Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local drift load and the heterosis of interconnected populations

We use Wright’s distribution of equilibrium allele frequency to demonstrate that hybrids between populations interconnected by low to moderate levels of migration can have large positive heterosis, especially if the populations are small in size. Beneficial alleles neither fix in all populations nor equilibrate at the same frequency. Instead, populations reach a mutation–selection–drift–migration balance with sufficient among-population variance that some partially recessive, deleterious mutations can be masked upon crossbreeding. This heterosis is greatest with intermediate mutation rates, intermediate selection coefficients, low migration rates and recessive alleles. Hybrid vigour should not be taken as evidence for the complete isolation of populations. Moreover, we show that heterosis in crosses between populations has a different genetic basis than inbreeding depression within populations and is much more likely to result from alleles of intermediate effect.
Sustainability in architectural heritage: review of policies and practices

If sustainable development goals are to be achieved, it is necessary to consider refurbishment of architectural heritage buildings as well! As just 1% of buildings in the European Union have been built since 2006, it is essential to turn towards refurbishment of existing buildings if goals of sustainable development are to be achieved. Therefore, this article explores the ways in which sustainable development in construction is encouraged and achieved, especially concentrating on architectural heritage buildings. The idea of sustainable development revolves solely around carbon emissions, and therefore, historic buildings in Europe face the key issue of sustainability. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in reusing existing buildings through refurbishment and adaptive reuse where possible, as building reuse should offer environmental savings over demolition and new construction. In addition, despite popular belief, older buildings are capable of adapting to the new energy efficiency norms. This study explores the possibilities of encouraging complete refurbishment (including both sustainable renovation and strengthening) of historical buildings by exploring incentives used in Europe, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. Based on the literature review and best practices, the article concludes with recommendations on how to increase the positive investment flow of private capital into architectural heritage buildings, thus ensuring both preservation of heritage and achievement of sustainable development goals. The findings help both the user of the initiative on gaining insight into the intervention process that can be expected, as well as the local and regional governments interested in boosting adaptive reuse and refurbishment of existing buildings in order to achieve sustainable development goals.
BLENDING SPEECH AND VISUAL INPUT IN MULTIMODAL DIALOGUE SYSTEMS

In this paper the efficiency and usage patterns of input modes in multimodal dialogue systems is investigated for desktop and personal digital assistant (PDA) working environments. For this purpose a form-filling travel reservation system is designed and implemented that efficiently combines the speech and visual modalities; three multimodal modes of interaction are implemented, namely: "click-to-talk", "open-mike" and "modality-selection". The three multimodal systems are evaluated and compared with the "GUI-only" and "speech-only" unimodal systems. User interface evaluation includes both objective and subjective metrics and shows that all three multimodal systems outperform the unimodal systems on the PDA environment. For the desktop environment the multimodal systems score better than the "speech-only" system but worse than the "GUI-only" system. In all evaluation experiments, the synergy between the visual and speech modality was significant: the multimodal interface was better than the sum of its (unimodal) parts. Results also show that users tend to use the most efficient input mode.
Enhanced Eigen-Audioframes for Audiovisual Scene Change Detection

In this paper, a novel audio-visual scene change detection algorithm is presented and evaluated experimentally. An enhanced set of eigen-audioframes is created that is related to an audio signal subspace, where audio background changes are easily discovered. An analysis is presented that justifies why this subspace favors scene change detection. Additionally, a novel process is developed in order to detect audio scene change candidates in this subspace. Visual information is used to align audio scene change indications with neighboring video shot changes and, accordingly, to reduce the false alarm rate of the audio-only scene change detection. Moreover, video fade effects are identified and used independently in order to track scene changes. The false alarm rate is reduced further by extracting acoustic features in order to verify that the scene change indications are valid. The detection methodology was tested on newscast videos provided by the TRECVID2003 video test set. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an F-measure exceeding 0.85. Accordingly, it effectively tackles the scene change detection problem
In Vitro Fibrinolysis After Adding Low Doses of Plasminogen Activators and Plasmin Generation with and without Oxidative Inactivation of Plasmin Inhibitors in Newborns and Adults

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro fibrinolysis after adding low doses of plasminogen activators and to determine the functional role of plasmin inhibitors in newborns and adults. Patients and Methods We have studied the kinetics of in vitro fibrinolysis after adding low doses of urokinase (UK) and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) by use of a microtiter clot lysis assay. Additionally, we have determined plasmin generation with and without oxidative inactivation of plasmin inhibitors in newborns and adults. Results The 50% lysis time in the clot lysis assay correlated with the activator dose and was significantly shorter in newborns at rt-PA concentrations of <0.2l μg/ml. When UK was used as an activator, the 50% lysis time was slightly but significantly prolonged in newborns at concentrations of 140–200 lU/ml, whereas we could find lower values (nonsignificant) at 110 and 80 lU/ml. Plasmin generation after oxidative inactivation of plasmin inhibitors was significantly lower in newborns, even when compared with adult plasma, which was diluted 50%. However, in a physiological plasma milieu (containing natural inhibitors), there were no differences in plasmin generation when streptokinase (SK) was used as an activator and only minor differences when UK was used. Conclusions Our data indicate a more rapid clot lysis at low UK and rt-PA concentrations in newborns despite significantly reduced plasminogen levels. The results of the plasmin generation experiments suggest a diminished effect of plasmin inhibitors towards fetal plasmin. which raises an explanation for the concentration-related differences in the clot lysis assay. The experience with thrombolytic agents in newborns is limited. Most dosage regimens for thrombolytic therapy in children or adults consist of an initial bolus infusion, followed by low-dose continuous treatment. Based on the results of our clot lysis experiments, we think that especially the continuous infusion of plasminogen activators after bolus administration should not be enhanced in newborns compared to older children or adults.
Algorithm and Design of a Fully Parallel Approximate Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC)

This paper proposes a new approximate scheme for coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) design. This scheme is based on modifying the existing Para-CORDIC architecture with an approximation that is inserted in multiple parts and made possible by relaxing the CORDIC algorithm itself. A fully parallel approximate CORDIC (FPAX-CORDIC) scheme is proposed. This scheme avoids the memory register of Para-CORDIC and makes the generation of the rotation direction fully parallel. A comprehensive analysis and the evaluation of the error introduced by the approximation together with different circuit-related metrics are pursued using HSPICE as the simulation tool. This error analysis also combines existing figures of merit for approximate computing (such as the Mean Error Distance (MED) and MED Power Product (MPP)) with CORDIC specific parameters. It is shown that a good agreement between expected and simulated error values is found. The Discrete Cosine Transformation (DCT) and the Inverse DCT (IDCT) transformations as case study of approximate computing to image processing are investigated by utilizing the proposed approximate FPAX-CORDIC architecture with different accuracy requirements. The results confirm the viability of the proposed scheme.
Developing a controlled drinking programme for people with learning disabilities living in conditions of medium security

This article describes the development of an Alcohol Awareness programme based on a controlled drinking model within a medium secure service for people with Learning Disabilities (LDs). The broad therapeutic context of the service is described, together with some of the limited literature in relation to alcohol use and people with LDs. The origins of the programme, derived from working in a mainstream Alcohol Treatment Unit, are then described, followed by the rationale for development of the programme in the context of a medium secure service for people with an LD. The content of the programme is outlined and current and future issues are considered.
Renal Tubular Obstruction by Mucoproteins from Adenocarcinoma of Pancreas

We report a case in which mucoproteins from an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, released into the ascitic fluid and serum, were filtered through the renal glomeruli to form very viscous casts which obstructed the renal collecting tubules and caused the patient's death from oliguria.
Optimal trajectory generation for energy saving in machine tool contouring motion and experimental verification

This study presents biaxial motion trajectory generation for energy saving in machine tool systems. Motion trajectories are generated by optimizing their feed rate profiles and rotation angle. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by simulation and experiment with two machine tool systems. Jerk constraints are imposed in the optimization, and its effectiveness for energy saving is demonstrated.
Development and control of a lower extremity assistive device (LEAD) for gait rehabilitation

This research developed a wearable lower extremity assistive device intended to aid stroke patient during rehabilitation. The device specifically aims to assist the patient in sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, and level-walking tasks in order to promote active gait rehabilitation exercises. The device adopts an anthropomorphic structure with hip and knee joint actuated in sagittal plane. A finite state machine strategy was proposed to control the device. At different states, appropriate assist torque is added to each joint. EMG signals are used to assess the assist performance. Tests on an able-bodied subject show that the device could successfully detect and transit between states. In sit-to-stand tasks, the integrated EMG (iEMG) of the Vastus Medialis for standing up with 11 Nm of assistance torque were found to be significantly less (P = 0.00187) than the iEMG of without assistance for standing up which indicate reduced muscle effort with the device assistance. Results show the device could potentially assist stroke patient in similar tasks.
Interaction of a Host Protein with Core Complexes of Bacteriophage Φ6 To Control Transcription

ABSTRACT Bacteriophages of the family Cystoviridae have genomes consisting of three double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) segments, L, S, and M, packaged within a polyhedral capsid along with RNA polymerase. Transcription of genomic segment L is activated by the interaction of host protein YajQ with the capsid structure. Segment L codes for the proteins of the inner capsid, which are expressed early in infection. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions with YajQ produce uniform fluorescence in uninfected cells and in cells infected with viruses not dependent on YajQ. Punctate fluorescence develops when cells are infected with YajQ-dependent viruses. It appears that the host protein binds to the infecting particles and remains with them during the entire infection period.
Establishing the Power Factor Limitations for Synchronous Reluctance Machines

This paper discusses a goodness index and introduces a badness factor for electric machines with a special reference to synchronous reluctance motors. This factor is then used in conjunction with a computationally efficient finite-element electromagnetic analysis and a differential evolution optimization algorithm in order to carry out a large-scale design study under comparable specifications with an induction motor. It is shown that for synchronous reluctance machines, careful rotor geometry optimization can improve the performance, and that the inherent limitations, including those for the power factor, can be systematically established. The correlations for specific average torque, copper and core losses, and efficiency are also discussed.
The Walker B motif in avian FANCM is required to limit sister chromatid exchanges but is dispensable for DNA crosslink repair

FANCM, the most highly conserved component of the Fanconi Anaemia (FA) pathway can resolve recombination intermediates and remodel synthetic replication forks. However, it is not known if these activities are relevant to how this conserved protein activates the FA pathway and promotes DNA crosslink repair. Here we use chicken DT40 cells to systematically dissect the function of the helicase and nuclease domains of FANCM. Our studies reveal that these domains contribute distinct roles in the tolerance of crosslinker, UV light and camptothecin-induced DNA damage. Although the complete helicase domain is critical for crosslink repair, a predicted inactivating mutation of the Walker B box domain has no impact on FA pathway associated functions. However, this mutation does result in elevated sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). Furthermore, our genetic dissection indicates that FANCM functions with the Blm helicase to suppress spontaneous SCE events. Overall our results lead us to reappraise the role of helicase domain associated activities of FANCM with respect to the activation of the FA pathway, crosslink repair and in the resolution of recombination intermediates.
Gender Disparity and HIV Risk Among Young Black Women in College: A Literature Review

This review article explores the issue of the gender-ratio imbalance among African American college students and its effect on the HIV risk behavior of young Black women in college. The theory of gender and power is used as a conceptual framework. The authors strive to show that there is a significant need for practitioners and researchers to develop and provide holistic gender-specific and culturally competent HIV prevention services for this unique population that reduce power differentials and challenge social norms. The terms African American and Black are used interchangeably to be inclusive of all individuals of African descent.
Constructing men who teach: research into care and gender as productive of the male primary teacher

This paper argues that in order to begin loosening the ties that bind care and gender in primary education, we need to re-examine the knowledge sought and found by educational research about teachers. The focus is primarily on how we understand men who teach. Through an examination of two scholarly texts – Ashley, M. , and J. Lee [2003. Women Teaching Boys: Caring and Working in the Primary School. Stoke-on-Trent: Trentham] and King, J. [1998. Uncommon Caring: Learning from Men Who Teach Young Children. New York: TCP] – I argue that we must be mindful that our research can effectively produce and reiterate common-sense understandings of men that binds them to the hegemonic masculine ideal. It is argued that mixed-method qualitative research that untangles the layers of context influencing the lives of men who teach is important. The paper also suggests that the study of male teachers' emotions, as at once individual and social, and private and public, can disrupt the rational–emotional binary that cements care to gender and reveal new configurations of the gender order.
Bridging the Gap: Engaging in Scholarship with Accountancy Employers to Enhance Understanding of Skills Development and Employability

Abstract This paper reports on the author's experiences of working with accountancy employers to develop a deeper understanding of skills development and employability in the accountancy profession. It notes that while there is a well-developed literature that examines skills development amongst university accounting students, there is also evidence of a gap between skills development in the university setting and the reported experiences of new entrants into the accountancy profession. The paper examines the nature of this gap and attempts to bridge it, using the experiences of working together with employers. The evidence from this study is that accountancy employers seek new recruits with the capacity to establish professional credibility amongst colleagues and clients through their attitudes and behaviours, something subtly different from much of the literature, which focuses on the importance of discrete generic skills.
Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin‐infected dendritic cells potently activate autologous T cells via a B7 and interleukin‐12‐dependent mechanism

Mycobacteria are potent adjuvants, can survive intracellularly and have been safely used for many years as vaccines against tuberculosis and leprosy. They are thus important potential vectors for recombinant vaccines. Many of their adjuvant properties are mediated following phagocytosis by dendritic cells (DC), which are in turn critical for priming naïve T cells. Although the maturation of DC in response to mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), is well described the subsequent responses of autologous T cells to mycobacterium‐infected DC remains uncharacterized. In our experiments DC infected with BCG expressed more co‐stimulatory molecules than tumour‐necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) ‐treated DC and stimulated more potent mixed leucocyte reactions. When autologous T cells were co‐cultured with BCG‐exposed DC they became highly activated, as determined by display of CD25, CD54 and CD71 on both CD4+ and CD8+ cells. In contrast, the response of T cells to TNF‐α‐matured DC was significantly less. Cytokine production from T cells cultured with BCG‐exposed DC was enhanced with elevated secretion of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐10 and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and was produced by both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes as determined by intracellular staining. In particular, IFN‐γ secretion was increased from 50 pg/ml to 25 000 pg/ml and IL‐10 secretion increased from 20 pg/ml to 300 pg/ml in BCG‐exposed DC co‐cultures. Blocking antibodies to B7.1 and B7.2 or IL‐12 significantly reduced the secretion of IFN‐γ and reductions were also seen in the expression of CD25 and CD71 by CD4+ cells. These data demonstrate that mycobacterially infected DC are particularly potent activators of autologous T cells compared to TNF‐α‐exposed DC and that the resultant T cells are functionally superior.
A management framework for device-free localization

Received signal strength based device-free localization (RSS-based DFL) is recently gaining momentum as an indoor localization technology, since it enables locating people that are not cooperating with the system by carrying a device. The technology is based on monitoring the signal strength measurements of the many wireless transceivers that are deployed in the monitored area. The measurement modality can be used to accurately localize people and recent works have shown that it can be used e.g. in residential monitoring. Despite the recent advances in enhancing the accuracy of RSS-based DFL, real-world requirements such as energy efficiency and adaptation to the changing communication conditions are often neglected in the related literature. In this paper we present a management framework for RSS-based DFL which enables not only monitoring the environment and network, but to also interact with the dynamic environment and varying wireless channel. With the proposed framework, it is possible to make a considerable step forward so that RSS-based DFL can be used in long-term and real-world deployments.
Person-Centered Medicine: Theory, Teaching and Research

Person-Centered Medicine (PCM) is a new interactionist, deterministic, extrinsic Paradigm of Medicine, born in 1999, based on the theory of the “determinate and the quality indeterminate relativity of biological reactions”. Structuring a new health epistemological model developed from the medical science base of interactionist investigations, it is consistent with the Allostasis and Epigenetics epistemological changes in physiology and genetics and defines a new phenomenological hermeneutics of human nature: Kairology, defining the person’s mystery and destiny. A complete epistemological definition of a “Person-Centered Health interactionist and non-deterministic health model” was presented by the author in 2005. Person-Centered Medicine in 1998 was officially presented as the leading epistemological structure of the Milan School of Medicine, a priority for medical education in postgraduate courses, starting from the previous foundation of Medical Counselling and its teaching method. Since 1998, the Person-Centered Clinical Method (PCCM), born as the PCM clinical application, was introduced and taught in all of the postgraduate courses and in the University Quality System and assisted the physician’s formation. The Person-Centered Clinical Method changes the operation of Clinics, introducing a three dimensional, non-deterministic structured work on the person: “Diacrisis”, which in the “Person diagnosis” and in the “Cross ratio” structured assessment of resilience and vulnerability, in the interlocutory physical examination, in the clinical objectives assessment and in a literary clinical synthesis and portrait, ensures that information about the subjective and objective person’s and hypotheses about their relations are depicted together. The learning objective of PCM and PCCM are theoretical and practical and PCM teaching is characterized by a structured training in Universita Ambrosiana, organized in International Master’s and in “Licentia Docendi” courses. In 2002, the first investigation of PCCM teaching effects on clinical practice by 20 trained physicians who assisted 16,000 persons was conducted. The results documented a substantial reduction in drug prescriptions, hospital admission requests, technical examinations and an increase in physicians’ professional satisfaction.
Preliminary Design of JML : A Behavioral Interface Specification

JML is a behavioral interface speci cation language tailored to Java. It also allows assertions to be intermixed with Java code, as an aid to veri cation and debugging. JML is designed to be used by working software engineers, and requires only modest mathematical training. To achieve this goal, JML uses Ei el-style assertion syntax combined with the model-based approach to speci cations typi ed by VDM and Larch. However, JML supports quanti ers, speci cation-only variables, frame conditions, and other enhancements that make it more expressive for speci cation than Ei el. This paper discusses the goals of JML, the overall approach, and describes the language through examples. It is intended for readers who have some familiarity with both Java and behavioral speci cation using preand postconditions.