Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Removing the barriers to enterprise 2.0

Even before the advent of Web 2.0, enterprises were already looking at ways of creating or enhancing competitive advantage. Enterprise 2.0, however, with its Web 2.0-based technologies offers the opportunity to leverage the skills and knowledge of the entire organization. But despite the apparent attractiveness of this technology, not all employees are equally willing to adopt and use Enterprise 2.0. In this paper we discuss the phenomenon known as the Empty Quarter which identifies that group of an organization's staff least likely to want to participate in this organizational virtual community, identifying possible reasons for its existence and suggesting some potential solutions. We introduce a preliminary model, the Enterprise 2.0 Uptake Model, to underpin the investigation of this fascinating issue and propose a plan of action for the gathering of appropriate data. We believe this issue is likely to become ever more central as organisations increasingly turn to enterprise content management for their everyday activities.
Packet Delivery Ratio/Cost in MANETs With Erasure Coding and Packet Replication

This paper studies the performance of a general two-hop relay (2HR)-(x, w, f) packet delivery scheme that combines both erasure coding and packet replication techniques in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Under this packet delivery scheme, a group of x packets is first encoded into w(w ≥ x) coded packets using erasure coding, and each coded packet is then replicated to at most f distinct relay nodes that can help to forward the coded packets to its destination node. The original packets can be recovered when x distinct coded packets reach the destination node. To understand the packet delivery process under the 2HR-(x, w, f) scheme, we develop a multidimensional Markov chain framework, and based on this analytical expressions on the packet delivery ratio and corresponding expected packet delivery cost are further derived. Finally, extensive simulation and numerical studies are conducted to illustrate the efficiency of the developed theoretical models and to illustrate our findings. Our results indicate that the replication parameter f should be carefully selected in order to obtain a high packet-delivery-ratio performance while maintaining a relatively low delivery cost.
Impact of Environmental Covariation in Growth and Mortality on Evolving Maturation Reaction Norms

Maturation age and size have important fitness consequences through their effects on survival probabilities and body sizes. The evolution of maturation reaction norms in response to environmental covariation in growth and mortality is therefore a key subject of life-history theory. The eco-evolutionary model we present and analyze here incorporates critical features that earlier studies of evolving maturation reaction norms have often neglected: the trade-off between growth and reproduction, source-sink population structure, and population regulation through density-dependent growth and fecundity. We report the following findings. First, the evolutionarily optimal age at maturation can be decomposed into the sum of a density-dependent and a density-independent component. These components measure, respectively, the hypothetical negative age at which an individual’s length would be 0 and the delay in maturation relative to this offset. Second, along any growth trajectory, individuals mature earlier when mortality is higher. This allows us to deduce, third, how the shapes of evolutionarily optimal maturation reaction norms depend on the covariation between growth and mortality (positive or negative, linear or curvilinear, and deterministic or probabilistic). Providing eco-evolutionary explanations for many alternative reaction-norm shapes, our results appear to be in good agreement with current empirical knowledge on maturation dynamics.
GURPR—a method for global software pipelining

The software pipelining technique is an effective approach to the optimization of loops in array processor programs and microprograms. In this paper we present a global URPR algorithm—GURPR to optimize loops of different structures based on the LURPR method we presented in 1986. We start with a brief introduction to LURPR, then discuss the pipelining of loops with abnormal entries, conditional exits, more than one path, nested loops and subroutine calls respectively. Finally we present the complete GURPR algorithm.
On the Propensity to Surrender a Variable Annuity Contract An Empirical Analysis of Dynamic Policyholder Behaviour Working Paper 27 th July 2011

The conclusions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any of the institutions mentioned above. Abstract Option theory predicts that a variable annuity contract will be surrendered if and only if the surrender value exceeds the fair value of the contract that heavily depends on the value of embedded options and guarantees. On the other hand, policyholders might surrender their contract due to liquidity constraints. Findings from the field of Behavioural Economics suggest that individuals' investment behaviour typically is not fully rational. The statistical analysis of individual policy data from a Japanese variable annuity product confirms the conjecture of option theory: moneyness, which is an indicator for the economic value of a guarantee, has the largest explanatory power for the rate at which policyholders surrender their policies. We find evidence that the effect to which option theory explains the surrender rate depends on the size of the policy which we consider as a proxy for wealth and financial literacy of the policyholder. Moreover, our results support the emergency fund hypothesis.
3D Visual Data-Driven Spatiotemporal Deformations for Non-Rigid Object Grasping Using Robot Hands

Sensing techniques are important for solving problems of uncertainty inherent to intelligent grasping tasks. The main goal here is to present a visual sensing system based on range imaging technology for robot manipulation of non-rigid objects. Our proposal provides a suitable visual perception system of complex grasping tasks to support a robot controller when other sensor systems, such as tactile and force, are not able to obtain useful data relevant to the grasping manipulation task. In particular, a new visual approach based on RGBD data was implemented to help a robot controller carry out intelligent manipulation tasks with flexible objects. The proposed method supervises the interaction between the grasped object and the robot hand in order to avoid poor contact between the fingertips and an object when there is neither force nor pressure data. This new approach is also used to measure changes to the shape of an object’s surfaces and so allows us to find deformations caused by inappropriate pressure being applied by the hand’s fingers. Test was carried out for grasping tasks involving several flexible household objects with a multi-fingered robot hand working in real time. Our approach generates pulses from the deformation detection method and sends an event message to the robot controller when surface deformation is detected. In comparison with other methods, the obtained results reveal that our visual pipeline does not use deformations models of objects and materials, as well as the approach works well both planar and 3D household objects in real time. In addition, our method does not depend on the pose of the robot hand because the location of the reference system is computed from a recognition process of a pattern located place at the robot forearm. The presented experiments demonstrate that the proposed method accomplishes a good monitoring of grasping task with several objects and different grasping configurations in indoor environments.
Transtornos depressivos na doença de Alzheimer: diagnóstico e tratamento

Depressive symptoms frequently arise in the course of dementia, imposing additional limitations to both cognitive performance and quality of life. Diagnosing depression in these cases can be difficult, especially in patients with moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease. In general, non-pharmacological approaches are the first-line treatment for mild depressive symptoms, but medication is clearly indicated for moderate and severe cases. However, age-and disease-related changes make the pharmacological management of such patients particularly complex and hazardous. In spite of their documented therapeutic value, antidepressant medications are widely underused in this population. Electroconvulsive therapy is also valuable in the management of refractory or severe depression. This is a review of the literature regarding the association of depression and Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the guidelines for safe prescription of antidepressant treatment.
Fast Sequence Clustering Using A Suffix Array Algorithm

MOTIVATION Efficient clustering is important for handling the large amount of available EST sequences. Most contemporary methods are based on some kind of all-against-all comparison, resulting in a quadratic time complexity. A different approach is needed to keep up with the rapid growth of EST data. RESULTS A new, fast EST clustering algorithm is presented. Sub-quadratic time complexity is achieved by using an algorithm based on suffix arrays. A prototype implementation has been developed and run on a benchmark data set. The produced clusterings are validated by comparing them to clusterings produced by other methods, and the results are quite promising. AVAILABILITY The source code for the prototype implementation is available under a GPL license from http://www.ii. uib.no/~ketil/bio/.
Motivating and helping smokers to stop smoking

Smokers try to quit only once every 2 to 3 years and most do not use proven treatments. Repeated, brief, diplomatic advice increases quit rates. Such advice should include a clear request to quit, reinforcing personal risks of smoking and their reversibility, offering solutions to barriers to quitting, and offering treatment. All smokers should be encouraged to use both medications and counseling. Scientifically proven, first-line medications are nicotine gum, inhaler, lozenge, and patch plus the nonnicotine medication bupropion. Proven second-line medications are clonidine, nicotine nasal spray, and nortriptyline. These medications are equally effective and safe and the incidence of dependence is very small. The proven psychosocial therapies are behavioral and supportive therapies. These are as effective as medications and are effective via individual counseling, group, and telephone formats.The writing of this article was supported in part by Senior Scientist Award DA-00450 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
A heritable microduplication encompassing TBL1XR1 causes a genomic sister‐disorder for the 3q26.32 microdeletion syndrome

Recently, a new syndrome with intellectual disability (ID) and dysmorphic features due to deletions or point mutations within the TBL1XR1 gene located in the chromosomal band 3q26.32 has been described (MRD41, OMIM 616944). One recurrent point mutation in the TBL1XR1 gene has been identified as the cause of Pierpont syndrome (OMIM 602342), a distinct intellectual disability syndrome with plantar lipomatosis. In addition, different de novo point mutations in the TBL1XR1 gene have been found in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability. Here, we report four patients from two unrelated families in whom array‐CGH analysis and real‐time quantitative PCR of genomic DNA revealed a TBL1XR1‐microduplication. Adjacent genes were not affected. The microduplication occurred as a de novo event in one patient, whereas the other three cases occurred in two generations of a second, unrelated family. We compare and contrast the clinical findings in TBL1XR1 microdeletion, point mutation, and microduplication cases and expand the TBL1XR1‐associated phenotypic spectrum. ID, hearing loss, and ASD are common features of TBL1XR1‐associated diseases. Our clinical observations add to the increasing evidence of the role of TBL1XR1 in brain development, and they simultaneously demonstrate that different genetic disease mechanisms affecting TBL1XR1 can lead to similar ID phenotypes. The TBL1XR1‐microduplication syndrome is an intellectual disability/learning disability syndrome with associated incomplete penetrance ASD, hearing loss, and delay of puberty. Its phenotypic overlap indicates that it is a genomic sister‐disorder to the 3q26.32 microdeletion syndrome.
Women Are More Susceptible to Caries but Individuals Born with Clefts Are Not

The identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing caries is of great interest. Isolated forms of cleft lip and palate are among the most common craniofacial congenital anomalies in humans. Historically, several reports suggest that individuals born with clefts have a higher risk for caries. Caries continues to be the most common infectious noncontagious disease worldwide and a great burden to any health system. The identification of individuals of higher susceptibility to caries is of great interest. In this paper, we assessed caries experience of 1,593 individuals from three distinct populations. The study included individuals born with clefts, their unaffected relatives, and unrelated unaffected controls that were recruited from areas with similar cultural pressures and limited access to dental care. DMFT/dmft scores were obtained, and caries experience rates were compared among the three groups in each geographic area. Individuals born with clefts did not present higher caries experience in comparison to their unaffected relatives or unrelated unaffected controls. Women tend to present higher caries rates in comparison to men. Our work provides strong evidence that individuals born with clefts are not at higher risk to caries; however, women tend to have more severe caries experience.
Dose-Response Relation Between Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Upper-Extremity Function in Patients With Stroke

Background and Purpose— The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of different doses of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on upper-extremity function in acute stroke patients with severe motor deficit. Methods— Sixty-six acute stroke patients were randomized to 3 groups: high NMES, low NMES, or control. The low-NMES group received 30 minutes of stimulation per day, and the high-NMES group received 60 minutes per day, for 4 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale, Action Research Arm Test, and Motor Activity Log were used to assess the patients at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post baseline (follow-up). Results— Both NMES groups showed significant improvement on Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment and Action Research Arm Test scales compared with the control group at week 4 and follow-up. The high-NMES group showed treatment effects similar to those of the low-NMES group. Conclusions— Higher and lower doses of NMES led to similar improvements in motor function. A minimum of 10 hours of NMES in combination with regular rehabilitation may improve recovery of arm function in stroke patients during the acute stage.
Anticoagulant therapy, anti‐platelet agents and gastrointestinal endoscopy

Background: The increasing use of anticoagulant therapy and anti‐platelet agents in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and venous thromboembolic disease has increased the need for guidelines for managing these agents prior to gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly if therapeutic manoeuvres are required. The continuation of anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of haemorrhagic complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Temporary suspension of anticoagulant therapy exposes the patient to the risk of thromboembolism associated with the underlying condition requiring anticoagulant treatment.
University ’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Policy implications of pollution swapping

Pollution swapping can be defined as the increase in one pollutant as a result of a measure introduced to reduce a different pollutant. Although pollution swapping is widely understood it has received relatively little research attention and receives little consideration in agri-environmental policy. Evidence of pollution swapping in constructed wetlands, riparian buffer zones, cover crops, crop residue retention and notillage is examined in this paper. These widely used mitigation options are all successful at reducing diffuse pollutants but literature review shows that there is potential for them to increase levels of one or more other pollutants. There is potential for the widespread adoption of mitigation options to result in unexpected increases in some pollutants. There are a number of barriers to the recognition of pollution swapping in agrienvironmental legislation including a lack of tools to evaluate the relative impacts of different pollutants, gaps in our knowledge of the impacts of mitigation measures on nontarget pollutants and institutional barriers. Stevens and Quinton 2009 Physics and Chemistry of the Earth 34 589-594
Targeted inactivation of the COP 9 signalosome impairs multiple stages of T cell development

JEM © The Rockefeller University Press $30.00 Vol. 205, No. 2, February 18, 2008 465-477 www.jem. org/cgi/doi/ 465 10.1084/jem.20070725 Timely coordination of cell cycle progression, DNA rearrangement and repair, and adaptation to proapoptotic stimuli are hallmark features of developing thymocytes ( 1 ). After successfully rearranging the TCR  subunit genes, doublenegative (DN) thymocytes undergo a wave of proliferation driven by ligand-independent activation signals originating from the preTCR at the DN3 stage of development. Such signals involve the down-regulation of p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptotic programs as part of the selection process ( 2, 3 ). At a later stage of development, double-positive (DP) thymocytes no longer proliferate, but are instead exposed to a proapoptotic environment that is at least partially dependent on circulating steroid hormones, as well as on other factors inducing oxidative stress ( 4 ). These factors promote massive apoptosis of DP thymocytes ( “ death by neglect ” ) through p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms, which can be rescued by TCR-driven signals, to allow positive selection and further thymocyte maturation ( 5 ). Thus, coordination of DNA rearrangement and repair with proliferative and survival signals appears to be critical for thymocyte progression through various developmental stages. The mechanisms underlying this fi nely regulated process are incompletely understood, as are the relative roles played by major pathways controlling survival. As progression from the DN to the DP stage is a swift process being completed in 24 h ( 6 ), all of these steps have to rely on an extremely rapid course of action, possibly involving posttranscriptional, as well as posttranslational, control mechanisms. The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is an evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitously expressed ( 7 ) multimolecular complex controlling the function of cullin-based ubiquitin ligase complexes ( 8, 9 ). CSN5/JAB1 is the only subunit of the complex endowed with catalytic activity ( 10 ), and it was shown by both our group ( 11 ) and another CORRESPONDENCE Ruggero Pardi: pardi.ruggero@hsr.it
New criteria of exciting trajectories for robot identification

Inertial and friction parameters of robots can be estimated using the minimal linear energy model in relation to the parameters and least squares techniques or a Bayesian approach when a priori statistical information (expected value, covariance matrix) on the solution vector are available. These techniques are sensitive to noise measurements and error modeling, and require the use of exciting trajectories. New criteria are presented taking into account a priori information on the solution to generate exciting trajectories. An application for a two degrees of freedom SCARA robot is simulated to show the efficiency of these methods. <<ETX>>
The role of energy storage in transmission and distribution efficiency

Energy storage systems that are properly placed on the transmission system can be used to relieve transmission congestion. Similarly, storage on distribution can be used to reduce peak loads. The reduction in currents produced by congestion relief and peak reduction may also result in a decrease in line losses. Further efficiency improvements could be realized by optimizing the placement and scheduling of energy storage for loss reduction and efficiency improvement. The efficiency of the storage systems themselves, however, may limit their use in loss reduction or system efficiency improvement. Typical round-trip efficiencies for bulk storage systems are 70-85% for pumped hydro and 70-90% for electrochemical batteries. Comparing this with North American transmission and distribution efficiencies that usually exceed 90%, the case for using storage to improve overall efficiency may be difficult to make. This presentation will examine the issues, comparing storage efficiencies with transmission and distribution efficiencies. It will examine selected cases to address the feasibility of optimizing the placement and scheduling of energy storage to improve system efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Efficiency improvement will then be discussed in the context of the other potential benefits and costs of storage.
Trajectories of sleepiness and insomnia symptoms in Norwegian nurses with and without night work and rotational work

ABSTRACT Numerous cross-sectional studies report high prevalence rates of sleepiness and insomnia in shift workers, but few longitudinal studies exist. We investigated trajectories of sleepiness and insomnia symptoms in a sample of Norwegian nurses across four measurements, spanning a total of four years (sleepiness) and five years (insomnia). The participants completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Bergen Insomnia Scale at each measurement instance. Latent growth curve models were used to analyse the data. Separate models examined night work (night work, entering and leaving night work) and rotational work (rotational work, entering and leaving rotational work) as predictors for trajectories of sleepiness and insomnia symptoms, respectively. Baseline values of sleepiness and insomnia were higher among rotational shift workers than among workers with fixed shifts (day or night). The results showed that night work throughout the period and entering night work during the period were not associated with different trajectories of sleepiness or insomnia symptoms, compared to not having night work. The same results were found for rotational work and entering rotational work, compared to not having rotational work. Leaving night work and leaving rotational work were associated with a decrease in sleepiness and insomnia symptoms, compared to staying in such work.