Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Handle with care

In response to the significant number and severity of work-related back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders among nurses, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has launched the Handle With Care campaign. The campaign seeks to build a health care industry-wide effort to prevent back and other musculoskeletal injuries. This is being done through developing partnerships and coalitions, education and training, increasing use of assistive equipment and patient-handling devices, reshaping nursing education to incorporate safe patient-handling, and pursuing federal and state ergonomics policy by highlighting technology-oriented safe-patient handling benefits for patients and nurses. In the absence of national-or state-level ergonomics regulations that protect health care workers, the ANA has taken on alternative approaches to encourage a movement toward controling ergonimic hazards in the health care workplace and preventing back injuries among the nation's nursing workforce.
Intelligent Market-Making in Artificial Financial Markets by Sanmay Das

This thesis describes and evaluates a market-making algorithm for setting prices in financial markets with asymmetric information, and analyzes the properties of artificial markets in which the algorithm is used. The core of our algorithm is a technique for maintaining an online probability density estimate of the underlying value of a stock. Previous theoretical work on market-making has led to price-setting equations for which solutions cannot be achieved in practice, whereas empirical work on algorithms for market-making has focused on sets of heuristics and rules that lack theoretical justification. The algorithm presented in this thesis is theoretically justified by results in finance, and at the same time flexible enough to be easily extended by incorporating modules for dealing with considerations like portfolio risk and competition from other market-makers. We analyze the performance of our algorithm experimentally in artificial markets with different parameter settings and find that many reasonable real-world properties emerge. For example, the spread increases in response to uncertainty about the true value of a stock, average spreads tend to be higher in more volatile markets, and market-makers with lower average spreads perform better in environments with multiple competitive market-makers. In addition, the time series data generated by simple markets populated with marketmakers using our algorithm replicate properties of real-world financial time series, such as volatility clustering and the fat-tailed nature of return distributions, without the need to specify explicit models for opinion propagation and herd behavior in the trading crowd. Thesis Supervisor: Tomaso Poggio Title: Eugene McDermott Professor
Nanonewton force-controlled manipulation of biological cells using a monolithic MEMS microgripper with two-axis force feedback

As mechanical end-effectors, microgrippers enable the pick–transport–place of micrometer-sized objects, such as manipulation and positioning of biological cells in an aqueous environment. This paper reports on a monolithic MEMS-based microgripper with integrated force feedback along two axes and presents the first demonstration of force- controlled micro-grasping at the nanonewton force level. The system manipulates highly deformable biomaterials (porcine interstitial cells) in an aqueous environment using a microgripper that integrates a V-beam electrothermal microactuator and two capacitive force sensors, one for contact detection (force resolution: 38.5 nN) and the other for gripping force measurements (force resolution: 19.9 nN). The MEMS-based microgripper and the force control system experimentally demonstrate the capability of rapid contact detection and reliable force-controlled micrograsping to accommodate variations in size and mechanical properties of objects with a high reproducibility.
Differential scanning calorimetric study of carboxypeptidase B, procarboxypeptidase B and its globular activation domain.

High-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry has been applied to the study of porcine pancreatic carboxypeptidase B, the proenzyme and its 81-residue activation domain. The thermal study has been carried out over a range of scan rates, ionic strengths and pH values. The thermal unfolding of the isolated activation domain has been found to be reversible and corresponds to that of a typical compact globular structure, with melting temperatures higher than those of the enzyme and proenzyme. Both proteins, on the other hand, undergo an irreversible, highly scan-rate-dependent thermal denaturation under all the experimental conditions investigated. The denaturation of the enzyme at pH 7.5 and the proenzyme at pH 7.5 and 9.0 follows the two-state irreversible model [Sánchez-Ruiz, J.M. , López-Lacomba, J.L. , Cortijo, M. & Mateo, P.L. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 1648-1652]. Thus the kinetic constants and activation parameters of the denaturation process could be obtained and compared to those for other proteins, particularly those of the closely related carboxypeptidase A system.
An empiricist defence of singular causes

Empiricism has traditionally been concerned with two questions: (a) What is the source of our concepts and ideas? and (b) How should claims to empirical knowledge be judged? The empiricist answer to the first question is ‘From observation or experience. ’ The concern in the second question is not to ground science in pure observation or in direct experience, but rather to ensure that claims to scientific knowledge are judged against the natural phenomena themselves. Questions about nature must be settled by nature — not by faith, nor metaphysics, nor mathematics, and not by convention or convenience either. From Francis Bacon to Karl Popper empiricists have wanted to police the methods of scientific enquiry.
Non-rigid Registration of 2-d/3-d Dynamic Data with Feature Alignment Secondly, I Sincerely Thank Professor Hongchao Zhang, Professor Lu Peng for Being a Part of My Committee. Thirdly, Much Help from My Labmates, List of Figures

vi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Main Contributions . 2 1.3 Organization . 3 Chapter 2: Related Work . 4 2.1 Harmonic Maps and Surface Parameterization . 4 2.2 Volumetric Mapping . 5 2.3 Dynamic Data Registration . 5 2.4 Boundary Method and MFS . 7 2.5 Feature-aligned Texture Mapping . 8 Chapter 3: Dynamic Harmonic Texture Mapping using Methods of Fundamental Solutions . 9 3.
A PDE for the joint distributions of the Airy Process

In this paper, we answer a question posed by Kurt Johansson, to find a PDE for the joint distribution of the Airy Process. The latter is a continuous stationary process, describing the motion of the outermost particle of the Dyson Brownian motion, when the number of particles get large, with space and time appropriately rescaled. The question reduces to an asymptotic analysis on the equation governing the joint probability of the eigenvalues of coupled Gaussian Hermitian matrices. The differential equations lead to the asymptotic behavior of the joint distribution and the correlation for the Airy process at different times t_1 and t_2, when t_2-t_1 tends to infinity.
Test-driven development: can it work for spreadsheets?

It is widely documented that the absence of a structured approach to spreadsheet engineering is a key factor in the high level of spreadsheet errors. In this paper we propose and investigate the application of Test-Driven Development to the creation of spreadsheets. Test-Driven Development is an emerging development technique in software engineering that has been shown to result in better quality software code. It has also been shown that this code requires less testing and is easier to maintain. Through a set of case studies we demonstrate that Test-Driven Development can be applied to the development of spreadsheets. We present the detail of these studies preceded by a clear explanation of the technique and its application to spreadsheet engineering. A supporting tool under development by the authors is also documented along with proposed research to determine the effectiveness of the methodology and the associated tool.
Self-Organizing Distinctive State Abstraction Using Options

An important problem in developmental robotics is the automatic learning of motor rou- tines or behaviors without human guidance. This paper presents Self-Organizing Distinctive-State Abstraction (SODA), a method by which a robot can learn a set of sensory features and reusable motor routines from raw sensorimotor experi- ence. Experiments show that the learned versions of the motor routines outperform hard-coded alternatives, and that robots using the learned routines can learn tasks much more quickly than when using primitive actions. The features and motor routines are learned autonomously, and reflect only the environment and the agent's sensorimotor capabilities, without external direction.
Reliable Virtual Data Center Embedding Across Multiple Data Centers

Cloud computing has become a cost-effective paradigm for deploying online service applications in large data centers in recent years. Virtualization technology enables flexible and efficient management of physical resources in cloud data centers and improves the resource utilization. A request for resources to a data center can be abstracted as a virtual data center (VDC) request. Due to the use of a large number of resources and at various locations, reliability is an important issue that should be addressed in large and multiple data centers. However, most research focuses on the problem of reliable VDC embedding in a single data center. In this paper, we study the problem of reliable VDC embedding across multiple data centers, such that the total bandwidth consumption in the inter-data center backbone network is minimized, while satisfying the reliability requirement of each VDC request. We model the problem by using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and propose a heuristic algorithm to address this NP-hard problem efficiently. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of lowering physical resource consumption and VDC request blocking ratio compared with existing solution.
From latent surplus to changing norms: fertility behavior of the Israeli Bedouin along the nomadism-sedentarism continuum.

During the last four decades, the Israeli Bedouin of the Negev have been put under an enormous pressure by economic, social and geographical processes. They have been transformed from a typical Third World pastoral-agricultural semi-nomadic society into a semi-urban, public-service-dependent and labor-market oriented. Such a revolutionary change must have an impact upon the behavior of both individuals and groups. In contrast to the past, Bedouin society now occupies a continuum of life styles, ranging from a fairly traditional semi-nomadism, through ruralsedentarism to semi-urbanism. This continuum reflects the differential response of various Bedouin groups to processes of change. In this paper, we examine the fertility behavior of this Bedouin society in light of the notion that the economic value of Bedouin children has declined drastically to generate a latent fertility surplus. Therefore, the main questions we investigate are whether Bedouin nuclear families are changing their ideal family size by adopting a Western fertility rationality, and whether the associated values are being translated into behavioral patterns? To answer these questions, we first attempt an understanding of the concepts of fertility behavior within the context of pastoral nomads undergoing a general cultural evolution. This discussion is followed by an analysis of the changes in fertility behavior to be seen in this Bedouin society.
Regulation of gas exchange and haemolymph pH in the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea

SUMMARY Ventilatory control of internal CO2 plays an important role in regulating extracellular acid–base balance in terrestrial animals. While this phenomenon is well understood among vertebrates, the role that respiration plays in the acid–base balance of insects is in need of much further study. To measure changes in insect haemolymph pH, we implanted micro pH optodes into the haemocoel of cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea). They were then exposed to normoxic, hypoxic, hyperoxic and hypercapnic atmospheres while their haemolymph pH, and abdominal ventilation frequency were measured simultaneously. Intratracheal O2 levels were also measured in separate experiments. It was found that cockroaches breathing continuously control their ventilation to defend a haemolymph pH of 7.3, except under conditions where hypoxia (<10% O2) induces hyperventilation, or where ambient hypercapnia is in excess of haemolymph (>1% CO2). In contrast, intratracheal O2 levels fluctuated widely, but on average remained above 15% in normoxic (21% O2) atmospheres. Decapitation caused the cockroaches to display discontinuous gas exchange cycles (DGCs). The alternating periods of ventilation and apnoea during DGCs caused haemolymph pH to fluctuate by 0.11 units. Exposure to hypoxia caused haemolymph pH to increase and initiated brief bouts of spiracular opening prior to the active ventilation phase. The spontaneous occurrence of DGCs in decapitated cockroaches indicates that central pattern generators in the thoracic and abdominal ganglia generate the periodic gas exchange pattern in the absence of control from the cephalic ganglion. This pattern continues to maintain gas exchange, but with less precision.
Vedolizumab for Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Ulcerative Colitis: A Cochrane Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab for induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. Methods:A literature search to June 2014 identified all applicable randomized trials. Outcome measures were clinical and endoscopic remission, clinical and endoscopic response, quality of life, and adverse events. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for each outcome. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The GRADE criteria were used to assess the quality of the evidence. Main Results:Four studies (606 patients) were included. The risk of bias was low. Pooled analyses indicated that vedolizumab was significantly superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.80–0.91), clinical response (RR = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.75–0.91), endoscopic remission (RR = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.75–0.91), and for achieving remission at 52 weeks in week 6 responders (RR = 2.73, 95% CI, 1.78–4.18). GRADE analyses suggested that the overall quality of the evidence was high for induction of remission and moderate for maintenance therapy (due to sparse data consisting of 246 events). No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between vedolizumab and placebo. Conclusions:Vedolizumab is superior to placebo as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis. Future studies are needed to define long-term efficacy and safety of this agent.
Applications of Case-Based Reasoning in Molecular Biology

Case-based reasoning (CBR) is a computational reasoning paradigm that involves the storage and retrieval of past experiences to solve novel problems. It is an approach that is particularly relevant in scientific domains, where there is a wealth of data but often a lack of theories or general principles. This article describes several CBR systems that have been developed to carry out planning, analysis, and prediction in the domain of molecular biology.
Electrochemical oxidation of chlorinated phenols

Electrochemical oxidation has been proposed as a remediation method for chlorinated phenols but is hampered by anode fouling. In this work we explore the mechanism of anode fouling by chlorinated phenols, compare structure vs reactivity for phenols differing in the extent of chlorination, and relate the efficiency of oxidation to the mechanism of oxidation at different electrode types. Linear sweep voltammograms at a Pt anode at several concentrations, sweep rates, and pH were interpreted in terms of deposition of oligomers on the anode surface. Chronopotentiometry at Pt showed that the oxidation potentials of the chlorinated phenol congeners ranged from +0.6 to +1.3 V vs SHE in the pH range 2−12; four electrons are transferred for mono- and trichlorophenols and two for pentachlorophenol. Passivation increased in parallel with the uncompensated resistance of the solution and occurred only at potentials at which water is oxidized, suggesting that the formation of the oligomer film involves attack of hydrox.
Nucleoplasmic β-actin exists in a dynamic equilibrium between low-mobility polymeric species and rapidly diffusing populations

β-Actin, once thought to be an exclusively cytoplasmic protein, is now known to have important functions within the nucleus. Nuclear β-actin associates with and functions in chromatin remodeling complexes, ribonucleic acid polymerase complexes, and at least some ribonucleoproteins. Proteins involved in regulating actin polymerization are also found in the interphase nucleus. We define the dynamic properties of nuclear actin molecules using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Our results indicate that actin and actin-containing complexes are reduced in their mobility through the nucleoplasm diffusing at ∼0.5 μm2 s−1. We also observed that ∼20% of the total nuclear actin pool has properties of polymeric actin that turns over rapidly. This pool could be detected in endogenous nuclear actin by using fluorescent polymeric actin binding proteins and was sensitive to drugs that alter actin polymerization. Our results validate previous reports of polymeric forms of nuclear actin observed in fixed specimens and reveal that these polymeric forms are very dynamic.
A Research Agenda to Advance Quality Measurement and Improvement

Background.In developing a conceptual framework for the design of a national quality measurement and reporting system (NQMRS), the Strategic Framework Board (SFB) recommends that such a system be built on a strong evidence base. Objectives.To identify critical gaps in the evidence needed for a fully functional NQMRS and to recommend a starting point for the development of a research agenda. Research Design.Selective review of literature in quality of care measurement and reporting and identification of strategic issues that must be addressed. Findings.There is some limited evidence that measurement and reporting can improve quality. Substantial advances have been made in the science of measurement and reporting but important gaps remain, specifically in (1) measurement methods and tools, (2) uses of quality performance data, (3) organizational and cultural factors, (4) information and informatics, and (5) impact evaluation/research. Conclusions.To achieve a sustainable research agenda, three strategic issues will have to be addressed: (1) the policy rationale for the research agenda, (2) adequate levels of public-sector funding, and (3) sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.
Applications of Topics Models to Analysis of Disaster-Related Twitter Data

The use of microblogging (using tools like Twitter and SMS messaging) during disasters offers a valuable source of information for disaster response agencies, as it often provides critical up-to-date and on-location updates about an unfolding crisis. This precipitates an interest in robust processing and visualization tools. We explore the use of Topics models for analysis of disaster-related Twitter data. We experiment with Topics-based clustering and visualization, corpus selection, term weighting, as well as a new technique called dynamic corpus refinement.
Zoo Interpretation and Exhibit Design: Two Sides of the Same Coin

The Philosophy of Interpretation What do we understand by "interpretation"? Freeman Tilden has defined it as "an education activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by firsthand experience, and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information. " Interpretation starts with an original object or authentic activity. The role of the interpreter is not to tell the visitors something but to provoke them to contemplate and move on from a point in their own sphere of experience. As Tilden puts it, "The interpreter is not primarily a teacher, but a companion in the adventure. "1 Each individual has a different base of knowledge and a different pattern for acquiring knowledge. It is the interpreter's job to make connections with that knowledge in a way that evokes interest and curiosity. For the interpretation to be effective, it must prompt visitors to go exploring. The nature of interpretation at a zoo is shaped by the fact that most zoo visitors do not have a very deep or sophisticated understanding of general biological relationships. Zoos cannot expect to interpret highly complex or abstract principles successfully. Zoo visitors will not immediately understand, for example, that animals such as the rhinoceros, the gorilla, and the gaur share endangered status. In the comfortable zoo environment these animals don't "look" more endangered than other zoo animals. An interpreter who speaks on a high level of generalization about endangered species will not make connections with the personal experience of the visitors. Before visitors can take an interest in nature conservation
Discovering functional dependencies for multidimensional design

Nowadays, it is widely accepted that the data warehouse design task should be largely automated. Furthermore, the data warehouse conceptual schema must be structured according to the multidimensional model and as a consequence, the most common way to automatically look for subjects and dimensions of analysis is by discovering functional dependencies (as dimensions functionally depend on the fact) over the data sources. Most advanced methods for automating the design of the data warehouse carry out this process from relational OLTP systems, assuming that a RDBMS is the most common kind of data source we may find, and taking as starting point a relational schema. In contrast, in our approach we propose to rely instead on a conceptual representation of the domain of interest formalized through a domain ontology expressed in the DL-Lite Description Logic. We propose an algorithm to discover functional dependencies from the domain ontology that exploits the inference capabilities of DL-Lite, thus fully taking into account the semantics of the domain. We also provide an evaluation of our approach in a real-world scenario.
Word regularity affects orthographic learning

Share's self-teaching hypothesis proposes that orthographic representations are acquired via phonological decoding. A key, yet untested, prediction of this theory is that there should be an effect of word regularity on the number and quality of word-specific orthographic representations that children acquire. Thirty-four Grade 2 children were exposed to the sound and meaning of eight novel words and were then presented with those words in written form in short stories. Half the words were assigned regular pronunciations and half irregular pronunciations. Lexical decision and spelling tasks conducted 10 days later revealed that the children's orthographic representations of the regular words appeared to be stronger and more extensive than those of the irregular words.