Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Happy to Be Home: Place-Based Attachments, Family Ties, and Mobility among Rural Stayers

Migration research has traditionally centered on tracing movement; however, the experience of staying in place has begun to capture scholarly attention. Drawing on data from an online residential decision-making survey, this article focuses specifically on the reasons that contented Vermonters cite for remaining in their home state. A statistical analysis of responses reveals the dominance of place-based factors and family ties in stayers' residential decision making. Contented stayers highly value landscape and community, as well as living near family. Biographical sketches of individual respondents show the emotional dimensions of choosing to stay, as well as the diverse forms of mobility that contented stayers exercise to remain happy at home. In its focus on stayers, this research situates itself within new geographic inquiries into place attachment and studies of “immobile” populations.
Object detection and motion planning for automated welding of tubular joints

Automatic welding of tubular TKY joints is an important and challenging task for the marine and offshore industry. In this paper, a framework for tubular joint detection and motion planning is proposed. The pose of the real tubular joint is detected using RGB-D sensors, which is used to obtain a real-to-virtual mapping for positioning the workpiece in a virtual environment. For motion planning, a Bi-directional Transition-based Rapidly exploring Random Tree (BiTRRT) algorithm is used to generate trajectories for reaching the desired goals. The complete framework is verified with experiments, and the results show that the robot welding torch is able to transit without collision to desired goals which are close to the tubular joint.
Assessment of Electronic Education Student’s Perception of Effective Distance Education Components to Explain Satisfaction of Electronic Education

Background: Satisfaction is one of the most common indicators of effective learning and many factors, such as interaction, flexibility, and feedback, are involved in the development of satisfaction. Thus, goals of this research was to determine electronic education student’s perception towards effective distance education components and contribution of these components in explaining satisfaction of distance education. Methods: The current research used a survey method. The statistical population consisted of all electronic education graduate students (3915) of universities of Tehran, who took part in distance education in the academic year of 2014 to 2015. Overall, 390 students were selected by the random classified sampling method. For gathering data, 2 instruments were used. One for measuring effective distance education components and another for measuring satisfaction of electronic education. The first scale included 24 items with 3 dimensions, including interaction, flexibility and feedback, and the other scale included 20 items with one dimension, being satisfaction. Data were analyzed through the SPSS software, version 21, and statistical methods were used, such as variance analysis, one sample t test, and multivariate regression analysis. Validity and reliability of both scales were confirmed through content, convergent validity, and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.77 for effective distance education scale and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.85 for electronic education satisfaction scale). Results: The mean satisfaction of electronic education of female students (M = 14.44, p ≤ 0/001) was significantly higher than that of male students (M = 11.84 p ≤ 0/001) in all academic groups, including humanities, technical, and basic sciences. Also, data analyses showed that 46% of satisfaction variance could be explained by combination of interaction, flexibility, feedback, gender, and academic groups. Among them, flexibility contribution (Beta = 0.590, P ≤ 0/001) was more than interaction (B = 0.547, P ≤ 0.001) and feedback (B = 0.369, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The research statistical model suggested that interaction, flexibility, feedback, and gender are positive explanations of satisfaction. Also, the research goal was approved, which means that designing effective distance education by proposed agents could lead to greater satisfaction of electronic education students.
PATH DEPENDENCY , NETWORKS AND INTERMODAL TRANSPORT ( WORKIN-PROGRESS )

This work-in-progress paper presents some initial considerations for a study aiming at analysing path dependencies in the European intermodal railroad industry. More specifically this paper reviews some of the literature relating to path-dependency in networks and relate it to a specific interpretation of the structure-agency duality, and the attempt is to move towards an initial explication of the authors view of the phenomenon. the paper proposes an explanatory structure with different layers of path-dependency ultimately to be understood as a duality of structure and agency. Secondly, the paper presents two versions of path-dependency and relate these to the proposed explanatory structure. These are economics of increasing returns (the AD story) and evolutionary economics (the NW story). Finally the paper discusses different contributions to an IMP based story – and outline what is regarded as the essence of such an IMP view (biased towards the authors view, obviously) as well as the possible role of some IMP models and concepts in relation to the proposed explanatory structure.
Smooth muscle cells and vascular diseases.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the stromal cells of the vascular wall, and, due to their myosin/actin interactions, they are also responsible for arterial contractile tonus and regulating blood pressure and flow in relation to specific metabolic demands. VSMCs show considerable differences depending on their position in the arterial tree (large conduit vs. small resistance vessels), their embryologic origin, and their organ-dependent microenvironment; the heart, brain, kidney, etc. As the stromal cells of the arterial wall, VSMCs synthesize and secrete insoluble extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules that assume the function of withstanding the high pressure of the circulating blood in the arterial system. For example, totally decellularized aortic grafts, created using sodium dodecyl sulphate detergent, are experimentally able to resist arterial blood pressure in the aorta in vivo , without dilating.1 This mechanical function predominates in large vessels, since pressure-dependent stress of the wall is also dependent on the diameter.2 Therefore, cell–ECM interactions are of particular importance in these large arteries. The contractile tonus of VSMCs, dependent on sympathetic innervation, is responsible for the peripheral resistance to blood flow generated by the beating heart, leading to the genesis of blood pressure. This function is mainly the characteristic of resistance arteries and arterioles and involves cell–cell interactions. Due to pressure-dependent radial hydraulic conductance, the arterial wall is constantly submitted to outward convection of circulating plasma molecules.3 This physiological outward convection of plasma peptides or macromolecules is the main source of extrinsic stimuli, which, with time, cause damage to arterial VSMCs (pressure-dependent strain, lipid overload, hyperglycaemia, zymogens). In response to changes in their plasma-dependent microenvironment, VSMCs may either die or adapt, modifying their phenotype through acute, ligand/receptor-dependent signalling pathways or chronic nuclear signalling involving epigenetic molecular remodelling of their nuclear chromatin. VSMCs can also be the target of intrinsic …
Computational Aspects of Graph Coloring and the Quillen – Suslin Theorem

We generalize both the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers to the context of graph colorings, and prove some identities involving these numbers. As a corollary we obtain new proofs of some known identities involving Fibonacci numbers such as Fr+s+t = Fr+1Fs+1Ft+1 + FrFsFt − Fr−1Fs−1Ft−1.
Axial anomaly and topological charge in lattice gauge theory with Overlap Dirac operator

Abstract An explicit, detailed evaluation of the classical continuum limit of the axial anomaly and index density of the overlap Dirac operator is carried out in the infinite volume setting and in a certain finite volume setting where the continuum limit involves an infinite volume limit. Our approach is based on a novel power series expansion of the overlap Dirac operator. The correct continuum expression is reproduced when the parameter m 0 is in the physical region 0 m 0
Performance estimation of sparse signal recovery under Bernoulli random projection with oracle information

This article discusses the performance of the oracle receiver in recovering high dimensional sparse signals, which possesses the knowledge of the signals' support set. We consider a general framework, in which the sensing matrix and the measurements are disturbed simultaneously. The entries of the sensing matrix are i.i. d. Bernoulli random variables. We introduce the lower and upper bounds of the normalized mean square error of the reconstruction, which are proved to hold with high probability and verified by numerical simulations. The result is then compared with previous works on Gaussian sensing matrices. The average recovery error is derived as a generalization of the conclusion in [12] for the Gaussian ensemble and measurement noise only case.
Recognition System for Pakistani Paper Currency

The main purpose of this study is to propose a method that could recognize the Pakistani paper currency note. There are many real-life applications which heavily use many techniques based on Pattern Recognition such as voice recognition, character recognition, handwriting recognition and face recognition. Paper currency recognition is a new application of pattern recognition. This application uses the computing power in differentiating between different kinds of currencies with their suitable class. Selection of proper feature enhanced the performance of the overall system. We are aiming to develop an intelligent system for Pakistani paper currency that could recognize the currency note accurately. In this study, we have taken samples domain of five different Pakistani paper currency notes (Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 1000). We scanned total 100 currency notes, 20 from each sample of selected domain for feature extraction of these images using a software. The images will be matched with the features stored in MAT file and if the features of test images will be matched with that file, the software will return the class of that currency note. Experimental results are presented which show that this scheme can recognize currently available 8 notes of Pakistan's Currency (Rs. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 etc.) successfully with an average accuracy of 98.57%.
Looking for efective ways of achieving and sustaining Business-IT alignment

Aligning Business and Information Technologies strategies has been a subject studied for a long time. Despite all the efforts, achieving and sustaining Business-IT alignment remains a challenge requiring even more agility nowadays to keep up with the competition in a turbulent organizational environment. Past contributions are uncovered in this paper calling particular attention to the development of Enterprise Architecture as a way of addressing this challenge. However, this should be a process to be carried out in the most effective ways looking especially at time and costs. Having proposed frameworks as a point of departure to reflect on the ways they may or may not work in practice, a dialogical action research is proposed for this work involving a close interaction with consultant companies. The resulting improved expertise both from the researcher and practitioners involved should allow for the identification of the most effective ways of achieving and sustaining Business-IT alignment.
The worker/wrapper transformation

Abstract The worker/wrapper transformation is a technique for changing the type of a computation, usually with the aim of improving its performance. It has been used by compiler writers for many years, but the technique is little known in the wider functional programming community, and has never been described precisely. In this article we explain, formalise and explore the generality of the worker/wrapper transformation. We also provide a systematic recipe for its use as an equational reasoning technique for improving the performance of programs, and illustrate the power of this recipe using a range of examples.
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant disease.

PURPOSE EGFR-mutant lung cancer was first described as a new clinical entity in 2004. Here, we present an update on new controversies and conclusions regarding the disease. METHODS This article reviews the clinical implications of EGFR mutations in lung cancer with a focus on epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. RESULTS The discovery of EGFR mutations has altered the ways in which we consider and treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients whose metastatic tumors harbor EGFR mutations are expected to live longer than 2 years, more than double the previous survival rates for lung cancer. CONCLUSION The information presented in this review can guide practitioners and help them inform their patients about EGFR mutations and their impact on the treatment of NSCLC. Efforts should now concentrate on making EGFR-mutant lung cancer a chronic rather than fatal disease.
An ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca catheter technique does not impair ambulatory ability within a clinical pathway for total hip arthroplasty

Background Both neuraxial and peripheral regional analgesic techniques offer postoperative analgesia for total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. While no single technique is preferred, quadriceps muscle weakness from peripheral nerve blocks may impede rehabilitation. We designed this study to compare postoperative ambulation outcome in THA patients who were treated with a new ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca catheter (FIC) technique or intrathecal morphine (ITM). Methods We reviewed the electronic health records of a sequential series of primary unilateral THA patients who were part of a standardized clinical pathway; apart from differences in regional analgesic technique, all other aspects of the pathway were the same. Our primary outcome was total ambulation distance (meters) combined for postoperative days 1 and 2. Secondary outcomes included daily opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents) and analgesic-related side effects. We examined the association between the primary outcome and analgesic technique by performing crude and adjusted ordinary least-squares linear regression. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically-significant. Results The study analyzed the records of 179 patients (fascia iliaca, n = 106; intrathecal, n = 73). The primary outcome (total ambulation distance) did not differ between the groups (P = 0.08). Body mass index (BMI) was the only factor (β = -1.7 [95% CI -0.5 to -2.9], P < 0.01) associated with ambulation distance. Opioid consumption did not differ, while increased pruritus was seen in the intrathecal group (P < 0.01). Conclusions BMI affects postoperative ambulation outcome after hip arthroplasty, whereas the type of regional analgesic technique used does not. An ultrasound-guided FIC technique offers similar analgesia with fewer side effects when compared with ITM.
{29 () Learning from History for Behavior-based Mobile Robots in Non-stationary Conditions Editor

Learning in the mobile robot domain is a very challenging task, especially in non-stationary conditions. The behavior-based approach has proven to be useful in making mobile robots work in real-world situations. Since the behaviors are responsible for managing the interactions between the robots and its environment, observing their use can be exploited to model these interactions. In our approach, the robot is initially given a set of \behavior-producing" modules to choose from, and the algorithm provides a memory-based approach to dynamically adapt the selection of these behaviors according to the history of their use. The approach is validated using a vision-and sonar-based Pioneer I robot in non-stationary conditions, in the context of a multi-robot foraging task. Results show the eeectiveness of the approach in taking advantage of any regularities experienced in the world, leading to fast and adaptable specialization for the learning robot.
ECM-stimulated signaling and actin reorganization in embryonic corneal epithelia are Rho dependent.

PURPOSE The goal of this study was to investigate the role of the small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), Rho, in the corneal epithelial response to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. The avian corneal epithelial model was used to establish that Rho is required for actin reorganization and tyrosine phosphorylation of integrin-mediated signal pathway proteins. METHODS Whole embryonic corneal epithelia were isolated without the basal lamina and either transfected with Rho-specific antisense oligonucleotides or treated with Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme and then stimulated with fibronectin (FN) or collagen (COL). The epithelia were evaluated for actin reorganization and protein production including Rho protein levels and tyrosine phosphorylation with Western blot analysis. RESULTS After an overnight transient transfection with antisense oligonucleotides, Rho protein levels were decreased more than 80%, and tyrosine phosphorylation of all integrin-mediated signal transduction proteins was decreased compared with control epithelia. Intracellular Rho distribution did not change in the presence of antisense oligonucleotides; however, the amount of immunolabeled Rho decreased. Disrupting the signaling cascade with Rho antisense also blocked FN- and COL-stimulated actin cortical mat reformation. C. botulinum C3 exoenzyme, a pharmacologic agent that specifically causes adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylation and inactivation of Rho, also blocked actin reorganization and tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, decreasing Raf protein levels did not change FN-mediated actin reorganization or tyrosine phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Decreasing Rho protein or blocking its function inhibited ECM-stimulated actin reorganization and signal transduction, as measured by tyrosine phosphorylation.
The study of parasite sharing for surveillance of zoonotic diseases

Determining the factors that influence the transmission of parasites among hosts is important for directing surveillance of animal parasites before they successfully emerge in humans, and increasing the efficacy of programs for the control and management of zoonotic diseases. Here we present a review of recent advances in the study of parasite sharing, wildlife ecology, and epidemiology that could be extended and incorporated into proactive surveillance frameworks for multi-host infectious diseases. These methods reflect emerging interdisciplinary techniques with significant promise for the identification of future zoonotic parasites and unknown reservoirs of current zoonoses, strategies for the reduction of parasite prevalence and transmission among hosts, and decreasing the burden of infectious diseases.
Dual-Fuel Combustion for Future Clean and Efficient Compression Ignition Engines

Stringent emissions limits introduced for internal combustion engines impose a major challenge for the research community. The technological solution adopted by the manufactures of diesel engines to meet the NOx and particle matter values imposed in the EURO VI regulation relies on using selective catalytic reduction and particulate filter systems, which increases the complexity and cost of the engine. Alternatively, several new combustion modes aimed at avoiding the formation of these two pollutants by promoting low temperature combustion reactions, are the focus of study nowadays. Among these new concepts, the dual-fuel combustion mode known as reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) seems more promising because it allows better control of the combustion process by means of modulating the fuel reactivity depending on the engine operating conditions. The present experimental work explores the potential of different strategies for reducing the energy losses with RCCI in a single-cylinder research engine, with the final goal of providing the guidelines to define an efficient dual-fuel combustion system. The results demonstrate that the engine settings combination, piston geometry modification, and fuel properties variation are good methods to increase the RCCI efficiency while maintaining ultra-low NOx and soot emissions for a wide range of operating conditions.
2 . THE BUSINESS PROCESS AS NEGOTIATING AGENTS

This paper describes work undertaken in the ADEPT (Advanced Decision Environment for Process Tasks) project towards developing an agent-based infrastructure for managing business processes. We describe how the key technology of negotiating, service providing, autonomous agents was realised and demonstrate how this was applied to the BT business process of providing a customer quote for network services.
The Majorana spinor representation of the Poincare group

There are Poincare group representations on complex Hilbert spaces, like the Dirac spinor field, or real Hilbert spaces, like the electromagnetic field tensor. The Majorana spinor is an element of a 4 dimensional real vector space. The Majorana spinor field is a space-time dependent Majorana spinor, solution of the free Dirac equation. The Majorana-Fourier and Majorana-Hankel transforms of Majorana spinor fields are defined and related to the linear and angular momenta of a spin one-half representation of the Poincare group. We show that the Majorana spinor field with finite mass is an unitary irreducible projective representation of the Poincare group on a real Hilbert space. Since the Bargmann-Wigner equations are valid for all spins and are based on the free Dirac equation, these results open the possibility to study Poincare group representations with arbitrary spins on real Hilbert spaces.
On vertex independence number of uniform hypergraphs

Abstract Let H be an r-uniform hypergraph with r ≥ 2 and let α(H) be its vertex independence number. In the paper bounds of α(H) are given for different uniform hypergraphs: if H has no isolated vertex, then in terms of the degrees, and for triangle-free linear H in terms of the order and average degree.