organo-metallic complex by Z-scan technique

The nonlinear optical properties of an organo-metallic compound, tetrabutylammonium bis(2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato)aurum, abbreviated as BuAu, are investigated by Z-scan technique with 28 ps pulse width at 532 nm. Strong reverse saturable absorption has been found, the effective excited-state absorption cross section is obtained as σeff = 1.818×10-17 cm2. The material also shows self-defocus and the nonlinear optical refractive index is measured as n2 = -1.341×10-12 esu with the concentration of 2×10-3 mol/L. All the results suggest that this material has potential application as optical devices.
On the boundedness of automorphic forms

Since X has finite (noneuclidean) area if and only if P is a finitely generated group of the first kind [2 , [6d, our theorems are generalizations of the well-known fact that Aq(P) = Bq(r) when X has finite area. 2. Proof of the Lemma. It is well known [2], [6] that to each finitely generated Fuchsian group P of the second kind there corresponds a compact bordered Riemann surface X with interior X such that
On Modal Logic Association Rule Mining

The most iconic duality of machine learning models is symbolic learning versus functional learning. While functional learning is based on a numerical approach to knowledge extraction and modelling, the purpose of symbolic machine learning is to extract knowledge from data in such a form that it can be understood, discussed, modified, and applied by humans, as well as serve as the basis of artificial intelligence applications. The typical problems associated with machine learning are classification and rule extraction; while classification can be dealt with using both functional and symbolic learning, rule extraction is essentially symbolic. One element common to nearly all definitions and tools for rule extraction is that they are applied to static datasets and based on propositional logic; unfortunately, very often real-world applications give rise to non-static sets of data (e.g., temporal, spatial, graph-based data) and may require more-than-propositional expressive power. In order to extract association rules from non-static data, in this paper we propose a definition of modal association rules based on modal logic, and we study how a standard rule extraction algorithm such as APRIORI can be generalized to the modal case while keeping the properties of the canonical, non-modal case, namely, correctness and completeness.