Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Cyber-Physical Systems Design for Structural Health Monitoring

Large civil structures, such as bridges, buildings, and aerospace vehicles form the backbone of our society are critical to some catastrophic events such as damage. Wired sensor networks are usually adopted for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. This is also an important Smart City application. Recent wireless sensor networks (WSNs) technology promises the eventual ability to cover such a structure and continuously monitor its health. However, researchers from both engineering and computer science domains face numerous hurdles, such as application-specific requirements, in reaching this goal. These hurdles have a cumulative effect on severely resource-constrained WSNs. This article provides a comprehensive investigation of WSN-based SHM applications with an emphasis on networking perspectives to get insights into a cyber-physical system (CPS) design. First, we provide the SHM philosophy and conduct extensive comparative studies regarding various aspects of benefits and hurdles of going wireless for SHM. Second, we propose a taxonomy of SHM techniques and their applicability to WSNs. Third, we show a transition from the WSN-based SHM towards the CPS design, expecting that such a design will mitigate WSN resource constraints and satisfy SHM application-specific requirements to a great extent. For each of these, we discuss a surge of existing schemes with an emphasis on limitations of the state-of-the-art, and we point out open issues. Finally, we propose a series of design guidelines for a potential CPS. This article will help both engineering and computer science domain researchers/engineers and respective communities in designing future CPS to ensure the economic benefit and public safety in functioning civil structures.
Discovering biological motifs with genetic programming

Choosing the right representation for a problem is important. In this article we introduce a linear genetic programming approach for motif discovery in protein families, and we also present a thorough comparison between our approach and Koza-style genetic programming using ADFs. In a study of 45 protein families, we demonstrate that our algorithm, given equal processing resources and no prior knowledge in shaping of datasets, consistently generates motifs that are of significantly better quality than those we found by using trees as representation. For several of the studied protein families we evolve motifs comparable to those found in Prosite, a manually curated database of protein motifs.Our linear genome gave better results than Koza-style genetic programming for 37 of 45 families. The difference is statistically significant for 24 of the families at the 99% confidence level.
LogGPS: a parallel computational model for synchronization analysis

We present a new parallel computational model, named LogGPS, which captures synchronization. The LogGPS model is an extension of the LogGP model, which abstracts communication on parallel platforms. Although the LogGP model captures long messages with one bandwidth parameter (G), it does not capture synchronization that is needed before sending a long message by high-level communication libraries. Our model has one additional parameter, S, defined as the threshold for message length, above which synchronous messages are sent. We also present some experimental results using both models. The results include (1) a verification of the LogGPS model, (2) an example of synchronization analysis using an MPI program and (3) a comparison of the models. The results indicate that the LogGPS model is more accurate than the LogGP model, and analyzing synchronization costs is important when improving parallel program performance.
High-resolution distance mapping in rhodopsin reveals the pattern of helix movement due to activation

Site-directed spin labeling has qualitatively shown that a key event during activation of rhodopsin is a rigid-body movement of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) at the cytoplasmic surface of the molecule. To place this result on a quantitative footing, and to identify movements of other helices upon photoactivation, double electron–electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy was used to determine distances and distance changes between pairs of nitroxide side chains introduced in helices at the cytoplasmic surface of rhodopsin. Sixteen pairs were selected from a set of nine individual sites, each located on the solvent exposed surface of the protein where structural perturbation due to the presence of the label is minimized. Importantly, the EPR spectra of the labeled proteins change little or not at all upon photoactivation, suggesting that rigid-body motions of helices rather than rearrangement of the nitroxide side chains are responsible for observed distance changes. For inactive rhodopsin, it was possible to find a globally minimized arrangement of nitroxide locations that simultaneously satisfied the crystal structure of rhodopsin (Protein Data Bank entry 1GZM), the experimentally measured distance data, and the known rotamers of the nitroxide side chain. A similar analysis of the data for activated rhodopsin yielded a new geometry consistent with a 5-Å outward movement of TM6 and smaller movements involving TM1, TM7, and the C-terminal sequence following helix H8. The positions of nitroxides in other helices at the cytoplasmic surface remained largely unchanged.
Investigations and comparisons of government open data websites through systematic functional analysis and efficient promotion approach

This paper presents an investigation on a Thailand's open government data website and a comparison between this website and the open websites of the top 6 countries and of the top ASEAN country. The objective of this investigation and comparison was to formulate and submit recommendations that can help increase Thailand's open data ranking to the Electronic Government Agency (Public Organization) (EGA). The Thailand's open government data website has been launched recently as a part of a project called “Open Government Data” which was initiated and is operated by EGA. The website domain name is data.go. th. It comprises 730 datasets and has been built to support governance transparency. Although the website has been in operation for a few years, only a small number of users have made access to the data in the website. Therefore, this study is an attempt to promote the website to the public through systematic functional analysis and efficient promotion approaches, i.e. analyses of website features, contents, and web technologies. The results obtained from a comparison to other countries as well as the analysis of current features of Thailand's open government data website itself reveal that a higher ranking can be achieved mainly through an efficient Application Programming Interface (API) service, data preview feature, Data Management System (DMS) provided by the open source data portal software.
Photochemical surface modification of polymers for biomedical applications

We describe here the modification of various polymers (polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, and polyvinyl alcohol) by UV-irradiation with wavelengths below 200 nm in an inert or reactive atmosphere. The light sources employed are F2- or excimer lasers and excimer lamps. The reactive gases include ammonia (NH3), acetylene (C2H2), and oxygen (O2). Photo-dissociated fragments of these gases can react with the polymers or be deposited thereon, resulting in new chemical groups at the surface. Special emphasis is put to improved adhesion of biological cells at these modified surfaces. Potentials applications include cell coated medical implants and prostheses as well as cell micro-arrays for high throughput screening.
Evaluation of the Average Packet Delivery Delay in Highly-Disrupted Networks: The DTN and IP-like Protocol Cases

Delay/Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN) represents an innovative communication paradigm that enables the communication over Intermittently-Connected Networks (ICNs). ICNs are characterized by unpredictable or scheduled contacts among nodes, high latency, and high bit error rates. DTNs, unlike TCP/IP protocols, make use of store-and-forward techniques in order to cope with intermittent link issues. In this letter, a simple model is proposed to compute the average packet delivery delay in ICNs. Both the IP-like paradigm used by traditional TCP/IP protocols and DTN are considered. The results provide theoretical insights into the applications of these two approaches to ICNs. Numerical results and simulations are presented, too.
A 128.7nW neural amplifier and Gm-C filter for EEG, using gm/ID methodology and a current reference without resistance

This paper presents a 128.7nW analog front-end amplifier and Gm-C filter for biomedical sensing applications, specifically for Electroencephalogram (EEG) use. The proposed neural amplifier has a supply voltage of 1.8V, consumes a total current of 71.59nA, for a total dissipated power of 128nW and has a gain of 40dB. Also, a 3th order Butterworth Low Pass Gm-C Filter with a 14.7nS transconductor is designed and presented. The filter has a pass band suitable for use in EEG (1-100Hz). The amplifier and filter utilize current sources without resistance which provide 56nA and (1.154nA ×5) respectively. The proposed amplifier occupies and area of 0.26mm2 in 0. 3μm TSMC process.
Layered Clustering for Solar Powered Wireless Visual Sensor Networks

Visual-based wireless sensor networks have been implemented in several different fields such as environment monitoring, military applications, and robotic applications. Due to the limitation of node's specification, the bandwidth and energy become critical issues for sensor nodes. In this paper, we employ a solar cell recharging model and a layered clustering model to deal with the restrict energy consumption under the consideration of visual quality. The system lifetime can be prolonged by rechargeable solar cell that can be recharged by solar panel in daytime. In addition, we analyze the simulation results of energy consumption and total transmitted packets by changing the aggregation rate and gate energy (GE). With the aggregation rate decreasing, the cluster head in inner layer can support more visual nodes and reserve more bandwidth. The lower GE can reduce the packets loss during the system charging process. The analysis and experiment result obtained in this paper prove that with the combination of layered clustering and solar recharging, the performance of wireless visual sensor network can be enhanced under the consideration of the restrict node's capacity and video distortion.
Full-Length Research Report Stress , Social Relations , and Psychological Health Over the Life Course A Focus on Lebanon

DOI 10.1024/1662-9647/a000076 Abstract. This paper documents experiences of stress among people 18+ (N = 500) in Beirut, Lebanon. We investigate the extent to which social relations function as a stabilizing factor for psychological health. Regression analyses indicate a curvilinear link between stress and psychological health. Both low and high levels of stress predict higher depressive symptoms. Among those aged 18–39 years, there is no buffering effect of social relations yet for those aged 40–59 years positive support quality buffers the effect of stress on depressive symptoms. Among those 60+ years old, negative support quality buffers the effect of stress on depressive symptoms. The function of social relations varies both in its main and buffering effects at different points in the life course.
A comprehensive assessment of resting state networks: bidirectional modification of functional integrity in cerebro-cerebellar networks in dementia

In resting state fMRI (rs-fMRI), only functional connectivity (FC) reductions in the default mode network (DMN) are normally reported as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this investigation we have developed a comprehensive strategy to characterize the FC changes occurring in multiple networks and applied it in a pilot study of subjects with AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), compared to healthy controls (HC). Resting state networks (RSNs) were studied in 14 AD (70 ± 6 years), 12 MCI (74 ± 6 years), and 16 HC (69 ± 5 years). RSN alterations were present in almost all the 15 recognized RSNs; overall, 474 voxels presented a reduced FC in MCI and 1244 in AD while 1627 voxels showed an increased FC in MCI and 1711 in AD. The RSNs were then ranked according to the magnitude and extension of FC changes (gFC), putting in evidence 6 RSNs with prominent changes: DMN, frontal cortical network (FCN), lateral visual network (LVN), basal ganglia network (BGN), cerebellar network (CBLN), and the anterior insula network (AIN). Nodes, or hubs, showing alterations common to more than one RSN were mostly localized within the prefrontal cortex and the mesial-temporal cortex. The cerebellum showed a unique behavior where voxels of decreased gFC were only found in AD while a significant gFC increase was only found in MCI. The gFC alterations showed strong correlations (p < 0.001) with psychological scores, in particular Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and attention/memory tasks. In conclusion, this analysis revealed that the DMN was affected by remarkable FC increases, that FC alterations extended over several RSNs, that derangement of functional relationships between multiple areas occurred already in the early stages of dementia. These results warrant future work to verify whether these represent compensatory mechanisms that exploit a pre-existing neural reserve through plasticity, which evolve in a state of lack of connectivity between different networks with the worsening of the pathology.
Performance requirements of physically strenuous occupations: validating minimum standards for muscular strength and endurance

Employment rights legislative mandates passed in the USA over the last three decades emphasize the importance of validating performance standards for physically strenuous occupations. This study validated minimally acceptable standards for the muscular strength and endurance necessary to perform fire suppression activities. Incumbent firefighters (n = 153) selected for key demographic characteristics completed a simulated set of firefighting tasks (Fire Suppression Evolution) and then a Predictor Test Battery of physical abilities tests. Regression analysis revealed that three predictor test items (hose drag/high rise pack carry; arm lift; arm endurance) combined to significantly predict performance time of the Fire Suppression Evolution (p ⩽ 0.01). Firefighters (n = 41) rating videotaped performance times of the Fire Suppression Evolution determined that more than one-half a standard deviation slower than the mean time established by the incumbents reflected unacceptable performance. Approximately 80% of incumbent firefighters passed the minimally acceptable performance standard. Use of the 3-predictor test battery would correctly identify 89% of successful performers and 72% of unsuccessful performers. This study demonstrates that validation of minimal physical performance standards will identify a cohort of individuals with a high probability of not being able to perform critical fire suppression activities. This finding has important implications for examining the relationship between physical performance standards and medical and economic outcomes.
Effect of compatibiliser on the accelerated weathering performance of polypropylene–silica nanocomposites

Abstract The specimens prepared in this study were melt blended of neat polypropylene (PP), PP/nanosilica (2 wt%), and PP/nanosilica with 3 wt% of PP grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). The nanocomposites were placed in the accelerated weathering test (AWT) chamber for 200 hours composed of alternating 8 hours of ultra violet (UV) exposure and 4 hours of condensation. The mechanical properties and morphology before and after exposure to AWT specimens were determined using a tensile test instrument and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Results showed that the weathered specimens with PP-g-MA compatibilizer have higher tensile strength and higher modulus of elasticity than the weathered specimens without the compatibilizer. Moreover, FESEM images showed less cracking and deformation on the fractured surface of exposed nanocomposites with PP-g-MA. It was concluded that the addition of PP-g-MA led to an increased compatibility of matrix and nanofiller, and further improved the weather resistance of nanocomposites.
A Multimodal ADAS System for Unmarked Urban Scenarios Based on Road Context Understanding

Comprehensive situational awareness is paramount to the effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems (ADASs) used in daily urban traffic, particularly for the unmarked roads, which cannot fulfill the requirements of conventional ADAS systems. This paper proposed a stereovision-based multimodal ADAS system designed for expanding the usability of ADAS functions, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and precrash system, to normal urban scenarios with unmarked roads. At first, the physical road boundary and vehicle candidates are detected. Subsequently, the contextual information between the host vehicle, the road, and the other vehicles are correlated for both low-level object detection improvement and high-level road structure estimation. Finally, the required ADAS elements are generated based on the correlation results with respect to the system functionalities. Experimental results in various typical but challenging scenarios have substantiated the effectiveness of the proposed system, which could help increase the value of the existing ADAS system without major modifications or expense.
SoCast: Social ties based cooperative video multicast

In this paper, we propose SoCast - a cooperative video multicast framework to stimulate effective cooperation among mobile users (clients), by leveraging two types of important social ties, i.e., social trust and social reciprocity. By using SoCast, clients can form groups to restore incomplete video frames by obtaining missing packets from other clients, according to the unique video encoding structure. In return, the user perception video quality of mobile video multicast can be improved. Specifically, we first cast the problem of social ties based group formation among clients as a coalitional game, and then devise a distributed algorithm to obtain the core solution (group formation) for the formulated coalitional game. Further, a resource allocation mechanism is proposed for the base station to handle radio resource requests from client groups. Extensive numerical studies with real video traces corroborate the significant performance gain by using the SoCast.
The Pursuit of Monetary and Financial Stability in Emerging Market Economies

Financial globalization has made monetary policy formulation in emerging market economies increasingly complicated. This timely set of studies looks at the turmoil in global financial markets, which coupled with volatile inflation poses serious challenges for central banks in these countries. Featuring papers from the research frontier and front-line policymakers in developing and emerging market economies, the book addresses questions such as ‘What monetary policy framework is most suitable for these countries to confront the new challenges while they continue to open up to trade and financial flows? ’, ‘What are the linkages between monetary stability and financial stability? ’ and ‘Is inflation targeting or a fixed exchange rate regime preferable for developing and emerging markets? ’
Sensor-based Formation Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

This thesis addresses the subject of formation control of underwater vehicles, using either inter-vehicle relative position measurements or range-only measurements. The work is motivated by the MORPH project, aiming to use formations of vehicles with complementary capabilities to map the underwater environment in challenging conditions. The problem studied is that of driving a vehicle (follower) to an appropriately defined position with respect to another vehicle (leader), which moves along an unknown trajectory. This control task is divided into two steps. Firstly, a trajectory-tracking controller is designed, so that a follower vehicle can track a specified virtual target. Conditions under which the tracking error converges to zero or remains bounded are derived using tools from nonlinear systems theory. Secondly, we design path-generators that provide the position and velocity of the virtual target to be tracked, for both the relative position measurements and the range-only measurements scenarios. These path-generation strategies take into account the formation objectives, typical maneuver geometries and limitations of underwater inter-vehicle communications. Applications envisioned in the scope of the MORPH project are presented and discussed. The implementation of the strategies proposed for formation control with relative position measurements is described, taking explicitly into account the filter architectures required for relative vehicle navigation. Finally, results of simulations and sea trials are shown, with position errors generally below 1 m in MORPH trials in Lisbon and the Azores.
History-based access control for mobile code

In this paper, we present a history-based access-control mechanism that is suitable for mediating accesses from mobile code. The key idea behind history-based access-control is to maintain a selective history of the access requests made by individual programs and to use this history to improve the differentiation between safe and potentially dangerous requests. What a program is allowed to do depends on its own behavior and identity and not the location it was loaded from or the identity of its author/provider. History-based access-control has the potential to significantly expand the set of programs that can be executed without compromising security or ease of use. We describe the design and implementation of Deeds, a history-based access-control mechanism for Java. Access-control policies for Deeds are written in Java, and can be updated while the programs whose accesses are being mediated are still executing.
PDZ-domain interactions and apical expression of type IIa Na/Pi cotransporters

Type IIa Na/Pi cotransporters are expressed in renal proximal brush border and are the major determinants of inorganic phosphate (Pi) reabsorption. Their carboxyl-terminal tail contains information for apical expression, and interacts by means of its three terminal amino acids with several PSD95/DglA/ZO-1-like domain (PDZ)-containing proteins. Two of these proteins, NaPi-Cap1 and Na/H exchanger-regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1), colocalize with the cotransporter in the proximal brush border. We used opossum kidney cells to test the hypothesis of a potential role of PDZ-interactions on the apical expression of the cotransporter. We found that opossum kidney cells contain NaPi-Cap1 and NHERF1 mRNAs. For NHERF1, an apical location of the protein could be documented; this location probably reflects interaction with the cytoskeleton by means of the MERM-binding domain. Overexpression of PDZ domains involved in interaction with the cotransporter (PDZ-1/NHERF1 and PDZ-3/NaPi-Cap1) had a dominant–negative effect, disturbing the apical expression of the cotransporter without affecting the actin cytoskeleton or the basolateral expression of Na/K-ATPase. These data suggest an involvement of PDZ-interactions on the apical expression of type IIa cotransporters.
MYB 46 Modulates Disease Susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis 1 , 2 [ W ]

Instituto de Biologı́a Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientı́ficasUniversidad Politécnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain (V.R., A.A., A.C., J.G.-A., M.J.H., B.B., P.V.); Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands (P.B.F.O.); and Departamento de Fisiologı́a Vegetal, Universidad de Santiago, Campus Sur, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain (I.Z.)