Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF NEW LANDSLIDE MONITORING TECHNIQUE USING OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR AT TAKISAKA LANDSLIDE

Abstract: A joint research project on new techniques of landslide monitoring is being carried out between the Public Works Research Institute in Japan and Institute di Recerca per la Protezione Idrogeologica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche in Italy. As one of the new techniques, an optical fiber sensing system was installed in the Takisaka Landslide, which was selected as a test site in Japan. The Takisaka Landslide is located in Fukushima Prefecture in eastern Japan, at north latitude 37° 38 – 39’ and east longitude 139° 38 – 39’. It is 2,100 m long (south-north direction) and 1,300 m wide (east-west direction). The volume of the moving soil mass is 4.8×10 m, and the maximum depth of the moving soil mass is about 140 m. The optical fiber sensing system has 18 sensors and was installed at the end of the Takisaka Landslide facing the Aga River. Of the various methods of optical fiber sensing, the OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometry) method was selected at this site. The sensor is a mechanical device in which part of an optical fiber bends in response to landslide displacement. Several sensors are installed along the optical fiber measurement line, and the OTDR detector detects the transmission loss of the light caused by bending of the optical fiber, at the locations of several sensors simultaneously. The landslide displacement is calculated from the change of transmission loss. Measurement was started manually in December 2004, but is now controlled automatically by a computer. As a result of measurement, tensile displacement was detected; this is similar to the tensile displacement of an adjacent extensometer, but an error of several mm is also observed. Therefore, ways of improving the measurement precision are now being studied.
HIF3D: Handwriting-Inspired Features for 3D skeleton-based action recognition

Action recognition based on human skeleton structure represents nowadays a prosper research field. This is mainly due to the recent advances in terms of capture technologies and skeleton extraction algorithms. In this context, we observed that 3D skeleton-based actions share several properties with handwritten symbols since they both result from a human performance. We accordingly hypothesize that the action recognition problem can take advantage of trial and error already carried out on handwritten patterns. Therefore, inspired by one of the most efficient and compact handwriting feature-set, we propose in this paper a skeleton descriptor referred to as Handwriting-Inspired Features (HIF3D). First of all a data preprocessing is applied to joint trajectories in order to handle the variabilities among actor's morphologies. Then we extract the HIF3D features from the processed joint locations according to a time partitioning scheme so as to additionally encode the temporal information over the sequence. Finally, we selected the Support Vector Machine (SVM) to achieve the classification step. Evaluations conducted on two challenging datasets, namely HDM05 and UTKinect, testify the soundness of our approach as the obtained results outperform the state-of-the-art algorithms that rely on skeleton data.
A Tripartite SNARE-K+ Channel Complex Mediates in Channel-Dependent K+ Nutrition in Arabidopsis[W]

A few membrane vesicle trafficking (SNARE) proteins in plants are associated with signaling and transmembrane ion transport, including control of plasma membrane ion channels. Vesicle traffic contributes to the population of ion channels at the plasma membrane. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether these SNAREs also interact directly to affect channel gating and, if so, what functional impact this might have on the plant. Here, we report that the Arabidopsis thaliana SNARE SYP121 binds to KC1, a regulatory K+ channel subunit that assembles with different inward-rectifying K+ channels to affect their activities. We demonstrate that SYP121 interacts preferentially with KC1 over other Kv-like K+ channel subunits and that KC1 interacts specifically with SYP121 but not with its closest structural and functional homolog SYP122 nor with another related SNARE SYP111. SYP121 promoted gating of the inward-rectifying K+ channel AKT1 but only when heterologously coexpressed with KC1. Mutation in any one of the three genes, SYP121, KC1, and AKT1, selectively suppressed the inward-rectifying K+ current in Arabidopsis root epidermal protoplasts as well as K+ acquisition and growth in seedlings when channel-mediated K+ uptake was limiting. That SYP121 should be important for gating of a K+ channel and its role in inorganic mineral nutrition demonstrates an unexpected role for SNARE–ion channel interactions, apparently divorced from signaling and vesicle traffic. Instead, it suggests a role in regulating K+ uptake coordinately with membrane expansion for cell growth.
Polylogarithmic Approximation for Edit Distance and the Asymmetric Query Complexity

We present a near-linear time algorithm that approximates the edit distance between two strings within a polylogarithmic factor. For strings of length $n$ and every fixed $\eps>0$, the algorithm computes a $(\log n)^{O(1/\eps)}$ approximation in $n^{1+\eps}$ time. This is an {\em exponential} improvement over the previously known approximation factor, $2^{\tilde O(\sqrt{\log n})}$, with a comparable running time [Ostrovsky and Rabani, J. ACM 2007, Andoni and Onak, STOC 2009]. This result arises naturally in the study of a new \emph{asymmetric query} model. In this model, the input consists of two strings $x$ and $y$, and an algorithm can access $y$ in an unrestricted manner, while being charged for querying every symbol of $x$. Indeed, we obtain our main result by designing an algorithm that makes a small number of queries in this model. We then provide a nearly-matching lower bound on the number of queries. Our lower bound is the first to expose hardness of edit distance stemming from the input strings being ``repetitive'', which means that many of their substrings are approximately identical. Consequently, our lower bound provides the first rigorous separation between edit distance and Ulam distance.
The application of digital accelerometers for wired and non-wired Mechanomyography

The objective of this paper is to consider the use of digital accelerometers for Mechanomyographic applications. The digital outputs of the accelerometer require the consideration of additional interfacing hardware for any commercial data acquisition systems being considered. The Arduino open-source platform is shown to meet this requirement. This platform also provides access to set the data registers on the accelerometer to output data at the resolution, speed and format required. Results show that digital accelerometers provide an accurate representation of the MMG signal. The second objective of this work was to extend this digital platform to design a wireless MMG sensor. This has been completed using open-source components and libraries. The wireless sensor can provide an inexpensive accurate representation of the MMG response for distances in excess of 30 meters.
Scalable synchronous queues

We present two new nonblocking and contention-free implementations of synchronous queues ,concurrent transfer channels in which producers wait for consumers just as consumers wait for producers. Our implementations extend our previous work in dual queues and dual stacks to effect very high-performance handoff. We present performance results on 16-processor SPARC and 4-processor Opteron machines. We compare our algorithms to commonly used alternatives from the literature and from the Java SE 5.0 class java. util. concurrent. SynchronousQueue both directly in synthetic microbenchmarks and indirectly as the core of Java's Thread-PoolExecutor mechanism (which in turn is the core of many Java server programs). Our new algorithms consistently outperform the Java SE 5.0 SynchronousQueue by factors of three in unfair mode and 14 in fair mode; this translates to factors of two and ten for the ThreadPoolExecutor. Our synchronous queues have been adopted for inclusion in Java 6.
State Intervention/Bailout and Economic Stabilisation in Nigeria: Some Lessons from the United States

Abstract The study examined the nature of state intervention during economic and/or financial crisis, focusing on Nigeria and US. These two nations have embarked on various kinds of bailouts to stabilize their economies and move their nations on the path of economic recovery and growth. However, the bailout effort is more successful in the US than Nigeria. This is largely due to the approach adopted in these countries. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to ascertain the extent to which government invention has helped stabilize the Nigerian economy, when compared with the experience of the United States. The study revealed that in the US every state intervention/ bailout is approved by congress through legislation, therefore well-guided in its administration or execution, with specific time lines. On the other hand, in Nigeria bailouts are by “executive fiat”, as a result they suffer from poor execution. Hence, the paper concluded that state intervention/bailout in Nigeria has not been very successful because of the approach adopted by the government. The study recommended that subsequently, every bailout from the Nigerian government should be a product of an Act of Parliament, bailout schemes should have specific tools for measuring performance and be guided by specific lines, among others.
Network Analysis of Biochemical Reactions in Complex Environments

We present extensions to Chemical Reaction Network Theory which are relevant to biochemical modelling. We show that a weakly reversible chemical reaction network has a bounded absorbing set if mass is conserved in all reaction steps that do not involve explicit inflows or outflows—an assumption that is fulfilled by many biochemical networks. This result provides a qualitative criterion to establish that a biochemical network will not diverge by checking structural properties of the graph of the reaction network. It can also be used to characterise certain bifurcations from stationary to oscillatory behaviour. In addition, we provide a deficiency-zero-like theorem for reactions under dimensionallyrestricted conditions as experienced in the cellular environment. Under these conditions, the law of mass action does not strictly apply and reactions can be described by power-law kinetics. We illustrate our results with applications to some simple biological examples.
The Châtelperronian of Germolles (Grotte de la Verpillière I, Mellecey, Saône-et-Loire, France)

The Grotte de la Verpilliere I in Germolles (Saone-et-Loire, France) has yielded an archaeological sequence from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Gravettian period. This contribution focusses on the Châtelperronian lithic industry, covering 150 years of research. From a techno-typological point of view, all known lithic objects presumably dating to this period are subject of this investigation. This study includes in-situ observations of Châtelperronian layers, as part of our own recent excavations. The lithic assemblage is put into context with other Châtelperronian samples in Southern Burgundy and Eastern France.
University of Groningen Risk , cohabitation and marriage

This paper introduces imperfect information, learning, and risk aversion in a two sided matching model. The model provides a theoretical framework for the commonly occurring phenomenon of cohabitation followed by marriage, and is consistent with empirical findings on these institutions. The paper has three major results. First, individuals set higher standards for marriage than for cohabitation. When the true worth of a cohabiting partner is revealed, some cohabiting unions are converted into marriage while others are not. Second, individuals cohabit within classes. Third, the premium that compensates individuals for the higher risk involved in marriage over a cohabiting partnership is derived. This premium can be decomposed into two parts. The first part is a function of the individual’s level of risk aversion, while the second part is a function of the difference in risk between marriage and cohabitation.
Frequency-Domain Sonar Processing in FPGAs

This paper proposes a new improved algorithm for three dimensional (3D) sonar beamforming in the frequency-domain: The improved algorithm is based on the resolution of echo displacement vector. The data-path on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for this algorithm will be illustrated. The memory and the computational requirements of this data-path will also be analyzed. A rapid prototype on FPGAs is implemented based on Xilinx System Generator (XSG) and Simulink (Mathworks model-based design environment). The paper illustrates that the proposed algorithm has the advantage in reducing the memory requirements for the phase-shift parameters storage. Finally, the paper demonstrates the resource utilization for the proposed data-path of 3D sonar system.
eview rotein synthesis as an integral quality control mechanism during geing

Ageing is manifested as functional and structural deterioration that affects cell and tissue physiology. mRNA translation is a central cellular process, supplying cells with newly synthesized proteins. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in protein synthesis are not merely a corollary but rather a critical factor for the progression of ageing. Here, we survey protein synthesis regulatory mechanisms and focus on the pre-translational regulation of the process exerted by non-coding RNA species, RNA binding proteins and alterations of intrinsic RNA properties. In addition, we discuss the tight relationship between mRNA translation and two central pathways that modulate ageing, namely the insulin/IGF-1 eywords: nsulin/IGF-1 signalling
Crisis Reinforces Need for Stronger Trade and Financial Integration in Asia and the Pacific

The Asian economies have become an epitome of "trade as an engine of growth" during the past several decades as they have been expanding economic and human development, using trade as a ladder. Most of the economies have become highly integrated into the world economy, either through direct export and import or by becoming an important link in the global supply chain. However, when demand for their production and exports plunged suddenly and sharply in the last quarter of 2008, a sharp contraction in trade flows put their growth and social security under series threat. On such occasions, issues of dependency on external markets, foreign exchange, foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology rise to the surface and chosen development strategies get reviewed. In Asia and the Pacific, this is accompanied by the concerns about the inability of the region's economies to enhance and deepen their regional integration. Expectedly, the latest crisis has accentuated the concerns about low levels of existing intraregional trade and investments as well as underdeveloped financial integration in Asia and the Pacific.
Gender differences in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, from a mandatory statewide database.

OBJECTIVE To determine why women have a higher mortality rate than men when undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of patients entered in a mandatory state database. PARTICIPANTS 19,224 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in New York State in 1995. METHOD The authors evaluated data pertaining to 27 variables. They conducted univariate analysis using the Student t test for continuous variables and the chi-square test or the Fisher exact test for discrete data. They conducted multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. RESULTS Analysis of body surface area revealed that smaller size was a risk factor for both women and men. Analysis of age demonstrated increased risk for mortality in women in both older and younger subpopulations. Other significant variables included a lesser degree of revascularization and less frequent use of the internal mammary artery in women. CONCLUSION Smaller size and advanced age alone do not explain why female gender is an independent risk factor for mortality from coronary artery bypass grafting. Increased mortality is probably due to the fact that women have more comorbid conditions than men at the time of referral, perhaps because they are not being evaluated aggressively enough.
The Intraday Dynamics of Bitcoin

Bitcoin has received much investor attention in recent years and following this, there has been an explosion of academic studies examining this new financial asset. We contribute to the growing literature of Bitcoin by examining the intraday variables of the leading Bitcoin exchange with the highest information share over 4 years’ worth of data to reveal the intraday stylized facts of Bitcoin and how they have developed over time. Employing GMT-timestamped tick data aggregated to the 5-mintuely frequency, we find that Bitcoin returns have increased over time, while trading volume, volatility and liquidity varied substantially over time. We also find that volume increases throughout the day and falls from around 4 pm until midnight, which is consistent with the intraday patterns found in currency markets. Realised volatility is fairly consistent throughout the day although it is highest during the opening times of the three major global stock markets. Also liquidity is highest during the opening times of the major global exchanges and the markets tend to be illiquid during the early morning. Finally, we show evidence of the mixture of distribution hypothesis of Clark (1973).
Emission of N 2 O , N 2 and CO 2 from soil fertilized with nitrate : effect of compaction , soil moisture and rewetting

Soil compaction and soil moisture are important factors influencing denitrification and N2O emission from fertilized soils. We analyzed the combined effects of these factors on the emission of N2O, N2 and CO2 from undisturbed soil cores fertilized with NO3 (150 kg N ha ) in a laboratory experiment. The soil cores were collected from differently compacted areas in a potato field, i.e. the ridges (rDZ1.03 g cm ), the interrow area (rDZ1.24 g cm ), and the tractor compacted interrow area (rDZ1.64 g cm ), and adjusted to constant soil moisture levels between 40 and 98% water-filled pore space (WFPS). High N2O emissions were a result of denitrification and occurred at a WFPSR70% in all compaction treatments. N2 production occurred only at the highest soil moisture level (R90% WFPS) but it was considerably smaller than the N2O–N emission in most cases. There was no soil moisture effect on CO2 emission from the differently compacted soils with the exception of the highest soil moisture level (98% WFPS) of the tractor-compacted soil in which soil respiration was significantly reduced. The maximum N2O emission rates from all treatments occurred after rewetting of dry soil. This rewetting effect increased with the amount of water added. The results show the importance of increased carbon availability and associated respiratory O2 consumption induced by soil drying and rewetting for the emissions of N2O. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Patient-reported treatment satisfaction and choice of dosing frequency with biologic treatment for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Background Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis has a serious effect on health-related quality of life. Patients treated with biologic medications place importance on satisfaction and treatment frequency options. We assessed patient-reported treatment satisfaction and dosing frequency choice with biologics. Methods We used a health care claims database to identify patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Participants completed the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication. Results were compared between patients experienced with biologics (adalimumab, etanercept, or ustekinumab) or not (cyclosporine or methotrexate). Participants were asked for their choices of dosing options of once every 1–2 weeks, 3–4 weeks, 1–2 months, or 2–3 months. Participants were also asked for their choices of dosing options of every 1, 2, 3, and so on up to every 12+ weeks. Results A total of 426 patients completed the survey (263 biologic-experienced and 163 biologic-naïve patients). Patient satisfaction with psoriasis treatment was significantly higher in the biologic-experienced cohort. The most frequently chosen option (38.8% of all participating patients) was every 2–3 months; 37.3% chose once every 1–2 weeks. Significant differences were found in the percentage of biologic-naïve patients choosing 2–3-month (49.7%) over 1–2-week (20.9%) dosing (P<0.001). Among biologic-experienced patients, the difference between the percentage of patients choosing the 2–3-month (35.7%) and 1–2-week (41.8%) options was not significant (P=0.264). The two most often week-specific intervals chosen by biologic-naïve patients were 12+ weeks (42.3%) and 4 weeks (15.6%). The biologic-experienced patients most often chose 12+ weeks (31.2%) and 1 week (25.9%). Conclusion Patients using biologics reported satisfaction with their treatment, which may positively affect outcomes. Longer dosing intervals were chosen most frequently among all patients combined. Reports of patient satisfaction with prior treatments and choices regarding dosing frequency, among all other considerations, should be evaluated in determining an appropriate biologic medication for psoriasis.
Impact of Prosody and Facial Expressions on Interactive Narration with a Child

Intelligent Virtual Agents are suitable means for interactive storytelling for children. The engagement level of child interaction with virtual agents is a challenging issue in this area. However, the characteristics of child-agent interaction received moderate to little attention in scientific studies whereas such knowledge may be crucial to design specific applications. This article proposes a Wizard of Oz platform for interactive narration. An experimental study in the context of interactive storytelling exploiting this platform is presented to evaluate the impact of agent prosody and facial expressions on child participation during storytelling. The results show that the use of the virtual agent with prosody and facial expression modalities improves the engagement of children in interaction during the narrative sessions.